Best Xfinity Modem – After comparing compatibility, user satisfaction, DOCSIS technology, and max wired speeds, we recommend the Motorola MB7621 as the best cable modem for most Comcast Xfinity plans.
We’re longtime renters of the Xfinity xFi Gateway modem and router, but the idea of saving money by buying our own routers pushed us to research dozens of cable modems. The xFi Gateway rental fee is $14 a month, which means you’ll potentially save $168 a year if you buy your own modem. (And router too, of course.)
ROUND UP
1.Motorola MB8600 DOCSIS 3.1
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.
For enjoying superfast gigabit speeds at the least expensive cost, the Motorola MB8600 DOCSIS 3.1 modem is one of the best modems for Comcast. It is equipped with multiple gigabit Ethernet ports for connecting your router. It comes with a two-year warranty. It also supports the earlier DOCSIS 3.0 standard along with 32 downstream channels and eight upstream channels.
Motorola MB8600 comes with a stylish look and has a sleek black design. Its brilliant LED panel offers connection status and other useful information about the internet connection. It has an in-built Ethernet port and a coax cable port for wired cable network connections.
The Motorola MB8600 supports and works well with multiple devices such as Macs and Windows computers, HDTVs, and with some gaming consoles if they have Ethernet connectivity.
2.ARRIS SURFboard SBG8300
Pros & Cons
- A Trusted Name in Home Connectivity: Get high speeds, low latency, and a two-in-one product! With the ARRIS SURFboard SBG8300 Wi-Fi Cable Modem, you will increase your network capability and get ultra-fast 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: Just plug-in, download the SURFboard Central App, and follow the step-by-step intrstuctions to activate the modem, set-up and customize your Wi-Fi network, and add devices to your home network! Once setup is complete, the app provides real-time monitoring of the devices on your network, enhanced parental controls like setting time limits and pausing internet and much more.
- Compatibility: The SURFboard SBG8300 is compatible with major U.S. cable internet providers including Cox (Gigablast), Spectrum (Internet Gig), Xfinity (Gigabit/Gigabit x2) 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 SBG8300 Cable Modem, Power Supply, Quick-Start guide, and 2-year warranty card.
- Router Technology: Features four 1-Gigabit ethernet ports and delivers Wi-Fi 5 speeds up to 2.3 Gbps (2,350 Mbps).
- Dedicated Customer Support: Live Chat and Phone Support available 8am -1am EST. Product ships with 2-Year Limited Warranty.
Most smart homes today have an increasing number of devices that connect to the internet through Wi-Fi. It has become a necessity to have a modem router combo that is capable of supporting a growing number of devices.
ARRIS Surfboard SBG8300 is a three-in-one network device that works as a modem, a four-port gigabit router, and the AC2350 dual-band WiFi.
This advanced modem provides internet broadband speed over 10Gbps and a WiFi speed up to 2350 Mbps. It is capable of streaming videos in ultra-HD easily. You can play online games without buffering.
3.NETGEAR CM700
Pros & Cons
- Compatible with all major cable internet providers: Including certification by Xfinity by Comcast, COX, and Spectrum. Not compatible with Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, DSL providers, DirecTV, DISH and any bundled voice service.
- Save monthly rental fees: Model CM700-1AZNAS replaces your cable modem saving you up to 168 Dollars/year in equipment rental fees.
- Speeds by carrier: Xfinity (up to 800Mbps), Cox (up to 500Mbps), Spectrum (up to 400Mbps).
- Works with any Wi-Fi router: Connect any Wi-Fi router to this modem's Ethernet port to support all your wireless devices.
- Ethernet connections: 1 Gigabit Ethernet port connects to your computer or separate Wi-Fi router.
- Modem technology: Engineered with 32x8 channel bonding, OFDM 2x2, and DOCSIS 3.1.
Netgear is one of the best quality routers and the CM700 is equivalent to Netgear’s angular modems. Its well-ventilated black case helps regulate modem chip temperatures of CM700, prevents overheating, and increases the life of the modem.
It supports a super-fast internet speed of 1.4 Gbps for both downloading and uploading media and files.
It supports 32 downstream and 8 upstream channels that are faster than most cable modems. Netgear CM700 fast modem must also be supported by a fast internet package such as Xfinity’s Blast or Xfinity Extreme Internet. It is an ideal modem for Xfinity Internet packages such as Extreme Pro+. Netgear CM700’s extra down streaming capabilities are excellent for online gaming.
4.Linksys High Speed DOCSIS
Pros & Cons
- Combines a AC1900 Wi-Fi Router with DOCSIS 3.0 24x8 modem into a 2-in-1 space saving, high-performance device
- Eliminate monthly rental fees
- Experience high-speed Wi-Fi speeds from your existing ISP plans up to 300 Mbps. Ample bandwidth for HD video streaming, online gaming, and other Wi-Fi data-heavy activities
- Simple plug and play setup: Get started right out of the box with no CD setup
Linksys CG7500 is a simple, affordable, stylish, and easy to install modem-router combo. It’s a pre-configured modem that helps you get going instantly. All you need to do is connect the coax cable and switch on the modem. Login credentials such as the Wi-Fi name and password is provided at the back of the modem.
It takes only about a minute or two to get connected and start browsing the internet on Linksys CG7500.
CG7500’s filtering system uses Intel’s Puma 6 Chipset to clear up your internet signal and boost your network connection.
5.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.
ARRIS Surfboard SB8200 is a future proof cable modem for Comcast that supports the latest DOCSIS 3.1 protocol, which is ten times faster than DOCSIS 3.0. You can enjoy 10Gbps downstream and 2Gbps upstream DOCSIS download speeds on it. It makes it possible to simultaneously connect two devices on two Gigabit Ethernet ports.
It supports IPv4 and IPv6 internet standards for stable, dependable, and efficient internet connectivity.
If you enjoy 4K ultra-HD video streaming and virtual reality gaming, then this is one of the best cable modems. It is compatible with major cable providers such as Comcast and Cox.
6.TP-Link 16×4 AC1750
Pros & Cons
- Eliminate rental fee: eliminate your cable Modem monthly rental fee - up to $120 per year
- Cable Modem router: item is cable Modem router and this will serve as both your cable Modem and Wi-Fi router
- Industry leading support: 2-year warranty and free 24/7 technical support; J. D. Power Ranked TP-LINK "highest in customer satisfaction for wireless routers in 2017"；great for cable internet plans up to 300Mbps with Infinity from Comcast, spectrum (including Charter, time Warner Cable, and bright house networks), Cox, Sudden link, Mediacom, and wow
- Faster speed: up to 1750Mbps Wi-Fi speeds with simultaneous 2. 4GHz (up to 450Mbps) and 5GHz (up to 1300Mbps) bands; Channel bonding of up to 16 downstream and 4 upstream channels, up to 680Mbps download speeds
- Increased Wi-Fi range: six internal antennas and high-powered amplifiers Boost signal strength and reduce interference
The Archer CR700 is one of the best modem cum routers for such homes where currently high bandwidth activities such as online gaming, watching 4K movies, and transferring huge files are slowing down the network speed. In some families, this slowing down and bandwidth issue might force youngsters to wait before continuing with their favorite movie and online game.
They might need to wait till other family members complete uploading their work documents. Now, there is no more waiting needed. Archer CR700’s AC1750 dual-band Wi-Fi is capable of handling demanding tasks such as online gaming, watching 4K movies, and transferring huge files with no slowing down of the network speed.
7.NETGEAR CM2000
Pros & Cons
- BUILT FOR FASTEST MULTI-GIG SPEEDS: Best for cable provider plans up to 2.5Gbps
- COMPATIBLE WITH ALL MAJOR CABLE INTERNET PROVIDERS: Including Xfinity, COX and Spectrum. NOT compatible with Verizon, ATandT, CenturyLink, DSL providers, DirecTV, DISH and any bundled voice service.
- WORKS WITH ANY WIFI ROUTER, BEST WITH WIFI 6: Connect any WiFi router to this modem’s Ethernet port to support all your wireless devices. For the fastest Internet, connect to a NETGEAR WiFi 6 router or Orbi Mesh system.
- MULTI-GIG ETHERNET: 1 x 2.5Gbps Ethernet port for the fastest, true multi-gig Internet connections.
- SAVE MONTHLY RENTAL FEES: Replaces your cable modem saving you up to dollar 168/yr in equipment rental fees.
- MODEM TECHNOLOGY: Engineered with DOCSIS 3.1 32x8 channel bonding and OFDM(A) 2x2.
With a stylish look somewhat resembling the obelisk in “2001: A Space Odyssey,” the CM2000 is relatively compact measuring in at 9.92 x 8.74 x 4.72 inches and 2.42 pounds. The front displays the usual setup of status and connection LEDs. Connectivity around the back includes one 2.5Gbps Ethernet port and one WAN coaxial cable port.
The CM2000 complies with the DOCSIS 3.1 32 x 8 modem standard for blazing-fast speeds. It is also backward compatible with DOCSIS 3.0 making it somewhat future-proof. Though it does not come with a wireless router or telephone connectivity, it does support Wi-fi 6 making it compatible with a wide range of performance routers and mesh setups
WRAP UP
Best Xfinity Modem – While considering buying a modem, it’s important to take note of the average internet speeds available with your internet service provider because it is only worth investing in a high-speed and a costly modem if the internet speed provided by your provider is also high speed. It is smart to buy a modem that supports the maximum internet speed provided by your internet service provider.
No one would want to replace and reinvest in a new modem again soon after buying a new modem. So, do not select extremely slow and low range or extremely cheap modems or the 8×4 modems as the internet service providers are dropping support for these 8×4 modems.
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