What is the best cheap modem for Spectrum?
If you live in the US and Spectrum is your Internet service provider, you can enjoy high connection speed, select various subscription plans and even rent Wi-Fi routers and modems. However, buying a modem might prove to be a more cost-saving option in the long run. To make your choice easier and help you select the best modem for Spectrum, I have tested the most popular models on the market.
While many people might have used such services as Roadrunner, Time Warner, Bright House, they have become less popular over time. Nowadays, you are more likely to have Spectrum as your ISP. If you are on a budget, it might be difficult to purchase a good modem. However, you will spend more if you decide to rent it instead. On this list, you will find 8 modems compatible with Spectrum that will be a great option for anyone who wants to stop paying a monthly fee for a rented device.
Speed: 1 Gbps | Connectivity: Phone/LAN/Wi-Fi | Features: Power Boost
This modem for Spectrum comes with an integrated AC1900 3x3 Wi-Fi router that allows for a Gigabit connection and supports an impressive wireless range. With it, you can watch movies and enjoy other media content as well as quickly access your files to solve work-related tasks.
Thanks to Power Boost support, the wireless signal is amplified, which allows you to enjoy better connection speed. If you have a bit house, you need to enable beamforming at 2.4-5 GHz for a stable connection. Power Boost and AnyBeam technologies account for a better wireless range. Besides, your connection will be ultra-fast without any speed drops.
Speed: 0.4 Gbps | Connectivity: Phone/LAN/Wi-Fi | Features: Dual Band
If you are tired of an unreliable connection, take a closer look at this cable modem. The ARRIS Surfboard SBG10 delivers high speeds and comes at an affordable price. Besides, you can quickly set it up. It’s extremely reliable, which allows you to save money on maintenance costs.
This dual cable modem for Spectrum Internet is perfect for those who want to use several devices. It can double as an 802.11 AC Wi-Fi router, which is a key selling point for those who want to browse the Web from mobile devices. This cable modem supports DOCSIS 3.0 and is fitted with 2 1-Gigabit Ethernet ports.
Speed: 1.9 Gbps | Connectivity: Phone/LAN/Wi-Fi | Features: 2 Phone lines
The NETGEAR C7100V is a 3-in-1 cable modem that can be used as an AC1900 Wi-Fi router. Besides, it supports XFINITY Voice, which allows you to use it as a VoIP service. This modem supports a reliable Internet connection with speeds reaching 1.9Gbps when you use it as a wireless router.
The model is fitted with a great battery backup and enables you to use XFINITY Voice telephone lines. Thanks to the high connection speed, you will be able to stream HD videos and play online games without experiencing any lags.
Speed: 1 Gbps | Connectivity: Phone/LAN/Wi-Fi | Features: 32 downstream x 8 upstream DOCSIS channels
If you want to save some money, make sure to buy a reliable DOCSIS 3.1 that will serve you for years to come. Nowadays, many ISPs upgrade to support DOCSIS 3.1 technology, which is why it’s better to purchase the SBG8300 modem to avoid buying a new modem in the future.
With it, download speeds will reach 10 Gbps, which makes it the best modem for Spectrum at this price range. As it supports the latest Wi-Fi standard Wave 2, its wireless speed can reach up to 2350 Mbps. It allows you to stream 4K and Ultra-HD content as well as play your favorite online games. This model was released by ARRIS, the manufacturer that sold over 200 million modems.
Speed: 2 Gbps | Connectivity: Phone/LAN | Features: Compatible with major U.S cable providers
The Arris SB8200 is a reliable modem that comes with 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports, which makes it much better than any DOCSIS 3.0 model on the market. It can also easily beat the Netgear CM1000, a DOCSIS 3.1 modem when it comes to connectivity options.
By using these ports, you can easily access the Internet from your PC or gaming console. It’s also possible to use it as a wireless router. The SB8200 supports the throughput of up to 2 Gbps.
Speed: 0.3 Gbps | Connectivity: Phone/LAN | Features: Compatible With Xfinity by Comcast, Spectrum, Cox
Those who want to purchase a reliable cable modem for Spectrum will enjoy using the CM500. After purchasing it, you won’t need to pay monthly fees for a rented modem. With the prices for rented devices occasionally reaching $10, buying a modem will be less expensive in the long run. ISPs offer a limited number of models for renting, but you can buy a modem from any brand, such as NETGEAR.
Besides, you can choose a model that comes with the features you need most. Service providers usually don’t pay much attention to advanced security features. This is why it’s better to choose the model with advanced functionality, such as the CM500.
Speed: 0.4 Gbps | Connectivity: Phone/LAN/Wi-Fi | Features: 16 downstream & 4 upstream DOCSIS 3.0 bonded channels
The SURFboard SBG6950AC2 is a modem router combo for spectrum that comes with four 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports. This cable modem supports DOCSIS 3.0 and can be used as an 802.11ac wireless router.
It has 16 downstream and 4 upstream channels, which accounts for speedy performance and allows you to download big files in no time. Thanks to this compact modem, you can quickly access the Internet from multiple devices. Besides, you won’t have to pay monthly rental fees.
Speed: 0.3 Gbps | Connectivity: Phone/LAN/Wi-Fi/USB | Features: 12 Gigabit Ethernet ports and 1 USB port
The NETGEAR C6250 is a powerful DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem that allows you to download files 16 times faster than modems with DOCSIS 2.0 support. With its speed reaching 680 Mbps, this Spectrum approved modem can also be used as a wireless AC1600 router. It’s perfect for watching HD content from streaming platforms, downloading files and playing games without experiencing any lags.
This model is perfectly compatible with various Internet service providers besides Spectrum, such as XFINITY from Comcast, COX and Cablevision. Since third-party modems aren’t always compatible with many networks, this model is perfect for those who think they might need to switch to another ISP in the future. In this case, it’s always better to check if your modem is compatible with the provider of your choice.
| IMAGE | NAME | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Motorola MG7700
Our Choice
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CHECK PRICE → | |
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ARRIS SURFboard SBG10
Security
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CHECK PRICE → | |
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NETGEAR Nighthawk C7100V
Stylish
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CHECK PRICE → |
Once you have made your decision, contact your Internet service provider to confirm that the model of your choice is compatible with your network. There are a lot of DOCSIS 3.0-certified models that support the newest standards, however, it’s better to check if Spectrum allows using them. You can also visit ApprovedModems.com to check the compatibility of your device with your ISP. Besides, they have a list of models that come with the Puma 6 chipset.
Unless you are on a budget, there is no need to purchase the cheapest modem for Spectrum available on the market. Make sure to buy a device that costs at least as much as a year of rental fees. Besides, you will feel much safer if your modem has a 2-year warranty. Before buying a modem, you need to compare similarly priced models and pick the option that suits your needs most. It’s often possible to buy some models at a discount so you can find a reliable modem that costs less than you would expect.
Cable modems that work with Spectrum are pretty similar and feature the same light indicators. It’s better to choose a model with easy-to-notice indicators. However, keep in mind that they might seem too bright at night. If you don’t have much free space, make sure to get a small modem.
A good modem should have 16 download and 4 upload channels, which will be perfect if your Internet speed is capped at 300 Mbps. To get a speedy Internet connection, opt for a 24x8 or 32x8 modem. If your Internet service provider supports the newest standards, you can buy a DOCSIS 3.1 modem.
Before buying a cable modem, you need to check if it’s protected against the Cable Hunt software vulnerability that is a common issue for Broadcom chipsets. As many modems are fitted with these chipsets, you need to learn about it beforehand and use a special software patch from Spectrum to fix it. Most models on this list provide only an Internet connection. If you want to use the Internet cable line as a phone line, you will need to purchase an eMTA or telephony modem.
While you can get a cable modem for free, you will need to pay $5 per month for a wireless router. If you access the Internet only from your PC and want to play online games, you can use a gaming modem for Spectrum that supports a cable connection. However, those who want to browse the Web from mobile devices will need to get a Wi-Fi modem. If you pay for the Internet GIG subscription plan from Spectrum, you will get a Wi-Fi router for free.
Yes, besides providing you with the fastest Internet connection, Spectrum can also send you a free modem and antivirus program. Besides, you will get access to unlimited data transfer.
If you need a new modem, make sure to request a replacement model from Spectrum. Users that want to replace their old modems with a rented modem from Spectrum can contact the Internet service provider directly. Keep in mind that the network doesn’t support DOCSIS 1.0/1. X modems anymore.
Yes. You can easily set up two Spectrum approved cable modems in your house even if you have one account. You will be able to connect them to a DOCSIS 2/3/4.0 network. If you have a high-quality splitter, it’s possible to use two modems on one split line.
