Best DOCSIS 3.1 modems in 2024 – our top picks
If you are looking for the best DOCSIS 3.1 modem, then we have you covered right here.
The DOCSIS 3.0 was released way back in 2006, and we have come a long way since then. Today, the DOCSIS 3.1 is reigning supreme and it’s a significant upgrade over its predecessor. With the DOCSIS 3.1 standard, you get faster speeds, high-resolution streaming, and support for multiple devices.
Now, DOCSIS 4.0 is expected to roll out towards the end of this year. But on paper, DOCSIS 3.1 and 4.0 have one major difference – the upload speed. With DOCSIS 3.1, the theoretical speed is 1 Gbps, while DOCSIS 4.0 can give you 6 Gbps. However, investing in a DOCSIS 4.0 modem at the moment will be like future-proofing, and it can be expensive. So if you don’t need such high speeds, a DOCSIS 3.1 modem will get the job done without compromising much on speeds.
With that being said, there ae quite a lot of DOCSIS 3.1 modems available on the market. To help you get the right one for you, we have researched and listed what we think are the best DOCSIS 3.1 modems.
Products at a Glance
How we picked
For this guide, we have looked at several DOCSIS 3.1 modems from different manufacturers, compared them, and then selected the ones we thought were the best. The modems have been picked based on speed, compatibility, and other features. Plus, we are always looking for new products to add to our guides and keep them updated, so check back here again.
Product Reviews
- Best for speed plans up to 2 Gbps
- Multi-gig ethernet
- 32X8 channels
- Not compatible with a few ISPs
If you want the best cable modem for high-speed internet, then you should check out the Netgear Nighthawk Cable Modem CM1200.
The modem is compatible with major cable providers but does not work with Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, any voice service, and a few others, so do run a compatibility check. Further, this modem works with most WiFi routers, so you don’t have to worry about that part.
The DOCSIS 3.1 modem has 32 downstream channels and eight upstream channels, which can give you up to 2 Gbps download speeds. This means you can use this modem for high-speed internet plans.
As far as wired ports are concerned, you get four 1G ports. Plus, there is a multi-gig ethernet that can combine two 1G ports to give you one 2G port for faster speeds.
- Supports up to 6 Gbps
- Built-in WiFi 6 router
- Keeps 30 devices connected
- Expensive
If you want the best modem-router combo that can work with fast internet speeds, then you should check out the Netgear Nighthawk CAX80 modem router combo. With this device, you won’t need to buy a router separately.
The cable modem and WiFi 6 router combo works with several major ISPs. However, it does not work with a few ISPs and any bundled voice service, so check for compatibility before you buy.
The DOCSIS 3.1 modem has a 32X8 channel bonding, so you can expect faster download speeds and decent upload speeds. Plus, the modem supports speeds up to 6 Gbps, which means it would work well with high-speed gigabit plans.
Much like some of the best modem router combos, this device also doubles up as your WiFi 6 dual-band router. The device can cover up to 2,500 sq. ft. of area and keep up to 30 devices connected, which makes it suitable for houses with limited users. For wired connectivity, the device offers four 1G ports and a 2.5G multi-gig port, so you should be able to plug in computers, consoles, and other devices.
As far as security is concerned, the modem-router combo works with WPA, WPA2, and WPA3 protocols. Plus, you can opt-in for advanced security options like VPN, with a Netgear Armor subscription.
- Support for up to 1 Gbps
- Active Queue Management
- Budget-friendly
- No fancy features
If budget is a constraint, then you should check out the Motorola MB8600 cable modem. The device strikes a good balance between useful features and price, and we think it’s one of the best cable modems.
To start with, the modem supports internet plans up to 1000 Mbps, which means you can use it for plans up to 1 gig. The modem has a 32×8 channel configuration, which should give you good download speed and decent upload speed. For better performance, the modem has Active Queue Management (AQM), which should faster connections.
Plus, this modem works with Comcast Xfinity, Xfinity X1, Cox, and CableOne – so you won’t have to worry about compatibility issues if you have these ISPs. Further, you can pair it up with any routers, including mesh systems, which should add better flexibility.
- Support up to 2.5 Gbps
- Widely compatible
- Easy set up
- No link aggregation
If you want a reasonably-priced modem for your gigabit internet plan, then you should check out the Arris Surfboard S33 modem. In fact, we think it deserves to be one of the best gigabit modems.
The DOCSIS 3.1 modem supports internet plans up to 2.5 Gbps, so you should not have any issues using this with high-speed plans. Plus, there are 2.5G and 1G ports for better wired connectivity.
This cable modem is compatible with several major ISPs in the US, so you won’t have any trouble getting your internet up and running. However, we’d suggest double-checking compatibility before you invest.
Talking about setups, the Arris modem is quite easy to set up. All you have to do is plug in the device, install the SURFboard Central app, activate the modem, and connect to your WiFi router.
How to pick the best DOCSIS 3.1 modem
Here are a few things to consider before getting a DOCSIS 3.1 modem –
Compatibility
To start with, you need to check whether the modem is compatible with your Internet Service Provider. Not all modems work with any and every ISP, so you need to be mindful of this aspect while shopping.
Speed
To make the most of your internet plan, you need a modem that supports high-speed internet or at least the speed you’re going for. For instance, if you have a 1 Gbps plan, then you need a modem that supports 1 Gbps speed.
Combo or standalone
Now, you can either get a cable modem or a modem-router combo, the choice depends on your preference. If you go for a cable modem, then you will have to get a router separately. On the other hand, if you get a modem-router combination, you won’t have to do that.
Does DOCSIS 3.1 support 10G?
Yes, theoretically, DOCSIS 3.1 modems can support up to 10 Gbps speed for downloads and up to 1 Gbps or 1.5 Gbps for uploads.
Is DOCSIS 3.1 worth it?
if you want high-speed internet (above 1,000 Mbps), better download speeds, and support for multiple devices, then yes, DOCSIS 3.1 is a good investment.
Our Verdict
If you want a cable modem for internet plans up to 2 Gbps, then the Netgear Nighthawk Cable Modem CM1200 is a good pick. The modem works with several major ISPs in the US, excluding a few, so do check for compatibility. Further, the DOCSIS 3.1 modem has a 32×8 channel bond, which means you should be able to get high internet speeds.