5 Best Optimum Compatible Modems in 2022 [Confirmed by Optimum Support]

The official Optimum’s certified modem list includes underpowered bad modems. And the worst part is, you can’t actually find a list of devices supported by them. However, to experience higher speeds and throughput, you need a highly efficient Optimum compatible modem. Here are my top 5 choices.

• Best Overall: Arris Surfboard SB8200
• Best for Streaming: Netgear CM1100
• Best Modem-Router Combo: Motorola MG8702
• Best Budget Option: Netgear CM700
• Best for Basic Use: Arris Surfboard SB6190

While getting an Optimum compatible modem, it is advisable to align your requirements beforehand.

A lot of my readers have contacted me that they went through some other unverified lists and ended up getting a modem that doesn’t work with Optimum. To confirm that my list actually includes devices that work, I’m adding a screenshot of my conversation with Optimum chat support.

As for the features, it should feature the latest DOCSIS technology i.e DOCSIS 3.0 or 3.1 (as DOCSIS 4.0 modems are not out yet), a decent selection of ethernet ports, higher speed limits, and stability. Also, it should suit the internet plan you’ve gotten. As there’s no point in buying a gigabit modem if you’ve subscribed to an Optimum 300 or vice versa.

5 Best Optimum Compatible Modems in 2022

The market is flooded with a lot of options, yet finding the best modem for Optimum can be a stretch if you do not know where to look. In this detailed discussion, I shall review the 5 best modems to use with Optimum Internet. You can pick one that makes the most sense to you.

I would also like to add that each device has been tested thoroughly for at least 4 weeks across speeds, throughput, consistency, usability, and other parameters. As for the selection, let’s start with the premium picks and move on to the more cost-effective ones.

1. Best Overall: Arris Surfboard SB8200

Arris SB8200 is the best all-around modem for Optimum Internet. Read on to know how it secured the 1st position on my list. I tested it with Optimum 1 Gig and there’s no better modem I could suggest!

If you’d like to invest in a top-of-the-line product that’s completely reliable, works without frequent restarts, and lasts longer than usual, I recommend the Arris SB8200. While the future-proof DOCSIS tech makes it a standout performer, it fits right into the list due to its aesthetic layout.

And if you compare SB8200 with the older SB6190, you would love to know how faster (200Mbps at least) and, more importantly, consistent it is.

Why is it suited for Optimum?

What gets this modem in is the DOCSIS 3.1 networking technology — a feature that renders the device future-proof. In case Optimum comes with multi-gig internet plans, you can rely on this modem to get the job done, courtesy of the 2 x 2 OFDM/OFDMA channels that also stand for additional transmission width.

Despite being a DOCSIS 3.1 modem, the SB8200 is more than capable of working with DOCSIS 3.0 devices, known as backward compatible in networking terms. And while the DOCSIS 3.1 is relatively futuristic, the 32 x 8 channel bonding makes the SB8200 good enough for a high-speed 1Gig internet connection from Optimum. 

There are 2 Gig ethernet ports in play, allowing you to directly connect the modem to at least two bandwidth-intensive devices. I tested the device with Optimum’s 1Gig plan, only to see it reach max wired download speeds of up to 900Mbps, and upload speeds of 60Mbps. The mentioned speed thresholds are good enough for high-speed gaming and 4K streaming.

Design & Build

Trust me, if you are in it for the aesthetics, the SB8200 won’t disappoint. It assumes a vertical layout that is primed in black and features four LEDs for a better status indication (understand Arris modem lights). The side-adhering heat vents work well, allowing standard heat dissipation. Made of plastic, the device weighs close to 2 pounds and measures 5 x 2 x 5 inches, to be exact.

Hardware & Other Features

The SB8200 has a competent processing setup, led by a multi-core ARM-powered chipset and 512MB of RAM. This arrangement allows the device to cut through any form of congestion. Link aggregation is missing, though. Still, Arris makes up for the same by including OAM support for better diagnostics and a full spectrum bandwidth tuner for better network prioritization.

Conclusion

Finally, if you are looking for a reliable Optimum 1 Gig modem, the Arris SB8200 is the one you should pick, owing to its advanced DOCSIS setup. Also, if you compare it with every other product on the list, it is the processing setup and quality of Ethernet ports that stand out.

Want to learn more? Read my detailed review on Arris SB8200

2. Best for Streaming: Netgear CM1100

Need a modem that doesn’t heat up or has a well-ventilated design? Here it is!

There aren’t many good-looking standard modems that support Optimum. Well, that changes today with the Netgear CM1100 in play, as it comes as a market leader in terms of the well-ventilated design. And guess what, it is an excellent upgrade to the older CM1000, owing to the better DOCSIS technology that has an eye on the future.

Why is it suited for Optimum?

The DOCSIS 3.1 technology makes it special, allowing you to take advantage of the 32 x 8 channel bonding support (associated initially with DOCSIS 3.0). And just so you know, the channel bonding support allows you to get the best possible speeds even during peak hours. The device is backward compatible and can even work with the legacy DOCSIS 2.0 products that you might have around.

There are 2 ethernet ports, allowing you to reach 1Gbps speed on each. What makes it worthwhile is that you can deploy the link aggregation (provided two IPs are assigned) to achieve multi-gig speeds over each port. And that makes it an excellent choice for connecting to 4K streaming and gaming consoles.

Anything less than Optimum 1Gig wouldn’t justify the price you’d shell out for this Optimum internet modem. Also, the practical download and upload speeds of 850Mbps and 55Mbps make a compelling case for data-intensive needs.

And as seen in my review of the Netgear CM1100, it doesn’t lag or throttle while gaming or streaming.

Design & Build

The CM1100 is one of the better-looking devices, boasting a plastic-clad chassis in grey, a 10-LED rose gold stripe in the front, a robust base stand, and a vertical layout. The heat-dissipating vents on the sides are pronounced enough — capable of keeping the device cool and throttle-free. The device feels sleek as it measures 8.8 x 3.4 x 5.9 inches and weighs 1-pound.

Hardware & Other Features

There is a multi-core chipset at the helm, coupled with 256MB of RAM, making it easier for the device to cut through any interference. The 128MB flash memory is worth the splurge, allowing you to store the firmware details without breaking a sweat.

On top of that, it offers several user-ready features like IPv6 support for better configuration, OFDM/OFDMA support for future-proofing the modem-specific offerings, and not to forget easy installation.

Conclusion

If you want to replace Optimum modem with your own, Netgear CM1100 is arguably one of the best options. And this product makes perfect sense to someone whose work may heat up the device. And if you want to compare it with other products, consider the ultra-fast processing setup and congestion-cutting abilities to take center stage.

Suggested Read: Netgear CM1100 vs. CM1200: Should You Upgrade?

3. Best Modem-Router Combo: Motorola MG8702

Are you like me, who prefers a minimal setup? Want to get rid of two separate networking devices? If yes, you should consider this combo device!

Yes, I love modem-router combos, especially ones that work with high-speed plans. The Motorola MG8702 is one such device with a USB port and app support that make management more effortless. And if you have been eying the older Motorola MG7700, the MG8702 is a better bet, owing to the better networking technology, which is both futuristic and faster.

Why is it suited for Optimum?

The DOCSIS 3.1 technology takes center stage, owing to the ultra-fast data transmission speeds. There are 32 x 8 channels to work with, enabling a lot of usable bandwidth for multiple devices. This DOCSIS 3.1 modem for Optimum is duly backward compatible and works with DOCSIS 3.0 and also legacy devices.

As it is also a wireless router compatible with Optimum, there are 4 Gig ethernet ports in action. Using each, you can connect to dependable, smart devices. And while Motorola doesn’t declare link aggregation support, each port can help you reach max data speeds of 950Mbps and 70Mbps (download and upload) over a wired connection. This means it is more than enough for streaming, gaming, and conferencing.

I tested the MG8702 with Optimum’s 1Gig plan, only to find it achieves wireless speeds of 700Mbps and 45Mbps, respectively, over the 5GHz band. For the far band, 100Mbps and 15Mbps speed limits were reached, which is more than acceptable. Adding to the same is the overall LAN wireless throughput of up to 3.7Gbps, independent of the internet plan you seek.

Design & Build

The MG8702 comes in grey, has the right alignment of heat-dissipating vents (just like the Netgear model) to keep the device cool, features a steady base, and makes room for 9 indicative front-facing LEDs and 8 rear-facing LEDs for reporting the status. The combo feels slightly beefy at 9.5 x 2.8 x 9.75 inches and 2.15 pounds.

And to make things more exciting and support LAN-based media transfers, there is a standard USB 3.0 port, sitting pretty with the Ethernet ports.

Hardware & Other Features

The ARM-based chipset doesn’t let you down and offers the best possible signals, day in and day out. With 512MB RAM to assist, expect zero connection drops. A full-band tuner in play prioritizes traffic, yet not at the expense of energy. Also, there is MU-MIMO technology in place, allowing you to connect over 30 devices on the network.

You also get access to smart wireless network management using the app. These include a slew of parental controls, a speed testing option, power boost technology, a range boosting feature that allows you to cover more than the assigned 2500 Sq Ft, and finally, the beamforming prowess for adding to the power of each wireless connection.

Conclusion

If your eyes are set on a powerful combo device, look no further than the Motorola MG8702. This device ensures you can save money, have minimal setup, and get an aggregated speed of AC3200, which is as good as an individual router. If you still want to pit it against other products on the list, the 2-in-1 functionality and inclusion of a USB port separate it apart from the rest.

Want to learn more? Read my Motorola MG8702 review.

4. Best Budget Option: Netgear CM700

A high-end budget modem isn’t a contradictory statement. Instead, you can get premium services for a steal with the Netgear CM700. An Optimum-approved modem that doesn’t allow overheating to come into the picture. And if you compare it with the CM500, the CM700 seems a good upgrade, courtesy of the improved channel bonding support and faster transmission.

Why is it suited for Optimum?

The DOCSIS 3.0 standard makes it an excellent pick for $99, allowing you to get steady internet even during the most demanding hours. What makes this possible is the 32 x 8 channel bonding. Also, the product here is backward compatible, something you would have understood by now.

There is only one Gig ethernet port that theoretically supports a Gig connection. However, based on the hardware and price point, an Internet 300 plan from Optimum plan is the perfect fit. Coming to the download and upload speeds, I tested the same up to 230Mbps and 15Mbps, respectively, which I believe is more than enough for gaming, 4K streaming, or even standard office work.

Design & Build

This device looks a lot like the CM1100 that I reviewed above. And while it is compatible with every major cable service provider, I was more intrigued by the sturdy base and the well-proportioned heat-dissipating vents. The plastic-clad form factor feels good to hold and hardly overheats. Plus, there are 5 LEDs for you to refer to the network status in case of an outage.

If you prefer the specifics, the CM700 weighs a mere 0.55 pounds and measures 6.6 x 5.2 x 1.7 inches, putting it in the premium league in terms of aesthetics.

Hardware & Other Features

The standard multi-core processor is good enough to help you with office work and leisure activities. The SoC is handled with 256MB of RAM. As for other features, it is IPv6 compatible, making the setup and configuration a cakewalk. And to make things better, there is the auto-sensing technology that prioritizes usage better.

Conclusion

Budget seekers, attention! Netgear CM700, owing to the DOCSIS 3.0 technology, makes quite a compelling case to be one of the go-to modems for Optimum. And as compared to other products, its value-infused price tag is undoubtedly a standout attribute.

Want to learn more? Read my full Netgear CM700 review

5. Best for Basic Use: Arris Surfboard SB6190

If you are low on budget and don’t do gaming then you may consider the SB6190. Since it comes with an underwhelming Intel Puma 6 chipset, it may perform slower at times. Caution: It’s featured in the bad modems list.

If you want to replace the Optimum modem for something affordable, the Arris Surfboard SB6190 is your guy. The ability to take care of basic internet requirements makes it an ideal fit at this price. And SB6190 has the edge over the dated SB6183, which only involves 16 x 4 channels.

Why is it suited for Optimum?

Arris SB6190 takes functionality to a new level by being a good fit for basic and mid-range internet plans courtesy of the DOCSIS 3.0 support and 32 x 8 channel bonding technology. And just so you know, the wider channels are backward compatible, meaning the device can work with older DOCSIS models.

One Gig ethernet port allows you to connect the modem to the router or any bandwidth-intensive smart device. As for the throughput, you can easily pull close to 800Mbps (download speeds) when tested with Gig internet and almost 250Mbps/12Mbps (Download/Upload) with the Internet 300 Plan. Regardless of what you browse, the performance is good.

Design & Build

The SB6190 looks more like a plastic-clad rectangular box. As far as the dimensions go, this slab measures 5 x 5 x 2.1 inches, to be exact. At 1.13 pounds, this is also one of the more portable modems in sight. You can even access four front-facing LEDs followed by the side-adhering heat-dissipating vents.

Hardware & other Features

A dual-core chipset is in place, working hand-in-hand with the 256MB of RAM. The mentioned processing setup ensures minimal connection drops. In addition, this device comes with a built-in tuner, providing better energy management. And the app-based setup and control are also super convenient and useful.

Conclusion

If you want to go with one of the most affordable yet compatible modems for Optimum, I suggest the Arris SB6190 over everything else. And while the processing setup is a bit underwhelming, providing decent specs at this price makes it a value-for-money product. Read the full review…

Optimum Modem Buying Guide

After you have gone through the Optimum compatible modem list, selecting one might not get any easier. Right now, you should be hitting the drawing board and getting a feel of the preferences, features, and other factors that might affect your choice.

Optimum Internet Plans

Plans	Max Download Speed	Max Upload Speed	Price
Optimum 300	Up to 300 Mbps	Up to 35 Mbps	$40/mo
Optimum 500	Up to 500 Mbps	Up to 35 Mbps	$60/mo
Optimum 1 Gig	Up to 940 Mbps	Up to 50 Mbps	$80/mo

Keeping the plans restricted to cable internet connections, you can opt for Optimum 300 as a standard gaming and internet pack or the 1 Gig internet plan for office connections.

User Requirements

It all comes down to the why. Like why do you even need the modem for Optimum in the first place? For instance, a powerhouse is preferred if you plan to set up a multi-device home or office setup. Something that lets you reach multi-gig speeds, with more than one Gig port and link aggregation support. Remember the CM1100 from Netgear.

Yet, if you are a value buyer who wouldn’t want to spend time shopping for a new router, a combo like the MG8702 might be a better option. And while you are at it, you might want to weigh your voice-over-IP requirements or bundled TV plan requirements, if any. And depending on the choice, you might want to pick a suitable modem.

Speeds & Channel Bonding

As far as the speeds go, you might want to choose the right internet plan and then look for the Optimum online modem. If you are a typical gamer with a few devices at home, the Internet 300 plan might make sense.

However, if you have multiple devices at home and prefer the best-in-class Gig internet plan with 940Mbps as the peak offering, your choice of Optimum internet modem might need to get a bit more premium. Depending on the speed needs, you can either go for a DOCSIS 3.0 or a DOCSIS 3.1 modem. (Check the differences)

You can even double down on the port arrangement here. If there aren’t many bandwidth-intensive devices at home and you do not want to connect to a WiFi router, as yet, one Gig ethernet port might be enough. If you stick to a combo, there might be more than two ports in play, making it easier for you to set up high-gain wired connections.

For gaming and streaming, anything adobe 200Mbps works, and therefore, every Optimum connection might be good enough.

Hardware & Design

You might not give much thought to a modem’s processing setup but trust me, it surely plays an important role. First, a multi-core processor followed by 256MB of RAM is a must, as only then will you be able to wade through interference and congestion.

Also, the design matters as you would not want the device to be way too bulky. It is advisable to pick something light, comes with functional heat vents, has a steady base or stand for stability, and is loaded with at least four LEDs to indicate any network status or glitch beforehand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Verdict

All Optimum compatible modems listed here are suitable, as I’ve already filtered out many bad options. Feel free to choose any of them; it will get the job done.

If you’re still confused about which one to get, here is what I’d opt for based on a different budget, service package, and specific requirements:

• If you want the best overall modem that comes with the latest features like DOCSIS 3.1, nothing beats the Arris Surfboard SB8200. You can use it with any service package from Optimum, including the Gig Internet plan, and it should work flawlessly.
• If you prefer easy to configure modem/router combo over a powerful stand-alone modem, then Motorola MG8702 is a good choice for you. According to my tests, it works best with the Gig internet plan.
• If you’re a student or a professional who doesn’t indulge in data-intensive activities, the affordable Netgear CM700 is a great buy for you. It can be paired with the 300Mbps internet plan and should give you consistent speeds without any issues.