ReviewFinder Modems

Netgear CM500

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8 Verified Hands-On Reviews

To combat fake reviews we only accept video reviews from verified channels. Each review must show the product and the face of the reviewer.

Expert reviews [8]

80
Total expert reviews: 8
  • with a score: 4
  • without a score: 4
Highest score by Approved Modems
90
Average score based on 8 reviews
80
Lowest score by approvedmodems.org
62

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20
ReviewFinder: authentic product reviews summarized by a powerful AI engine.

Expert consensus

The Netgear CM500 modem offers high-speed internet access, easy setup and management, parental controls, and compatibility with major cable internet service providers, but its reliability has received mixed reviews and users should consider purchasing an extended warranty.

The Netgear CM500 modem is a highly compatible and reliable device that offers high-speed internet access of up to 680Mbps download and upload speeds. It is ideal for users who require fast and stable internet for activities such as streaming, online gaming, and downloading large files.

The modem is easy to set up and manage through a user-friendly interface, and it offers parental controls through the Netgear genie app. However, the reliability of the device has received mixed reviews, and users should consider purchasing an extended warranty. Overall, the Netgear CM500 is a cost-effective option that eliminates the need for monthly rental fees and is compatible with major cable internet service providers in the US.

Compatibility

The Netgear CM500 modem is highly compatible with most cable internet service providers in the US, making it an ideal choice for users who want a reliable and compatible device for their cable internet service.

The Netgear CM500 modem is highly compatible with most cable internet service providers in the US, including Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, Cablevision, and more. It is a recommended device in officially approved modem lists of several prominent ISPs, and all the compatible ISPs have the ideal internet package that works best for this modem.

The modem is CableLabs certified for US cable internet services, and there are no known compatibility issues between the Netgear CM500 and any specific ISP. This modem is ideal for users who want a reliable and compatible device for their cable internet service, without the need for additional configurations or steps.

It is also suitable for users who want to upgrade their internet plan to speeds ranging from 300 to 500 Mbps.

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Speed

The Netgear CM500 is a high-speed cable modem with DOCSIS 3.0 technology, 16 download channels and 4 upload channels, and supports download speeds of up to 680Mbps and upload speeds of up to 132Mbps, making it a great choice for users who require fast and reliable internet access.

The Netgear CM500 is a high-speed cable modem that supports download speeds of up to 680Mbps and upload speeds of up to 132Mbps. It features DOCSIS 3. 0 technology, which is 16x faster than DOCSIS 2. 0 devices, and a Broadcom-based processor.

The modem also supports the newer IPv6 standard and has 16 download channels and 4 upload channels (16x4). This makes it a reliable and fast modem for users who require high-speed internet access for activities such as streaming, online gaming, and downloading large files.

However, it is important to note that most ISPs recommend this modem to be paired up with 300/400 Mbps plans. Overall, the Netgear CM500 is a great choice for users who want a fast and reliable modem for their high-speed internet needs.

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Features

The Netgear CM500 is a standalone internet modem that supports DOCSIS 3.0, offers parental controls through the Netgear genie app, and is compatible with major ISPs, making it an ideal choice for users who want a high-speed cable modem with user-friendly features.

The Netgear CM500 is a standalone internet modem that does not have built-in Wi-Fi capabilities. It has only one Gigabit Ethernet port for connecting devices. The modem offers parental controls through the Netgear genie app, allowing users to filter content and limit access to the internet for specific devices.

The app also allows users to set up a schedule for when internet access is allowed. The Netgear CM500 stands out for its DOCSIS 3. 0 support, Broadcom-based processor, and compatibility with major ISPs. It supports the IPv6 standard and provides access to high-speed cable internet of up to 680 Mbps upload and download speed.

The modem is a cost-effective option as it eliminates the monthly rental fee of renting/financing the provider’s modem. It is compatible with all major cable internet service providers in the US, including Xfinity by Comcast, Spectrum, Cox, Cablevision, and more. The Netgear CM500 is ideal for users who want a high-speed cable modem that is compatible with major ISPs and offers parental controls through a user-friendly app.

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Reliability

The Netgear CM500 modem has received mixed reviews regarding its reliability, with some users reporting quality control issues and a short warranty, while others have found it to be stable and consistent.

The Netgear CM500 modem has received mixed reviews regarding its reliability. While some users have reported quality control issues and a short one-year warranty, others have found the modem to be reliable and perform well. The modem offers a stable and consistent internet connection with low latency, thanks to its use of the DOCSIS 3.

0 standard and support for IPv6. However, factors such as internet service provider and network congestion can also affect the stability of the connection. There have been some reports of the device failing prematurely or needing to be replaced, but these seem to be relatively rare. Overall, the Netgear CM500 modem may be a good choice for those looking for a reliable and stable internet connection, but users should be aware of the potential quality control issues and consider purchasing an extended warranty.

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Ease of setup

The Netgear CM500 modem is praised for its easy and fast setup process, with a web-based installation and uncomplicated user interface.

The Netgear CM500 modem is praised by experts for its easy and fast setup process. The installation is web-based and uncomplicated, requiring users to connect the Ethernet cable to a laptop or desktop and enter their details on the web page that pops up. The LED lights stabilize and turn solid within a few minutes, indicating that the internet connection is ready to use.

The user interface is simple and allows users to monitor and manage the modem through a web browser. There are no common issues or challenges reported during the setup process, making it straightforward and user-friendly. Overall, the Netgear CM500 modem is an excellent choice for those looking for a hassle-free setup process and easy-to-use interface.

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Customer support

The Netgear CM500 has received mixed feedback regarding customer support, with some users reporting positive experiences and others reporting negative experiences, and may be a good choice for users who are comfortable troubleshooting technical issues on their own.

Based on expert reviews, the Netgear CM500 has received mixed feedback regarding customer support. Some users have reported positive experiences with Netgear's technical support team, citing helpful and knowledgeable representatives who were able to quickly resolve their issues. However, others have reported negative experiences, citing long wait times and unhelpful representatives.

In terms of resources available for users, Netgear provides a user manual and troubleshooting guide on their website, which can be accessed through the product page. These resources are comprehensive and provide step-by-step instructions for setting up and troubleshooting the device.

Overall, the Netgear CM500 may be a good choice for users who are comfortable troubleshooting technical issues on their own, as the quality of customer support may vary. However, for users who require more hands-on assistance, it may be worth considering other options with more reliable customer support.

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Position in ranking

We maintain a monthly ranking that sums up expert recommendations for all modems.

Rank Change Price Modem
The Strategist
Popular Mechanics
Wirecutter
Tom's Guide
Networks Hardware
BestReviews
HighSpeedInternet
homeowner.com
Lifewire
PC Guide
1
- $196
Arris Surfboard S33
The Arris Surfboard S33 is a high-speed cable modem with combined download speeds up to 3.5 Gbps, 32 downstream x 8 upstream DOCSIS 3.0 bonded channels, and two Ethernet ports, making it ideal for users who require fast and reliable internet connectivity for gaming, streaming, and other data-intensive activities.
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2
1
1
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2
4
4
2
- $195
Netgear Nighthawk CM2000
The Netgear Nighthawk CM2000 is a high-speed cable modem that is compatible with all major cable internet providers, featuring DOCSIS 3.1 technology, 32x8 channel bonding, a powerful 1.5GHz dual-core Broadcom BCM3390 processor, and a 2.5 Gbps ethernet port, making it ideal for online gaming, streaming, and other high-bandwidth activities.
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4
-
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2
-
3
-
2
1
3
- $165
Arris SURFboard SB8200
The Arris SURFboard SB8200 is a high-performance cable modem that delivers fast and stable internet speeds of up to 2 Gbps, making it ideal for activities such as online gaming, streaming 4K video, or downloading large files, but requires a separate wireless router for Wi-Fi capability.
9
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5
3
2
7
5
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4
+1 $46
Netgear CM500
The Netgear CM500 modem offers high-speed internet access, easy setup and management, parental controls, and compatibility with major cable internet service providers, but its reliability has received mixed reviews and users should consider purchasing an extended warranty.
6
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3
3
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6
5
Show all rows
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Highest recommended modems this month

ReviewFinder ranks based on a combination of customer reviews, expert reviews / mentions and popularity. Expert recommendations carry the highest weight in the ranking. We do not rank based on price, our commission or brand. modems below are at the top of our ranking this July.

Scroll to see all options. Click on the modem for more details.
Arris Surfboard S33 Netgear Nighthawk CM2000 Arris SURFboard SB8200 Netgear CM500 (this item)
Reviews
In comparison:
Arris Surfboard S33 rank #1 out of 112.
Go to rankings
7.8
Good
Reviews
In comparison:
Netgear Nighthawk CM2000 rank #2 out of 112. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
8.1
Great
Reviews
In comparison:
Arris SURFboard SB8200 rank #3 out of 112. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
8.3
Great
Reviews
In comparison:
Netgear CM500 rank #4 out of 112.
Go to rankings
7.8
Good
The Arris Surfboard S33 is a high-speed cable modem with combined download speeds up to 3.5 Gbps, 32 downstream x 8 upstream DOCSIS 3.0 bonded channels, and two Ethernet ports, making it ideal for users who require fast and reliable internet connectivity for gaming, streaming, and other data-intensive activities. The Netgear Nighthawk CM2000 is a high-speed cable modem that is compatible with all major cable internet providers, featuring DOCSIS 3.1 technology, 32x8 channel bonding, a powerful 1.5GHz dual-core Broadcom BCM3390 processor, and a 2.5 Gbps ethernet port, making it ideal for online gaming, streaming, and other high-bandwidth activities. The Arris SURFboard SB8200 is a high-performance cable modem that delivers fast and stable internet speeds of up to 2 Gbps, making it ideal for activities such as online gaming, streaming 4K video, or downloading large files, but requires a separate wireless router for Wi-Fi capability. The Netgear CM500 modem offers high-speed internet access, easy setup and management, parental controls, and compatibility with major cable internet service providers, but its reliability has received mixed reviews and users should consider purchasing an extended warranty.
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