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Cable Modem Comparison - April 2026

Overview:
1
Best Choice
9.9Exceptional
2
9.8Exceptional
3
Best Value
9.5Excellent
4
9.2Excellent
5
8.9Very Good
6
8.6Good
7
8.5Good
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Model

NETGEAR Nighthawk Modem Router Combo (CAX30) DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem and WiFi 6 Router - AX2700 2.7 Gbps - Compatible with Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, and More - Gigabit Wireless Internet
Model
NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem CM1200 - Compatible with All Cable Providers Including Xfinity by Comcast, Spectrum, Cox | for Plans Up to 2 Gigabits | 4 x 1G Ethernet Ports | DOCSIS 3.1, Black
Model
ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 DOCSIS 3.1 Multi‑Gig Cable Modem | 2 -1Gbps Ethernet Ports | Works with Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum | For Cable Internet Plans up to 2Gbps | Modem Only, Router Required
Model
NETGEAR Cable Modem DOCSIS 3.0 (CM500) Compatible with Major Cable Providers Including Xfinity, Cox, for Plans Up to 400 Mbps
Model
Motorola B12 - Advanced Compact Cable Modem | Pairs with Any WiFi Router | Supports Comcast Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum | 2500 Mbps Max | DOCSIS 3.1 | 2.5 Gbps Port | Nex Gen MB8611
Model
Hitron CODA56 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem ONLY (NOT Fiber) | 2.5 Gbps | NO WiFi/Voice/Router | Single Ethernet Port | Xfinity/Spectrum/Cox Compatible | Requires Separate WiFi Router
Model
NETGEAR Nighthawk DOCSIS 3.1 Mid/high-Split Cable Modem (CM3000-1AZNAS) – Approved for Today’s Fastest Speeds - Works With all Cable Providers, Incl. Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox - Cable Plans up to 2.5Gbps

Brand

NETGEAR
Brand
NETGEAR
Brand
ARRIS
Brand
NETGEAR
Brand
Motorola
Brand
Hitron
Brand
NETGEAR

Reviews

11,206 reviews
Reviews
25,438 reviews
Reviews
40,200 reviews
Reviews
29,024 reviews
Reviews
60 reviews
Reviews
1,978 reviews
Reviews
-

Features

Easy installation

8.6
Easy installation
8.9
Easy installation
9.1
Easy installation
9.1
Easy installation
8.6
Easy installation
8.6
Easy installation
8.4

Tech support

7.4
Tech support
7.6
Tech support
7.6
Tech support
8.1
Tech support
7.6
Tech support
7.4
Tech support
7.2

WiFi signal

8.1
WiFi signal
8.4
WiFi signal
8.4
WiFi signal
8.6
WiFi signal
7.9
WiFi signal
7.7
WiFi signal
7.6

Tech Specs

item weight

3.9 pounds
item weight
1.95 pounds
item weight
1.34 pounds
item weight
1.46 pounds
item weight
1.9 pounds
item weight
1.02 pounds
item weight
-

product dimensions

-
product dimensions
6.1 x 3.4 x 10.3 inches
product dimensions
1.75 x 5.13 x 5.25 inches
product dimensions
4.88 x 7.28 x 2.36 inches
product dimensions
-
product dimensions
6.73 x 6.73 x 2.03 inches
product dimensions
-

Review

-
Review Review
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Review
-
Review
-
Review
-
Review
-

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Our Top 3 Picks

Here are the top 3 recommended products with more information to help you find the right product for you
  • 9.9
    1
    NETGEAR
    23% Off

    NETGEAR Nighthawk Modem Router Combo (CAX30) DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem and WiFi 6 Router - AX2700 2.7 Gbps - Compatible with Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, and More - Gigabit Wireless Internet

    8.6 Easy installation
    8.1 WiFi signal
    7.4 Tech Support

    Why we love it

    Easy setup with Nighthawk app.
    Replaces modem and router, saving money.
    Strong signal with WiFi 6 support.
  • 9.8
    2
    NETGEAR

    NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem CM1200 - Compatible with All Cable Providers Including Xfinity by Comcast, Spectrum, Cox | for Plans Up to 2 Gigabits | 4 x 1G Ethernet Ports | DOCSIS 3.1, Black

    8.9 Easy installation
    8.4 WiFi signal
    7.6 Tech Support

    Why we love it

    Compatible with major cable providers.
    Saves on rental fees.
    Supports high-speed internet.
  • 9.5
    3
    ARRIS
    11% Off

    ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 DOCSIS 3.1 Multi‑Gig Cable Modem | 2 -1Gbps Ethernet Ports | Works with Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum | For Cable Internet Plans up to 2Gbps | Modem Only, Router Required

    9.1 Easy installation
    8.4 WiFi signal
    7.6 Tech Support

    Why we love it

    Fast internet speeds up to 1 Gbps.
    Compatible with major U.S. providers.
    Easy setup with app guidance.

Cable Modem Buyer's Guide

Written by Jim Williams

Introduction

A cable modem is a device used for connecting your computer or device to the internet through the cable connection. It is used in conjunction with a cable service provider to give you access to the internet. It can provide high speed internet, as well as provide access to a range of other services such as VoIP, video streaming, and more. Choosing the right cable modem is essential for ensuring a good internet connection and getting the most out of your service provider.

Main Features

Cable modems come with a range of features, such as Ethernet ports, wireless capabilities, and support for DOCSIS 3.0 and 3.1 technologies. Ethernet ports allow for connection to multiple devices, while wireless capabilities allow for connection to wireless devices such as laptop computers, smartphones, and tablets. The DOCSIS 3.0 and 3.1 technologies allow for faster speeds and better performance. When considering a cable modem, it is important to consider the features that are important to you, and the features that your service provider supports.

Types of Cable Modem

There are several types of cable modems available, each with their own features and benefits. The main types are cable modems with built-in routers, cable modems with external routers, and cable modems with no router. Cable modems with built-in routers are the most common type and provide the most basic features. Cable modems with external routers provide more features and better performance, while cable modems with no router are the most basic type and are the most cost-effective. It is important to consider the features and performance you need in order to choose the right type of cable modem.

Cost

The cost of a cable modem can vary depending on the type and features you choose. Cable modems with built-in routers are generally the most affordable, while cable modems with external routers are more expensive. It is important to consider your budget and the features you need in order to determine what type of cable modem is best for you.

Installation

Cable modems can be installed either by the user or by a technician. If you choose to install the cable modem yourself, it is important to follow the instructions provided by your service provider. If you choose to have a technician install your cable modem, it is important to make sure they are qualified and have experience with cable modem installation.

Conclusion

When choosing a cable modem, it is important to consider the features that are important to you and the features that your service provider supports. It is also important to consider the cost, type, and installation of the cable modem before making a purchase. By taking the time to consider all of these factors, you can ensure that you are getting the best cable modem for your needs and budget.

Our ranking system

At bestchoice.com, our team curates a selection of top products from a vast array available online, using a sophisticated ranking system based on carefully defined criteria.While traditional hands-on testing has its merits, our use of AI technology offers distinct advantages. AI allows us to process and analyze vast amounts of data from multiple sources, providing a comprehensive view that goes beyond what manual testing can achieve. This approach enables us to deliver insights that are aligned with current trends and consumer preferences, ensuring our reviews are both relevant and up-to-date.

Features

Our AI-driven analysis examines key attributes, capabilities, and other critical factors tailored to each product category. This method allows us to assess effectiveness from various perspectives, ensuring a well-rounded evaluation.
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Consumer Reviews

We aggregate and evaluate consumer feedback from across the internet, giving weight to ratings and reviews that reflect the most reliable insights. AI enhances this process by filtering and prioritizing data, offering a balanced view without the need for direct personal endorsements.
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Popularity

Our system also considers the popularity of products, analyzing factors such as market presence, reputation, and user satisfaction. By leveraging AI, we capture a comprehensive picture of a product's standing in the market, which may not always be evident through traditional testing.
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Value for money

AI allows us to compare products based on attributes like price, specifications, and user feedback, helping to determine their value for money. This data-driven approach offers an efficient and reliable way to assess how products stack up against one another in terms of cost-effectiveness.
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