Experts recommend Motorola MB8600 more than Netgear Nighthawk CM1200
As of 3 Jan 2025, experts prefer Motorola MB8600 over Netgear Nighthawk CM1200, but both Modems have solid expert endorsements.
As per this month's meta ranking, Motorola MB8600 received 2 recommendations: from Networks Hardware (2 Jul 2022) and HighSpeedInternet (15 Jul 2024). By contrast, Netgear Nighthawk CM1200 received only 1 recommendation from HighSpeedInternet (15 Jul 2024).
| Rank | Change | Price | Modem | PC Guide  | Lifewire  | Wirecutter  | Tom's Guide  | Networks Hardware  | BestReviews  | HighSpeedInternet  | homeowner.com  | Popular Mechanics  | The Strategist  |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | - | $250 |  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 | - | - | - |
| 19 | N/A | Check price |  Netgear Nighthawk CM1200 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 4 | - | - | - |
Curious to see this month's entire Modems ranking? It's here
Endorsement summary:
- On 15 Jul 2024 HighSpeedInternet ranked Motorola MB8600 as #1 and Netgear Nighthawk CM1200 as #4
Rank Modem Comment #1 out of 5 Motorola MB8600 Best overall... ... ... #4 out of 5 Netgear Nighthawk CM1200 Best for business... ... ... Source: www.highspeedinternet.com - On 2 Jul 2022 Networks Hardware ranked Motorola MB8600 as #1
Rank Modem Comment #1 out of 9 Motorola MB8600 Best Overall... ... ... Source: networkshardware.com
After counting and adding up the 59 expert endorsements of the January rankings, Motorola MB8600 outranks Netgear Nighthawk CM1200. This is not to say that Netgear Nighthawk CM1200 is a bad option. Like Motorola MB8600, it is recommended by experts, but less.
As can be seen below, Motorola MB8600 is mentioned by key experts in Jan 2025, while Netgear Nighthawk CM1200 is not.
| 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 | - | $220 |  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 | - | $168 |  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 [9]
Total expert reviews: 9
- with a score: 4
- without a score: 5
| Highest score by Don't Waste Your Money | 88 |
| Average score based on 9 reviews | 84 |
| Lowest score by approvedmodems.org | 76 |
Score distribution:
| 80-100 | |
| 60-80 | |
| 40-60 | |
| 20-40 | |
| 0-20 |
85
The Motorola MB8600 is a high-performance cable modem that offers the best and fastest internet speed available from your service provider. It is future-proofed for higher-than-Gigabit speeds and is worth the investment even before Gigabit+ speeds become available.
+ pros
- Up to 32 SCQAM or two OFDM bonded channels for the best and fastest internet speed available from your service provider.
- Four Gigabit Ethernet ports and Active Queue Management to keep latency low.
- New design with a robust elliptic-cylindrical plastic case and soft rounded corners.
- Compatible with Comcast XFinity, Cox, and Grande Communications, and will be added to the list of approved modems for W.O.W. and Charter soon.
- Future-proofed for higher-than-Gigabit speeds and can handle a Gigabit data plan without problems.
- cons
- Requires a separate switch or wireless router to connect clients.
- High price tag of newer DOCSIS 3.1 modems should be considered before purchasing.
Show all 9 reviews
Expert reviews [6]
Total expert reviews: 6
- with a score: 0
- without a score: 6
the Netgear CM1200 is designed to offer on-screen setup and activation. You simply connect the cable modem to your existing coax cable and complete the process by utilizing the user’s manual.
Show all 6 reviews
From Seller:
- Top Internet Speeds for all Multi-gigabit Speed Tiers - Wirecutter recommends this model as the best cable modem for people using Gigabit Internet plans. Built-in DOCSIS 3.1 and DOCSIS 3.0 32x8 capabilities give top Internet speeds for all cable Internet services.
- Read more
From Seller:
- Compatible with all major cable internet providers: Including certification by Xfinity by Comcast, COX, and Spectrum. NOT compatible with Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, DSL providers, DirecTV, DISH and any bundled voice service.
- Read more
Motorola Ultra Fast DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem Review | Model MB8600
Review by Jay Rule
Popular! 31K views!
Play video review
Review - MOTOROLA MB8600 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem 6 Gbps - Would I Recommend?
Review by Ryan Recommends
Play video review
1-17-20 - Unboxing Motorola MB8600 DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem
Review by ReimondX the prophet
Play video review
Netgear Nighthawk CM1200 Open Box and Set up
Review by SpecsBattle
Popular! 22K views!
Play video review
