Gigabit internet is the new rage lately, and why wouldn’t it be when it delivers blistering speeds of 1,000 Mbps which is required to support the current Internet needs of modern families and homes.
This super speed internet however can prove to be a costly upgrade to your existing home internet connection, but if you’re one of the millions of avid streamers and gamers, you already know that silky smooth UHD streaming video is priceless for your viewing experience.
Currently, the only Internet connection technologies offered by Service Providers (ISPs) that support Gigabit speeds are Fiber and Cable DOCSIS 3.1. Keep in mind that the older DOCSIS 3.0 does not support Gigabit speeds.
DOCSIS 3.1 is the newest available communication standard working over Cable connections and is being offered by many ISPs across USA and other countries in the world for Gigabit Internet bandwidth.
Modems supporting this standard are also backwards compatible with DOCSIS 3.0 so they can even work with speeds lower than gigabit.
In this article we have researched the best DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modems and Modem/Router combo devices that support Gigabit Internet speed tiers and are actually compatible with the most popular ISPs in USA.
Although most ISPs provide their own Modem or Modem/Router combo device to their customers, they usually charge a rental fee for such a device.
That said, if you want to save money on costly rental equipment to enjoy Gigabit speed internet from providers such as Comcast, Cox, Spectrum etc, buying your own Gigabit cable modem or Gigabit router & modem combo only makes sense.
However, buying the best DOCSIS 3.1 gigabit device can be a tricky task, owing to the fact that the differences are subtle, but these little differences can have a big impact on your experience.
Here’s a roundup of the 6 best gigabit modem and router/modem options that will boost your internet speed to a whole new level.
The section below is dedicated to standalone cable modems which do not include WiFi router. You will need to have a separate powerful and reliable router for WiFi access. We recommend the Netgear X4S which is a value-for-money model.
The second section of the article focuses on the best combo devices (modem and router on the same box) which support also DOCSIS 3.1 so if you are only interested to this type of device you can skip towards the end of the article.
Best DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modems
Comparison Table
Last update on 2023-03-22 at 15:40 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
#1 MOTOROLA MB8600
- Top Internet Speeds for all Multi-gigabit Speed Tiers - Wirecutter recommends this model as the best cable modem for people using Gigabit Internet plans. Built-in DOCSIS 3.1 and DOCSIS 3.0 32x8 capabilities give top Internet speeds for all cable Internet services.
- Save Money - Eliminate up to 168 dollars per year in cable modem rental fees (Savings are shown for Comcast Xfinity and vary by cable service provider.) Approved by Comcast Xfinity and Xfinity X1, Cox, and CableOne for all speeds including Comcast Gigabit services and Cox Gigablast. Not compatible with RCN. No cable modem is compatible with fiber optic, DSL, or satellite services, available from Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, Frontier, and others.)
- Flexible Compatibility - Pair with any Wi-Fi router you’d like, including Whole Home Wi-Fi or Mesh routers like eero, Google Wi-Fi, and Orbi. A 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet port allows connection of any SINGLE device with an Ethernet port including a router, Windows or Mac computer, HDTV, or game station. This cable modem does not have a built-in wireless router or telephone call capability.
Last update on 2023-03-22 at 15:40 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The MOTOROLA MB8600 slots in at the #1 position on this list for several reasons, most notably because it allows you to save a handsome $150+ per year in equipment rental fees (just like the other models in this list).
Adding to this, it is brought to you by one of the oldest and most reputed American multinational communication companies in the world (Motorola – Zoom telephonics), which in itself speaks volumes about the quality and reliability you can expect.
The above is reflected from the positive feedback and comments from thousands of happy customers online who used the MB8600 with solid results.
Approved by several cable service providers including Comcast Xfinity and Xfinity X1, Cox, CableOne etc, the MOTOROLA MB8600 modem works seamlessly with any WiFi router you may own including mesh routers (aka Whole Home WiFi systems) etc.
NOTE: Speaking of WiFi routers, I recommend using at least a Dual-Band AC2600 model in order to take full advantage of the Gigabit Internet speed. The Netgear X4S is an excellent option to accompany this Motorola modem.
This modem, when installed properly, it is able to deliver speeds of up to a whopping 1,000+ Mbps, and is fitted with 4 Gig Ethernet ports for wired connectivity to any computer, router or other wired devices (you can also aggregate the ports for multi-gig speeds if they are available in the future).
Note: There are actually 4 wired ports on the back although three of them are hidden behind a plastic cover as described here.
The MOTOROLA MB8600 is powered by a BROADCOM BCM3390 chipset, which provides class leading security from denial of service attacks. Moreover, this Broadcom chipset does not suffer from the bugs of the Puma 6 chipset running on some other models.
It features Active Queue Management, which is designed to considerably reduce internet latency, resulting in faster page loads, and a rich experience for online gaming, video conferencing and streaming and other interactive applications.
Something else I like about this model is the access it gives to the Broadcom spectrum analyzer via web GUI. Using the spectrum analyzer you can easily see signal strength, packet drops etc.
Check Price and Reviews at Amazon.com
#2 ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 Gigabit Modem
- A Trusted Name in Home Connectivity: Better connectivity, better speed. The ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem is designed to bring you superior connectivity, increase your network capability and provide faster streaming and downloading throughout your home. From a trusted brand with over 260 million modems sold and growing.
- Save Money: Own your modem and save. Reduce your cable bill up to $168 dollars per year in cable modem rental fees (Savings vary by cable service provider). Certified for use with most U.S. cable internet service providers. For a complete list see additional details below.
- Modem Technology: DOCSIS 3.1 is the newest technology available from cable internet providers. Its 10x faster than DOCSIS 3.0, provides better security, reduces lag while gaming & enables multi-gig networking (ability to run fast speeds on your copper cable from your internet provider).
Last update on 2023-03-22 at 21:10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The ARRIS SB8200 SURFboard rings in at the #2 spot on this list of best gigabit modems for its expansive list of features (both software and hardware), which includes compatibility with almost all major US cable providers (including Cox, Spectrum and Xfinity).
Actually, the ARRIS modems are among the few brands that almost all cable ISPs include in their compatibility lists so you have a great chance that your own ISP will support as well (better to call them first though).
The ARRIS SB8200 is also equipped with the reliable BCM3390 Broadcom chipset which is powering the rest of the models in this article. This chipset is rock solid and does not have the bugs of older Intel Puma 6 chipsets.
The ARRIS SB8200 features two Gigabit Ethernet ports allowing you to bundle them into a link-aggregated port for multi-gig speeds. If you don’t bundle the ports (using LACP link aggregation) only one of the ports will work.
If you want to activate the second port, you must call your ISP in order to assign an extra IP address to the second port (if the ISP offers this capability).
If you have regular power outage in your area, this SURFboard modem is powered by 1 lithium battery to keep it running if electricity is out.
What I like also about this model is its huge amount of RAM (3 GB) that powers the device. This is a nice advantage as it offers some extra hardware resources for better performance.
Check Price and Reviews at Amazon.com
#3 NETGEAR CM1200
- Compatible with all major cable internet providers with internet speed up to 2Gbps. Currently certified with Spectrum and Cox (up to 1Gbps) and Xfinity (up to 800Mbps). Future speeds with these service providers may change over time. Not compatible with Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, DSL providers, DirecTV, DISH and any bundled voice service
- Works with any WiFi router: Connect any WiFi router to this modem’s Ethernet port to support all your wireless devices
- Save monthly rental fees: Model CM1200 replaces your cable modem saving you up to 168 dollars/yr in equipment rental fees
Last update on 2023-03-22 at 16:40 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Coming in at the #3 position on this list of best gigabit cable modems is the NETGEAR Nighthawk CM1200.
This modem has built upon the solid performance and reputation of the older Netgear CM1000 (see next in the list) and is even more enhanced with better hardware and ports to support multi-gigabit speeds and thus being future proof.
Speaking of ports, the NETGEAR CM1200 modem is equipped with four gigabit LAN ports.
However, keep in mind that only 2 of these ports can be bundled to increase the max wired speed of up to 2 Gbps (although currently no ISP supports such multi-gig speeds).
Don’t expect that you will have 4 active ethernet ports as many users believe. Only one active port is available at a time. You can call your ISP and ask them to assign a second IP address in order to activate two ports (not all ISPs offer this).
However, you can bundle 2 of the ports and connect them to a local WiFi router that supports link aggregation.
The specific modem is compatible with all major cable providers including Xfinity by Comcast, COX, Spectrum and many more.
Just like the MOTOROLA MB8600 modem, the NETGEAR CM1200 modem also allows you to save up to $150 per year in equipment rental fees.
Additionally, it supports IPv6 Internet standard, multi-IP address, and can be connected to any WiFi router via its Ethernet port to provide internet access to all your WiFi ready devices.
I’m a fan of Netgear networking products since they manufacture reliable and feature rich products. Although the CM1200 is a little bit more expensive than the other models in this article, you will be getting a future proof device with this modem.
Check Price and Reviews at Amazon.com
#4 NETGEAR CM1000 Gigabit Modem
- Support all cable internet speed tiers, up to Gigabit (1000 Mbps) service. Separate router required for WiFi.
- DOCSIS 3.1 up to 10X faster download speeds than DOCSIS 3.0. DOCSIS 3.1 is OFDM 2x2 plus DOCSIS 3.0 32x8 channel bonding
- ELIMINATE MONTHLY CABLE MODEM RENTAL FEES - Up to dollar 120 per year;32 downstream and 8 upstream channels for DOCSIS 3.0 connection
Last update on 2023-03-22 at 21:10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Another hit from the NETGEAR hangar, the CM1000 gigabit modem is in a league of its own with excellent history and reputation.
The CM1000 is one of the older DOCSIS 3.1 models in the market but it is also a mature and reliable product.
Further, it is compatible with a wide range of cable service providers including Xfinity from Comcast, Mediacom Cable, COX, etc making it a cost effective solution compared to rental equipment.
The only reason I have rated this model as 4th in the list is because it has only 1 Gigabit LAN port compared to two or more ports on the other models.
However, currently there is no ISP offering more than 1 Gig speeds (and I don’t see them offering more than that in the near future). Don’t get me wrong here: 1 Gigabit Internet speed is still huge and will cover your home traffic needs for many years to come.
Therefore, if you don’t care about multi-gig speeds at the moment, the Netgear CM1000 is a trusted and solid option.
It measures 5.4 x 5.9 x 8.8 inches, and weighs 13.4 ounces, making it a perfect fit for limited spaces. This gigabit modem from NETGEAR is powered by one lithium ion battery, and is backed by a limited manufacturer hardware warranty.
Check Price and Reviews at Amazon.com
Best DOCSIS 3.1 Router-Modem Combo
Buying any of the gigabit modems mentioned above allows you to experience Gigabit speeds on wired devices via their LAN ports.
However, if you’d like to share your speed across several different WiFi enabled devices, you’re going to need a wireless router.
But buying a modem and a separate router may be a bit more expensive compared to getting a modem+router on the same box (combo device).
In this section I’m suggesting the two best (in my opinion and from my research) Gigabit modem/router combo models that will allow you to share the internet line to your home devices via both wireless and wired connections.
Comparison Table
Last update on 2023-03-22 at 19:30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
#1 NETGEAR Nighthawk C7800
- Compatible with all major cable internet providers with internet speed up to 1Gbp. Currently certified with Spectrum and Cox (up to 1Gbps) and Xfinity (up to 800Mbps). Future speeds with these service providers may change over time. Not compatible with Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, DSL providers, DirecTV, DISH and any bundled voice service
- Save monthly rental fees: Model C7800 replaces your cable modem and Wi-Fi router saving you up to Dollar 168/year in equipment rental fees
- Get up to 3000 square feet wireless coverage and 45 devices connected with AC3200 speed (up to 3200 Mbps)
Last update on 2023-03-22 at 19:30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
When shopping for the best DOCSIS 3.1 router/modem combo, you really can’t go wrong with the NETGEAR Nighthawk C7800.
It works remarkably well with all major cable service providers and is even certified by some of the most popular ones such as Xfinity by Comcast, COX and Spectrum.
In terms of coverage, the Nighthawk C7800 modem router doesn’t disappoint with its ability to offer WiFi coverage for up to an astounding 3000 square feet, and for up to 45 WiFi enabled devices.
It is equipped with four gigabit Ethernet LAN ports, which allows you to connect your wired devices such as PC’s, gaming consoles, Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices etc.
I like the possibilities it offers with the two high speed USB ports. You can connect for example a USB storage device (e.g USB hard disk) and use it as high-speed storage space for all your home network devices.
This smart gigabit modem router automatically selects the best wireless connection between its dual bands to reduce interference and to enhance the overall speed of the network.
Running on 802.11ac WiFi standard with AC3200 speed (max speed on WiFi supported is 3200 Mbps), it will be a great choice for larger homes with many connected WiFi devices in the home network.
Although currently there are not many DOCSIS 3.1 modem/router combo options in the market, the Netgear C7800 is the top model offering both Gigabit Internet speeds and multi-Gigabit WiFi bandwidth.
Check Price and Reviews at Amazon.com
#2 ARRIS SBG8300
- A Trusted Name in Home Connectivity: Get high speeds, low latency, and a two-in-one product! With the ARRIS SURFboard SBG8300 Wi-Fi Cable Modem, you will increase your network capability and get ultra-fast streaming and downloading throughout your home. From a trusted brand with over 260 million modems sold and growing.
- Save Money: Own your modem and save. Reduce your cable bill up to $168 dollars per year in cable modem rental fees (Savings vary by cable service provider). Certified for use with most U.S. cable internet service providers. For a complete list see additional details below.
- Modem Technology: DOCSIS 3.1 is the newest technology available from cable internet providers. Its 10x faster than DOCSIS 3.0, provides better security, reduces lag while gaming & enables multi-gig networking (ability to run fast speeds on your copper cable from your internet provider).
Last update on 2023-03-22 at 19:30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Another winner from the ARRIS lineup of products, the SBG8300 comes with almost all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a reliable modem router.
To get things started, the Surfboard AC2350 device serves as 3 products in 1 i.e. a cable modem supporting DOCSIS 3.1, a dual band WiFi router and 4-port wired router.
It is currently compatible and approved by Comcast Xfinity and Cox cable to work with their Gigabit speed plans.
It features 32 downstream and 8 upstream DOCSIS channels, 2 downstream x 2 upstream OFDM channels, and features wave 2 wireless with dual-band AC standard.
Adding to this, the SBG8300 modem router is equipped with four 1-gibabit Ethernet ports, which allows you to connect several wired devices simultaneously.
The functions of the SBG8300 router can be controlled via the Surfboard Manager app available for both Android and iOS devices, making it easy to manage the router.
It is easy to setup, where you first need to connect the cables, contact your service provider to activate, and lastly configure the WiFi settings.
For medium-size homes, the SBG8300 is a good choice and also is a little cheaper than the Netgear C7800 mentioned above.
Check Price and Reviews at Amazon.com
Conclusion:
When in the market for a DOCSIS 3.1 gigabit modem or modem router combo, the products mentioned on this list won’t disappoint you in terms of performance.
They are compatible with most leading cable providers, and are easy to install without any professional help. Plus, they save you a fair amount of cash on equipment rentals, which can be used to upgrade your devices or overall home network.
Leave a Reply