Now that you have decided to pick up a modem with a phone jack for completely replacing your landline setup with VoIP services, it is important to choose well. Starting from a full-fledged office setup to an independent startup to a standard home, phone line modems can give you an edge by letting you experience voice calling in addition to high-speed internet.
But you simply cannot barge into a shop and ask for a modem with a telephone jack. Instead, speeds, DOCSIS tech, nature of the device, and the number of ports still need to be looked at. For instance, if you are a gamer, you might need multiple Gig ethernet ports. Or, as a person with a penchant for compactness, you can consider a modem-router combo over a standalone unit.
Despite knowing your way around a modem, you might still goof up a purchase, either by getting a modem with subpar speeds, protruding dimensions, not enough ports, or even redundant networking technology. To keep these pain points at bay, I have finally put together a list of modems that have at least one telephone jack for our perusal.
Contents
5 Best Modems with Phone Jacks in 2022
Now that you know the nitty-gritty of modem hunting, it is important to look at the best available devices in the market. And while I tested close to 20 models as a part of this review marathon, I took the help of office users, modem enthusiasts, and networking experts to zero in on the 5 best telephony modems for the job.
And while the list starts with some of the more high-speed variants, I have ensured that budget modems and mid-range value picks are also incorporated, along the way.
1. Best Overall: Netgear CM2050V
- Technology: DOCSIS 3.1
- Downstream/Upstream: 2 x 2 and 32 x 8
- Max Data Speeds: Up to 2.5Gbps
- Ports: 1 x 2.5G + 2 Phone Ports
- Modem-Router Combo: Yes
The Netgear CM2050V is an excellent cable modem with phone jack. And when compared with the CM1200, the CM2050V seems like a better bet, courtesy of the better speed capping. Also, this is arguably the only modem on the list to feature a 2.5G Ethernet port.
Ports and Connectivity
Here is a modem that makes room for a multi-gig Ethernet port. And in addition to this high-speed resource, you also get access to two RJ11 ports to make the most of VoIP services. As far as ISP compatibility is concerned, the CM2050V works well with Xfinity voice and standard internet plans.
Coming to networking tech, this is one of the future-proof modems with DOCSIS 3.1 as the backbone. Adding to this is the 2 x 2 OFDM/OFDMA support for enhancing overall speeds. However, as per the existing internet plans, Netgear also supports 32 x 8 DOCSIS 3.0 precisely to help you achieve better throughput. (Check out the differences between Docsis 3.0 and 3.1.)
Also, you need to know that this is a standalone modem and doesn’t offer routing capabilities.
Design & Build
Coming to the aesthetics, this black-colored modem is easily one of the better-looking options around, courtesy of the manageable bulk of 1.09 pounds. The dimensions read 6.8 x 3.7 x 8.2 inches, making it moderately sleek and worth investing in. And yes, the device also boasts an extensive array of accurate LEDs to make life easier for you.
Hardware & Performance
The multi-core chipset is quite resourceful, allowing you to scale beyond network congestion and interference with ease. Complementing the same is 512MB of RAM that helps you manage some of the more complex tasks like gaming, call forwarding, and conference calling.
Conclusion
The Netgear CM2050V is one of the more resourceful cable modems that support phone connection that outpaces other products on the list, courtesy of the multi-gig port and enhancing features relevant to IP telephony.
- 32 x 8 channel bonding support
- High-gain RJ-11 telephony ports
- DOCSIS 3.1 modem with backward compatibility
- Well-ventilated
- One multi-gig port
- Pricey
- On the heavier side
2. Best Modem for VoIP: Arris Surfboard T25
- Technology: DOCSIS 3.1
- Downstream/Upstream: 32 x 8
- Max Data Speeds: Up to 1000 Mbps
- Ports: 2 GigE + 2 Phone Ports
- Modem-Router Combo: No
Well, if you are a gamer who even wants to shun the standard landline connection, the Arris Surfboard T25 is the perfect option to pick. And if you have been using the likes of the Arris SBV3202, the T25 comes across as a better bet, courtesy of the higher peak speed and the latest DOCSIS technology.
Ports and Connectivity
The Surfboard T25 comes equipped with 2 Gig Ethernet ports, allowing you to set up wired connections with gaming consoles and PCs concurrently. Plus, there are two telephone ports in play, allowing you to make use of Xfinity’s voice and internet plans.
Coming to the networking technology driving this device, the DOCSIS 3.1 exudes futureproofing confidence. Adding to this is the backward compatibility with DOCSIS 3.0 technology and 32 x 8 channel bonding support. And if you are concerned about the speed limits, this modem allows you to make use of 1000Mbps internet plans.
Design & Build
The T25 measures 11.2 x 2.6 x 1.3 inches, making it one of the sleekest options around. However, it doesn’t go easy on the heft and assumes 2.25 pounds, to be exact. Also, this modem comes in black and offers a wide array of LEDs to work with.
Hardware & Performance
The standard dual-core processor is one of the more powerful ones around, complemented perfectly by a sizable chunk of RAM. And most importantly, this is one of the easiest modems to set up, courtesy of an interactive web interface.
Conclusion
Overall, the Arris Surfboard T25 is a powerful Docsis 3.1 modem with a phone jack replete with two high-speed sports and two effective RJ11 connectors. And not to mention, this modem is compatible with Gig-internet and voice plans from Xfinity, making it stand out from the rest.
- Best suited for Gig ports
- DOCSIS 3.1 support
- Two high-speed ethernet ports
- Two proper phone jacks
- Bulkier than usual
- Doesn’t offer routing capabilities
3. Best Modem/Router Combo: Motorola MT7711
Motorola has been in the business for quite a long, and their networking devices are getting better, day by day. If you have been looking for a Motorola modem with a phone jack, you can definitely consider the MT7711.
- Technology: DOCSIS 3.0
- Downstream/Upstream: 24 x 8
- Max Data Speeds: Up to 800Mbps
- Ports: 4 GigE + 2 Phone Jacks
- Modem-Router Combo: Yes
If you want to save some money on a standalone router, the Motorola MT7711 is a fun device to pick. And as compared to other combos like the MG7700, the MT7711 is a better pick, courtesy of the additional VoIP support.
Ports and Connectivity
The extensive set of ports, including the 4 Gig ethernet slots and two dedicated phone jacks, add to the credibility of this innovative modem-router combo. And it’s one of the few Comcast-approved modems that you can pair with voice plans.
The modem-part of the device assumes DOCSIS 3.0 networking technology followed by the 24 x 8 channel bonding support. And if you plan on pairing this with select internet plans, this device can be used to achieve peak speeds of up to 800Mbps.
The routing portion of the MT7711 ensures dual-band access, supporting 2.4GHz band speeds of up to 600Mbps and 5GHz band speeds of up to 1.3Gbps. Plus, you can still consider achieving Gigabit speeds if you pair this modem combo directly with gaming consoles via the ethernet ports, provided the ISP permits the same.
Design & Build
The MT7711 from Motorola weighs 1.90 pounds, assumes a vertical layout, and measures 8.25 x 2.25 x 9 inches when it comes to dimensions. Plus, there are an adequate number of LEDs to let you in on the network status.
Hardware & Performance
The Broadcom processor is fast and even protects you against DDoS attacks. Plus, the multi-core chipset even opens doors for a power boost and beamforming support.
Conclusion
Modem-router combos with phone jack are hard to find. And Motorola MT7711 just adds to the elusiveness by being one of the stand-out devices in the mentioned category, courtesy of the budget price module and 4 Gig ethernet ports.
- Several ethernet ports
- One of the more secure devices
- DOCSIS 3.0 is fast
- Beamforming support
- Not a future-proof modem
- Far band speeds aren’t the best
4. Best with Multiple Ports: Arris Surfboard SVG2482AC
- Technology: DOCSIS 3.0 and 802.11ac
- Downstream/Upstream: 24 x 8
- Max Data Speeds: Up to 800Mbps
- Ports: 2 GigE + 2 Phone Ports + 2 USB Ports
- Modem-Router Combo: Yes
The Arris Surfboard SVG2482AC wins the face-off hands down in terms of versatility. And while it appropriately fits in an adequate number of phone and ethernet ports, there are USB ports as well to help you move data across networks.
Also, if you have been using the SBV3202, the SVG2482AC comes forth as a better option, courtesy of the multiple port setup.
Ports and Connectivity
Coming back to the ports, this phone line modem-router combo paves the way for 4 Gig ethernet ports followed by 2 phone ports and two reliable USB ports. Adding to this is the multi-ISP internet compatibility, led by Xfinity’s voice and internet plans. Also, if you have a thing for speeds, this device is equipped to handle plans up to 800Mbps.
The DOCSIS 3.0 technology makes an appearance followed by 24 x 8 channel bonding support. As far as wireless support and routing capabilities are concerned, Wireless AC is the featured technology, boasting cumulative speeds of up to 450Mbps and 1300Mbps, over far and near bands.
Design & Build
This modem router telephone combo weighs a manageable 1 pound and measures 2.25 x 8 x 9.4 inches. Plus, this device in white features a wide range of LEDs to help you keep track of the network conditions without breaking a sweat.
Hardware & Performance
There is a multi-core SoC in play to drive this modem router with a phone port to perfection. Plus, it assumes a sizable chunk of RAM followed by a reliable storage module to help you out with the firmware details.
Conclusion
Overall, the Arris SVG2482AC is an excellent voice telephone-enabled modem with efficient ports, especially the USB slots, to allow you to transfer data across devices. And this is exactly what separates it from other products on the list. And to top it all off, this combo works rather well with a responsive application that helps manage the network remotely.
- Two USB ports
- Features multiple ethernet ports
- Nifty telephone jacks
- Perfect for gaming
- Optional battery support is available
- Gig wireless speeds aren’t quite achievable
5. Best Value for Money: Arris Surfboard SBV3202
- Technology: DOCSIS 3.0
- Downstream/Upstream: 32 x 8
- Max Data Speeds: Up to 800Mbps
- Ports: 1 GigE + 2 Phone Ports
- Modem-Router Combo: No
While modem-router combos are excellent picks, the Arris Surfboard SBV3202 comes forth as an excellent option for the given price point. Also, as compared to the ever-reliable SBV2402, the SBV3202 seems like a better upgrade, courtesy of a higher number of downstream channels.
Ports and Connectivity
This phone and internet modem makes way for one Gig ethernet port followed by two highly efficient RJ11 ports. And while you can deploy this functionality to make use of VoIP attributes, this device can assume maximum internet speeds of up to 800Mbps.
As far as the networking technology is concerned, this phone jack modem exhibits DOCSIS 3.0 and 32 x 8 channel bonding support. Therefore, you can still make use of Gig internet, and relevant Voice plans from Xfinity.
Design & Build
Coming to the aesthetics, this modem sport a rectangular form factor with dimensions set at 7 x 2.2 x 9.1 inches. Plus, it weighs close to 2 pounds, making it a tad heavier than usual.
Hardware & Performance
The dual-core chipset clubbed with 256MB of RAM accounts for faster speeds and consistent throughput. However, you still need to invest separately in a router if you want to activate the wireless utilities.
Conclusion
Despite being a budget modem, Surfboard SBV3202 offers several networking attributes and excellent channel bonding support, thereby helping it outpace some of the mid-range products on the list.
- Cost-effective
- 32 x 8 channels
- Multiple LEDs
- Reliable VoIP performance
- Not a combo
- Heavy
Frequntly Asked Questions
If you have a VoIP cable modem by your side, you can simply plug in the analog telephone into the phone jack and make use of the IP telephony. However, you need to check the RJ-11 port and cable compatibility before proceeding.
Modems with built-in analog telephone adapter or ATA offer IP telephony or VoIP services by making room for telephone ports.
Modem-router combos with VoIP functionality are the best networking devices to pick in terms of cost-effectiveness, functionality, especially if you want to save space by getting something more inclusive.
If you are interested in telephone modems, you must first ensure that it is compatible with the service provider supplying internet and voice services to your home or office. Plus, DOCSIS 3.0 should be the bare minimum, and you must also look for excellent processing hardware to stay safe and ahead of network congestion.
Verdict
While I have reviewed the top 5 modems for phone and internet, I believe that more use-case-specific segregation would be better. So here are the picks that I would recommend if you want to purchase something more exclusive:
- Office owners and corporate users can make use of the Netgear CM2050V as it promises excellent VoIP and internet throughput
- If you are into combos and looking for a device with Voice and routing capabilities, the Motorola MT7711 is the perfect cable modem router with phone jack.
- Also, if you are an occasional gamer who prefer multiple ethernet ports over any other feature, the Arris Surfboard SVG2482AC is the option to invest in
And yes, you can pick any other device mentioned on the list that best aligns with your budget, requirements, and particular networking needs.
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