Are you stuck with a slower and inconsistent internet connection? Can’t decide if MB7420 from Motorola is a viable replacement for your old modem? Although the likes of Spectrum and Xfinity support it, is it trustworthy and reliable for speed and consistency? We shall find that out in the Motorola MB7420 review below!
Motorola stacks in entry-level features to accommodate the affordable price tag. But with so many Docsis 3.1 modems available on the market, is the 16×4 Docsis 3.0 cable modem still a remarkable pick? I tested it complete four weeks and reserved my observations. Keep reading!
Motorola MB7420 Specs
Before discussing and reviewing Motorola MB7420 in detail, here’s a glance at the specs:
| Technology | DOCSIS 3.0 |
| Backward Compatibility | Yes |
| Channel Bonding | 16 x 4 |
| Ethernet Ports | 1 |
| Phone Jack | None |
| Modem-Router Combo | No |
| Suitable Internet Plan | Up to 300 Mbps |
| Compatible ISPs | Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, BrightHouse, Suddenlink, RCN, Optimum, WOW!, Wave, Sparklight, Mediacom, and TWC. |
| RAM | Unknown |
| NAND Storage | Unknown |
| Dimensions | 4.9 x 2 x 6.1 inches |
| Weight | 0.58 lbs |
Motorola MB7420 Review
To provide an in-depth review of the Motorola MB7420, I used it for 4 weeks as my primary device with my 300Mbps Comcast Xfinity plan. During this time, I analyzed every aspect of it, including speed, connectivity, and others. So my honest take on the device is as follows:
Motorola MB7420 Speed
Motorola 16×4 cable modem, model MB7420, combines user-friendliness and incredible speeds. It is a 16 x 4 DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem with 16 downstream and 4 upstream channels. And as far as MB7420 speed is concerned, the maximum upload and download speeds are 123 Mbps and 686 Mbps, respectively.
Suggested Comparison: Docsis 3.0 vs. 3.1
However, when I connected the 16×4 Docsis 3.0 cable modem to my laptop, I witnessed that the download and upload speeds were 303 Mbps and 26 Mbps, respectively. On the other hand, on mobile, it was 200 Mbps and 20 Mbps. So, I was pretty satisfied with it and could do 4K streaming and online gaming without significant lags.
Note: For intensive low-ping gaming, consider getting on gaming-friendly modems.
ISP Compatibility and Plan Suitability
ISP compatibility is one of the most vital aspects of the Motorola MB7420 cable modem review. Despite being a budget-oriented product, it readily works with all major service providers in the US. Here's a list of confirmed/tested/working ISPs:
- Comcast Xfinity
- Charter Spectrum
- Cox
- Suddenlink
- Optimum
- Sparklight (Formely CableOne)
- WOW! Internet
- Wave Broadband
- Mediacom
- BrightHouse
- RCN
- Time Warner Cable (TWC)
Although the cable modem is certified to be compatible with internet speeds up to 300 Mbps, it also worked fine with the 400 Mbps plan of TWC.
All of the ISPs mentioned above have internet service plans starting from 100 Mbps to 900 Mbps. So, the 300 Mbps plans of these ISPs should suit better with the cable modem, and you can continue with your uninterrupted internet browsing and video streaming.
Design and Connectivity
With a dimension of 4.9 x 2 x 6.1 inches, you have a compact and sleek modem. When installed, it’s placed in a vertical orientation, meaning it takes much less space than other available modem options. Besides that, the unit has a large footprint so that you can place it on any flat surface, and it doesn’t topple easily.
Motorola modem MB7420 consists of an Ethernet port (10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet) through which you can connect with a computer, HDTV, and gaming station. And, for a quick connection, there is one coaxial cable port, through which you can connect to a wireless router to use on your mobile phones, laptop, and other devices.
This device is compatible with any dual-band market routers within 802.11ac wireless standards.
Hardware & Performance
The manufacturer doesn’t provide any information regarding the hardware, be it RAM, processor, or NAND memory. But rest assured, you won’t experience any performance lags whatsoever while browsing the internet.
The 16-channel modem delivers twice as fast as my previously-tested model, MB7220. Hence webpages open much quicker, and Netflix videos run at full HD without any buffering. Also, my dad, irritated by a slower connection before, can now attend virtual meetings without experiencing screen freezes or lags.
Motorola MB7420 Setup
Thanks to its Quick Start feature, the Motorola MB7420 setup doesn’t feel like much of a task. Start with plugging in the unit to the power outlet and turning the on/off switch located in the rear panel. Once a green light lights up, connect with the internet service, and start using the device after putting in its default password and username.
The product has a two-year warranty covering any manufacturing defects or issues. Also, you get a return policy of 10-30 days if you purchase from here.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Uses reliable, efficient, and fast DOCSIS 3.0
- Compatible with several ISPs
- Easy to set up
- Compatible with most dual-band routers
- It comes with 16 downstream and 4 upstream channels
Cons
- It can be used as a modem only
- Only one LAN port
Frequently Asked Questions
The 16 channel modems contain 16 downstream and 4 upstream channels, with average theoretical speeds of 600Mbps and 108Mbps, respectively. The greater the number of channels, the greater the speeds, so the 16 x 4 modem is more powerful than the 8 x 4 modem and 4 x 4 modem.
No. Motorola 16×4 cable modem, model MB7420 doesn’t have WiFi, but you can connect any dual-band router with it to enjoy a wireless internet connection on all your devices.
Yes. Motorola 16×4 cable modem is certified to be compatible with Xfinity. Get a plan of up to 300Mbps and enjoy a seamless browsing experience.
The channels in a modem dictate how much internet speed you will be able to access on your devices — the greater the channels, the more speed.
Verdict
So, is the Motorola modem MB7420 a worthwhile purchase? Most definitely, Yes. Besides boasting a simple yet practical design, you will get good speed in your home or a small office. You will no longer have to worry about shaky connections while browsing, streaming, or gaming. Also, you can save money in the long run by avoiding rental fees from your ISP.
