While you could pair any modem with your Eero Pro 6, the experience won’t be seamless if you get the wrong one. So, to find the best-suited modem for the Eero Pro 6, I tried using 23 devices for as long as three months and finally came up with the following realization:
- DOCSIS 3.0 cannot utilize the Wi-Fi 6, and Gigabit plans to their full potential, so getting a DOCSIS 3.1-based modem with 32 x 8 channel bonding is better.
- Unlike routers/mesh systems, cable modems must be compatible with your internet service provider.
- The modem must feature reliable hardware for transmitting data packets without congestion, which results in higher throughput & speeds.
But then, finding a modem that works best with Eero Pro 6 can be confusing. There are many options on the market, and you might end up with an underpowered one. To prevent this, I’ve taken it upon myself and recommended the 7 best options for 2024:
- Best For 1200 Mbps: ARRIS S33
- Best For Gig Internet: Netgear CM1200
- Best For Mid-Range Plans: ARRIS SB8200
- Best For Gaming: Motorola MB8600
- Best For Streaming: Netgear CM1100
- Best For Low-Speed Plans: Motorola MB7621
- Cheapest Option: ARRIS SB6190
7 Best Modems for Eero Pro 6 in 2024
In the coming sections, I shall review 7 of the best modems to pair with Eero Pro 6 that help you achieve top speeds, minimal latency, and no heating or lags. Different readers have different use cases and budgets, so I have ensured you get multiple choices.
That said, the list starts with the premium option for the multi-Gig internet plans, followed by mid-range devices for 500 Mbps to 1 Gbps connections and, eventually, the budget options that can still manage 200-300 Mbps speeds with consistency.
So, without any further delay, let’s get started!
1. Best For 1200 Mbps: ARRIS S33
- Technology: DOCSIS 3.1
- Downstream/Upstream: 32 x 8
- Max Data Speeds: 1200Mbps
- Ports: 1 Gig Port + 1 2.5G Port
If you want to invest in a multi-gig modem that works with major internet providers, ARRIS S33 is your best bet. This future-proof device even works much better than Arris’s famed SB8200, in case you want to ditch the Eero Pro 6 for a while and connect directly to the computing device, courtesy of the multi-Gig port.
Speed & Channel Bonding
Expecting you to be on the highest tier plan from Spectrum, Cox, or Xfinity, the Surfboard S33 can pull through 1.2 Gbps bandwidth and feed it into the router. However, in theory, this DOCSIS 3.1 modem can assume maximum download speeds of up to 3.5Gbps, but you would require a 2nd IP to make that possible.
Coming to the channel bonding technology, DOCSIS 3.1 is certainly future-proof, but for now, Arris uses DOCSIS 3.0 with 32 x 8 channel bonding support to help you achieve congestion-free throughput. But then, in the future, you might be able to use the 2×2 OFDM/OFDMA support pertaining to the DOCSIS 3.1 technology when the concerned ISP starts rolling out compatible hardware.
Ports & Connectivity
The port setup is inventive enough, boasting a standard Gig Ethernet port and a state-of-art 2.5G port. You can use either of them for connecting with the Eero Pro 6. However, I recommend the 2.5G port if you are on Xfinity’s multi-gig plan.
If you have another IP handy, the Gig port can feed into a bandwidth-intensive gaming console to access faster internet.
Design & Build
The Surfboard S33 is a good-looking, plastic-clad device, measuring 5.24 x 5.24 x 1.65 inches. Plus, this modem in white weighs close to 1.50 pounds, making it easy to carry around.
Hardware & Performance
This top-of-the-line modem sports an ARM-powered internal setup. The existing hardware unit ensures better throughput and minimal latency, even when connecting directly with the devices. The SC-QAM functionality adds to the performance, which furthers efficient bandwidth usage.
Conclusion
To sum up, Arris Surfboard S33 is undoubtedly the best cable modem for your Eero Pro 6, especially if you’re subscribed to Gig or Multi-Gig internet plan. Plus, this is the perfect product to rely on if you are more inclined towards easy device management and do not prefer carrying maintenance-specific worries.
Pros
- Perfect for multi-gig plans
- Ports boast link aggregation support
- Comes with a dedicated spectrum analyzer
- Aesthetic device
Cons
- Pricey
2. Best Gigabit Modem: Netgear CM1200
- Technology: DOCSIS 3.1
- Downstream/Upstream: 32 x 8
- Max Data Speeds: Up to 2 Gbps
- Ports: 4 Gig Ethernet Slots
I absolutely adore modems that can handle Gigabit Internet. This is the only reason the Netgear CM1200 features second on the list, as it covers the Eero Pro 6 mesh router and ensures that your wired devices get adequate attention.
I even connected the dated CM1000 to the Eero Pro 6 router to compare it with the CM1200. While the real-time speeds were comparable, the additional Ethernet ports allowed me to connect to the gaming consoles without going wireless at all.
Speed & Channel Bonding
Honestly speaking, CM1200 gives the Eero Pro 6 enough bandwidth to display its Wi-Fi 6 traits, including better connectivity, pairing multiple devices to the network, and even better battery life for the connected devices.
If you use a single gig ISP plan with one IP, you will be able to feed 1Gbps to the router, which is then distributed by the triple-band mesh router.
The CM1200 supports the futuristic DOCSIS 3.1 technology but makes do with the DOCSIS 3.0, 32 x 8 channel bonding support, for achieving Gig-level internet speeds. Plus, if you choose to go with another IP, you can reach speeds of up to 2Gbps, and feed the same throughput to the router.
Ports & Connectivity
When it comes to the arrangement of ports, CM1200 packs in quite a bit of firepower, courtesy of 4 Gig ethernet ports. Plus, the modem supports link aggregation, which allows you to get hands-on multi-gig speeds, which this router is known for.
Design & Build
The CM1200 is an aesthetic piece of hardware that weighs 1.22 pounds. As far as dimensions are concerned, this modem measures 6.1 x 3.4 x 10.3 inches. This device is well-ventilated and doesn’t make you sweat over uncontrolled heat generation.
Hardware & Performance
The dual-core chipset calls the shots, allowing this top-rated modem to churn out decent speeds, even without the router. Plus, you get IPv6 support, which lets you prioritize bandwidth allocation over wired connections.
Conclusion
Overall, the Netgear CM1200 is one of the better modems for Eero Pro 6 if you are more interested in setting up a comprehensive internet setup. The availability of 4 ethernet ports ensures that you can use this device in offices and large houses, where Eero Pro 6 works as the mesh router of choice.
Pros
- Built-in QoS support
- Link aggregation
- Good-looking modem
- Built-in security safeguards
- Multi-ISP compatibility
Cons
- Not the most effective product around
3. Best For Mid-Range Plans: ARRIS SB8200
- Technology: DOCSIS 3.1
- Downstream/Upstream: 32 x 8
- Max Data Speeds: Up to 2Gbps
- Ports: 2 Gig Ethernet Ports
At first glance, the Arris SB8200 might not look like a lot, but it certainly leads the charts when the quality of link aggregation is concerned, making it worth buying if you have already zeroed in on the Eero Pro 6 as your mesh router of choice.
What stands out, though, is the excellent processing setup, a feature instrumental in determining the quality of connections feeding into the router.
Speed & Channel Bonding
The speeds are top-grade, with Arris promising 1Gbps with a single ISP plan. Plus, the DOCSIS 3.1 technology and the synonymous 32 x 8 channel bonding support ensure that there are hardly any connection drops.
Regarding the compatible plans, this modem is best suited for 500-800 Mbps plans from Cox, Xfinity, Spectrum, and other credible cable service providers.
Ports & Connectivity
There are 2 Gig ethernet slots in play. However, do not let these two ports fool you into thinking that the SB8200 is a mid-range modem. Instead, it is still very high-end, courtesy of the excellent link aggregation support. However, you need to ask your cable ISP for another IP, if you want to make good use of link aggregation and feed multi-gig speeds to the Eero Pro 6.
Design & Build
The SB8200 continues to come in white, just like Arris prefers. Coming to the dimensions, this modem measures 5.24 x 4.24 x 1.65 inches, which feels at home regarding portability and aesthetics. However, the product is a tad heavy compared to other modems on the list at 2.2 pounds.
Hardware & Performance
Arris throws in a Broadcom chipset, which ensures consistent throughput. Paired along is 3GB RAM, which makes it one of the better modems in terms of network consistency. While it works very well with the Eero Pro 6, its standalone gaming performance is even better, courtesy of minimal latency.
Conclusion
To sum it up, the Arris SB8200 takes hardcore processing to the next level, especially with the 3GB RAM in play, which has its impact on keeping latency to the minimum. However, if you have two ISP IPs feeding your office or commercial establishment, this is the perfect modem to purchase, courtesy of the link aggregation support.
Also Read: Arris SB8200 Review
Pros
- Works perfectly with mesh routers
- High-speed Ethernet ports
- Ultra-fast link aggregated throughput
- Future-proof
Cons
- Prone to overheating
- Not pocket friendly
4. Best For Gaming: Motorola MB8600
- Technology: DOCSIS 3.1
- Downstream/Upstream: 32 x 8
- Max Data Speeds: Up to 1Gbps
- Ports: 1 Gig Ethernet Port
Motorola MB8600 offers the most value if you seek a sufficient gaming modem for the Eero Pro 6 mesh router. With DOCSIS 3.1 technology leading the way, this modem also becomes a future-proof device— a concept that might come in handy when leading cable service providers launch high-speed internet plans.
Compared with the older MB7220, the Motorola MB8600 came out on top, courtesy of the 32 downstream channels, as opposed to 8 on the former.
Speed & Channel Bonding
Regarding real-time speeds, this modem is good enough to send 1Gbps to the Eero Pro 6. The 32 x 8 channel bonding support ensures that the speeds and connection quality are nothing less than consistent.
As far as compatible internet plans are concerned, any regular service provider offering a Gig internet package seems workable.
Ports & Connectivity
The MB8600 features a single Gig ethernet port; however, Motorola ensures that the plan is well utilized, courtesy of Link Aggregation support. But then, you must know that only one wired connection can be established, either with the Eero Pro 6 or any other bandwidth-intensive device.
Design & Build
This black-colored modem weighs 1.15 pounds and measures 7.88 x 7.25 x 2.25 inches. Plus, there are a couple of indicative LEDs to rely on, provided you want to stay abreast with the network conditions at all times.
Hardware & Performance
At the core, an ARM chipset ensures minimal latency and zero connection drops. The reliable processing setup makes way for the AQM functionality, which prioritizes streaming and gaming performances.
Conclusion
Therefore, if you are in the market for a high-speed DOCSIS 3.1 modem for Eero that shines in data-intensive activities like gaming, MB8600 is the one to consider. If you are simply interested in its utility, this modem is good enough for smaller homes with a single Eero node or two at max.
In case of a budget isn’t an issue, and you want to upgrade to a newer version of the MB8600, then you can get the MB8611 (read the comparison here.)
Pros
- Reduced gaming latency
- Good for Gig Internet plan
- Active Queue Management
- Compatible with a couple ISPs
- Multiple LED indicators
Cons
- Only one ethernet port
- Upload speeds on Wi-Fi 5 devices suffer a bit
5. Best For Streaming: Netgear CM1100
- Technology: DOCSIS 3.1
- Downstream/Upstream: 32 x 8
- Max Data Speeds: Up to 1000 Mbps
- Ports: 2 Gig Ethernet Ports
Looking for a modem that can work well even when not connected to the Eero Pro 6 mesh router. With the Netgear CM1100 around, you can stop looking. Plus, if you have been using the older CM700 and are planning to shift to a faster connection and even a Wi-Fi 6 mesh router, the CM1100 seems like a decent upgrade, courtesy of the DOCSIS 3.1 technology.
Speed & Channel Bonding
This modem supports real-time data speeds of up to 1Gbps, provided you pair it up with Gig internet plans from Comcast, Cox, and more. But then, if you are planning to use the modem without connecting it to a router, it can even support multi-gig connections in certain cases.
What’s important, though, is the DOCSIS 3.1 technology and the DOCSIS 3.0 fallback with 32 x 8 channels for downstream and upstream transfers. These features ensure that the modem pushes through maximum throughput to the router and even covers you for top-tier internet speeds in the future.
Ports & Connectivity
This modem comes equipped with 2 Gig ethernet ports, supported by link aggregation support. Therefore, if you have two IPs, you can push multi-gig speeds into the mesh router.
Design & Build
As far as aesthetics and design are concerned, the CM1100 is very similar to the CM1200. If you are into specifics, the product measures 8.8 x 3.4 x 5.9 inches to be precise, and weighs a tad less than a pound.
Hardware & Performance
Contrary to popular belief, the CM1100 from Netgear boasts an upgraded processing setup, led by 256MB of RAM and a Broadcom chipset. While the gaming and streaming performances are top-notch, the IPv6 functionality, followed by auto-sensing port traffic prioritization support, intrigued and impressed me the most.
Conclusion
To sum it up, the Netgear CM1100 seems more affordable than the more powerful CM1200. However, if you have a small house and you might have to use a modem-only set up at times to get the most speeds, this is an ideal device to pick.
Pros
- Link aggregation support
- True QoS and auto-sensing functionalities
- DOCSIS 3.1 technology
- Light and portable
Cons
- Doesn’t come with voice support
- Lacks a multi-gig port
6. Best For Low-Tier Plans: Motorola MB7621
- Technology: DOCSIS 3.0
- Downstream/Upstream: 24 x 8
- Max Data Speeds: Up to 800 Mbps
- Ports: One Gig Ethernet Port
If you are better off with low-tier internet plans from credible ISPs like Cox, Spectrum, and more, you can consider purchasing the Motorola MB7621. While you might be tempted to persist with the dated MB7420, trust me when I say that the MB7621 offers much better speeds, courtesy of the additional channels.
Speed & Channel Bonding
This modem promises speeds of up to 1 Gbps and delivers close to 800 Mbps when feeding the mesh router. As far as the modem technology is concerned, consistent speeds and throughput is made possible by the DOCSIS 3.0 technology, led by the 24 x 8 channel bonding support.
This modem, therefore, is perfect for basic to mid-range internet plans from Cox, Xfinity, and other service providers.
Ports & Connectivity
Much like the SB6190, the MB7621 also features one Gig Ethernet port. While the router only gets close to 800Mbps, you can experience speeds closer to 1000 Mbps if the modem is directly connected to the computing device.
Design & Build
Coming to the layout, this rectangular modem measures 7.25 x 7.88 x 2.25 inches and weighs a manageable 1.2 pounds. For the price point, this product is remarkably sleek and even properly ventilated.
Hardware & Performance
At the core, Motorola features the ever-reliable chipset from Broadcom, followed by a sizable chunk of RAM. The existing hardware setup keeps latency minimum and ensures that the Eero Pro 6 gets the best possible ISP bandwidth to work with.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Motorola MB7621 is easily the most affordable modem on the list, best suited if you want to work with a mid-range internet plan and not the Gig ISP packages.
Need more details? Check out the Motorola MB7621 review.
Pros
- Stable speeds
- Gig Ethernet port
- Supports overload protection for voltage surges
- DOCSIS 3.0 support
Cons
- It doesn’t come with DOCSIS 3.1 support
- Prone to overheating
7. Cheapest Option: ARRIS SB6190
Note: This modem comes with Intel Puma 6 chipset, which is controversial for performance. STRICTLY AVOID IT if you aren’t okay with lag in performance.
- Technology: DOCSIS 3.0
- Downstream/Upstream: 32 x 8
- Max Data Speeds: Up to 1Gbps
- Ports: 1 Gig Ethernet Port
If you seem to have overspent on the Eero Pro 6, you might be better off spending less on the new modem. This is where the Arris SB6190 comes in as a resourceful choice, boasting decent data speeds and, most importantly, a sub-$80 price tag.
Also, if you are busy comparing options, the SB6190 is quite a decent upgrade over the SB6183, courtesy of the additional downstream and upstream channels.
Speed & Channel Bonding
As far as speeds are concerned, the modem allows you to reach speeds of up to 1Gbps, which can be directly fed to the mesh router. Coming to the modem technology is a standard DOCSIS 3.0 device with 32 x 8 channels to rely on.
Ports & Connectivity
The port arrangement is pedestrian, to say the least, with the SB6190 only offering 1 Gig ethernet port to work with. However, the affordable price tag perfectly justifies the lack of additional ports.
Design & Build
This well-ventilated modem is quite durable and surprisingly light at 0.75 pounds. As far as the dimensions are concerned, the SB6190 is tagged at 6.4 x 8.7 x 2 inches. Plus, there are 5 LEDs to fortify the modem further.
Hardware & Performance
The Intel Puma 6 chipset leads the processing setup, which is known as bad for latency. But then, the Eero Pro 6 more than makes up for the lag with its Wi-Fi 6 standard. The modem also comes equipped with 256MB of RAM, which can significantly minimize network congestion.
Conclusion
Overall, the Arris SB6190 is one of the more basic modems for basic internet use. It’s best suited if you need to set up internet for low-power home automation devices.
Pros
- Affordable
- Multi-ISP compatibility
- Perfect for mid-range internet plans
- 5 reliable LEDs
Cons
- Defective Intel Puma 6 chipset
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Eero Pro 6 and other Eero models are mesh WiFi routers, and they need to be connected to a cable modem via a WAN port for accessing the internet from the ISP. Without the modem, the router will only be useful for creating LAN networks and not connecting to the internet.
Eero is a mesh WiFi system and not a cable modem. Mesh systems are similar to standalone wireless routers in functionality, but they come in 2-3 nodes that connect to each other for seamless internet access in a large house.
To find the best cable modem for the Eero Pro 6, you must focus on getting DOCSIS 3.1 technology, 32 x 8 channel bonding, Gig ethernet ports, and a Broadcom-based efficient processor. Please avoid modems with Intel Puma 6/7 chipsets at any cost for a better experience.
Eero Pro 6 or any other Eero mesh WiFi system can also be used with a modem-router combo, provided you can establish a connection using an Ethernet cable. Some router/modem combos and ISP-supplied gateways allow you to disable their WiFi (or wireless) functionality and keep using it as a modem-only device.
Verdict
Each of the mentioned modems works particularly well with the Eero Pro 6 mesh router. However, if you are still unsure about picking one, here are some top choices based on specific use cases.
- If you want a modem featuring a 2.5G Ethernet port to feed multi-gig bandwidth to the router without link aggregation, the Arris Surfboard S33 is the best possible choice.
- In case you want to use multiple IPs to achieve multi-gig speeds using link aggregation whilst having the flexibility to connect directly with bandwidth-intensive devices, the Netgear CM1200 is worth investing in.
- Finally, if you seek value and a balanced set of features without letting go of DOCSIS 3.1 tech, the no-frill Motorola MB8600 is the perfect option.
In addition to these selections, you can choose from the options mentioned, depending on your speed, throughput, design, and budget-specific requirements.
