What’s the difference between DOCSIS 3.0 and DOCSIS 3.1?

DOCSIS, a short form for “Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification,” is the technology on which all cable modems are based. DOCSIS 3.0 is the standard currently being used by almost all cable providers, but even though it offers theoretical speeds of up to 1Gbps, most ISPs in the U.S. don’t go beyond 600Mbps over DOCSIS 3.0. You’ll need a DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem to get actual multi-gigabit plans. Don’t worry if your ISP doesn’t support the newer standard yet, though, as all DOCSIS 3.1 modems are fully backward compatible with DOCSIS 3.0, so you can buy one now to be ready when those faster speeds do come along.

What happens if your cable modem breaks down?

While it’s true that one of the advantages of renting your cable modem from your ISP is they’ll easily swap it out if you have any problems—something that won’t be an option if you’ve bought your own—the reality is that modern cable modems are very reliable as long as you go with a trusted brand, and almost all of them also come with 1–2 year warranties.

What about cable modem/router combos?

If you’re in the market for a new wireless router, it might be worth considering a cable modem/router combo instead since you’ll get the best of both worlds in a much more affordable package. There’s rarely any good reason to go that route if you’re pleased with the Wi-Fi router you already have, though any cable modem should work just fine with any relatively modern router.

The Best Cable Modems of 2024

Upgrading your cable modem to an aftermarket model can get you a lot of new features and much better performance, but it can also save you money. Don’t spend $10-20 monthly renting one when you can pay it upfront. You’ll save money within a year and enjoy a faster internet connection.

Here are the best cable modems to buy.

Our Top Picks

Just Buy This (All Around Best):

Arris Surfboard S33 at Best Buy $199

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Also Great:

Arris Surfboard G54 at Amazon $599

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Easiest on the Budget:

Netgear CM500 at Amazon $60

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Just Buy This (All Around Best)

Arris Surfboard S33

PHOTO: Amazon

$199 at Best Buy $199 at Macy's

TL;DR: The Arris Surfboard S33 offers support for multi-gigabit internet connections at a very affordable price. With fast wired networking options, you can hook this up to a decent Wi-Fi router and get a cutting-edge connection for a great price.

Why We Recommend This

The Arris Surfboard S33 is a fantastic cable modem that represents a massive upgrade over the entry-level models most ISPs rent out to their customers.

The S33 supports multi-gigabit internet connections. If your device or computer also supports 2.5 Gbps Ethernet, you can run a super fast multi-gig internet connection without adding a router.

Pros

Supports multi-gigabit internet connections
Fast performance and up to 2.5Gbps Ethernet
Compact and attractive design
Simple setup

Cons

Requires additional Wi-Fi router for wireless connectivity
Some reviewers don’t like the mobile app

That said, you probably should because the S33 does lack Wi-Fi, so for all your other devices that need that, you’ll need a router with 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet upstream connectivity. That means a newer Wi-Fi 6 or 6E router, which can get expensive (consider the cable modem/router combo unit below if you don’t want to pay for two devices).

However, splitting the devices into a capable modem and a capable router allows you to upgrade them individually later, making for more affordable, piecemeal improvements to your network.

The S33 is an attractive and compact cable modem with a clear white casing that will fit in most modern homes around other network and IoT devices. It’s fully compatible with all major ISPs, including Cox, Spectrum, and Xfinity. Although some reviewers have said the mobile app isn’t the best, it does at least let you manage and view your networked devices from a central location.

Who else recommends it? Both Toms Guide and The New York Times list the Arris Surfboard S33 as their top pick for the best cable modem you can buy, and it reviewed extremely well at DongKnowsTech.
What do buyers say? The S33 has thousands of positive reviews across various retailers, with most of them citing the performance and ease of setup as their favorite features. They also liked its attractive case and compact size.

Also Great

Arris Surfboard G54

PHOTO: Amazon

$599 at Amazon $600 at Walmart $599 at Best Buy

TL;DR: The Arris Surfboard G54 is a premium cable modem; the Arris Surfboard G54 is a cable modem and router in one, supporting all the latest features. If you want an all-in-one cable modem and don’t mind paying a premium for the best, this is the model to buy.

Why We Recommend This

If you want the fastest cable modem available in 2024, it’s the Arris Surfboard G54. It is blazing fast, though, with support for up to 10 Gbps internet connectivity—which is faster than anything you’ll find in the U.S. at this time. It’s also a super fast router with some of the latest features.

That includes Wi-Fi 7, with its support for hundreds of simultaneous devices and near 18 Gbps data transfer speeds, and quad-band channel support, so you get multiple 5GHz bands for handling backhaul traffic and keeping the main frequencies clear for your devices.

Pros

Supports 10 Gbps Ethernet and Wi-Fi 7
Combination modem/router for more streamlined networking
Has a broad 5,000 square foot wireless coverage

Cons

Very expensive
Cable modem/router combo will mean one bigger upgrade in the future
Limited Wi-Fi 7 support in 2024

While not many devices can use Wi-Fi 7 right now, there will be in the future, and for now, you can use your phone’s Wi-Fi 6 or 6e support for high-speed wireless networking.

Its Wi-Fi range is impressive, too, reaching homes of up to 5,000 square feet with ease. There are five Ethernet ports, too, including the 10 Gbps one, so you can wire up your desktop PC and any other static networked devices for super fast and stable connectivity.

You'll have to pay a steep price for this one, and you’ll need to upgrade it entirely when the time comes, but that’s years away. With the latest cable modem and router features, this Arris Surfboard G54 is all you will need for a long time.

Who else recommends it? The Arris G54 tops the list of the best cable modems at both IGN and USNews, and Forbes ranks it as its best cable modem/router combo device, just like we do.
What do buyers say? The Arris Surfboard G54 has close to 20,000 positive reviews on Amazon, and they love its ease of setup and incredible performance. This cable modem/router combo device's single-device nature also streamlines setup.

Easiest on the Budget

Netgear CM500

PHOTO: Amazon

$60 at Amazon

TL;DR: The Netgear CM500 is an affordable cable modem that does more than renting one from your ISP. It saves you money in the long term and gives you a faster and more stable connection in the near term. It is perfect for those with sub-gigabit internet.

Why We Recommend This

The Netgear CM500 is a barebones cable modem that will get you online faster than your average rented cable modem. It supports internet speeds up to 680Mbps, which isn’t quite gigabit speeds, but it’s not far off, and the average internet speed in the US is only 250 Mbps.

You can still hook it up to a fast Wi-Fi 6 or better router to enjoy fast wireless internet or plug in a desktop or other permanent device with a Gigabit Ethernet connection for even faster local networking.

Pros

Supports internet speeds up to 680 Mbps
Compatible with most popular ISPs
Compact and straightforward design

Cons

Lacks support for gigabit internet
Only one Ethernet port

The single Ethernet port and limited speed support do hold this router back from being a good fit for those with faster internet connections or busier networks, but if you’re looking to replace your rented modem to save money and you don’t need the fastest internet possible than the Netgear CM500 is a great choice.

It’s compact and understated, helping it fit in with your other gadgets and devices. It also doesn’t have any ugly external antennas. It also comes with a one-year warranty, so if you run into any problems—and you shouldn’t—you’re fully covered with a replacement or refund.

Who else recommends it? TopTenReviews found the CM500 an excellent choice for budget cable modem buyers, and HomeOnwer.com ranks it as a viable option for anyone looking for a new, value modem.
What do buyers say? Buyers love the CM500, citing its affordable price and streamlined setup. However, they suggested you might want to use your coaxial cable, as the included one isn’t the best.

How We Chose

To find the best cable modems, we looked at the latest modem modems from the top brands and compared them on features and specifications.

We also leveraged our first-hand experience testing cable modems in the past and cross-referenced that with the opinions of our industry colleagues and first-hand reviews and experience from third-party websites.

To find the best cable modems, we considered their price, download and upload speed, Ethernet port selection, ease of setup, and warranty, among other factors.

What to Look For In A Cable Modem

When buying a cable modem, make sure that it offers the performance you’re looking for and can support your internet speeds so you can make the most of it. Consider if you want a cable modem/router combo unit or would instead add your router later – in which case you’ll need to buy one of them separately.

You should also consider how many Ethernet ports you might need and whether they are compatible with your ISP.

Need more advice? Read our cable modem buying guide.

Models & Brands We Considered

We looked at Netgear, Arris, Motorola, and Linksys cable modems.

Netgear Nighthawk CM2000 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem — Amazon

For those with a regular internet connection of less than 1Gbps (which is the case for most of us), the Arris Surfboard SB6190 ($60) is a cost-effective choice that meets your needs.
If you want the best performance and have a high-speed internet plan to back it up, the Netgear Nighthawk CM2000 ($195) and the Motorola MB8611 ($190) get blazing speeds.

FAQ

What’s the difference between DOCSIS 3.0 and DOCSIS 3.1?

DOCSIS, a short form for “Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification,” is the technology on which all cable modems are based. DOCSIS 3.0 is the standard currently being used by almost all cable providers, but even though it offers theoretical speeds of up to 1Gbps, most ISPs in the U.S. don’t go beyond 600Mbps over DOCSIS 3.0. You’ll need a DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem to get actual multi-gigabit plans. Don’t worry if your ISP doesn’t support the newer standard yet, though, as all DOCSIS 3.1 modems are fully backward compatible with DOCSIS 3.0, so you can buy one now to be ready when those faster speeds do come along.
What happens if your cable modem breaks down?

While it’s true that one of the advantages of renting your cable modem from your ISP is they’ll easily swap it out if you have any problems—something that won’t be an option if you’ve bought your own—the reality is that modern cable modems are very reliable as long as you go with a trusted brand, and almost all of them also come with 1–2 year warranties.
What about cable modem/router combos?

If you’re in the market for a new wireless router, it might be worth considering a cable modem/router combo instead since you’ll get the best of both worlds in a much more affordable package. There’s rarely any good reason to go that route if you’re pleased with the Wi-Fi router you already have, though any cable modem should work just fine with any relatively modern router.