In this post:
- 1. Best Overall: Arris Surfboard S33
- 2. Best Runner Up: Arris Surfboard SB8200
- 3. Best Value for Money: Motorola MB8600
- 4. Best for Gig Internet: Netgear CM1000
- 5. Best Modem/Router Combo: Netgear C7000
- 6. Best Under $100: Arris Surfboard SB6190
- 7. Best for Mid-Tier Plans: Motorola MB7420
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Verdict
In the hunt for a Wave-compatible modem? Depending on your service package, your standard requirements might include gaming, streaming, browsing, etc. Despite these standard requirements, not every modem compatible with Wave broadband is worth purchasing.
Also, you can’t just pair any random modem with Wave broadband; you’ll need to ensure it’s approved by the ISP and can handle the speeds you’ve subscribed to. You should also look for the latest DOCSIS version, ample ports, ventilation vents, good security safeguards, and a reliable processor.
Keeping all this in mind while finding the best modem for Wave broadband can be daunting. That’s why I have prepared a list of efficient, reliable, and Wave broadband approved modems that take special care to avoid the bottlenecks in 2024.
While you would be tempted to purchase any of the DOCSIS 3.1 compatible modems, you should refrain from overspending if you’re on a basic 100 Mbps internet plan.
In the subsequent sections, I shall put together 7 of the most promising modems compatible with Wave Broadband, helping you find the perfect balance between productivity and pricing. The list would focus on the premium modems, the mid-range variants, and, eventually, the budget picks for low-tier plans.
1. Best Overall: Arris Surfboard S33
- Technology: DOCSIS 3.1
- Downstream/Upstream: 32 x 8
- Max Data Speeds: Up to 1200Mbps
- Ports: 1 GigE + 1 2.5G
The Arris Surfboard S33 is easily one of the best modems to pair with any Wave Broadband internet connection. While you are better off getting it for the Gig internet plan, it also ensures optimal coverage for other internet packages. What stands out, though, is the excellent wired throughput that makes it a much better choice than SB6190 and even SB8200.
Note: I’ve compared the Arris S33 with the SB8200 in one of my blog posts, check out if you’re more inclined towards the latter and learn the differences.
Speed & Channel Bonding
For starters, the Surfboard S33 is good enough for internet plans well above the 1Gbps mark. For Wave Broadband, though, it makes sense to pair this device with the Gig internet plan. Provided a single IP is at your disposal and the Gig internet is running, you can very well experience download speeds closing in on 940Mbps. The upload speeds for Wave Broadband are limited to 10Mbps, which shouldn’t be an issue for this modem.
The DOCSIS 3.1 technology is one of the highlights. Despite the future-proof networking technology, Wave ISPs use DOCSIS 3.0 support and 32 x 8 channels for downstream and upstream throughput.
Also, if you are a tad confused about the 3.5Gbps declaration on the box, the Surfboard S33 can achieve the same if there are two IPs in play.
Ports and Connectivity
The Surfboard S33 comes equipped with two ethernet ports. The first is a standard Gig port that feeds into the router or directly to the device if you want to experience high speeds. However, the 2.5G port steals the show, allowing you to connect bandwidth-intensive devices like PlayStation, Smart TVs, and more with the modem.
Design & Build
Coming to aesthetics, the Surfboard S33 is way ahead of other products on the list. The rectangular chassis looks appealing enough and assumes dimensions that read 5.24 x 5.24 x 1.65 inches.
Plus, this product weighs 1.50 pounds, which is standard enough considering the built-in circuitry and other hardware-specific inclusions.
Hardware & Performance
Now that I am talking about hardware, the reliable ARM-focused chipset comes to mind. Coming to the performance, the SoC ensures minimal latency, zero connection drops, and the inclusion of SC-QAM support for efficient bandwidth allocation.
Conclusion
Overall, if you are strictly looking for an all-inclusive modem for Wave Broadband, which focuses equally on aesthetics and throughput, the Arris Surfboard S33 is the one to get. Plus, it outpaces other products around with its highly functional 2.5G ethernet port for connecting to the most demanding devices around.
Pros
- Best for Gigabit plan
- Link aggregation is supported
- Enviable aesthetics
- Spectrum analyzer ensures energy-efficient usage
- Fast processor for cutting through congestion
Cons
- Not pocket friendly
- Multi-Gig speeds aren’t supported yet
2. Best Runner Up: Arris Surfboard SB8200
- Technology: DOCSIS 3.1
- Downstream/Upstream: 32 x 8
- Max Data Speeds: Up to 2Gbps
- Ports: 2 Gig Ethernet
While the Arris S33 amazes with a multi-gig port, the Arris SB8200 keeps things simple yet effective. For starters, this modem boasts link aggregation, which is yet another approach toward multi-gig speeds. Also, compared to the likes of SB6190, the processing setup synonymous with the SB8200 makes quite a strong case and places it in the second position on the list.
Speed & Channel Bonding
Firstly, I would quickly recommend this modem for the Gig internet plan offered by Wave Broadband. While the modem can reach maximum data speeds of up to 2Gbps, you can get close to 940Mbps for downloads for a single plan and IP. I tested it with the Gigabit plan from Wave and was consistently able to reach speeds close to 900Mbps.
Despite this being a DOCSIS 3.1 modem with 2×2 OFDM support to rely on, it is better to wait out the upgraded rollout for now. For the current crop of internet connections, the DOCSIS 3.0 fallback is more than adequate, led by 32 x 8 channel bonding support.
Ports and Connectivity
This modem brings in two GigE ports, which can be aggregated to achieve higher speeds. Also, if you plan on ditching a router and connecting the modem directly to the devices, you can very well achieve speeds close to 940Mbps, courtesy of minimal attenuation. As tested with a Gig plan, I could achieve a top speed of 1001Mbps, with a wired setup.
Design & Build
Arris ensures that the SB8200 is one of the better-looking modems on the list, with dimensions fixed at 5.24 x 4.24 x 1.65 inches. Despite weighing 2.2 pounds, the modem doesn’t look and feel that bulky and boasts a pretty sleek interface. Plus, there are quite a few LEDs to rely on for keeping a close eye on the network’s whereabouts.
Hardware & Performance
This is where the SB8200 takes the cake, courtesy of an ultra-fast Broadcom chipset and 3GB of RAM. Therefore, if you plan on purchasing a modem for gaming, this product from Arris should be considered for its latency-free performance.
Conclusion
To sum it up, the Arris SB8200 is often at par with the Surfboard S33 when it comes to overall performance. However, this modem is best suited for demanding professional setups and corporate establishments, courtesy of the top-notch processing setup that is instrumental in keeping the connections up and running at all times.
Pros
- Two Gig ports
- Link aggregation works like a charm
- DOCSIS 3.1 tech
- Good enough for mesh and standard routers
- Multi-ISP compatible
Cons
- A tad heavier than expected
- Heats up quite a bit
3. Best Value for Money: Motorola MB8600
- Technology: DOCSIS 3.1
- Downstream/Upstream: 32 x 8
- Max Data Speeds: Up to 1Gbps
- Ports: 1 Gig Ethernet
Despite being a bulky device, the Motorola MB8600 is armed to the teeth when it comes to managing Wave Broadband internet plans. What makes it a practical pick is the DOCSIS 3.1 technology, a feature that scales it beyond some of the older modems like the MB7220.
Speed & Channel Bonding
This Wave-Compatible modem promises data speeds of up to 1Gbps. Therefore, it would be wrong to consider using it with the Gigabit or even the 250Mbps plan from Wave, depending on your need to upgrade over time.
This DOCSIS 3.1 modem supports DOCSIS 3.0 fallback and backward compatibility with 32 x 8 channels to rely on transferring data packets downstream and upstream. Most importantly, if you plan on relocating, this product can also be used with other ISPs like Comcast and Cox.
Ports and Connectivity
This device only offers one Gig ethernet port, which seems restrictive to households with multiple smart devices. However, you can use multiple IPs and get access to multi-Gig speeds. There are three additional closed Ethernet ports in play that support link aggregation and indirect speed enhancements.
Design & Build
This modem sports a vertical structure with 10 LEDs to work with. It measures 9.65 x 8.80 x 2.25 inches and weighs 2.1 pounds, making it quite an intimidating product in terms of size and form factor. However, the well-ventilated structure with excellent heat-dissipating capabilities more than makes up for this heft.
Hardware & Performance
Much like the S33, the MB8600 also exhibits an ARM-backed architecture, best known for minimal connection drops and negligible latency. Plus, if you plan on using the device for streaming and gaming, the process supports the AQM technology for better bandwidth management.
Conclusion
For the given price, the Motorola MB8600 is one of the better options to get, especially if you have a small house and a pretty capable router to offer wireless connectivity. Compared to other products on the list, this is the most durable option around, followed by the availability of stealth Ethernet ports to achieve excellent speeds, if required.
Pros
- Inherent QoS support
- Can achieve multi-Gig speeds
- Aesthetic product
- Minimal gaming latency and ping
Cons
- Only one port available for wired connections
- On the heavier side
4. Best for Gig Internet: Netgear CM1000
- Technology: DOCSIS 3.1
- Downstream/Upstream: 32 x 8
- Max Data Speeds: Up to 1Gbps
- Ports: 1 Gig Ethernet Port
Even though the retail space is replete with inventive modems, not every device is good enough for streaming. Courtesy of the excellent hardware setup and other decisive features, the Netgear CM1000 is one of the better streaming-compatible modems, especially if you plan on using it with Wave Broadband.
Also, if you pit it against the underwhelming models like the CM600, the former comes out on top owing to the availability of additional downstream channels and, therefore, a higher data speed limit.
Speed & Channel Bonding
The Netgear CM1000 supports DOCSIS 3.1 technology for high-speed cable internet. However, the DOCSIS 3.0 fallback seems more than adequate for managing Gig internet plans from Wave Broadband. The existing networking tech ensures maximum data speeds of up to 1Gbps, with my test results validating the same.
Ports and Connectivity
Besides the power port and a slot for the coaxial cable, the CM1000 comes equipped with one Gig ethernet port. Even though you use it to connect to the router, you are better off establishing wired connections with bandwidth-intensive devices to reach a top speed of 1001Mbps.
Design & Build
This product is one of the lightest on the list at 0.84 pounds, despite the amassing dimensions that read 8.8 x 5.4 x 5.9 inches. The reason for the feathery form factor must be the meshed structure. Also, the heat management is good enough, and there are quite a few LEDs to rely on.
Hardware & Performance
Using the CM1000 for twitch and video streaming, even in 4K, is advisable, courtesy of the excellent processing setup led by the Broadcom chipset. You even get access to 256MB of RAM that lets you manage network congestion like a pro, guaranteeing better throughput and consistent access to the internet.
Conclusion
Overall, if you want to set up a streaming setup for videos and games, the CM1000 is quite a resourceful and pocket-friendly device. Plus, its multi-ISP compatibility makes it a standout performer among other products around.
Pros
- Easy device to set up
- Light
- Reliable processing setup
- Future-proof
- Good enough for high-speed connections
Cons
- Only one Ethernet port
5. Best Modem/Router Combo: Netgear C7000
- Technology: DOCSIS 3.0
- Downstream/Upstream: 24 x 8
- Max Data Speeds: Up to 1Gbps
- Ports: 4 Gig Ethernet + 1 USB 2.0
Had enough of standalone modems? Well, if you want a more comprehensive device to manage wired and wireless requirements in tandem, it is advisable to invest in the Netgear C7000. Most importantly, this product works better than the C6900, courtesy of the minor internal increments and a reliable USB port to see your data-sharing needs through.
Speed & Channel Bonding
Coming to the maximum data speeds, I could churn out a top speed of 960Mbps. Therefore, you can easily pair it with the Gigabit internet plan from Wave. However, the average data rates are close to 400Mbps on non-Gig connections, making it a good bet even for the 250Mbps internet package.
The DOCSIS 3.0 modem is still faster than the DOCSIS 2.0 counterparts. Plus, the 24 x 8 channels ensure that the speeds are more or less consistent. The wireless speeds are capped at 1900Mbps, cumulatively for the 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands. Upon testing the wireless performance, I could get speeds of up to 420Mbps on the 5GHz band and 120Mbps on the 2.4GHz band, respectively.
Ports and Connectivity
As C7000 comes across as a combo, there is no shortage of ports on this one. You can access 4 Gig ethernet ports for faster data transfers over a wired setup. Plus, the picture has a USB port to share data over the network.
If you are interested in the routing capabilities of this device, it is the 1800 sq ft coverage that should have you hyped. Plus, the beamforming support ensures that the wireless range is hardly compromised, and there are fewer dead zones than usual.
Design & Build
This device weighs 1.6 pounds and measures 9.66 x 8.31 x 1.7 inches. Plus, the plastic-clad product also comes with a durable and stable stand, followed by a meshed structure for better heat dissipation.
Hardware & Performance
There is a standard 4-core processor housed within the chassis. Adding to this is 256MB of RAM for managing the network quality better. Plus, Netgear even incorporates 128MB of flash memory to let you store firmware details and updates.
All these bells and whistles translate to consistent speeds and the availability of MU-MIMO technology to connect multiple devices at once.
Conclusion
To sum it up, the Netgear Nighthawk C7000 is the best modem-router combo for Wave broadband. However, the utilitarian nature of the device appropriately makes it stand out among the standalone modems on the list.
Pros
- Excellent built-in router
- Exceptional processing setup
- MU-MIMO support
- WPS connections supported
- Nighthawk app for remote network management
Cons
- USB port couldn’t be any slower
- No Voice ports
6. Best Under $100: Arris Surfboard SB6190
- Technology: DOCSIS 3.0
- Downstream/Upstream: 32 x 8
- Max Data Speeds: Up to 1Gbps
- Ports: 1 Gig Ethernet
Not every modem sports ‘value for money’ as its primary trait. Even if they do, they pale compared to the Arris Surfboard SB6190, which sports a sub $100 price tag, despite achieving exceptional., gig-level speeds. I even compared the SB6190 with the older SB6183 and was quite happy with the former, courtesy of better downstream and upstream channel availability.
Speed & Channel Bonding
In theory, this modem lets you reach maximum speeds of up to 1Gbps. However, as tested, I could easily experience throughput in the range of 800 to 900Mbps, making it good enough for Wave’s gig internet plan. It exhibits DOCSIS 3.0 technology with adequate channels, i.e., 32 x 8 channel bonding support, to help you achieve consistent speeds.
Ports and Connectivity
This modem only offers one Gig ethernet port. However, the wired speeds are consistent enough, both for feeding into the router or connecting to Smart devices.
Design & Build
The SB6190 looks aesthetic and weighs a mere 0.75 pounds, making it one of the lightest products around. The dimensions are fixed at 6.4 x 8.7 x 2 inches, which ensures that the device doesn’t take up a lot of space. On top of the structural insights, there are 5 indicative LEDs to make life easier.
Hardware & Performance
If you are privy to modem processors, the availability of Intel Puma SoC might not look convincing enough. However, a few networking and latency issues are aptly mitigated by the complementary 256MB of RAM.
Conclusion
To sum it up, the Arris SB6190 is a resilient modem, to say the least, boasting a reliable specs sheet and 32 x 8 downstream/ upstream channels for qualifying as the best DOCSIS 3.0 device around.
Pros
- Compatible with multiple Wave Broadband plans
- Pocket-friendly
- A decent chunk of system memory
- High-speed Ethernet port
Cons
- Not the best for gaming
- Not meant for multi-Gig plans
7. Best for Mid-Tier Plans: Motorola MB7420
- Technology: DOCSIS 3.0
- Downstream/Upstream: 16 x 4
- Max Data Speeds: Up to 686Mbps
- Ports: 1 Gig Ethernet Port
While I did talk about modems and combos for Gig Internet plans from Wave, it is always good to have devices dedicated for the low and mid-tier plans. This is why the Motorola MB7420 makes the cut, allowing you to spend less on the internet package and even the corresponding networking device.
Plus, it is quite an upgrade over the MB7220, which comes with 8 x 4 channels as opposed to 16 x 4 offered by the MB7420, thereby translating into better and consistent speeds.
Speed & Channel Bonding
If you are interested in the technicalities, the MB7420 lets you take advantage of the 16 x 4 channels for faster downstream and upstream throughput. If you plan on using the 250Mbps internet plan, this modem enables you to reach top speeds of up to 240Mbps, with ease. Plus, the DOCSIS 3.0 tech ensures that you get a decent speed range of over 600Mbps, in case you choose to go with the Gig plan.
Ports and Connectivity
This modem comes equipped with a standard Gig Ethernet port. Plus, the connections are MDI/MDIX compatible, which ensures properly redirected traffic and improved performances.
Design & Build
Coming to the aesthetics, this is one durable and well-ventilated modem with dimensions reading 6.1 x 4.9 x 2 inches. Plus, it is the lightest device on the list at 0.6 pounds, bolstered further by 5 status-reporting LEDs.
Hardware & Performance
At the core, you have a performant Broadcom processor, best known for keeping latency to a minimum. Performance-wise, this modem assures consistent speeds, availability of digital tuning capabilities, and IPv6 compatibility for better network prioritization.
Conclusion
To sum it up, the Motorola MB7420 is one of the best budget picks in the retail space for Wave Broadband. Also, if I were to enlist the core competencies, the portability quotient makes it scale beyond the rest of the competition.
To learn more, check my dedicated Motorola MB7420 review.
Pros
- Fast DOCSIS 3.0 support
- Rugged design
- Light and portable
- QoS support
Cons
- Not capable of assuming Gig speeds
- Only one port
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can ditch the rentals and purchase any Wave-approved modems to work with their internet plans. However, if the plan also includes phone service, you will require a device with eMTA support, which might force you to go back to the rentals.
The best modem for Wave is the one that comes equipped with more than one Gig ethernet port. This way, you can set up a wireless network using a router whilst feeding directly to any bandwidth-intensive device. Other specs relevant to the cause include DOCSIS 3.1/DOCSIS 3.0 support and a dependable hardware setup.
No, at present, Wave Broadband doesn’t declare the Netgear CM1100 is one of the compatible modems for any of its internet plans. While it might still run, the speeds will be subpar, followed by high latency.
Yes, you can pair a compatible modem-router combo with Wave Broadband. However, you should know that you won’t be able to upgrade specific segments of the device if Wave comes up with advanced multi-Gig cable plans.
Verdict
Wave Broadband is easily one of the best ISPs in and around Washington, Oregon, and several other regions. However, to make a Wave internet plan perform to its potential, it is important to pair it up with the best modem for Wave Broadband. While I did mention some of the best products for the job, here is a more use-case-oriented list to help you choose better.
- If you prefer a modem with a multi-Gig port, the Arris Surfboard S33 is the one to purchase.
- For higher bandwidth needs and support for link aggregation, you can stop searching and immediately opt for the Arris Surfboard SB8200.
- In case you want to lower your financial obligations further, the Netgear C7000 modem-router combo is the perfect device to invest in,
Finally, if you want a device for low-speed Wave Broadband plans, the Motorola MB7420 is a suitable modem.
