May 2021
Modems: Aggregated Ranking Report
This report contains an aggregate consensus of Modem rankings posted by key online experts, as of May 2021.
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 May 2021 ranking
Lifewire
BestCovery
Wirecutter
HighSpeedInternet
Reviews.org
Tom's Guide
The Strategist
Popular Mechanics
At a glance - May 2021 Ranking
| Rank | Price | Modem |
Lifewire
|
BestCovery
|
Wirecutter
|
HighSpeedInternet
|
Reviews.org
|
Tom's Guide
|
The Strategist
|
Popular Mechanics
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
#1
|
$150 |
Motorola MB8600
|
2
|
-
|
4
|
1
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
|
#2
|
$78 |
Motorola MB7621
|
5
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
1
|
|
#3
|
Check price |
Netgear CM500
|
8
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
6
|
5
|
|
#4
|
$38 |
Arris SURFboard SB6190
|
1
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
|
#5
|
$85 |
Netgear CM600
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
1
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
|
#6
|
$149 |
Arris SURFboard SB8200
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
|
#7
|
$59 |
Motorola MB7420
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
|
#8
|
$70 |
Arris SURFboard SB6183
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
3
|
|
#9
|
$280 |
Netgear Nighthawk C7100V
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
2
|
|
#10
|
Check price |
Netgear Nighthawk CM1200
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
We ranked Motorola MB8600 #1 in May 2021 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Modems” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Motorola MB8600 as #1.
Lifewire
Best for Gigabit Internet
|
Pros
DOCSIS 3.1 Support
Low latency
Four Gigabit Ethernet ports
|
Cons
No support for bundled voice services
Additional Ethernet ports are hidden
|
HighSpeedInternet
Best overall
|
Pros
Four gigabit Ethernet ports
Excellent Broadcom chipset
|
Cons
Bulky design
Limited compatibility with providers
|
Reviews.org
Best high-speed cable modem
|
Pros
Ultra-fast speeds
2-year warranty
Decent compatibility
|
Cons
Pricier than slower models
|
We ranked Motorola MB7621 #2 in May 2021 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Modems” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Motorola MB7621 as #1.
Lifewire
Best Value
|
Pros
Affordable
Compact design
Easy setup
|
Cons
No voice capabilities
|
We ranked Netgear CM500 #3 in May 2021 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Modems” rankings.
Lifewire
Best Budget
|
Pros
Easy setup
Good compatibility
Great speed for price
|
Cons
Gets hot
|
Tom's Guide
Best alternative cable modem
|
Pros
Solid performance
Good compatibility
Often cheaper than comparable modems
|
Cons
One-year warrant shorter than rivals
Indicator lights are hard to see
|
We ranked Arris SURFboard SB6190 #4 in May 2021 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Modems” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Arris SURFboard SB6190 as #1.
Lifewire
Best Overall
|
Pros
Impressive speeds
Great for HD movies and gaming
Convenient LED indicator lights
|
Cons
Coaxial connection placement isn't ideal
|
We ranked Netgear CM600 #5 in May 2021 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Modems” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Netgear CM600 as #1.
Reviews.org
Best for most
|
Pros
Compatible with all major cable providers
Fast enough for most households
Relatively affordable
|
Cons
Not optimal for super-fast internet connections
|
Tom's Guide
Best cable modem for high-speed service
|
Pros
Reliable performance
Lower price than other high-speed modems
Compatible with many ISPs
|
Cons
One-year warranty
Tall footprint
|
We ranked Arris SURFboard SB8200 #6 in May 2021 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Modems” rankings.
Lifewire
Best Compact
|
Pros
DOCSIS 3.1 Support
Compact design
Two Gigabit Ethernet ports with link aggregation
|
Cons
Pricey
Awkward coaxial connection placement
|
HighSpeedInternet
Best value
|
Pros
No more Puma 6 chipset
Multiple color options
|
Cons
Fewer Ethernet ports
Limited compatibility with cable providers
|
We ranked Motorola MB7420 #7 in May 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Modems” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Motorola MB7420 as #1.
Tom's Guide
The best cable modem you can buy
|
Pros
Two-year warranty
Reliable performance
Compatible with most internet providers
|
Cons
Not as compact as some modems
|
We ranked Arris SURFboard SB6183 #8 in May 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Modems” rankings.
Tom's Guide
A top cable modem if you can find it
|
Pros
Dependable
Two-year warranty
Compatible with most internet providers
Visible status lights
|
Cons
Awkward placement of coaxial cable
|
We ranked Netgear Nighthawk C7100V #9 in May 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Modems” rankings.
We ranked Netgear Nighthawk CM1200 #10 in May 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Modems” rankings.
Lifewire
Best Performance
|
Pros
DOCSIS 3.1 Support
Four Gigabit Ethernet Ports
802.3ad Link Aggregation
|
Cons
Pricey
No voice features
|
HighSpeedInternet
Best look
|
Pros
Slick, unobtrusive appearance
Easy setup
Lots of Ethernet ports
|
Cons
Costs more for average features
|