Best Cable Modems of 2026: 10 Compared
Renting a modem from your provider quietly drains money every month, and the device you get is rarely the fastest one available. We lined up ten cable modems and compared them on the specs that actually decide your real-world speed: Docsis generation, channel bonding, Ethernet ports, and which providers approve them. A few combine the modem and Wi-Fi in one box; most are modem-only and expect you to bring your own router.
Cable modems look interchangeable until you read the fine print. The split that matters most is whether a unit includes Wi-Fi or assumes you already own a router: the Netgear Nighthawk Modem Router Combo and the Arris G34 bundle a WiFi 6 router inside, while the SURFboard SB8200, Hitron CODA56, and Motorola MB7621 are modem-only and need a separate router to broadcast a network. After that, Docsis generation and channel bonding set your speed ceiling, and provider approval (Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox) decides whether the modem will activate at all. To build this guide we pulled the current Amazon specs, images, and listings for the ten most relevant cable modems, then scored each on capability, value, and how cleanly it fits a specific buyer. Picks range from a 16x4 Docsis 3.0 modem aimed at plans up to 400 Mbps to mid/high-split Docsis 3.1 units rated for 2.5 Gbps. Owning your hardware also stops the monthly rental fee, which several of these listings call out directly.
The short version: The Netgear Nighthawk Modem Router Combo (CAX30) is our top pick because it folds a Docsis 3.1 modem and a WiFi 6 AX2700 router into one unit that covers up to 2,000 sq. ft. and works with Xfinity, Spectrum, and Cox. If you just need a modem and already own a router, the Netgear Cable Modem Docsis 3.0 (CM500) is the best value.
- Best overall is the Netgear Nighthawk Modem Router Combo (CAX30), a Docsis 3.1 modem and WiFi 6 AX2700 router in one, covering up to 2,000 sq. ft.
- Best value is the Netgear Cable Modem Docsis 3.0 (CM500): a modem-only pick for plans up to 400 Mbps that pairs with any router you already own.
- Premium pick is the Netgear Nighthawk Docsis 3.1 Mid/high-Split Cable Modem (CM3000), rated for plans up to 2.5 Gbps with 10x faster upload.
- We compared 10 modems; some bundle Wi-Fi (CAX30, Arris G34) while the rest are modem-only and require a separate router.
- Every pick lists approval for Xfinity, Spectrum, and Cox, but confirm the exact model against your own plan before buying.
Our Top 3 Picks
- Docsis 3.1 with 32x8 channel bonding
- Built-in WiFi 6 AX2700, up to 2.7 Gbps
- Coverage up to 2,000 sq. ft.
- Four 1-Gig Ethernet ports plus USB 3.0
- Replaces both modem and router
- Mid/high-split Docsis 3.1, up to 2.5 Gbps down
- 1 Gbps upload with 10x faster uploads
- Built for the fastest current cable tiers
- Works with all major providers including Xfinity
- Docsis 3.1 supports plans up to 2.5 Gbps
- Dual-band WiFi 6 AX3000, up to 3 Gbps wireless
- Avoids monthly equipment rental charges
- Compact footprint with status LEDs
Full Comparison — All 10 Cable Modem
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Editor's Choice |
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Best Value |
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Premium Pick |
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How They Compare
Top picks — strengths at a glance
Brands compared
All 10, Reviewed
1 Netgear Nighthawk Modem Router Combo
This is the only pick that pairs a Docsis 3.1 modem with a WiFi 6 AX2700 router and covers up to 2,000 sq. ft., which is why it tops our ranking. Four 1-Gig Ethernet ports with port aggregation plus a USB 3.0 port give it more wired flexibility than any other model here. It replaces both your rented modem and your router, and it activates on Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, and more.
- Docsis 3.1 with 32x8 channel bonding
- Built-in WiFi 6 AX2700, up to 2.7 Gbps
- Coverage up to 2,000 sq. ft.
- Four 1-Gig Ethernet ports plus USB 3.0
- No notable drawbacks at this rank
2 Netgear Nighthawk Docsis 3.1 Mid/High-Split Modem
Engineered for mid/high-split Docsis 3.1 service, this modem reaches up to 2.5 Gbps download and 1 Gbps upload, the kind of headroom that only the newest cable plans expose. It is modem-only and pairs with your existing router, with the listing recommending a Netgear WiFi 6E, WiFi 7, or Orbi system for full performance. The 10x faster upload is its real differentiator for heavy uploaders.
- Mid/high-split Docsis 3.1, up to 2.5 Gbps down
- 1 Gbps upload with 10x faster uploads
- Built for the fastest current cable tiers
- Works with all major providers including Xfinity
- Modem-only, so a separate WiFi 6E or WiFi 7 router is required
- Mid/high-split speeds only apply where the provider has enabled them
3 Arris (G34) - Cable Modem Router Combo - Fast Docsis 3.1
The Arris G34 brings Docsis 3.1 and dual-band WiFi 6 (AX3000) together, supporting cable plans up to 2.5 Gbps and up to 3 Gbps of wireless throughput for the whole home. Owning it sidesteps monthly rental charges, and its compact footprint with clear LED indicators makes setup and troubleshooting straightforward. At about 2.97 lb it is the heaviest unit in this group.
- Docsis 3.1 supports plans up to 2.5 Gbps
- Dual-band WiFi 6 AX3000, up to 3 Gbps wireless
- Avoids monthly equipment rental charges
- Compact footprint with status LEDs
- Heaviest pick here at about 2.97 lb
- Combo design ties the modem and router together in one unit
4 Arris SURFboard SB8200 Docsis 3.1 Multi‑Gig Cable Modem
ARRIS's SURFboard SB8200 is a Docsis 3.1 modem-only unit supporting cable plans up to 2 Gbps, with two 1-Gbps Ethernet ports for wired connections. It deliberately leaves Wi-Fi out, so you bring your own router or mesh system. At about 1.46 lb with a discrete footprint, it slots neatly next to a router.
- Docsis 3.1, supports plans up to 2 Gbps
- Two 1-Gbps Ethernet ports
- Avoids monthly equipment charges
- Compact footprint with status LEDs
- No built-in Wi-Fi, so a separate router or mesh is required
5 Arris (SB8200-RB)
This renewed SB8200 keeps the same Docsis 3.1 platform with 32x8 bonded Docsis 3.0 channels or 2x2 Ofdm 3.1 channels, plus two 1-Gigabit Ethernet ports. It is a modem-only unit that does not include Wi-Fi and does not support cable digital voice, so plan on adding a router. Approval for Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity, and other U.S. providers keeps activation simple.
- Docsis 3.1 with 32x8 bonded channels and 4 Ofdm channels
- Two 1-Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Approved for Cox, Spectrum, and Xfinity
- Renewed pricing on a known SURFboard platform
- No Wi-Fi, so a separate router is required
- Does not support cable digital voice service
6 Hitron CODA56 Cable Internet Modem Only
The Hitron CODA56 is a Docsis 3.1 modem-only unit that supports plans up to 2.5 Gbps through one 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port. It is strict about what it works with: cable Docsis service from Xfinity, Spectrum, or Cox, and explicitly not fiber, DSL, satellite, or fixed wireless. Full speed requires a separate router that also has a 2.5 Gbps port, plus ISP activation.
- Docsis 3.1, supports plans up to 2.5 Gbps
- Single 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port
- Works with Xfinity, Spectrum, and Cox cable service
- Focused, multi-gig modem-only design
- No Wi-Fi, and full speed needs a router with a 2.5 Gbps port
- Cable Docsis only; not for fiber, DSL, satellite, or fixed wireless
7 Arris (SB6183) -Cable Modem
The Arris SB6183 uses Docsis 3.0 with 16x4 channel bonding and reaches up to 686 Mbps download and 131 Mbps upload, depending on your provider's plan. It supports both IPv4 and IPv6 and connects through a 1 Gbps port. As a no-Wi-Fi modem aimed at plans up to roughly 400 Mbps, it suits households that do not need Docsis 3.1 speeds.
- Docsis 3.0 with 16x4 channel bonding
- Up to 686 Mbps download, 131 Mbps upload
- Supports IPv4 and IPv6
- Two-year warranty
- Docsis 3.0 tops out below the Docsis 3.1 picks here
- No Wi-Fi; a separate router is required
8 Netgear Cable Modem Docsis 3.0
Our best-value pick, the Netgear CM500 is a Docsis 3.0 16x4 modem for plans up to 400 Mbps, with the listing quantifying a yearly saving from replacing a rented unit. It carries one Gigabit Ethernet port and connects to any Wi-Fi router you already have. For a household on a 200 Mbps Xfinity or 150 Mbps Cox plan, it covers the need without overspending on features.
- Docsis 3.0 with 16x4 channel bonding
- Replaces a rented modem to cut recurring fees
- Works with any separate Wi-Fi router
- Single Gigabit Ethernet port
- Docsis 3.0 caps plans around 400 Mbps
- No Wi-Fi; you must supply a router
9 Motorola MB7621 Cable Modem
Motorola's MB7621 is a Docsis 3.0 modem recommended for actual cable speeds up to 900 Mbps, and it pairs with any Wi-Fi router to connect your devices. The listing notes that owning a modem typically saves the average home a set amount each year in rental charges. It is a straightforward, no-Wi-Fi choice for a higher mid-tier plan without stepping up to Docsis 3.1.
- Docsis 3.0, recommended up to 900 Mbps
- Pairs with any Wi-Fi router
- Owning it cuts yearly rental charges
- Approved by Xfinity, Cox, and Spectrum
- Docsis 3.0 lacks the gigabit headroom of the 3.1 picks
- No Wi-Fi; a separate router is required
10 Netgear Nighthawk Docsis 3.1 Mid/high-Split Cable Modem
This Nighthawk CM3000 is a mid/high-split Docsis 3.1 modem delivering up to 2.5 Gbps download and 1 Gbps upload, the same high ceiling that defines our premium tier. It is modem-only, designed to pair with a Netgear WiFi 6E, WiFi 7, or Orbi system for full performance. The 10x faster upload targets multi-family households juggling gaming, conferencing, and large uploads at once.
- Mid/high-split Docsis 3.1, up to 2.5 Gbps down
- 1 Gbps upload with 10x faster uploads
- Built for the fastest current cable speeds
- Works with all major providers including Xfinity
- Modem-only, so a WiFi 6E or WiFi 7 router is required
- Mid/high-split speeds depend on provider support in your area
8 Things to Consider Before Buying Cable Modem
A cable modem is only as fast as its weakest spec, so read past the headline speed. Check the Docsis generation and channel bonding, confirm your provider approves the exact model, and settle the Wi-Fi question early: built in, or a separate router. The factors below map to how these ten modems actually differ.
Our Final Verdict
For most homes the Netgear Nighthawk Modem Router Combo (CAX30) is the smart buy: one Docsis 3.1 box that also broadcasts WiFi 6 across up to 2,000 sq. ft. and gives you four Gigabit ports plus USB 3.0. Shoppers who already own a router and just want to stop renting should grab the Netgear Cable Modem Docsis 3.0 (CM500), our value pick, which covers plans up to 400 Mbps and adds any Wi-Fi router you like. If you pay for a top-tier plan, the Netgear Nighthawk Docsis 3.1 Mid/high-Split Cable Modem (CM3000) is the premium choice, rated for plans up to 2.5 Gbps with 10x faster upload. Buy to match your current plan and provider approval, not the biggest number on the box.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cable modem overall?
The Netgear Nighthawk Modem Router Combo (CAX30) is our top pick. It combines a Docsis 3.1 cable modem with a WiFi 6 AX2700 router, covers up to 2,000 sq. ft., adds four 1-Gig Ethernet ports plus a USB 3.0 port, and works with Xfinity, Spectrum, and Cox. One unit replaces both your rented modem and your router.
Do I need a separate router with a cable modem?
It depends on the model. Combo units like the Netgear Nighthawk CAX30 and the Arris G34 include WiFi 6, so no extra router is needed. Modem-only picks such as the Arris SURFboard SB8200, Hitron CODA56, Motorola MB7621, and Netgear CM500 require a separate Wi-Fi router or mesh system to create a wireless network.
What is the difference between Docsis 3.0 and Docsis 3.1 here?
Docsis 3.1 modems support far higher plan speeds. The mid/high-split CM3000 and the Arris G34 are rated up to 2.5 Gbps, and the SB8200 up to 2 Gbps. The Docsis 3.0 picks aim lower: the Motorola MB7621 is recommended up to 900 Mbps and the Netgear CM500 up to 400 Mbps. Choose 3.1 if you have or plan a gigabit-class plan.
Will buying my own modem save money?
Yes, owning your modem ends the provider's monthly rental fee. Both the Netgear CM500 and the Motorola MB7621 listings cite a meaningful yearly saving from replacing a rented unit. Just confirm your provider approves the model first, since an unapproved modem will not activate.
Which cable modem is best for a 2.5 Gbps plan?
For the fastest tiers, look at the Netgear Nighthawk Docsis 3.1 Mid/high-Split modems (CM3000), which are rated for plans up to 2.5 Gbps with 1 Gbps upload, or the Arris G34 combo, also rated up to 2.5 Gbps. The Hitron CODA56 supports 2.5 Gbps plans through a single 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port, but it needs a separate router with a matching port for full speed.
Are these cable modems compatible with my provider?
Every model in this guide lists approval for Xfinity, Spectrum, and Cox among major U.S. cable providers. The Hitron CODA56 works exclusively with cable Docsis service and explicitly not with fiber, DSL, satellite, or fixed wireless. Always check the exact model name against your provider's approved-device list before you buy.
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