November 2024

Modems: MetaRanking

This page highlights the aggregate summary of modems rankings posted by key online experts, as of November 2024.

Summary

On 5 Nov 2024, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 59 modem endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.

35 modems were endorsed in total, only 9 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)

As of 5 Nov 2024, Arris Surfboard S33 takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed modem with 6 expert endorsements. 3 experts out of 6 recommended it as the '#1 modem' this month.

Brand breakdown
Show all brands

Price breakdown
As can be seen in the chart below, lowest high-ranking modems start at $47.99 (Netgear CM500) and go up to $599.88 (Netgear Nighthawk C7800). Median modem costs $179.99 (Motorola MB8611).
$47.99
$599.88

At a glance - November Ranking

Scroll horizontally to browse this ranking table
Rank Change Price Modem
PC Guide
Lifewire
Wirecutter
Tom's Guide
Networks Hardware
BestReviews
HighSpeedInternet
homeowner.com
Popular Mechanics
The Strategist
1
- $198
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.
4
1
1
1
-
-
-
2
2
-
2
- $200
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.
1
-
-
-
2
-
3
-
6
-
3
- $48
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.
5
3
-
2
3
-
-
-
-
6
4
- $161
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.
-
-
-
-
5
3
2
7
-
9
5
- $154
Netgear CM1000
The Netgear CM1000 modem is a high-performance device that supports fast and reliable internet connectivity for multiple users and is compatible with major cable internet providers.
3
-
-
-
-
4
-
-
-
1
6
- $170
Motorola MB8600
The Motorola MB8600 modem is a reliable and efficient device that supports high-speed internet up to 1 Gbps, but lacks built-in Wi-Fi and has poor customer support.
-
-
-
-
1
-
1
-
-
-
7
+2 $52
Arris Surfboard SB6183
The Arris SURFboard SB6183 is a reliable and fast cable modem that is compatible with most major cable internet providers, making it an excellent choice for home or small office use, but it does not have built-in Wi-Fi capabilities and only has one Ethernet port for connecting to a single device.
2
-
-
6
-
-
-
-
3
-
8
-1 $170
Netgear Nighthawk CM1100
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
5
1
-
9
-1 $99
Motorola MB7621
The Motorola MB7621 modem is a reliable and efficient option for users who require fast and consistent internet speeds, compatible with major ISPs and ideal for users who want a reliable and fast internet connection without the need for built-in Wi-Fi or parental controls.
-
-
-
-
4
5
-
-
-
4

Modem
#3 $47.99 Netgear CM500
#7 $52 Arris Surfboard SB6183
#9 $99 Motorola MB7621
#5 $153.99 Netgear CM1000
#4 $160.99 Arris SURFboard SB8200
#8 $169.95 Netgear Nighthawk CM1100
#6 $169.99 Motorola MB8600
#1 $197.99 Arris Surfboard S33
#2 $199.99 Netgear Nighthawk CM2000

We ranked Arris Surfboard S33 #1 in November 2024 because:

  • 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best modems” rankings.
  • Out of those, 3 experts ranked Arris Surfboard S33 as #1.
Expert Consensus
(as of 13 May 2023)
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.
Critic endorsements:
PC Guide

Support up to 2.5 Gbps
Widely compatible
Easy set up

Overkill if used with a slow internet plan

Go to ranking

Lifewire

All Around Best

Supports multi-gigabit internet connections
Fast performance and up to 2.5Gbps Ethernet
Compact and attractive design
Simple setup

Requires additional Wi-Fi router for wireless connectivity
Some reviewers don’t like the mobile app

Go to ranking

Wirecutter

A future-proofed modem

Go to ranking

Tom's Guide

Best cable modem overall

Multi-gig speeds
Two-year warranty
Compatible with most internet providers

Requires at least gigabit internet

Go to ranking

homeowner.com

Best Runner-Up

Latest modem technologies
Great Speeds & Throughput
Two Ethernet ports
Compatible with most ISPs
Fast & reliable performance
Follows new design language

Single LED status light
Doesn’t support Link Aggregation

Go to ranking

Popular Mechanics

Best for Esports

Compatible with 2.5 Gbps speeds
Compact
Sleek tower design

Low-tech design
Not supported by some ISPs

Go to ranking

We ranked Netgear Nighthawk CM2000 #2 in November 2024 because:

  • 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best modems” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Netgear Nighthawk CM2000 as #1.
Expert Consensus
(as of 14 May 2023)
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.
Critic endorsements:
PC Guide

Best Cable Modem

Offers fastest transfer rates
2.5G Ethernet port
DOCSIS 3.1

Only one Ethernet port
Overkill if not used with a high speed plan

Go to ranking

Networks Hardware

Best Performer

Go to ranking

HighSpeedInternet

Best for gaming

Fast 2.5 Gbps port
Compatibility with all major cable internet providers

Just one Ethernet port

Go to ranking

Popular Mechanics

Best Premium

Multigig downstream speeds
Singular ethernet connectivity

Two-year limited warranty

Go to ranking

Methodology: combine opinions of key experts

Identify Experts

We identify key publishers and experts that consistently review and recommend modems.

Capture Rankings

For each publisher we find a currently recommended "top 10" list of modems, it must be updated in the last 9 months.

Aggregate Rankings

We put all those lists together and aggregate them. The more frequently a product is recommended, the higher it is in our ranking

Experts chosen for November 2024 ranking

We ranked Netgear CM500 #3 in November 2024 because:

  • 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best modems” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 8 Jun 2023)
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.
Critic endorsements:
PC Guide

Compatible with most ISPs
Recoup-able cost in a few months

Some quality-control issues

Go to ranking

Lifewire

Easiest on the Budget

Supports internet speeds up to 680 Mbps
Compatible with most popular ISPs
Compact and straightforward design

Lacks support for gigabit internet
Only one Ethernet port

Go to ranking

Tom's Guide

Best budget cable modem

Solid performance
Good compatibility
Often cheaper than comparable modems

One-year warrant shorter than rivals
Indicator lights are hard to see

Go to ranking

Networks Hardware

Best Budget-Friendly

Go to ranking

The Strategist

Best cable modem for streaming video on multiple devices

Go to ranking

We ranked Arris SURFboard SB8200 #4 in November 2024 because:

  • 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best modems” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 8 Jun 2023)
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.
Critic endorsements:
Networks Hardware

Runner Up

Go to ranking

BestReviews

Customer Favorite

Support speeds up to 2Gbps
Features 2 gigabit Ethernet ports
Simple to set up
Optimized for especially fast online speeds
Well ventilated design
Compact

A fairly pricey modem

Go to ranking

HighSpeedInternet

Best value

No more Puma 6 chipset
Multiple color options

Fewer Ethernet ports
Limited compatibility with cable providers

Go to ranking

homeowner.com

Best Value for Money

DOCSIS 3.1 technology
32 x 8 channel bonding
Handles Gigabit speed
Works with multiple ISPs
Great value for money

Gets warm sometimes

Go to ranking

The Strategist

Best Docsis 3.1 cable modem

Go to ranking

We ranked Netgear CM1000 #5 in November 2024 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best modems” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Netgear CM1000 as #1.
Expert Consensus
(as of 14 May 2023)
The Netgear CM1000 modem is a high-performance device that supports fast and reliable internet connectivity for multiple users and is compatible with major cable internet providers.
Critic endorsements:
PC Guide

Best Mid-Range Cable Modem

32 x 8 channel bonding
Supports cable plans up to 1 Gbps
DOCSIS 3.1

Only one Ethernet port
Not multi-gig port

Go to ranking

BestReviews

Wide Compatible

Quick and easy setup. Compatible with major cable providers. Works with all WIFI routers. Supports different internet plans to deliver fast and reliable internet speed.

Technical support is not always reliable.

Go to ranking

The Strategist

Best-rated cable modem

Go to ranking

We ranked Motorola MB8600 #6 in November 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best modems” rankings.
  • Out of those, 2 experts ranked Motorola MB8600 as #1.
Expert Consensus
(as of 14 May 2023)
The Motorola MB8600 modem is a reliable and efficient device that supports high-speed internet up to 1 Gbps, but lacks built-in Wi-Fi and has poor customer support.
Critic endorsements:
Networks Hardware

Best Overall

Go to ranking

HighSpeedInternet

Best overall

Four gigabit Ethernet ports
Excellent Broadcom chipset

Bulky design
Limited compatibility with providers

Go to ranking

We ranked Arris Surfboard SB6183 #7 in November 2024 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best modems” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 14 May 2023)
The Arris SURFboard SB6183 is a reliable and fast cable modem that is compatible with most major cable internet providers, making it an excellent choice for home or small office use, but it does not have built-in Wi-Fi capabilities and only has one Ethernet port for connecting to a single device.
Critic endorsements:
PC Guide

Best Budget Cable Modem

Affordable
Great for WiFi 5 routers

Does not come with the latest DOCSIS 3.1

Go to ranking

Tom's Guide

Best cable modem for simplicity

Dependable
Two-year warranty
Compatible with most internet providers
Visible status lights

Awkward placement of coaxial cable

Go to ranking

Popular Mechanics

Best Budget

Small form factor
Reliable connection

Lacks power or reset button
LEDs are extraordinarily bright

Go to ranking

We ranked Netgear Nighthawk CM1100 #8 in November 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best modems” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Netgear Nighthawk CM1100 as #1.
Critic endorsements:
homeowner.com

Best Gigabit Modem

DOCSIS 3.1 technology
Built-in QoS for priority
True gigabit speed
AQM (Active Queue Management)
Stable network performance

Not the best value for money
Single Ethernet port

Go to ranking

Popular Mechanics

Best Overall

Reasonably priced
Solid performance
Easy to install

Too much modem for sub-gigabit users

Go to ranking

We ranked Motorola MB7621 #9 in November 2024 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best modems” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 14 May 2023)
The Motorola MB7621 modem is a reliable and efficient option for users who require fast and consistent internet speeds, compatible with major ISPs and ideal for users who want a reliable and fast internet connection without the need for built-in Wi-Fi or parental controls.
Critic endorsements:
Networks Hardware

Best Value

Go to ranking

BestReviews

Best for Everyday Use

Buttons are large and easy to use.
Rated for speeds up to 650 Mbps.
Protected against lightning and power surges.

Unit is fairly bulky

Go to ranking

The Strategist

Best cable modem for faster download speeds

Go to ranking