Best Cable Modems For Gaming & Streaming 2022 – Xfinity, Cox & Spectrum

What’d you like to do: saving money or wasting? A cable modem, which was given me by the ISP, was shit with monthly rental $15 fee. Gaming with that cable modem was horrible. Don’t worry! I’ll help you to find the best modem for gaming.

A few years back,

I bought a cable modem instead of buying a modem router combo as lack of knowledge. Then, I had to buy a standalone router. I used to pay $18 to ISP for that modem, the modem that could only allow browsing. In other words, It was not a gaming modem at all. I asked ISP that they provide me with a gaming one, not a regular or basic modem. They said this is the only modem they can offer.

Then, one common question that comes in my mind was: Is it better to buy my own modem?

I didn’t mention it, but I am good at math. So, I started the calculation.

For example: If I pay $18 to ISP per month, meaning I’ll be spending 18 x 12 = $216. Lol, Then, I asked myself, Why I didn’t think of buying my own modem instead of renting one.

So, What is the best cable modem for gaming? Netgear CM1000 (32×8) is going to be on top. It is compatible with all major Internet provides. The company made this cable modem keeping gamers in mind. Still, who are willing to buy a gaming cable modem/router combo, then my recommendation is Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 (24×8).

Here are my 3 best modems for gaming 2022

1. NETGEAR (CM1000-1AZNAS) (32×8) – Best For Gamers
2. NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900 (24×8) – Under Budget Modem/Router Combo For HD Gaming
3. ARRIS Surfboard (32×8) – Cheap Gaming Modem/Router combo

Now, I am going to review all three top-rated gaming modems of 2022 with their Pros, Cons & My verdict. I’ll also let you know about their compatibility with ISPs.

1. NETGEAR Gigabit Gaming Cable Modem – Overall Best

Highlights:

1. DOCSIS 3.1 Supported
2. Speeds Up to 1000 Mbps
3. 32×8 Channel Bonding
4. Ultra-HD gaming & streaming

Overview:

The Netgear CM1000 (32×8) is a DOCSIS 3.1 supported Ultra-High speed cable modem. As the model number implies, it can provide maximum internet speeds of up to 1 Gbps. 2×2 OFDM with 32×8 channel bonding ensures faster download speeds.

My Views:

No doubt! When gaming is concerned, the Netgear CM1000 is the best option for you. It is compatible with XFINITY, Cox, and other ISPs. I had to take this router at first on my list as it comes with DOCSIS 3.1. Which is 10x faster than old DOCSIS 3.0. Since I’ve used this cable modem, so I don’t have any doubt recommending this modem to everyone.

Pros & Cons: Netgear CM1000

I like:

1. Download speeds up to 1Gbps, which ensures lag-free gaming and streaming.
2. Gigabit Ethernet Port for a fast wired connection. ( You can connect your router or computer ).
3. Web self-activation for Cox and Xfinity is quite easy and straightforward.
4. 4k Streaming and heavy online gaming work perfectly.
5. It is compatible with AT&T, CenturyLink, Comcast, Cox, Mediacom, and Spectrum.

I don’t like:

1. It is not compatible with bundled voice services.

Summary:

The Netgear CM1000 deserves the first position on our list. I’ve tested and used this modem for a long period of time. I didn’t have any issues with the modem. So I consider this cable modem the best for gamers. If the price is concerned, It comes under $200.

2. Netgear Nighthawk Modem/Router Combo C7000 (24×8)

Highlights:

1. It supports DOCSIS 3.0.
2. Beamforming+ technology.
3. 1.6Ghz dual-core processor.
4. Management using Genie App.

Overview:

The Netgear Nighthawk C7000 is a modem/router combo, which supports DOCSIS 3.0 version and 24×8 channel bonding (24 downstream and 8 upstream). It can deliver maximum WiFi speeds of up to 1900 Mbps using both bands. So, it can handle multiple devices, online gaming, 4k streaming, or any other heavy uses with ease.

My Views:

If you are looking for modem/router combo, then C7000 is made for you. I haven’t used any better combo device than C7000 by now, which allows gaming and 4k streaming without any interruptions and internet issues.

Pros and Cons: NIghthawk C7000

I like:

1. It is compatible with Xfinity, Cox, and Spectrum.
2. ReadySHARE USB lets us access media storages and streaming.
3. Creating a separated WiFi network is quite simple using an app.
4. It is powered by a powerful 1.6Ghz processor, which can deliver faster WiFi, and ensures faster LAN-to-WAN speeds.
5. Advanced beamforming+ technology for extending WiFi coverage.
6. Network management with Genie App is top of the line.

I don’t like:

1. It doesn’t allow dual-wan bonding.

Summary:

In my opinion, I can simply say that if you desire to buy a combo modem/router device. Close your eyes and buy the Netgear Nighthawk C7000 without any single doubt. I’ve tested and experienced this modem on my own.

3. Arris Surfboard SBG7580AC (32×8) Gaming Modem

Highlights:

1. 32×8 Channel Bonding
2. Security by McAfee
3. AC1750 dual-band ( 2.4Ghz / 5Ghz)
4. 3 In 1 Modem

Overview:

Motorola has introduced its 3-in-1 cable modem Arris Surfboard AC1750. In other words, you get 3 products in 1. A cable modem, a Dual-band WiFi router, and 4 port Gigabit router. It is also approved with all US ISPs including Spectrum, Xfinity, and Cox.

My view:

When it comes to gaming, It becomes challenging to find the best. However, I’ve my own experience with these modems, which says that the Arris Surfboard SBG7580AC is going to be a good option for you. So, The third and last modem on my list is from Arris.

Pros & Cons: Arris Surfboard SGB750AC

I like:

1. Primarily, It comes with 4 Gigabit Ethernet Ports for faster-wired connections.
2. 32×8 Channel bonding ( 32 download channels & 8 upload channels ) with IPv4 and IPv6 support.
3. Using both bands, we get maximum WiFi speeds of up to 1.4 Gbps.
4. It comes with McAfee home internet security, which can be configured using its app.
5. Great Setup & tech support by Arris.

I don’t like:

1. It is not compatible with ATT and Centurylink.

Summary:

I consider Arris SBG7580AC an under budget yet powerful gaming modem. But, You can see its power when your internet connection is above 300 Mbps. Which is normal in 2022. So, without any second thought, just go with it and have it.

Rental Vs. Own Modem

Rental:

It is very common in the USA that most of internet service providers (ISPs) rent you their own cable modems for a monthly rental fee. The fee can be less than $10 per months or more than that. However, it depends on your company and modem’s type. In addition, they can even offer you a router or modem/router combo too. In result, an extra rental fee too.

The biggest disadvantage of using their own modems is that they don’t offer or rent you the most updated cable modems.

Plus, a recent survey, which was done on 1,000 Americans, shows that the majority of them had no idea about their modems were capable of handling their broadband internet speeds or not.

Own Modem:

On the other hand, the great plus of using our own modem is that we can use the latest and most updated cable modem. Suppose you are a gamer who needs a higher-speed connection in order to play HD games. In such case, first, you have to upgrade your internet plan to a higher one, then an updated modem that can handle your broadband speed. So, You can buy a powerful gaming modem on your own, which you can’t expect from a rental one.

Verdict:

If you asked me then, I would say – yes and no, both. Actually, it depends, how?

Let’s understand.

I would say yes when you’re going to use the internet for a short period of time (If you use the internet for less than a year).

If you are going to use more than a year, then it is better to buy on your own. Because after a year, this fee would be more than $120, which is more expensive than buying a new router. So, you got my point. Now you decide by yourself whether you should buy or rent.

Modem router combos Vs separate cable modem

It is better to have a modem router combo instead of having a stand-alone cable modem. However, there are some pros and cons to both. In my opinion, I would suggest you buy a combo device over a separate cable modem.

For example, If you buy a separate router for your existing cable modem, then it becomes more expensive than the combo. On the other hand, a combo unit can be expensive too if you think about it carefully as you know that modem technology doesn’t change that much. However, the routers do. So next time whenever you want to upgrade, then you don’t have to upgrade your modem unit except for the router.

Things to consider: How To Choose The Right Gaming Modem On your Own?

1. ISPs Compatibility
2. DOCSIS version
3. Channel Bonding

ISPs Compatibility:

First things first, It is a very important consideration point when it comes to buying a gaming modem. What you really need to do is check whether your modem is compatible or approved with your ISP. Some big modem manufacturing companies like Netgear, Motorola arris, and many more builds such modems that can support Major ISPs like Comcast, Cox, spectrum, and CenturyLink.

But, how you can check whether your modem is compatible with ISP or not.

To be honest, I only know two methods in order to check modems’ ISPs compatibility.

First one is very simple; you just need to search a query in Google something like this “[YOUR ISP] compatible modems.” After hitting enter, you will see an official website.

The second method is to call your ISP. They will let you know whether your modem is supported or not, just provide them your modem’s information.

2. DOCSIS version:

It stands for “Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification.” It is an international IT standard and uses a coaxial cable in order to provide internet service to customers. Let’s see some other versions of DOCSIS. Which starts from DOCSIS 1.0 to DOCSIS 3.1.

DOCSIS 1.0:

It was released in 1996 with ‘high-speed internet data’ improvement. Its maximum of upload speed is up to 10 Mbps, whereas download is up to 40mbps.

DOCSIS 1.1:

It was released in 1999 with ‘VOIP, streaming & gaming’ improvements. Its maximum of upload speeds is up to 10Mbps, whereas download is upto 40Mbps.

DOCSIS 2.0:

It was released in 2001 with ‘upload speed’ improvement. Its maximum of upload speeds is up to 30Mbps, whereas download is up to 40Mbps.

DOCSIS 3.0:

It was released in 2006 with ‘upload & download speeds’ improvements. Its maximum of upload speeds is up to 100Mbps, whereas download is up to 1Gbps.

DOCSIS 3.1:

It was released in 2013 with ‘OFDM and speed’ improvements. Its maximum of upload speeds is up to 2Gbps, whereas download is up to 10Gbps.

DOCSIS 3.1 Duplex:

it was released in 2017 with ‘upload speed’ improvement. Its maximum of upload speeds is up to 10Gbps, whereas download is up to 10Gbps.

As you can see, the significant difference and improvements were done in DOCSIS 3.1 and DOCSIS 3.0. However, DOCSIS 3.0 version is very popular and most widely used in America.

Verdict:

It is very important us to find a gaming modem that supports at least the DOCSIS 3.0 version. (On our gaming modems’ list, you will see that the first modem supports DOCSIS 3.1 and the others two DOCSIS 3.0).

3. Channel Bonding:

After DOCSIS, channel bonding is another important factor to consider. You might have seen those weird looking numbers such as 8×4, 16×4, 24×8, and 32×8.

These numbers decide the actual modems’ speeds. For example, if we talk about 8×4 channel bonding, meaning it has 8 downstream channels and 4 upstream channels, and the maximum speeds of up to 344Mbps. ( Note: one downstream channel delivers a maximum speed up to 43Mbps ).

Verdict: It is good to have a gaming modem with at least 24×8 channel bonding. But, make sure you have a high-internet connection in order to take advantage of the 24×8 modem.

Types of Modem: Which One You Should Buy?

It is essential to know about the different types of Modems. However, our primary concern is gaming cable modems. We will come to that too, but before that, we should pay attention to things that are related to modems.

Before we go through the tough part, let’s understand the modem first.

What is a Cable Modem?

The modem is a hardware device, which we use to transfer data from one device (Computer) network to another device (Computer) network via phone lines (DSL or ADSL), coaxial cables (DOCSIS), optical fibers, and ethernet cables. Actually, it depends on our service provider.
Before we go through the working process of a modem, we need to understand the Modulator and Demodulator.

Modulator Vs. Demodulator

Verdict:

A equipment in which both the modulation and demodulation processes are done called Modem.

How does a cable modem work?

It receives data from our ISPs through the optical fibers, DOCSIS, or any other cables. Then, it converts that received analog data into a digital signal. In other words, the analog signal is converted or demodulated into a digital signal by the modem.

Conclusion:

I don’t know, but I think I have covered everything in this article about our main concern “best cable modems for gaming.” I could have taken more than three modems, but I didn’t do that. Since I don’t want to confuse anyone.

I request to everyone who is reading this article that please do reply and comment below about how helpful this article has been. It would help me to improve and make the necessary changes.

Good luck with the new gaming modem.