Experts recommend Arris Surfboard S33 more than Netgear Nighthawk CM2000
As of 3 Jan 2025, experts prefer Arris Surfboard S33 over Netgear Nighthawk CM2000, 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, Netgear Nighthawk CM2000 received only 4 recommendations from PC Guide (1 Feb 2024), Networks Hardware (2 Jul 2022) HighSpeedInternet (15 Jul 2024) and 1 other.
| 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. | 1 | - | - | - | 2 | - | 3 | - | 6 | - |
Curious to see this month's entire Modems ranking? It's here
Endorsement summary:
- On 1 Feb 2024 PC Guide ranked Netgear Nighthawk CM2000 as #1 and Arris Surfboard S33 as #4
Rank Modem Comment #1 out of 5 Netgear Nighthawk CM2000 Best Cable Modem... ... ... #4 out of 5 Arris Surfboard S33 ... ... ... Source: www.pcguide.com - On 19 Oct 2023 Popular Mechanics ranked Arris Surfboard S33 as #2 and Netgear Nighthawk CM2000 as #6
Rank Modem Comment ... ... ... #2 out of 8 Arris Surfboard S33 Best for Esports... ... ... #6 out of 8 Netgear Nighthawk CM2000 Best Premium... ... ... Source: www.popularmechanics.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 10 Oct 2024 homeowner.com ranked Arris Surfboard S33 as #2
Rank Modem Comment ... ... ... #2 out of 8 Arris Surfboard S33 Best Runner-Up... ... ... Source: www.homeowner.com - On 2 Jul 2022 Networks Hardware ranked Netgear Nighthawk CM2000 as #2
Rank Modem Comment ... ... ... #2 out of 9 Netgear Nighthawk CM2000 Best Performer... ... ... Source: networkshardware.com - On 15 Jul 2024 HighSpeedInternet ranked Netgear Nighthawk CM2000 as #3
Rank Modem Comment ... ... ... #3 out of 5 Netgear Nighthawk CM2000 Best for gaming... ... ... Source: www.highspeedinternet.com
After counting and adding up the 59 expert endorsements of the January rankings, Arris Surfboard S33 outranks Netgear Nighthawk CM2000. This is not to say that Netgear Nighthawk CM2000 is a bad option. Like Arris Surfboard S33, it is recommended by experts, but less.
As can be seen below, Arris Surfboard S33 outranks Netgear Nighthawk CM2000 by 1 position. This indicates that, as of 3 Jan 2025, Arris Surfboard S33 is more critically acclaimed than Netgear Nighthawk CM2000.
| 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. | 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 |
| 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 [3]
Total expert reviews: 3
- with a score: 3
- without a score: 0
| Highest score by Networks Hardware | 88 |
| Average score based on 3 reviews | 82 |
| Lowest score by approvedmodems.org | 76 |
Score distribution:
| 80-100 | |
| 60-80 | |
| 40-60 | |
| 20-40 | |
| 0-20 |
82
Netgear CM2000 Nighthawk Review: A Reliable Multi-Gig Cable Modem
The Netgear CM2000 Nighthawk Multi-Gig Cable Modem is a reliable and fast modem that can deliver up to 2.5Gbps broadband speeds, making it a good choice for those looking to future-proof their internet connection. However, for those with a sub-Gigabit connection, the CM600 is still a better buy due to the CM2000's current hefty price tag.
+ pros
- Fast and reliable performance, up to 2.5Gbps of broadband speed: The Netgear CM2000 delivers excellent performance and can handle high-speed plans.
- Supported by multiple cable providers: The modem is compatible with various cable providers, making it a versatile option.
- Relatively compact with clear status light: The modem is compact and has a clear status light, making it easy to monitor.
- Comprehensive web interface: The modem has a convenient web interface that allows users to check on the status of their WAN connection.
- cons
- Expensive: The Netgear CM2000 has a hefty price tag of close to $300, making it a significant investment.
- Single LAN port, no WAN Link Aggregation: The modem only has one LAN port and lacks WAN Link Aggregation, which may limit its functionality for some users.
Show all 3 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.
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From Seller:
- Compatible with major cable internet providers including Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox and more. NOT compatible with Verizon, AT andT, CenturyLink, DSL providers, DirecTV, DISH and any bundled voice service
- Best for cable provider plans up to 2.5Gbps
- Read more