March 2024

Modems: MetaRanking

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

Summary

On 5 Mar 2024, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 60 modem endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.

33 modems were endorsed in total, only 10 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)

As of 5 Mar 2024, Netgear Nighthawk CM2000 takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed modem with 5 expert endorsements. 1 expert out of 5 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 $15.99 (Netgear CM400) and go up to $498.96 (Netgear Nighthawk CAX80). Median modem costs $167 (Netgear Nighthawk CM1100).
$15.99
$498.96

At a glance - March Ranking

Scroll horizontally to browse this ranking table
Rank Change Price Modem
The Strategist
PC Guide
Tom's Guide
Networks Hardware
BestReviews
HighSpeedInternet
approvedmodems.org
Lifewire
Wirecutter
Popular Mechanics
1
- $300
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
-
2
-
4
2
- $200
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
-
-
-
2
4
-
2
3
+2 $58
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
-
3
3
-
-
-
6
1
-
4
-1 $131
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
-
-
5
3
2
7
5
-
-
5
-1 $158
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.
1
3
-
-
4
-
5
-
-
-
6
+1 $131
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
-1 $249
Motorola MB8611
The Motorola MB8611 modem is a high-performance cable modem that offers ultra-fast DOCSIS 3.1 performance, multi-gigabit Ethernet speed, and fast streaming, conferencing, and gaming capabilities, making it a great option for users who require high-speed internet connectivity for multiple devices and applications.
-
-
-
-
-
-
1
3
-
-
8
+1 $70
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
5
-
-
-
-
-
-
6
9
+2 $40
Arris SURFboard SB6190
The Arris SURFboard SB6190 modem is a powerful and reliable device that supports high-speed internet connectivity for heavy streaming, gaming, and downloading large files, but users should be aware of potential issues with the processor and overheating.
7
-
-
-
-
-
-
1
-
-
10
-2 $90
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
-
-
4
5
-
-
-
-
-

; ; ;
#9 $40 Arris SURFboard SB6190
#3 $57.98 Netgear CM500
#8 $69.99 Arris Surfboard SB6183
#10 $89.99 Motorola MB7621
#6 $130.99 Motorola MB8600
#4 $131.49 Arris SURFboard SB8200
#5 $157.95 Netgear CM1000
#2 $199.99 Arris Surfboard S33
#7 $249 Motorola MB8611
#1 $299.99 Netgear Nighthawk CM2000

We ranked Netgear Nighthawk CM2000 #1 in March 2024 because:

  • 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best modems” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Netgear Nighthawk CM2000 as #1.
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

Lifewire

Best Performance

2.5Gbps Ethernet Port
Fast DOCSIS 3.1 Speeds
Sleek design

Pricey
No voice features
Requires compatible router for best speeds

Go to ranking

Popular Mechanics

Best Premium

Multigig downstream speeds
Singular ethernet connectivity

Two-year limited warranty

Go to ranking

We ranked Arris Surfboard S33 #2 in March 2024 because:

  • 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best modems” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Arris Surfboard S33 as #1.
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

Tom's Guide

Best cable modem for gigabit and multi-gig internet

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

Requires at least gigabit internet

Go to ranking

approvedmodems.org

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

Go to ranking

Lifewire

Best Design

Stylish design
2.5Gbps Ethernet Port
Extra Gigabit Ethernet Port

No voice capabilities
Use of second port isn't supported by all ISPs

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

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 March 2024 ranking

We ranked Netgear CM500 #3 in March 2024 because:

  • 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best modems” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Netgear CM500 as #1.
Critic endorsements:
The Strategist

Best cable modem for streaming video on multiple devices

Go to ranking

Tom's Guide

Best value 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

Lifewire

Basic Option

Easy setup
Good compatibility
Great speed for price

Gets hot

Go to ranking

Wirecutter

For plans up to 300 Mbps

Go to ranking

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

  • 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best modems” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
The Strategist

Best Docsis 3.1 cable modem

Go to ranking

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

approvedmodems.org

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

Lifewire

Best Value

High speed support (known as DOCSIS 3.1 Support)
Compact design
Two Gigabit Ethernet ports with link aggregation

Pricey
Awkward coaxial connection placement

Go to ranking

We ranked Netgear CM1000 #5 in March 2024 because:

  • 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best modems” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Netgear CM1000 as #1.
Critic endorsements:
The Strategist

Best-rated cable modem

Go to ranking

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

approvedmodems.org

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

We ranked Motorola MB8600 #6 in March 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best modems” rankings.
  • Out of those, 2 experts ranked Motorola MB8600 as #1.
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 Motorola MB8611 #7 in March 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best modems” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Motorola MB8611 as #1.
Critic endorsements:
approvedmodems.org

Best Overall

Future-proof networking traits
Handles multi-gig speeds
Works with multiple providers
AQM support for low-latency
2 years of warranty

Single ethernet port
The lights are too bright

Go to ranking

Lifewire

Best for Multi-Gigabit Internet

2.5Gbps Ethernet Port
Fast DOCSIS 3.1 Speeds
Low Latency

Pricey
No voice capabilities
Requires compatible router for best speeds

Go to ranking

We ranked Arris Surfboard SB6183 #8 in March 2024 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best modems” rankings.
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

A top cable modem if you can find it

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 Arris SURFboard SB6190 #9 in March 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best modems” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Arris SURFboard SB6190 as #1.
Critic endorsements:
The Strategist

Best cable modem for gamers

Go to ranking

Lifewire

Best Overall

Impressive speeds
Great for HD movies and gaming
Convenient LED indicator lights

Coaxial connection placement isn't ideal

Go to ranking

We ranked Motorola MB7621 #10 in March 2024 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best modems” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
The Strategist

Best cable modem for faster download speeds

Go to ranking

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