If you plan to purchase a new modem for your home or office, you might be tempted by ARRIS SB6190 and ARRIS SB8200. Both these modems differ significantly when features are concerned and end up catering to divergent clientele.
The following comparison would help you understand each product better and make informed modem buying decisions.
ARRIS SB6190 vs ARRIS SB8200: Quick Comparison
| Traits | Arris SB6190 | Arris SB8200 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  | ||
| DOCSIS Tech | DOCSIS 3.0 | DOCSIS 3.1 | Arris SB8200 |
| Channels | 32 x 8 / 2 x 2 | 32 x 8 / 2 x 2 | Draw |
| Speeds | Up to 1.4Gbps | Up to 2Gbps | Arris SB8200 |
| RAM | 256MB | 3GB | Arris SB8200 |
| NAND Memory | 128MB | 128MB | Draw |
| Ports | 1 GigE | 2 GigE | Arris SB8200 |
| Link Aggregation | No | Yes | Arris SB8200 |
| Compatible ISPs | Cox, Comcast Xfinity, RCN, WOW!, Suddenlink | Cox, Comcast Xfinity, RCN, WOW!, Midco, Sparklight, Mediacom, Spectrum. | Arris SB8200 |
| Dimensions | 6.4 x 2 x 8.7 inches | 5.24 x 5.24 x 1.65 | Arris SB6190 |
| Price (Value for Money) | $80 | $160 | Arris SB6190 |
Similarities Between ARRIS SB6190 and SB8200
- Comparable aesthetics as both the modems come in white
- 5 LEDs at the front for both modems, respectively
- DOCSIS 3.0 is supported by both SB6190 and SB8200
- Compatible with Comcast, Spectrum, Cox, and more
Internet Speeds
When it comes to speed and performance, the Arris SB6190 fares as a standard DOCSIS 3.0 modem, boasting top speed limits of 1400Mbps! This includes wired and wireless throughput. I even connected it to my PC to experience consistent download and upload speeds of 950Mbps and 23Mbps, respectively.
The SB8200, however, is way faster and promises maximum speeds of up to 2 Gbps. But the existence of two ports and the ability to work with multi-gig connections in the future makes the SB8200 a better bet for establishing multi-device connections.
ISP Compatibility
As far as ISP compatibility is concerned, both cable modems are in sync with the leading cable service providers. However, the SB8200 fares slightly better in this regard by being more at ease with service providers like Charter and Brighthouse alongside the usual Spectrum, Cox, Comcast, and more.
Design & Port Setup
Now that I have enlisted the differences and similarities between these two reliable modems, it is time to observe some of the more decisive attributes closely enough. Firstly, the design has my attention as both these modems feature white-colored, plastic-clad chassis with decent heat-dissipating vents to go with the aesthetics.
The Arris SB6190 measures 6.4 x 2 x 8.7 inches and weighs 0.75 pounds. Despite featuring a similar layout, it is still considerably lighter than the SB8200, which measures 5.24 x 5.24 x 1.65 inches and weighs over 2 pounds.
As far as the port setup is concerned, the SB6190 makes peace with one GigE slot. The SB8200 from ARRIS comes equipped with two similar ports, thereby making it a better choice for 4K streaming and establishing direct connections with other bandwidth-hungry devices.
Who should buy the Arris SB6190?
Consider the Arris SB6190 if you are looking for:
- Affordable modem with Gig capabilities
- Device for a smaller home and office setups
- Steady connectivity
- Durable device
- Modem with a smaller form factor
Who should buy the Arris SB8200?
Spending some more money on the SB8200 makes sense if you are interested in:
- Modem compatible with almost every cable service provider
- Minimal gaming latency
- Perfect for bigger houses and offices
- Managing high-bandwidth smart devices
Verdict
As mentioned throughout the course of this discussion, both these modems i.e. Arris SB6190 and Arris SB8200, are reliable networking assets. However, the clientele, preferences, and usability are for you to decide as I have already compared and contrasted these two devices with ISP compatibility, port management, processing setup, pricing, data rates, and more being the appraised parameters.
Upon detailed evaluation, I felt that the SB6190 is more of a mid-range modem that heats up a fair bit at times. Also, if you plan on using a modem for your future-proof networking needs, the SB8200 seems like a better bet as it is more balanced with two Ethernet ports, better speeds, DOCSIS 3.1 support, and 5 status-indicating LEDs.
Irrespective of the device you choose, both the evaluated modems completely justify the price point and the cost-to-ownership ratio. However, if you were to choose one, opt for the Arris SB8200.
