Best Cable Modem (2026): 4 Picks to Stop Renting

Last updated: November 8, 2026

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Many cable internet customers pay a monthly fee to rent a modem from their provider, year after year. Buying your own compatible modem often pays for itself within a year or so, and you can choose a model that supports your plan’s top speeds. The best cable modem is approved by your internet provider, supports DOCSIS 3.1 for current and future speeds, and has an Ethernet port fast enough for your plan.

We compared the most popular cable modems on DOCSIS version, Ethernet port speed, provider compatibility, reliability and price. Here are our picks for 2026.

How we chose: This guide is research-based. We compared manufacturer specs, provider approval lists, DOCSIS information from CableLabs, network security guidance from the FTC, and the provider compatibility each maker lists. We only included modems listed on the maker’s own site in November 2026. We then scored each modem with our five-point rating system. We have not tested these modems in person. Always confirm your provider supports a modem before buying.

Best Cable Modem (2026): 4 Picks to Stop Paying Rental Fees – product category photo — Photo: Pancho507 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

Our top picks

Our top picks at a glanceCheck your provider’s approved list

Cable modem	Ethernet port	Score	Buy link
ARRIS SURFboard S33Best overall	2.5 Gbps plus 1 Gbps	9	Check price
NETGEAR Nighthawk CM3000Best for fast uploads	2.5 Gbps	8.7	Check price
NETGEAR Nighthawk CM2500Best for faster uploads under 1 Gbps	Two 1 Gbps (link aggregation)	8.5	Check price
ARRIS SURFboard SB8200Best value DOCSIS 3.1	Two 1 Gbps	8.4	Check price

The best cable modems, reviewed

Best overall

ARRIS SURFboard S33

9/10

StandardDOCSIS 3.1
EthernetOne 2.5 Gbps and one 1 Gbps port
Max plan speedPlans up to 2.5 Gbps, depending on provider
CompatibilityCox, Spectrum, Xfinity and other major U.S. cable providers
VoiceNo phone service support
Warranty2-year limited

The ARRIS SURFboard S33 is the cable modem we would buy for most homes. It supports DOCSIS 3.1, so it can handle today’s fastest cable plans.

Its 2.5-gigabit Ethernet port lets plans up to 2.5 Gbps reach your router without a bottleneck, and a second 1 Gbps port is there if you need it. ARRIS says it works with Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity and other major U.S. cable providers.

It has a 2-year limited warranty. It does not support cable phone service, so check if you have a landline through your provider.

What we like

DOCSIS 3.1 for top speeds
2.5 Gbps Ethernet port
Widely approved
Reliable brand

Watch out for

No phone service support
Router sold separately
Upload speeds limited on mid/high-split plans

Best for: Most cable internet customers on any plan.

Skip it if: You need cable phone service.

Check price on Amazon Price range: See ARRIS retailers

Best for fast uploads

NETGEAR Nighthawk CM3000

8.7/10

StandardDOCSIS 3.1 with mid/high-split
EthernetOne 2.5 Gbps port plus two 1 Gbps ports (link aggregation)
Max speedUp to 2.5 Gbps down and 1 Gbps up, per NETGEAR
CompatibilityCertified for Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox and more
VoiceNo phone service (not for Xfinity Voice)

The CM3000 is NETGEAR’s fastest cable modem. Its mid/high-split support unlocks the faster upload speeds that cable providers are rolling out, such as Xfinity’s 2 Gbps plan with 200 Mbps uploads. That helps with video calls, cloud backups and home cameras.

Plug your router’s multi-gig port into the 2.5 Gbps port for full speed. If your router has no multi-gig port, you can join the two gigabit ports with link aggregation for up to 2 Gbps. It costs more than the S33, so it makes the most sense on a multi-gig plan.

What we like

Mid/high-split for faster uploads
2.5 Gbps Ethernet port
Two extra gigabit ports
Works with major cable providers

Watch out for

Pricey
No phone service
Router sold separately

Best for: Multi-gig plans and homes that upload a lot.

Skip it if: Your plan is 1 Gbps or slower.

Check price on Amazon Price range: $299 list at NETGEAR (Nov 2026)

Best for faster uploads under 1 Gbps

NETGEAR Nighthawk CM2500

8.5/10

StandardDOCSIS 3.1 with mid/high-split
EthernetTwo 1 Gbps ports with link aggregation
Max speedUp to 2 Gbps with link aggregation, 1 Gbps up
CompatibilityXfinity, Spectrum, Cox and more
VoiceNo phone service (not for Xfinity Voice)

The CM2500 is NETGEAR’s lower-cost mid/high-split modem. Mid/high-split lets cable providers offer much faster uploads, such as Xfinity’s 900 Mbps plan with 100 Mbps uploads.

It has two gigabit Ethernet ports. Join them with link aggregation on a compatible router for up to 2 Gbps.

NETGEAR listed it at $249 in November 2026. If your plan is faster than 1 Gbps and your router has a 2.5 Gbps port, the CM3000 or S33 is simpler.

What we like

Mid/high-split for faster uploads
Link aggregation up to 2 Gbps
Cheaper than the CM3000
Works with major cable providers

Watch out for

No 2.5 Gbps port
Link aggregation needs a compatible router
No phone service

Best for: Plans around 1 Gbps that offer faster upload tiers.

Skip it if: You want one simple multi-gig port.

Check price on Amazon Price range: $249 list at NETGEAR (Nov 2026)

Best value DOCSIS 3.1

ARRIS SURFboard SB8200

8.4/10

StandardDOCSIS 3.1
EthernetTwo 1 Gbps ports
Max plan speedAbout 1 Gbps per port
CompatibilityApproved by major U.S. cable providers
VoiceNo phone service support
Warranty2-year limited

The SB8200 is a proven DOCSIS 3.1 modem at a lower price. ARRIS says it is best for cable plans up to 1 Gbps, which covers most households.

It has two 1 Gbps Ethernet ports and a 2-year limited warranty. For faster multi-gig plans, choose the S33 or CM3000 instead.

What we like

Proven and widely approved
DOCSIS 3.1
Lower price
Two Ethernet ports

Watch out for

Best for plans up to 1 Gbps
No phone service
No mid/high-split support

Best for: Plans up to about 1 Gbps.

Skip it if: You pay for multi-gig internet.

Check price on Amazon Price range: See ARRIS retailers

Side-by-side comparison

	ARRIS SURFboard S33	NETGEAR Nighthawk CM3000	NETGEAR Nighthawk CM2500	ARRIS SURFboard SB8200
Best for	Best overall	Best for fast uploads	Best for faster uploads under 1 Gbps	Best value DOCSIS 3.1
DOCSIS	3.1	3.1 mid/high-split	3.1 mid/high-split	3.1
Fastest port	2.5 Gbps (+1 Gbps)	2.5 Gbps (+2 x 1 Gbps)	1 Gbps (x2, aggregatable)	1 Gbps (x2)
Phone service	No	No	No	No
Warranty	2-year	See NETGEAR	See NETGEAR	2-year
Price	See ARRIS retailers	$299 list at NETGEAR (Nov 2026)	$249 list at NETGEAR (Nov 2026)	See ARRIS retailers
Our score	9	8.7	8.5	8.4

How to choose a cable modem

1. Confirm provider compatibility

Your cable provider publishes a list of approved modems. A modem not on the list may not activate.

2. Choose DOCSIS 3.1

DOCSIS 3.1 supports today’s fastest cable plans and is becoming the standard. Avoid buying a new DOCSIS 3.0 modem.

3. Match the Ethernet port to your plan

If your plan is faster than 1 Gbps, choose a modem with a 2.5 Gbps port and a router that can match it.

4. Check phone service needs

If your home phone runs through your cable provider, you need a voice-capable modem from their approved list.

5. Decide modem-only or combo

A separate modem and router give you more flexibility and easier upgrades. Combo units save space but limit your options.

Switching from a rented modem

Moving to your own modem usually takes under an hour:

Check your provider’s approved list and your plan speed.
Connect the new modem to the coax outlet and power, then activate it through your provider’s app, website or support line.
Connect your router to the modem’s fastest Ethernet port.
Return the rented modem and confirm the rental fee is removed from your bill.
Secure your Wi-Fi with a strong password and up-to-date router firmware, as the FTC recommends.

Frequently asked questions

Is it worth buying my own cable modem?

For many people, yes. If you rent a modem, buying your own can pay for itself in about a year, depending on your provider’s fee.

Will any cable modem work with my internet?

No. It must be on your provider’s approved list and support your plan’s speed. Cable modems do not work with fiber or DSL service.

Does a cable modem include Wi-Fi?

Not these picks. You will need a separate router or mesh Wi-Fi system. Some combo units include Wi-Fi.

What is DOCSIS 3.1?

It is the latest widely used cable internet standard, supporting multi-gigabit speeds and better efficiency than DOCSIS 3.0.

How long do cable modems last?

Often five years or more, but providers eventually retire older standards, so DOCSIS 3.1 is a safer long-term choice.

Will buying my own modem affect support?

Providers still support your service, but they may not troubleshoot customer-owned equipment as deeply. Modem makers offer their own support.

The bottom line

For most cable customers, the ARRIS SURFboard S33 is the best cable modem, with DOCSIS 3.1, a 2.5 Gbps port and a 2-year warranty. Choose the NETGEAR CM3000 for faster uploads on multi-gig plans, the NETGEAR CM2500 for faster uploads at a lower price, or the ARRIS SB8200 for plans up to 1 Gbps.

More for better home internet: see the best mesh Wi-Fi system for a large home, the best Wi-Fi extender, or browse all Wi-Fi and Digital Safety guides.

Sources

Featured photo: ‘Cable modem lights’ by Schill, licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Best Cable Modem (2026): 4 Picks to Stop Paying Rental Fees

Our top picks