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Best Xfinity-Compatible Modems 2021

Save some bucks by purchasing—instead of renting—one of these Xfinity-ready modems.

Best for most plans

NETGEAR CM500-1AZNAS

Amazon price: $61.15
Max recommended speed: 250 Mbps
Channel Bonding: 16×8

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Best cable modem for Xfinity

NETGEAR CM1000

Amazon Price: $152.82
Max recommended speed: 1,000 Mbps
Channel bonding: 32×8

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Best modem and router for Xfinity

ARRIS SVG2482AC

Amazon price: $189.00
Max recommended speed: 600 Mbps
Channel bonding: 24×8
Wi-Fi performance: AC1750

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Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. See full disclaimer. 

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While leasing the swanky Xfinity xFi Advanced Gateway has its perks, buying an Xfinity-compatible modem is the cheaper option in the long run.

The ARRIS SVG2482AC is the best modem and router for Xfinity, but it won’t work with Xfinity’s gigabit plan. For gigabit speeds, the best cable modem for Xfinity is the NETGEAR CM1000.

Compare best cable modems for Xfinity

Model
NETGEAR CM500-1AZNAS
NETGEAR C700-1AZNAS
NETGEAR CM1000
ARRIS SVG2482AC
ARRIS/Motorola MB7621
Price* Best for DOCSIS version§ Max recommended speed Channel bonding§
$54.99 Most Plans DOCSIS 3.0 300 Mbps 16×8 View on Amazon
$99.00 Extreme Pro Plan DOCSIS 3.0 500 Mbps 32×8 View on Amazon
$152.82 Gigabit Plan DOCSIS 3.1 1,000 Mbps 32×8 View on Amazon
$189.00 All-In-One Option DOCSIS 3.0 600 Mbps 24×8 View on Amazon
$77.98 Bargain DOCSIS 3.0 1,000 Mbps 24×8 View on Amazon

*Amazon prices effective 09/07/20 at 4:03 p.m. See full disclaimer.

What is DOCSIS and channel bonding?

We explain what DOCSIS and channel bonding a little later in the article. Use the links to jump to those sections now.

Breakdown of the best modems for Xfinity

There you have the headlines on these Xfinity-compatible modems. Now let’s take a deeper dive into each unit.

NETGEAR CM500-1AZNAS – Best for most plans

Amazon Price: $61.15*

The Specs:

  • DOCSIS version: 3.0
  • Max recommended speed: 250 Mbps
  • Channel Bonding: 16×8

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*Amazon prices effective 09/07/20 at 4:03 p.m. See full disclaimer.

Compatible Xfinity Internet Plans

  • Blast!
  • Performance Pro Plus
  • Performance Select
  • Performance Starter Plus
  • Performance Starter

See Xfinity plans

This NETGEAR model is Amazon’s best-selling modem for good reason. It’s fast, reliable, and easy to install. For an affordable modem you can set and forget, it doesn’t get better than this.

Although this modem doesn’t have the latest DOCSIS 3.1 technology, it uses DOCSIS 3.0 technology at speeds most Xfinity households will appreciate. And if that techy talk has you baffled, don’t worry. We’re just saying the NETGEAR CM500-1AZNAS will take good care of you and your Xfinity plan.

Matching Xfinity-compatible router

The NETGEAR R6230 is an AC1200 model—that’s at the cusp of the high speed you’ll need to get the most out of our “Best for Most Plans” modem—and it’s affordable to boot!

NETGEAR C700-1AZNAS – Best for Extreme Pro plan

Amazon price: $99.00*

The Specs:

  • DOCSIS version: 3.0
  • Max recommended speed: 500 Mbps
  • Channel bonding: 32×8

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*Amazon prices effective 09/07/20 at 4:03 p.m. See full disclaimer.

Compatible Xfinity Internet Plans

  • Extreme Pro Plus
  • Extreme Pro
  • Blast! Pro Plus
  • Blast!
  • Performance Pro Plus
  • Performance Select
  • Performance Starter Plus
  • Performance Starter

See Xfinity plans

As you can guess from the name, this NETGEAR model is like the previous one—just a lot better. It can handle Xfinity’s Extreme Pro and other high-speed plans without breaking a sweat. But it also costs nearly twice as much, so we recommend it only if you’re already paying for those fast Extreme Pro speeds.

If you’re living in the fast lane, you’ll appreciate how smoothly this modem streams 4K Ultra HD content and handles high-speed online gaming. And it’s durable, too, so you can expect it to keep you up to speed for years to come.

Matching Xfinity-compatible router

The NETGEAR R6700 Nighthawk’s 1GHz Dual Core Processor gives it the processing power you’ll need to keep up with the Extreme Pro plan.

NETGEAR CM1000 – Best for Gigabit plan

Amazon Price: $152.82*

The Specs:

  • DOCSIS version: 3.1
  • Max recommended speed: 1,000 Mbps
  • Channel bonding: 32×8

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*Amazon prices effective 09/07/20 at 4:03 p.m. See full disclaimer.

Compatible Xfinity Internet Plans

  • Gigabit
  • Extreme Pro Plus
  • Extreme Pro
  • Blast! Pro Plus
  • Blast!
  • Performance Pro Plus
  • Performance Select
  • Performance Starter Plus
  • Performance Starter

See Xfinity plans

We know, we know, another NETGEAR router. What can we say? Other modem companies like ARRIS and Motorola make strong products too. But NETGEAR has a reputation for reliability that you want when you’re cruising at 1,000 Mbps.

 This modem is our only recommendation that uses DOCSIS 3.1. The new technology is spendy, but that’s what you need to support gigabit speeds. And to be fair, if you’ve already signed up for Xfinity’s Gigabit plan, you can probably afford to shell out the cash now to save over the long run.

Best wireless router for Xfinity

Yes, the NETGEAR Nighthawk X6 is likely an alien invader, but its Tri-Band Wi-Fi will help you take full advantage of gigabit speeds and support all your smart home devices.

ARRIS SVG2482AC – Best all-in-one option (modem/router/telephony)

Amazon Price: $189.00*

The Specs:

  • DOCSIS version: 3.0
  • Max recommended speed: 600 Mbps
  • Channel bonding: 24×8
  • Wi-Fi performance: AC1750

View on Amazon

*Amazon prices effective 09/07/20 at 4:03 p.m. See full disclaimer.

Compatible Xfinity Plans

  • All Xfinity Voice Plans
  • Saver Pro Plus Triple Play
  • Starter Pro Plus Triple Play
  • Standard Triple Play with Performance Pro Internet
  • Select Triple Play with Blast Internet
  • X1 Performance Starter Triple Play
  • X1 HD Preferred Triple Play with Blast Internet
  • X1 HD Premier Triple Play with Extreme Pro Internet

See Xfinity plans

This modem is extra special—it has a modem, router, and Xfinity telephony built in. Choose this ARRIS model if you’re bundling Xfinity Voice with an internet plan. It’s good for triple-play bundles (which include TV too). And with the built-in router, you don’t have to worry about using another device to connect your home with Wi-Fi.

While buying your modem is all about saving in the long run, all the combined parts make this device our most expensive recommendation. And be aware this model won’t work with Gigabit bundles. For those, you’ll need the NETGEAR Nighthawk X4S.

Matching Xfinity-compatible router

You don’t need one! The ARRIS SVG2482AC has a built-in AC1750 Wi-Fi router. Now that’s a good match.

Motorola MB7621 – Best bargain

Amazon Price: $77.98*

The Specs:

  • DOCSIS version: 3.0
  • Max recommended speed: 1,000 Mbps
  • Channel bonding: 24×8
View on Amazon

 

*Amazon prices effective 09/07/20 at 4:03 p.m. See full disclaimer.

Compatible Xfinity Internet Plan

  • Gigabit
  • Extreme Pro Plus
  • Extreme Pro
  • Blast! Pro Plus
  • Blast!
  • Performance Pro Plus
  • Performance Select
  • Performance Starter Plus
  • Performance Starter

See Xfinity plans

While all of the modems we’ve listed are available at reasonable rates, this is the modem to get if you want something reliable but dirt cheap.

This ARRIS/Motorola modem is something of a relic. Since 2015, ARRIS stopped using Motorola’s name in its products, and these days Motorola is a separate company. So why does this modem still have both names? Because it’s from 2011.

We know, that’s ancient for a piece of hardware, but if you need to support only 15 Mbps from Xfinity’s Performance Starter plan, this is the perfect fit. And it’s been around so long for a reason—it’s a solid modem for low speeds.

Total disclaimer: the NETGEAR CM500-1AZNAS is about $23 cheaper—not to mention a damn good unit. It’s still compatible with the Performance Starter plan, and it’s ready to go for any speeds up to 300 Mbps in case you switch to a faster plan.

Matching Xfinity-compatible router

For an affordable Xfinity-compatible router that meets your speed needs and matches your new Xfinity modem, go for the TP-Link A1C750.

What to look for in a modem

Modems are pretty simple as far as computer devices go. We’ve covered them in depth in our cable modem buyers guide, but here are the basics.

DOCSIS technology

DOCSIS stands for “Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification.” It’s the standard for sending a lot of data by coaxial cable at once. The latest version is DOCSIS 3.1, which Xfinity has set up in some cities, but DOCSIS 3.0 is still common.

Max recommended speed

Every internet plan comes with a promise of the highest speeds you can access. When you sign up for Xfinity, check the speed that your plan comes with before purchasing a modem. If you don’t get a strong enough modem, you won’t get all the speed you’re paying for!

Got more questions on internet speeds? Our pals at HighSpeedInternet.com developed a tool to help you find the internet speed you need, and it’ll give you a lot of other helpful information too.

Channel bonding

Think of modem channels as lanes on a freeway. Just like more lanes can move more vehicles through at once, more channels allow more data per second, which means faster internet for you. But more channels usually cost more money, so try to get a modem with channels that match your plan speeds if you’re trying to save.

Our final take

While plenty of Xfinity-supported modems out there, these five are well-suited to specific plans. Find the one that matches your package for a fantastic Xfinity experience without the monthly modem lease fees.

Related articles

Xfinity modem FAQ

Can I use my own modem with Xfinity?

Yes, you can use your own modem as long as it’s compatible with Xfinity internet service.

Does Xfinity (Comcast) sell modems?

You can rent a modem/router combo from Xfinity for $14 a month—but it’s cheaper over time to purchase your own.

Which modem works best with Xfinity?

The NETGEAR CM1000 is our recommended best modem for Xfinity. It supports download speeds up to Xfinity’s lightning-fast Gigabit plan.

But if you want to control your modem from the Xfinity mobile app, an Xfinity modem like the xFi Gateway is the right way to go. The xFi Gateway is available by directly renting from Xfinity for $14 per month.

What is the newest Xfinity modem?

The newest Xfinity modem is the xFi Gateway 3rd Generation. It supports internet speeds around 700 Mbps—less than the xFi Advanced Gateways 1,000 Mbps.

Xfinity’s big selling point for it is that it’s light gray instead of black (no, we’re not joking, that’s exactly what their support article points out first). It also had four Gigabit Ethernet Ports to the xFi Advanced Gateway’s two.

Otherwise, we can’t see anything special about it that differentiates it from Xfinity’s xFi Advanced Gateway.

What is the fastest internet speed for Xfinity?

Xfinity offers internet speeds up to 2,000 Mbps—but only in a few big cities. This exorbitantly expensive plan is much faster than most homes need. You’re probably better off sticking with a plan that has 1,000 Mbps speeds or slower.

Disclaimer:

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. CableTV.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

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