The Best Cable Modems
We compared eight cable modems on owner ratings, expert reviews, and specs, finding the ARRIS Surfboard S34 as the top pick for its speed and reliability.
Updated
The bottom line
The ARRIS Surfboard S34 is our top pick for a cable modem, offering speeds up to 2.5 Gbps and a compact design. It scored 8.6 out of 10 from 697 owner ratings and costs $234. The closest alternative is the ARRIS SURFboard SB8200, which supports speeds up to 2 Gbps and costs $49, but has fewer features. For a budget pick, the Netgear CM1000 offers speeds up to 1Gbps for $79.99, saving up to $168 annually by replacing rental modems.
Arris Surfboard S34 DOCSIS 3.1 Multi-Gig Cable Modem $234.00
Best overall cable modem for speed and reliability
The ARRIS Surfboard S34 offers speeds up to 2.5 Gbps, a compact design, and easy setup. It scored 8.6 out of 10 from 697 owner ratings and costs $234. The tradeoff is its higher price compared to alternatives.
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ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 $49.00
Best budget cable modem with high speeds
The ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 supports speeds up to 2 Gbps and costs $49. It scored 8.8 out of 10 from 20043 owner ratings. The tradeoff is fewer features compared to the top pick.
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Netgear CM1000 Cable Modem $79.99
Affordable cable modem for basic needs
The Netgear CM1000 offers speeds up to 1Gbps for $79.99, saving up to $168 annually by replacing rental modems. It scored 8.6 out of 10 from 131 owner ratings. The tradeoff is lower speeds compared to the top pick.
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- Arris Surfboard S34 DOCSIS 3.1 Multi-Gig Cable Modem Best for speed, reliability, and modern design. 9.0/10 $234.00 Amazon
- ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 Best value for high speeds. 8.5/10 $49.00 Amazon
- NETGEAR Nighthawk CM3000 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem for Xfinity, Cox & Spectrum Good for high speeds and multi-gig ports. 8.0/10 $284.00 Amazon
- Hitron CODA56 Cable Internet Modem Solid performance but requires a separate router. 7.5/10 $159.99 Amazon
- NETGEAR Nighthawk DOCSIS 3.1 Mid/High-Split Modem Decent speeds but higher price point. 7.0/10 $212.99 Amazon
- NETGEAR Nighthawk DOCSIS 3.1 Mid/high-Split Cable Modem Good speeds but lacks some features. 6.5/10 $149.99 Amazon
- ARRIS Surfboard S33 Mixed reviews on reliability and performance. 6.0/10 $147.99 Amazon
- Netgear CM1000 Cable Modem Budget option with basic features. 5.0/10 $79.99 Amazon
Where the differences show up in daily use
Owners of the ARRIS Surfboard S34 report consistent performance with no random reboots or overheating issues. In contrast, the ARRIS Surfboard S33 has mixed reviews, with some users experiencing frequent connectivity issues and hardware failures. The NETGEAR Nighthawk CM3000 offers stable connections and low-latency performance, making it suitable for gaming and streaming.
Who should buy which
The ARRIS Surfboard S34 is best for users who need high speeds and reliability, especially those on plans up to 2.5 Gbps. The ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 is a good choice for users on plans up to 2 Gbps who are looking for a budget option. The Netgear CM1000 is suitable for users with basic needs and those looking to save on rental fees.
What owners complain about after buying
Some owners of the ARRIS Surfboard S33 report frequent connectivity issues, hardware failures, and overheating problems. The NETGEAR Nighthawk CM3000 has no significant complaints, but its higher price may be a concern for some users.
The also-rans
The Hitron CODA56, while offering high speeds, requires a separate router and has mixed reviews on its Ethernet cable quality. The NETGEAR Nighthawk DOCSIS 3.1 Mid/High-Split Modem has good speeds but a higher price point and mixed reviews on reliability.