Experts recommend Arris Surfboard S33 more than Arris SURFboard SB8200
As of 3 Jan 2025, experts prefer Arris Surfboard S33 over Arris SURFboard SB8200, but both Modems have solid expert endorsements.
As per this month's meta ranking, Arris Surfboard S33 received 6 recommendations: from PC Guide (1 Feb 2024), Lifewire (30 Jul 2024) Wirecutter (16 Oct 2024) and 3 others. By contrast, Arris SURFboard SB8200 received only 5 recommendations from Networks Hardware (2 Jul 2022), BestReviews (1 Jul 2024) HighSpeedInternet (15 Jul 2024) and 2 others.
| Rank | Change | Price | Modem | PC Guide  | Lifewire  | Wirecutter  | Tom's Guide  | Networks Hardware  | BestReviews  | HighSpeedInternet  | homeowner.com  | Popular Mechanics  | The Strategist  |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | - | $189 |  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 | - |
| 4 | - | $165 |  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 |
Curious to see this month's entire Modems ranking? It's here
Endorsement summary:
- On 10 Oct 2024 homeowner.com ranked Arris Surfboard S33 as #2 and Arris SURFboard SB8200 as #7
Rank Modem Comment ... ... ... #2 out of 8 Arris Surfboard S33 Best Runner-Up... ... ... #7 out of 8 Arris SURFboard SB8200 Best Value for Money... ... ... Source: www.homeowner.com - On 1 Feb 2024 PC Guide ranked Arris Surfboard S33 as #4
Rank Modem ... ... #4 out of 5 Arris Surfboard S33 ... ... Source: www.pcguide.com - On 30 Jul 2024 Lifewire ranked Arris Surfboard S33 as #1
Rank Modem Comment #1 out of 3 Arris Surfboard S33 All Around Best... ... ... Source: www.lifewire.com - On 16 Oct 2024 Wirecutter ranked Arris Surfboard S33 as #1
Rank Modem Comment #1 out of 1 Arris Surfboard S33 A future-proofed modemSource: www.nytimes.com - On 30 Oct 2024 Tom's Guide ranked Arris Surfboard S33 as #1
Rank Modem Comment #1 out of 6 Arris Surfboard S33 Best cable modem overall... ... ... Source: www.tomsguide.com - On 19 Oct 2023 Popular Mechanics ranked Arris Surfboard S33 as #2
Rank Modem Comment ... ... ... #2 out of 8 Arris Surfboard S33 Best for Esports... ... ... Source: www.popularmechanics.com - On 2 Jul 2022 Networks Hardware ranked Arris SURFboard SB8200 as #5
Rank Modem Comment ... ... ... #5 out of 9 Arris SURFboard SB8200 Runner Up... ... ... Source: networkshardware.com - On 1 Jul 2024 BestReviews ranked Arris SURFboard SB8200 as #3
Rank Modem Comment ... ... ... #3 out of 5 Arris SURFboard SB8200 Customer Favorite... ... ... Source: bestreviews.com - On 15 Jul 2024 HighSpeedInternet ranked Arris SURFboard SB8200 as #2
Rank Modem Comment ... ... ... #2 out of 5 Arris SURFboard SB8200 Best value... ... ... Source: www.highspeedinternet.com - On 18 Feb 2021 The Strategist ranked Arris SURFboard SB8200 as #9
Rank Modem Comment ... ... ... #9 out of 9 Arris SURFboard SB8200 Best Docsis 3.1 cable modemSource: nymag.com
After counting and adding up the 59 expert endorsements of the January rankings, Arris Surfboard S33 outranks Arris SURFboard SB8200. This is not to say that Arris SURFboard SB8200 is a bad option. Like Arris Surfboard S33, it is recommended by experts, but less.
As can be seen below, Arris Surfboard S33 outranks Arris SURFboard SB8200 by 3 positions. This indicates that, as of 3 Jan 2025, Arris Surfboard S33 is more critically acclaimed than Arris SURFboard SB8200.
| Rank | Change | Price | Modem | PC Guide | Lifewire | Wirecutter | Tom's Guide | Networks Hardware | BestReviews | HighSpeedInternet | homeowner.com | Popular Mechanics | The Strategist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | - | $189 | 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. | 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 | - | $165 | 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 |
| Show all rows | |||||||||||||
Expert reviews [4]
Total expert reviews: 4
- with a score: 3
- without a score: 1
| Highest score by gameandtechfocus.com | 93 |
| Average score based on 4 reviews | 87 |
| Lowest score by dongknows.com | 82 |
Score distribution:
| 80-100 | |
| 60-80 | |
| 40-60 | |
| 20-40 | |
| 0-20 |
86
The author upgraded from the sb8200 to the S33 due to the ability to turn off the LED completely. The brightness of the LED on the sb8200 reflected inside the TV stand and was visible through the side vent holes, but the S33 solved this issue.
+ pros
- Faster internet speeds and improved performance compared to previous models.
- Ability to handle multiple devices and heavy usage without lag or buffering.
- Easy setup process and compatibility with major internet service providers.
- cons
- Bright LED light on previous model (SB8200) can be distracting and reflect inside TV stands.
- No mention of built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, which may be a drawback for some users.
Show all 4 reviews
Expert reviews [18]
Total expert reviews: 18
- with a score: 6
- without a score: 12
| Highest score by Techaeris | 95 |
| Average score based on 18 reviews | 86 |
| Lowest score by approvedmodems.org | 66 |
Score distribution:
| 80-100 | |
| 60-80 | |
| 40-60 | |
| 20-40 | |
| 0-20 |
The Arris Surfboard SB8200 is a high-performance cable modem that is perfect for Gigabit speed internet plans. It offers lightning-fast and reliable internet speeds of up to 2Gbps, making it ideal for streaming 4K HD Videos and for Virtual Reality Gaming.
+ pros
- 32 download and 8 upload channels for Gigabit speed internet plans.
- Designed to handle 4K Ultra-HD video streaming and Virtual Reality gaming with ease.
- Simple yet aesthetically appealing design with maximum ventilation to prevent overheating.
- Compatible with major US cable providers like Comcast and Cox.
- Lightning-fast and reliable internet speeds of up to 2Gbps.
- Easy and quick to set up, requiring only a few cable connections and activation through the ISP's portal.
- cons
- No built-in WiFi capability, so a separate router is required.
Show all 18 reviews
From Seller:
- Save Money: Own your modem and save. Reduce your cable bill up to $168 dollars per year in cable modem rental fees (Savings vary by cable service provider). Certified for use with most U.S. cable internet service providers. For a complete list see additional details below.
- Read more
From Seller:
- A Trusted Name in Home Connectivity: Better connectivity, better speed. The ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem is designed to bring you superior connectivity, increase your network capability and provide faster streaming and downloading throughout your home. From a trusted brand with over 260 million modems sold and growing. .Telephone Port : None. HD Multi-Media Streaming : Yes.
- Read more
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