Can we imagine our lives without an internet connection? Surely, we can’t. Everything we do, from ordering food to doing business and watching movies, requires an internet connection. And this is where the best cable modems are.
A modem is a very simple device that is required to connect to the internet. It is used to modulate and demodulate network signals from a cable. Without it, you will not have access to the internet. This is why choosing the best cable modem as per your needs is crucial, as a low-performance modem can cause a lot of latency issues, which will affect your connectivity.
You can find several cable modem options on Amazon, eBay, Walmart, Target, and other online marketplaces and retail stores. They are not that expensive, but buying the best cable modem as per your needs surely requires a lot of research.
To save you from that, we bring you the five best cable modems that are fast, reliable, and offer a variety of features to suit your needs.
Whether you are looking for a basic modem to connect your home computer to the internet or something with more bells and whistles – you can easily find what you are looking for by going through our list.
So let’s get started!
Top Five Best Cable Modems of 2023
1. NETGEAR Nighthawk CM-1200
The first in our list of the best five cable modems is NETGEAR Nighthawk CM-1200.
Nighthawk multi-gig speed cable modem by NETGEAR can support link aggregation and gives you true multi-gig speed.
It speeds up your internet connection fast and offers smooth gaming, browsing, and streaming experience.
DOCSIS 3.1 cable modems are fully compatible with all of the internet service providers. It is also ideal for future upgrades as well whether your provider is Xfinity by Comcast, Spectrum, Cox, or any other.
The modem supports cable internet plans with speeds of up to 2 gigabits per second. This will ensure an extremely fast and reliable internet connection to allow HD streaming and much more. All you have to do is connect the modem to the router that meets your needs for wireless and begin streaming.
You can connect your Wi-Fi router to the modem’s Ethernet port to connect all of your wireless devices.
Model CM 1200 replaces cable modem saving up to 168 dollars per year in equipment rental charges.
2. Motorola MB 7621
Motorola MB 7621 is second on our list of the best cable modems. If you’re currently using a package that offers a speed of 600 Mbps, then this modem is recommended.
This model has been rated as the most suitable by Wirecutter. If you have this in your machine, then you can expect good speed and reliability.
The modem’s giga-bit Ethernet port can be connected to an internet router or computer, HDTV, gaming console, or streaming video devices.
You can choose to use this modem on your home network device or a mesh network such as Aero Google Wi-Fi and Orbi. It requires cable internet service.
This modem model will deliver excellent speed if you have a connection from one of the following plans and/or internet service providers:
- Comcast Xfinity
- Time Warner Cable
- Cable One
- Cox
- Xfinity X1
- RCN
- Bright House
- Charter Spectrum
It is always advisable to check with your internet service provider about the cable modem models they support before investing in one.
It’s better to buy this one rather than to rent it. This way, you can save up to $156 every year.
It’s very easy to set up – all you have to do is follow the quick start setup guide.
The sleek, compact design reduces the amount of space on the shelves while increasing the product’s life.
3. ARRIS SBG10
The third in our list of the best cable modems is ARRIS SBG10. It fuses DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem with the 802.11 AC Wi-Fi router and offers two 1 gigabit Ethernet ports.
ARRIS SBG10 comes with 4 upstream and 16 downstream channels as well as AC 1600 Wi-Fi. This makes it an ideal choice for homes with fewer gadgets to handle.
The all-in-one model and Wi-Fi router bundle mean you no longer have to worry about managing multiple devices. You can sit back, relax and enjoy cable internet speed plans up to 400 Mbps. Moreover, you don’t have to worry about paying rentals for the best cable modems every month.
The design of ARRIS SBG10 is compact, and it can easily fit in any office/home space.
The ARRIS SBG-10 works with major US cable internet providers such as Cox, Xfinity, Spectrum, and others.
The third modem in our list is also very easy to set up – you just need to make a few connections, visit the activation page on your ISP’s website, and you will have an ultra-fast home network up and running.
4. Motorola MG-8702
The fourth best cable modem, as per our research, is Motorola MG-8702. It combines smart power boost and beamforming technology to offer you strong Wi-Fi signals and a stable connection. Its coverage area is also very vast, so if you live in a big house, it is an ideal choice for you.
This modem gives you freedom from monthly rentals and can allow you to save over $168 per annum on your internet bill. The actual savings, however, may vary depending on your internet service provider.
The AC 3200 built-in wireless router allows this two-in-one device to unlock the full potential of your network. The installation process is also very easy, and you can do it yourself.
Its multi-processor technology provides lower latency, and its Broadcom digital tuner full band conserves energy, thereby speeding the response time for games with interactive features.
Motorola MG-8702’s 4×4 giga-bit Ethernet port for LAN enables you to connect multiple devices simultaneously, like Smart TVs, computers, game stations, and other devices.
5. Motorola MB-7420
Sixten times more efficient than DOCSIS 2.0, Motorola MB-7420 is fifth on our list. Offering speed up to 684 Mbps, this 16×4 cable modem with full band capture digital tuner provides faster and more secure internet.
The cable modem’s Ethernet port can be connected to HDTV, computer, game station, and wireless router for a seamless experience – provided that you have a good internet connection.
This modem is certified by top internet service providers in the USA, and it offers up to 300 Mbps. And it surely is a good way to save up on monthly rentals for modems.
The set-up process is quick and simple, with just a few steps laid out in the quick start guide.
Setup and Activation
Now that you know about the best cable modems in 2023, it’s time to learn about the setup and activation process. You’ll need to set up your device and activate it regardless of the brand you use. Every internet service provider has a different process for this; either you’ll need to call the company or visit their page to activate your modem.
Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, Optimum, and Sparklight provide their instructions on their sites, but for WOW, you’ll need to call their customer service to activate your modem to their service.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is DOCSIS 3.1 and gigabit internet?
DOCSIS is a protocol that allows internet traffic and data to be transferred over cable lines. And over the last two decades, DOCSIS technology has evolved. From the initial version 1.0, which used to offer a top speed of 42 megabits per second, to DOCSIS 3.0, which offered over 100 megabits per second – the technology has advanced significantly to offer better connectivity. The latest version DOCSIS 3.1, can deliver multi-gigabit speed for super fast downloads, uninterrupted online gaming, and multiple 4k video streams.
What is the current modem standard now on the market? What is the latest DOCSIS modem?
The answer to both questions is the same: DOCSIS 3.1
It is the fastest and the latest standard in the current market of modems. DOCSIS 3.1 is capable of providing 10 gigabits per second (Gbps) download speed and 1 Gbps upload speed.
Who has the fastest and best cable modems?
NETGEAR should be your pick If you are searching for the best cable modem with a fast-speed Wi-Fi router. It provides you with over 400 Mbps internet speed. One more reason you should go for NETGEAR is that its price is comparatively low.
Final Thoughts:
We have done extensive research, evaluated different cable modem models, and tested them personally to give you the list of the 5 best cable modems in 2023. If you think there’s a new contender in the market or we have missed any modem in our list, feel free to write to us. We will gladly update our list.