10 Best Cable Modem 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
NETGEAR Nighthawk DOCSIS 3.1 Mid/high-Split Cable Modem (CM3000) – Approved for Today’s Fastest Speeds - Works with All Providers Incl. Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox - for Plans up to 2.5Gbps
The NETGEAR Nighthawk CM3000 cable modem is a solid choice for anyone needing high-speed internet access, especially for those using cable plans that can handle speeds up to 2.5Gbps. With its DOCSIS 3.1 technology, it ensures compatibility with major US ISPs like Xfinity and Spectrum, making it very versatile for various users. One of its standout features is the impressive upload speed of 1Gbps, which is great for activities like video conferencing and online gaming, allowing multiple users to enjoy seamless connectivity at the same time.
Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,302
DOCSIS Standard
ISP Compatibility
Speed
Most important from
428 reviews
#2
Arris Surfboard S33 DOCSIS 3.1 Multi‑Gig Cable Modem | 2.5Gbps + 1Gbps Ethernet Ports | Works with Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum | for Cable Internet Plans up to 2.5Gbps | Modem Only, Router Required
The Arris Surfboard S33 is a solid choice for anyone looking to support fast cable internet plans, especially those up to 2.5 Gbps. It uses the latest DOCSIS 3.1 standard, which means it handles high-speed data efficiently and is future-proof for newer internet technologies. With two Ethernet ports—one supporting 2.5 Gbps and the other 1 Gbps—it offers flexibility for connecting devices, such as a router or directly to a computer, which can be great for gamers or heavy streamers who want reliable wired speeds.
#3
Hitron CODA56 Cable Internet Modem ONLY - DOCSIS 3.1 | 2.5 Gbps | NO WiFi - Requires Router | Xfinity/Spectrum/Cox Compatible | NOT for Fiber/DSL
The Hitron CODA56 is a solid choice if you have cable internet from providers like Xfinity, Spectrum, or Cox and want to take advantage of fast plans up to 2.5 Gbps. It uses the latest DOCSIS 3.1 technology, which means it supports modern cable networks efficiently and helps with smoother streaming, gaming, and video calls thanks to its low latency. One important thing to note is that this device is a modem only—it does not include WiFi or a built-in router. This means you'll need to buy a separate router to share internet wirelessly or connect multiple devices.
Rating
9.1
ISP Compatibility
Ethernet Ports
Most important from
2767 reviews
Top 10 Best Cable Modem 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
NETGEAR Nighthawk DOCSIS 3.1 Mid/high-Split Cable Modem (CM3000) – Approved for Today’s Fastest Speeds - Works with All Providers Incl. Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox - for Plans up to 2.5Gbps
NETGEAR Nighthawk DOCSIS 3.1 Mid/high-Split Cable Modem (CM3000) – Approved for Today’s Fastest Speeds - Works with All Providers Incl. Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox - for Plans up to 2.5Gbps
DOCSIS Standard: DOCSIS 3.1
ISP Compatibility: Xfinity, Spectrum, Optimum, Cox
Speed: 2.5Gbps
Chosen by 1302 this week
Arris Surfboard S33 DOCSIS 3.1 Multi‑Gig Cable Modem | 2.5Gbps + 1Gbps Ethernet Ports | Works with Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum | for Cable Internet Plans up to 2.5Gbps | Modem Only, Router Required
Arris Surfboard S33 DOCSIS 3.1 Multi‑Gig Cable Modem | 2.5Gbps + 1Gbps Ethernet Ports | Works with Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum | for Cable Internet Plans up to 2.5Gbps | Modem Only, Router Required
DOCSIS Standard: DOCSIS 3.1
ISP Compatibility: Charter, Comcast, Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity
Speed Tier: 2.5 Gigabits per second
Ethernet Ports: 2 ports: 2.5 Gbps, 1 Gbps
Built-in Router: No
Hitron CODA56 Cable Internet Modem ONLY - DOCSIS 3.1 | 2.5 Gbps | NO WiFi - Requires Router | Xfinity/Spectrum/Cox Compatible | NOT for Fiber/DSL
Hitron CODA56 Cable Internet Modem ONLY - DOCSIS 3.1 | 2.5 Gbps | NO WiFi - Requires Router | Xfinity/Spectrum/Cox Compatible | NOT for Fiber/DSL
DOCSIS Standard: DOCSIS 3.1
ISP Compatibility: Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, Charter, Cable One
Speed Tier: 2.5 Gbps
Ethernet Ports: 1
Built-in Router: No
NETGEAR Nighthawk DOCSIS 3.1 Mid/High-Split Modem (CM3000-1AZNAS) – Approved for Today's Fastest Speeds - Works with All Providers, Incl. Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox - Plans up to 2.5Gbps
NETGEAR Nighthawk DOCSIS 3.1 Mid/High-Split Modem (CM3000-1AZNAS) – Approved for Today's Fastest Speeds - Works with All Providers, Incl. Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox - Plans up to 2.5Gbps
DOCSIS Standard: DOCSIS 3.1
ISP Compatibility: Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox
Speed Tier: Download 2.5Gbps, Upload 1Gbps
Ethernet Ports: 3
Hitron CODA56 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem ONLY (NOT Fiber) | 2.5 Gbps | NO WiFi/Voice/Router | Single Ethernet Port | Xfinity/Spectrum/Cox Compatible | Requires Separate WiFi Router
Hitron CODA56 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem ONLY (NOT Fiber) | 2.5 Gbps | NO WiFi/Voice/Router | Single Ethernet Port | Xfinity/Spectrum/Cox Compatible | Requires Separate WiFi Router
DOCSIS Standard: DOCSIS 3.1
ISP Compatibility: Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox
Speed Tier: 2.5 Gbps
Ethernet Ports: 1 x 2.5 Gbps port
Built-in Router: No
Related Products
Up to 47% off
Hitron CODA DOCSIS 3.1 - Cable Internet ONLY (NOT Compatible with Fiber/DSL) | Up to 1 Gbps Cable Modem | Requires WiFi Router | Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox Certified
Hitron CODA DOCSIS 3.1 - Cable Internet ONLY (NOT Compatible with Fiber/DSL) | Up to 1 Gbps Cable Modem | Requires WiFi Router | Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox Certified
DOCSIS Standard: DOCSIS 3.1
Channel Bonding: advanced channel bonding
ISP Compatibility: Astound, Grande, RCN, Wave, Charter
Speed Tier: up to 1 Gbps
Built-in Router: No
ARRIS (G34) - Cable Modem Router Combo - Fast DOCSIS 3.1 Gigabit WiFi 6 (AX3000), Approved for Comcast Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum & More, 1 Gbps Max Internet Speeds
ARRIS (G34) - Cable Modem Router Combo - Fast DOCSIS 3.1 Gigabit WiFi 6 (AX3000), Approved for Comcast Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum & More, 1 Gbps Max Internet Speeds
DOCSIS Standard: DOCSIS 3.1
ISP Compatibility: Comcast, Cox, Spectrum
Speed Tier: Up to 2.5 Gbps
Ethernet Ports: 4
Built-in Router: Yes
ARRIS (G36) - Cable Modem Router Combo - Fast DOCSIS 3.1 Gigabit WiFi 6 (AX3000), 1.2 Gbps Max Speeds, Approved for Comcast Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum & More [Check with your provider for compatibility]
ARRIS (G36) - Cable Modem Router Combo - Fast DOCSIS 3.1 Gigabit WiFi 6 (AX3000), 1.2 Gbps Max Speeds, Approved for Comcast Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum & More [Check with your provider for compatibility]
DOCSIS Standard: DOCSIS 3.1
ISP Compatibility: Comcast, Cox, Spectrum
Speed Tier: Up to 1.2 Gbps
Ethernet Ports: 5
Built-in Router: Yes
NETGEAR Nighthawk DOCSIS 3.1 Mid/high-Split Cable Modem (CM2500-1AZNAS) – Approved for Today’s Faster Speeds - Works with All Cable Providers Incl. Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox - Plans up to 2Gbps
NETGEAR Nighthawk DOCSIS 3.1 Mid/high-Split Cable Modem (CM2500-1AZNAS) – Approved for Today’s Faster Speeds - Works with All Cable Providers Incl. Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox - Plans up to 2Gbps
DOCSIS Standard: 3.1
ISP Compatibility: Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox
Speed Tier: 2Gbps down, 1Gbps up
Ethernet Ports: 2
Built-in Router: No
#10
NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem CM1200 - Compatible with All Cable Providers Including Xfinity by Comcast, Spectrum, Cox | for Plans Up to 1 Gbps | 4 x 1G Ethernet Ports | DOCSIS 3.1, Black
NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem CM1200 - Compatible with All Cable Providers Including Xfinity by Comcast, Spectrum, Cox | for Plans Up to 1 Gbps | 4 x 1G Ethernet Ports | DOCSIS 3.1, Black
DOCSIS Standard: DOCSIS 3.1
Channel Bonding: 32x8
ISP Compatibility: Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox
Speed: up to 2Gbps
Ethernet Ports: Four Gigabit ports
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Buying Guide for the Best Cable Modem
Choosing the right cable modem is essential for ensuring a reliable and fast internet connection. A cable modem connects your home network to your internet service provider (ISP) and can significantly impact your internet speed and performance. When selecting a cable modem, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure it meets your needs and is compatible with your ISP. Understanding these specifications will help you make an informed decision and get the best performance out of your internet service.DOCSIS StandardDOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification) is the technology standard that determines the speed and performance of your cable modem. The most common standards are DOCSIS 3.0 and DOCSIS 3.1. DOCSIS 3.0 is suitable for most users and supports speeds up to 1 Gbps, which is sufficient for streaming, gaming, and general internet use. DOCSIS 3.1 is the latest standard and supports speeds up to 10 Gbps, making it ideal for users with very high-speed internet plans or those who want to future-proof their setup. Choose DOCSIS 3.1 if you have a gigabit internet plan or anticipate needing higher speeds in the future.
Channel BondingChannel bonding refers to the number of downstream and upstream channels a modem can use simultaneously. More channels mean higher potential speeds and better performance during peak usage times. Common configurations include 8x4, 16x4, 24x8, and 32x8, where the first number represents downstream channels and the second number represents upstream channels. For basic internet usage, an 8x4 modem is sufficient. For higher speeds and more reliable performance, especially in busy households, consider a modem with 16x4 or higher channel bonding.
ISP CompatibilityNot all cable modems are compatible with every ISP. It's crucial to check if the modem you are considering is approved by your ISP. Most ISPs provide a list of compatible modems on their websites. Using a modem that is not approved by your ISP can result in connectivity issues or reduced performance. Ensure you verify compatibility before making a purchase to avoid any potential problems.
Speed TierThe speed tier of a cable modem indicates the maximum internet speed it can handle. This should match or exceed the speed of your internet plan. For example, if you have a 300 Mbps internet plan, you should choose a modem that supports at least 300 Mbps. If you plan to upgrade your internet speed in the future, consider a modem with a higher speed tier to avoid needing a new modem later.
Ethernet PortsEthernet ports on a cable modem allow you to connect wired devices directly to the modem for a more stable and faster connection. Most modems come with at least one Gigabit Ethernet port, but some models offer multiple ports. If you have several devices that require a wired connection, such as gaming consoles, smart TVs, or desktop computers, consider a modem with multiple Ethernet ports to accommodate all your devices.
Built-in RouterSome cable modems come with a built-in router, combining two devices into one. This can save space and reduce the number of devices you need to manage. However, built-in routers may not offer the same performance or features as standalone routers. If you have a large home, many connected devices, or specific networking needs, you might prefer a separate modem and router. For simpler setups or smaller homes, a modem with a built-in router can be a convenient and cost-effective option.