The best RCN compatible modems on the market.
If you need to use a reliable connection, make sure to purchase an advanced modem with DOCSIS 3.1 support. It will allow you to enjoy a high-speed Internet plan from RCN and make the most out of your subscription. Since there are many RCN compatible modems on the market, you might face a difficult choice. Read on to learn more about the features you need to pay attention to when selecting a new modem.
When you rent a modem from an ISP, you risk getting an outdated model that won’t allow you to enjoy your high-speed Internet plans to the fullest. Besides, you will need to pay about $10 per month.
While you can go to Amazon or Best Buy to purchase an RCN cable modem, you will need to spend long hours to find a suitable model. To save time, it’s better to read detailed reviews of the most popular devices on the market. I have compiled this list to make your task easier and help you choose the best modem for your needs.
Speed: 400mbps | Connectivity: Ethernet | Features: 3 products in 1: DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem, AC1900 dual-band Wi-Fi Router, 4 Port Gigabit Ethernet Router (cable digital voice service not supported)Compatible with major U.S. Cable Internet Providers including Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity & others. Cable internet service required. Not compatible with ATT, Verizon, CenturyLink or other DSL or Fiber internet providers
Being one of the most reliable RCN approved modems with DOCSIS 3.0 support, it can be used as a Wi-Fi 5 AC1900 Access Point and an Ethernet router with 4 Gigabit ports. Thanks to dual-band support, it ensures a stable connection.
The SBG6950AC2 delivers high speed, which makes it suitable for streaming and online gaming. Besides, it’s supported by the most popular cable providers in the US, such as Charter, XFINITY, Cox, etc. After buying it, you will be able to save money on rental costs.
Speed: Up to 300mbps | Connectivity: Ethernet | Features: 3 products in 1, Compatible with major U S Cable Internet Providers including Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity & others.
This modem for RCN has glowing reviews thanks to its impressive performance. While some users are slightly disappointed with slow updates, this minor disadvantage doesn’t cause any inconvenience. The modem is quite reliable, which makes it worth every penny. It’s a perfect option for medium-sized houses as it supports a limited wireless range. You can set it up in no time thanks to its intuitive UI. Besides, its router boasts an impressive set of features.
On the market, you will find plenty of models that fail to deliver remarkable performance. However, with this model, you can be sure that it will live up to your expectations. It allows you to stream media content and play games without any lags, which makes it a great value for the money.
Speed: Up to 2200 Mbps| Connectivity: Ethernet | Features: All-in-One Cable Modem + Whole Home Mesh-Ready WiFi Router - for Internet connectivity and speeds up to 2.2 Gbps Over 2,000 sq. feet
This combo model consists of a cable modem and a tri-band Wi-Fi router. Thanks to DOCSIS 3.0 and FastLane3 support, this RCN modem router allows you to enjoy a stable connection and high speed. This option is a great choice for those who don’t want to use several devices for connecting to the Internet.
It boasts impressive wireless coverage, which allows you to access the Web from the most hard-to-reach areas. Besides, it’s supported by major ISPs. This modem has such advanced features as a single network name, parental control options, voice controls, etc. It allows you to configure a guest Wi-Fi network. With it, you won’t need to wait for updates as it will be updated automatically by Orbi. Another advantage of this option is a stable Wi-Fi connection.
Speed: Up to 1000 Mbps| Connectivity: Ethernet | Features: AC1900 3x3, Dual Band, Power Boost, BeamformingбComcast Xfinity
It is a perfect solution for those who want to save money by purchasing a combo model that supports Xfinity Voice. This modem includes an advanced router that ensures impressive wireless coverage, which is great for Xfinity Voice users. Besides, this router is compatible with Comcast. It boasts DOCSIS 3.0 support and delivers an ultra-fast connection. With the MT7711, speeds will be reaching 400 Mbps. While other RCN compatible modems deliver a faster Internet speed, it will suffice for the most popular Xfinity service packages.
This model comes with a dual-band router that supports AnyBeam Beamforming. Thanks to it, you can use the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands for a better connection speed. It’s suitable for those who want to find a model with decent Wi-Fi coverage since it comes with the Wireless Power Boost option and supports 24x8 channel bonding.
Speed: Up to 600Mbps | Connectivity: Ethernet | Features: One 1-Gigabit Ethernet port,2 telephony ports for VoIP, Compatible with internet provider Xfinity, Compatible with any Wi-Fi Router (modem does not include Wi-Fi)
This VoIP modem supports a cable connection and Xfinity Internet and Voice service. This DOCSIS 3.0 model delivers a speed of up to 1.4 Gbps. It features a single Gigabit Ethernet port and two telephony ports. If you want to save money by replacing your rented modem, it’s a perfect option to consider. The support of advanced technology makes this DOCSIS 3.0 modem RCN compatible and ensures a fast connection.
It has 24 download and 8 upload bonded channels, which accounts for impressive bandwidth. The SBV2402 has two voice ports which makes it a smart solution for those who are using Xfinity digital voice service. Featuring multi-processor technology, the SBV2402 delivers high voice quality. The only downside is that it comes without a router, however, you can use it with any compatible Wi-Fi router of your choice.
Speed: Up to 2000 Mbps| Connectivity: Ethernet | Features: DOCSIS 3.1 Gigabit Cable Modem, Certified for Xfinity Internet & Voice
This future-proof cable modem comes with DOCSIS 3.1 support. It has 32 download and 8 upload channels for a high-speed connection. Besides, you can use 2x2 OFDM DOCSIS 3.1 channels. Thanks to it, you can enjoy low latency and impressive Internet speed. As for connectivity options, this RCN Internet modem is similar to other mid-range models. It is fitted with 2 1-Gigabit Ethernet and two telephony ports, which allows you to use Xfinity digital voice service.
The Arris Surfboard T25 is a 2-in-1 model that comes with a DOCSIS 3.1 modem and voice adaptor. Since it doesn’t have an integrated router, you can buy any router you like. Thanks to its well-thought-out tower design, it doesn’t take up much space and has great ventilation, which prevents it from overheating.
Speed: Up to 4Gbps | Connectivity: Ethernet | Features: Compatible with Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity and other major U.S. cable internet providers. Has its own app for both Android and iOS, with support for Amazon Alexa’s home Wi-Fi management.
While it might seem too expensive for some users, this model is perfectly future-proof, which might help you save money in the long run. It’s a great solution for those who are subscribed to 400 Mbps or faster Internet plans.
However, if you use a lower speed, make sure to purchase a less expensive model. Unless you are on a budget, the Arris SBG8300 is a perfect option for a fast and stable Internet connection since this modem supports DOCSIS 3.1.
Speed: Up to 6000 Mbps| Connectivity: Ethernet | Features: DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem, 6 Gbps Max Speed. Approved for Comcast Xfinity Gigabit, Cox Gigablast, and More
This modem is pretty similar to the CM1000 or the SB8200, however, it is more future-proof since it can deliver higher-than-Gigabit speeds. Unfortunately, nowadays, only some ISPs offer high-speed subscription plans, but they might become more common in the years to come. What makes this DOCSIS 3.1 modem RCN compatible is that it delivers impressive speeds thanks to the link aggregation feature. Another advantage is that this modem is great for Gigabit data plans.
Besides, it comes with a Spectrum Analyzer, has a well-designed case with impressive airflow and many channels for crowded nodes. Even if your ISP doesn’t support Gigabit speeds, this model is still a good option to consider since you might switch to another Internet service provider in the future.
Speed: Up to 1,9Gbps | Connectivity: Ethernet | Features: AC1900 3x3, Dual Band, Power Boost, Beamforming
It is a 2-in-1 model that comes with a modem and a wireless router. It is fitted with four Gigabit Ethernet ports, which ensures a fast and stable connection. You can use it to connect to the Internet from various devices, such as PCs, laptops, printers, gaming consoles, etc. It ensures wide wireless coverage thanks to Wi-Fi amplifiers and beamforming technology support.
This is a great model for those who are looking for a long-range modem that delivers a speed of up to 1,000 Mbps. It’s a perfect option for people who use up to 600 Mbps subscription plans. Since the Motorola MG7700 doesn’t take up much space, this modem will help you avoid unnecessary clutter. Besides, it has an impressive cooling system that protects it from overheating.
| IMAGE | NAME | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Arris SURFboard SBG6950AC2
Our Choice
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CHECK PRICE → | |
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Arris SURFboard SBG10
Popular
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CHECK PRICE → | |
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NETGEAR Orbi
All-in-One
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CHECK PRICE → |
Experts avoid reviewing cable modems as one never knows whether low speeds and connection drops are caused by a modem or by an ISP. While you can find some reviews, they aren’t detailed enough. Since it’s virtually impossible to test a modem with every ISP, you just need to know if it works properly for most users.
I decided to test DOCSIS 3.0 and DOCSIS 3.1 modems that are compatible with the most popular Internet service providers, such as Optimum, Comcast Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum, Suddenlink, RCN, Sparklight/Cable One and WOW. To narrow down my choice, I selected the models that support the most widely used Internet subscription plans offered by these ISPs. The only problem is that Altice and RCN don’t have a list of supported modems, which is why it’s impossible to check whether the modems from this list can be used with these ISPs.
Before making a purchase, check whether a modem of your choice is compatible with your ISP. To do it, you need to go to the official website of your Internet service provider and read a list of supported devices. You can find such lists for WOW, Comcast, Sparklight/Cable One, Cox, Mediacom and Suddenlink. If you can’t choose between different ISPs, check whether a modem is compatible with all the available ISPs. It will allow you to switch between Internet service providers, if necessary.
When people talk about channel bonding, they refer to the number of downstream and upstream channels supported by a modem. Manufacturers usually indicate it on the box. For instance, it could be 16x4, 32x8, 24x8. If your RCN cable modem supports DOCSIS 3.0, a larger number of channels will mean a higher speed. However, you need to be on a high-speed Internet plan to make the most out of your modem. If your ISP allows you to use only 16 downstream channels, there is no need to buy a 24x8 modem.
You need to purchase a modem that supports the number of channels allowed by your Internet plan. While the average connection speed in the US reaches 100 Mbps, you can opt for 1 Gigabit speed if your Internet service provider supports it. If your speed barely reaches 300 Mbps, you can buy a 16x4 modem. Those who use an Internet plan that supports the speed of 300 Mbps need to purchase a 24x8 modem. All the models from this list support a speed of up to 600 Mbps. It’s better to avoid buying 8x4 or 4x4 models since many ISPs have stopped supporting them.
There are plenty of RCN compatible modems that have 1 or 2-year warranty, which allows you to replace them if anything goes wrong. These models are perfect for those who are worrying that their modems will stop functioning. When you are buying a modem, it’s crucial to check whether it comes with a warranty since you won’t be eligible to use a warranty provided by your ISP if your device will stop functioning properly.
You will need to pay $60-$80 for a modem with DOCSIS 3.0 support that is compatible with most ISPs and comes with a set of handy features that guarantee the highest speeds. If you want to buy a modem that supports Gigabit speeds, you will need to pay $150-$250.
To learn if a modem of your choice is prone to overheating, make sure to read user reviews before buying it. Usually, manufacturers indicate that their modems can operate at up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. To prevent your modem from overheating, you need to keep the vents open. Since most modems aren’t eye-pleasing, some people prefer putting them in drawers. However, it’s better to keep a modem in an open space. It’s crucial to learn more about any heat-related issues before buying a modem. It will help you avoid possible replacements in the future.
If you have a decent RCN cable modem that has less than 24 channels, there is no need to replace it with a newer model. However, you need to understand that your RCN Internet speeds might be limited unless you buy a more advanced model. If you use a plan with speeds of up to 250 Mbps, you will need to purchase a DOCSIS 3.0 modem with at least 8 downstream channels.
By using a router, you can connect several devices to each other or to your modem. You can also connect your laptop, printer, Smart TV and other devices without using a modem. It’s also possible to create a LAN and use it offline.
While it might be quite difficult to find this option on their official website, you can still cancel your subscription online. Just like other companies, RCN makes it challenging to cancel a subscription, but you can do it anytime.
RCN Corporation was founded in 1993. At that time, it was called Residential Communications Network. Nowadays, its head office is located in Princeton, New Jersey. It was the first US company that provided telephone, cable television and Internet services and ensured a high-sped connection thanks to its fiber-optic network. It also provided a dialup and DSL connection.
