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The Best Modem

Last updated on August 31, 2022

We looked at the top 14 Modems and dug through the reviews from 33 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Modems.

Best Modem

Our Review Process

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Look for the DWYM seal for products that are the best in a category.

In-home Wi-Fi has become the standard for almost every household in America. In fact, 82 percent of U.S. homes have broadband internet, up 10 percent from a decade ago. Generally, when you sign up for internet, your provider will give you the option to rent a modem that’s proven to work on its service. However, chances are, you can save on that rent by purchasing a modem that may even work much better than what they’re issuing.

But buying a modem can be overwhelming if you’ve never shopped for one before. Weighing one modem’s performance against another means deciphering terms like Mbps and downstream channels. Although these terms may seem technical in nature, they’re crucial to weighing one modem against another.

Mbps refers to megabits per second, which calculates the amount of data that can pass through your network within one second. Data is measured in megabytes (MB) or gigabytes (GB), depending on the volume. There are eight megabits in one megabyte and 1,000 megabytes in one gigabyte. All you need to know as you’re shopping is that the more Mbps, the faster download and upload speeds you’ll need.

When you’re shopping for a modem, you’ll typically see terminology like “16×4.” These numbers represent how many downstream and upstream channels are supported by that modem. You’ll likely either want a 16×4 or 8×4 modem, which means you have either 16 or eight downstream channels and four upstream channels. With a 16×4 modem, you’ll get up to 680Mbps for downloads and only half of that with an 8×4 modem.

One problem with buying a modem versus renting one, however, is that technology is always changing. If your area hasn’t yet switched over to fiber, you may be in for a major upgrade in the future. When something like that happens, the modem you bought may no longer be compatible. By renting, you’re always ready for these upgrades without having to worry about wasting money. However, you may find that the money you spent renting your equipment could have easily been made up by purchasing a modem and then switching it out for a newer model when the network upgraded.

But do you need to splurge for a higher-priced modem with bigger numbers all around? That depends. If you stream video from multiple devices at once, or someone in your household engages in activities like gaming or video editing, you may want to go for the latest and greatest. For many households, an 8×4 modem with 343Mbps or 686Mbps will likely suffice. However, if you have the extra money, it can’t hurt to go with the better model to account for your future needs.

Speaking of compatibility, make sure the modem you choose works with your cable provider before you purchase it. This is usually mentioned in the item description, but if you don’t know for sure, contact your cable company to ask. Even if it says your modem is compatible, it may be worth calling since you may have an internet tier that wasn’t available when the modem was put on the market.

Our Picks For The Top Modems

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Our Take
Pros
Cons
 Top Pick

Hitron Cable Compatible High Speed Modem

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Hitron

Cable Compatible High Speed Modem

This DOCSIS 3.1 modem is actually 10 times faster than its predecessor. That means less interruptions when gaming or streaming your favorite shows. You can opt for this model as long as you have an internet plan of up to 2 gigabytes per second with either Comcast Xfinity, Charter Spectrum or Cox.

Overall Take

Super Fast OptionSkip cable rental fees and save big with this high-quality modem.

 Runner Up

ASUS Wi-Fi High Efficiency Modem

ASUS

Wi-Fi High Efficiency Modem

If you're looking for an all-in-one unit, this modem is the way to go. It features a built-in wireless router to run more efficiently. The modem is also made to be fan-less, which means you won't have to worry about noise when it runs.

Overall Take

2-in-1 UnitThe sleek black slim design of this modem makes it an attractive option.

 We Also Like

Motorola MB7621 Home WiFi Cable Modem

Motorola

Home WiFi Cable Modem

When you go with this modem, you'll eliminate the rental fees that come with your cable modem. That means you'll enjoy a great deal of savings in the long run. The modem itself works with a large number of cable service providers, including Comcast Xfinity, Cox, Charter Spectrum, Time Warner Cable and RCN.

Overall Take

Compact DesignTo set this modem up, all you need to do is plug the modem into an outlet and then plug a Wi-Fi router into the modem.

Pros
" The MB7621 is less expensive and comes with a two-year warranty, a year longer than the CM600’s coverage."
Cons
"It isn’t the most attractive or compact modem."
 Strong Contender

Netgear CM500 High Speed Modem

Netgear

High Speed Modem

No matter which cable subscriber you use, this modem is an excellent option. It is easily connected to a home computer or wireless router using the 1-gigabit ethernet port. The best part is this modem takes just 5 minutes to set up.

Overall Take

Most EconomicalWhen shopping on a budget, this affordable modem is the way to go.

Pros
" The Netgear CM500 performed extremely well on a network stressed by running four simultaneous bandwidth-hogging applications, including three large game file downloads on a PC, XBox One and PS4 Pro and 4K Netflix streaming."
Cons
"Netgear's modems have a disadvantage when compared to similar devices from Arris and Zoom — they only have a one-year warranty, instead of the two years of coverage available from rival modem makers"
Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, DWYM analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
21

Products Considered

We identified the majority of the modems available to purchase.
14

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

View All Product Rankings

33

Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources including: BestReviews, PC Magazine, New York Times Wirecutter, Tom's Guide, Tech Radar.

129,744

User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

Our experts reviewed the top 14 Modems and also dug through the reviews from 33 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Modems.

DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.

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The Best Bang For Your Buck

Netgear CM500 High Speed Modem

Our Expert Score

9.5
4 expert reviews

User Summarized Score

7.8
11,031 user reviews

Our Take

No matter which cable subscriber you use, this modem is an excellent option. It is easily connected to a home computer or wireless router using the 1-gigabit ethernet port. The best part is this modem takes just 5 minutes to set up.

What other experts liked

The Netgear CM500 performed extremely well on a network stressed by running four simultaneous bandwidth-hogging applications, including three large game file downloads on a PC, XBox One and PS4 Pro and 4K Netflix streaming.
- Top Ten Reviews
August 24, 2018 | Full review
Easy installation and wide compatibility with many top ISPs.
- Tom's Guide
February 5, 2019 | Full review
The CM500 has a good reputation for reliability
- New York Times Wirecutter
The installation is surprisingly easy and fast.
- Best Advisor

What other experts didn't like

The CM500 runs a little warmer than other modems we tested, so place it in a well-ventilated area.
- Top Ten Reviews
August 24, 2018 | Full review
Netgear's modems have a disadvantage when compared to similar devices from Arris and Zoom — they only have a one-year warranty, instead of the two years of coverage available from rival modem makers
- Tom's Guide
February 5, 2019 | Full review
The CM500 matches the ISP compatibility of the pricier CM600, but its maximum download and upload speeds are lower
- New York Times Wirecutter
Some might find it huge, but that helps in heat dissipation
- Best Advisor

What to Look For

  • The first thing to search for when reading a modem’s description is its compatibility. The Motorola MB7621 24 x 8 Cable Modem Modem is compatible with Comcast Xfinity, Cox and Charter, which are three of the biggest providers. Other modems, on the other hand, may work if you have Cox Communications but they may not compatible with Comcast Xfinity.
  • Signal strength is also worth considering. The Motorola modems use Wireless Power Boost and AnyBeam beamforming, which focuses your signal in a specific direction to provide better reception at both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies. This takes your signal to the legal limit the FCC allows.
  • Downstream and upstream channels play a significant role in the speed of your downloads and uploads. The Motorola MB7621 24 x 8 Cable Modem Modem offers 24×8 support, while other models offer 16×4 speeds.
  • Another thing to look for in a modem is DOCSIS technology. This technology is the preferred standard of cable providers. DOCSIS 3.1 technology offers enhanced security features, reduced latency and faster downloads than fiber cable. It also has a sleep mode that helps conserve energy. The Motorola MB8600 Modem features DOCSIS 3.1 technology, while other models have 3.0. DOCSIS 3.0, which is still more than acceptable, supports more than 100 Mbps.
  • When you look at the price to rent a modem through your cable provider, you may first want to check out the purchase price for one.
  • A model that is both a modem and a router will not only link you to the internet, but it can also link the computers and devices within your home to each other. However, when buying a modem/router combo, it’s important to note that you’ll have to purchase a completely new unit if part of it malfunctions or you want to upgrade one or the other. However, having both units in one means less equipment and cabling, which can help reduce the clutter in your home office.
  • Overheating can be an issue with any electronic equipment. Without proper venting, you may find your modem locks up on a regular basis, forcing you to restart it. The Motorola MB8600 Modem is designed with airflow in mind, so you’ll have less of a risk of inconvenient downtime.
  • With some modems, you’ll notice annoying slowdowns occasionally. Look for a modem that doesn’t have the lags seen with comparable modems from other brands.
  • Occasionally, you’ll need to reboot your modem, whether it’s due to your provider’s updates or overheating. A power button can make this process more convenient. Otherwise, you’ll need to unplug and replug your modem in to restart it.
  • Another usability factor to consider is where the screen is located. Some modems have a screen that is off to the side a little, making it more difficult to see, especially from a distance. The Motorola MB8600 Modem has a forward-facing screen.
  • Before you buy, take a look at where you plan to keep your modem. While many modems stand vertically, others are built to set horizontally.
  • Although we don’t often think about it, as soon as you put your home’s devices online, you’re at risk of an attack. Security is an important consideration. Yes, you’ll set passwords on your home network and each device. But you should also consider the Motorola MB8600 Modem, which has a chipset that keeps you safe against denial of service attacks.
  • In addition to securing your home network against an attack, make sure your modem provides protection against lightning strikes and power surges. The Motorola MB8600 Modem has a built-in circuit to keep your equipment safe from Mother Nature.
  • If you rent from your cable company, they’ll likely set up your modem. If you’re buying on your own or replacing an existing modem, you’ll probably have to set it up yourself. Look for a modem that has a Quick Start installation guide to get you up and running. It also features fast activation for the most popular internet service providers.

Modem Rankings

1. Hitron Cable Compatible High Speed Modem

Overall Score: 9.4
Reviews Included: 1

2. ASUS Wi-Fi High Efficiency Modem

Overall Score: 9.2
Reviews Included: 1

3. Motorola MB7621 Home WiFi Cable Modem

Overall Score: 9.0
Reviews Included: 5

4. Netgear CM500 High Speed Modem

Overall Score: 8.9
Reviews Included: 7

5. ARRIS SURFboard SB6190 Certified Cable Modem

Overall Score: 8.8
Reviews Included: 6

6. MOTOROLA MB8600 Multi-Gigabit Speed Tiers Cable Modem

Overall Score: 8.8
Reviews Included: 5

7. MOTOROLA MG7550 AC1900 Dual Band WiFi Modem

Overall Score: 8.8
Reviews Included: 5

8. Linksys CM3024 Easy Plug Gaming Cable Modem

Overall Score: 8.6
Reviews Included: 1

9. Netgear CM600 WiFi Router Modem

Overall Score: 8.6
Reviews Included: 7

10. Netgear ORBI Single-Band Modem

Overall Score: 8.4
Reviews Included: 6

11. Linksys CM3008 Intel Inside Modem

Overall Score: 8.4
Reviews Included: 5

12. Cisco DPC3010 Upstream Data Modem

Overall Score: 8.4
Reviews Included: 5

13. ARRIS SURFboard SB6190 Fast Downloads Modem

Overall Score: 8.3
Reviews Included: 6

14. Netgear C3000 Double Firewall Protection Modem

Overall Score: 7.9
Reviews Included: 5

More to Explore

Modem, short for modulator demodulator, both modulates and demodulates signals as they come in and go out of a network. In the early days of home networking, a modem would use a landline to bring those signals in and out. It was much slower, took a while to connect and tied up the phone line while in use. This was a bigger problem in the early days of home internet use because many households still used their home phones for the majority of their phone communication. However, home networks weren’t quite as challenged in those days, since technologies like video streaming and smartphones weren’t around. Today’s home internet uses dedicated lines that are a combination of analog and digital to carry signals in and out. They not only rely on a modem to bring the signals in and out, but also a router to allow the devices within a home to connect wirelessly.

More to explore