Netgear CM1000 and Arris SB8200 are among the best DOCSIS 3.1 modems in the market. However, choosing one of them can be a difficult task. Nevertheless, a detailed comparison between both, across diverse parameters like speeds, wired throughput, performance, ports, build quality, aesthetics, price, and more, is important to help you pick the right equipment for your needs.
Netgear CM1000 vs ARRIS SB8200: Quick Comparison
| Traits | Netgear CM1000 | Arris SB8200 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  | ||
| DOCSIS Tech | DOCSIS 3.1 | DOCSIS 3.1 | Draw |
| Channels | 32 x 8 / 2 x 2 | 32 x 8 / 2 x 2 | Draw |
| Speeds | Up to 1Gbps | Up to 2Gbps | Arris SB8200 |
| RAM | 256MB | 3GB | Arris SB8200 |
| NAND Memory | 128MB | 128MB + 16MB | Arris SB8200 |
| Ports | 1 GigE | 2 GigE | Arris SB8200 |
| Link Aggregation | No | Yes | Arris SB8200 |
| Compatible ISPs | Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity, RCN, Midco, Sparklight, WOW!, Mediacom, Optimum. | Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity, RCN, Midco, Sparklight, WOW!, Mediacom. | Netgear CM1000 |
| Dimensions | 8.8 x 5.4 x 5.9 inches | 5.24 x 5.24 x 1.65 inches | Arris SB8200 |
| Price (Value for Money) | $150 | $160 | Netgear CM1000 |
The Key Differences
The key differences between Netgear CM1000 and ARRIS SB8200
Here are the aspects in which Netgear CM1000 and ARRIS SB8200 differ almost significantly:
Port Setup: ARRIS SB8200 takes the cake here, offering two GigE ports as opposed to the solitary one featured by the Netgear CM1000. Therefore, if you have multiple high-bandwidth devices at home or plan on amalgamating two high-speed internet plans to achieve higher speeds, the SB8200 is the modem to purchase.
Speeds: Despite both these modems boasting the best networking standard, I would recommend the SB8200 if you are into raw speeds and overall throughput of up to 2 Gbps. The CM1000 can still help you reach Gig-level speeds but might not be the perfect choice for multi-gig connections.
Link Aggregation: As the ARRIS SB8200 comes with two Ethernet ports, it boasts link aggregation support, resulting in higher wired speeds.
Design: Both these products exhibit unique structures, but the CM1000 is definitely the lighter variant at 0.84 pounds. Plus, it comes in black, which is easier to clean and maintain than the white-colored SB8200.
Auto-Configuration: Here is an elusive IP detection feature that can only be seen in the Netgear CM1000 modem, helping you manage the networks better.
Processing Setup: If you are strictly interested in processing firepower, the Arris SB8200 fares better with 3GB RAM to rely on as compared to the 256MB on the CM1000.
Setup: Although the ease of setup is comparable, Arris SB8200 comes equipped with a Spectrum Analyzer to help you access the best channels and networking speeds.
Price: The Netgear CM1000 is slightly cheaper than the Arris SB8200. However, the cost variance is negligible if you plan on viewing the bigger picture.
Similarities between CM1000 and SB8200
- Both the modems are DOCSIS 3.1 compatible
- Both support DOCSIS 3.0 fallback
- Backward compatible
- Compatible with leading ISPs like Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum, and more
- Both the modems come equipped with the BCM3390 chipset
Design & Port Setup
Now that the more pressing matters i.e. differences and similarities, are out of the way, it’s time to focus on expanding the discussion as per the more obvious and essential parameters.
As far as the design is concerned, Netgear CM1000 looks a tad grim with triangular vents for improved airflow and heat dissipation. The dimensions and heft are tagged at 8.8 x 5.4 x 5.9 inches and 0.84 pounds to be exact, making it easier to carry around.
Arris Surfboard SB8200 is way more aesthetic but weighs a lot more at 2.2 pounds. As far as the dimensions are concerned, it measures 5.24 x 4.24 x 1.65 inches. Therefore, if you are fine with the additional weight, increased overheating, and 5 bright LEDs, the modem from Arris is a better bet.
Port setup is pretty straightforward, with ARRIS trumping Netgear with an additional Ethernet slot for faster-wired connections.
Speed & Compatibility
If you would be interested in wireless speeds, there isn’t much to choose between the two modems, except the additional GigE port on the SB8200. Either way, it depends on what the ISP chooses to offer regarding bandwidth.
With a Gigabit+ internet plan to rely on, both these modems can very well return download speeds of up to 960 Mbps, as tested. However, only if you invest in two internet packages can you purchase the ARRIS SB8200, especially for its ability to reach 2Gbps, in terms of wired throughput.
ISP compatibility is hardly an issue here as both these modems pair up perfectly with Cox and Comcast Xfinity, provided you want to explore all the relevant traits of each. Restricted support for Time Warner, Brighthouse, and Charter is also available and depends on which internet plan you choose to invest in.
Who should buy the Netgear CM1000?
You can consider the Netgear CM1000 if you are looking for:
- Durable yet portable modem
- Faster wireless speeds when connected to the relevant routers
- Modem for large offices and home establishments
- The device that hardly heats up
- Improved modem stability
- Modem to manage Gig+ internet plans with precision
- Support for IP calling, video conferencing, and other tasks
Who should buy the Arris SB8200?
Investing in the Arris SB8200 makes sense if you want:
- Modem for streaming, 4K gaming, and other demanding tasks
- To set up wide-area networks by combining multiple internet plans
- Easy modem configuration
Verdict
In the aforementioned sections, I compared and contrasted the Netgear CM1000 and Arris SB8200 across multiple parameters. I analyzed each for the speeds, ports, design, aesthetics, heating or the lack thereof, hardware setup, ISP compatibility, pricing, and several other traits.
However, I still feel that there isn’t much to choose between the modems except for a bit of additional processing power and an additional port on the SB8200. Both these modems are future-proof with DOCSIS 3.1 2×2 OFDM/OFDMA support but are also backward compatible with DOCSIS 3.0 setups. Therefore, the expected speeds are more or less uniform if you plan to compare them over an identical internet plan.
That said, if I were to choose and recommend only one, the ARRIS SB8200 is easily the better bet, courtesy of the massive RAM for cutting through congestion and the additional GigE port that has already been discussed at length.
