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
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Netgear: 11 modems
(#1 is Netgear Nighthawk CM2000)
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Arris: 8 modems
(#1 is Arris Surfboard S33)
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Motorola: 6 modems
(#1 is Motorola MB8600)
Price breakdown
At a glance - March Ranking
Rank | Change | Price | Modem |
The Strategist
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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.
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-
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1
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-
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2
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-
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3
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-
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2
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-
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4
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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.
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-
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4
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1
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-
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-
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-
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2
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4
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-
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2
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3
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+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.
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6
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-
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3
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3
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-
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-
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-
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6
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1
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-
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4
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-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.
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9
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-
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-
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5
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3
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2
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7
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5
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-
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-
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5
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-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.
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1
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3
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-
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-
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4
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-
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5
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-
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-
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-
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6
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+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.
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-
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-
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-
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1
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-
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1
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-
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-
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-
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-
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7
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-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.
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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1
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3
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-
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-
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8
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+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.
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-
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2
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5
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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6
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9
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+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.
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7
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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1
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-
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-
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10
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-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.
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4
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-
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-
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4
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5
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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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.
PC Guide
Best Cable Modem
Offers fastest transfer rates
2.5G Ethernet port
DOCSIS 3.1
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Only one Ethernet port
Overkill if not used with a high speed plan
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HighSpeedInternet
Best for gaming
Fast 2.5 Gbps port
Compatibility with all major cable internet providers
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Just one Ethernet port
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Lifewire
Best Performance
2.5Gbps Ethernet Port
Fast DOCSIS 3.1 Speeds
Sleek design
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Pricey
No voice features
Requires compatible router for best speeds
|
Popular Mechanics
Best Premium
Multigig downstream speeds
Singular ethernet connectivity
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Two-year limited warranty
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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.
PC Guide
Support up to 2.5 Gbps
Widely compatible
Easy set up
|
Overkill if used with a slow internet plan
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Tom's Guide
Best cable modem for gigabit and multi-gig internet
Multi-gig speeds
Two-year warranty
Compatible with most internet providers
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Requires at least gigabit internet
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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
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Single LED status light
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Lifewire
Best Design
Stylish design
2.5Gbps Ethernet Port
Extra Gigabit Ethernet Port
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No voice capabilities
Use of second port isn't supported by all ISPs
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Popular Mechanics
Best for Esports
Compatible with 2.5 Gbps speeds
Compact
Sleek tower design
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Low-tech design
Not supported by some ISPs
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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.
Tom's Guide
Best value cable modem
Solid performance
Good compatibility
Often cheaper than comparable modems
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One-year warrant shorter than rivals
Indicator lights are hard to see
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We ranked Arris SURFboard SB8200 #4 in March 2024 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best modems” rankings.
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
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A fairly pricey modem
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HighSpeedInternet
Best value
No more Puma 6 chipset
Multiple color options
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Fewer Ethernet ports
Limited compatibility with cable providers
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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
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Gets warm sometimes
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Lifewire
Best Value
High speed support (known as DOCSIS 3.1 Support)
Compact design
Two Gigabit Ethernet ports with link aggregation
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Pricey
Awkward coaxial connection placement
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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.
PC Guide
Best Mid-Range Cable Modem
32 x 8 channel bonding
Supports cable plans up to 1 Gbps
DOCSIS 3.1
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Only one Ethernet port
Not multi-gig port
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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.
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Technical support is not always reliable.
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approvedmodems.org
Best Gigabit Modem
DOCSIS 3.1 technology
Built-in QoS for priority
True gigabit speed
AQM (Active Queue Management)
Stable network performance
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Not the best value for money
Single Ethernet port
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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.
HighSpeedInternet
Best overall
Four gigabit Ethernet ports
Excellent Broadcom chipset
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Bulky design
Limited compatibility with providers
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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.
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
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Single ethernet port
The lights are too bright
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Lifewire
Best for Multi-Gigabit Internet
2.5Gbps Ethernet Port
Fast DOCSIS 3.1 Speeds
Low Latency
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Pricey
No voice capabilities
Requires compatible router for best speeds
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We ranked Arris Surfboard SB6183 #8 in March 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best modems” rankings.
PC Guide
Best Budget Cable Modem
Affordable
Great for WiFi 5 routers
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Does not come with the latest DOCSIS 3.1
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Tom's Guide
A top cable modem if you can find it
Dependable
Two-year warranty
Compatible with most internet providers
Visible status lights
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Awkward placement of coaxial cable
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Popular Mechanics
Best Budget
Small form factor
Reliable connection
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Lacks power or reset button
LEDs are extraordinarily bright
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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.
Lifewire
Best Overall
Impressive speeds
Great for HD movies and gaming
Convenient LED indicator lights
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Coaxial connection placement isn't ideal
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We ranked Motorola MB7621 #10 in March 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best modems” rankings.
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.
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Unit is fairly bulky
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