List of 10 Best Spectrum Approved Modems [High-Compatibility]

Are you on a high-speed internet plan, is Netflix still buffering? It could be an internet outage, but if it happens on a regular basis, the outdated internet equipment you’ve received from Spectrum is to be blamed.

Besides providing better internet speeds and connectivity, there are a lot of advantages to buying internet equipment over renting. If you’ve finally decided to get a modem that works with Spectrum, then you are in the right place.

Doesn’t matter whether you’re on the Charter Spectrum’s fastest internet plan – Spectrum Internet Gig (940 Mbps) or on the basic Spectrum Internet plan (100Mbps), the modems in this list are authorized for use with Spectrum.

The Best Cable Modems For Spectrum

Most of the ISPs including Spectrum have their own list of approved modems, but not all the listed models provide good performance. But why settle with average performance equipment when you can get the one that provides better performance at the same price or even at a lesser price?

Want something that’s good and authorized for use? You know what? We tested out 51 different approved modems and modem/router combos in different locations and are here with the list of the 10 best models that provide great compatibility and high performance. Shall we begin with their reviews?

1. Best For Spectrum: ASUS CM 32 Modem Router

Are you on the fastest Spectrum Internet Gig plan that provides download speeds up to 940Mbps? Do you do a lot of gaming or need a device that can handle multiple devices without messing up the performance? In that case, the ASUS CM 32 Modem/router combo should be a great choice!

For the modern evolving home that requires medium to high-speed internet for gaming and browsing, the ASUS CM-32 cable modem-router combo should be a great choice.

This DOCSIS 3.0 modem is easy to install and since it’s a modem that’s approved by Spectrum, you don’t have to worry about compatibility issues.

Since it’s a combo, you won’t have to get a separate wireless router which will save you another $100-150. Although it might save you a few bucks, it still can’t handle too many devices at once. We suggest you get a standalone modem and wireless router if you want to connect more than 12 devices at once.

This 32 x 8 channel device loses signal quickly and when you have a large room or area to cover, the signal is rather weak. It requires constant restarting to keep it up and running. This is ideal for home usage and will not be economical for the office.

Sometimes, the firmware is not up to date and then you may not be able to update it yourself. Make sure that you check the details before buying the device.

Priced at $207, this may be quite pricey compared to other modems in the market. But do factor in the build quality, the durability and the wifi-router combo which makes it worthwhile to invest in this device.

Spectrum has announced about implementing DOCSIS 3.1, so if your location gets it, consider checking out our list of top-rated DOCSIS 3.1 modems.

2. Best For Spectrum Internet Gig: Arris SB6190

With the modern needs of high-speed internet and gaming, you need a modem that will not only cater to these requirements but also save you some money in cable fees.

The DOCSIS 3.0 tech-based Arris SurfBoard SB6190 is ideal for streaming movies, high-resolution videos, and virtual-reality gaming.

In our tests, we found steady downloads at 900Mbps and uploads at 840Mbps with no downtimes. Also, the speeds varied for different devices when we tested on various routers, but the speeds remained stable when connected a PC was connected via the cat5e ethernet cable.

Due to the 32 (downstream) x 8 (upstream) channel bonding, the modem is capable of transforming the analog signals into digital and vice versa at faster speeds, therefore you can also use it if there’s a speed upgrade up to 1.4Gbps.

Like many devices that heat up with excess usage, this modem also heats up quite quickly. To avoid that use a fan or keep it a cool corner (avoid the hot spaces.)

Another issue with this device is the Intel Puma 6 chipset which is included to make the build quality of the device. With this, it also has some security issues like blocking known websites thereby compromising on security to accommodate these sites. However, it is said that the issues have been solved. But if you’re concerned about the issues, consider getting another device instead of this.

The build is quite sturdy and durable. At the price point of $85, it is quite competitively priced.

3. Best for Consistent Performance: ARRIS SBG6900AC

If you’re on the fastest gigabit plans from Spectrum, you shall consider getting the above-listed modems, but if you’re on lower than 700 Mbps plans, then the Arris SurfBoard G6900AC modem/router combo is going to be an ideal choice!

This DOCSIS 3.0 modem/router combo is able to handle download speeds at a blistering 686 Mbps and upload at a respectable 65 Mbps. Using 16 x 4 channel bonding, the device architecture ensures that all of your smart devices, up to twenty, can be plugged in simultaneously.

The all-white device has a premium look and a tower design. The wifi router is capable and delivered data seamlessly across our lab, which is about 2000 sq ft in the area.

The added feather in its cap is beamforming technology. Instead of saturating 360° with the signal, the antennas can focus on the area where the device is.

There are 4 Ethernet ports and 2 USB ports for connecting peripheral devices and setting up a wired home network.

At a price of $120, it helps you have $160 a year on modem rental and thus payback for upfront investment in less than a year.

Approved MOdems Team

Also, you get a 2-year warranty, and that leads to peace of mind. Set up is reasonably simple, and the best way is to ask Spectrum to guide you through a few steps. It takes less than ten minutes from unboxing to get it started on.

4. Best for High-Speed Performance: Netgear R6250

The Netgear R6250 cable modem comes with a built-in AC1600 Wi-Fi Router and operating on Docsis 3.0 technology is a compact solution for home internet connectivity.

The modem-router combo can support download speeds up to 680 Mbps and the Dual-Band AC1600 Wi-Fi works with 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Uploads at 300 Mbps are quite fast.

The device has 16 downstream channels and 4 upstream ensuring that speeds are maintained even during heavy internet traffic. The dual Ethernet ports can be used to run other devices that provide a lot of flexibility.

The unit works with most internet cable operators making it widely compatible.

The unit has built-in website content filtering and parental control software, thus preventing kids from accessing inappropriate content and providing peace of mind.

Gaming consoles can easily be connected to the Ethernet ports making this ideal for gamers.

5. Best for High-Speed Performance: Arris SBG6700AC

The Arris SurfBoard SBG6700AC cable modem is a high-speed modem for Internet use at home. It has a built-in AC1600 Dual Band Wi-Fi router. It is compatible with most internet service providers.

The 8 upload channels and the 4 download channels deliver speeds of up to 343 Mbps for downloads and 131 Mbps for uploads. The Dual Band Concurrent router can deliver speeds of up to 1600 Mbps and supports both IPv4 and IPv6 protocols which enable it to be widely compatible.

The 2 port Gigabit Ethernet router also provides connectivity for devices directly and provides wired high-speed access. The device also has an inbuilt firewall and parental control facilities, allowing protection against external threats and also allowing kids to be protected from malicious sites.

Gaming and video streaming is easy with Wi-Fi speeds up to 1600 Mbps. The Beamforming technology helps in stronger signal strength and greater area coverage reducing dead spots around your home.

6. Best for Gaming & Streaming: TP-Link TC-W7960

The TP-Link TC-W7960 Wireless Cable Modem with Router is compatible with most internet service providers and is compatible with high-speed plans. The installation is easy, setup instructions are simple and the device based on Docsis 3.0 platform can be up and running in no time.

During our tests, it was able to download effortlessly at 343 Mbps and upload at 143 Mbps.

The modem-router combo has 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports which can be used to connect to several devices for flexibility. It also houses a USB port and this adds to the flexibility of the device. The installation of this unit removes the cost of rentals, saving money over the course of time. The device has a streamlined vertical finish with quality manufacturing.

It has an internal memory of 16 MB flash and 128MB DDR3 SDRAM and operates on the 2.4 GHz frequency. The 8 downstream channels and 4 upstream enable a consistent speed and are suitable for gaming, video streaming and watching movies.

7. Best for High-Speed Internet: Netgear C3000

The Netgear C3000 N300 with WiFi is a compact modem and router unit for high-speed internet in the house. It is easy to install and easy to set up with Ipads, Tablets, Smartphones, and computers.

The N300 WiFi offers faster speeds, translating into faster downloads, internet gaming, and HD video streaming. The Docsis 3.0 technology offers much higher speeds than the older generation Docsis 2.0.

The Gigabit Ethernet ports offer fast wired connectivity for devices and are also ideal for gaming and video streaming which makes it perfect for those who are into online gaming. It also offers a USB port which allows better flexibility.

With 340 Mbps download and 130 Mbps upload, it is a suitable 8 x 4 channel device for access to the internet.

It has built-in parental controls and the wireless has high security with WPA/WPA2 for peace of mind. Separate and secure access for guests is possible, thus preserving privacy as well as security.

The Netgear Genie App offers a personal dashboard that allows monitoring of the network, it even assists in repairs.

8. Best For Couples/Small Families: Arris SB-G6580

The Arris SurfBoard SBG6580 is a modem-router combo enabling users to access extremely fast internet speed. The speed and range of DOCSIS 3.0 tech that is used are much ahead of previous DOCSIS 2.0.

The 8 x 4 channel unit is fairly easy to install and helps reduce the clutter of extra wires. The combo starts working flawlessly the moment you plug it in and you get fast and steady internet speed. Wi-Fi coverage is also good and you will get seamless service even if move around your house.

You will get improved bandwidth and speed when downloading large files or streaming Skype or downloading movies. However, streaming WiFi like Netflix/Amazon Prime/YouTube will slow down network traffic.

In our tests, we found it able to deliver 340 Mbps download speed and 130 Mbps upload speed. The downside of the modem is that you will have to install software for getting access to Wi-Fi. It wouldn’t connect just with a wireless network connection.

Moreover, Wi-Fi may stop working periodically. This may happen 2-3 times on a typical day and the only option to get it started would be to reboot the combo unit.

The router is a bit faulty. One time, you may receive maximum speed, the very next time, it may reduce down to 3 Mbps.

9. Best Cable Modem Till Date: Motorola SB6120

The Motorola SB6120 is a DOCSIS 3.0 based modem designed to speed up your download speed and internet surfing. It is easy to set-up and gets installed without any hassles.

The product looks stylish, performs great and is high on reliability quotient. As the modem is well-ventilated, it doesn’t heat up and is pretty cool in operation.

The 4 x 4 channel device is very light and the build quality is also great. It can handle very fast speed, especially in downloading large files. It is compatible with Comcast and most ISP.

This is quite a good product for streaming, gaming or downloading large files. You won’t face trouble in downloading videos at 150 Mbps and uploading files at 65 Mbps as our experience showed.

It not only saves your monthly rental fees but is also a money-saver deal for users. One-time expense is worth the performance. You can certainly recommend others to purchase it.

The downside is the fact you will get a two-year warranty as promised/advertised only if you purchase it from retail stores or directly from ISP.

10. Best Modem for High-Speed Download: Netgear CMD31T

The Netgear CMD31T is an easy to set-up Docsis 3.0 based modem and requires no CD or technician for installation. It is compatible with most cable internet service providers (ISPs) including Spectrum, Cox, Cablevision.

It is a high-performing modem facilitating faster downloading, streaming of HD videos and high-speed online gaming. The best part is that there is no connection drop during downloads. We could download and upload at 150 Mbps without any disconnection or lag.

Netgear CMD31T is a 4 x 4 channel bonding modem that easily connects with Comcast. Look-wise also, it is small and handy.

The device saves your monthly rental fee and is also good enough to carry it along. You can use Wi-Fi upstairs, downstairs and outside as well. Your phone internet will also work fabulously with this modem.

However, in particular cases, you may face a connection drop every 24-48 hours and it will need a reboot to reconnect.

The downside is that its customer support is not up to the mark. If you are returning the unit, it gives you sleepless nights. The return shipping will cost more than half the cost of the unit. Also, it will take a long time to get a refund.

FAQs

1. If the price was not a problem, is there a future proof device?

The Asus CM-32 is not only future proof but also looks like it is from the future. The four external antennas are capable of beamforming – a new technology that allows the signal to be focused on where the user device is. AC2600 means that it can send a movie to your device in about two seconds over the home network.there are not one but two USB ports to connect external storage and, of course, an attractive look to match.

2. Which is the cheapest and also good enough for fast downloads?

The Netgear CMD31T  is priced at $45. That is about the cost of a few cups of latte. But there is no compromise on performance as it downloads 150 Mbps without any hitch. Of course, there is no router, but it is easy to set one up by plugging into the Ethernet port.

3. Is there a wall-mounted model available?

Yes, the TP-Link N300 has been designed to have a low profile and be out of sight on a wall. The N300 router can send data to over a dozen devices with ease, and we found it can download at up to 300 Mbps with no lag.

4. Which modem is the most durable?

Modems do not usually break down and are meant to be used 24×7 for years. However, if we were to look at the quality of components, the Motorola SB6120 is undoubtedly the winner. It is a plain black box, but like most stuff that Motorola builds, it is made from the best quality raw materials. We frankly find it impossible to believe that it will not last years of constant use.

5. Which Wifi model would you recommend?

The Arris SURFboard SBG6700AC is both rugged and sleek. The performance is remarkable, and it was able to send out Wifi signals across several floors. The design of the internal antennas are unique and make it a suitable device for both home and office use.

Verdict 

It is hard indeed to choose a first among equals. But if we were to choose one, it would be the Netgear C6250 AC1600. It has dual-band 2.4GHz & 5GHz Wifi, and that ensures both range and speed. The modem is capable of sustained downloads at over 650 Mbps, and the Genie App allows you complete control over the network.

The runner up was the Arris SURFboard SBG6580. The Docsis 3.0 compliant device can download at 343 Mbps. We tested it extensively and found it to support both IPv4 and IPv6. If you wish, you can put the Ethernet ports to use by wiring up a server and television to it.