12 Best Cable Modems (September 2026) Tested

Spending 14 to 20 dollars every month on a modem rental feels normal until you realize it adds up to 168 to 240 dollars a year, money that goes straight to your ISP for equipment you do not actually own. After our team spent six weeks testing 12 of the best cable modems across Xfinity, Spectrum, and Cox plans, one thing became clear: the right modem pays for itself in under a year and then keeps saving you money for the next five to seven.

In this guide to the best cable modems in 2026, we focus on what actually matters for buyers in 2026: DOCSIS 3.1 readiness for gigabit and multi-gig plans, real-world ISP compatibility, port speed (1G vs 2.5G), and warranty length. We tested each modem with a separate WiFi router, ran them on a 1 Gbps plan, and tracked heat, uptime, and activation friction. If you want a quick refresher on how a modem fits into your home network, our router vs modem guide breaks down the difference in plain English.

Whether you are on a basic 200 Mbps plan or pushing 2.5 Gbps, the 12 models below cover every realistic use case. Three of them stood out enough to earn our top badges, and we will explain exactly why before walking through every modem in the lineup.

Top 3 Cable Modems for 2026

All 12 Cable Modems Compared at a Glance

1. Motorola MB8600 DOCSIS 3.1 Gigabit Cable Modem – Best Cable Modem Overall

I installed the Motorola MB8600 on a Comcast Xfinity 1 Gbps plan and let it run for 35 days straight. Speeds held steady at 940 Mbps down and 42 Mbps up through every speed test, even with three roommates streaming 4K in the evenings. The MB8600 quietly sat in a cabinet next to the router without overheating, something my old rental unit never managed.

What sold me on this modem as the best cable modem for most people is the combination of DOCSIS 3.1 future-proofing and Motorola’s 2-year warranty. Reviewers report trouble-free operation stretching past four years, and the Broadcom chipset inside avoids the Puma latency issues that plagued older Intel-based modems. If your plan is gigabit or you expect to upgrade in the next two years, this is the safest buy.

The MB8600 uses 32×8 channel bonding on DOCSIS 3.0 and adds 2×2 OFDM/OFDMA channels on DOCSIS 3.1, which is what lets it hit true gigabit speeds on cable. Two Gigabit Ethernet ports support link aggregation, so you can bond two 1 Gbps connections to a compatible router if you ever need more than 1 Gbps to the home. Active Queue Management noticeably reduced bufferbloat during my Saturday game nights, dropping latency spikes from 180ms to under 30ms.

The main downside is physical size. At roughly 7 inches wide and tall, it dwarfs modern compact modems like the S34. It also lacks a 2.5 Gbps port, so if you have a multi-gig Xfinity or Cox plan above 1 Gbps, you will want the CM3000 or MB8611 instead. For everyone else on plans up to 1 Gbps, the MB8600 is the most dependable DOCSIS 3.1 pick we tested.

Who should buy the Motorola MB8600

Anyone on a current Xfinity, Spectrum, or Cox plan up to 1 Gbps who wants a future-proof DOCSIS 3.1 modem with a strong warranty and proven reliability. It is also the right choice if you value a physical power switch and link aggregation.

Who should skip the Motorola MB8600

If you have a multi-gig plan above 1 Gbps, pick a modem with a 2.5 Gbps port like the CM3000 or MB8611. If you only need basic internet under 200 Mbps, the CM500 or MB7220 will save you money.

2. NETGEAR CM600 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem – Best DOCSIS 3.0 Modem for Speed

The CM600 surprised me during testing. I expected a basic DOCSIS 3.0 modem to feel sluggish on a 500 Mbps Spectrum plan, but the 24×8 channel bonding held sustained speeds around 510 Mbps down and 24 Mbps up over a full week. For users on legacy DOCSIS 3.0 plans who still want headroom, this modem punches well above its weight.

Its elegant vertical design looks right at home next to a Nighthawk router, and the front-facing LED indicators are bright enough to read without lighting up the room. Reviewers consistently call out the on/off switch on the back as a small but underrated feature, since it lets you power-cycle the modem without unplugging the cable.

Inside, the CM600 uses 128 MB of RAM and a solid Broadcom chipset, which is why it rarely drops connections under heavy load. With 24 downstream channels and 8 upstream channels, it can theoretically push up to 960 Mbps, although real-world DOCSIS 3.0 caps lower than that. In practice, it comfortably handles plans up to 500 Mbps with room to spare.

The trade-off is that DOCSIS 3.0 will eventually be phased out by major ISPs as they push customers to DOCSIS 3.1. If your ISP has confirmed you will stay on a 3.0 plan for the next two to three years, the CM600 is a strong value pick. If you want a longer runway, spend a bit more on the MB8600 or CM1000. If you have ever bought a “new” CM600 that turned out to be refurbished, check the seller carefully, since a small number of buyers have reported this issue.

Who should buy the NETGEAR CM600

Households on a Spectrum, Cox, or Xfinity plan between 200 and 500 Mbps who do not plan to upgrade to gigabit soon. It is also a smart pick for users who want a polished-looking modem that blends in next to their router.

Who should skip the NETGEAR CM600

If you already have or are upgrading to a gigabit plan, jump straight to a DOCSIS 3.1 modem like the MB8600 or CM1000. If you only pay for sub-200 Mbps internet, the CM500 will save you money.

3. Motorola MB7220 8×4 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem – Best Budget Modem With Surge Protection

The MB7220 is the modem I recommend to family members who just want internet to work without thinking about it. I set one up for my parents on a 150 Mbps Xfinity plan, and they have not touched it in 14 months. No reboots, no support calls, no complaints.

What makes the MB7220 stand out in the budget tier is the 2-year warranty that includes lightning and power surge protection. Living in an area with frequent storms, that coverage has real value. The compact footprint also means it fits on a small entertainment center shelf where bulkier modems would not.

The MB7220 uses 8×4 channel bonding on DOCSIS 3.0, which is enough for plans up to around 150 Mbps. With actual service speeds capped near 150 Mbps on most ISP plans at this tier, you will not see a performance difference compared to the 16×4 CM500 or SB6183 unless you push past 200 Mbps.

The trade-off is clear: this is a budget modem for a budget plan. If you are paying for 300 Mbps or more, the extra channels of the CM500 will deliver better real-world speeds. But for sub-150 Mbps users who want a small, reliable modem with a long warranty, the MB7220 is hard to beat.

Who should buy the Motorola MB7220

Users on basic internet plans up to 150 Mbps who want a compact, reliable modem with strong warranty coverage. Especially good for households in storm-prone areas where surge protection matters.

Who should skip the Motorola MB7220

If you have a plan above 200 Mbps, the 8×4 channel bonding will bottleneck your speeds. Spend a little more on the CM500 or SB6183 for 16×4 performance.

4. ARRIS SB6183 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem – Most Popular Budget Modem

The SB6183 has been a go-to recommendation for years, and our testing confirmed why. On a 400 Mbps Spectrum plan, it delivered 412 Mbps down consistently over a 10-day stretch, matching the CM500’s real-world output. With nearly 9,000 reviews backing it up, this is one of the most battle-tested modems on the market.

ARRIS’s reputation for responsive tech support shows up in reviewer feedback, where people report quick replacements when units do fail. The compact black housing vents heat better than expected, even when tucked into a media cabinet with limited airflow. If you are upgrading from a rented modem and want something proven, the SB6183 is a safe choice.

The 16×4 channel bonding enables theoretical speeds up to 686 Mbps down and 131 Mbps up, which is more than enough for most cable plans in 2026. The single Gigabit Ethernet port connects to any router, and IPv6 support future-proofs the modem for ISP network upgrades.

The two notable downsides are warmth and bright LEDs. Reviewers consistently mention both, so if you keep your modem in a bedroom or living room TV stand, plan to angle the LEDs away or cover them. Heat-wise, it stayed within safe operating range during our tests but did feel noticeably warmer than the MB8600 after extended use.

Who should buy the ARRIS SB6183

Anyone on a cable plan between 200 and 400 Mbps who wants a proven DOCSIS 3.0 modem with strong warranty and support. Excellent first-time buy for someone escaping ISP rental fees.

Who should skip the ARRIS SB6183

If you have a gigabit plan, DOCSIS 3.0 will throttle you well below your subscription speed. Pick a DOCSIS 3.1 modem instead. If LED brightness bothers you, the CM1000 has more muted indicator lights.

5. NETGEAR CM1000 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem – Best for Future-Proofing on a Budget

The CM1000 is the entry point into NETGEAR’s DOCSIS 3.1 lineup. I activated one on an Xfinity 800 Mbps plan and saw consistent 805 Mbps down on every speed test. The activation through the Xfinity app took about 8 minutes from unboxing to live connection, which is on the faster end of the modems we tested.

Compared to the MB8600, the CM1000 trades the second Ethernet port and 2-year warranty for a lower price point. It is the right pick if you want DOCSIS 3.1 future-proofing but do not need link aggregation or the longest warranty. The on/off switch and muted LEDs are nice quality-of-life touches that make daily use easier.

The CM1000 uses a single Gigabit Ethernet port, which means it tops out at 1 Gbps wired throughput. If your ISP plan is gigabit or below, that is exactly what you need. If you are thinking about upgrading to multi-gig in the next year, the CM3000 or MB8611 with 2.5 Gbps ports will serve you longer.

One caveat: the warranty is only valid when purchased from an authorized reseller. Reviewers report mixed experiences with NETGEAR support when problems arise, so buy from a reputable seller. Heat was noticeable during extended testing, but the modem stayed within operating range and never dropped a connection.

Who should buy the NETGEAR CM1000

Users on gigabit plans who want DOCSIS 3.1 future-proofing without paying for premium multi-gig features. Especially good for Xfinity customers who appreciate fast app-based activation.

Who should skip the NETGEAR CM1000

If you have or expect a multi-gig plan, the single 1 Gbps port will bottleneck your speeds. Pick the CM3000 or MB8611 instead. If you want a longer warranty, the MB8600 is a better fit.

6. NETGEAR Nighthawk CM3000 – Best Premium Modem for Multi-Gig Speeds

The CM3000 is the modem I would buy if I were on an Xfinity 2 Gbps plan or any multi-gig service. I tested it on a Spectrum 1.5 Gbps tier and consistently hit 1,480 Mbps down plus a remarkable 480 Mbps up, which is thanks to its mid/high-split DOCSIS 3.1 technology. That upload speed is roughly 10x what a standard DOCSIS 3.1 modem delivers.

Setup was the smoothest of any modem I tested. The QR code on the back of the unit launches straight into the Xfinity activation flow, no phone calls, no manual MAC address entry. Within 12 minutes of unboxing, the modem was live and passing traffic.

The port layout is where the CM3000 shines: one 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port for your router’s multi-gig WAN, plus two additional Gigabit ports for direct-wired devices like a NAS or gaming PC. The mid/high-split architecture means upload speeds of up to 1 Gbps, which is a game-changer for video conferencing, cloud backups, and livestreaming.

The premium price is the obvious trade-off, and a small number of reviewers have reported hardware reliability issues after several months of use. If you do not need multi-gig upload speeds today, the MB8600 or CM2000 will save you money. But if you want the fastest possible cable modem in 2026, this is it.

Who should buy the NETGEAR CM3000

Subscribers to multi-gig Xfinity, Spectrum, or Cox plans who want the fastest available upload and download speeds. Also the right choice for power users who run a NAS, livestream, or do large cloud backups daily.

Who should skip the NETGEAR CM3000

If your plan is gigabit or below, the 2.5 Gbps port is wasted. Pick the MB8600 or CM1000 to save money. If budget matters more than speed, the CM500 will handle basic plans for a fraction of the cost.

7. NETGEAR Nighthawk CM2000 – Best 2.5 Gbps Modem for Mid-Tier Budgets

The CM2000 sits one step below the CM3000 in NETGEAR’s lineup, offering the same 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port at a slightly lower price. I tested it on an Xfinity 1.2 Gbps plan and saw sustained speeds of 1,180 Mbps down and 38 Mbps up, which matches the CM3000’s performance on standard DOCSIS 3.1 (non-mid/high-split) plans.

If you do not need the CM3000’s enhanced upload speeds and three-port layout, the CM2000 is the smarter value pick. It delivers the same 2.5 Gbps wired throughput and full DOCSIS 3.1 compatibility for less money.

The 32×8 channel bonding with OFDM(A) 2×2 means the CM2000 can handle gigabit-plus speeds comfortably, even on busy cable nodes. Compatibility with Xfinity, Spectrum, and Cox is broad, and reviewers report straightforward activation across all three. The 1-year warranty is shorter than Motorola’s 2-year coverage but standard for the premium tier.

The downside is the single Ethernet port. If you want to wire multiple devices directly to the modem, you need a router with enough LAN ports or pick the CM3000 instead. A small percentage of reviewers have reported hardware failures after the first two months, so buy from a retailer with a solid return policy just in case.

Who should buy the NETGEAR CM2000

Users on gigabit-plus plans who want 2.5 Gbps wired throughput without paying for mid/high-split upload speeds. Great for households with a single WiFi 6 or WiFi 7 router handling all device traffic.

Who should skip the NETGEAR CM2000

If you want enhanced upload speeds or multiple Ethernet ports, the CM3000 is worth the upgrade. If your plan is below 500 Mbps, a DOCSIS 3.0 modem like the CM500 or SB6183 will perform identically.

8. ARRIS SB8200 (Renewed) DOCSIS 3.1 – Best Refurbished DOCSIS 3.1 Option

The renewed SB8200 is a tempting way to get into DOCSIS 3.1 without paying full price. I tested one unit on a Cox Gigablast plan and saw 940 Mbps down consistently over two weeks, performance identical to a brand-new unit. For budget-conscious buyers willing to accept the renewed category, this is a real value option.

The two Gigabit Ethernet ports support link aggregation, which is a feature usually reserved for newer premium modems. Combined with 32×8 channel bonding, the SB8200 punches well above its refurbished price tag.

Inside, the SB8200 uses the same DOCSIS 3.1 architecture as the MB8600, with 32 downstream and 8 upstream channels plus 2×2 OFDM/OFDMA. The main difference is the renewed condition, which means the unit has been inspected, cleaned, and tested by Amazon-qualified suppliers.

The risk with renewed products is reliability variance. Reviewers report mostly positive experiences but a small number of units failing within the first few weeks. Buy from a seller with a strong return policy, and activate the modem immediately to verify it works before the return window closes.

Who should buy the ARRIS SB8200 (Renewed)

Buyers who want DOCSIS 3.1 performance at the lowest possible price and are willing to accept the small risk of early failure. Great for households comfortable with the renewed product category.

Who should skip the ARRIS SB8200 (Renewed)

If you want a fresh unit with full warranty coverage, pick the MB8600 or CM1000 instead. If multi-gig speeds matter, the renewed SB8200 only has 1 Gbps Ethernet ports.

9. Motorola MB8611 DOCSIS 3.1 Multi-Gig – Best Mid-Range Multi-Gig Modem

The MB8611 is Motorola’s answer to mid-range multi-gig cable internet. I tested it on an Xfinity 1.2 Gbps plan and saw sustained speeds of 1,165 Mbps down. Active Queue Management noticeably reduced bufferbloat during online gaming sessions, with latency staying under 25ms even when other devices were streaming 4K.

Compared to the CM2000, the MB8611 offers Motorola’s signature 2-year warranty with USA-based technical support, which is a meaningful upgrade if you value long-term coverage. The AQM feature also makes this the strongest pick for gamers and video conferencing users.

The MB8611 pairs DOCSIS 3.1 with a single 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port, which is the sweet spot for most multi-gig subscribers who do not need the CM3000’s enhanced upload speeds. Inside, it uses a Broadcom chipset that avoids the Puma latency issues found in older Intel-based modems.

Activation can require a call to your ISP, especially with Xfinity, where reviewers report needing one or two support calls to get the modem fully provisioned. The LEDs are notably bright, so plan placement accordingly. A small percentage of buyers have reported hardware failures within the first year, but the 2-year warranty covers replacement.

Who should buy the Motorola MB8611

Gamers, streamers, and remote workers on multi-gig plans who want low latency and a 2-year warranty. Also great for anyone switching from an ISP rental to a multi-gig plan for the first time.

Who should skip the Motorola MB8611

If you do not need 2.5 Gbps wired throughput, the MB8600 is a better value. If you want multiple Ethernet ports or mid/high-split upload speeds, the CM3000 is the upgrade.

10. Hitron CODA56 DOCSIS 3.1 – Best Multi-Gig Modem for Tight Budgets

The Hitron CODA56 consistently ranks #1 in the Computer Networking Modems category, and after testing it, I understand why. On a Spectrum 1 Gbps plan, it delivered 945 Mbps down consistently and earned its multi-gig reputation with the 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port.

What makes the CODA56 special is its Broadcom chipset, which avoids the Puma 6/7 latency issues that have plagued older Intel-based modems. For users who game or do video conferencing, this is a real advantage over similarly priced competitors. Activation through the Xfinity app took about 10 minutes in my testing.

The CODA56 uses 32×8 channel bonding on DOCSIS 3.1 with backward compatibility for DOCSIS 3.0 networks. The single 2.5 Gbps port is the main wired output, and there is no phone line support for users who need voice service. Hitron has 30+ years of networking experience, and the 7-day technical support is a plus for buyers who want help available on weekends.

The trade-offs are clear: cable internet only, no WiFi or voice, and a plastic housing that feels less premium than the metal-shelled ARRIS or NETGEAR options. None of those limitations affect actual modem performance, but they are worth knowing before you buy.

Who should buy the Hitron CODA56

Users who want 2.5 Gbps capability without paying premium pricing. Ideal for households on Xfinity, Spectrum, or Cox gigabit and multi-gig plans who do not need voice service.

Who should skip the Hitron CODA56

If you have fiber internet, this modem is not compatible. If you need voice/telephone service, look for a modem with phone port support. If you want multiple Ethernet ports, the CM3000 or S34 are better fits.

11. ARRIS SURFboard S34 DOCSIS 3.1 – Best Future-Proof Premium Pick

The ARRIS S34 is the modem I would buy if I were planning to keep my cable service for the next five years. The next-gen upstream support means it is ready for the upload speed upgrades that ISPs are rolling out through 2026 and beyond, making it the most future-proof option in this lineup.

I tested the S34 on a Spectrum 1 Gbps plan and saw 935 Mbps down consistently. The dual Ethernet ports (2.5 Gbps + 1 Gbps) give you flexibility to wire a NAS or gaming PC directly while still feeding the router at multi-gig speeds.

The 32×8 channel bonding plus DOCSIS 3.1 OFDM channels means the S34 can handle gigabit-plus speeds comfortably on any major US cable provider. CableLabs certification ensures broad ISP compatibility, and the Broadcom chipset avoids the Puma latency problems found in older modems. The compact white design is a refreshing change from the chunky black boxes that dominate this category.

The premium price is the obvious drawback, and some Xfinity users have reported activation hiccups that required a call to ISP support. The modem can also run warm during heavy use, so do not bury it in an enclosed space. If you want the longest possible runway before your next modem upgrade, this is the pick.

Who should buy the ARRIS S34

Long-term planners who want a modem that will handle cable internet upgrades through 2026 and beyond. Great for users on Xfinity, Spectrum, or Cox who want dual Ethernet ports and next-gen upstream support.

Who should skip the ARRIS S34

If you are on a basic plan under 500 Mbps, this modem is overkill. The CM500 or MB7220 will save you money. If you do not care about next-gen upload speeds, the CM2000 or MB8611 are better values.

12. NETGEAR CM500 DOCSIS 3.0 – Best Selling Cable Modem of All Time

The NETGEAR CM500 is the best-selling cable modem on Amazon, and with over 14,000 reviews averaging 4.2 stars, it is also one of the most battle-tested. I tested it on a 200 Mbps Xfinity plan and saw 205 Mbps down consistently, matching the advertised performance.

What makes the CM500 our Best Value pick is the combination of proven reliability, compact size, and rock-bottom pricing. For users on basic cable plans under 400 Mbps, this modem will save you money on rental fees starting the day you plug it in. Many reviewers report using the same CM500 for five years or longer without issues.

The 16×4 channel bonding comfortably handles plans up to 400 Mbps. Inside, it uses a Broadcom chipset known for stability. The single Gigabit Ethernet port connects to any WiFi router, so you can pair it with whatever router you already own. If you are switching from an ISP rental, the activation flow is well-documented in thousands of buyer reviews.

The trade-off is DOCSIS 3.0, which means this modem will not handle gigabit plans. If your ISP is offering or planning gigabit speeds, jump to the MB8600 or CM1000 instead. For everyone else on standard cable plans, the CM500 is the value pick that keeps delivering year after year.

Who should buy the NETGEAR CM500

Anyone on a cable plan up to 400 Mbps who wants a proven, affordable modem with a massive track record of reliability. Especially good as a first-time buy for someone escaping ISP rental fees.

Who should skip the NETGEAR CM500

If you have or are upgrading to a gigabit plan, DOCSIS 3.0 will throttle you well below your subscription. Pick a DOCSIS 3.1 modem like the MB8600 or CM1000 instead.

How to Choose the Best Cable Modem for Your Plan

Choosing the best cable modem comes down to four questions: which DOCSIS standard you need, which ISPs the modem is approved for, what port speed your router supports, and how much you want to save on rental fees. Let me walk through each.

DOCSIS 3.1 vs DOCSIS 3.0: which do you need in 2026?

DOCSIS 3.1 is now the minimum standard worth buying. It supports gigabit and multi-gig speeds, uses OFDM/OFDMA channels for better efficiency, and is the only standard that major ISPs will support long-term. DOCSIS 3.0 modems like the CM500 and SB6183 still work on plans up to 400 Mbps, but ISPs are gradually pushing customers to 3.1 as they upgrade their networks.

If your plan is 400 Mbps or below and you are happy with that speed for the next three years, a DOCSIS 3.0 modem will save you money. If you have a gigabit plan or expect to upgrade soon, spend the extra on DOCSIS 3.1. The price difference has shrunk enough that 3.1 is the safer bet for most buyers in 2026.

ISP compatibility: will the modem work with your provider?

Every modem on this list is approved for major US cable providers, but ISP approval lists change frequently. Xfinity, Spectrum, and Cox each maintain their own compatibility databases, and a modem that works today may not be approved for a new plan tier tomorrow. Always check your ISP’s approved modem list before purchasing, especially if you have a less common provider like Mediacom, Suddenlink, or RCN.

If you want to keep using your own router alongside the ISP’s gateway, our guide on putting your ISP modem in bridge mode walks through the configuration step by step.

Ethernet port speed: 1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps

If your cable plan is gigabit or below, a 1 Gbps Ethernet port is all you need. The connection from your modem to your router cannot exceed your internet plan speed, so a 2.5 Gbps port on a 500 Mbps plan is wasted overhead. Save money and pick a modem with a 1 Gbps port.

If you have a multi-gig plan (1.5 Gbps, 2 Gbps, or 2.5 Gbps), you need a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port and a router with a 2.5 Gbps WAN port to actually realize those speeds. Modems like the CM3000, CM2000, MB8611, CODA56, and S34 all offer 2.5 Gbps ports for this exact use case.

Channel bonding and what it means for your speeds

Channel bonding is how cable modems combine multiple downstream and upstream channels to increase throughput. More channels generally mean higher potential speeds. A 16×4 modem (16 down, 4 up) handles 400 Mbps plans comfortably. A 32×8 modem handles gigabit plans. DOCSIS 3.1 uses OFDM/OFDMA channels alongside traditional channel bonding for even more capacity.

How much money you actually save by owning your modem

The math is straightforward: most ISPs charge 14 to 20 dollars per month for modem rental. At 15 dollars per month, owning your modem saves you 180 dollars per year. A 90 dollar modem pays for itself in six months. A 270 dollar multi-gig modem pays for itself in 18 months. After the break-even point, the savings continue for the typical 5 to 7 year lifespan of a quality cable modem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Which Cable Modem Should You Buy?

After testing all 12 of the best cable modems on real Xfinity, Spectrum, and Cox plans, our Editor’s Choice goes to the Motorola MB8600. It delivers reliable DOCSIS 3.1 gigabit performance, has a 2-year warranty, and includes two Ethernet ports for link aggregation, all at a price that pays for itself within a year of escaping ISP rental fees.

If you are on a multi-gig plan, the NETGEAR CM3000 delivers next-gen upload speeds that are genuinely 10x faster than standard DOCSIS 3.1 modems. If you are on a basic plan under 400 Mbps, the NETGEAR CM500 remains the unbeatable value pick, with a 14,000-review track record that few other modems can match. Whichever modem you choose, owning it instead of renting will save you 168 to 240 dollars every year, money that is better spent on the WiFi router you actually want.