An Internet connection in 2024 is more critical than ever since streaming services, gaming, and remote working are now part of our everyday lives. A good cable modem enhances your internet speed, saves on monthly rentals, and offers a reliable internet connection. In this guide, we show you the best cable modems currently available in the market in 2024 and how to make the right choice.
Why Invest in a Cable Modem?
In many cases, the modem is provided by the ISPs on a basis whereby the consumer pays a monthly fee of between $10 and $15 for its use. You therefore can avoid these fees when you buy the best cable modem, and you also get to have control over your internet speed. A good modem brings with it better speeds, steadiness, and viability when used with ISP services.
Our Picks for Best Cable Modems in 2024
Arris SURFboard S33
The Arris SURFboard S33 has been accredited with the overall cable internet modem for high-speed internet. It supports DOCSIS 3.1, making it one technology for users with Gigabit plans, especially on Xfinity. This modem is capable of downloading at a rate of up to 2.5 Gbps, thus guaranteeing that the customers will be able to utilize their broadband subscriptions to the maximum. Scored high in most of its specs and offers future-proof aspects that make it one of the best options for serious gamers and streamers.
Pros:
- Supports DOCSIS 3. 1, thus allowing for up to 2G enabling speed. 5 Gbps.
- Supports working with major internet service providers including Comcast and Spectrum.
- Small form factor with good heatsink.
Cons:
- Typically, these handbags include a slightly higher price tag: $200-$219.
- There is not an in-built telephone port for users of standard phone lines hence it cannot be used as a telephone.
Motorola MB8600
For those who are looking for a stable modem for Gigabit and other ultrafast services, there is the Motorola MB8600. The out-of-the-box settings allow downloads up to 1 Gbps, and it works with Xfinity, Cox, and other ISPs. It is especially good for households that heavily use the internet for streaming, 4K content, and online gaming. It is one of the best modem routers for cable internet.
Pros:
- DOCSIS 3. For its 1 support, the speeds can range up to 1 Gbps.
- Works with most popular ISPs like Cox and Comcast.
- Features proactive network security.
Cons:
- No built-in wireless router.
- The disadvantage of DOCSIS 4.0 is that it costs more than the DOCSIS 3. 0 models.
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Arris SURFboard SB8200
Another good choice is the Arris SB8200, especially for those, who seek a good combination of the cost and the quality. This DOCSIS 3. 1 modem should suffice for the plans that are between 300 Mbps and 1 Gbps. Thus, it has two Gigabit LAN ports to enable users to connect the device through a cable to several devices. This modem tends to be cheaper than the S33, and yet, this modem can also offer a good deal of durability and reliability.
Pros:
- DOCSIS 3. 1 network with speed for physical layer from 1 to 1 Gbps.
- Supports most of the popular cable providers.
- Able to be configured by the use of the SURFboard Central App.
Cons:
- It is even more costly than DOCSIS 3. 0 models.
- Lacks a telephone port.
Netgear CM500
If the customer is on the lookout for an affordable router, then the Netgear CM500 is a good option. Although it is based upon DOCSIS 3.0 technology, the speeds supported are up to 300 Mbps, which enables it to be employed with moderate internet packages. Compared to other cable modems, the DD-WRT supports several users to avoid paying rental fees to ISPs, but the buyer must ensure compatibility with the service provider, as it has recently been excluded from some approved lists. It is a solid choice for a cable internet modem.
Pros:
- It supports up to 680 Mbps and is compatible with most internet plans to 300 Mbps.
- Capable of working with Comcast Spectrum, and many other internet service providers to guarantee broad compatibility.
- Easy to deploy usually taking only ten minutes for configuration to be complete.
Cons:
- No extended performance statistics are available through the web-based Key Performance Indicator system.
- The company offers a quite small warranty for its gear which is only one year while some of the competitors offer a year’s warranty.
Arris SB6183
The Arris SB6183 is another budget modem that works particularly well with Xfinity’s Fast plan. While it has adopted DOCSIS 3. Lack of 0 technology as well, it remains usable for audiences that are not very demanding as to the performance meeting the contemporary industry standards. This modem is particularly suitable for customers who want to reduce their spending while not necessarily having to sacrifice much on speed.
Pros:
- Up to 686 Mbps with its support it can be said that this router is suitable for most plans up to 400 Mbps.
- Able to work with popular ISPs, such as Comcast and Spectrum, hence, broad use.
- It is very simple to set up with a few cables and normally should not take over 10 minutes to do so.
Cons:
- Limited to DOCSIS 3. 0 which may not be amenable to future high-speed plans.
- Limited number of Ethernet ports that can allow connection of several devices to the network.
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Conclusion
Choosing the correct best cable modem can improve the internet services you receive, increase the speed you can get, and help you avoid being overcharged on modem rental fees. For gamers and streamers, as well as people who use the internet a lot, the dedicated Arris SURFboard S33 and Motorola MB8600 models will ensure the highest speed for adding or upgrading a high-speed internet plan. Affordable models such as the Netgear CM500 and Arris SB6183 are perfect for average internet use. When selecting a modem, consider your internet plan, the DOCSIS standard, and the compatibility of the modem with your ISP.