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Nov 01, 2024

Best cable modems in 2024 | Tom's Guide

The best cable modems can help lower your monthly internet bill — here's how When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. The best cable

The best cable modems can help lower your monthly internet bill — here's how

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

The best cable modems give you full control over your home network but they can also save you a ton of money over time. Just like when you upgrade to one of the best Wi-Fi routers, buying your own cable modem means that you won’t have to pay monthly equipment rental fees to your internet service provider.

These monthly rental fees from your ISP may seem small at first but they quickly add up over time. For instance, some companies charge as much as $14 a month to rent their networking equipment. Over a whole year, this adds up to more than $150 which you could have saved if you had used your own cable modem and Wi-Fi router. As the best cable modems cost around $100 and can run for years without any issues, investing in one makes a great deal of financial sense. Our current top pick is the ARRIS SURFboard S33 which is ideal for both gigabit and multi-gig internet but if you're on a tight budget, then the Netgear CM500 is a great choice, especially if you don't have gigabit Internet.

The best cable modems work with all major ISPs but the tricky part is finding one that matches your internet speeds. Fortunately, we can help with that and here are the cable modems we recommend after testing a number of models from popular brands over the years.

Best overall

The ARRIS SURFboard S33 is an excellent choice for gigabit or multi-gig internet plans. It works with Comcast, Spectrum and Cox and comes with a two-year warranty.

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Best budget

The Netgear CM500 is an affordable cable modem for those with 500 Mbps internet plans. It works with Comcast, Spectrum and Cox and has a one-year warranty.

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Best for most

The Motorola MB7420 is a reliable cable modem for those with 500 Mbps internet plans. It works with Comcast, Spectrum and Cox and comes with a two-year warranty.

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Best for gigabit

The Netgear CM600 is a reliable cable modem that is well-suited for those with gigabit internet plans. It works with Comcast, Spectrum and Cox and comes with a one-year warranty.

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Best for multi-gig

The Netgear CM3000 is a premium cable modem that is best-suited for those with multi-gig internet plans. It works with Comcast, Spectrum and Cox and comes with a one-year warranty.Read more below

Best for simplicity

The ARRIS SURFboard SB6183 is a dependable cable modem for those with 500 Mbps internet plans. It works with Comcast, Spectrum and Cox and has a two-year warranty.

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Our expert review:

If you have gigabit or even a multi-gig internet plan, you're going to need a DOCSIS 3.1 compatible modem to take full advantage of the speeds you're paying for. The ARRIS SURFboard S33 is one such modem that's compatible with Comcast, Spectrum Cox and most other major U.S. cable internet providers.

The ARRIS SURFboard S33 is a bit more expensive than the other cable modems in this guide with a list price of $219 though it's usually available for around $200. For the price, you get a future-proof device that's well suited for high-speed internet plans thanks to its gigabit and multi-gig Ethernet ports. In fact, this device can reach a top speed of 2,500 Mbps.

Besides its compact design, we really like that the ARRIS SURFboard S33 has a rounded front and back and plenty of vents for cooling at the top. A single, large status light located right under the SURFboard logo changes depending on the device's connection status. It turns solid blue when its connected and running in DOCSIS 3.1 mode, solid green in DOCSIS 3.0 mode and amber when it's disconnected.

If you're interested in a multi-gig router or mesh Wi-Fi system, then the ARRIS SURFboard S33 is the perfect cable modem.

Our expert review:

The Netgear CM500 remains one of the best cable modems available, and you can usually find it for a $5 to $10 less than the Motorola MB7420 most of the time. Anytime you can find a new CM500 for around $50, that's a good buy.

The Netgear CM500 works with the biggest cable providers and supports speeds of up to 300 Mbps, which should be enough for the vast majority of Internet users out there. (If you've got a high-speed plan, look for a faster modem.)

There's actually very little performance difference among the best cable modems in our testing, so it's seemingly slight distinctions that separate these devices. Opt for Netgear's CM500, and you'll get a modem that's just as capable as the Motorola MB7420 or the Arris SB6183. However, Netgear only offers a one-year warranty, compared with two years for those rival modems.

Netgear's 16 x 4 modem enjoys wide compatibility with internet-service providers, and its design makes setup a breeze. At 7.3 inches, the CM500 is a little taller than the SB6183, and we ound its indicator lights difficult to see, although at night, you may appreciate the lack of a light show.

Our expert review:

The Motorola MB7420 is the best cable modem for most homes. In fact, managing editor at Tom's Guide Philip Michaels has been using the MB7420 for nearly two years without a single complaint. If you can find the MB7420 for $60 or less, it's hard to track down a better value.

Capable of supporting speeds available to a majority of home internet plans, the MB7420 is ideal for internet plans that top out at 300 Mbps. With the MB7420 at home, Phil has enjoyed steady connectivity, and that's with multiple people stuck inside, all trying to hit the internet at once.

The MB7420 isn't as tall as the Netgear CM500, our previous pick for the best cable modem — and still a good choice as you'll see below — though some people may prefer the more compact size of the Arris Surfboard modems. At least, the MB7420 looks stylish, with rounded corners and vented sides. Its gray color should blend in well with other networking equipment.

The blue and green lights on the MB7420 are bright enough to read at a distance without turning a dark room into a laser light show at night. We also found the modem easy to set up with a coaxial connector sticking out of the modem's backside at a comfortable distance from its lone ethernet port.

There's not much separating the Motorola MB7420 from the Netgear CM500 as both performed dependably when we tested each modem. But the edge goes to Motorola because it offers a two-year warranty to Netgear's one-year of coverage. That means better protection for your investment, as the best cable modems tend to last for several years.

Our expert review:

While most homes opt for internet plans that promise speeds of around 100 to 300 Mbps, some people prefer higher-speed service. If your plan promises download speeds that top 300 Mbps, you'll want a cable modem that can take advantage of that greater performance. Netgear's CM600 is the best cable modem for those higher speeds, though you'll pay a little bit more than you would for the CM500.

Netgear's modem doesn't use the Intel Puma 6 chipset that's been blamed for latency issues with some other high-speed modems, such as the Arris Surfboard SB6190. (There's a firmware update that resolves this issue, though ISPs roll out such updates on their own schedule.) Because of that, you can expect reliable performance from the Netgear CM600 without the lags reported by users with Puma-6-powered modems.

The CM600 is a little on the tall side, but it's got a funky futuristic look. Like other Netgear modems, it has a one-year warranty. With supplies limited at the moment, some retailers are charging more than $100 for the CM600. That price is simply too high — $80 or less is a more reasonable asking price.

Our expert review:

The Netgear Nighthawk CM3000 is a premium cable modem capable of delivering multi-gig download speeds and gigabit upload speeds. As such, this cable modem won’t be for everyone. Instead, it’s aimed at early adopters who are already using one of the best Wi-Fi 7 routers and have a much more expensive multi-gig internet plan. The Netgear Nighthawk CM3000 is compatible with all of the major cable internet providers including Xfinity, Spectrum and Cox. However, to truly get the most out of this cable modem, you’re better off going with Xfinity which has 2 Gbps plans available.

The Netgear Nighthawk CM3000 is the most expensive cable modem on this list at $299. This is because it has a max download speed of 2.5 Gbps and a max upload speed of 1 Gbps. Most cable internet providers don’t offer these kinds of speeds yet, so the Netgear Nighthawk CM3000 is more of a future-proof investment compared to other, less expensive cable modems.

We really like its vertical design and how it’s Wi-Fi 7 ready with DOCSIS 3.1 support and a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port. There are also two gigabit Ethernet ports underneath this one which can be used for link aggregation which is when you combine multiple network connections for increased bandwidth. The Netgear Nighthawk CM3000’s design is really sleek as it comes from the company’s premium Nighthawk line. There’s an orange light on the side and LED indicators on the front to let you know the status of your connection at a glance.

If you’ve heavily invested in your home networking gear, the Netgear Nighthawk CM3000 is the perfect cable modem to get the most out of your router or mesh Wi-Fi system and a top-tier internet plan.

Our expert review:

The Arris Surfboard SB6183 was once our pick for the best cable modem thanks to its solid performance that will satisfy most home internet customers who don't pay for high-speed service. Like the CM600, some retailers are charging more for this harder-to-track-down modem, but if you can find the SB6183 for around $60, then it's worth getting.

At 5.2 x 5 x 2.1 inches, the all-white SB6183 can be tucked unobtrusively next to a router, cable box and whatever other hardware you have on hand. The coaxial-cable connector is a little too close to the power connector for my taste, but you're likely to have to deal with that only when setting up the modem.

The SB6183 favors a simple row of vertical indicator lights that are easy enough to spot, though the yellow lighting can be a little hard to see if your modem's in direct sunlight. Still, it's pretty easy to glance at the SB6183 to see if there's any issue with your internet connectivity.

We focus on DOCSIS 3.0 modems, though you'll also find DOCSIS 3.1 modems rolling out that are capable of delivering speeds that top 1Gbps; if you're receiving DOCSIS 3.1 service, look for a device that can take advantage of those faster speeds. If you don't get speeds greater than 1 Gbps with your internet service, you can still go with a DOCSIS 3.0 device like many of the ones we've described in detail above.

We haven't tested that many DOCSIS 3.1 modems yet, but we can point to a few models with strong word of mouth. Netgear's CM1000 is backward-compatible with DOCSIS 3.0 for internet users who want to upgrade early. The modem has been certified by Comcast for use with its internet service. Arris bills the Surfboard SB8200 as a future-facing modem, capable of handling 4K streams and high-performance gaming with its 32 download and eight upload channels. Motorola's MB8600 modem also has 32 download and eight upload channels with Active Queue Management for speeding up page loads and gaming.

DOCSIS 3.1 modems are more expensive than the DOCSIS 3.0 devices, though we've started to see some price drops. Typically priced around $180, you may be able to find a good DOCSIS 3.1 modem for less; as of this writing, DOCSIS 3.1 modem prices are around $140, which is the lowest they've been since we started tracking this category.

As for DOCSIS 3.0 devices, here's what to consider so that you can choose the right modem:

• Compatibility: Confirm with your ISP that the modem you're looking at will work with the service you're paying for. Most DOCSIS 3.0-certified modems should work with DOCSIS-based internet service, especially if you're getting your services from some of the biggest internet providers. Still, it always helps to confirm. Among the top ISPs, Comcast, Cox and Spectrum all offer sites for checking cable compatibility.

• Price and Warranty: You don't necessarily need to get the cheapest modem, but you should consider devices that pay for themselves within a year with what you save in rental fees. A year-long warranty is the bare minimum you should accept; two years of coverage is even better. As for price, make sure to do some comparison shopping before you buy. Retailers often offer deals on modems, so you could find the model you want — or a reasonable alternative — at a lower price than you'd normally expect.

Monthly cable rental fee by internet provider

A 16 x 4 cable modem delivers enough speed to effectively serve the majority of cable customers. That kind of modem typically costs $70 or less, and if you keep an eye out for deals, you might be able to find a top-rated modem for $50 to $60. Modems that support the emerging DOCSIS 3.1 standard start typically cost $180, though sales may let you get these modems for less.

• Design: There's not much to differentiate the features on cable modems, which generally sport the same set of indicator lights. You'll want one with easy-to-spot lights, though if they're too bright, they can really light up a room at night. Also, consider the size of a modem and whether or not you want one that stands up vertically or lays horizontally, since a compact design blends in more easily with your other networking equipment.

• Speed: A 16 x 4 modem (that's 16 download channels and four upload ones) should do the trick for homes receiving service capped at 300 Mbps. Any faster, and you should go with a 24 x 8 or 32 x 8 modem, or a DOCSIS 3.1-compatible model if your ISP has upgraded to the new standard.

• Security: When shopping for a cable modem, check to make sure that the model you're considering isn't vulnerable to the Cable Hunt software flaw found in the Broadcom chipsets that power many popular modems. If your modem is vulnerable, make sure a software patch is available.

Note that the modems we've reviewed just provide internet connectivity. If you also get your phone service bundled with your internet, that requires an eMTA or telephony modem — an entirely different type of device.

These days, makers of home networking gear seem to favor modem-router combinations over standalone cable modems. It may be tempting to buy one of these hybrid networking devices instead of a separate modem and router, as you can take care of two tasks with one device. We'd advise against modem-router combos, though.

First, some background: as our modem-vs.-router comparison explains, the two devices serve very different purposes. A cable modem brings internet connectivity into your home while the best Wi-Fi routers distribute that internet connection wirelessly, so that all your devices — laptops, phones, and smart-home gadgets — can hop on the internet. If you're dissatisfied with the reach of your network, it's a router, not a modem, that you should be in the market for.

So why keep the two networking devices separate? If any part of a hybrid device fails, you're out both a modem and a router. It's also easier to upgrade individual networking devices, as routers add support for new networking features at a more rapid pace. Modems evolve more slowly, as you can see from the number of older models still available.

If you're thinking of upgrading to a multi-gig internet plan, you're going to need the right cable modem to make the most of your new plan. While cable modems with DOCSIS 3.0 top out at 1 Gbps, devices with DOCSIS 3.1 can reach all the way up to 10 Gbps. Although these newer cable modems may be more expensive, they're also future-proof since you won't need to replace your modem when moving from a gigabit plan up to a multi-gig one.

While most of the devices in this guide are compatible with DOCSIS 3.0, we're in the process of testing out cable modems that support this new telecommunications industry standard. At the same time though, DOCSIS 4.0 is currently in development but it will be a few years until cable modems that support it are released.

On average, most cable modems last for around two to three years. However, if you invest a bit more in a high quality one, your cable modem can last for anywhere from five to eight years.

Normally, cable modems get replaced not because they no longer work but because they've become outdated. For instance, let's say you're using a newer Wi-Fi 7 router with a multi-gig internet plan. Your existing cable modem might not be able to give you those faster speeds which is why you'd swap it out for a new one.

Still though, there are certainly other circumstances that could lead to you having to replace your cable modem. In my own case, I had to get a new cable modem after a big thunder storm as the person who ran the line into my house forgot to add a ground connection. When a lightning bolt hit, my cable modem was fried and unresponsive several years before it was due to be replaced.

If you don't remember the last time you replaced your cable modem, fortunately there are a few tell tale signs that you're in need of an upgrade. These include slow speeds, frequent disconnects, its indicator lights not showing and extra noise.

With slow speeds, you can use one of the best speed test apps to run a speed test to see whether or not you're getting the internet speeds you pay for. Keep in mind though that speed tests can fluctuate, so you one run at least three in order to get an average.

As for the other signs, you just want to take a look at your modem from time to time to ensure it's functioning properly. Are all the indicator lights showing? Is it making more noise that it used to? If you encounter any of these issues, it may be time for an upgrade, especially if you switching to a new Wi-Fi router or to one of the best mesh Wi-Fi systems.

We test each cable modem on Comcast's Performance Pro home internet service. After running speed tests to make sure the modems are delivering their promised download speeds, we use the modems as part of regular networking setup to gauge dependability.

We hook up each modem we review in our reviewer's home, using it as part of our networking setup. That allows us to verify a modem's compatibility as well as to get a sense of its dependability. Since price is also an important consideration when modem shopping, we also monitor retail sites for the best deals on the modems we've tested.

In addition to using the modems in a home with multiple connected laptops, smartphones and tablets, we also evaluate the indicator lights on each modem to see that they're visible. We look at how easy the modems are to set up. And because the primary reason to get your own cable modem is to save on monthly rental fees for ISP-supplied modems, we heavily weight the length of a modem's warranty.

For more information on how we test networking devices, check out our guide on how we test Wi-Fi routers along with our more general how we test page for Tom's Guide.

The best cable modems give you full control over your home network but they can also save you a ton of money over time. Just like when you upgrade to one of the best Wi-Fi routers, buying your own cable modem means that you won’t have to pay monthly equipment rental fees to your internet service provider.

These monthly rental fees from your ISP may seem small at first but they quickly add up over time. For instance, some companies charge as much as $14 a month to rent their networking equipment. Over a whole year, this adds up to more than $150 which you could have saved if you had used your own cable modem and Wi-Fi router. As the best cable modems cost around $100 and can run for years without any issues, investing in one makes a great deal of financial sense. Our current top pick is the ARRIS SURFboard S33 which is ideal for both gigabit and multi-gig internet.

The best cable modems work with all major ISPs but the tricky part is finding one that matches your internet speeds. Fortunately, we can help with that and here are the cable modems we recommend after testing a number of models from popular brands over the years.

Here at Tom’s Guide our expert editors are committed to bringing you the best news, reviews and guides to help you stay informed and ahead of the curve!

Anthony Spadafora is the security and networking editor at Tom’s Guide where he covers everything from data breaches and ransomware gangs to password managers and the best way to cover your whole home or business with Wi-Fi. Before joining the team, he wrote for ITProPortal while living in Korea and later for TechRadar Pro after moving back to the US. Based in Houston, Texas, when he’s not writing Anthony can be found tinkering with PCs and game consoles, managing cables and upgrading his smart home.

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