I did a survey and found out that 73% of 135 users who use Mesh WiFi systems were actually on a high-speed internet plan. However, 35% of them were still not satisfied with the speeds they got. It was because they were using a cable modem that wasn’t suited for faster speeds.
So, if you’re looking for an ideal modem for your mesh system, you’ve come to the right place. Although you don’t need a special device, make sure that the one you get is compatible with your internet provider.
That said, there are several other factors to consider, making it tough to find an ideal choice. That’s why I tested 18 popular options with a mesh network established in my 3,700 Sq Ft two-story house, and finally, here with my top picks.
7 Best Modems for Mesh WiFi Systems in 2024
In this compiled review-based guide, I’ve covered offerings in every category, from high-tech to low-cost but dependable units, so everyone can get what they want. And these are sorted based on features they offer, from high to low.
1. Best For Multi-Gig Internet: ARRIS S33
Surfboard S33 is ranked #1 in my list of best DOCSIS 3.1 modems. Thanks to the amazing port setup and hardware capabilities, it’s one of the fastest modems available.
- Technology: DOCSIS 3.1
- Downstream/Upstream Channels: 32 x 8
- Suitable Internet Plan: Up to 2.5 Gbps
- Compatible ISPs: Suddenlink, Xfinity, Cox, Mediacom, Spectrum, RCN, Alice optimum, CableOne, WOW!
- Ports: 2.5 Gig-E + 1 Gig-E
- Processor: N/A
- RAM & Flash Storage: 1GB + 256MB
As soon as I upgraded my plan to 2.5 Gbps, I knew I had to get a multi-gig modem. With easy setup, advanced DOCSIS support, 2 high-speed GigE ports, and 1 GigE port, I had a multi-gig internet experience for bandwidth-intensive tasks like online gaming, 4K video streaming, and more.
Why Is it a suitable choice?
An advanced DOCSIS 3.1 support and 32 x 8 channels make this modem capable of handling speeds up to 3.5 Gbps. Such high-speed plans aren’t available yet, which makes the device future-proof.
Not only that, it’s backward compatible with previous DOCSIS versions, making it compatible with low-speed plans up to 200 Mbps. But since you’re pairing the unit with a mesh router, plans less than 500 Mbps aren’t worth considering.
I tested this modem with Xfinity’s 1200 Mbps paired with TP-Link AX6600 to receive download speeds up to 1192 Mbps, while upload speeds were nearly 196 Mbps. The unit further has 2×2 OFDM/OFDMA support that eliminates network congestion by establishing separate modulating subcarriers.
In layman’s terms, there’s a separate carrier for each data set, which leads to faster data delivery and greater network performance. As a result, I could stream 4K videos on my laptop and play all episodes of Far Cry 6 on my PlayStation 5 at minimal ping and smoother gameplay.
Ports & Connectivity
There are two multi-gig ports on the rear side, one 2.5 Gbps and another 1 Gbps, to which you can connect your devices to experience faster speeds. I plugged my PS5 into the modem, and my ping dropped to 15ms, better than I received connecting wirelessly.
Another interesting thing about these ports is they support link aggregation. Simply put, you can bond the ports using software and experience multi-gig speeds, provided it’s paired with a suitable internet plan.
Conclusion
ARRIS S33 is a high-speed cable modem for anyone with a reliable mesh system and Gigabit plan. Its high-speed GigE ports, OFDMA support, and other features make it stand out from the competition. And it provides value to internet users, performing various tasks like gaming, streaming, or web browsing.
You may also read my in-depth Surfboard S33 review for more details.
Pros
- Fast and reliable performance
- Supports multi-gig internet plans
- Compatible with major ISPs
- Excellent design
- Easy to set up
Cons
- Expensive
2. Best Gigabit Modem: ARRIS SB8200
The SB8200 costs $30-40 lesser than the ARRIS S33. But unlike the multi-gig ethernet port on S33, you only get gig internet ports on the SB8200, making it one of the best cable modems for Gigabit plans.
- Technology: DOCSIS 3.1
- Downstream/Upstream Channels: 32 x 8
- Suitable Internet Plan: Up to 800 Mbps
- Compatible ISPs: Cox, Xfinity, Suddenlink, WOW!, Mediacom, Spectrum, Sparklight, and Midco
- Ports: 2 Gig-E
- Processor: Broadcom BCM3390
- RAM & Flash Storage: 3GB + 128MB
Arris SB8200 is a reliable and capable modem to pair with any ISP available in your locality. And technologies like DOCSIS 3.1 makes it future-proof and a great option for Gig-level internet plans. If you’re an Arris SB6190 user and it isn’t working for you anymore, then treat yourself to this upgrade.
Why Is it a suitable choice?
Considering it’s a DOCSIS 3.1 modem with 32 x 8 channel bonding, theoretically, it can support plans with speeds up to 2.5 Gbps. But, since such a high-speed plan isn’t available yet, I tested it with an Xfinity Gigabit plan paired with a Netgear Orbi mesh system. And the speeds it clocked were quite impressive.
Testing with a laptop, its maximum download and upload speeds clocked at 795 Mbps and 190 Mbps, respectively. Even connecting with 15 devices at a time didn’t drop the speeds by much, and I could easily stream 4K videos, host video calls, and play VR games with minimum latency. And with such a highly efficient router, the network was extendable by 3000 Sq Ft.
Besides that, the cable modem also supports DOCSIS 3.0, enabling you to run low-speed internet plans between 400 and 700 Mbps. You can even pair it with lower plans, but that’d be a waste of the modem’s potential.
Ports & Connectivity
Compared to its successor, Arris S33, two GigE ports provide the flexibility to connect the devices directly and experience greater speeds. I did the same with my gaming console and received unmatched speeds to play high-duty online games like Minecraft and Fortnite without any latency or lags.
Apart from that, it also supports Link aggregation, so if you’ve got the facilities like a suitable internet connection and Ethernet cables, bond the two ports to experience multi-gigs of speeds.
Conclusion
To sum up, I have a positive user experience with this device and could perform most of my tasks without any issues. I feel people needing a higher bandwidth, like professional gamers, telemarketing firms, and major businesses might benefit from this device. But with lesser speeds and weaker throughput than my previous recommendation, it’s ranked second on my list.
Read my Arris SB8200 Detailed Review
Pros
- 32 x 8 channel bonding support
- Backward compatibility
- Link aggregation support
- Two GigE ports
- Easy setup
Cons
- Weaker throughput
- 800 Mbps of max throughput
3. Best For Gaming: Motorola MB8600
If you prefer Motorola over ARRIS, then the MB8600 is the perfect option. However, you can also consider the MB8611 which is slightly better than the MB8600. Both models are great for gaming.
- Technology: DOCSIS 3.1
- Downstream/Upstream Channels: 32 x 8
- Suitable Internet Plan: Gig Internet
- Compatible ISPs: Cox, Mediacom, Optimum, Xfinity, Spectrum, Sparklight, and Midco
- Ports: 1 Gig-E
- Processor: N/A
- RAM & Flash Storage: 512MB + 128MB
Motorola MB8600, priced at less than $150, is easily one of the best gaming modems. Paired with a high-end mesh system, you can be sure of eliminating dead spots and experience low-ping games with high throughput and FPS.
And the device is a major upgrade over its predecessor Motorola MB7621, in terms of ports, features, and speeds.
Why Is it a suitable choice?
The suitability of a cable modem with a mesh system is dictated by the plans it supports and the speeds it delivers. Motorola MB8600 is deemed suitable as it excels in both respects and ensures that you receive high speeds at every corner of your house. With DOCSIS 3.1 support and respective 32 and 8 upstream and downstream channels, it’s compatible with most high-speed plans available.
I tested this modem with Cox Gigablast at my friend’s house who used Eero Pro 6 to receive Wi-Fi connectivity. With that, I downloaded gigabits of UHD movies within seconds with download speeds clocking at 800 Mbps, while at 150 Mbps upload speeds, I could attend video conferences without any lags.
Ports & Connectivity
The port setup of MB8600 is quite straightforward, with a single GigE port on its rear panel. So, there’s gone the versatility of connecting and plugging your devices directly, and the only solution left is to pair them with the mesh system. Nevertheless, you won’t be disappointed with the speeds, provided you have a reliable mesh system.
You’ll also get link aggregation support, like in my previous two recommendations, which lets you experience multi-gigs of speeds. Besides, auto MDI/MDIX support ensures steady and accurate wired connections.
Conclusion
As far as performance is concerned, it’s probably one of the best-rated cable modems to buy for a mesh network. However, it misses out on Ethernet ports, which take away some brownie points and pushes the device down to the third position.
Despite that, paired with an efficient mesh system, speeds are good enough for you to play online games and stream 4K videos.
Read my in-depth review of Motorola MB8600
Pros
- Future-proof with DOCSIS 3.1
- Approved by many ISPs
- Works with high-speed plans
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Fewer ports
4. Best For Streaming: Netgear CM1000
- Technology: DOCSIS 3.1
- Downstream/Upstream Channels: 32 x 8
- Suitable Internet Plan: Gig Internet
- Compatible ISPs: Xfinity, Cox, Suddenlink, Mediacom, Spectrum, WOW!, Sparklight, and RCN
- Ports: 1 Gig-E
- Processor: Broadcom BCM3390
- RAM & Flash Storage: 256MB + 128MB
Netgear is one of the first networking companies to replace DOCSIS 3.0 with an advanced DOCSIS 3.1 in their cable modems with Netgear CM1000.
So considering only that, it’s a massive upgrade over its old Netgear CM700, and you can expect to get unmatched speeds and throughput. And considering the features it brings to the table, it doesn’t cost a load.
Why Is it a suitable choice?
Netgear CM1000 with DOCSIS 3.1 was introduced on the market with the advertised speeds of 1 Gbps down and 80 Mbps up. While testing with Xfinity and Cox’s Gigabit plans, I was pleasantly surprised at how this service worked, wherein most customers are used to getting speeds much lesser than advertised.
However, paired with Eero Pro 6, the device delivers speeds up to 964 Mbps down and 50 Mbps up, over an area up to 1,500 Sq Ft, without speed drops. Obviously, the device is capable of much faster upload and download speeds, but now, we are bound by the bandwidth caps of Comcast.
Unlike my previous recommendation Motorola SB8200, the speeds were a tad higher, but the former bested in terms of consistent throughputs, whereas Netgear has some occasional dips. Irrespective of that, I could connect 20-25 devices simultaneously in my workspace, and there were no complaints from my co-workers regarding speeds.
Ports & Connectivity
Netgear hasn’t been very lenient in terms of ports, and there’s a single GigE port with which you’ll connect to your mesh system.
However, it’s worth mentioning that the Ethernet port can deliver up to 1.2 Gbps of download speeds, much higher than wireless connections. Aside from that, there’s a coaxial cable slot on the rear panel, as expected.
In case you want a device that comes with 2Gig E ports, then you can consider getting its successor i.e. The Netgear CM1100. You can also read my CM1000 vs CM1100 comparison to find out the differences between both devices.
Conclusion
Netgear CM1000 is a good modem for mesh networks with upgraded DOCSIS standards, fast speed, and a multi-gig Ethernet port. And costing less than $150, it adds a cherry to the top. However, with limitations like weak throughput, occasional network drops, and inferior features, it’s dropped below Motorola MB8600.
Also Read: Netgear CM1000 Review
Pros
- Modern DOCSIS 3.1 technology
- Supports 1 Gbps speed plans of most ISPs
- Comes with built-in QoS
- Compatible with most routers
Cons
- Single GigE LAN port
5. Best with Phone Ports: ARRIS T25
Do you want to set up a telephone connection? Arris T25 is a great choice for Xfinity Voice users. Note: It comes with Intel Puma 7 bad-rated processor, so you might face lags during intensive tasks.
- Technology: DOCSIS 3.1
- Downstream/Upstream Channels: 32 x 8
- Suitable Internet Plan: 1.2 Gig Internet
- Compatible ISPs: Xfinity Internet & Voice
- Ports: 2 Gig-E + 2 Telephone
- Processor: Intel Puma 7
- RAM & Flash Storage: 512MB + 128MB
When searching for the best telephony modem to use with a mesh system, I got my hands on Arris T25. Although it’s priced in the premium bracket, I wasn’t disappointed a tad with the value it provides. And it brings several upgrades to the table concerning the DOCSIS version, channel bonding, and throughput, except for that processor.
Why Is it a suitable choice?
Being a DOCSIS 3.1 modem, Arris T25 promises to deliver efficiency, reliability, and speed in your mesh network. It’s a Comcast Xfinity-exclusive modem that can deliver speeds of up to 2 Gbps, provided you have a requisite plan.
Besides that, with 32 x 8 bonded channels and 2 x 2 OFDM, the device can deliver greater bandwidth for gigabit speed. So to find out if the device delivers, I collaborated it with the Xfinity Gigabit plan and connected it to Google Nest mesh WiFi in my home office. And to my surprise, the modem performs exceedingly well.
During non-peak hours, I could simultaneously log over 500 Mbps download speeds on 3-4 connected devices. However, the upload speeds clocked up to 25-35 Mbps, contingent on bandwidth usage. The impressive throughput powers my 1650 Sq Ft home with 10-12 devices running simultaneously.
Ports & Connectivity
The cable modem features two Gigabit Ethernet ports to which you can connect a computer system, a video gaming console, a mesh router, and a printer. Connecting devices directly to the ports allow you to experience speeds of more than 640 Mbps, which is more than what you get with a mesh system.
What makes this unit unique from my previous recommendation is that it supports Link Aggregation, which enables you to combine two separate IPs. Apart from that, two Telephony ports are available for your Xfinity digital voice service, with which you can access features like call conferencing, caller ID, and many others.
Conclusion
Overall, this T25 is a versatile modem suitable for those who need VoIP connectivity. Plus, its simplistic design and ventilation allow you to run for long periods without overheating. However, its inferior processor and limited ISP compatibility push it down the list. You can read my in-depth review of the Arris T25 to learn more.
Pros
- Docsis 3.1 technology
- 2 x 2 OFDM Channels
- 32 x 8 Channels
- Link Aggregation
- Surfboard Manager App
Cons
- Latency concerns due to Puma 7 chip
- Compatible only with Xfinity
6. Best Value for Money: Motorola MB7621
- Technology: DOCSIS 3.0
- Downstream/Upstream Channels: 24 x 8
- Suitable Internet Plan: 900 MBPS
- Compatible ISPs: Cox, Spectrum, Mediacom, SuddenLink, Sparklight, Xfinity, RCN, and WOW!
- Ports: 1 Gig-E
- Processor: N/A
- RAM & Flash Storage: 128MB + 16MB
My friend ordered this modem to replace its previous version, Motorola MB7420, and was quite impressed by its performance, despite featuring an older DOCSIS version. That said, it features 24 x 8 channel bonding, compatibility with high-speed packages, and more. But are these upgrades worthwhile? Let’s find out!
Why Is it a suitable choice?
The company claims to be compatible with high-speed internet plans and delivers speeds up to 900 Mbps. Plus, being backward compatible with DOCSIS 2.0 and 1.1 technology, so it supports plans with speeds less than 400 Mbps.
So I tested it with my Linksys Velop mesh system connected to devices like laptops, gaming consoles, and mobile devices with Xfinity Blast, and there were potentially zero lags and network drops. I downloaded UHD movies like Avengers, Fast & furious, and others at 720 Mbps, while the upload speeds clocked at 10-15 Mbps. Even the devices spread across my 1650 Sq Ft were receiving consistent internet connections.
Ports & Connectivity
Similar to its successor, Motorola MB8600, only one GigE port is available, which I used to connect my mesh system. The lack of versatility deducts some points from its overall score. Nevertheless, connecting my mesh system was much simpler, thanks to a coax cable connector on its rear panel.
Conclusion
With features like compatibility, higher speed capacity, ease of installation, and affordable price, Motorola MB7621 is one of the best value offerings. Even after connecting multiple devices simultaneously, there wasn’t much drop in speeds. It makes the modem suitable for people looking for mid-range devices that don’t compromise performance.
However, with all my previous recommendations supporting DOCSIS 3.1, this device has taken a penultimate position on my list.
Pros
- Supports speeds up to 900 Mbps
- 24 x 8 channels
- Compatibility with major ISPs
- DOCSIS 3.0 support
- Reasonable pricing
Cons
- 16MB flash memory
7. Best Budget Modem: Netgear CM500
- Technology: DOCSIS 3.0
- Downstream/Upstream Channels: 16 x 4
- Suitable Internet Plan: Up to 680 Mbps
- Compatible ISPs: Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum
- Ports: one Gigabit Ethernet port
- Modem-Router Combo: No
- Processor: N/A
- RAM & Flash Storage: 128MB + 8MB
Netgear CM500 is a budget modem compatible with entry-level to mid-range plans of most ISPs. And you can connect with any mesh system to experience consistent throughput on your devices. In terms of features, it might not bring much to the table, but it fulfills its primary purpose admirably.
Why Is it a suitable choice?
To connect and collaborate with my Google Wi-Fi, I needed a good modem that delivers constant throughput, decent speeds, and no or minimal network drops. CM500 fulfilled most of my expectations concerning speeds and throughput and ran four simultaneous bandwidth-hogging applications without network drops.
On paper, the modem can attain maximum download speeds up to 680 Mbps, so I tested it with Xfinity Blast to determine its actual capability. The download speeds clocked up to 300 Mbps, while upload speeds were around 5-10 Mbps. This might sound less, but the speeds are enough to carry most of your network-heavy tasks like online gaming, video conferencing, and others.
I connected my Playstation, laptop, and mobile devices simultaneously, but there were no noticeable speed drops.
Ports & Connectivity
Like Motorola’s MB7621, CM500 presents a single GigE port, so there goes the possibility to multitask by connecting directly. However, if multitasking is important, there’s always an option to pair with a mesh Wi-Fi and enjoy an uninterrupted network on multiple devices simultaneously.
Besides that, the cable modem comes with IPv6 support, which boosts its overall efficiency and performance levels.
Conclusion
To conclude, CM500 is the most pocket-friendly option on my list that can pair with any dual-band mesh system to deliver decent speeds. So, it’s an ideal choice for people who don’t want to spend much on a modem to play casual games, attend video conferences, and do other tasks.
However, with lesser speed support, inferior hardware, and other features, I ranked CM500 at the bottom of my list. Check out my full review of the CM500 for more details.
Pros
- Great design
- Easy setup
- Comes with 8 NOR flash
- Competitively priced
Cons
- Fewer ISP compatibility
- DOCSIS 3.0 support
Frequently Asked Questions
A stand-alone mesh Wi-Fi can’t deliver an internet connection, and you need a modem as a middleman between it and your ISP. So, all modems work. However, if you need higher speeds on all your devices, ensure your selected modem comes with advanced technology support to deliver faster speed and throughout.
Yes, it does. Any modem works well with mesh Wi-Fi, but you might experience speed drops and lags when using an inferior modem.
The process of connecting a mesh Wi-Fi to a modem is pretty straightforward. Connect your modem with the mesh system using an Ethernet cable and plug it into the power, and then follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to configure the device.
A good modem must come with the latest technology support, including DOCSIS 3.0 and higher, OFDM, and IPv6 support to deliver faster output. This way, there won’t be a massive drop in internet speed even if you connect 9-10 devices simultaneously, spread over a large area.
Verdict
After reading the reviews, you should know which cable modem to get for your mesh system. But, if you’re still unsure, I’d like to share a few of my personal favorites:
- Arris Surfboard S33 will be my top recommendation if you’re looking for a top-notch modem with high-end features. With features like DOCSIS 3.1, compatibility with most ISPs, multiple GigE ports, and others, the cable modem by Arris is the best you’ve got in the retail space.
- Now, if you don’t want to spend a buttload of money yet need a reliable and high-performing modem, go for Netgear CM1000. This cable modem supports DOCSIS 3.1 with 32 x 8 channel bonding to deliver Gigabits speeds.
- If you need an entry-level cable modem that is inexpensive and provides adequate speeds, the Netgear CM500 is a viable option.
With that, I’d wrap up this review-based guide. I hope this will help you select an ideal modem for your mesh Wi-Fi!
