Renting a cable modem from your service provider can be a costly affair. More so when you opt for Internet + Voice plans. Being a frequent collaborator with Xfinity and other cable services gives ARRIS cable modems an advantage over others.
So, if you’re looking for an Xfinity-supported voice modem, you must check this review of the ARRIS SURFboard T25.
For users who rely on voice calling for their office, small business, or even home network, Arris T25 comes across as one of the few cable modems with phone ports. It future-proofs your internet with Gigabit speeds.
The upgrade to the latest DOCSIS technology allows it to support higher data speeds and seamless phone calling. This comprehensive review will drill into the details that make it a strong competitor for high-speed internet and voice plans.
But before looking into how the specifications fare in its performance, the one factor that gives a unique advantage over competitors like Netgear CM2050V is affordability.
ARRIS SURFboard T25 Specs
| Technology | DOCSIS 3.1 |
| Backward Compatibility | Yes |
| Channel Bonding | 32 x 8 |
| Ethernet Ports | 2 |
| Phone Ports | Yes (2) |
| Modem Router Combo | No |
| Suitable Internet Plan | Up to 800 Mbps |
| Compatible ISPs | Comcast Xfinity |
| Processor | Intel Puma 7 |
| RAM | 512MB |
| NAND Storage | 128MB |
ARRIS SURFboard T25 Review
Before I begin, let me tell you that I have thoroughly tested this Arris voice modem for over two weeks with a diverse set of internet activities. ARRIS T25 modem was tagged with the Extreme Pro (800 Mbps) plan from Xfinity to know its voice quality, speed, consistency, and reliability.
ARRIS T25 Speeds
Being one of the DOCSIS 3.1 modems improves its potential to support speeds of over 10 Gbps. However, the absence of multi-gig ports limits its capacity to a maximum of 2 Gbps. It has 32 downstream channels and 8 upstream stream channels that let the Surfboard T25 deliver the speeds at its disposal.
Arris T25 speeds were impressive, with the 800 Mbps Extreme Pro plan of Xfinity. While using a wired PC via the Ethernet port, I could log over 761 Mbps download speeds during non-peak hours.
However, the upload speeds varied between 15-20 Mbps, depending on bandwidth usage. The impressive throughput can power larger homes with multiple devices running simultaneously.
ISP Compatibility & Plan suitability
It may sound strange, but this Arris cable modem with voice support can’t work with multiple service providers. That’s because it’s primarily designed to use with Comcast Xfinity. Plus, this Xfinity Arris modem can’t handle gigabit speeds. It is suitable only for internet plans up to 800 Mbps.
Design & Connectivity
The Arris Surfboard T25 review is incomplete without discussing its design aesthetics and how it fits into the household. A simplistic black plastic body comes with resourceful ARRIS modem status lights lined up vertically on the front.
The power port, coax-cable input, two telephony ports, and two Gigabit Ethernet ports find themselves on the device’s rear side.
The device weighs 2.1 pounds and measures 10.1 x 10.2 x 3.25 inches. ARRIS leaves the base broad enough to accommodate its weight and keep it stable.
The rest of the body tapers into a narrow rectangular structure. You’ll hardly notice the Surfboard T25 heat up, thanks to the ventilation vents on both sides of the modem.
The minimalistic design of the Arris Surfboard T25 Docsis 3.1 cable modem looks pleasing to the eye, and intelligent aesthetics make it easier to blend into any household.
You’ll be able to use the telephone ports right away with an active voice subscription. The two gigabit Ethernet ports support Link Aggregation, which allows you to combine two separate internet connections.
It translates into an extended capacity to be shared with the gadgets you share via the router.
Hardware & Technology
Previously, the Intel Puma 6 chipset had raised latency-related concerns in Reddit threads. It even led some models to be marked as bad cable modems.
Rest assured, the new and improved Intel Puma 7 backs the strength of its multi-core ARM & Atom-based processing to deliver an impressive performance.
The unit I got worked well, but many people think the Intel Puma 7 could be as faulty as the Intel Puma 6. If you’re worried about it, then avoid getting the Arris T25.
In addition to the Arris T25 chipset, the modem puts together an adequate combination of 512MB of operating memory and 128MB of storage giving it the capacity to handle high-speed internet on multiple devices.
Tag it with a capable dual/tri-band WiFi router, you’ll be able to share your high-speed internet with smart TVs, gaming consoles, PCs, tablets, and a bunch of mobile phones within your household.
Be it multiple instances of 4K streamings, high-graphic VR gaming activity, and other smart gadgets operating in tandem, the setup will breeze through it.
Complement it with Netgear Orbi or Eero Mesh systems if you’re in an automated home setup. The combination of Arris T25 and the mesh system will bring great capacity and coverage to large homes or office premises.
Arris Surfboard T25 Setup
It would be a shame to miss out on the highlighted advantage of the telephony modem while reviewing the Arris T25, i.e., its ease of setup and management. Whether it’s the Arris T25 setup or combining it with a Wi-Fi router, things don’t get any easier. Use the web interface or the Surfboard Manager mobile application to set up the device.
Your Xfinity Arris modem package will have the requisite power cord, an ethernet cable, and the Arris T25 manual in paper form. If you’re using cable TV, you might need a splitter or additional ethernet cables in case of any other wired devices like a gaming console or smart TV, etc.
Configure devices to your network, and set up passwords through your mobile application. The setup and access to information are easy and quick. Don’t miss out on this information if you are a novice user who finds it challenging to navigate networking setups.
| Arris T25 Manual | View / Download (PDF) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Arris T25 is a voice-supported cable modem and needs a separate router to establish a wireless connection. You can connect a wired device to the modem, but you’ll need a quality MU-MIMO compatible WiFi router to share the high-speed internet within the devices at home.
No, Arris T25 is not an End of Life or a discontinued product. The Intel Puma 7 chipset used in the Arris telephony modem for Comcast had a few issues during its initial release. Intel subsequently released a new firmware to fix the issues in collaboration with the service provider. Now, Xfinity lists T25 as one of its recommended devices.
No. Currently, the Arris T25 modem is only compatible with Comcast Xfinity internet and voice plans while being recommended for plans up to 800 Mbps.
Yes, if you want to eliminate the monthly equivalent rental fees. It makes more sense to own the Arris T25 modem if you’re in possession of a solid wireless router. It will also be a great device to future-proof your household for high-speed connections up to 1.2Gbps.
Don’t let the past issues of the Intel Puma 7 chipset downplay the value the T25 modem brings. The latest technology, access to high-speed internet, easy app-based setup & management, and voice telephony. The features and the savings of monthly rentals far exceed the value of the premium price paid upfront.
