It works with a wide variety of internet providers, including Comcast, Spectrum and Cox, and it delivers speeds that will serve the greatest number of people (anyone whose internet plan tops out at 300 Mbps). What is the best cable modem?įor most people, the best cable modem is the Motorola MB7420. We've tested many different devices and these are our picks for the best cable modems. Best mesh Wi-Fi router for better home coverage.What internet speed do you need? Here's how many Mbps are enough.For $70 or less, you can have a modem all your own. That cost can add up over time - but not if you return your rented modem to your ISP and replace it with one of the best cable modems that you've bought yourself. Most ISPs include a fee in exchange for providing you with a modem, and that fee can be as much as $14 a month depending on who your internet provider is.
We’ll keep an eye out for reports of excessive heat-related problems with cable modems, and we will update our picks as needed.The proof is there in your monthly bill. Modems might be a bit ugly, but that doesn’t mean you should hide yours away in a drawer. To keep your modem from overheating, make sure the vents aren’t covered up and it’s in an open space. Most manufacturers list the operating temperature on modems as up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, which is pretty hot for any electronic device. Heat: Read the owner reviews for almost any modem, and someone will mention that the modem gets hot.
Modems capable of full gigabit speeds are significantly pricier at $150 to $250.
This means that if the ISP offers only 16 downstream channels in your area, using a 24×8 modem won’t improve performance. With DOCSIS 3.0, the more channels your modem has, the faster the speed, provided your ISP supports those channels. Modem channels appear on the box as a number, such as 16×4, 24x8, or 32×8.
Compatibility: ISP compatibility is the main factor in choosing a cable modem.Modem compatibility list, updated March 2021 Cable modem And they may not even let you bring your own modem once they do roll out gigabit service. The added expense of the DOCSIS 3.1 modems isn’t worth it until you’re on one of these new (and pricey) plans-especially since your ISP may roll out gigabit over fiber rather than cable. You’ll need a DOCSIS 3.1 modem to guarantee gigabit speeds from most cable ISPs, and the MB8600 is also compatible with gigabit internet on networks that still use the DOCSIS 3.0 standard for example, Sparklight/Cable One supports both DOCSIS 3.0 (32x8) and DOCSIS 3.1 modems for its GigaOne service.ĭon't get a gigabit modem unless you already have gigabit service or know it's available. If you already have a gigabit internet plan and your ISP allows you to use your own modem, the Motorola MB8600 is the best of the DOCSIS 3.1 modems that are widely available right now because of its relatively low price and its two-year warranty.