10 Best Cable Modem 2026 in the United States

The ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 is a solid choice for those looking to upgrade their home internet experience, particularly for users with high-speed connections. With DOCSIS 3.1 technology, it supports internet speeds up to 1 Gbps, making it a great fit for heavy internet users who stream, game, or download large files. Its compatibility with major U.S. cable providers like Xfinity, Cox, and Spectrum ensures that it can meet the needs of many households.

One of the standout features of the SB8200 is its channel bonding capability, which allows for better speed and efficiency. This modem includes two 1-Gigabit ethernet ports, enabling you to connect multiple devices directly for stable wired connections. Additionally, you can save money over time by owning the modem instead of renting one from your ISP, potentially cutting your bills significantly.

While the SB8200 is powerful, it lacks a built-in Wi-Fi router, which means you'll need to purchase a separate router for wireless connectivity. This could be an added expense for some users. The setup process is straightforward with the SURFboard Central App, but those who aren't particularly tech-savvy might still find it a bit challenging if they encounter issues. Moreover, it’s slightly bulkier compared to other modems, which could be a consideration for those with limited space. Customer support is available, which is reassuring for first-time users. The ARRIS SB8200 is a powerful modem for anyone looking to maximize their internet speed, but make sure to pair it with a compatible router for a complete home connectivity solution.

The Motorola MG8702 is a solid choice if you’re looking to combine a cable modem and a Wi-Fi router in one device. It supports the latest DOCSIS 3.1 standard, which means it's ready for the fastest internet plans today and offers some future-proofing for when internet speeds increase. It’s approved for major ISPs like Comcast Xfinity, Cox, and Spectrum, so compatibility shouldn’t be a problem for most users.

The built-in AC3200 Wi-Fi router supports dual-band frequencies (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) and uses advanced features like beamforming and Power Boost to help your Wi-Fi reach farther and stay more reliable. This makes it a good fit for homes with multiple devices like gaming consoles, smart TVs, and smartphones. It also includes a useful mobile app for easy setup, guest network management, parental controls, and security alerts, which is great if you want a simple way to manage your network.

Some users note the device is a bit bulky compared to separate units, and since it combines a modem and router, if one part fails, you’ll need to replace the whole unit. However, owning this device can save you money on rental fees from your ISP, which adds up over time. For average home users wanting good Wi-Fi coverage and speed without extra hassle, the MG8702 is a practical and dependable combo device that supports high speeds and major providers.

The Motorola MG7700 is a solid cable modem and Wi-Fi router combination designed for users with cable internet plans up to around 800 Mbps. It uses DOCSIS 3.0 technology with 24 downstream and 8 upstream channels, enabling good download speeds and decent upload speeds suitable for most home internet needs. This device works with major cable providers like Comcast Xfinity, Cox, and Spectrum, though it is important to check with your ISP before buying to ensure compatibility, especially since it doesn’t support fiber, DSL, or satellite connections.

One of the standout features is the built-in AC1900 dual-band Wi-Fi router, which operates on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. This helps deliver faster wireless speeds and better coverage, with Power Boost amplifiers that strengthen the Wi-Fi signals to reach farther and perform better with multiple devices like smartphones or laptops. For wired connections, it comes with four Gigabit Ethernet ports, providing reliable, fast connections for devices like gaming consoles or desktop PCs. A practical benefit is the potential cost savings by avoiding monthly modem rental fees from your ISP. However, while the modem supports modem speeds up to 1000 Mbps, the service speed it supports is around 650 Mbps, which might limit performance if your internet plan is faster.

The MG7700 does not support home phone services, so it is not suitable for users relying on voice over cable. Also, as a DOCSIS 3.0 device, it is not the latest standard (DOCSIS 3.1 is newer and faster), so it might not be the best choice for those planning to upgrade to gigabit-plus speeds in the future. The device is easy to set up and comes with reliable customer support. This makes the Motorola MG7700 a great fit for typical cable internet users looking for a cost-effective, combined modem and router solution with solid Wi-Fi performance and multiple Ethernet ports. It covers all basics well but is not geared for top-tier gigabit speeds or more advanced home networking needs.