Buying guide for best modems
Cable modems – the devices that bring the internet to our homes – are easy to forget about because once they’re set up, they don’t need much care and feeding. That’s probably why so many people rent their modems from their internet service provider (ISP). But if you’ve rented a modem for more than a year, you’ve already spent more than the cost of owning one outright, so you can definitely save money by buying one.
Although modems are straightforward devices, picking out the right one can be a little tricky because you need to find one that’s compatible with your ISP and fast enough to deliver the download speeds you pay for. But buying your own cable modem is always a smart decision: you’ll save on monthly rental fees and, in some cases, you can even get models with added functionality, such as a built-in wireless router for WiFi.
Here’s everything you need to know about picking the right modem: the specs it needs to have, the brands to trust, and how much you’ll pay to find the right one for you. If you’re ready to buy a cable modem, take a look at our top recommendations.
Key considerations
Before you start shopping, answer these questions. It will make it much easier to find the right model more quickly.
Do you get gigabit service from your ISP?
Most ISPs offer “high-speed” internet, and in reality, that means “megabit” internet that typically gets as fast as 400 megabits per second (Mbps). That’s plenty fast for most users, and can even support tasks that use a lot of data, like streaming 4K video. That said, the next generation of internet speed – gigabit internet, is here – and it’s ideal for homes with high data needs (like streaming multiple 4K videos at the same time, playing games online, or downloading especially large files). If you need basic high-speed internet, get a DOCSIS 3.0 modem; but if you’ve signed up for gigabit service, you’ll need a DOCSIS 3.1 modem.
Do you plan on using a separate wireless router?
On its own, a cable modem delivers wired internet service, so you’ll need to take extra steps if you want the signal to be available wirelessly (that is, if you need WiFi, which you probably do). If you’re a fan of simplicity, you might be interested in getting a combo unit that’s got both a cable modem and a wireless router inside. That can be pretty convenient, but wireless routers evolve faster than modems, so there’s a decent chance you’ll need to buy a new wireless router before you buy a new modem. If you prefer to have WiFi that can keep up with the latest standards, buy a separate wireless router.
Do you get landline phone service from your ISP?
Many customers subscribe to all-in-one bundles from their ISP and get internet, TV, and phone service as a package deal. If you get phone service from your ISP for your landline, you’ll need to get a modem with telephony service to replace it.
We research the internal hardware of each modem to identify products with reliable chipsets and no manufacturing or design defects.
We understand that many consumers are best served by a standalone modem connected to a router via Ethernet cable. In our research, we look for this type of modem.
When researching products, we learn about the quality of the company’s customer support. Should you run into problems with your modem, we understand that access to quality customer support is crucial.
Reliability matters when it comes to modems. We research the track record of the various modems on our list, carefully noting which ones can stand the test of time.
We look at modems at a range of prices, from $50 to $350, to find offerings that would serve the needs of all consumers.
In our research, we take note of the connectivity speeds offered by various modems on the market.
Because some of our readers are looking to minimize the number of electronic devices on their shelves, we also look at cable modem-router combos when searching for the best modems.
We see merit in advanced, ultra-high-speed modems as well as quality mid-range options that are compact and reliable.
Cable modems might get most of the press, but we also look for the most reliable and effective 4G LTE modems for use at home and on the road.
We carefully note which modems are suitable and certified for use with various ISPs and internet connection types.
Modem features
Although modems are fairly simple devices, there are still two key features that matter. Keep an eye on the following things as you’re comparing different models.
ISP compatibility
The single most important question to ask about any modem is, “Will it work with my internet service provider?” Most ISPs only work with specific models, so you’ll need to investigate compatibility ahead of time. Most modem product pages list which ISPs they work with, and most ISPs also publish lists of modems that are compatible with their service. Before you make your final purchase, be sure the modem you’re buying is explicitly listed as being compatible.
Data speeds
Different modems support different internet speeds, but the key thing to know is that all current modems either support the basic high-speed internet standard (DOCSIS 3.0) or the new gigabit speeds (DOCSIS 3.1) that some ISPs offer. Before you start shopping, log in to your ISP subscription account and check to see what speed you’ve signed up for; then make sure the modem you buy can handle that data speed.
Did you know?
Modems don’t generate a lot of heat, but they still require a decent amount of breathing room — many look like cheese graters because they have so many ventilation holes. Make sure your modem has at least a few inches of space on either side to prevent any overheating or performance issues.
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Modem prices
Basic: If you just need a basic high-speed internet modem, you’ll spend between $50 and $100. Models in this price range are reliable performers for basic high-speed internet plans. They don’t come with a lot of extra features, but if you just need fast internet in your home, you can’t go wrong with a modem from this bracket.
Gigabit: If you need a modem that supports gigabit speeds, expect to spend between $100 and $350. On the low end of the range you’ll find good, modem-only DOCSIS 3.1 options; if you spend more, you’ll get additional features like a USB port for adding shared network storage or a built-in wireless router. If you subscribe to gigabit internet speeds, or you’re planning to soon, you need to look in this range to find the best option.
Tips
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Write down your cable modem’s serial number and MAC address first. Even if you own your cable modem, you still need to register it with your internet provider, and they’ll need either the serial number or the Media Access Control (MAC) address to do that. You can usually find both on the bottom of your cable modem, typically printed on a sticker. Write them both down, and keep them handy, because there’s a decent chance you’ll be asked for them a few times.
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Return a rented cable modem to your ISP in person and get a receipt. Some ISPs will offer to accept your cable modem in the mail – they’ll even send you a prepaid box for shipping. In general, going the shipping route is asking for trouble. You’ll get charged for the box, and once the ISP receives the rented modem, it can take its time processing – or in some cases losing – the device. If possible, return your cable modem to one of your ISP’s in-person locations, and ask for a written receipt just in case the company continues to charge you for it.
- Check the grade of any included Ethernet cable. Not all network cables are created equal, and sometimes the one that comes with hardware isn’t fast enough. Check the side of your Ethernet cable to see how fast it is. If it says Cat5, it won’t be fast enough, but if it says Cat5e, Cat6, or even Cat6E, you’ll be fine. If you need to buy a replacement cable, buy either Cat6 or Cat6E. It will be fast enough for both current and future applications.
FAQ
Q. Are cable modems difficult to install?
A. No, but you’ll probably need to call your ISP even if the setup is easy. Cable modems are simple to install: once you’ve found the port in your home, you’ll connect it to your cable modem with a single coaxial cable, plug in the modem to a power outlet, and you’re done. Once set up, you’ll need to call your ISP to register the modem to your account, but that typically only takes one phone call to complete.
Q. How long do cable modems last before they need to be replaced?
A. Cable modems don’t have any moving parts, and they’re incredibly durable, so they can last up to a decade or longer. Most cable modems become outdated before they physically fail, so in all likelihood you won’t need to replace yours until a new, faster modem speed standard becomes available.
Q. Are DOCSIS 3.1 modems backwards-compatible with DOCSIS 3.0 modems?
A. Yes. DOCSIS 3.1 modems are built for gigabit-speed connections, but they can also work with slower megabit-speed connections as well. If you’re planning on upgrading to gigabit speeds in the future, a DOCSIS 3.1 modem might be a good purchase now. Just be forewarned that they usually cost at least $100 more than their DOCSIS 3.0 counterparts.
