What is the best cable modem?

If you mean a standalone cable modem for U.S. cable internet, my top pick right now is the ARRIS SURFboard S34.

• ARRIS SURFboard S34 - $249.99 (Best Buy)

My picks

• 🏆 Best overall: ARRIS S34 — DOCSIS 3.1, 2.5GbE, multi-gig capable, and supports faster upload tiers on compatible networks. Tom's Guide currently ranks it best overall.

• 💰 Best value: Hitron CODA56 — also DOCSIS 3.1 with 2.5GbE and excellent for plans up to about 2.5 Gbps when your ISP approves it.

• 🚀 Best for demanding multi-gig plans: NETGEAR CM3000 — particularly attractive if your provider uses upgraded mid/high-split technology and you want stronger upload capability.

• 👍 Best for ordinary gigabit service: ARRIS S33 — a proven option with 2.5GbE and generally less expensive than the newest models.

• ARRIS S34 - $249.99 (Best Buy)

• NETGEAR CM3000 - $269.00 (B&H Photo)

• Hitron CODA56 - $288.99 (newegg.com)

• ARRIS S33 - $199.99 (Micro Center)

One important caveat: check that the exact modem is approved for your ISP and speed tier before buying. DOCSIS 3.1 with a 2.5GbE Ethernet port is currently the sweet spot for most cable customers; DOCSIS 4.0 retail hardware is still not broadly available.

If you tell me your ISP (Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, etc.) and your internet speed, I can tell you which modem I'd buy for your specific service.

The best standalone cable modems you can buy are the Arris SURFboard S34 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. for overall performance and future-proofing, and the Hitron CODA56 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. for the best value. Both models support DOCSIS 3.1 and next-generation "mid-split" network technology, which unlocks significantly faster upload speeds on modern internet plans.

Standalone Cable Modems (Router Required)

• Arris SURFboard S34:
  • Best Overall : Certified for major providers like Xfinity, Spectrum , and Cox to handle multi-gigabit download speeds.
  • Ports : Equipped with a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port and a 1 Gbps Ethernet port.
  • Upload Upgrade : Supports mid-split technology to seamlessly handle faster upload tiers.
• Hitron CODA56:
  • Best Value : Delivers essential multi-gigabit performance at a highly competitive price point.
  • Specs : Features a single 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port and supports mid-split network upgrades.
• Netgear Nighthawk CM3000 Go to product viewer dialog for this item.:
  • Premium Pick : Built for power users, remote workers, and content creators who rely heavily on cloud backups.
  • Specs : Employs mid/high-split configurations to reach up to 1 Gbps upload capacities.
  • Ports : Includes one 2.5 Gbps port and two 1 Gbps ports featuring link aggregation. [1][2]
• ARRIS SURFboard S33 Go to product viewer dialog for this item.:
  • Download Focused : Exceptional, low-latency performance using a highly stable Broadcom chipset.
  • Trade-off : Lacks mid-split capability, meaning it will limit upload speeds on newer next-gen ISP tiers.
• ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 Go to product viewer dialog for this item.:
  • Best Budget : Ideal for standard internet plans ranging from 300 Mbps to 1,000 Mbps.
  • Ports : Features two 1 Gbps ports but skips multi-gig and mid-split capabilities.

Key Comparison

Important Buying Considerations

• Check ISP Compatibility : Always reference your provider's official "Compatible Devices" page before completing a purchase.
• Fiber vs. Cable : These options apply strictly to traditional cable internet lines; Fiber internet connections utilize an ONT box rather than a standard cable modem.
• All-in-One Alternative : If you prefer a single hardware unit instead of managing a separate modem and router, consider a high-tier gateway like the Netgear Nighthawk CAX30S Go to product viewer dialog for this item. , which integrates a DOCSIS 3.1 modem with a built-in Wi-Fi 6 router.[1]

To help narrow down the ideal choice, let me know:

• Who is your internet service provider?
• What are your tier's download and upload speeds?
• Do you need a separate Wi-Fi router , or are you looking for an all-in-one combo unit?

The best standalone cable modems you can buy are the Arris SURFboard S34 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. for overall performance and future-proofing, and the Hitron CODA56 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. for the best value. Both models support DOCSIS 3.1 and next-generation "mid-split" network technology, which unlocks significantly faster upload speeds on modern internet plans.

Standalone Cable Modems (Router Required)

• Arris SURFboard S34:
  • Best Overall : Certified for major providers like Xfinity, Spectrum , and Cox to handle multi-gigabit download speeds.
  • Ports : Equipped with a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port and a 1 Gbps Ethernet port.
  • Upload Upgrade : Supports mid-split technology to seamlessly handle faster upload tiers.
• Hitron CODA56:
  • Best Value : Delivers essential multi-gigabit performance at a highly competitive price point.
  • Specs : Features a single 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port and supports mid-split network upgrades.
• Netgear Nighthawk CM3000 Go to product viewer dialog for this item.:
  • Premium Pick : Built for power users, remote workers, and content creators who rely heavily on cloud backups.
  • Specs : Employs mid/high-split configurations to reach up to 1 Gbps upload capacities.
  • Ports : Includes one 2.5 Gbps port and two 1 Gbps ports featuring link aggregation. [1][2]
• ARRIS SURFboard S33 Go to product viewer dialog for this item.:
  • Download Focused : Exceptional, low-latency performance using a highly stable Broadcom chipset.
  • Trade-off : Lacks mid-split capability, meaning it will limit upload speeds on newer next-gen ISP tiers.
• ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 Go to product viewer dialog for this item.:
  • Best Budget : Ideal for standard internet plans ranging from 300 Mbps to 1,000 Mbps.
  • Ports : Features two 1 Gbps ports but skips multi-gig and mid-split capabilities.

Key Comparison

Important Buying Considerations

• Check ISP Compatibility : Always reference your provider's official "Compatible Devices" page before completing a purchase.
• Fiber vs. Cable : These options apply strictly to traditional cable internet lines; Fiber internet connections utilize an ONT box rather than a standard cable modem.
• All-in-One Alternative : If you prefer a single hardware unit instead of managing a separate modem and router, consider a high-tier gateway like the Netgear Nighthawk CAX30S Go to product viewer dialog for this item. , which integrates a DOCSIS 3.1 modem with a built-in Wi-Fi 6 router.[1]

To help narrow down the ideal choice, let me know:

• Who is your internet service provider?
• What are your tier's download and upload speeds?
• Do you need a separate Wi-Fi router , or are you looking for an all-in-one combo unit?

If you mean a standalone cable modem for U.S. cable internet, my top pick in 2026 is the NETGEAR Nighthawk CM3000 for a premium/future-proof setup. It supports DOCSIS 3.1 mid/high-split, up to 2.5 Gbps download and 1 Gbps upload, and has a 2.5GbE port.

• NETGEAR Nighthawk CM3000 - $299.99 (Micro Center)

My picks

• Best overall / future-proof: NETGEAR CM3000 — especially if you have Xfinity, Spectrum, or Cox and want faster upload speeds.

• Best value: ARRIS SURFboard S33 — excellent DOCSIS 3.1 modem with 2.5GbE, particularly for ordinary gigabit plans.

• Best budget: Motorola B12 — DOCSIS 3.1, 2.5GbE, and currently around $145 at Best Buy.

• Best if you have a standard ≤1 Gbps plan: ARRIS SB8200 — proven and generally less expensive, though its Ethernet ports are only 1Gbps.

• ARRIS SURFboard S33 - $199.99 (Micro Center)

• Motorola B12 - $144.95 (Best Buy)

• ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 - $169.00 (Walmart)

• NETGEAR Nighthawk CM3000 - $299.99 (Micro Center)

One important catch: the "best" modem depends heavily on your ISP and internet plan. The exact modem needs to be approved by your provider, and newer mid/high-split upload service isn't supported by every DOCSIS 3.1 modem.

If you tell me your ISP (Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, etc.) and your internet speed, I can tell you exactly which modem I'd buy.

The "best" cable modem depends heavily on your budget, your internet service provider (ISP), and the speed tier of your plan. Choosing a DOCSIS 3.1 modem is essential to future-proof your setup and eliminate monthly rental fees. [1][2]

Top-rated cable modems categorized by use case:

Add to listArris SURFboard S33 (The Best Overall)

• Why it’s great: Highly recommended by The New York Times Wirecutter , the S33 balances reliability, DOCSIS 3.1 capability, and value . It features a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port alongside a secondary 1 Gbps port, making it ideal for gigabit and multi-gigabit plans.
• Best for: Most households looking for maximum compatibility and rock-solid performance with providers like Xfinity, Spectrum, and Cox.

Add to listHitron CODA56 (The Best Value / Mid-Split Pick)

• Why it’s great: Highlighted by Tom's Guide as a powerhouse for the price, the CODA56 includes a 2.5 Gbps port and is notably certified for Xfinity’s "Next Gen" high-upload speed tiers (mid-split technology), which are hard to find at a budget-friendly price point.
• Best for: Power users or remote workers who want faster upload speeds without paying top dollar.

Add to listNetgear Nighthawk CM3000 (The Best High-End / Multi-Gig Pick)

• Why it’s great: If you have an ultra-fast tier (multi-gigabit plan) and an ISP supporting mid/high-split technology, the CM3000 delivers download speeds up to 2.5 Gbps and vastly improved upload capacity.
• Best for: Heavy data users, multi-family gaming setups, and future-proofing against upcoming ISP speed upgrades.[1][2]

Add to listArris SURFboard SB8200 (The Best Budget Reliable Pick)

• Why it’s great: An older staple that routinely drops in price, it offers DOCSIS 3.1 support and dual 1 Gbps Ethernet ports. It handles standard gigabit plans easily , though it lacks a true multi-gig port like the S33 or CODA56.
• Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who still want a reliable DOCSIS 3.1 device. [1][2]

(Note: None of these modems have built-in Wi-Fi, meaning you will need to pair them with a separate Wi-Fi Router or mesh network system.) [1][2][3]

To help narrow down the exact right choice, let me know:

• Who is your internet service provider (Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, etc.)?
• What is your current or target internet speed plan (e.g., 500 Mbps, 1 Gbps, 2+ Gbps)?

If you have cable internet in the U.S., my top pick right now is the ARRIS SURFboard S34.

• ARRIS SURFboard S34 - $249.99 (Best Buy)

Why I’d pick the S34

• DOCSIS 3.1 — the current sweet spot for most cable customers.
• 2.5 Gbps Ethernet — suitable for gigabit and multi-gig plans.
• Supports newer faster-upload tiers on compatible providers.
• Works with major cable providers including Xfinity, Spectrum and Cox, although you should verify compatibility with your exact plan/address before buying.
• It's a modem only, so you'll need a separate Wi-Fi router/mesh system.

Other good choices

• Best value: Motorola MB8611 — excellent DOCSIS 3.1 modem with a 2.5GbE port, particularly attractive if you don't need newer high-upload capabilities.

• Best for Xfinity's newer upload tiers: NETGEAR CM3000/CM2500 — designed for mid/high-split networks.

• Best budget option: ARRIS S33 — very capable for ordinary gigabit/multi-gig cable service and often cheaper than the S34.

• ARRIS SURFboard S34 - $249.99 (Best Buy)

• Motorola B12 - $144.95 (Best Buy)

• ARRIS SURFboard S33 - $199.99 (Micro Center)

• NETGEAR CM2500 - $249.99 (Best Buy)

One important caveat: don't buy based solely on the modem's advertised maximum speed. Your ISP has to approve the exact model for your service tier, and DOCSIS 4.0 availability is still limited; DOCSIS 3.1 remains the practical choice for most cable customers in 2026.

If you tell me your ISP (Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, etc.) and your internet speed, I can tell you exactly which modem I'd buy for your setup.

The top-performing cable modems on the market are built on the DOCSIS 3.1 standard , ensuring they support high-speed internet tiers while future-proofing your home network. When choosing a standalone cable modem, the best option depends on your specific internet plan speed and your budget. [1][2]

Top Product Recommendations

Add to list Best Overall Cable Modem.

• It features a dedicated 2.5 Gbps Multi-Gigabit Ethernet port alongside a standard 1 Gbps port to prevent hardware bottlenecks on high-tier plans.
• Highly recommended by tech reviewers for its reliable Broadcom chipset, compact vertical footprint, and excellent heat dissipation.
• It is fully compatible with major U.S. cable providers including Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum, and Cox. [1][2][3][4][5][6]

Add to list Best Premium Option.

• Offers a single ultra-fast 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port engineered to unlock the absolute maximum performance out of multi-gigabit cable plans.
• Built with advanced 32x8 channel bonding and downstream OFDM technology to ensure reduced latency during competitive gaming and 4K/8K streaming.
• Frequently praised for its highly stable performance under heavy, simultaneous smart-home network loads. [1][2][3][4]

Add to list Best for Low Latency & Gaming.

• Equipped with a 2.5 Gbps LAN port and features built-in Active Queue Management (AQM) to significantly minimize lag during video calls and online gaming.
• Features robust internal lightning and power surge circuitry to protect your hardware investment from electrical spikes.
• Approved for all multi-gigabit speed tiers across major service providers like Comcast Xfinity, Cox Gigablast, and Charter Spectrum. [1][2][3][4]

Add to list Best Budget Value.

• An affordable entry point into DOCSIS 3.1 technology that is perfect for standard 1 Gbps (Gigabit) plans or lower.
• Includes two 1-Gbps Ethernet ports instead of a multi-gig port, capping practical single-device speeds to around 940 Mbps.
• Exceptionally stable and widely available as a reliable, cost-effective alternative to paying monthly ISP equipment rental fees. [1][2][3]

Key Comparison Overview

Important Buying Tips

To give you the most accurate recommendation, could you tell me:

• What is your current internet plan download speed (e.g., 400 Mbps, 1 Gbps, 2 Gbps)?
• Who is your internet service provider (ISP)?
• Do you already have a standalone Wi-Fi router , or do you need a modem/router combo unit?

If you have cable internet (Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, etc.), my top pick right now is:

• NETGEAR Nighthawk CM3000 - $299.99 (NETGEAR + others)

🏆 Best overall: NETGEAR Nighthawk CM3000

It’s a DOCSIS 3.1 mid/high-split modem with a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port, supporting up to 2.5Gbps download and 1Gbps upload under compatible service. It is certified for Xfinity, Spectrum, and Cox.

The main reason I'd choose it over cheaper modems is upload speed. Newer cable networks are increasing upload speeds, and the CM3000 is designed for those higher-upload tiers.

Good alternatives

• ARRIS SURFboard S34 - $239.99 (Best Buy + others)

• ARRIS SURFboard S33 - $198.99 (Walmart - ROSE CITY WHOLESALE + others)

• Hitron CODA56 - $356.99 (Newegg.com - HyperCore)

• ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 - $169.00 (Walmart + others)

• ARRIS S34 — excellent choice, particularly if you have Xfinity and want enhanced upload speeds.

• ARRIS S33 — great for ordinary gigabit/multi-gig cable plans and often cheaper.

• Hitron CODA56 — strong value if your ISP certifies it.

• ARRIS SB8200 — good inexpensive option if your plan is around 1 Gbps or less.

One important caveat: don't buy based solely on the modem's advertised speed. Your ISP has to approve the exact model for your address/plan, and bundled telephone service can require a voice-compatible modem. The CM3000, for example, doesn't support Xfinity Voice.

If you tell me your ISP (Xfinity/Spectrum/Cox/etc.), internet speed, and whether you have a separate Wi-Fi router, I can tell you exactly which modem I'd buy and whether the CM3000 is worth the extra money.

If you have cable internet (Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, etc.), my top pick in 2026 is the ARRIS SURFboard S34.

• ARRIS SURFboard S34 - $239.99 (Best Buy)

My picks

• Best overall: ARRIS SURFboard S34 — DOCSIS 3.1, 2.5-Gbps Ethernet, and support for newer mid-split upload technology. It's a particularly good choice if you have or may upgrade to faster Xfinity/Spectrum/Cox service.

• Best high-performance: NETGEAR Nighthawk CM3000 — better if you care about very fast uploads. It supports mid/high-split and up to 2.5 Gbps downstream/1 Gbps upstream, though it's considerably more expensive.

• NETGEAR Nighthawk CM3000 - $269.00 (B&H Photo)

• Best value: Hitron CODA56 — 2.5-Gbps Ethernet and DOCSIS 3.1/mid-split support without paying for the premium models.

• Best for ordinary gigabit-or-less service: ARRIS SB8200 — a proven DOCSIS 3.1 option, although I'd spend a little more on a 2.5-Gbps model if you're buying new today.

What I'd buy

If you're on Xfinity: S34 or CM3000. If you're on Spectrum: S34 or CODA56. If you're on Cox: S34 or CM3000. If you tell me your ISP and internet speed (e.g. Xfinity 1.2 Gbps), I can tell you the exact modem I'd buy and whether it's worth spending extra.

When looking for the best cable modem, the right choice depends on your internet service provider (ISP), your plan's speed, and whether you want a standalone modem or a combo unit. Standalone modems paired with a separate router or mesh system generally offer better performance, longevity, and flexibility.

Top-rated options for cable modems include:

Add to list Highlighted as a top pick by Wirecutter , this DOCSIS 3.1 modem is a reliable and cost-effective choice. It features a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port alongside an extra 1Gbps port, making it ideal for high-speed and gigabit plans while saving you monthly rental fees.

Add to list Built for cutting-edge high-split DOCSIS 3.1 services, this multi-gigabit modem delivers incredible download speeds up to 2.5Gbps and significantly boosted upload capacities. It’s an elite, future-proof choice if your provider (like Xfinity or Spectrum) supports mid/high-split configurations.[1]

Add to list Solid, dependable mid-tier DOCSIS 3.1 alternatives that effortlessly handle standard gigabit plans without breaking the bank.

Add to list If you prefer an all-in-one device rather than separate hardware, this high-end Wi-Fi 7 modem/router combo is top-rated by RTINGS for heavy multi-gigabit wireless loads and extensive device coverage.

If you'd like, let me know:

• Your internet provider (e.g., Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox)
• Your current or planned internet speed tier (e.g., 500 Mbps, 1 Gbps, 2 Gbps+)
• Whether you want a standalone modem or an all-in-one router combo

I can help narrow down the exact model that fits your setup.