7 Best Suddenlink Compatible Modems in 2021

Are you looking for a new cable modem that’s compatible with Suddenlink? It doesn’t matter whether you’ve subscribed to the fastest Suddenlink 1 Gig service pack or are on the slow Internet 200 plan, I’ve listed out the best-rated modems for all your use-cases.

Before we begin, you must be knowing that you can rent a modem from Suddenlink for $10/month equipment lease (it also gets you a free modem upgrade, but you don’t really need an upgrade for the next 3-4 years, unless you switch from Internet 200 to 1 Gig plan.) Besides, you can get a gigabit modem for 2 years of rental fee.

Just so you know, I’ve done multiple calculations and after doing them all, I’ve realized that buying a modem also provides a better ROI than renting. Not only will you save money, but with a reliable internet connectivity equipment, you wouldn’t slow speed or web latency issues anymore.

To make sure that the list is accurate, I’ve checked with the Suddenlink Technical team and made sure that the listed modems work with Suddenlink. However, you should make sure that the device your getting is suitable for your subscribed internet pack. For instance, you can’t use a slow modem with a 1 gig plan.

7 Best Suddenlink Compatible Modems in 2021

It doesn’t matter which service package you’ve subscribed to, what your requirements in a modem are, whether you need a gigabit speed support or want a standalone cable modem or are looking for a modem/router combo. I’ve made this list in such a way that you’ll surely find a suitable device for your needs.

Plans	Max Download Speed	Max Upload Speed	Price
Internet 200	Up to 200 Mbps	Up to 20 Mbps	$30/mo
Internet 400	Up to 400 Mbps	Up to 40 Mbps	$50/mo
Internet 1 Gig	Up to 940 Mbps	Up to 50 Mbps	$70/mo

1. Best for Internet 1 Gig: Motorola MB8600

Are you subscribed to Suddenlink’s Internet 1 Gig service pack? The Motorola MB8600 is a future-ready DOCSIS 3.1 modem that’s compatible with Suddenlink. It can handle gigabit download and upload speeds without any trouble.

Suddenlink, as a cable internet service provider, offers a wide range of internet plans for its highly diversified clientele. However, if you are on Suddenlink and planning to get the 1Gbps home or office internet connection, the Motorola MB8600 is the best modem to invest in.

I even considered comparing this modem with the less powerful MB7621 and identified the MB8600 to be a much better option, owing to the additional 8 downstream channels and higher theoretical throughput.

Which Suddenlink plan is best managed by this device?

If you want to purchase the MB8600, getting on the Gig internet plan is the best possible option. As it is a powerful device with a competitive price tag, only a 1000Mbps plan or something higher would justify its inclusion.

Also, you are free to use the modem with Spectrum, Cox, WOW! Internet, and other ISPs, provided you are looking for more options.

Speed & Channel Bonding

This top-shelf modem from Motorola allows you to reach maximum download speeds of up to 950Mbps, provided you are on a gigabit internet plan. Contributing largely to the higher speed cap are the DOCSIS 3.1 network standard and the 32×8 channel bonding support.

Since, Suddenlink doesn’t offer DOCSIS 3.1 at all places, the extra amount for that technology can seem a little pricey. But then, being one of the best DOCSIS 3.1 modems, it is a reliable future-proof networking equipment for most individuals or businesses.

Note: It’s backward compatible with DOCSIS 3.0

Hardware & Performance

If you are interested in the hardware setup pertaining to the MB8600, it is the ARM chipset that calls the shots. The impact on modem-specific performances is quite obvious as I experienced minimal latency for MOBA and FPS games.

The Broadcom processor also makes room for the AQM enhancement, which is good enough for prioritizing demand-specific tasks, like video conferencing, twitch streaming, and more.

Design & Build

Coming to the aesthetics, the MB8600 from Motorola looks great and assumes a vertical layout that measures 9.65 x 8.8 x 2.55 inches. Plus, the product comes in black and weighs close to 1.2 pounds. Not to mention the inclusion of 10 LEDs and one Gig-speed Ethernet port for helping you set up wired or router-specific connections.

Why is it good for Suddenlink?

According to my analysis and testing results, I believe that the Motorola MB8600 is the best modem for Suddenlink 1 Gig Internet plan, owing to the DOCSIS 3.1 support.

Also, the topmost place is justified as compared to some of the other products on the market, courtesy of the ever-reliable processor and the Active Queue Management functionality for cutting through congestion.

2. Best From Arris: Arris Surfboard SB6190

For those interested in a mid-range modem, the Arris SB6190 is one of the better options to consider especially in 2021. I like this modem over others as it doesn’t invest in the DOCSIS 3.1 technology to try and make this a future-proof device and instead focuses on offering 32 downstream channels for covering most speed-specific loopholes.

Which Suddenlink plan is best managed by this device?

I would clearly recommend this product for the Gigabit and 400Mbps internet plans from Suddenlink. However, you need to understand that as the speeds are capped at 600Mbps, you wouldn’t be getting more for the Gigabit internet plan, unless you set up wired connections.

Also, I would like you to consider this Suddenlink certified modem even for Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum, and a handful of other cable ISPs.

Speed & Channel Bonding

The SB6190 from Arris allows you to reach 390Mbps of download speeds, when on the Suddenlink 40Mbps plan. However, for the modem to promise such speeds, you would need to pair it with a standard, mid-range router.

Also, the DOCSIS 3.0 standard is of immense help as it allows the modem to exhibit 32×8 channel bonding support. The availability of 8 upstream channels also allows this modem to promise upload speeds of up to 20Mbps for the 5GHz band when connected to a router.

Hardware & Performance

The SB6190 is more like a standard modem with an ARM chipset driving the proceedings. The performance, on the other hand, is top-shelf as the product ensures minimal online gaming latency and even supports 4K streaming without any kind of lag.

Design & Build

The aesthetics are pretty streamlined with  SB6190 making way for a 0.75-pound heavy chassis and overall product dimensions reaching out to 6.4 x 2 x 8.7 inches. However, I was most impressed with the matte black, plastic-clad chassis that exhibits a heat-dissipating design and even makes way for 4, accurate LEDs.

Plus, there is one Ethernet port to work with, provided you want to set up a router or rely on wired connections for getting Gig-level speeds on your PC.

Why is it good for Suddenlink?

I feel the Arris SB6190 strikes a great balance between the number of channels and networking technology driving the performance. This makes it good enough for almost every Suddenlink internet plan, regardless of the rated throughput.

Also, the cost-to-ownership ratio makes it a better choice, as compared to some of the other products on the list.

3. Best Modem/Router Combo: Netgear C7000

While trying this device, I even tried the Netgear CM1000 with Suddenlink 1 Gig plan and it did connect, but due to some reasons there were a few connectivity and speed issues, that’s why I decided to remove it from my previous suggestions. The C7000 on the other hand worked really well.

The Netgear C7000 might look like a mid-range modem-router combo but it certainly lives up to the expectations that you have from the mid-tier and even high-end Suddenlink internet plans. Also, I feel that for the given price, there aren’t many better combos in the market as compared to the C7000.

For those who are still using the C6900, this has to be the perfect time to upgrade, courtesy of the better throughput and an additional USB slot, as featured by the C7000.

Which Suddenlink plan is best managed by this device?

Personally, I would recommend the Netgear C7000 for the Suddenlink Internet 400 plan. However, you can also pair it with the Gigabit plan but the speeds will then be capped at 600Mbps. You can even use this product for Cox and Comcast internet plans.

Speed & Channel Bonding

As far as the speed estimates are concerned, the C7000 allows you to reach 400Mbps with ease, provided you have the compatible plan on you. Also, as it is a combo, you can even expect it to handle the higher bandwidth plans better, owing to minimal attenuation.

The DOCSIS 3.0 technology and the 24×8 channel bonding support ensure the higher speed capping for certain Suddenlink plans. Plus, the routing end of this product is capable of assuming maximum dual-band wireless speeds of up to 1900Mbps.

However, when tested with the 400 Mbps plan, I was able to churn out 395Mbps download speed on the 5GHz band, followed by 22Mbps of upload speeds. The 2.4GHz speeds were restricted to 182Mbps and 12Mbps, for downloads and uploads, respectively.

Hardware & Performance

When it comes to the hardware setup, the C7000 features a dependable chipset with a clock speed limit of up to 1.6GHz. The SoC clubbed with 256MB of RAM is good enough to boost response times and signal consistency of the wireless and wired connections.

Netgear also incorporates 128MB of flash memory, which is good enough for storing the firmware updates and device settings to make configuration easier than ever. When it comes to product-specific performances, C7000 brings Beamforming+ support into the mix followed by simultaneous and concurrent dual-band support.

Design & Build

From the aesthetic perspective, the C7000 isn’t the sleekest device in the market, as it measures 9.66x 8.31 x 1.7 inches. Also, it is on the heavier side with 1.60 pounds’ worth of heft to deal with. Next in line is the black-colored chassis followed by the availability of 4 high-speed Ethernet ports and one standard USB 2.0 port for supporting data transfer across networks.

Why is it suited for Suddenlink?

The existence of 24 downstream channels and concurrent wireless support makes it the perfect modem-router combo for the 400Mbps Suddenlink internet plan. However, I chose to place the Netgear C7000 in the third position owing to the exceptional value for money that it offers to professionals and budget users.

Also

4. Best For Internet 400: Netgear CM700

The Netgear CM700 has my heart, courtesy of the innovative design, supporting stand, five LEDs, and its compatibility with almost every router in the retail space. Plus, if you are looking for a standard modem for the 400Mbps Suddenlink internet plan, this product comes closest to perfection.

I even compared the CM700 with the older CM500V, which comes with two telephone ports and voice support. Since, Suddenlink doesn’t support voice modems for telephone support and requires you to use their telephone adapter (eMTA), this one seemed like a better option.

Which Suddenlink plan is best managed by this device?

The CM700 should be a good choice for the 400Mbps and even 200Mbps internet plans from Suddenlink. Also, its multifaceted compatibility makes it good enough for other service providers like Comcast, Spectrum, and Cox.

Speed & Channel Bonding

The DOCSIS 3.0 standard and 32×8 channels qualify CM700 as a top-shelf modem that comes at a competitive price point. The speeds, however, are capped at 500Mbps; regardless of the ISP, you choose to invest in.

I tested the same when on the 200Mbps plan and connected to a standard AC1600 router and could get 195Mbps of download speeds on the 5GHz band.

Quite impressive I must say!

Hardware & Performance

Housed within the modem is a standard ARM SoC, which clocks at 1.6GHz and ensures better response times, minimal latency, and zero connection drops. Also, there is a 128MB RAM module for assisting the processor with better modem-specific performances, involving better QoS support and interference-free data relaying.

Design & Build

At 0.55 pounds, the CM700 is a portable yet sturdy product, measuring a compact 6.6 x 5.2 x 1.7 inches. Other structural inclusions range from the black-colored chassis to a well-ventilated, mesh-like form factor.

The modem also offers one Gig Speed Ethernet port followed by the power input, coaxial inlet, reset tab, and the On/off switch.

Why is it good for Suddenlink?

If you are on a mid-range or entry-level Suddenlink internet plan, the Netgear CM700 should be your product of choice, owing to the extensive router-specific compatibility and easy configuration. Also, unlike other Suddenlink compatible modems on the list, the CM700 features auto-sensing support for better-wired throughput.

5. Best Value for Money: Motorola MB7621

If you are on the lookout for a good-looking, standalone modem, you should consider investing in the Motorola MB7621. While the specs sheet is in line with any mid-range product, it still fares better than the older MB7420, which features 16 downstream channels as opposed to 24 on the modem of interest, i.e. the MB7621.

Which Suddenlink plan is best managed by this device?

I would still recommend this modem for the low-bandwidth internet plans from Suddenlink as the ISP takes pride in offering a pretty extended gamut of options, in the sub-400Mbps range. You can also consider this modem for internet plans from other ISPs like Sparklight, Spectrum, and more.

Speed & Channel Bonding

When it comes to the overall speed limits, the MB7621 is capped at 650Mbps, making it good enough for the 400Mbps Suddenlink internet plan. What works in favor of this product is the DOCSIS 3.0 technology followed by 24×8 channels for sending through traffic, both downstream and upstream.

In case you want to use it with the Gig internet plan to cut out the rentals for something affordable, you can expect speeds of up to 600Mbps, owing to hardware-specific limitations.

Hardware & Performance

Motorola ensures that you get access to a standard Broadcom processor and a decent chunk of RAM. The dual-core chipset minimizes the response times and ensures that you encounter minimal latency and absolutely zero connection drops.

Design & Build

When it comes to aesthetics, the MB7621is one of the better-looking products on the list, weighing 1.915 pounds and measuring 7.9 x 7.2 x 2.2 inches! Plus, you can purchase the same in black while being wowed by the vertical layout and the inclusion of 5 accurate LEDs.

Also, there is one Gig Ethernet port to set up wired connections followed by the reset and power on/off switch.

Why is it good for Suddenlink?

The mid-range price tag and the speed capping at 500Mbps make the Motorola MB7621 the best choice of modem for mid-range and even low-tier Suddenlink internet plans. Plus, it is the aesthetic presence that sets it apart from some of the other available choices.

6. Best for Internet 200 Plan: Netgear CM500

Suddenlink ensures that there are several low-speed internet plans for the professional stuck at home. Starting from the 200Mbps plan to the ones with bandwidth capped at 150Mbps, 100Mbps, and even lower, low-tier plans are best handled by the Netgear CM500, as the modem of choice.

Which Suddenlink plan is best managed by this device?

You can easily pair this modem with any basic Suddenlink internet plan, provided you are not into streaming FHD content over multiple devices at once. The modem is capable of handling every basic web-related task, including surfing, chatting, video conferencing, and even P2P downloads.

Plus, this modem can also be paired with other ISPs, including Cox, Comcast, and Spectrum.

Speed & Channel Bonding

The CM500 from Netgear comes equipped with 16 downstream and 4 upstream channels for high-speed data transmission. The existing channels followed by the availability of DOCSIS 3.0 technology ensure an extended speed capping of almost 300Mbps.

I tested the modem speeds by connecting it to a standard Wi-Fi AC router. With the 200Mbps plan active, I was able to churn out download speeds of up to 180Mbps on the 5GHz band.

Hardware & Performance

The CM500 houses 128MB RAM and a standard ARM processor to keep latency and response time to a minimum. When it comes to actual performances, I was impressed to see that the CM500 was able to handle multiple HD streams without breaking a sweat.

Design & Build

This black-colored modem measures 7.28 x 4.88 x 2.26 inches and assumes a pretty standard form factor while weighing close to 0.6 pounds. Plus, the well-ventilated ensures zero overheating and even makes way for 5 LEDs and a standalone Gig Ethernet port.

Why is it good for Suddenlink?

The auto-sensing support pertaining to the Ethernet-based setup is what makes this one of the better modems on the list. However, if you are strictly looking for Suddenlink compatible options, it is the affordable price point that justifies its presence on the list.

7. Cheap Suddenlink Modem: Motorola MB7420

The Motorola MB7420 is the perfect choice for most Suddenlink internet plans. Moreover, before you zero in on this device, you need to realize that Suddenlink is a bottom-heavy ISP, which focuses more on low-tier internet plans.

This is why the MB7420 comes forth as the best modem of choice as it takes care of every low-tier plan and even fares better than the MB7220, which has speed limitations owing to the availability of mere 8 downstream channels.

Which Suddenlink plan is best managed by this device?

It is better to consider this modem for the 400Mbps, 200Mbps, 150Mbps, 100Mbps, and other low-tier internet plans from Suddenlink. Also, if you ever plan on changing the ISP, this modem supports internet packages from Spectrum, Comcast, and more.

Speed & Channel Bonding

When it comes to modem speeds, the MB7420 allows you to reach 686 Mbps, provided you pair it with a standard router. I tested the same with the 400Mbps internet plan and could churn out close to 385Mbps, for the 5GHz band.

Also, the DOCSIS 3.0 support makes quite an impression and the 16×4 channel bonding support seems to be more than adequate for the mid-tier and low-tier internet plans.

Hardware & Performance

As far as the system hardware is concerned, Motorola brings home a reliable chipset from Broadcom, which is instrumental in keeping latency to a minimum. Also, you get access to a full-band tuner for managing the best possible speeds with a minimal energy footprint.

Design & Build

The MB7420 from Motorola is a standard, black-colored modem that weighs 0.6 pounds. As far as the measurements are concerned, the dimensions read 6.1 x 4.9 x 2 inches, making it one of the more portable products on the list.

Apart from that, you also get access to a standard Ethernet port followed by an entire slew of indicative lights for helping you monitor the network parameters.

Why is it good for Suddenlink?

The Motorola MB7420 is compatible with almost every Suddenlink internet plan, barring the Gig internet package. Also, the position of this product is completely justified, owing to the affordable price point and multi-router compatibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Verdict

I have covered all kinds of modems on this list, from cheap to expensive, from minimalistic ones to high-tech ones. Now, all you need to do is figure out the kind of plans you will be using it for in the present and the future. However, if you’re still confused, let me help you choose the right modem for your needs:

• If you want the latest specifications, high-speed capabilities, and future-proof device, the Motorola MB8600 is my go-to recommendation. It has everything you’d expect from a high-end cable modem. I’ve tested it with Suddenlink 1 Gig Internet, and it worked as intended.
• If you don’t want to invest much but need a reliable Suddenlink supported modem for less than $100, my pick, in this case, would be the Arris SB6190. It is highly suitable for the Internet 400 service package from Suddenlink.
• If you’re on a low-speed internet plan like Internet 200, the Netgear CM500 should be your ideal choice. It offers good specifications at an affordable price of less than $50.
• Lastly, if you prefer a minimal setup, the modem-router combo is a better choice for you. And the Netgear C7000 is what you should look for. It’s compatible with Internet packages up to 400Mbps Internet.

You must do some future planning because data rates are bound to increase, and if you do not pay attention, your modem will become outdated within a year. So, to secure the investment, I would recommend you to get a slightly more powerful modem than you need.