The Best Cable Modems

Just Buy This (All Around Best)

Arris Surfboard S33

$199 at Walmart $199 at Best Buy $242 at Staples

TL;DR: The Arris Surfboard S33 offers support for multi-gigabit internet connections at a very affordable price.

Why We Recommend It

The Arris Surfboard S33 is a fantastic cable modem that represents a massive upgrade over the entry-level models most ISPs rent out to their customers.

The S33 supports multi-gigabit internet connections, which means if your device or computer also supports 2.5Gbps Ethernet, you can run a super fast multi-gig internet connection without adding a router.

That said, you probably should because the S33 does lack Wi-Fi, so for all your other devices that need that, you’ll need a router with 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet upstream connectivity.

That means a newer Wi-Fi 6 or 6E router, which can get expensive (consider the cable modem/router combo unit below if you don’t want to pay for two devices).

However, splitting the devices into a capable modem and a capable router allows you to upgrade them individually later, making for more affordable, piecemeal improvements to your network.

The S33 is an attractive and compact cable modem with a clear white casing that will fit in most modern homes around other network and IoT devices.

It’s fully compatible with all major ISPs, including Cox, Spectrum, and Xfinity.

Although some reviewers have said the mobile app isn’t the best, it does at least let you manage and view your networked devices from a central location.

• Who else recommends it? Both Toms Guide and Wirecutter list the Arris Surfboard S33 as their top pick for the best cable modem you can buy.
• What do buyers say? Over 1,800 Best Buy purchasers have weighed in to give the S33 an average 4.6-star rating, citing the performance and ease of setup as their favorite features.

Also Great

Arris Surfboard G54

$599 $499 at Amazon $537 at Best Buy $598 at Newegg.com

TL;DR: The Arris Surfboard G54 is a premium cable modem; the Arris Surfboard G54 is a cable modem and router in one, supporting all the latest features.

Why We Recommend It

If you want the fastest cable modem available, it’s the Arris Surfboard G54. It supports up to 10Gbps internet connectivity—which is faster than anything you’ll find in the U.S. at this time.

It’s also a super-fast router with some of the latest features, including Wi-Fi 7, support for hundreds of simultaneous devices and near 18Gbps data transfer speeds.

Plus, quad-band channel support offers multiple 5GHz bands for handling backhaul traffic and keeping the main frequencies clear for your devices.

While not many devices can use Wi-Fi 7 right now, more will be able to in the future. And for now, you can use your phone’s Wi-Fi 6 or 6e support for high-speed wireless networking.

Its Wi-Fi range is impressive, too, reaching homes of up to 5,000 square feet with ease. There are five Ethernet ports, too, including the 10Gbps one, so you can wire up your desktop PC and any other static networked devices for super fast and stable connectivity. 

You'll have to pay a steep price for this one, and you’ll need to upgrade it entirely when the time comes, but that’s years away. With the latest cable modem and router features, this Arris Surfboard G54 is all you will need for a long time.

• Who else recommends it? IGN also names the Arris G54 as one of the best cable modem/router combo devices.
• What do buyers say? The Arris Surfboard G54 has over 19,000 positive reviews on Amazon and an average 4.3-star rating. Buyers love its ease of setup and performance.

Easiest on the Budget

Netgear CM500

$60 $49 at Amazon $76 at Walmart $60 at Best Buy

TL;DR: The Netgear CM500 is an affordable cable modem that does more than renting one from your ISP.

Why We Recommend This

The Netgear CM500 is a barebones cable modem that will get you online faster than your average rented cable modem. It supports internet speeds up to 680Mbps, which isn’t quite gigabit speeds, but it’s not far off.

You can still hook it up to a fast Wi-Fi 6 or better router to enjoy fast wireless internet or plug in a desktop or other permanent device with a Gigabit Ethernet connection for even faster local networking.

The single Ethernet port and limited speed support do hold this router back from being a good fit for those with faster internet connections or busier networks.

But if you’re looking to replace your rented modem to save money and you don’t need the fastest internet possible than the Netgear CM500 is a great choice.

It’s compact and understated, helping it fit in with your other gadgets and devices. It also doesn’t have any ugly external antennas.

It also comes with a one-year warranty, so if you run into any problems—and you shouldn’t—you’re fully covered with a replacement or refund.

• Who else recommends it? TopTenReviews found the CM500 an excellent choice for budget cable modem buyers, and The Wirecutter still gives it props as a viable cable modem for cost-conscious shoppers.
• What do buyers say? Over 14,600 buyers have reviewed the CM500 on Amazon, where it maintains 4.2 out of 5 stars. Purchasers like the easy setup and affordable price.