Spectrum Compatible Modems
Maximize your Spectrum Internet performance with our cable modem picks.
Motorola MB7621
Price: $69.98
Channels: 24x8
DOCSIS standard: DOCSIS 3.0
Motorola MB7621
Price: $69.98
Channels: 24x8
DOCSIS standard: DOCSIS 3.0
NETGEAR CM700
Price: $73.65
Channels: 32x8
DOCSIS standard: DOCSIS 3.0
NETGEAR CM700
Price: $73.65
Channels: 32x8
DOCSIS standard: DOCSIS 3.0
ARRIS S33
Price: $169.99
Channels: 32x8
DOCSIS standard: DOCSIS 3.1
ARRIS S33
Price: $169.99
Channels: 32x8
DOCSIS standard: DOCSIS 3.1
ARRIS G34
Price: $198.87
Channels: 32x8
DOCSIS standard: DOCSIS 3.1
ARRIS G34
Price: $198.87
Channels: 32x8
DOCSIS standard: DOCSIS 3.1
Modems: they’re not just the screeching devices that your dial-up internet connection needed back in the ‘90s (zoomers, ask your parents if you don’t get this reference).
The Motorola MB7621, NETGEAR CM700, and ARRIS S33 modems offer value and specifications that will help you get the fastest download speeds from your Spectrum internet plan. The ARRIS G34 combines strong modem performance with user-friendly Wi-Fi router features like Wi-Fi 6 support.
Best Spectrum-compatible modems
- Motorola MG7621 —Best for Spectrum Internet
- NETGEAR CM700—Best for Spectrum Internet Ultra
- ARRIS S33—Best for Spectrum Internet Gig
- ARRIS G34—Best Spectrum combo Wi-Fi router/modem
Best Spectrum-compatible modems summary
| Modem | Recommended plan | Price | Channels | DOCSIS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motorola MB7621 | Spectrum Internet (Up to 300 Mbps) | $69.98 | 24×8 | 3.0 | View on Amazon |
| NETGEAR CM700 | Spectrum Internet Ultra (Up to 500 Mbps) | $73.65 | 32×8 | 3.0 | View on Amazon |
| ARRIS S33 | Spectrum Internet Gig (Up to 940 Mbps) | $169.99 | 32×8 | 3.1 | View on Amazon |
| ARRIS G34 | Spectrum Internet Ultra/Gig | $198.87 | 32×8 | 3.1 | View on Amazon |
Data effective as of publish date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Amazon.com prices as of 12/13/22 11:40 MST. See full disclaimer.
Spectrum is one of the few providers that offers a free modem, but you’ll get more flexibility by purchasing a modem.
By owning your modem, you’ll be able to keep it and skip the hardware return process if you ever downgrade Spectrum plans or move to another cable internet provider. Customers can also rent a Spectrum router for a $5 monthly fee.
We’ve evaluated our modem recommendations to match up with Spectrum’s three internet plans. To get the most out of your Spectrum Internet, you’ll need a modem that corresponds with your Spectrum Internet plan. If you’re not sure what Spectrum internet tier you’re subscribed to, check your bill or log into Spectrum.
Best modem for Spectrum Internet: Motorola MB7621
Amazon.com price as of 12/13/22 11:40 MST. Read full disclaimer.
Pros
- 24×8 channel support
- Two-year warranty
Cons
- Larger compared to typical modems
With DOCSIS 3.0 and a 24×8 channel setup, the Motorola MB7621 will help you consistently hit Spectrum Internet download speeds and keeps you up-to-date in case of future Spectrum updates. Modems are generally built to withstand long-term use, but Motorola still offers a lengthy two-year warranty that gives you extra insurance in case of hardware issues.
The MB7621 also includes a physical on/off button that makes reboots easy and keeps you from crawling under the desk every time your internet needs a reset. But at 7.25 inches deep, the MB7621 can take up slightly more space than most modems.
Best modem for Spectrum Internet Ultra: NETGEAR CM700
Amazon.com price as of 12/13/22 11:40 MST. Read full disclaimer.
Pros
- Low price tag
- Slim profile
Cons
- Older DOCSIS 3.0 support
- Short warranty
The Spectrum Internet Ultra (500 Mbps) plan is built for customers who need fast internet, and the NETGEAR CM700 matches this need. The CM700 is one of the most affordable Spectrum-compatible modems on the market, and at only 1.7 inches wide, it can easily fit under a desk or into a shelf.
But with the CM700’s slightly older DOCSIS 3.0 support, the modem will bottleneck your download speeds if you decide to change to a faster internet tier. NETGEAR also offers only a one-year warranty for the CM700.
Best modem for Spectrum Internet Gig: ARRIS S33
Amazon.com price as of 12/13/22 11:40 MST. Read full disclaimer.
Pros
- Gigabit-capable 32×8 and DOCSIS 3.1 support
- Stylish design
- Two-year warranty
Cons
- No on/off button
Along with instant support for Spectrum Internet Gig, the ARRIS S33 features a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port and a secondary 1 Gbps Ethernet port. Most home users won’t need the second port, but if you’re technically fluent or a business owner, it can be used for complex networking applications like port bonding.
The S33 comes in a slick smart home speaker-like design that makes it less of an eyesore than most cable modems. But at the S33’s premium price point, we would have liked to see a physical on/off button to make rebooting and maintenance easy.
Best Spectrum combo modem/Wi-Fi router: ARRIS G34
Amazon.com price as of 12/13/22 11:40 MST. Read full disclaimer.
Pros
- Has a user-friendly design
Cons
- Lacks a power button and other buttons
Generally, modem/Wi-Fi router combo devices offer convenience but lack strong hardware features and Wi-Fi performance. But the ARRIS G34 flips this problem around with strong Wi-Fi features that make your home network easier to use.
The G34 sports current-generation Wi-Fi features like dual-band and Wi-Fi 6 support. The ARRIS also works with Spectrum’s Internet and Internet Ultra plans, which gives you flexibility if you need to upgrade your internet package in the future.
However, the ARRIS lacks a power button for quick reboots if your cable modem is having connectivity problems. The G34 also lacks convenience-friendly features like a USB port for network-accessible storage and a WPS button for easily connecting wireless devices.
What to look for in Spectrum-compatible modems
Modems act as the bridge between Spectrum’s network and your home, which makes it important to get a model with the right specifications. We’ll cover the basics for Spectrum subscribers, but check out CableTV.com’s cable modem buyers guide to learn more about modems.
Download speeds
When you’re modem shopping, you’ll see manufacturers tout download speeds of “up to” any given number.
Think of these numbers like your car engine — your car engine might technically reach 140 miles per hour, but you’ll never hit those speeds on the road. In practice, real-world modem performance gets capped by factors like network traffic and provider policies.
For consistent internet speeds, ignore the marketing number and just make sure your modem isn’t faster or slower than your Spectrum plan.
If you have a Spectrum Internet Ultra package with a 100 Mbps modem, your modem will cap downloads at 100 Mbps. If you’re paying for a Spectrum Internet package with a 1 Gbps modem, you’ll still get 100 Mbps download speeds and have modem performance that’ll be unused.
Channels
Channel bonding refers to the number of download and upload channels available on your modem.
For instance, a 16×4 modem has 16 downstream and 4 upstream channels that act like pipelines to the internet. On paper, more channels translates to faster maximum upload and download speeds, but real-world internet performance depends on provider and network factors.
The chart below shows our minimum recommendations for modem channels based on your Spectrum plan.
| Spectrum plan | Minimum modem channels |
|---|---|
| Spectrum Internet | 16×4 |
| Spectrum Internet Ultra | 24×8 |
| Spectrum Internet Gig | 32×8 |
DOCSIS
DOCSIS, which stands for Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification, is a modem hardware standard for data transfer speeds. Get a DOCSIS 3.1 modem if you’re on Internet Gig or interested in a long-term modem purchase.
DOCSIS 3.0 modems are technically a step behind DOCSIS 3.1 modems—Spectrum’s free modem even supports DOCSIS 3.1—but if you’re only on Spectrum Internet or Spectrum Internet Ultra and want to save money, you can get by with a DOCSIS 3.0 modem.
Final take
Spectrum’s free modem rentals might save you money, but purchasing your own modem offers longer-term value.
With the NETGEAR CM700, Motorola MB7621, ARRIS S33, or ARRIS G34, you’ll have hardware that can support high download speeds and reliably run for years to come.
Spectrum-compatible modem FAQ
What modem works best with Spectrum?
The best Spectrum Internet modem is a model like Spectrum’s included modem, the Arris G34, or the Motorola MG8611. You’ll maximize your potential download speeds by matching a modem to your internet plan.
What type of modem does Spectrum use?
Spectrum works with modems from manufacturers including ARRIS, Motorola, and NETGEAR. Spectrum’s website has an updated list of approved modems. We’d avoid using any of the modems that Spectrum lists as minimally qualified because they may provide inconsistent download speeds.
How many modems can you have with Spectrum?
Spectrum doesn’t have a hard limit on the number of modems you can have per address, but you’ll need to pay for a separate subscription for each modem.
For example, you could have one Spectrum Internet Ultra subscription for a household and a separate Spectrum Internet Gig subscription if a family member runs a business from home.
But in most cases, you’ll rarely need multiple modems to solve Spectrum Wi-Fi problems for a house. Common internet problems can be solved by troubleshooting your internet issues or upgrading to a new Wi-Fi router.
Will Spectrum give me a new modem?
If you use a Spectrum-provided free modem, the company will give you a new modem if it changes download speeds or discontinues your prior model.
However, Spectrum will not give you new hardware if you aren’t using its provided modem or Spectrum router. At CableTV.com, we’re always pro-free equipment, but hey, everyone has to draw the line somewhere.
Should I use a Spectrum modem or buy my own?
Spectrum’s cable Internet modems have no rental fee, which makes it convenient if you want to save money. But by buying your own Spectrum-compatible modem, you can also bring it with you if you ever leave Spectrum, depending on the modem’s compatibility.
Why you should trust us
To find the best Spectrum-compatible modems, we reviewed the most popular models from retailers, including Amazon, Newegg, and Best Buy, to see the devices that shoppers were most likely to buy. We also cross-referenced this list with Spectrum’s database of approved modems.
After selecting these candidates, we compared data points, including specifications, DOCSIS support, and price, to find the best picks in each category.
For more information on our methodology, check out our How We Rank page.
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