Best Optimum-Compatible Modems 2023

While the Optimum Gateway 6 comes included with most Optimum internet plans, you might prefer your own equipment. If you have Optimum cable internet, our top recommendation is the NETGEAR Orbi CBK40, which supports Optimum’s fastest download speeds and includes a mesh Wi-Fi system.

Unfortunately, if you have Optimum’s fiber internet service, you have to rent Optimum’s Fiber Gateway. There aren’t any third-party Optimum-compatible fiber gateways out there. Bummer.

Before you buy, you should check Optimum’s current deals, which sometimes include an Optimum Gateway 6 with your service. If that’s not the case right now, stick with us—we’ll walk you through the best Optimum cable internet modems.

Jump to:

• Best modems for Optimum
• How to install
• What to look for

Best modems for Optimum

• NETGEAR Orbi CBK40—Best overall ($400.00)
• Motorola MB8600—Best for gigabit speeds ($139.98)
• ARRIS SB6183—Best for budget ($69.00)

*Amazon.com price as of 12/13/22 at 3:15 p.m. PT. Read full disclaimer.

Cable modems for Optimum Internet

*Amazon.com price as of 12/13/22 at 3:15 p.m. PT. Read full disclaimer.

Our experts confirmed with Optimum customers that all three of these modems work with Optimum internet service.

The NETGEAR Orbi CBK40 is an all-in-one modem/router combo—you won’t have to buy a separate modem for Wi-Fi like you would with the other options. Plus, it doubles as a mesh Wi-Fi system, which gives you a strong Wi-Fi signal even in big or oddly shaped homes.

If you’d prefer a separate modem and router (and we usually do), try pairing the Motorola MB8600 and NETGEAR Nighthawk X6. This is a top-notch option for the Optimum 1 Gig and Optimum 500 plans.

But if you’re thrifty and have the Optimum 300 plan, go with the ARRIS SB6183 paired with the TP-Link A1C750 for Wi-Fi. These well-matched devices pay for themselves in just over a year—and they’ll last much longer than that.

Best modem/router: NETGEAR Orbi CBK40

*Amazon.com price as of 12/13/22 at 3:15 p.m. PT. Read full disclaimer.

The NETGEAR Orbi CBK40 might not have all of the newest modem/router standards—it has only DOCSIS 3.0 and Wi-Fi 5—but it’s a tried-and-true system that won’t drain your wallet like the newest tech.

This modem/router supports Optimum cable internet plan speeds, whether you go for Optimum 300 or Optimum 1 Gig. And with the included satellite (that’s the little buddy device in the picture above), the NETGEAR Orbi CBK40 can cover up to 4,000 square feet in Wi-Fi.

Plus, the NETGEAR Orbi CBK40 is easy to install with the Orbi app, and you can buy an upgrade for antivirus software (usually $69.99, but on sale for $34.99 when we wrote this article).

If you want to own an easy-to-use modem/router combo that covers your whole home in Wi-Fi, the NETGEAR Orbi CBK40 delivers. But if you want to future-proof your modem, go with the more advanced Motorola MB8600.

Get the NETGEAR Orbi CBK40

Best for gigabit speeds: Motorola MB8600

*Amazon.com price as of 12/13/22 at 3:15 p.m. PT. Read full disclaimer.

The Motorola MB8600 features the latest DOCSIS 3.1 standard, which means it’s great for gigabit internet plans like Optimum 1 Gig. It’s also backward compatible with DOCSIS 3.0 technology, so it works well with most cable internet networks.

If you want a modem to support your fast internet connection for years to come, the Motorola MB8600 will take care of you. The vast majority of customers haven’t seen it glitch, and its tech won’t be outdated any time soon.

Get the Motorola MB8600

Best for budget: ARRIS SB6183

*Amazon.com price as of 12/13/22 at 3:15 p.m. PT. Read full disclaimer.

If you’re happy with the Optimum 300 plan, the bargain modem ARRIS SB6183 is a perfect match for your speeds. It’s a reliable device that does the job right without asking for any applause.

But since Optimum includes its Gateway 6 with its internet plans, the best thing you could do for your wallet stick with the free equipment.

Get the ARRIS SB6183

Optimum-compatible modems for phone bundles

Deep within Optimum’s official FAQ, you’ll find a vague reference that “many DOCSIS-certified models . . . are compatible with Optimum Online.” However, there are only three cable modems listed by name on that page.

• Arris TM1602G—supports download speeds up to 500 Mbps
• Arris T25—supports download speeds up to 940 Mbps
• Arris TM3402—supports download speeds up to 940 Mbps

These are the only phone-compatible cable modems you can buy to work with Optimum internet and home phone plans.

But these modems are old-school. You may manage to hunt down one that’s been pre-owned and refurbished, but chances are it’ll be too worn out to treat you right. So if you’re an Optimum internet-only customer, we say pass on these crummy phone-compatible modems and use Optimum’s free gateway instead.

The Optimum modem

You don’t have to buy your own modem and router to use Optimum internet. Optimum internet plans come with a free internet gateway. This modem/router combo comes with new Wi-Fi 6 technology and 24/7 tech support.

Check out our full review of Optimum Smart WiFi 6 for more details.

How to install your Optimum-compatible modem

For the easiest installation, plug in your modem as its manual recommends, and connect it to your computer by Ethernet cable. Then head to Optimum’s installation page to register your modem with Optimum.

While you can call Optimum at +1-877-810-6750 to install and activate your Optimum-compatible modem, we don’t recommend it. Many customers have complained Optimum representatives were under-experienced with third-party modems and made the installation process more difficult than it needed to be.

So don’t stress yourself out with a call to Optimum. The online self-installation process will be faster, and we promise you’ll handle it just fine.

What to look for in a modem

If you’re wondering what to look for in modem specs, look no further! We dive deeper in our cable modem buyers guide, but here’s the surface level info.

Max recommended speed

Modems are designed to support specific ranges of internet speeds. But modems built for the fastest speed usually cost a ton. Unless you’re thinking of upgrading to a faster plan soon, consider modems that max out at about the same speed as your internet plan.

And don’t ever buy a modem with lower max speeds than your home internet service. If you do, you won’t be able to get the speeds your internet provider promises.

Find your Optimum internet plan in the box below to check which download speeds you should be getting at home:

Since we usually recommend families get at least 100 Mbps download speeds, all of Optimum’s high-speed plans put smiles on our faces. If you need more help choosing the best plan for you, check out our article “What Is a Good Internet Speed?”

DOCSIS technology

DOCSIS, or Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification, is the standard for sending internet data over coaxial cables. Some cities run on DOCSIS 3.1, but most Optimum cable networks run on DOCSIS 3.0.

If you’re not sure if your area has DOCSIS 3.0 or 3.1, you can ask Optimum customer service.

However, some Optimum customers have complained that Optimum representatives told them that their DOCSIS 3.1 modem won’t work with DOCSIS 3.0. Don’t believe those reps—most DOCSIS 3.1 modems are backwards compatible.

Intel chipset defects

All modems need processors to run, but there are some crummy ones out there on the market. The Intel Puma 6 and Puma 7 chipsets are infamous for ruining modem performance. These processors simply take too long to do their job, which means slow internet for you no matter how powerful your modem is otherwise.

To avoid getting a defective modem, stay away from modems with Intel Puma 6 and Puma 7 chipsets. Find out if your potential modem has it by looking at the processor specs or keeping an eye out for the Intel logo on the packaging.

Final take

Optimum makes bringing your own modem to its service tough, but you can do it if you live in a cable internet area. (Sorry, Optimum Fiber friends, no third-party options for you.)

If you live in an Optimum cable internet area but you don’t have home phone services, snag one of our recommendations to match your Optimum internet speeds:

• NETGEAR Orbi CBK40 is a modem/router combo for download speeds up to 940 Mbps.
• Motorola MB8600 is a modem for download speeds up to 940 Mbps, and it pairs well with the Wi-Fi router NETGEAR AX5400.
• ARRIS SB6183 is a modem for plans up to 300 Mbps download speed, and the TP-Link A1C750 is a good Wi-Fi router to match.

If you have Optimum cable internet and home phone services, you’ll have to stick with the three Optimum-approved modems, which are kind of old and clunky:

• Arris TM1602G—supports download speeds up to 500 Mbps
• Arris T25—supports download speeds up to 940 Mbps
• Arris TM3402—supports download speeds up to 940 Mbps

Optimum-compatible modem FAQ

Our methodology

For this article, we scoured Optimum discussion boards across the internet to find modems that real Optimum customers use. We compared those modems to Optimum’s speed plans, read customer reviews, checked for Intel chipset defects, and honed in on the modems that offer the best bang for your buck.

To learn more about how CableTV.com experts choose our recommendations, visit our How We Rank page.

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