Best modem for Spectrum in 2023 – our top picks
If you are looking for the best modem for Spectrum, we have you covered right here.
Now, Spectrum does provide equipment, and opting for that modem simplifies installation. However, a third-party modem tends to offer better features and speeds. So whether you want to save some money or squeeze out better performance from your Spectrum cable plan, third-party modems are a great alternative to the Spectrum-issued modem.
At the moment, if you browse through the modem options available, you will find regular cable modems, modem-router combos, budget options, and some future-proof high-end variants as well.
With that said, considering that Spectrum is a popular ISP in the US, you will find several modems that are compatible with the service. To help you choose the right modem, we have rounded up what we think are the best modems for Spectrum.
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.
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.