Netgear CM2000 Review: Is it Worth the Premium Price?

As a modem, Netgear Nighthawk CM2000 is nothing short of excellent. Being one of the most powerful DOCSIS 3.1 modems, it lets you work with almost every cable ISP on the market. It’s packed with top-of-the-line features, including, 32 x 8 channels, 2×2 OFDMA, and a 2.5 Gbps ethernet port to support multi-gig speeds.

But is it worth the $229 premium price? Do you really need such a high-speed modem? What tasks should you consider using it for? Well, to answer these questions with clarity, I paired the CM2000 with Amazon Eero Pro 6 — a high-end Wi-Fi 6 mesh router on Xfinity’s Gigabit plan. I used this setup for as long as 30 days and shared my honest views in the CM2000 review below.

Netgear CM2000 Specs

Before we begin, let’s quickly go through the specifications. [Skip Specs & Jump to the Review]

Technology	DOCSIS 3.1
Backward Compatibility	Yes
Channel Bonding	32 x 8
Ports	1 x 2.5 Gig Ethernet
Phone Jack(s)	No
Modem Router Combo	No
Suitable Internet Plan	Up to 2.5 Gbps
Compatible ISPs	Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum, Sparklight, Mediacom, Midco, Astound, Breezeline, and WOW Internet.
IPv6 Support	Yes
Processor	1.5GHz Dual-Core Broadcom BCM3390
Dimensions	6.8 x 3.7 x 8.2 inches
Weight	1.02 pounds

Netgear CM2000 Review [After 30 Days Usage]

In my extensive tests, the Netgear CM2000 outperforms almost every cable modem on the market. I experienced the highest possible throughput when used for gaming, streaming, and other data-intensive activities. So in terms of speeds, I definitely recommend the CM2000.

Other aspects where this device shines include its design, hardware configuration, compatibility with ISPs, ease of setup, and reliability. And when it comes to its limitations/shortcomings, the device lacks multiple ethernet ports and comes at a premium price.

That was my short review of the Netgear CM2000. In the coming sections, I have discussed how well it fares in different aspects. Continue reading!

Netgear CM2000 Speeds

With DOCSIS 3.1 and 32 x 8 channels, this Netgear cable modem gets even more efficient in delivering higher speeds.

I performed a couple of speed tests with Netgear CM2000 at various locations of my house and it didn’t throttle a single time. Paired with Comcast Xfinity’s Gigabit plan, my laptop could reach up to 1100 Mbps in download. While the upload speed could reach up to 30 Mbps.

These speeds make it suitable to use in large homes, workspaces, offices, hotels, etc. Furthermore, it can easily handle activities like low-ping gaming, high-speed streaming, browsing on multiple devices, and more.

Compatible ISPs & Suitable Plans

The CM2000 modem works rather perfectly with high-speed, Multi-Gig internet plans from various internet providers. To make the modem worth the effort and value, it is advisable to pair the same with high-speed internet plans and not the typical mid-range packages you have at your disposal.

List of compatible cable ISPs and their ideal service plans:

• Comcast Xfinity — 1.2 Gig Plan
• WOW Internet — Internet 1.2 Gig Plan
• Charter Spectrum — Gig Plan
• Cox — Gigablast Plan
• Mediacom — Internet 1 GIG Plan
• Sparklight — 1 Gig Plan
• Astound — Gig Internet Plan
• Breezeline — 1000 Mbps Plan
• Midco — Gig Internet Plan
• Mediacom Xtream — Internet 1 Gig Plan

Ports & Connectivity

Nighthawk CM2000 keeps it clean when it comes to the port arrangement. For starters, there is one coaxial port to work with, followed by a power port. However, it is the 2.5 Gig ethernet port that hogs all the limelight, allowing you to make the best use of the multi-Gig speeds.

As far as the connectivity of the Netgear Nighthawk CM2000 is concerned, the multi-gig port allows you to establish high-speed wired connections with any smart device of your choice. However, for effective wireless capabilities, you are advised to connect this modem to a Wi-Fi 6 router, to render the networking setup future-proof.

Design & Build

Just like other Netgear modems, including CM1000 and CM1100, the CM2000 also assumes a vertical form factor, made of hardened & glossy plastic. Despite the hefty outlook, the CM2000 modem manages to stay light at 1.02 pounds.

I tested this Netgear Nighthawk 2.5Gbps cable modem during the sultry summers and never for once had issues related to overheating. The heat-dissipating capabilities, as inferred, are top-notch.

As for the dimensions, the product measures 6.8 x 3.7 x 8.2 inches. And despite feeling a tad chunkier than usual, it is the basal stand that more than makes up for this minor hiccup.

Hardware & Technology

The multi-core processor nesting within the Netgear CM2000 works in tandem with DOCSIS 3.1 networking technology, allowing you to reach consistent speeds and throughput. There are 32 x 8 downstream and upstream channels to work with, allowing you to minimize gaming lags and achieve consistent speeds at all times.

The Broadcom BCM3390 work as a Netgear CM2000 chipset, which keeps the performance optimal while also keeping the modem device cool.

Adding to these specs is the 2×2 OFDM/OFDMA support, capable of moving across sizable data packets even during peak hours. Other relevant specs include IPv6 compatibility, allowing you to achieve the built-in quality of service.

This way, it becomes possible to redirect traffic to a more bandwidth-intensive device when connected to a standard router.

The Pros & Cons of Netgear CM2000

The in-depth analysis of the Netgear Nighthawk multi-gig cable modem, CM2000 reveals every aspect of it, without any bars hold. However, here is a quick go-over, enlisting the hits and misses associated with this modem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Verdict

The CM2000 isn’t a regular Netgear Nighthawk 32 x 8 DOCSIS 3.1 modem for regular internet plans. Instead, it is something you might want to consider if your cable ISP has plans of upgrading to a high-speed internet plan.

And most importantly, it is one of the more aesthetic products around, replete with standard physical traits, several indicative lights, and a stand that allows you to place it almost anywhere.