A cable modem is a device that provides internet access to your other devices. It has a coaxial connection; also called as coax, which connects to a cable port on the wall. It has several other connections in the back.
It has a Power connection and a DSL connection for DSL ports. It also has an Ethernet connection in the back. No matter how much a Tech-savvy kind of person you are, many people get confused between a cable modem and a router. Thus, before jumping to the best cable modems available in the market, let us first understand what the difference between a router and a cable modem is.
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To help you pick up the best available cable modem in the market, we have compiled a list of 10 best cable modems.
Let’s have a look!
10 Best Cable Modem Reviews
1. NETGEAR CM500-1AZNAS (16×4) DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem
The NETGEAR CM500-1AZNAS Cable Modem is a reliable modem and supports fast Internet speeds which is compatible with every non-gigabit plan from all the service providers. According to the WIRECUTTER, it is the best cable modem available in the market. It supports the service plans up to 200 Mbps. It is an ideal modem for streaming HD videos and high-speed online gaming.
The NETGEAR CM500 cable modem is compatible with many internet providers such as Spectrum, CableONE, Cox, etc.
Cons
- It is not compatible with few service providers including AT&T, CenturyLink, and Verizon.
- It is not compatible with bundled voice services too.
- You cannot use this modem if you intend to use it with the internet plans above 300 Mbps.
- It comes with only a one-year warranty.
2. ARRIS SURFboard SB6190 32×8 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem
The ARRIS SURFboard SB6190 Cable Modem is compatible with all the major Cable Internet Providers in the U.S. including Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity, Bright House, and many others. It provides an awesome internet browsing and downloading speed which also goes up to 1.4 Gbps too. You can even download HD movies within a minute. The modem supports IPv4 and IPv6; which is the latest internet standard. If you wish to power your home with the fastest and the most reliable internet service, the ARRIS SURFboard SB6190 is a must-buy. It comes with a 2-year warranty and an excellent customer service.
Cons
- It is not compatible with AT&T, CenturyLink, and Verizon.
3. Arris/Motorola SB6121 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem
The Arris/Motorola SB6121 combines four channels to give an output of 160 Mbps while sending or uploading the data. It supports both IPv4 and IPv6 networking. The modem is compatible with most of the service providers available in the U.S. All you have to do is contact your ISP and get it connected. The installation process is totally trouble-free, and the modem does not include Wi-Fi or router.
Cons
- This cable modem is not compatible with AT&T and Verizon.
4. TP-LINK TC-7610 DOCSIS 3.0 (8×4) Cable Modem Certified for Comcast XFINITY
The TP-LINK TC-7610 is an 8 * 4 modem which delivers a reliable performs for the users at a very reasonable price. It offers ultra-fast performance and provides the channel bonding of four upstream channels and eight downstream channels. The modem provides a 2-year warranty along with great customer service. The modem supports the internet plans up to 150 Mbps. In 2017, the TP-LINK TC-7610 was ranked the highest in Customer Satisfaction for Wireless Routers.
Cons
- The indicator lights are hard to spot.
5. Linksys DOCSIS 3.0 8×4 Cable Modem Certified with Comcast Xfinity
The Linksys DOCSIS 3.0 CM3008 features Intel Puma 5 chipset which helps in achieving high-speed upstream and downstream performance. It has four upload and eight download channels. This results in giving you the most out of your existing broadband connection. The modem requires cable internet service and is compatible with most of the Internet service providers including Comcast Xfinity, Cox, Charter, and many more. It eliminates your monthly hassle of paying the rental fees and all you have to do is connect the wireless router to its Gigabit Ethernet port.
Cons
- This cable modem is not compatible with AT&T, Century Link, and Verizon.
6. ASUS DOCSIS 3.0 High Speed 16 x 4 Cable Modem (CM-16)
The ASUS DOCSIS 3.0 CM-16 (16 * 4) cable modem is certified by many service providers including Cox, Spectrum, and Comcast Xfinity. It supports the upstream data up to 130 Mbps and downstream data up to 686 Mbps. With this cable modem, you can easily save up to $120 on your yearly rental fees. It has special five front-facing indicators which help you know the status and strength of the signal. The device pairs perfectly with ASUS signature routers including RT-AC66U and RT-AC68U.
Cons
- The cable modem doesn’t come with a router. If you intend to use it for Wi-Fi, you will have to buy a router separately.
7. D-Link DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem (DCM-301)
If you are looking for a budget-friendly modem, D-Link DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem (DCM-301) is one of the best options available in the market. It is compatible with most of the Internet service providers including Bight House, Cox, Time Warner, and Comcast. It features 8 * 4 channel bonding. This means it supports eight downstream channels and four upstream channels. The model also supports an upload speed up to 150 Mbps, and 343 Mbps download speed. It comes with a one-year manufacturer warranty and provides ideal internet access for business and residential connectivity.
Cons
- It comes with only a modem. The router is not included.
- It is not compatible with few service providers including Century Link, Verizon, and AT&T.
8. Zoom 8×4 Cable Modem, 343 Mbps DOCSIS 3.0, Model 5345
The Zoom DOCSIS 3.0, Model 5345 featuring an 8 * 4 channel bonding that has eight downstream channels and four upstream channels which comes with a 2-year manufacturer warranty. It uses a gigabit Ethernet port to provide the fastest speed. The modem is certified by Cable Labs, Time Warner Cable, Comcast, and many more. The modem uses advanced Broadcom integrated circuit technology and supports IPv4 and IPv6 for a powerful and flexible network addressing.
Cons
- The cable modem doesn’t come with a router. If you intend to use it for Wi-Fi, you will have to buy a router separately.
9. ZOOM TELEPHONICS DOCSIS 3.0 5341-00-00J 343Mbps Cable Modem
The ZOOM TELEPHONICS DOCSIS 3.0 5341-00-00J is an excellent alternative to the Arris SB6183 cable modem which is comparatively lower in price. The cable modem comes with a fast Ethernet port that promises to deliver a downstream speed up to 343 Mbps and an upstream speed up to 143 Mbps. Some of the special features of this modem include an energy-saving switching power cube, a Quick Start Flyer, a modem stand, and an Ethernet cable. It is certified by Cable Labs and thus, works with most of the service providers including Time Warner Cable, Cable One, Cox, and Comcast. With a very easy installation process, the device promises to deliver you a high-speed internet. With the IPv4 and IPv6 networking support, it promises to deliver an excellent service for years.
Cons
- No cons.
10. ZyXEL Cable Modem (BRG35503)
The ZyXEL Cable Modem is RoHS compliant. It is a compact and an economical cable modem that comes with an Ethernet port. The modem is capable of handling a downstream data transmission speed up to 220 Mbps and an upstream data transmission speed over 1000 Mbps. It also offers extensive SNMP management support and IP address filtering. It also supports IPv4 and IPv6 addressing modes. The setup process is very simple and automatic.
Cons
- The ZyXEL cable modem is not compatible with AT&T, CenturyLink, and Verizon.
Buying Guide for A Cable Modem
Before buying a cable modem, here are some of the pointers that you must consider.
1. Compatibility
Before purchasing a cable modem, make sure that it is compatible with the internet service provider that you are using. Thus, you can always call the customer service and check the services that the cable modem is compatible with.
2. Speed
If you are using the cable modem for residential purpose, a 16 * 4 modem should do the purpose. But, if you wish to go with faster service, you can also go for 24 * 8 or 32 * 8 modem.
3. Design
Most of the cable modems come with the same set of indicator lights, but we suggest you go with easy-to-spot lights. You can also go for a sleek and compact design which blends well with the other equipment of your house.
4. Price and Warranty
You must always go with one at a reasonable price and the brand which provide a good warranty period to make your purchase worth it.
Difference Between Cable Modem and Router
The cable modems and the routers are two common computer peripherals. But most people are not aware of the difference between the two. They look very similar, but they both serve different purposes. Each piece of hardware looks similar, and both have similar flashy lights in the front and some other connections in the back. Let us check out the difference between both.
The modem is like a post office that brings the information in from all over the world over a wide area network whereas the router, like a mailman, takes the information from the modem and distributes it to multiple destinations locally, or we can say via a local area network (LAN).
A cable modem connects your house to the world wide web, and when connected it to the router, the router helps to connect your computer or other devices to the Internet. A router helps in creating a home network, and it also protects the internet connection against the virus.
In the end, we know that it is very tempting to buy a device that comes with a modem and a router together, but you need to understand that these two devices are separate. Thus, you must purchase the best ones individually. We hope these reviews helped you. Happy shopping!
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