3 best home cable modem

A home cable modem is a networking device that connects to your home's cable TV line and provides you with internet access. It serves as the bridge between your internet service provider (ISP) and your home network. Here are some key points about home cable modems:

Internet Connectivity: Cable modems use a coaxial cable connection to tap into the high-speed internet service provided by your cable company. They are a common choice for broadband internet access.
Modem Router Combos: Some cable modems come integrated with a router, creating a modem-router combo device. This combination simplifies home networking, as it eliminates the need for a separate router. Modem-router combos are often suitable for smaller homes or users with basic networking needs.
Internet Speeds: The speed of your internet connection depends on your cable modem's capabilities and the internet plan you subscribe to with your ISP. Cable modems support a wide range of speeds, from basic broadband to gigabit connections.
DOCSIS Compatibility: Cable modems use a standard called Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) to communicate with your ISP's network. Different versions of DOCSIS (e.g., DOCSIS 3.0, DOCSIS 3.1) support different data transfer speeds.It's important to choose a cable modem that is compatible with your ISP's DOCSIS version to maximize performance.
Compatibility and Certification: It's crucial to check with your ISP to ensure that the cable modem you choose is compatible with their network. Some ISPs have a list of approved or certified modems that are guaranteed to work with their service.
Installation: Setting up a cable modem typically involves connecting it to the coaxial cable from your wall and then connecting it to your computer or router via an Ethernet cable. Many cable modems also have a web-based interface for configuration.
Security: To protect your home network, it's essential to change default passwords and enable security features on your cable modem. This helps prevent unauthorized access to your network.
Upgrades: Over time, you may need to upgrade your cable modem to take advantage of faster internet plans offered by your ISP. Older modems may not support higher speeds or newer DOCSIS versions.
Monthly Fees: Some ISPs charge a monthly fee for renting a cable modem from them. Purchasing your cable modem can be a cost-effective long-term solution, as it eliminates these rental fees.
Troubleshooting: If you experience internet connectivity issues, your cable modem may be the source of the problem. Rebooting the modem and checking for firmware updates are common troubleshooting steps.

In summary, a home cable modem is a vital piece of equipment for accessing high-speed internet via a cable connection. Choosing the right cable modem, ensuring compatibility with your ISP, and properly configuring and securing it are essential steps to ensure reliable and fast internet access for your home network.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best home cable modem on the market

NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home WiFi 6 System with DOCSIS 3.1 Built-in Cable Modem (CBK752) – Cable Modem Router + 1 Satellite Extender | Covers up to 5,000 sq. ft. 40+ Devices | AX4200 (Up to 4.2Gbps)

NETGEAR

Based on 99 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Built with the latest and fastest WiFi 6 technology, the NETGEAR Orbi whole home WiFi system comes with a built-in DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem and provides a robust smart home experience. Enjoy WiFi coverage and connection capacity beyond belief with the perk of automatic firmware updates and save up to $168 per year by eliminating monthly cable modem rental fees. Replace your existing cable modem and router with the Orbi WiFi System with Built-in Cable Modem for coverage in hard-to-reach areas of your home. Dedicated quad-stream WiFi 6 backhaul allows you to bring the Gigabit Internet speeds you’ve paid for from the further corners in your house to everywhere else. Place the Satellite anywhere in your home to get Gigabit speeds where you want them.

POWERFUL ALL-IN-ONE SOLUTION: Integrated cable modem and WiFi 6 satellite system provides high-performance WiFi coverage for up to 5,000 sq. ft. and 40+ devices. Expand coverage by 2,500 sq. ft. with each optional Orbi Mesh WiFi 6 satellite (sold separately)
COMPATIBLE WITH ALL MAJOR CABLE INTERNET PROVIDERS: DOCSIS 3.1 modem supports Internet plans up to 6Gbps. Compatible with major cable modem providers including Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity, and more. Save up to $168/yr in equipment rental fees
NO MORE DEAD ZONES: Whole home Mesh WiFi 6 system with dedicated Tri-band WiFi backhaul allows you to stay connected as you roam around your home using a single network name
WIFI 6: STREAM EVERYTHING ON EVERY DEVICE AT EPIC SPEED: Simultaneously stream movies, games, video calls or download files at 4.2Gbps WiFi speed. Zero delay across your growing number of smart devices. Works with existing WiFi devices and new WiFi 6 devices like iPhone 11, Galaxy Note 10 and Galaxy S10
EASY TO SET-UP AND MANAGE: Set up and customize in minutes with the Orbi app – easily manage your WiFi settings at the device and network level, test your Internet speed, view speed history and monitor data usage
NETGEAR ARMOR POWERED BY BITDEFENDER: The world’s leading cybersecurity protects all your home devices from virus, malware, and data theft with a 30-day free trial.
WIRED ETHERNET PORTS: Plug in computers, game consoles, streaming players and other nearby wired devices with 6 (4+2) Gigabit LAN Ethernet ports in the router and satellite
SAFE, SECURE AND LOADED WITH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY: Quad-Core 1.4GHz CPU, OFDMA, MU-MIMO, 1024-QAM, Smart Connect for one WiFi name and Beamforming technologies. Supports WPA2 wireless security protocols. Includes Guest WiFi access, DoS, Firewall, VPN and more

Product features

Tri-band WiFi6 Maximizes Speed

An additional third band dedicated to your Orbi Whole Home System frees up the other two bands for maximum speed to your devices. Other WiFi systems are dual-band which significantly reduces the performance compared to Orbi tri-band systems.

Reliable Whole Home Coverage

Integrated cable modem and WiFi 6 Mesh satellite system ensures WiFi coverage for up to 5,000 sq. ft. with no dead zones. Expand coverage by 2,500 sq. ft. by adding an Orbi WiFi 6 satellite (sold separately, not compatible with Orbi WiFi 5 satellites).

Connect to 40+ Devices

Latest generation WiFi 6 has 4x more capacity than previous WiFi, delivering faster speeds to your increasing number of devices.

Seamless Roaming Everywhere

Powerful Orbi Mesh technology keeps you seamlessly connected as you move inside and outside your home—using one simple network name.

NETGEAR Armor: Powered by BitDefender

The world’s leading cybersecurity software protects all your home devices from virus, malware, and data theft with a 30-day free trial.

Easy Setup and Activation

Step 1: Plug your coax cable into the modem-router.

Step 2: Activate by either:

(a) connecting an Ethernet cable to your computer and following the on-screen setup

(b) calling your cable provider to activate over the phone.

Step 3: Use the Orbi app to set up your network

NETGEAR N600 (8x4) WiFi DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem Router (C3700) Certified for Xfinity from Comcast, Spectrum, Cox, Spectrum & more

NETGEAR

Based on 12 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The NETGEAR N600 WiFi DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem Router with N600 simultaneous dual band WiFi router and integrated DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem, provides 8x faster download speeds, up to 340 Mbps. It’s CableLabs DOCSIS 3.0 Certified to work with U.S. cable Internet providers like XFINITY from Comcast, Spectrum, Cox & more.

ELIMINATE MONTHLY CABLE MODEM RENTAL FEES Up to $120 per year
Two in One DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem + WiFi Router with 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports and 1 USB 2.0 port.System Requirements Microsoft Windows 7, 8, Vista, XP, 2000, Mac OS, or other operating systems running a TCP/IP network. Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0, Firefox 2.0, Safari 1.4, or Google Chrome 11.0 browsers or higher
Up to 340Mbps modem speed and Dual Band N450 (2.4GHz & 5GHz) WiFi speed. 8x4 channel bonding, Denial of Service (DoS) attack prevention
DOCSIS 3.0 unleashes 8x faster download speeds than DOCSIS 2.0
Ideal for streaming HD videos, faster downloads, and high speed online gaming
Required for the fastest cable Internet speed tiers.Use with an N300 adapter like NETGEAR WNA3100 for maximum performance
Compatibe with Xfinity from Comcast, Spectrum, Cox, & more. Not compatible with bundled voice services..Wifi technology:802.11n Dual Band Gigabit

User questions & answers

Question:	Does this have a security key on it
Answer:	Has WPA key on bottom tag. Has WPA/WPA2 wireless security. Also has Parental Control and Guest Network features.
Question:	I have Xfinity blast will I have to call them to install this component
Answer:	for me, i just had to connect it to my cable like it was connected. Xfinity website loads and it will automatically read the info off the modem, register it, and even update the firmware for comcast. its done automatically, takes about 10 minutes, and i did NOT have to call them!
Question:	does this work with Time Warner cable
Answer:	It is not on their approved list yet as of 3/8/2015. I can confirm in the Albany, NY area I have this modem working on Time Warner Cable. I had to talk to a modem specialist to get it working so it was not as easy as an approved device. Read my review for my review for more information.
Question:	Can the firmware be updated by the user or only by the isp
Answer:	Netgear confirms that only your ISP can update the firmware. This is unfortunate, as the current firmware (at least for Time Warner Cable) relies on outdated code that prevents the Netgear CM500 from obtaining the accurate System Time. This can lead to more dropped connections and difficulty when accessing secure sites. Despite replacing the CM500 with a supposedly updated unit, this error persists. The CM500 consistently reports the System Time as at least 5 hours out of sync.

Product features

Eliminate Monthly Rental Fees

Get 8 times faster download speeds with this 2-in-1 N600 WiFi router and integrated DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem, with up to 340 Mbps. Works with all major cable Internet providers such as Comcast XFINITY, Time Warner Cable, Cox, Cablevision & more.

Speed and Range

Fastest WiFi – Up to 300+300Mbps.

DOCSIS 3.0 – Up to 8x faster cable Internet speeds than 2.0.

Channel Bonding – Fastest Cable Internet speeds during peak hours.

Gigabit Wired – Ideal for HD gaming & video streaming.

Better Range – WiFi coverage for large homes.

Simultaneous Dual Band – Reduces WiFi interference.

Easy to Use

Easy Install – Easy setup for iPad, tablets, smartphones & computers.

Push ‘n’ Connect – Easy push button WiFi connections (WPS).

WiFi & Power on/off – Convenient power savings.

Works with cable Internet providers like Comcast XFINITY, Time Warner Cable, Cox, Cablevision & more.

Sharing and Security

DLNA – Find & play your media on DLNA TVs & game consoles.

ReadySHARE USB Access – Wirelessly access & share USB hard drive via the USB port.

Guest Network Access – Separate & secure access for guests.

Secure WiFi connections – Highest level wireless security with WPA/WPA2.

Package Contents:

NETGEAR Cable Modem Wi-Fi Router Combo C6250 - Compatible with All Cable Providers Including Xfinity by Comcast, Spectrum, Cox | for Cable Plans Up to 300 Mbps | AC1600 Wi-Fi Speed | DOCSIS 3.0

NETGEAR

Based on 13 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The NETGEAR C6250 provides 16 times faster download speeds, up to 680 Mbps, than DOCSIS 2.0. With C6250 2-in-1 AC1600 Wi-Fi router with DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem, you can streaming HD videos, faster downloads, and high-speed online gaming without any interruption. Certified and worked with cable Internet providers like XFINITY from Comcast, Spectrum, COX, Cablevision and more. Customer-owned modems may not be compatible with certain cable networks. Please check with your cable provider to confirm this NETGEAR modem is allowed on your cable network. Check your cable Internet service provider web site for data speed tier compatibility.

COMPATIBLE WITH ALL MAJOR CABLE INTERNET PROVIDERS: Including certification by Xfinity by Comcast, COX, and Spectrum. NOT compatible with Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, DSL providers, DirecTV, DISH and any bundled voice service.
SAVE MONTHLY RENTAL FEES: Model C6250 replaces your cable modem and WiFi router saving you up to $168/yr in equipment rental fees.
BUILT FOR FAST SPEED: Best for cable provider plans up to 300 Mbps speed.
FAST WiFi PERFORMANCE: Get up to 1500 sq ft wireless coverage and 25 devices connected with AC1600 speed (up to 1600 Mbps).
VERSATILE CONNECTIONS: 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports and 1 USB port give you fast wired connections to your computer, printer, game box, storage drive, and other devices.
MODEM TECHNOLOGY: Engineered with 16x4 channel bonding and DOCSIS 3.0.
SAFE & SECURE: Includes parental controls, and supports WEP and WPA/WPA2 wireless security protocols.

User questions & answers

Question:	What does "AC1200" mean
Answer:	Dear Customer, For more questions, please feel free to contact us at ✉ ▶ [email protected]◀【☏ +1（833）816-6558】. And the 24 hour online after-sales service website is https: //rockspace. afterservice. vip. The answer is YES. 2000 square feet shouldn't be a problem with our whole-home wifi 6. The wifi 6 router delivers reliable coverage up to 2500 sq ft. However, to ensure the best wifi 6 signal, it is important to make sure the placement of your wifi router is as optimal as possible. Reducing obstructions and placing the router in a central location will help ensure your signal reaches the areas you need. Hope you have a good experience with our AX1800 smart wifi router. Best regards, Mary
Question:	Does the box come with the necessary cables? (e.g. power cord and coax cable
Answer:	Dear Customer, For more questions, please feel free to contact us at✉ ▶ [email protected] ◀【☏ +1（833）816-6558】. And the 24 hour online after-sales service website is https: //rockspace. afterservice. vip. The answer is YES, our Rockspace wifi 6 router support VPN to transfer data. Hope you have a good experience with our AX1800 smart wifi router. Best regards, Rockspace
Question:	Does this modem have netgear genie
Answer:	Dear Customer, For more questions, please feel free to contact us at✉ ▶ [email protected] ◀【☏ +1（833）816-6558】. And the 24 hour online after-sales service website is https: //rockspace. afterservice. vip. Yes. Our Rockspace AX1800 smart wifi router is equipped with WPA3 and built-in firewall, which can provide security protection on every aspects for your personal devices. Hope you have a good experience with our AX1800 smart wifi router. Best regards, Rockspace
Question:	I see many ppl asking about a router and answers say “modem only” but the description says wifi modem combo. what am i missing
Answer:	Dear Customer, For more questions, please feel free to contact us at✉ ▶ [email protected] ◀【☏ +1（833）816-6558】. And the 24 hour online after-sales service website is https: //rockspace. afterservice. vip. The answer is YES. The wifi 6 router is equipped with a USB 3.0 port. Firstly, the wifi router will charge your smart phone via the USB 3.0 port. Besides, the USB 3.0 port of the AX1800 wifi router can easily connect shared storage devices, printers, and other peripherals to your network. Hope you have a good experience with our AX1800 smart wifi router. Best regards, Mary

Product features

Why Buy Your Own Modem with WiFi?

Save up to 168 Dollars/year

Eliminates monthly rental fees that can amount 168 dollars or more per year.

Better WiFi Performance

Get superior WiFi coverage and more features compared to cable provider modems with WiFi.

Works with Major Cable Providers

Works with all major cable providers such as Xfinity by Comcast, Spectrum, and COX.*

*Not compatible with Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, DSL providers, DirectTV, DISH, and any bundled voice services.

Built for Serious Speed

Supports cable internet plans with speeds up to 300Mbps ensuring fast, reliable internet speed for HD streaming and more.

Up to 1500 Sq. Ft. WiFi Coverage

Enjoy strong, reliable WiFi coverage thanks to range-boosting amplified antennas.

Seamless WiFi for up to 25 Devices

Intelligently selects between dual bands to minimize interference and maximize speed for your many smart wireless devices.

Built for Serious Streaming

Up to 1600Mbps wireless speed (AC1600), perfect for demanding HD streaming and gaming.

Easy 5 Minute Setup

Step 1: Plug your coax cable into the modem router.

Step 2: Activate by either

(a) connect an Ethernet cable to your computer and follow the on-screen setup, or

(b) call your cable provider to activate over the phone.

Two Gigabit Ethernet ports and one USB port give you super-fast wired connections to your computer, printer, game box, storage drive, and other devices.