Tech tip: the 6 top expert-reviewed modems

I’ve explained in the CyberGuy feature How to lower your Internet service bill  that owning versus renting a modem can chip away at overpaying. In many cases, you have more control over your modem and privacy. Go check your bill from last month and if you see that you are paying a fee to rent your modem and/or router, it may be time to invest in your own to save money in the long run.

CLICK TO GET KURT’S CYBERGUY NEWSLETTER WITH QUICK TIPS, TECH REVIEWS, SECURITY ALERTS AND EASY HOW-TO’S TO MAKE YOU SMARTER

Top 6 Picks for Best Modems

For the best modem, check out the list below. The focus is on cable modems primarily because DSL is an older technology that is being phased out and fiber-optics is a newer technology that is not readily available in many locations.

LAPTOP SCREEN TOO SMALL? TOP PORTABLE MONITORS MAKE EVERYTHING BIGGER

MOTOROLA MB7420

Amazon review (at time of publishing): 72% 5-star reviews out of 6,667 reviews

Pros:

• Affordable
• DOCSIS 3.0 (16x faster than DOCSIS 2.0 modem)
• Sits taller than wider so smaller footprint if it is sitting on a desk
• Real simple, color-coded connection ports
• US-based customer support
• Two-year warranty
• Works with Top Cable Providers: Comcast, Spectrum, Cox

Cons:

• Doesn’t have a telephone adapter or phone jack
• Not as small as some other modems

Get the Motorola MB7420

Motorola MB8611

Amazon review (at time of publishing): 76% 5-star reviews out of 25,496 reviews

Pros:

• DOCSIS 3.1 Technology means it is faster than DOCSIS 3.0 and it is backward compatible
• Multi-gigabit ethernet speed so it is maximizing speed to routers
• Sits taller than wider so smaller footprint if it is sitting on a desk
• US-based customer support
• Two-year warranty
• Works with Top Cable Providers: Comcast, Spectrum, Cox

Cons:

• More Expensive than some of the older modems and it can pay for itself in about a year depending on how much you pay per month for a modem

Get the Motorola MB8611 

NETGEAR Cable Modem CM700

Amazon review (at time of publishing): 72% 5-star reviews out of 6,257 reviews

Pros:

• DOCSIS 3.0 technology
• Sits taller than wider so smaller footprint if it is sitting on a desk
• Works with Top Cable Providers: Comcast, Spectrum, Cox
• Different price points for different max download speeds (so you can pay more or less depending on how much speed you need)
• Works with any router
• Up to 800Mbps speeds

Cons:

• Technically optimized to be compatible with Nighthawk routers, which are routers that this brand makes
• No phone jack
• Limited One-year warranty

Get the NETGEAR Cable Modem CM700I-SPY: CHANGE YOUR COMPUTER’S SETTINGS TO STOP PROGRAMS SPYING ON YOU

NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem CM1200

Amazon review (at time of publishing): 75% 5-star reviews out of 7,439 reviews

Pros:

• DOCSIS 3.1 Technology means it is faster than DOCSIS 3.0
• Sits taller than wider so smaller footprint if it is sitting on a desk
• Works with Top Cable Providers: Comcast, Spectrum, Cox
• Works with any router
• Multi-gig ethernet integration
• 4 ethernet ports

Cons:

• Expensive
• Not compatible with Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, DSL providers, DirecTV, DISH, and any bundled voice service

Get the NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem CM1200

ARRIS SURFboard SB6190

Amazon review (at time of publishing): 71% 5-star reviews out of 5,155 reviews

Pros:

• DOCSIS 3.0 technology
• Works with any router
• Up to 800Mbps speeds
• Compatible with major U.S. Cable Internet Providers including Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity & others

Cons:

• Not DOCSIS 3.1
• Not compatible with ATT, Verizon, CenturyLink, or other DSL or Fiber internet providers.

Get the ARRIS SURFboard SB6190

ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 

Amazon review (at time of publishing): 76% 5-star reviews out of 16,392 reviews

Pros:

• DOCSIS 3.1 Technology means it is faster than DOCSIS 3.0
• Two 1-Gigabit ethernet ports
• Speeds up to 1 Gbps
• Approved for Cox, Xfinity, Spectrum & others

Cons:

• More Expensive than some of the older modems and overall it pays for itself in about 2 years depending on how much you pay per month for a modem
• Not compatible with ATT, Verizon, CenturyLink, or other DSL or Fiber internet providers

 Get the ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 

How to Buy the Best Router

Modems connect to routers via ethernet cables. Most routers have an additional ethernet port for wired connection to your devices. Most routers have Wi-Fi capabilities so once your modem is connected to a Wi-Fi router, it allows your devices to connect to the internet via Wi-Fi.

Features to look for in a router:

• Network Type: Routers allow you to create Wi-Fi networks. There are two general types:
  802.11ac: Latest and fastest technology that is backward compatible with older Wi-Fi devices. If you have many devices to connect via Wi-Fi, this is your best bet.
  802.11n: This is older technology with a standard speed of up to 600 Mbps, whereas the newer 802.11ac routers have throughputs as fast as 1 Gbps. One benefit is that it has a longer range.
• 802.11ac: Latest and fastest technology that is backward compatible with older Wi-Fi devices. If you have many devices to connect via Wi-Fi, this is your best bet.
• 802.11n: This is older technology with a standard speed of up to 600 Mbps, whereas the newer 802.11ac routers have throughputs as fast as 1 Gbps. One benefit is that it has a longer range.
• Wireless Band: It is a range of frequencies that transmit data from your router to your devices. Below are 3 types:
  Single: Uses 2.4 GHz band or 5 GHz
  Dual: Uses both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
  Tri: Uses 2.4 GHz and 2 separate 5 GHz
• Single: Uses 2.4 GHz band or 5 GHz
• Dual: Uses both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
• Tri: Uses 2.4 GHz and 2 separate 5 GHz

2.4 GHz bands are great for connecting devices like smart bulbs and wireless appliances. Whereas devices like tablets and laptops fare better on a 5 GHz band. Having a router that has multiple devices helps to parcel out the network traffic by device types.

• Beamforming: This allows the Wi-Fi router to direct signals to where it is needed the most. This is great for large spaces where devices and routers are further apart or located in less reachable places.

For the Top Router Picks, head over to CyberGuy.com and search “top routers” 

Pros & Cons of Combination Devices

While there are some modem-router combination devices, it is generally better to get them separately. 

Usually, if a provider requires you to use their equipment to connect, they usually require the modem to be rented or purchased from them. They usually allow you to pick your own router. Some additional reasons why a separate router and modem is better than a combination device, include:

• Easier to troubleshoot. If is there a problem with the connection, it is usually apparent if the problem is stemming directly from the ISP vs. your internal hardware issues (router) if devices are separate because you will get specific signals on a modem vs. a router. Whereas, if you have a combination device, it usually doesn’t delineate between problems with the modem or router.
• Sometimes cheaper. If you may not be able to negotiate the cost of the modem, but if you can buy the router separately, you can probably find a better ideal
• Better technology. While you may be stuck with whatever technology that the ISP is providing you modem-wise, if you can choose your own router, you can buy the latest and best router to maximize the speed you’re paying for.
• Pay less in Taxes. You’ll be taxed only on the equipment you are renting.
• Easier to replace. If the modem breaks, you still have a working router, and vice versa. Whereas, with a combination device breaks, all of it is broken.

The only real downside to not purchasing a combination device is that sometimes you do have to pay for two separate devices. Again, you might save by getting a better price on those two separate purchases.

When Should You NOT Buy Your Own Equipment

Of course, you’re encouraged to do your own research to find out exactly what providers are actually available in your area and what the company you select will allow.

Below are top reasons NOT to buy your own equipment:

1. Against the company’s policy.  There are still some ISPs that make it a part of their terms and services that you must rent or buy their equipment.
2. Free equipment. While not as common, some Internet Service Providers, such as AT&T, actually provide equipment at no cost to their customers. Unless the equipment they provide is a real ‘fossil’ that features yesteryears technology, it might just be nice to utilize the free equipment. It is already included in the cost of your monthly service.
3. Setup Woes. If you’re not savvy with technology and prefer to have someone else come by and set up the equipment, you might want to rent or buy the equipment from your Internet Service Provider and have them set it up. In cases like ViaSat, there is installation of specialty equipment such as a satellite that can’t be easily purchased or used without the company’s help.
4. Repairs/replacements. If rented equipment breaks or malfunctions, the ISP usually replaces or repairs it. If you purchased your own, then you are responsible for repairing or replacing it.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

For more of my home tech picks, head over to cyberguy.com/home-tech and be sure to sign up for my free newsletter.

Copyright 2023 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved.  CyberGuy.com articles and content may contain affiliate links that earn a commission when purchases are made.