Products at a Glance
How We Picked
For this guide, we have looked at several modems that are compatible with Spectrum and then selected the ones we thought were the best. Further, we are always on the lookout for new products to add to our guide, so check back here for updates.
Product Reviews
- DOCSIS 3.1
- 32x8 channel bonding
- Speeds up to 2.5 Gbps
- Modem only
If you want a good Spectrum modem for general use, then you should check out the Netgear Nighthawk CM2000 cable modem. As this is just a modem, you can consider pairing it with one of the best Netgear routers for a good internet experience.
The modem supports internet speeds up to 2.5 Gbps, which makes it suitable for gigabit plans from Spectrum. As far as wired connections are concerned, you get a 2.5 Gig Ethernet port for plugging in your devices.
This is a DOCSIS 3.1 modem, which is up to 10 times faster than DOCSIS 3.0, so you should be able to get high-speed internet. Plus, it has a 32×8 channel bond, which should give you great downstream speeds and decent upstream speeds.
- DOCSIS 3.1
- 32x8 channel bonding
- Two Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Slightly pricey
If you want to get a modem router combo for your Spectrum connection, then you should check out the Arris Surfboard G34, which we think deserves to be one of the best modem-router combos.
This is a modem-router combo, so you won’t have to worry about getting a separate compatible router. Plus, this device is compatible with Comcast Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum, and more ISPs – so we’d suggest you double-check compatibility.
Coming to the modem itself, it is a DOCSIS 3.1 modem, which is significantly faster than a DOCSIS 3.0 modem, so you should be able to get better downstream and upstream speeds.
Further, you also get a WiFi 6 router combined with the modem, which can support internet speeds up to 3,000 Mbps. This means you should be able to use this modem for high-speed internet plans like Cox (Gigablast) and Spectrum (Internet Gig).
- DOCSIS 3.1 and 32x8 channel bonding
- Speeds up to 2,500 Mbps
- Active Queue Management
- No Multi-Gig port
If you want a good modem for your Spectrum plan, but budget is a constraint, then you should check out the Motorola MB8611 modem.
The DOCSIS 3.1 modem comes with a 32×8 channel bonding, so you can expect faster downstream and upstream speeds. More specifically, you can get up to 2,500 Mbps downstream speed and up to 800 Mbps upstream speed.
Further, the modem has the Active Queue Management (AQM) feature, which should give you better performance with minimal lag.
Now, as per the official product details, this modem has been approved for Comcast, Spectrum, and Cox, so you won’t have to worry too much about compatibility. However, as this is a cable modem, you will have to get a compatible router separately.
- DOCSIS 3.0 and 16x4 channel bonding
- Wi-Fi speeds up to 1,600 Mbps
- Spectrum certified
- Two Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Affordable
- Only suitable for Spectrum plans up to 400 Mbps
While the above picks our great options, they don’t exactly scream value for the budget-conscious buyer, which is why we also squeezed in the ARRIS SURFboard SBG10 as our top value modem for Spectrum. For us, the ARRIS SURFboard SBG10 offers a well-priced upgrade path for smaller homes on low-to-medium speed Spectrum plans.
The ARRIS SURFboard SBG10 features DOCSIS 3.0 and 16×4 channel bonding, equipping it with everything required for theoretical download speeds up to 686 Mbps per second. It’s not just a modem, though, as it has a built-in dual-band Wi-Fi router, which can push speeds up to 1,600 Mbps using the Wi-Fi 5 standard, saving you money on monthly rental fees. On the box itself, there’s also a duo of Gigabit Ethernet ports for your wired devices. It is a small, compact unit that’s unobtrusive and easy to set up.
Compared to the modems above, the ARRIS SURFboard SBG10 is a far more economical option with an asking price just above $100. This affordability necessitates some compromises, chiefly in that Spectrum only recommends using the ARRIS SURFboard SBG10 for plans up to 400 Mbps. Additionally, no Wi-Fi 6 support is worth keeping in mind. This would make this modem a poor choice if gaming is your concern as large files and the need for fast speeds comes with the territory. For the best gaming modems check out our guide.
How to get the best modem for Spectrum
Spectrum Compatibility and Modem Types
Before committing to a purchase, the first step is to double-check compatibility with Spectrum and your specific plan. Spectrum does well to offer a relatively exhaustive list of compatible third-party modems, so this should be your first port of call. A non-vetted modem may work, but chances are you won’t benefit from the full-speed potential of your plan.
Additionally, check whether you are buying the correct type of modem for Spectrum cable. It stands to reason that DSL modems won’t work via cable and cable modems won’t work via DSL, so do check beforehand to avoid this all too common mistake.
DOCSIS
When shopping around for cable modems compatible with Spectrum plans, you’ll invariably come across DOCSIS. The acronym itself refers to Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification, but for the layman is best viewed as a cable internet protocol used by ISPs and indicates the maximum speeds you can expect. Several DOCSIS versions exist but DOCSIS 3.1 is among the newest and capable of speeds up to 10 Gbps. We do have DOCSIS 4.0 coming up, but it will be a while before it becomes widely used.
Channel Bonding
Channel bonding is also an important consideration for speed. Without delving too deeply into the technicalities, channel bonding is best seen as combining multiple channels to up the amount of data the modem can handle.
You may have come across specifications such as 32×8 or 16×4 channel bonding. The higher number represents the number of downstream or download channels, and the lower number the upstream channels or upload channels. The higher the number of channels, the faster the connection, with 32×8 channel bonding capable of up to 10 Gbps downstream speeds.
Can I use any modem with Spectrum?
No, only a few authorized modems are compatible with Spectrum. The modems listed in this buying guide should work with Spectrum. However, we’d recommend double-checking compatibility as per your internet plan. For a comprehensive list, we recommend checking out their website here.
Our Verdict
If you are looking for the best modem for your Spectrum connection, then we think that the Netgear Nighthawk CM2000 cable modem is a good choice. The DOCSIS 3.1 modem supports speeds up to 2.5 Gbps, which means it will support gigabit plans. It has a clean design and offers a hassle-free setup, so you should be able to get it started easily.