Best Docsis 3.1 Modem for Comcast – With the DOCSIS 4.0 standard that is currently being worked upon, the downstream speeds are still going to be at about 10 Gbps, but the upstream speeds are going to get a major boost, and would reach 6 Gbps.
With that in mind, it is important to understand the history of the DOCSIS standard because it shows you that these standards are all an ever-evolving process and as our needs and internet requirements rise, there will be newer, faster standards which will support an even faster downstream/upstream speed. The technology took a major jump over the past three decades as it went from 10 Mbps to 10 Gbps – a sign of changing needs and changing times.
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1.Motorola MB8600
Pros & Cons
- 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.
- Save Money - Eliminate up to 168 dollars per year in cable modem rental fees (Savings are shown for Comcast Xfinity and vary by cable service provider.) Approved by Comcast Xfinity and Xfinity X1, Cox, and CableOne for all speeds including Comcast Gigabit services and Cox Gigablast. Not compatible with RCN. No cable modem is compatible with fiber optic, DSL, or satellite services, available from Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, Frontier, and others.)
- Flexible Compatibility - Pair with any Wi-Fi router you’d like, including Whole Home Wi-Fi or Mesh routers like eero, Google Wi-Fi, and Orbi. A 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet port allows connection of any SINGLE device with an Ethernet port including a router, Windows or Mac computer, HDTV, or game station. This cable modem does not have a built-in wireless router or telephone call capability.
- Proactive Network Security - A broadcom chipset provides advanced security from denial-of service attacks.
- Active Queue Management (AQM) - AQM significantly reduces Internet latency on both DOCSIS 3.1 and 3.0 services, resulting in faster page loads for all Web traffic and enhanced interactive applications like online gaming and video conferencing. The MB8600 also includes a full-band capture digital tuner to enhance speed and save energy.
Motorola is among the oldest and the most trustworthy names when it comes to network solutions. This is among the best DOCSIS 3.1 cable modems from the company, the Motorola MB8600 supports very high connection speeds – ranging up to 6,000 Mbps at the upper limit. The modem is certified by various ISP networks such as Comcast, Xfinity, and Cox, and supports their Gigabit plans really well. In fact, this is among the best modems for Gigabit connections.
Since this modem has been approved by various ISP networks, you won’t even need a rental modem from them and you could save over $150 which would otherwise have to be paid to your ISP in rental charges. The modem is also highly compatible with practically all WiFi routers which will help you ensure the fast internet reaches all over your home.
2.NETGEAR (CM1150)
Pros & Cons
- Supports internet speed up to 2Gbps. Certified with Xfinity Internet & Voice Plans up to 800Mbps speed. Future speed with Xfinity is subject to change
- Works with any WiFi router. Connect any WiFi router to this modem’s Ethernet port to support all your wireless devices
- Save monthly rental fees. Model CM1150V replaces your cable modem saving you up to $150/yr in equipment rental fees
- Four (4) Gigabit Ethernet ports give you fast wired connections to your computer, separate WiFi router, printer, game box, and other devices
- For use with Xfinity Voice service and up to 2 telephone lines with enhanced call features including caller ID, 3 way conference calling, call forwarding and more
- Modem technology: Engineered with 32x8 channel bonding, OFDM 2x2, and DOCSIS 3.1
- Multi-gig Ethernet: Link aggregation combines two 1G ports into one 2G port for faster wired ethernet speed
One of the most prominent names when it comes to getting modems and routers for your home network, Netgear also makes some of the best DOCSIS 3.1 cable modems, and the CM1150V is a top name from the company. This modem supports speeds up to 2 Gbps and is more than enough for an entire household’s high-speed internet needs.
The modem has been certified to function really well with Comcast Xfinity internet connections, and also replaces the rental cable modem, which would otherwise cost you $168 in yearly rental. Besides that, there is no restriction on the router too, and you can purchase any router to connect with this modem without any restrictions.
3.NETGEAR CM1200
Pros & Cons
- Compatible with all major cable internet providers with internet speed up to 2Gbps. Currently certified with Spectrum and Cox (up to 1Gbps) and Xfinity (up to 800Mbps). Future speeds with these service providers may change over time. Not compatible with Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, DSL providers, DirecTV, DISH and any bundled voice service
- Works with any WiFi router: Connect any WiFi router to this modem’s Ethernet port to support all your wireless devices
- Save monthly rental fees: Model CM1200 replaces your cable modem saving you up to 168 dollars/yr in equipment rental fees
- Four (4) Gigabit Ethernet ports give you fast wired connections to your computer, separate WiFi router, printer, game box, and other devices
- Modem technology: Engineered with 32x8 channel bonding, OFDM 2x2, and DOCSIS 3.1
- Multi-gig ethernet: Link aggregation combines two 1G ports into one 2G port for faster wired ethernet speed.
If you are looking for a value-for-money sort of a deal, this modem from Netgear (once again) is something that you should totally get your hands on. Priced under $200, you aren’t really getting it for ‘cheap’, but this is something that is totally worth every penny that you will be paying for it. This DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem from Netgear has impressed millions of users all over the world and is one of our favorites too.
It supports the usual list of ISPs, Xfinity by Comcast, COX, and Spectrum. These three companies have officially approved of it and you will not need to buy their rental modem if you own this one. Straight up, you save $168 in rental costs if you own this. This is an ideal modem for those people who require high-speed internet connections, but more so for those who need stability.
4.ARRIS SURFboard SB8200
Pros & Cons
- A Trusted Name in Home Connectivity: Better connectivity, better speed. The ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem is designed to bring you superior connectivity, increase your network capability and provide faster streaming and downloading throughout your home. From a trusted brand with over 260 million modems sold and growing.
- Save Money: Own your modem and save. Reduce your cable bill up to $168 dollars per year in cable modem rental fees (Savings vary by cable service provider). Certified for use with most U.S. cable internet service providers. For a complete list see additional details below.
- Modem Technology: DOCSIS 3.1 is the newest technology available from cable internet providers. Its 10x faster than DOCSIS 3.0, provides better security, reduces lag while gaming & enables multi-gig networking (ability to run fast speeds on your copper cable from your internet provider).
- Simple and Secure Set-up: Plug-in the device, download the SURFboard Central App, and follow the instructions to activate the modem. Connect to a Wi-Fi router for networking.
- Compatibility: The SURFboard SB8200 is compatible with major U.S. cable internet providers including Cox (Gigablast), Spectrum (Internet Gig), Xfinity (Blast!/Extreme Pro) and others. It's approved for cable internet speed plans up to 1-Gbps. Check your Internet Service Provider (ISP) website to confirm compatibility.
- What's in the Box: When you purchase you will get an ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 Cable Modem, Power Supply, Quick-Start guide, and 2-year warranty card.
- Ethernet Ports: Has two 1-Gigabit ethernet ports to connect to a Wi-Fi router or other wired device.
- Dedicated Customer Support: Live Chat and Phone Support available 8am -1am EST. Product ships with 2-Year Limited Warranty.
After a flurry of Netgear routers, here comes one from ARRIS. One of the first things that really stands out about this modem that makes it a top choice is the fact that it supports a very long list of Internet Service Providers. This is one of the best DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem out there, and supports high speeds of up to 2 Gbps.
This modem from Arris is, technically speaking, one of the most robust devices out there and one which will last you for a very long time. It has been designed using the 32 x 8 channel bonding technology, which ensures that the data is prioritized based on your needs and the network traffic is organized better to ensure tasks with a higher priority get better internet access. Besides that, the modem supports 2 downstream x 2 upstream OFDM DOCSIS 3 1 channels.
5.NETGEAR Orbi
Pros & Cons
- Integrated cable modem and WiFi 6 router provides high-performance WiFi coverage for up to 2,500 sq. ft. and 40+ devices. Expand coverage by 2,500 sq. ft. with each optional Orbi Mesh WiFi 6 satellite (sold separately)
- DOCSIS 3.1 modem supports Internet plans up to 4Gbps and is compatible with most cable service providers. Currently certified with Spectrum and Cox (up to 1Gbps) and Xfinity (up to 800Mbps). Future speeds with these service providers are subject to change over time
- Fast AX4200 Gigabit speed with WiFi 6 technology for uninterrupted streaming, HD video gaming, and web conferencing
- Save up to $168/yr in equipment rental fees
- Sets up in minutes with the Orbi App; easily manage WiFi settings, test internet speed, and monitor data usage
- NETGEAR Armor protects your family's WiFi with an automatic shield of security across all your connected devices with a 30-day free trial
- NETGEAR Smart Parental Controls promotes healthy Internet habits, fosters responsibility and builds trust with your kids (30-day free trial included)
- Plug in computers, game consoles, streaming players and other nearby wired devices with 4 Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports
- Quad-Core 1.4GHz CPU, OFDMA, MU-MIMO, 1024-QAM, Smart Connect for one WiFi name and Beamforming technologies. Supports WPA2 wireless security protocols. Includes Guest WiFi access, DoS, Firewall, VPN and more
- Backed by a 1-year limited hardware warranty
Perhaps the best option out there for anyone who needs a very fast and very stable wireless connection, and doesn’t want a separate router from a modem. This is a wireless router that comes in with a built-in DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem, which is an incredible option for people who wish to use it in a large home. The router supports a large number of ISPs, but comcast is not one of them, which is one drawback that you need to know up-front about.
This WiFi system from Netgear (not the last time you’re seeing this name on our list) comes with 8 simultaneous WiFi streams, which makes it very easy for you to manage multiple connections at the same time. At a coverage of 2500 sq. ft., this wireless router is just the perfect option for anyone who has a large home, or needs a multi-floor connectivity. Moreover, you can wirelessly connect over 40 devices to this router at the same time. You can even expand your wireless coverage by buying satellites which will help you beam the internet into an even larger area.
6.ARRIS SURFboard T25
Pros & Cons
- A Trusted Name in Home Connectivity: Better connectivity, better speed. The ARRIS SURFboard T25 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem is designed to bring you superior connectivity, increase your network capability and provide faster streaming and downloading throughout your home. From a strusted brand with over 260 million modems sold and growing.
- Save Money: Own your modem and save. Reduce your cable bill up to $168 dollars per year in cable modem rental fees. For use with Xfinity Internet & Voice Service.
- Modem Technology: DOCSIS 3.1 is the newest technology available from cable internet providers. Its 10x faster than DOCSIS 3.0, provides better security, reduces lag while gaming & enables multi-gig networking (ability to run fast speeds on your copper cable from your internet provider).
- Simple and Secure Set-up: Plug-in the device, download the SURFboard Central App, and follow the instructions to activate the modem. Connect to a Wi-Fi router for networking.
- Compatibility: The SURFboard T25 is compatible with Xfinity Internet & Voice service and is approved for cable internet speed plans up to 800 Mbps.
- What's in the Box: When you purchase you will get an ARRIS SURFboard T25 Cable Modem, Power Supply, Quick-Start guide, and 2-year warranty card.
- Ethernet & Telephony Ports: Has two 1-Gigabit ethernet ports to connect to a Wi-Fi router or other wired device plus two telephony ports for digital voice service.
- Dedicated Customer Support: Live Chat and Phone Support available 8am -1am EST. Product ships with 2-Year Limited Warranty.
Arris makes some of the best DOCSIS 3.0 and DOCSIS 3.1 cable modems out there, and this is another example of the fine work that they’ve been putting in. However, unlike the other Arris modems that you have seen in our list which are rather chonky looking and box-like, this one has a somewhat better look to it, thanks to some much-needed design changes. This is a pure cable modem and does not include a built-in wireless router.
On the back of this modem, there are four ports – two x 1-gig Ethernet ports, as well as 2 phone lines. There’s also a port for the coax cable to enter the modem. The modem can support internet speeds up to 2Gbps on the Xfinity network, which is another major plus point – giving you an access to the maximum possible speed that you can get on cable internet at the moment.
7.ARRIS Surfboard SB6183-RB
Pros & Cons
- APPROVED with Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum (Charter, Time Warner, Brighthouse), Cox and more. If not sure call your cable provider to find out if approved to use. REQUIRES Cable Internet Service. Not compatible with: Verizon, AT&T, or CenturyLink
- Cable Modem only (no WiFi router). NO support for Cable TELCO options
- Internet speeds up to 686 Mbps on 16 Download Channels and 131 Mbps on 4 Upload Channels, based on your cable ISP subscription. Approved for plans up to 400Mbps. Gigabit Ethernet port to connect to computer or router
- Great for streaming HD Video and gaming on multiple devices at a time
- 90 Day Warranty. ARRIS Certified Refurbished. US Technical support. ARRIS Certified Refurbished products will ALWAYS be branded ARRIS, Never Motorola! If you get Motorola branded product they are illegitimate, need to be returned to Seller and Reported to Amazon
While the ARRIS SB6183 runs on DOCSIS 3.0 tech—older than the DOCSIS 3.1 of the two previous devices—it’s still a zippy little modem. If you have an Xfinity Blast! or Blast! Pro Plus plan, go for this device to get the speeds you need without forking out a ton of dough.
WRAP UP
Best Docsis 3.1 Modem for Comcast – With DOCSIS 3.0 in 2006, another major shift in speeds came up as they shot up from 40 Mbps in DOCSIS 2.0 to 1 Gbps in 3.0. DOCSIS 3.0 continues to be a popular type of modem that is still in use today, but is fading out of the markets ever since DOCSIS 3.1 was introduced in 2013. It was a 10x improvement, as it supported download speeds of over 10Mbps and upload speeds between 1-2 Gbps.
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