Consumer Score
Experts prefer Netgear CM500 over Motorola SurfBoard SB6121
On 2 Apr 2024 (16 days ago) we went through 60 Modem expert endorsements .
Currently, Netgear CM500 received 4 endorsements from Lifewire (26 Feb 2024), Networks Hardware (2 Jul 2022) Tom's Guide (26 Mar 2024) and 1 other. Meanwhile, Motorola SurfBoard SB6121 did not receive any endorsements this month.
| Rank | Change | Price | Modem | Popular Mechanics  | Wirecutter  | Lifewire  | approvedmodems.org  | HighSpeedInternet  | BestReviews  | Networks Hardware  | Tom's Guide  | PC Guide  | The Strategist  |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | -3 | $50 |  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. | - | - | 6 | - | - | - | 3 | 3 | - | 6 |
| N/A | N/A | Check price |  Motorola SurfBoard SB6121 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Curious to see this month's entire Modems ranking? It's here
Endorsement summary:
- On 26 Feb 2024 Lifewire ranked Netgear CM500 as #6
Rank Modem Comment ... ... ... #6 out of 6 Netgear CM500 Basic OptionSource: www.lifewire.com - On 2 Jul 2022 Networks Hardware ranked Netgear CM500 as #3
Rank Modem Comment ... ... ... #3 out of 9 Netgear CM500 Best Budget-Friendly... ... ... Source: networkshardware.com - On 26 Mar 2024 Tom's Guide ranked Netgear CM500 as #3
Rank Modem Comment ... ... ... #3 out of 5 Netgear CM500 Best value cable modem... ... ... Source: www.tomsguide.com - On 18 Feb 2021 The Strategist ranked Netgear CM500 as #6
Rank Modem Comment ... ... ... #6 out of 9 Netgear CM500 Best cable modem for streaming video on multiple devices... ... ... Source: nymag.com
Where to buy?
Motorola SurfBoard SB6121 
Netgear CM500 
As can be seen below, Netgear CM500 is mentioned by key experts in Apr 2024, while Motorola SurfBoard SB6121 is not.
| Rank | Change | Price | Modem | Popular Mechanics | Wirecutter | Lifewire | approvedmodems.org | HighSpeedInternet | BestReviews | Networks Hardware | Tom's Guide | PC Guide | The Strategist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | +1 | $185 |  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. | 2 | 1 | 4 | 2 | - | - | - | 1 | 4 | - |
| 2 | -1 | $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. | 5 | - | 2
| - | 3 | - | 2 | - | 1 | - |
| 3 | +1 | $129 |  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 | 7 | 2 | 3 | 5 | - | - | 9 |
| 4 | +1 | $167 |  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. | - |
- | - | 5 | - | 4 | - | - | 3 | 1 |
| Show all rows | |||||||||||||
No expert reviews linked yet for Motorola SurfBoard SB6121.
Expert reviews [8]
Total expert reviews: 8
- with a score: 4
- without a score: 4
| Highest score by Approved Modems | 90 |
| Average score based on 8 reviews | 80 |
| Lowest score by approvedmodems.org | 62 |
Score distribution:
| 80-100 | |
| 60-80 | |
| 40-60 | |
| 20-40 | |
| 0-20 |
From Seller:
- Save monthly rental fees: Model CM500 replaces your cable modem, saving you up to $168/yr in equipment rental fees.
- Speeds by carrier: Spectrum (up to 400Mbps), Xfinity (up to 200Mbps), Cox (up to 150Mbps).
- Read more
NETGEAR Cable Modem CM500 Reviews 2020 Must Watch Before You Buy
Review by Top 3 Zone
Play video review
No manufacturer information linked for Motorola SurfBoard SB6121.
Official Urls:
EAN Numbers: 0606449119183, 0606449127898
UPC Numbers: 606449119183, 606449127898
Model Numbers: CM500-100NAR, CM500-1AZNAS
Loading price comparison chart...
Netgear CM500 is a very popular option on the lower end of the price range. It's in the top 3 bestselling modems and has quite a few popular alternatives in the same price range, such as Motorola Surfboard SB5101U or Arris Touchstone DG1670A .
Netgear CM500 is $49.01 cheaper than the average modem ($99).
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8.3
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8.3
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Netgear Nighthawk CM2000 ranks #25 out of 97. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
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8.1
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Arris SURFboard SB8200 ranks #17 out of 97. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
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8.3
Great