In this post:
- 1. Best Overall: Arris Surfboard SB8200
- 2. Best for Gaming: Netgear CM1000
- 3. Best Modem/Router Combo: ASUS CM-32
- 4. Best for Work for Home: Netgear C7000
- 5. Best for Medium Speed Plans: Arris SB6190
- 6. Best Looking Modem: Motorola MB7420
- 7. Best for RCN 250Mbps Plan: Netgear CM500
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Verdict
You must pay around $18.95/month to RCN for renting internet equipment. Although it isn’t a big amount, it still costs around 40% of the monthly rental for their fastest Gig internet plan, which costs $49.99/month. Since you’re here, I assume you want to get rid of the equipment rental and get your own RCN-compatible modem.
As per my research, buying internet equipment provides a better ROI than renting it. The yearly rent goes around $227, which is more than enough to get a good quality modem or even a modem/router combo for RCN internet powered by Astound Broadband.
Also, you won’t be using a modem for just 1 year. Based on my research, most good quality modems in the US last for around 3-4 years. Just multiply the number of years by $227, and not only that, after your term ends, you won’t own the equipment in case of rental.
After testing 33 devices from different manufacturers like ARRIS, Motorola, and Netgear with different RCN service packages, my 7 best recommendations are highly relevant in 2024.
1. Best Overall: Arris Surfboard SB8200
- Technology: DOCSIS 3.1
- Downstream/Upstream: 32 x 8
- Max Data Speeds: Up to 2Gbps
- Modem-Router Combo: No
If you plan to activate an RCN internet plan, I recommend the Arris SB8200 the topmost modem of choice. In addition to featuring a quick-witted specs sheet, Arris empowers the SB8200 for most high-speed RCN plans.
You can even consider the Arris CM8200 if you have a penchant for combos and cost-cutting. However, I would still go with the SB8200 as it offers better response times and ensures consistent throughput, courtesy of the sizable portion of built-in RAM.
Which RCN plan is best managed by this device?
RCN is one of the few internet service providers to offer Gig Internet plans, coupled with add-on services like webmail, cable TV, and internet security. But then, the SB8200 is good enough to take care of the internet part of your plan if you want the best speeds.
Also, since this modem is certified to work with Optimum, WOW! Internet, Cox, you can easily use this device with them and some other ISPs that support it.
Speed & Channel Bonding
The SB8200 from Arris isn’t a pushover when modem speeds and bandwidth are considered. The DOCSIS 3.1 support is optional and allows you to use the 2×2 high-width channels if the service provider offers multi-gig speeds.
However, for RCN’s 940Mbps plan i.e. the Gig internet plan, the DOCSIS 3.0 technology with 32×8 channel bonding support seems to be more than enough, especially for helping you reach speeds close to 900Mbps, provided you have a compatible router on you.
Hardware & Performance
The processing setup pertaining to the SB8200 is quite beefed up with a Broadcom chipset and 3GB RAM calling the shots. The impact on modem performance is quite obvious, and Arris takes pride in the lowest possible gaming latency and zero buffering.
Design & Build
Coming to the form factor, this modem comes in white and assumes an aesthetic structural footprint. However, I found it a bit too heavy, at 2.2 pounds. The dimensions, however, are manageable at 5.24 x 4.24 x 1.65 inches.
Also, including two Ethernet ports is worth mentioning as it might allow you to reach speeds amounting to 2Gbps, provided you have two active connections feeding into the router. You can also consider connecting to the router with one slot and the computer with the other. But, I wouldn’t recommend this connection, owing to the security issues.
Why is it good for RCN?
Coming to relevance, the Arris SB8200 is the best modem for RCN high-speed connection as it strikes the perfect balance between wireless throughput and wired speeds. Also, the top position is readily justified, owing to the exceptional processing firepower and the brilliant aesthetics.
Pros
- DOCSIS 3.1 technology
- 32 x 8 channel bonding
- Supports high-end plans
- Stellar aesthetics
- A wide array of indicative LEDs
- Seething processing firepower
Cons
- No major con
2. Best for Gaming: Netgear CM1000
- Technology: DOCSIS 3.1
- Downstream/Upstream: 32 x 8
- Max Data Speeds: Up to 1Gbps
- Modem-Router Combo: No
The Netgear CM1000 isn’t a modem for the faint-hearted, as it boasts an imposing structure, sharp edges, and that relevant stand adhered tightly to the bottom end of the structure. If you are considering a modem for a high-speed internet plan from RCN, you can consider purchasing this at the earliest.
While the CM1000 is more suited for high-bandwidth packages, you can also invest in the CM600 if you are into low-speed plans. However, the CM600 only offers 24 downstream channels, which restricts the speeds to around 500Mbps.
Which RCN plan is best managed by this device?
Without a doubt, I would recommend the CM1000 for the Gigabit internet plan. However, if you plan on relocating, the modem allows you to get the best possible speeds even for Cox, Comcast, and other service providers.
Speed & Channel Bonding
While the DOCSIS 3.1 support makes this a future-proof modem, the DOCSIS 3.0 technology does the majority of heavy lifting, courtesy of the 32×8 channel bonding support.
As tested with a compatible modem, the resultant speeds are capped at 940Mbps, which is good enough for latency-free gaming, lag-free video conferencing, and other demanding processes.
Hardware & Performance
This product comes equipped with a standard Broadcom chipset, best known for keeping attenuation and network drops to a minimum. Plus, there is 256MB RAM in place that effectually minimizes the response times and connection drops.
Design & Build
When it comes to the design, CM1000 from Netgear exhibits an arresting form factor, measuring 8.8x 5.4 x 5.9 inches. However, the weight, tagged at 0.84 pounds, is nominal and allows you to move the modem around easily.
Plus, you get access to several status-reporting lights at the front followed by a Gig Ethernet port, accommodated at the rear end, beside the power jack, switch, and the coaxial cable inlet.
Why is it good for RCN?
If you are more into online gaming and twitch streaming on the RCN internet plan, I recommend the Netgear CM1000 over any other RCN-approved modem on the list, owing to the close-to-promised throughput and excellent wired speeds.
Pros
- Light and durable
- Future-proof
- Cost-effective
- Perfect for high-speed internet plans
Cons
- No voice support
- Only one Ethernet port
3. Best Modem/Router Combo: ASUS CM-32
- Technology: DOCSIS 3.0
- Downstream/Upstream: 32 x 8
- Max Data Speeds: Up to 1.3Gbps
- Modem-Router Combo: Yes
The Asus CM-32 is one of the best modem-router combos on the list, provided you are willing to spend over 200 dollars on your new networking ally. Also, if you plan to subscribe to a mid-range RCN internet plan, I recommend you consider the CM16 from the same OEM.
However, the CM16 is slightly underpowered for Gig internet connections and can only offer speeds of up to 686 Mbps compared to the 1.3Gbps throughput exhibited by the CM-32.
Which RCN plan is best managed by this device?
If you are planning to purchase the CM-32 for your home or office internet requirements, it is better to get yourself the gig internet plan from RCN. But then, you can even consider this combo for Spectrum, Comcast Xfinity, Cox, and a handful of other service providers.
Speed & Channel Bonding
The CM-32 has maximum internet speeds capped at 1.3Gbps. This means you can easily get close to 940Mbps with the Gig RCN internet plan. As far as the channel bonding support and networking technology are concerned, the DOCSIS 3.0 support and 32×8 channels do all the heavy lifting.
As it is a combo, you can easily get speeds of over 900Mbps on the 5GHz band. The upload speeds are restricted to 40Mbps for the 5GHz band, despite the maximum limit being close to 120Mbps. The 2.4GHz band download speeds are close to 230Mbps.
Hardware & Performance
This combo makes way for a standard processor, capable of clocking at 1.6GHz. However, the high-end processor translates into impeccable performance with MU-MIMO support leading the way. Also, the integrated router makes way for 4×4 spatial streams, thereby ensuring reliable connections and better coverage.
Design & Build
When it comes to the design, the Asus CM-32 features four external antennas and measures 11.81 x 7.4 x 2.36 inches. Not just that, at 2.1 pounds, this is quite a rugged and durable device, currently retailing in black.
As far as the physical enhancements are concerned, you get one high-speed WAN port followed by Four Gig LAN ports, two USB 2.0 units, and one integrated slot for the coaxial input.
Why is it good for RCN?
The CM-32 from Asus is one of the few modem-router combos to combine efficient cable internet service with powerful routing capabilities. However, for RCN internet plans, this is the perfect product to consider, owing to the availability of four high-speed LAN ports that are capable of connecting directly to Smart TVs and gaming consoles.
This is of the few reasons to consider the Asus CM-32 as the leading modem-router combo on the list.
Pros
- 4×4 spatial streams for faster internet
- Extended coverage of up to 3000 sq ft
- Two USB ports for seamless data transfer
- 4 Gig Ethernet ports
Cons
- Pricey
- No voice support
4. Best for Work for Home: Netgear C7000
- Technology: DOCSIS 3.0
- Downstream/Upstream: 24 x 8
- Max Data Speeds: Up to 1.9Gbps
- Modem-Router Combo: Yes
Most home-bound professionals search for affordable yet resourceful modem-router combos to set up a wirelessly connected home network. However, with Netgear C7000, you need not lose sleep over product identification as this combo comes at a reasonable price and can easily handle most mid-range internet plans.
Also, when compared with the C6900, its immediate predecessor, the C7000 came out all guns blazing with an additional USB port for helping professionals share data over the LAN or WAN networks.
Which RCN plan is best managed by this device?
As per the speed capping, I would recommend the C7000 from Netgear for the 300Mbps internet plan. But then, the ISP coverage isn’t just limited to RCN, and Netgear allows you to use the C7000 for Comcast, Cox, and Spectrum internet plans.
Speed & Channel Bonding
As a mid-range modem-router combo, the C7000 has a lot of promise. While the modem-specific characteristics are determined by the DOCSIS 3.0 technology and availability of 24×8 channel bonding support, the maximum speed the router can achieve is close to 1900Mbps.
Confused? Well, the concept of speeds for modems and routers is slightly different, and so is for the combos. Therefore, despite the integrated router associated with the C7000 being capable of reaching wireless LAN speeds of up to 1.9Gbps, including the 5GHz and 2.4GHz, the maximum internet speeds are capped at 290Mbps, as tested with a 300Mbps connection.
Hardware & Performance
Coming to the processor, there is a quad-core SoC in play, which allows you to handle latency like a pro. Benefits like minimal gaming latency and almost zero buffering lags are also supported by innovative routing specs like Beamforming+ technology, which in turn enhances the coverage and throughput.
Design & Build
The C7000 from Netgear weighs 1.60 pounds and measures 9.66 x 8.31 x 1.7 inches. However, the dimensions are in line with my expectations and I was most impressed with the mesh-like form factor that even keeps heat generation to a minimum.
Besides, the C7000 also gives access to four high-speed Ethernet ports for establishing high-bandwidth wired connections. Each gig port allows the concerned gadget to get hold of 1Gbps ISP bandwidth, provided you are on a gig internet plan.
Netgear also makes way for a standard USB 2.0 port for seamless data sharing. Plus, there are several status-reporting LEDs on offer, followed by the reset and power on/off buttons.
Why is it good for RCN?
If you are a professional stuck at home, the Netgear C7000 seems like the perfect networking asset to invest in for your RCN internet plan, courtesy of the 4 Ethernet ports and 24×8 channel bonding support. However, compared to other similar products on the list, the USB port leaves a lasting impression.
Pros
- Powerful router
- 4 Ethernet ports
- MU-MIMO support for connecting multiple devices at once
- One step WPS setup is supported
- App-based support
Cons
- USB 2.0 port is one the slower side
- Speeds capped at 400Mbps
5. Best for Medium Speed Plans: Arris SB6190
- Technology: DOCSIS 3.0
- Downstream/Upstream: 32 x 8
- Max Data Speeds: Up to 2Gbps
- Modem-Router Combo: No
The Arris SB6190 qualifies as RCN’s perfect modem for mid-range internet plans. While the price is higher than some entry-level products, you can also expect it to easily handle high-bandwidth packages, provided you are fine with minor speed capping.
Upon comparing it with the SB6183, I discovered that the SB6190 is better equipped when it comes to achieving higher throughput, courtesy of the additional downstream and upstream channels. For those looking for clarifications, the SB6183 boasts 16×4 channels, which is good enough for entry-level plans.
Which RCN plan is best managed by this device?
Personally, I would recommend the SB6190 for the 500Mbps internet plan from RCN. However, you can even consider pairing it with the Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity, and more, provided you are looking for some other quick-witted ISPs.
Speed & Channel Bonding
Regarding raw speeds and throughput, the SB6190 can easily assume 600Mbps, regardless of the internet plan you are on. Upon testing the same on the 500Mbps plan, I could churn out speeds of up to 470Mbps, for the 5GHz band, provided I take the Wi-Fi AC router into consideration.
Driving the speeds is the DOCSIS 3.0 technology, coupled with 32×8 channel bonding support. Unlike most mid-range modems, the SB6190 doesn’t cut corners when it comes to the number of downstream and upstream channels.
Hardware & Performance
At the core, you have a standard ARM chipset that can readily minimize the response time and lower connection drops. While there aren’t many bells and whistles to consider, the SB6190 ensures lag-free streaming and even keeps gaming latency to a minimum.
Design & Build
When it comes to the design, the SB6190 from Arris weighs a respectable 0.75 pounds and measures 6.4 x 2 x 8.7 inches. Also, the product comes in black and features a well-ventilated layout, led by 4 LEDs and a solitary port for connecting the modem to the router or the computer via the Ethernet port.
The Ethernet port comes with Gig support and allows you to reach wired bandwidth of up to 1Gbps. Plus, Arris also makes way for a reset button, coaxial port, and power port as some of the more standard features.
Why is it good for RCN?
The Arris SB6190 should be your go-to RCN-recommended modem if you want to find something more balanced regarding signal throughput and speeds. With 32×8 channels to work with, the SB6190 can easily handle low-speed and even high-speed RCN internet plans, thereby justifying its presence on the list and above some of the other products like the CM500.
Pros
- 4 accurate LEDs
- 32×8 channels ensure top effectual speeds
- Multi-router compatibility
- Low gaming latency
Cons
- Only one Ethernet port
- Lacks telephone ports
6. Best Looking Modem: Motorola MB7420
- Technology: DOCSIS 3.0
- Downstream/Upstream: 16 x 4
- Max Data Speeds: Up to 686Mbps
- Modem-Router Combo: No
If you are into good-looking modems with a front-facing array of LEDs adding to the aesthetics, you must check out the Motorola MB7420. Also, this is more of a low-cost modem that allows you to easily handle mid-range and low-tier RCN plans.
The immediate competitor i.e. the MB7220 is also an option for a lower price point but it comes with a lesser number of downstream channels and therefore, lower download speeds, capped at 250Mbps.
Which RCN plan is best managed by this device?
I would like you to consider this RCN-supported modem for the 600 Mbps and 300Mbps internet packages from RCN. However, if compatibility is on your mind, this product is also compatible with the likes of Xfinity and Suddenlink.
Speed & Channel Bonding
The MB7420 from Motorola isn’t exactly hailed for its speed and throughput capping. But then, the DOCSIS 3.0 standard and 16×4 channels ensure that you can easily reach speeds of up to 550Mbps for the 600Mbps RCN internet plan.
For the 300Mbps plan, I could get 285Mbps as the maximum downloading speed, albeit with an AC1600 router in place.
Hardware & Performance
The aesthetic MB7420 makes room for a Broadcom chipset, which is good enough for cuts lags and latency to half, as compared to an Intel Puma SoC. Another hardware-specific enhancement has to be the full-band tuner that ensures better speeds without tapping massively into the energy reserves and, therefore, minimizing overheating.
Design & Build
The MB7420 is a good-looking modem, courtesy of the upright form factor and a black-colored, well-ventilated chassis. The dimensions are in line with my expectations i.e. at 6.1 x 4.9 x 2 inches. However, I was most impressed with the minimal heft as the product only weighed in the 0.6-pound range.
Plus, there are five LEDs for reporting, followed by the standard Ethernet port, albeit with Gig connectivity. This modem also makes room for a power input slot, coaxial inlet, reset button, and a power on/off switch.
Why is it good for RCN?
The Motorola MB7420 is a durable modem that can manage every mid-range RCN internet plan. Therefore, this is the perfect product to consider if you ever plan on upgrading or downgrading your subscription. Also, compared to the other products, this modem packs quite a punch in the aesthetic department.
Also Check: Detailed review of the Motorola MB7420
Pros
- Integrated full-band tuning abilities
- Light and portable
- Durable structure
- Good for P2P downloads
Cons
- Not good for Gig internet plans
7. Best for RCN 250Mbps Plan: Netgear CM500
- Technology: DOCSIS 3.0
- Downstream/Upstream: 16 x 4
- Max Data Speeds: Up to 300Mbps
- Modem-Router Combo: No
For low-tier RCN internet plans, it is better to invest in the Netgear CM500 as the modem of choice, courtesy of the affordability quotient. But, if you are looking for a good modem for the 50Mbps internet plan, I would also like you to consider the CM400.
Compared to the CM400, the CM500 from the same company boasts better speed and throughput as it comes equipped with 8 additional downstream channels.
Which RCN plan is best managed by this device?
The CM500 is strictly a low-cost modem, best suited for the 300Mbps and even the 50Mbps internet plan from RCN. However, you can even consider it for other low-tier packages provided by Comcast, Cox, and more.
Speed & Channel Bonding
When it comes to the maximum speeds, you would want to consider a standard router as a part of the system. Regardless of the router technology, the CM500 still allows you to close in on 300Mbps and 15Mbps when download and upload rates are concerned.
What works is the DOCSIS 3.0 standard, a feature most relatable to the mid-range and entry-level modems. Also, the 16×4 channel bonding support allows you to assume maximum theoretical speeds of almost 700Mbps but in real-time, 300Mbps is something you can aim for.
Hardware & Performance
Including a standard ARM-powered chipset and 128MB RAM ensures minimal buffering, lags, and even latency while indulging in games like Counter-Strike and DOTA 2. The hardware configuration also allows you to experience Quality of Service, which eventually allows you to get the best speeds for the most demanding tasks.
Design & Build
The CM500 from Netgear comes in black and weighs 0.6 pounds. While the well-ventilated structure keeps heating to a minimum, I was most impressed with the aesthetic dimensions at 7.28 x 4.88 x 2.26 inches.
Also, one Ethernet port is on offer followed by 5 status-reporting LEDs. The existing Ethernet port comes with Gig support and also exudes auto-sensing for improved prioritization.
Why is it good for RCN?
Despite being one of the more affordable modems on the list, the QoS support and a decent chunk of RAM qualify the Netgear CM500 as the best choice for low-bandwidth internet plans. In case you are looking for justification to add this to the list over other retail models, the wired auto-sensing support has my attention.
For more details, you may read the in-depth CM500 review.
Pros
- Cost-effective
- Rugged chassis
- 128MB RAM for faster responses
- Minimal HD streaming lags
- Multi-router compatibility
Cons
- One Ethernet port
- Not meant for the Gig plans
| Plans | Max Download Speed | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 250 Mbps Internet | Up to 250 Mbps | $29.99 - $44.99/mo |
| 500 Mbps Internet | Up to 500 Mbps | $34.99 - $49.99/mo |
| Gig Internet | Up to 940 Mbps | $49.99 - $59.99/mo |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can buy your own modem to use with RCN internet packages. In fact, it’s recommended to use your own equipment over renting one from the ISP. Not only will you have the choice of features to get, but you’ll also save a lot of money with a one-time investment in an external modem.
There are quite a few modems certified by RCN internet, but if you ask us which works best among them? I would highly recommend Arris SB8200 for high-speed internet plans. It’s a beast routing device provides the latest specs and excellent speeds.
Not every modem is capable of handling Gig internet plans. Therefore, if you are on the Gigabit internet plan from RCN, it is better to invest in a DOCSIS 3.0 modem that has 32 downstream and 8 upstream channels to work with.
Yes, you should consider a modem-router combo for RCN internet packages, as it saves the time, effort, and money you need to invest in configuring two devices separately. Plus, as RCN plans are prone to congestion and interference, a combo is better equipped to offer the best speeds, as the concerned ISP plan promised.
Even though you can consider the DOCSIS 3.1 modems or combos, the current RCN internet plans can be efficiently managed with the DOCSIS 3.0 internet standard. However, channel bonding support should be the primary aspect here as it determines the type of internet plan that the modem can handle.
You can definitely use a modem-only setup and connect the same directly to the router. However, if you are on an unsecured plan, this home network setup isn’t the best option to move ahead, owing to the cybersecurity threats.
Verdict
Before you end up selecting a modem from the mentioned list, it is necessary to zero in the one the RCN internet plan of choice. However, your selections might be determined by other factors, and this is the reason why I have handpicked certain modems and combos as per the use cases:
- You can invest in the Arris SB8200 if you want a future-proof modem boasting multi-ISP and router compatibility
- The Asus CM-32 is my best choice for users interested in combos and who hardly have issues with the exorbitant price tag
- For mid-range, 600Mbps, and 300Mbps internet plans from RCN, the Arris SB6190 seems like the best possible choice
- Lastly, if you are on the 50Mbps internet plan, it is in your best interest to invest in the Netgear CM500.
Apart from these options, you can even consider other names on the list, depending on the additional routing abilities, aesthetics, Ethernet ports, and, obviously, the budget.
