3 best surfboard cable modems

A surfboard cable modem is a type of networking device that is designed to connect your home or office to the internet via a cable television (CATV) network. These modems are typically used with cable internet service providers (ISPs) and are known for their reliability and performance. Here are some key points about surfboard cable modems:

Purpose: Surfboard cable modems serve as the bridge between your local network and the internet. They receive data signals from your ISP through the coaxial cable connection and translate them into digital data that can be used by your devices.
DOCSIS Compatibility: Most surfboard cable modems adhere to the DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification) standard. DOCSIS defines the communication protocol between cable modems and the cable network, ensuring compatibility and efficient data transfer.
Speed and Performance: Surfboard cable modems come in various models with different speed capabilities, often categorized by DOCSIS versions (e.g., DOCSIS 3.0 or DOCSIS 3.1). The higher the DOCSIS version, the faster the potential internet speeds. This is important for users who require high-speed internet connections for activities like streaming, online gaming, or large file downloads.
Modem Router Combos: Some surfboard cable modems are integrated with wireless router functionality to create a modem router combo device. This eliminates the need for a separate router, simplifying your network setup and potentially saving space and money.
Compatibility: It's essential to check compatibility with your specific cable internet service provider. Not all cable modems work with every ISP, so make sure to choose one that is approved or recommended by your provider.
Installation: Installing a surfboard cable modem is usually a straightforward process. You connect it to your cable outlet, power it up, and often activate it through your ISP's website or customer support.
Security: Like any networking device, it's crucial to secure your surfboard cable modem to protect your network from unauthorized access. This involves changing default passwords, enabling encryption, and regularly updating firmware.
Upgrade Considerations: As technology evolves and ISPs offer faster internet speeds, you may need to upgrade your cable modem to take full advantage of these improvements.Check with your ISP for recommendations on the best modem for your current and future needs.
Reliability: Surfboard cable modems are known for their reliability and stability, which is essential for maintaining a consistent internet connection.
Warranty and Support: It's advisable to choose a surfboard cable modem from a reputable manufacturer that offers good warranty coverage and customer support in case of any issues.

In summary, surfboard cable modems are integral components of cable-based internet connections, offering high-speed internet access and reliable performance. When selecting one, consider factors like compatibility, speed, and whether you prefer a standalone modem or a modem router combo.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best surfboard cable modems on the market

ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 DOCSIS 3.1 Gigabit Cable Modem, Approved for Cox, Xfinity, Spectrum & others

ARRIS

Based on 15 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Introducing the first DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem in the SURFboard lineup. The SURFboard SB8200 is a DOCSIS 3.1 modem – the newest technology being offered by cable providers. It is capable of the fastest speeds available by cable Internet service providers, perfect for things like 4K Ultra-HD Video Streaming and Virtual Reality Gaming. Plus, it has 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports! The SB8200 is compatible with major US Cable providers like Comcast (Xfinity service by Comcast) Cox, and others. Today’s connected home demands speeds far more powerful than ever. Power your home network with the SB8200 and get the fastest speeds and most reliable connection to the Internet. Own yours today and stop paying rental fees.

DOCSIS 3 1 Cable Modem best for cable internet speed plans up to 2 Gbps. Note, a 2nd IP address is required from your cable internet provider to reach 2 Gbps.
32 downstream x 8 upstream DOCSIS 3 0 bonded channels, 2 downstream x 2 upstream OFDM DOCSIS 3 1 channels
Two 1-Gigabit Ethernet ports capable of link aggregation
others Not compatible with ATT, Verizon, CenturyLink or other DSL or Fiber internet providers
Cable internet service required Does not inlcude Wi-Fi and does not support cable digital voice service

User questions & answers

Question:	How is this model different than the arris surfboard sb
Answer:	The sb6121 only has speeds of 172 Mbps download and up to 131 Mbps upload. This model has up to 343 Mbps download and 131 Mbps upload.
Question:	Going with the cable modem option what’s the best router to pair this with for spectrum
Answer:	It depends on your needs. Needs are based on the number of devices connected and the size of area you are trying to cover. I would highly recommend a mesh network unless your home is 1200sqft or smaller. A centrally located router could cover that. The biggest problem is getting the 5ghz frequency to reach throughout the home. The 5ghz gives you speeds over 30mbps on wireless devices. 5ghz will reach roughly 40ft in all directions from your access point (ap). A mesh system gives you multiple ap and thus more area covered by the 5ghz.
Question:	How many devices can connect at once? Is that that the 8x refers to
Answer:	The 8x doesn't refer to the number of devices you can connect to it. You only want to connect one device and that's your WiFi router. You wireless router determines how many devices can be connect based on the available number of ip addresses on the wireless device. The 8x refers to the speed of Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS). Its informing you on the speed of DOCSIS 2.0 vs the newer DOCSIS 3.0. Ultimately your speed will be determined by how much you want to pay your internet provider. And you can determine how many devices you want to connect by the router you choose.
Question:	Do I also have to buy a router for the modem? And to make sure it obviously speeds up internet connection right
Answer:	If you only need to have one computer hooked up to the internet you do not need a router. If you want to hook up more than one computer or if you want a wireless network, you will need to buy the appropriate router. My internet speed went from 20mb to 100mb(the speed I pay extra for). TWC has also stopped charging me $8.00 a month for the use of their inadequate equipment.

Product features

Harness the power of DOCSIS 3.1 with the SURFboard SB8200 Cable Modem

Compatible with major U.S. cable internet providers: The SURFboard SB8200 is compatible with major U.S. cable internet providers including Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity and others. It's approved for cable internet speed plans up to 2 Gbps. Check your cable ISP website to confirm compatibility. (Note, a 2nd IP address may be required by your cable internet provider to achieve 2 Gbps speeds.)

The newest, fastest technology available

DOCSIS 3.1 is the newest technology available from cable internet providers that enables fast, efficient internet speeds.

Two 1-Gigabti Ethernet Ports

Two 1-Gigabit Ethernet ports capable of providing speeds up to 2 Gbps. (Note, a 2nd IP address may be required by your cable internet provider to achieve 2 Gbps speeds.)

Quick & easy setup

With a few simple cable connections and a quick visit to your ISPs self-activation portal, your network will be up and running in no time.

1. Connect the cables: coaxial, power, Ethernet

2. Contact your ISP (via web portal) to activate

3. Connect to a Wi-Fi router to setup your devices

ARRIS Surfboard S33 DOCSIS 3.1 Multi-Gigabit Cable Modem with 2.5 Gbps Ethernet Port, Approved for Cox, Xfinity, Spectrum & Others.

Based on 19 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The ARRIS SURFboard S33 is a DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem that delivers the fastest speeds and the latest technology. With a 2.5 Gigabit and a 1 Gigabit Ethernet port, the S33 enables a multi-gig experience for things like online gaming, 4K video streaming and more. It’s best for cable internet speed plans up to 2.5 Gbps and setup is simple with an easy-to-use app. It's compatible with any Wi-Fi router and saves you money on monthly rental fees. Upgrade your home network with an ARRIS SURFboard S33 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem.

MULTI-GIG NETWORKING: The SURFboard S33 features a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port plus an additional 1 Gbps Ethernet port for a 2nd network
DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem approved for cable internet speed plans up to 2.5 Gbps
32 downstream x 8 upstream DOCSIS 3.0 bonded channels, 2 downstream x 2 upstream OFDM DOCSIS 3 1 channels
Connects to any existing Wi-Fi router for blazing-fast internet.
Compatible with major U.S. Cable Internet Providers including Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity & others.
Cable internet service required. Does not include Wi-Fi and does not support cable digital voice service.
Stop renting your modem and save on monthly modem rental fees!

User questions & answers

Question:	Will this support xfinity extreme 1200mbps ? it's not on the supported device list
Answer:	The Arris S33 is a DOCIS 3.1 capable device 32 x 8 rated for speeds up to 2.5 Gb. While the modem is indeed on Xfinity supported device list (check detailed discussions on dslreports.com), what matters is your router. Ensure you have a router capable of 1+Gb speeds.
Question:	Is there a way to mount this device to a wall
Answer:	We recommend placing the device on a tabletop in an open space to avoid any interference
Question:	Is this modem compatible with suddenlink
Answer:	It will work at the lower speeds since it is capable of up to 2.5Gb but runs just fine as low as 100mbps/5mbps (down/up) with 32x8 channels. Suddenlink allows ARRIS SB6190 and the S33 is a superior upgrade.
Question:	Can you use both ethernet ports at the exact same time
Answer:	Update...... I have picked mine up from BestBuy and YES you can use both Ports at the same time. I have the 2.5 to my PC and the other port to my Asus Ax11000 router. Hope this helps.

Product features

Multi-Gigabit Download Speeds

Your multi-Gigabit home network will be ready with the SURFboard S33. A DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem. With a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port plus an additional 1 Gbps Ethernet port it's capable of combined download speeds up to 3.5 Gbps. The S33 is the fastest modem in the SURFboard lineup delivering the fastest speeds and the latest technology without the premium rental cost.

Future-Proof Your Home Network

DOCSIS 3.1 technology enables multi-gigabit networking. Future-proof your home network with the S33 DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem.

2.5 Gbps and 1 Gbps Ethernet Ports

The S33 has two Ethernet ports: 2.5 Gbps plus a 1 Gbps capable of providing combined download speeds up to 3.5 Gbps. (Note, a 2nd IP address may be required by your cable internet provider to achieve 3.5 Gbps speeds.)

Save Money on Monthly Modem Rental Fees

When you purchase your modem, not only are you powering your home network with the latest technology, you can save money on modem rental fees. Own your modem and start saving today!

ARRIS SURFboard SBG10 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem & AC1600 Dual Band Wi-Fi Router, Approved for Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity & others (black)

ARRIS

Based on 8 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The SURFboard SBG10 is a DOCSIS 3. 0 16x4 cable modem, Wave 2 AC1600 Dual Band Concurrent Wi-Fi Access Point and 2-Port Gigabit Ethernet Router, all wrapped up in one device. Refer instruction manual for troubleshooting steps.

3 products in 1: DOCSIS 3 0 Cable Modem, AC1600 dual-band Wi-Fi Router, 2 Port Gigabit Ethernet Router (cable digital voice service not supported)
Wi-Fi 5 AC1600 dual-band concurrent Wi-Fi Router with 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports
Setup and manage your network with the SURFboard Manager app
Compatible with major U S Cable Internet Providers including Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity & others. Cable internet service required. Not compatible with ATT, Verizon, CenturyLink or other DSL or Fiber internet providers
16 downstream & 4 upstream channels. Best for cable internet service plans up to 400 Mbps.

User questions & answers

Question:	Is this both a modem and router ? (2 in1 thing
Answer:	Yes it is! It has dual functionality. If you have a router you like already you can turn the wifi part off and just use it as a modem
Question:	This says it isn't compatible with at&t, does that mean my iphone, with an at&t connection, will not be able to use this modem
Answer:	It is not compatible with AT&T High Speed Internet service, only good with traditional Cable Service. Your iPhone will connect to the Wi-Fi without issue.
Question:	i'm using this with netgear router (with port forwarding). therefore i have to run this modem in bridge mode. would i be better with a cheaper modem
Answer:	I think you'd be better with a cheaper modem. The whole point of getting this modem is so you don't need to purchase a separate router/Wi-Fi access point.
Question:	I was reading that you cannot run the lan jack and wifi at the same time on this device, is that true? Has anyone else experienced this problem
Answer:	Yes, you can use LAN and wifi the same time.

Product features

A high-speed internet experience that's quick, easy and economical

2 products in 1 - The SURFboard SBG10 combines a DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem with an 802.11ac Wi-Fi router with 2 one-gigabit Ethernet ports. It has 16 downstream and 4 upstream channels and AC1600 Wi-Fi, making it a perfect choice for homes with less devices to manage. The all-in-one modem & Wi-Fi router combo means no more managing multiple devices and is best for Cable Internet Speed Plans up to 400 Mbps. Plus, it saves you money on monthly modem rental fees and fits easily into any home office.

Compatible with major U.S. cable internet providers including Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity and others. If you are unsure about compatibility, check your ISP website or the ARRIS website to confirm.

2 products in 1

The SBG10 combines a DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem with a 802.11ac Wi-Fi router equipped with 2 one-gigabit Ethernet ports. A space-saving and economical option.

Compatible with major U.S. cable internet providers

The perfect addition to your home network, the SBG10 is compatible with major U.S. cable internet providers, including Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity and others. It's best for internet speed plans up to 400 Mbps.