Best Modems for Gigabit Internet 2023

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The Motorola MB8600 certainly has some impressive numbers behind it. Four Gigabit Ethernet ports? Maximum 3.8 Gbps download speeds? Way cool.

But there’s something you should know. Most cable internet providers can barely break the 1 Gbps (or 1,000 Mbps) mark at this point, so claims of 3.8 Gbps download capacity are more aspirational than anything—it’ll take some time before a cable internet provider will be capable of breaking through Xfinity’s current 1.2 Gbps cap.

As for the four Gigabit Ethernet ports, you can use only one right out of the box—the other three are masked and unnecessary—at least, for now. When a 2 Gbps connection becomes available, you can link the first and second Ethernet ports to create a 2 Gbps connection to a compatible router. All four ports linked together total 4 Gbps.

You can also use these ports separately if your internet plan supports multiple IP addresses. For example, you may run a business from your home and have a web server set up in your office. Your home network can use one Ethernet port, while your server can use another port.

Overall, it’s these extras that make us consider Motorola’s MB8600 one of the best gigabit modems around.

Pros:

• Four Gigabit Ethernet ports
• Excellent Broadcom chipset

Cons:

• Bulky design
• Limited compatibility with providers

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The ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 boasts a utilitarian look, with its boxy shape and straightforward color schemes (you can get it in white or black). Behind the blinking LED lights and ventilated chassis, there are 3 GB of RAM, 128 MB/16 MB of flash memory, and 32 downstream and 8 upstream channels.

The SB8200 includes two Gigabit Ethernet ports you can link together for a 2 Gbps connection to a compatible device. That’s the most you’ll see out of this modem, even though the DOCSIS 3.1 specs sing a tune of 10 Gbps. You can use these two ports separately, too, if your internet plan supports multiple IP addresses.

You can easily set up this modem using the ARRIS SURFboard Central app. Of course, there’s no Wi-Fi to configure, but the app will pair your mobile device to the modem, so you can cater the device to your specified internet provider.

Pros:

• No more Puma 6 chipset
• Multiple color options

Cons:

• Fewer Ethernet ports
• Limited compatibility with cable providers

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The CM2000 is the only modem on our list with one Ethernet port. It’s a great exception to our suggestion to pick a modem with more than one. Its single port speeds along at a hefty 2.5 Gbps, but you need a compatible router that can support that connection—otherwise, you’ll see just 1 Gbps (or less).

The good news is that the fastest cable internet plan available is only 1.2 Gbps, so you’re essentially investing in the (seemingly far distant) future. NETGEAR boasts a maximum download speed of 10 Gbps, but you’ll never see it thanks to the single 2.5 Gbps port.

Putting aside the one-port bottleneck, we chose this modem for gaming due to the aesthetics—it just looks like it belongs next to your gaming rig. Sure, the CM2000 is a little pricey, but NETGEAR is a solid brand we love and trust, so it’s definitely worth the investment.

Pros:

• Fast 2.5 Gbps port
• Compatibility with all major cable internet providers

Cons:

• Just one Ethernet port

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The CM1200 is great for businesses that have more than one IP address. NETGEAR even lists Comcast Business as a compatible service (along with Xfinity, Spectrum, and Cox).

The secret to the CM1200’s success lies in its four Gigabit Ethernet ports. Each can support an IP address if your business account allows it, so any business can have up to four separate networks accessing this single modem.

However, that means the maximum download speed for each connection will be 1 Gbps. Technically, you can link the first two Ethernet ports for a 2 Gbps connection to a compatible device, but the remaining two connections will be 1 Gbps each. Ignore all the DOCSIS jargon about reaching 10 Gbps—that kind of output isn’t possible on this modem.

It’s rare to meet someone who still uses a landline phone these days, but NETGEAR has you covered if you do need a modem that can work with bundled phone services (i.e., an internet package that also provides support for phone lines). NETGEAR’s slightly more expensive Nighthawk CM1150V is basically the CM1200 but with voice/phone support included.

Pros:

• Slick, unobtrusive appearance
• Easy setup
• Lots of Ethernet ports

Cons:

• Costs more for average features

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The ARRIS SURFboard SBG8300 is a wireless gateway, not a standard modem. That means it combines the functions of a modem with a Wi-Fi 5 router in one unit, saving you space.

The Wi-Fi portion provides a maximum throughput of 2,350 Mbps. In other words, the 5 GHz band has a maximum speed of 1,733 Mbps (4 x 433 Mbps) while the 2.4 GHz band has a maximum speed of 600 Mbps (3 x 200 Mbps). This is where the maximum download speed gets tricky.

The DOCSIS 3.1 spec says this gateway can reach 10 Gbps. However, the maximum speed this gateway can deliver over Wi-Fi is 1.7 Gbps. The maximum speed you’ll get from a single wired connection is 1 Gbps. ARRIS boasts a 4 Gbps wired connection, but you can’t link the four Ethernet ports.

The SBG8300 is approved to work with Xfinity and Cox internet plans. But it won’t work with Verizon, AT&T, or CenturyLink internet plans. ARRIS is waiting on approval from Spectrum and other cable companies, so make sure to check with your ISP if this will be compatible before spending your hard-earned cash.

Pros:

• Offers convenient network management
• Saves on space

Cons:

• High cost
• Limited compatibility with ISPs
• Fewer security options