January 2025
Modems: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of modems rankings posted by key online experts, as of January 2025.
Summary
On 3 Jan 2025, 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 3 Jan 2025, 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
-
Netgear: 12 modems
(#1 is Netgear Nighthawk CM2000)
-
Arris: 9 modems
(#1 is Arris Surfboard S33)
-
Motorola: 6 modems
(#1 is Motorola MB8600)
Price breakdown
At a glance - January Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Modem |
PC Guide
|
Lifewire
|
Wirecutter
|
Tom's Guide
|
Networks Hardware
|
BestReviews
|
HighSpeedInternet
|
homeowner.com
|
Popular Mechanics
|
The Strategist
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $180 |
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
|
- | $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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1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
|
3
|
- | $45 |
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
|
- | $140 |
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
|
- | $170 |
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
|
- | $190 |
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
|
- | $50 |
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
|
- | $199 |
Netgear Nighthawk CM1100
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
1
|
-
|
|
9
|
- | $94 |
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
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
We ranked Arris Surfboard S33 #1 in January 2025 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best modems” rankings.
- Out of those, 3 experts 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
|
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
|
Tom's Guide
Best cable modem overall
|
Multi-gig speeds
Two-year warranty
Compatible with most internet providers
|
Requires at least gigabit internet
|
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
|
Popular Mechanics
Best for Esports
|
Compatible with 2.5 Gbps speeds
Compact
Sleek tower design
|
Low-tech design
Not supported by some ISPs
|
We ranked Netgear Nighthawk CM2000 #2 in January 2025 because:
- 4 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
|
Only one Ethernet port
Overkill if not used with a high speed plan
|
HighSpeedInternet
Best for gaming
|
Fast 2.5 Gbps port
Compatibility with all major cable internet providers
|
Just one Ethernet port
|
Popular Mechanics
Best Premium
|
Multigig downstream speeds
Singular ethernet connectivity
|
Two-year limited warranty
|
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 January 2025 ranking
PC Guide
Lifewire
Wirecutter
Tom's Guide
Networks Hardware
BestReviews
HighSpeedInternet
homeowner.com
Popular Mechanics
The Strategist
We ranked Netgear CM500 #3 in January 2025 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best modems” rankings.
PC Guide
|
Compatible with most ISPs
Recoup-able cost in a few months
|
Some quality-control issues
|
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
|
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
|
We ranked Arris SURFboard SB8200 #4 in January 2025 because:
- 5 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
|
A fairly pricey modem
|
HighSpeedInternet
Best value
|
No more Puma 6 chipset
Multiple color options
|
Fewer Ethernet ports
Limited compatibility with cable providers
|
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
|
We ranked Netgear CM1000 #5 in January 2025 because:
- 3 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
|
Only one Ethernet port
Not multi-gig port
|
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.
|
We ranked Motorola MB8600 #6 in January 2025 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
|
Bulky design
Limited compatibility with providers
|
We ranked Arris Surfboard SB6183 #7 in January 2025 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best modems” rankings.
PC Guide
Best Budget Cable Modem
|
Affordable
Great for WiFi 5 routers
|
Does not come with the latest DOCSIS 3.1
|
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
|
Popular Mechanics
Best Budget
|
Small form factor
Reliable connection
|
Lacks power or reset button
LEDs are extraordinarily bright
|
We ranked Netgear Nighthawk CM1100 #8 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best modems” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Netgear Nighthawk CM1100 as #1.
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
|
Popular Mechanics
Best Overall
|
Reasonably priced
Solid performance
Easy to install
|
Too much modem for sub-gigabit users
|
We ranked Motorola MB7621 #9 in January 2025 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.
|
Unit is fairly bulky
|