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BEST CABLE MODEMS OF 2026

Updated
Updated
BEST OF THE BEST
ARRIS SURFboard SB8200
ARRIS
SURFboard SB8200
High Speed Performer
Top-tier cable modem designed for users who demand high-speed internet. It's perfect for 4K streaming, online gaming, and heavy internet usage.
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Pros & Cons
PROS
  • Extremely fast download speeds
  • Future-proof with DOCSIS 3.1
  • Supports multiple devices
CONS
  • Higher price point
  • Setup can be complex for beginners
BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK
NETGEAR CM500
NETGEAR
CM500
Budget-Friendly Choice
Is an affordable and reliable cable modem, perfect for moderate internet users who need a boost in speed without breaking the bank.
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Pros & Cons
PROS
  • Affordable price
  • Good performance for the price
  • Easy to set up
CONS
  • Not future-proof (DOCSIS 3.0)
  • Limited to one Ethernet port
Motorola MB8600
Motorola
MB8600
Gaming Powerhouse
Powerful cable modem designed for gamers and heavy internet users, offering ultra-fast speeds and advanced features.
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Pros & Cons
PROS
  • Excellent performance for gaming
  • Future-proof with DOCSIS 3.1
  • Multiple Ethernet ports
CONS
  • Higher price
  • May be overkill for casual users
NETGEAR Nighthawk CM1200
NETGEAR
Nighthawk CM1200
Compact and Efficient
Compact yet powerful cable modem that delivers impressive speeds and performance in a smaller form factor.
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Pros & Cons
PROS
  • High-speed performance
  • Compact and stylish design
  • Multiple Ethernet ports
CONS
  • Premium price
  • Setup requires the app
ASUS CM-32
ASUS
CM-32
Top Tier Speed
Top-tier cable modem with a built-in wireless router, combining high-speed internet with robust Wi-Fi capabilities.
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Pros & Cons
PROS
  • High-speed internet and Wi-Fi
  • All-in-one device
  • Strong wireless coverage
CONS
  • DOCSIS 3.0 not future-proof
  • Larger size compared to modems
BEST OF THE BEST
ARRIS SURFboard SB8200
High Speed Performer
Max Download Speed: 10 Gbps
Ethernet Ports: 2 x 1 Gigabit
ISP Compatibility: Comcast Xfinity, Cox, Charter Spectrum

The ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 is designed to deliver ultra-fast internet speeds, making it an ideal choice for households with multiple devices and high bandwidth needs. It supports DOCSIS 3.1, the latest technology in cable internet, providing up to 10 Gbps download speeds.

This modem features two Gigabit Ethernet ports, allowing you to connect multiple devices directly for maximum performance. It is compatible with major U.S. cable internet providers, including Comcast Xfinity, Cox, and Charter Spectrum.

The SB8200 is built for reliability and speed, ensuring you get the most out of your internet service.

PROS
  • Extremely fast download speeds
  • Future-proof with DOCSIS 3.1
  • Supports multiple devices
CONS
  • Higher price point
  • Setup can be complex for beginners
BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK
NETGEAR CM500
Budget-Friendly Choice
Max Download Speed: 300 Mbps
Ethernet Ports: 1 x 1 Gigabit
ISP Compatibility: Comcast Xfinity, Cox, Charter Spectrum

The NETGEAR CM500 offers a great balance of performance and affordability, making it a popular choice for everyday internet users. It supports DOCSIS 3.0, providing download speeds up to 300 Mbps, which is sufficient for HD streaming, online gaming, and general web browsing.

The CM500 features a single Gigabit Ethernet port, offering a stable and fast connection to your router or computer. It's compatible with major U.S. cable internet providers and easy to set up, making it ideal for those looking to replace their ISP-rented modem.

PROS
  • Affordable price
  • Good performance for the price
  • Easy to set up
CONS
  • Not future-proof (DOCSIS 3.0)
  • Limited to one Ethernet port
Motorola MB8600
Gaming Powerhouse
Max Download Speed: 1 Gbps
Ethernet Ports: 4 x 1 Gigabit
ISP Compatibility: Comcast Xfinity, Cox, Charter Spectrum

The Motorola MB8600 is engineered for those who need the absolute best performance from their internet connection. Supporting DOCSIS 3.1, this modem can handle download speeds up to 1 Gbps, making it perfect for 4K streaming, online gaming, and other high-bandwidth activities.

It features Active Queue Management (AQM) to reduce latency, ensuring a smoother online gaming experience. The MB8600 is equipped with four Gigabit Ethernet ports, providing ample connectivity options.

It's compatible with major U.S. cable internet providers, ensuring broad compatibility and top performance.

PROS
  • Excellent performance for gaming
  • Future-proof with DOCSIS 3.1
  • Multiple Ethernet ports
CONS
  • Higher price
  • May be overkill for casual users
NETGEAR Nighthawk CM1200
Compact and Efficient
Max Download Speed: 2 Gbps
Ethernet Ports: 4 x 1 Gigabit
ISP Compatibility: Comcast Xfinity, Cox, Charter Spectrum

The NETGEAR Nighthawk CM1200 is a sleek and compact modem designed for those who need high-speed internet without the bulk. Supporting DOCSIS 3.1, it offers download speeds up to 2 Gbps, making it an excellent choice for 4K streaming, online gaming, and demanding internet use.

The CM1200 features four Gigabit Ethernet ports, providing flexible connectivity options for your home network. It's compatible with major U.S. cable internet providers and easy to set up with the Nighthawk app.

The modern design and powerful performance make it a great addition to any home.

PROS
  • High-speed performance
  • Compact and stylish design
  • Multiple Ethernet ports
CONS
  • Premium price
  • Setup requires the app
ASUS CM-32
Top Tier Speed
Max Download Speed: 1.3 Gbps
Ethernet Ports: 4 x 1 Gigabit
ISP Compatibility: Comcast Xfinity, Cox, Charter Spectrum

The ASUS CM-32 combines the functionality of a high-speed cable modem and a powerful wireless router in one device. Supporting DOCSIS 3.0, it delivers download speeds up to 1.3 Gbps, suitable for streaming, gaming, and heavy internet usage.

The built-in dual-band Wi-Fi router provides strong and reliable wireless coverage throughout your home. It features four Gigabit Ethernet ports, ensuring fast wired connections for multiple devices. The CM-32 is compatible with major U.

S. cable internet providers, making it a convenient and efficient all-in-one solution for your home network.

PROS
  • High-speed internet and Wi-Fi
  • All-in-one device
  • Strong wireless coverage
CONS
  • DOCSIS 3.0 not future-proof
  • Larger size compared to modems

How our picks compare

SpecificationARRIS SURFboard SB8200NETGEAR CM500Motorola MB8600NETGEAR Nighthawk CM1200ASUS CM-32
Max Download Speed10 Gbps300 Mbps1 Gbps2 Gbps1.3 Gbps
Ethernet Ports2 x 1 Gigabit1 x 1 Gigabit4 x 1 Gigabit4 x 1 Gigabit4 x 1 Gigabit
ISP CompatibilityComcast Xfinity, Cox, Charter SpectrumComcast Xfinity, Cox, Charter SpectrumComcast Xfinity, Cox, Charter SpectrumComcast Xfinity, Cox, Charter SpectrumComcast Xfinity, Cox, Charter Spectrum