September 2023
Modems: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of modems rankings posted by key online experts, as of September 2023.
Summary
On 2 Sep 2023, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 62 modem endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
27 modems were endorsed in total, only 12 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)
As of 2 Sep 2023, Netgear CM500 takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed modem with 7 expert endorsements.
Brand breakdown
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Netgear: 12 modems
(#1 is Netgear CM500)
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Arris: 8 modems
(#1 is Arris Surfboard S33)
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Motorola: 7 modems
(#1 is Motorola MB8600)
Price breakdown
At a glance - September Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Modem |
Popular Mechanics
|
Wirecutter
|
Lifewire
|
PC Guide
|
Tom's Guide
|
Networks Hardware
|
BestReviews
|
HighSpeedInternet
|
approvedmodems.org
|
The Strategist
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $49 |
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.
|
2
|
2
|
-
|
5
|
3
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
6
|
|
2
|
+1 | $140 |
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.
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
3
|
1
|
5
|
-
|
|
3
|
-1 | $165 |
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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-
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4
|
1
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
|
4
|
- | $100 |
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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1
|
1
|
-
|
-
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-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
|
5
|
- | $115 |
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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-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
4
|
2
|
3
|
9
|
|
6
|
- | $90 |
Motorola MB7420
The Motorola MB7420 cable modem is a reliable and user-friendly option for users who prioritize speed, with a maximum download speed of 686 Mbps and a maximum upload speed of 123 Mbps, and is compatible with most major ISPs.
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-
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-
|
7
|
3
|
2
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
|
7
|
- | $250 |
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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5
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-
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2
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-
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-
|
2
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-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
|
8
|
- | $90 |
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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-
|
-
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-
|
2
|
-
|
-
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-
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-
|
6
|
1
|
|
9
|
- | $37 |
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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3
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
10
|
- | $50 |
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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-
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-
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1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
|
11
|
- | $169 |
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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-
|
3
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
13
|
- | Check price |
Netgear Nighthawk CM1150V
The Netgear Nighthawk CM1150V is a high-speed cable modem with voice capabilities that supports internet speeds of up to 2Gbps and is highly compatible with major internet service providers.
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-
|
-
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6
|
-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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4
|
-
|
We ranked Netgear CM500 #1 in September 2023 because:
- 7 independent experts mentioned it in their “best modems” rankings.
Popular Mechanics
Best budget
|
Affordable
Performs well on the vast majority of US ISP plans.
|
One-year warranty
Dim indicator lights
|
PC Guide
|
Compatible with most ISPs
Recoup-able cost in a few months
|
Some quality-control issues
|
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
|
approvedmodems.org
Best For 400 Mbps
|
Competitively priced
Great design
Easy setup
Comes with 8 NOR flash
|
No major cons
|
We ranked Motorola MB8600 #2 in September 2023 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best modems” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Motorola MB8600 as #1.
Popular Mechanics
Best Docsis 3.1
|
DOCSIS 3.1
Robust 32x8 stream channels
Two-year warranty
|
Power users might find firmware lacking
|
BestReviews
Most Consistent
|
Tops speed up to 1 Gbps. Works with all major cable providers and is simple tos et up. Works with all WiFi routers and contains an ethernet port. Great investment for Comcast and COX subscribers.
|
Problems are rare, but Motorola's support processes are lackluster.
|
HighSpeedInternet
Best overall
|
Four gigabit Ethernet ports
Excellent Broadcom chipset
|
Bulky design
Limited compatibility with providers
|
approvedmodems.org
Best For Gaming
|
Future-proof with DOCSIS 3.1
Works for plans up to 2000 Mbps
Approved by many ISPs
AQM for low latency browsing
2-year warranty
|
Fewer ports
Lights are too bright
|
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 September 2023 ranking
Popular Mechanics
Wirecutter
Lifewire
PC Guide
Tom's Guide
Networks Hardware
BestReviews
HighSpeedInternet
approvedmodems.org
The Strategist
We ranked Arris Surfboard S33 #3 in September 2023 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best modems” rankings.
- Out of those, 3 experts ranked Arris Surfboard S33 as #1.
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
|
PC Guide
Editors' Choice
|
Offers fastest transfer rates
Gigabit Ethernet ports
|
Horrible customer support
|
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
|
approvedmodems.org
Best DOCSIS 3.1 Modem
|
Supports latest technologies
High throughput capacity
Fast & reliable performance
Excellent design
Easy to set up
Compatible with most ISPs
|
Expensive
|
We ranked Motorola MB7621 #4 in September 2023 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best modems” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Motorola MB7621 as #1.
Popular Mechanics
Best Overall
|
Speedy 24x8 channel connectivity
Easy setup
Two-year warranty
|
Power users might find firmware lacking
|
We ranked Arris SURFboard SB8200 #5 in September 2023 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best modems” rankings.
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
|
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
|
approvedmodems.org
Best Value for Money
|
Link aggregation support
32 x 8 channel bonding support
Backward compatibility
Two Ethernet ports
Excellent speeds & processing setup
|
Needs a separate router to connect with multiple devices
|
We ranked Motorola MB7420 #6 in September 2023 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best modems” rankings.
Lifewire
Best for Basic Internet Plans
|
Very affordable
Compact
|
Not especially future-proof
|
Tom's Guide
The best cable modem for most people
|
Two-year warranty
Reliable performance
Compatible with most internet providers
|
Not as compact as some modems
|
BestReviews
Most Versatile
|
The DOCSIS 3.0 modem is a vast upgrade from most antiquated modems that need an update. Works with Xfinity, Spectrum, Comcast, and other leading services.
|
Slower top speeds than most other competitors; gamers and 4K streamers should look elsewhere.
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approvedmodems.org
Best For 250 Mbps
|
Easy to set up
Compatible with most dual-band routers
Multi-ISP compatibility
Uses reliable DOCSIS 3.0
Compatible with most ISPs
|
Only one LAN port
|
We ranked Netgear Nighthawk CM2000 #7 in September 2023 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best modems” rankings.
Popular Mechanics
Best Premium
|
Multigig downstream speeds
Singular ethernet connectivity
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Two-year limited warranty
|
Lifewire
Best Performance
|
2.5Gbps Ethernet Port
Fast DOCSIS 3.1 Speeds
Sleek design
|
Pricey
No voice features
Requires compatible router for best speeds
|
HighSpeedInternet
Best for gaming
|
Fast 2.5 Gbps port
Compatibility with all major cable internet providers
|
Just one Ethernet port
|
We ranked Netgear CM1000 #8 in September 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best modems” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Netgear CM1000 as #1.
PC Guide
Best for xfinity
|
More reliable than other options
Great GUI controls
|
Limited to Xfinity and Cox providers
|
approvedmodems.org
Best Gigabit Modem
|
DOCSIS 3.1 technology
Comes with built-in QoS
Supports 1 Gbps plans of most ISPs
AQM support
Reasonable price
|
Only one LAN port
|
We ranked Arris SURFboard SB6183 #9 in September 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best modems” rankings.
Popular Mechanics
Top-rated
|
Small form factor
Reliable connection
|
Lacks power or reset button
LEDs are extraordinarily bright
|
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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We ranked Arris SURFboard SB6190 #10 in September 2023 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
|
Coaxial connection placement isn't ideal
|
We ranked Motorola MB8611 #11 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best modems” rankings.
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
|
We ranked Netgear Nighthawk CM1150V #12 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best modems” rankings.
Lifewire
Best for Voice Services
|
High speed support
Up to 2Gbps Download Speeds
Supports Xfinity Voice service
|
Expensive
Lacks a built-in router
Not compatible with other cable voice services
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approvedmodems.org
Best Cable Modem with Voice
|
Has multiple ports
Multiple calling features
Faster connectivity
Backward compatibility
|
Lacks voice support for other ISPs
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