6 Best Suddenlink Compatible Modems in 2022 [For All Plans]

In search of a reliable cable modem for Suddenlink? Whether you’ve subscribed to the fastest 1 Gig or are on the mid-range Internet 500 or even the 300 or 200 Mbps plan, the Suddenlink compatible modems featured here will work with all packages and cater to the diverse use cases.

Although you could rent a piece of equipment for a $10/month equipment lease (it also gets you a free equipment upgrade), buying your own modem for Suddenlink will give you more control and consistent speeds. Not to mention, it will easily last next 4-5 years. Also, I’ve done huge research, calculated, and concluded that buying a modem is better than renting.

But then, not every networking device in the market is compatible with the concerned ISP. And finding a Suddenlink modem that works without frequent restarts or other issues isn’t that simple. That’s why I’ve checked with their technical team and ensured that the qualified models are certified and approved to work without any trouble.

6 Best Suddenlink Compatible Modems in 2022

As an ISP, Suddenlink spoils you with various choices. From as low as 50Mbps to high-speed Gig internet, there is an internet plan for every type of need. Keeping the plans, different use cases, and budgets in mind, I decided to review a handful of modems compatible with Suddenlink catering to a day trader, gamer, WFH user, student, or anyone willing to experience seamless internet.

So, shall we begin?

1. Best Modem for Suddenlink 1GB: Arris SB8200

Are you subscribed to the Internet 1 Gig service pack? The Arris SB8200 is a future-ready DOCSIS 3.1 modem that’s compatible with Suddenlink. It can handle gigabit download and upload speeds without any trouble.

If you wish to make the most out of your Gig-level internet plan, there isn’t anything better around than the Arris Surfboard SB8200. It is the top-notch networking standard that makes it to the top of my Suddenlink modem list. However, it is the higher throughput that separates it from, the older SB6190, making the SB8200 a reasonably better upgrade.

Why is suited for Suddenlink?

The first important attribute has to be the DOCSIS 3.1 technology, making the SB8200 future-ready. This networking standard lets you use thicker transmission channels for faster data transfers. Minimal lags and latency are commonly followed by backward compatibility — meaning that this Suddenlink certified modem can work with older DOCSIS versions.

The 32 x 8 channel bonding lets you experience uninterrupted throughput even during peak hours. Plus, two Gig Ethernet ports allow you to set up high-speed connections, primarily with data-hogging devices like gaming consoles.

I tested the same with the said 1000Mbps plan and could get max download and upload speeds of up to 850Mbps and 33Mbps, respectively. However, the speeds can vary depending on your usage and location. Also, the mentioned speed limits are good enough for stock trading, video conferencing, gaming, and even streaming.

Design & Build

The SB8200 from Arris is a solid Suddenlink internet modem, best known for the wide heat vents, hardened plastic as the material of choice, and a four-LED setup (understand the lights & their meanings). The vertical layout measures 5 x 2 x 5 inches, and the device weighs 2 pounds, which is manageable.

Hardware & Other Features

512MB RAM and an ARM-powered multi-core processor powers the SB8200. The processing setup allows you to experience zero connection drops.

Other relevant specs include the pre-defined QoS support, bandwidth tuner for the advanced network section, and OAM diagnostic support, ensuring that the device has the firmware and other aspects updated at all times. Plus, OFDM/OFDMA support allows you to handle multi-Gig internet plans if and when they come.

Conclusion

If you are a gamer or even a Twitch streamer, Arris SB8200 is one of the best Docsis 3.1 modems to consider for your intensive needs. Also, if you compare it with other modems compatible with Suddenlink, it is the zero heating form factor that stands out.

Want to learn more about this device? Check out my dedicated review of the Arris SB8200.

2. Best Runner Up: Netgear CM1000

Are you interested in a feature-packed networking device from Netgear? Well, you can immediately grab the Netgear CM1000, which makes it to the 2nd spot riding on the DOCSIS 3.1 wave. And if you compare it with the older CM700, the CM1000 seems like a powerful upgrade, courtesy of the additional downstream and upstream channels and hence, better peak speeds.

Why is it suited for Suddenlink?

The DOCSIS 3.1 technology makes quite an impression, offering 32 x 8 channels for faster transmission. The featured channel bonding is further bolstered by 2 x 2 OFDM/OFDMA support — a feature that supports faster peak-hour transmissions. And to top it all off, the CM1000 is backward compatible and can work with older DOCSIS devices.

There is one Ethernet port with Gig capabilities, allowing you to pair with the 1 Gig internet plan. As for the speeds and throughput, you can expect a wired capping of 900Mbps for downloads and almost 50Mbps for uploads. And trust me when I say that the speeds are more than enough for the gamer in you, provided you choose to connect the console directly to the modem.

Design & Build

The vertical plastic-clad structure deserves special mention. Also, several heat dissipating vents keep the throttling to a minimum. There are 5 LEDs in play, followed by a flat and robust base. Regarding the dimensions, the device measures 8.8 x 5.4 x 5.9 inches and weighs 0.84 pounds only.

Hardware & other Features

The multi-core chipset keeps congestion out. Powered by 256MB of RAM, the device is more than capable of handling multiple transmission requests. The 128MB flash memory helps keep the firmware handy. Adding to the processing prowess is the integrated QoS functionality for better traffic prioritization, OFDM support for additional networking juice, and multi-ISP compatibility.

Conclusion

If you are interested in a reliable and speed-focused Suddenlink gigabit modem, the Netgear CM1000 comes across as the best option, courtesy of the OFDM support. As compared to other products around, it is the processing setup that sets it apart from the rest.

Want to know anything specific about the device? Check out the dedicated Netgear CM1000 review.

3. Best Modem-Router Combo: Motorola MG7700

Don’t want to purchase two separate networking devices? Rather interested in a modem router combo that works with Suddenlink? Motorola’s MG7700 is what you should consider!

Not everyone subscribes to the gig internet plan. For mid-range plans, Motorola MG7700 comes across as the best modem router combo for Suddenlink. It features a couple of Gig Ethernet ports and a great WiFi range. And as compared to the dated MG7540, the MG7700 is an excellent upgrade, owing to more consistent connections, courtesy of the 8 additional downstream channels.

Why is it suited for Suddenlink?

With DOCSIS 3.0 standard, MG7700 might not be the most future-proof modem to use with Suddenlink. It indeed is a great value for money purchase. (DOCSIS 3.0 vs 3.1 comparison)

Plus, it lets you handle plans up to 800Mbps. The 24 x 8 channel bonding support takes care of high-speed internet requirements as there is still an adequate number of channels to get the data through, even at peak hours. And yes, it can work with legacy home devices, courtesy of backward compatibility.

This device best suits students and WFH employees trying the Internet 500 plan. I tested the same, only to get download and upload speeds of up to 480Mbps and 20Mbps, respectively. Since it is a combo device, you get access to four high-speed ethernet ports.

And each port lets you transmit 1000Mbps of data, provided you are using a Gig internet plan. So, if you’re into long stretches of online meetings, leisured online gaming, and other relevant activities, MG7700 can be a great pick. Also, it promises an overall wireless throughput of 1900Mbps, followed by a coverage scope of almost 2000 Sq Ft.

Design & Build

The MG7700 comes in silver and assumes a vertical structure. This plastic-clad combo device comes with an adequate number of heat dissipating vents. Also, it measures 2.50 x 8.5 x 9 inches and weighs close to 1.60 pounds. Not to mention the fact that there is seven status indicating LEDs to make life simpler for you.

This combo comes equipped with three internal, high-gain antennas to help with the improved transmission. On top of that, you get access to built-in lightning protection, enabling you to stay protected, even during power outages.

Hardware & other Features

There is a multi-core chipset coupled with 256MB of RAM. The featured processing unit transmits data without lag or latency. It also comes equipped with IPv6 and IPv4 compatibility for better configuration. An evolved security suite includes VPN pass-through support, parental control, attack protection, and more.

Conclusion

Motorola MG7700 is one of the better options in play if you are interested in getting a reliable combo device. And it is the 1300Mbps worth of near-band throughput that makes it an excellent pick for home automation. Also, if you compare this with other products, the utility completes the MG7700 stand out.

For more information, read my comprehensive review of Motorola MG7700.

4. Best for Internet 500: Motorola MB7621

If you are on the lookout for a good-looking, standalone modem from Motorola only, you should consider investing in the MB7621 model. 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 this one!

Why is it suited for Suddenlink?

What works in favor of this model is the DOCSIS 3.0 technology followed by 24 x 8 channels for sending through traffic, both downstream and upstream. Regarding the overall speed limits, the MB7621 is capped at 650Mbps, making it good enough for the 500 Mbps plan from Suddenlink.

There is one Gig Ethernet port to set up wired connections, followed by the reset and power on/off switch. Despite featuring a gigabit port, you can’t use it for a gig internet plan owing to hardware-specific limitations. Besides that, MB7621 is also approved by a handful of ISPs, including Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum, and Sparklight.

Design & Build

Regarding aesthetics, MB7621 is one of the better-looking products, weighing 1.9 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.

Hardware & Other Features

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 provides you encounter minimal latency and zero connection drops.

Conclusion

The mid-range price tag and the speed capping at 650Mbps make Motorola MB7621 the best choice for the Internet 500 service package. Plus, it is the aesthetic presence that sets it apart from some of the other models on this Suddenlink modem list.

Also, check my full review of the Motorola MB7621.

5. Best for Internet 300: Arris Surfboard SB6190

If you don’t indulge in heavy streaming, gaming, or latency-concerned activities, SB6190 is a good modem for Suddenlink. Note that it features an Intel Puma 6 chip for which a lot of users faced performance issues.

For those interested in a sub $100 modem to pair with a 300Mbps connection, the Arris Surfboard SB6190 is a good choice, even in 2022. Despite being priced less, it offers 32 downstream and 8 upstream channels to cover the most speed-specific loopholes.

Why is it suited for Suddenlink?

The DOCSIS 3.0 standard is of immense help as it allows the device to exhibit 32 x 8 channel bonding support. Eight upstream channels also allow SB6190 to promise upload speeds of up to 20Mbps for the 5GHz band when connected to a router.

As for the speeds, SB6190 allows you to reach 290Mbps of download speeds, as tested on the 300Mbps plan from Suddenlink. Although Arris claims to support over 800 Mbps plans, I would still recommend using it with low-end plans as you wouldn’t be getting more for the Gigabit plan unless you set up wired connections.

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

Design & Build

The aesthetics are pretty streamlined, with SB6190 making way for a 0.75-pound heavy chassis and overall product dimensions reaching 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.

Hardware & Other Features

The SB6190 is more like a standard DOCSIS 3.0 modem for Suddenlink, with the slightly underwhelming Intel Puma 6 chipset driving the proceedings. On the other hand, the performance is not so excellent for gaming enthusiasts and Twitch streamers. In my testing, it worked fine for basic internet browsing, TV streaming, and running a couple of smart home gadgets.

Conclusion

I feel the Arris SB6190 strikes a good balance between price and utility, especially in terms of the number of channels and networking technology. This makes it a suitable Suddenlink Altice modem to pair with its 300Mbps connection. So, it’s the cost-to-ownership ratio that makes it a better choice as compared to other products on the list.

You may also read the full review of the Arris SB6190.

6. Best for Internet 200: Netgear CM500

If you’re a student or a homemaker searching for an affordable modem that works with Suddenlink, CM500 would be my go-to recommendation.

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.

Why is it suited for Suddenlink?

As discussed in the dedicated Netgear CM500 review, it comprises 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.

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

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

Hardware & Other Features

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 could handle multiple HD streams without breaking a sweat.

Design & Build

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

Conclusion

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

Suddenlink Modem Buying Guide

Now that you have taken a closer look at Suddenlink approved modems, it’s time to dive deeper into the factors and the associated buying guide. And I hope that this buying guide helps you make more informed decisions.

User Requirements

Before picking any cable modem for Suddenlink, you must be sure about its usage. For instance, if you are a day trader or even a student who prefers online lecture streaming, an Internet 400 plan makes sense. For that, you might as well get a DOCSIS 3.0 standard instead of spending a lot more on a DOCSIS 3.1 standard.

Also, if you prefer a standalone modem, you might have a future upgrade in mind. In that case, something like a CM1000 makes sense. However, if you plan on saving some money, a combo like Motorola’s MG7700 might not be such a bad option.

Moreover, if you prefer wired connections over wireless, finding a device with more than other Ethernet ports seems basic. And for telephone access, you need voice requirements, a suitable device with necessary ports, and the relevant Suddenlink internet bundle plan.

Speed & Channel Bonding 

Next, you have the speed-based requirements, which can go as high as 1Gbps for office setups, live streaming, gaming, and setting up large homes wirelessly or can be anything between 500Mbps to 50Mbps, depending on the needs.

You can select the perfect Suddenlink compatible modem to do the job for you. If you have multi-gig or gig-specific speed requirements, it might be time to get one with 32 x 8 channels. Or, if you want to future-proof the device further, 2 x 2 OFDM/OFDMA support also makes sense. This way, you can work with the 1 Gig internet plan from Suddenlink.

For Internet 400 or any other plan on the lower side, 24 x 8 channel bonding support, as offered by DOCSIS 3.0 tech, might suffice. However, getting a Gig ethernet port and backward compatibility would be advisable to improve things.

Hardware & Design

Not many people focus on hardware and design when picking one. However, if you aren’t mindful of the design and build quality, you might end up experiencing throttling and overheating. First, getting a device with at least a dual-core ARM processor and 256MB RAM is necessary to help you cut through the interference.

As for the design, heat vents are a must, followed by a stable form factor and a portable yet sleek design. That way, it becomes easier to carry the networking devices around. Also, if you face network outages, get a device with several LED lights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Verdict

I have covered all types of Suddenlink-supported modems, from cheap to expensive, from minimalistic to high-tech ones. Now, all you need to do is figure out the plans you will use it for in the present and the future. However, if you’re still confused, let me help you choose the suitable device for your needs:

• If you want the latest specifications, high-speed capabilities, and future-proof device, the Arris Surfboard SB8200 is my go-to recommendation. It has everything you’d expect from a high-end cable modem.
• If you don’t want to invest much yet need a reliable modem-router combo, my pick, in this case, would be the Motorola MG7700. It is highly suitable for mid-range internet plans.
• If you’re on a low-speed internet plan like Internet 200, the Netgear CM500 should be your ideal choice. It offers good specifications and performance at an affordable price.

You must do some future planning because data rates are bound to increase, and if you do not pay attention, your internet equipment will become outdated soon. So, to secure the investment, I recommend getting a slightly more powerful option than you need.