The best cable modems not only give you greater control over your home network, but they can also save you a significant amount of money over time. Just like with one of the best Wi-Fi routers, when you buy your own cable modem, you stop paying monthly equipment rental fees to your internet service provider (ISP).
These fees might seem small on a monthly bill, but they add up fast. In 2025, many major providers like Xfinity and Cox charge $15 a month for their gateway units. Over a single year, that’s $180—more than the cost of most of the modems on this list. By owning your own networking gear, you usually break even in less than 10 months and enjoy better performance at the same time.
However, the hard part is finding a modem that matches your specific internet plan. With ISPs now rolling out "Next Gen" speeds and phasing out older hardware, DOCSIS 3.1 has become the absolute minimum standard. Fortunately, we’re here to help you find the right cable modem for your needs. These are the ones we personally recommend after testing them in our own homes and tracking the latest network upgrades.
The best cable modems you can buy today
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Best cable modem overall
Although the ARRIS SURFboard S33 was my previous top pick for the best cable modem overall, the company released an upgraded model called the ARRIS SURFboards S34. Spec wise, these two models are nearly identical. They both have a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port as well as a second Gigabit Ethernet port. However, the S34 offers enhanced upload speeds specifically to take advantage of Xfinity’s Next Gen speed tier plans.
If you have a gigabit or even a multi-gig cable internet plan, the S33 remains an excellent choice as it's a DOCSIS 3.1 compatible modem that will allow you to take full advantage of the extra speeds you're paying for. For those who live in an Xfinity Enhanced Speed Market that are also paying for these more expensive Next Gen internet speeds, then the S34 is the better choice.
Even though the S34 has faster upload speeds, it has a list price of $219 just like the S33, though the latter is usually available for slightly cheaper at around $200. Both the S34 and S33 are more expensive cable modems. However, for the price, you’re getting a future-proof device that’s well suited for high-speed internet plans and both can reach a top download speed of 2.5 gigabits per second (Gbps).
Besides its compact design and vertical orientation, I really like how the ARRIS SURFboard S34 (and the S33 for that matter) has a rounded front and back with plenty of vents for cooling at the top. A single, large status light is located right under the SURFBoard logo and it changes depending on the device’s connection status. It turns solid blue when it's connected and running in DOCSIS 3.1 mode, solid green in DOCSIS 3.0 mode and amber when it's disconnected.
If you're interested in a multi-gig router or mesh Wi-Fi system and are an Xfinity customer on one of the company’s Next Gen speed tiers, then the ARRIS SURFboard S34 is the perfect cable modem. For those who have a different ISP, than the SURFboard S33 is the better choice.
Best cable modem on a budget
The Hitron CODA56 is a feature-packed cable modem that punches well above its weight for the price. Available in black or white to match the rest of your home networking gear, this DOCSIS 3.1-equipped device features a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port, which means it can grow with you as your internet speeds increase. It is also one of the few budget-friendly cable modems certified for Xfinity’s “Next Gen” upload speeds, making it a hidden gem for power users on a budget who want to unlock faster "Mid-Split" upload performance.
I haven’t put this specific model through its paces yet, but I used Hitron’s 1 Gbps modem for several years before upgrading to the Arris S33 and then the S34. During that time, it was remarkably stable with my Xfinity plan. I likely would have used it for many more years had a lightning storm not taken it out along with my TP-Link Deco XE75 mesh router. Based on that long-term reliability, the CODA56 is an easy recommendation for anyone who wants high-end performance without paying extra.
While Hitron doesn’t have the same household name recognition as Arris or Netgear, it delivers all the essential features — and a few extras — for a much lower price. The CODA56 is designed to stand vertically, which helps it maintain a small footprint on your desk or a bookshelf. If you have a standard gigabit plan and want to save even more though, the original Hitron CODA I used to have is a solid alternative, but for anyone with speeds faster than 1 Gbps, the CODA56 is the absolute best value on the market.
Best cable modem for reliability
The Arris SURFboard SB8200 is a rock-solid cable modem that can technically handle internet plans up to 2 Gbps. While it only comes equipped with 1-Gigabit Ethernet ports, it features two of them, allowing you to use link aggregation to combine their bandwidth for faster speeds. For instance, if you have Xfinity’s Gigabit Plus plan which offers speeds up to 1.2 Gbps, the SB8200 will let you take full advantage of its extra speeds, provided you have a compatible router and connect two Ethernet cables.
Compared to Arris’ newer S33 and S34 models, the SB8200 has a more traditional, "square" design and features a full row of LED indicator lights on the front. Though this gives it a less modern look, it allows you to quickly tell at a glance if something is wrong with your connection. Icons for power, receive, send, and online status change from green to blue to signal when you are successfully connected to a high-speed DOCSIS 3.1 channel.
Like the rest of the cable modems on this list, the Arris SURFboard SB8200 works with all major U.S. internet providers. It features a vertical design with vents on the sides and top to help keep its internal components cool. However, some users have reported that it can run quite hot if placed inside a cabinet or an area with poor ventilation. Despite its age, the SB8200 remains a very reliable workhorse of a cable modem that offers a proven track record of stability for a fair price.
Best cable modem for multi-gig internet
The Netgear Nighthawk CM3000 is a premium cable modem capable of delivering multi-gig download speeds and gigabit upload speeds. As such, this cable modem won’t be for everyone. Instead, it’s aimed at power users who are already using one of the best Wi-Fi 7 routers and have a much more expensive multi-gig internet plan. The Netgear Nighthawk CM3000 is compatible with all of the major cable internet providers including Xfinity, Spectrum and Cox. However, to truly get the most out of this cable modem, you’re better off going with Xfinity which has 2 Gbps plans available.
The Netgear Nighthawk CM3000 is the most expensive cable modem on this list at $299. This is because it has a max download speed of 2.5 Gbps and a max upload speed of 1 Gbps. Most cable internet providers don’t offer these kinds of speeds yet, so the Netgear Nighthawk CM3000 is more of a future-proof investment compared to other, less expensive cable modems.
We really like its vertical design and how it’s Wi-Fi 7 ready with a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port. There are also two gigabit Ethernet ports underneath this one which can be used for link aggregation which is when you combine multiple network connections for increased bandwidth. The Netgear Nighthawk CM3000’s design is really sleek as it comes from the company’s premium Nighthawk line. There’s an orange light on the side and LED indicators on the front to let you know the status of your connection at a glance.
If you’ve heavily invested in your home networking gear, the Netgear Nighthawk CM3000 is the perfect cable modem to get the most out of your router or mesh Wi-Fi system and a top-tier internet plan.
Best cable modem for simplicity
The Motorola B12 is anything but your standard cable modem thanks to its unique and home decor-friendly design. Much like Google’s Nest WiFi Pro mesh router, it’s designed to blend in with its surroundings thanks to its rounded edges and an outer fabric layer that almost resembles a Nest Mini smart speaker. If you want to have your home networking gear out in the open without getting complaints from everyone else in your household, this is the sleekest cable modem I’ve ever seen.
Like the Arris SURFboard S34, it comes equipped with a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port for multi-gig internet plans. Another thing that sets the B12 apart is Motorola’s MotoSync app, which makes it easy to set up and manage your new modem from your smartphone. There’s also only one indicator light on the front, which helps you hide the device in plain sight without a series of blinking LEDs. While the B12 is currently only available in black, I’d love to see Motorola experiment with other colors in future models.
The Motorola B12 is surprisingly affordable given its unique design, DOCSIS 3.1 support, and 2.5 Gbps port. It also comes with a generous two-year warranty in case you run into any issues. The B12 proves that home networking gear doesn’t have to look "geeky" and can actually be quite stylish. If you’d rather have your cable modem out in the open where it can get plenty of ventilation, this isn't just your best option — it’s really the only one of its kind on the market right now.
How we test the best cable modems
We test each cable modem on Comcast's Gigabit Plus home internet service. After running speed tests to make sure the modems are delivering their promised download speeds, we use the modems as part of regular networking setup to gauge dependability.
We hook up each modem we review in our own homes, using it as part of our networking setup. That allows us to verify a modem's compatibility as well as to get a sense of its dependability. Since price is also an important consideration when shopping for a modem, we also monitor retail sites for the best deals on the modems we've tested.
In addition to using the modems in a home with multiple connected laptops, smartphones and tablets, we also evaluate the indicator lights on each modem to see that they're visible. We look at how easy the modems are to set up. And because the primary reason to get your own cable modem is to save on monthly rental fees for ISP-supplied modems, we place a lot of emphasis on the length of a modem's warranty.
For more information on how we test networking devices, check out our guide on how we test Wi-Fi routers along with our more general how we test page for Tom's Guide.
How to choose the best cable modem for you
Choosing a cable modem used to be about finding the cheapest device that matched your internet speeds. However, the landscape has now changed as most internet service providers (ISPs) have upgraded to DOCSIS 3.1 technology, making older hardware obsolete. Here’s everything you need to know before buying your first cable modem or upgrading your existing one.
Why you should skip DOCSIS 3.0
Although you might still see DOCSIS 3.0 cable modems for sale at extremely low prices, buying one now would be a mistake. These older cable modems are being phased out by Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox and other internet providers because they lack the security and efficiency of newer hardware. Here’s three reasons why you should avoid them:
- ISP compatibility: Many internet providers will no longer allow you to activate a “new” DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem on their network
- Speed bottlenecks: Even if your plan is only 200 Mbps, a DOCSIS 3.1 modem will provide a more stable connection with lower-latency than an aging one with DOCSIS 3.0.
- Waste of money: Saving $30 right now on an older DOCSIS 3.0 modem is a bad investment as your ISP could soon send you a notice that it’s no longer supported.
Match the port to your plan
The most important technical spec to look for when shopping for a cable modem is the speed of the Ethernet port on the back. These are the main two to look for and which you should buy:
- Gigabit ports (1 Gbps): These are ideal for plans up to 800 Mbps. Due to overhead, a 1 Gbps port actually caps out at around 940 Mbps.
- 2.5 Gbps ports: If you pay for Gigabit internet (which often delivers speeds of 1.2 Gbps) or higher, you need a 2.5 Gbps port to actually make full use of the higher speeds you’re paying for. Most of the cable modems on this list, like the Arris S34 and Hitron CODA56, now include this faster port as standard.
Consider your upload speeds
For many years now, cable internet was all about download speeds. However, with video calls and cloud backups, this has changed. Here’s what you need to know:
- “Next Gen” uploads: Some providers like Xfinity have upgraded their networks to offer much faster upload speeds which are often referred to as “Mid-Split”
- Certified hardware: Not every DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem will be able to handle these new, faster upload tiers. If you want the fastest uploads possible, look for “Next Gen” certified models like the Arris S34 or the Netgear CM3000.
Don’t forget the warranty
Since one of the best cable modems can last for years, their warranty matters. While budget brands will usually offer one-year warranties, premium picks like the Arris S34 and the Motorola B12 come with two-year warranties. Since cable modems are susceptible to power surges (like what happened to me), that extra year of protection is worth paying slightly more for upfront.
Cable modem vs router vs modem router combo
These days, makers of home networking gear seem to favor modem-router combinations over standalone cable modems. It may be tempting to buy one of these hybrid networking devices instead of a separate modem and router, as you can take care of two tasks with one device. We'd advise against modem-router combos, though.
First, some background: as our modem-vs.-router comparison explains, the two devices serve very different purposes. A cable modem brings internet connectivity into your home while the best Wi-Fi routers or even one of the best mesh Wi-Fi systems distribute that internet connection wirelessly, so that all your devices — laptops, phones, and smart-home gadgets — can hop on the internet. If you're dissatisfied with the reach of your network, it's a router, not a modem, that you should be in the market for.
So why keep the two networking devices separate? If any part of a hybrid device fails, you're out both a modem and a router. It's also easier to upgrade individual networking devices, as routers add support for new networking features at a more rapid pace. Modems evolve more slowly, as you can see from the number of older models still available.
Does my cable modem need to be next to my router?
The great thing about going with a separate cable modem and router instead of a modem router combo is that doing so gives you a lot more flexibility when it comes to placement. Although you can certainly have your router right next to your cable modem, you don’t necessarily have to.
Your cable modem needs to be positioned near the coaxial line coming into your home while your router connects to it via an Ethernet cable. As coaxial cable is thicker and harder to bend, it’s more difficult to tuck away out of sight. The same isn’t true for Ethernet though. These days, in addition to round Ethernet cables, you can also buy flat ones that can easily be tucked under carpet or even behind your baseboards. By doing things this way, you can move your Wi-Fi router to a more central location in your home with your cable modem as close to a coaxial outlet as possible.
When picking out a spot for your Wi-Fi router, you want to keep it off the floor and away from walls and large appliances to get the best signal possible. If you’re using a short Ethernet cable to connect your router to your modem, this is going to seriously limit where you can place it. Instead, it’s worth spending a few dollars to get a longer cable so that you can put your router in a more central location.
How long does a cable modem last?
On average, most cable modems last for around two to three years. However, if you invest a bit more in a high quality one, your cable modem can last for anywhere from five to eight years.
Normally, cable modems get replaced not because they no longer work but because they've become outdated. For instance, let's say you're using a newer Wi-Fi 7 router with a multi-gig internet plan. Your existing cable modem might not be able to give you those faster speeds which is why you'd swap it out for a new one.
Still though, there are certainly other circumstances that could lead to you having to replace your cable modem.
In my own case, I had to get a new cable modem after a big thunder storm since the person who ran the line into my house forgot to add a ground connection. When a lightning bolt hit, my cable modem was fried and unresponsive several years before it was due to be replaced.
When to replace your cable modem?
If you don't remember the last time you replaced your cable modem, fortunately there are a few tell tale signs that you're in need of an upgrade. These include slow speeds, frequent disconnects, its indicator lights not showing and extra noise.
With slow speeds, you can use one of the best speed test apps to run a speed test to see whether or not you're getting the internet speeds you pay for. Keep in mind though that speed tests can fluctuate, so you one run at least three in order to get an average.
As for the other signs, you just want to take a look at your modem from time to time to ensure it's functioning properly. Are all the indicator lights showing? Is it making more noise that it used to?
If you encounter any of these issues, it may be time for an upgrade, especially if you switching to a new Wi-Fi router or to one of the best mesh Wi-Fi systems.
Do I need a cable modem with fiber internet?
If you’ve just switched to fiber internet or are thinking about doing so, you might be wondering whether or not you’ll still need a cable modem.
This makes sense, especially if you’ve been using one with your internet plan for years now. Well, the good news is that you don’t need a cable modem but you likely still won’t be able to plug your router or mesh router directly into the wall.
Instead of a cable modem, fiber internet uses what’s called an Optical Network Terminal (ONT). This specialized device plugs into the fiber line coming into your home and converts the light signals from fiber optic cable into data and comes with an Ethernet port that you then plug your router into.
While there are fiber-ready routers, any router will work with a fiber connection as long as you have an ONT device. If you don’t want another box crowding up your home, you could opt for a more expensive router with a built-in SFP+ port like the TP-Link Deco BE85.
Instead of plugging your fiber line into an ONT device, you just plug it right into the SFP+ port on the back of your router. It’s a more streamlined setup for sure but one of the good things about having an ONT device is that it gives you more flexibility when it comes to where you place your router.
Ethernet cables are fairly inexpensive and they come in all kinds of different lengths, so you could have your ONT device in one room (where your fiber connection comes into your home) and your router in another, preferably a central location for a better wireless signal.
Check out all of our home networking coverage:
Best mesh Wi-Fi systems | Best Wi-Fi 6 routers | Best Wi-Fi 7 routers | Best gaming routers | Best Wi-Fi extenders | Best powerline extenders
