Best Gigabit Modem – Networking is vital to the modern home and your source of connection shouldn’t be hampered by poor buying choices. The best routers for multiple devices and the best modem/router combos are vastly different things to take into consideration.
But what if you’re someone who’s always moving between rooms or even struggling to get a connection in the bedroom? Well, we’ve got a handy buyer’s guide on some great extenders and mesh Wi-Fi nodes for the home. If you’re in America, I feel sorry for you and your weird ISP rules about modems and gateways, but for those on AT&T, here’s how to use your own router with their gateway!
ROUND UP
1.Motorola MB8600
Features
- 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.
As for the four Gigabit Ethernet ports, well, to be honest, they’re not really necessary for most users. You can’t use them to connect multiple client devices, for example—you’ll still need a router for that.
But what you can do is pretty cool. The ports are specifically designed for users to set up a link aggregation group—or LAG—in which you use multiple Ethernet connections between a modem and router to boost an internet signal past 1 Gbps speeds.
The ports can also be used to support multiple IP addresses on one network, which comes in handy if you have a home office where you’re hosting a website or running an FTP server.
2.ARRIS SURFboard SB8200
Features
- DOCSIS 3 1 Cable Modem best for cable internet speed plans up to 2 Gbps. Note, a 2nd IP address is required from your cable internet provider to reach 2 Gbps.
- 32 downstream x 8 upstream DOCSIS 3 0 bonded channels, 2 downstream x 2 upstream OFDM DOCSIS 3 1 channels
- Two 1-Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Not compatible with ATT, Verizon, CenturyLink or other DSL or Fiber internet providers
- Cable internet service required; Does not inlcude Wi-Fi and does not support cable digital voice service
ARRIS was the subject of a class-action lawsuit in 2017 over complaints about the bug-laden Puma 6 chipset in its modems.
Judging from online forums and reviews, people are still shaking their heads over the Puma 6 debacle, which also affected other modem makers and compelled ARRIS to install Broadcom’s superior BCM3390 silicon components into the SB8200.
3.NETGEAR
Features
- COMPATIBLE WITH MAJOR CABLE INTERNET PROVIDERS: Including Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, and more. NOT compatible with Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, DSL providers, DirecTV, DISH and any bundled voice service
- BUILT FOR ULTIMATE SPEED: Best for cable provider plans up to 6Gbps
- FAST WIFI 6 PERFORMANCE: Up to 3,000 sq. ft. wireless coverage with dual-band WiFi 6 (AX6000) speed (up to 6Gbps)
- VERSATILE CONNECTIONS: One 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port, 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports and one USB 3.0 port give fast wired connections to your computer, printer, game box, storage drive, and other devices
- MODEM TECHNOLOGY: DOCSIS 3.1 and 32x8 channel bonding
Just as the awe-inspiring name suggests, the Nighthawk C7800 is a formidable beast built for serious gamers and ’net users. This gigabit modem router combo comes out of NETGEAR’s famed Nighthawk hardware series, acclaimed for delivering not just fast gaming speeds but also firewall protection against hackers.
The C78800 delivers dual-band Wi-Fi and works for both DOCSIS 3.1 and DOCSIS 3.0. The four trusty gigabit Ethernet ports will let you set up link aggregation to push past 1,000 Mbps speeds, so long as your cable company has the capacity for higher-speed gigabit plans.
4.ARRIS Surfboard S33
Features
- MULTI-GIG NETWORKING: The SURFboard S33 features a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port plus an additional 1 Gbps Ethernet port for a 2nd network
- Cable internet service required. Does NOT include Wi-Fi and does not support cable digital voice service.
- DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem approved for cable internet speed plans up to 1.2 Gbps
- 32 downstream x 8 upstream DOCSIS 3.0 bonded channels, 2 downstream x 2 upstream OFDM DOCSIS 3 1 channels
- Connects to any existing Wi-Fi router for blazing-fast internet.
- Compatible with major U.S. Cable Internet Providers including Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity & others.ice.
- Stop renting your modem and save on monthly modem rental fees!
- Sleek new, modern design fits nicely into home or office
- Not compatible with ATT, Verizon, CenturyLink or other DSL or Fiber internet providers
It’s a design that fits as well, since this is Arris’ first DOCSIS 3.1 unit that’s designed to handle single-wire multi-gigabit speeds—and it looks good while it’s doing it.
In fact, the Surfboard S33 not only features a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port that you can hook up to the matching port on a compatible Wi-Fi 6 router, but there’s also a standard Gigabit Ethernet port to go along with it. Don’t be fooled, however—even though Arris claims download speeds of up to 3.5Gbps, you can’t actually aggregate these ports. This number represents the combined speeds that are possible with two separate routers—one plugged into each port—creating two completely separate networks.
5.NETGEAR Orbi
Features
- Integrated cable modem and WiFi 6 satellite system provides high-performance WiFi coverage for up to 5,000 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), 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
With two upstream and two downstream OFDM channels, you can achieve download speeds of up to 2.5Gbps and upload speeds reaching 800Mbps.
Don’t worry if your ISP doesn’t support DOCSIS 3.1 yet, though, as the CM2000 is fully backward compatible with the more common DOCSIS 3.0 technology, featuring 32×8 channel support so it can handle the fastest sub-gigabit plans too. Around the back you’ll find a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port so you can connect a compatible router like Netgear’s RAX120 or Orbi AX6000 and get the maximum possible speeds for your home network with only a single Cat 6 Ethernet cable.
6.MOTOROLA 16×4
Features
- This 16x4 DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem provides speeds up to 686 Mbps, sixteen times faster than DOCSIS 2.0. A Full-Band Capture digital tuner ensures a faster, more reliable Internet.
- Cable modem's Ethernet port connects to a computer, HDTV, game station, or wireless router. (This Model MB7420 cable modem does NOT have a built-in wireless router and does not have a telephone adapter or phone jack. The Motorola MG7310, MG7315, MG7540 and MG7550 have a built-in wireless router.)
- Requires cable Internet service. Certified by Comcast XFINITY for residential speeds up to Extreme 300, by Comcast Business for speeds up to Deluxe 250, Time Warner Cable, Cox, Charter Spectrum, BrightHouse, and other leading cable service providers for modem ownership programs that typically save rental charges of 120 dollar or more per year
- Setup is fast and easy with a few quick steps set out in a Quick Start guide. Experienced USA-based customer support specialists are there to help if you need them.
Motorola’s MB7621 is an affordable cable modem that can pay for itself in only a few months with the money you’ll save by returning your rental modem.
Thanks to its 24×8 DOCSIS 3.0 channels it can easily handle the fastest sub-gigabit internet plans available, with support for upload speeds exceeding 200Mbps and download speeds theoretically capable of reaching nearly 1Gbps—although you’ll only get around 600Mbps from most major cable providers.
7.ARRIS SURFboard T25
Features
- Certified to work with Xfinity internet & voice service Not certified for use with other cable internet service providers
- DOCSIS 3 1 Cable Modem with 32 downstream x 8 upstream DOCSIS 3 0 channels, 2 downstream x 2 upstream OFDM DOCSIS 3 1 channels. Compatibility-Comcast Xfinity
- Two 1-Gigabit Ethernet ports and 2 Telephony ports for Xfinity digital voice service
- Best for Xfinity internet speed plans up to 1 Gbps
- Xfinity internet service required. Does NOT include Wi-Fi Router
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
WRAP UP
Best Gigabit Modem – Mbps modems have served us for a long time, but they are now becoming outdated. The world is moving at a much faster pace, and they are just unable to keep up with this enhanced pace. So, we face many issues like non-competitive internet speeds and slow performance.
This can be easily overcome with a Gigabit modem. Such modems provide uninterrupted internet with amazing speed.
This article will provide you with all you need to know about the most advanced modems.
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