Most internet service providers in the US are shifting to the latest Internet solutions, including modems that support high data transfer. The best DOCSIS 3.1 modems are those innovations to cater to the needs for connectivity. These modems offer low latency and fast connectivity, especially for gaming needs. Moreover, these modems are small while handling the bandwidth more efficiently.
But why is the DOCSIS modem becoming famous and mainstream, especially by the service providers? The main reason is their reliability and downstream speed of 10 Gbps. Although most service providers in the US still don’t provide more speed than 2 Gbps, they are still popular. However, you must know their application with your internet provider’s internet speed. Overall, the best DOCSIS 3.1 modem technology is better and improved than older DOCSIS 3.0 due to wideband channel support.
5 Best DOCSIS 3.1 Modems For Gaming
- Motorola MG8702 Best DOCSIS 3.1 Modem Router Combo
- ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 Fastest DCSISO 3.1 Cable Modem
- NETGEAR Nighthawk CM1150 DOCSIS 3.1 Modem with WiFi
- Motorola MB8600 Best DOCSIS 3.1 Modem for Gaming
- NETGEAR Nighthawk CM1100 Cheapest DOCSIS 3.1 Modem
- Purchasing Guide for the Best DOCSIS 3.1 Modems
When buying the best DOCSIS 3.1 modems for gaming or fast connectivity, you cannot just buy a random modem and start using it. It is essential to do market research and decide when selecting these modems.
We have listed the top 5 DOCSIS 3.1 modems that you can buy depending on your service provider’s speed. You will also need to consider your provider’s approved list of modems to prevent any compatibility issues later. Let’s look into the best options!
1) Motorola MG8702 Best DOCSIS 3.1 Modem Router Combo
Manufacturer:Motorola
Specifications
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Ethernet
Max Internet Speed: 1200 Mbps
Voice Support: No
Dimensions: 9.5 x 2.88 x 9.75 inches
Weight: 2.15 lbs
Although there are plenty of modem-router combinations on the market, Motorola MG8702 is known for its superior speed and range. It is the best DOCSIS 3.1 modem router combo as it combines power with speed. The device supports both 5GHz and 2GHz WiFi bands and provides exceptional performance no matter what operator you use for the connection.
Design and Build
Motorola’s new MG8702 weighs 1.9 pounds and is currently available only in black. The combo set comes out of durable plastic. Other vital specs on this model include 4 GigE ports, one USB 3.0 port for data sharing, and ten indicator LEDs that all serve to inform the user when something on their end has failed to function correctly.
This best gigabit modem router combo features dual Ethernet slots to satisfy the demand for high-speed data back and forth. One slot has gigabit support, while the other offers connection bandwidth of up to 2.5 Gb/s. Furthermore, it comes with a coaxial input slot and the standard input power port.
Hardware
The MG8702 router includes a Broadcom chipset, minimizing latency and transmission loss. However, what’s truly special is that it also comes with MU-MIMO support, which allows the router to establish connections with over 30 devices at once.
Speed and Performance
While the modem supports internet plans reaching up to 2000 Mbps, you might only achieve such speeds if you establish a wired connection. The supported devices like Smart TV, computer, and gaming consoles can get the speed only on a wired connection.
When it comes to wireless throughput, the 2.4GHz band for your Gigabit internet service allows for maximum download speeds of up to 180Mbps. However, the 5GHz band provides you with guaranteed download speeds of up to 970Mbps. Though each individual’s experience will vary based on many factors, these are only estimated numbers.
Compatibility
I feel the MG8702 is an economical choice for DOCSIS 3.1 modem and router combos that can fit right at home with any high-speed Gig internet plan. It supports the modern multi-Gig offering, but what makes this a sound investment is its ability to work with multiple ISPs like Xfinity, Sparklight, and Charter.
Purchase Decision
The Motorola MG8702 is a versatile device. It sports dual-band functionality, which means that the product takes care of your every networking need. The high-speed USB port intuitive traffic control with MU-MIMO capabilities is what you get with this combo. You also get control over the router through a mobile app for even the smallest details about your networks.
Positive
- High-speed Ethernet ports
- Good energy efficiency
- Complete protection from surge
- Compatible with DLNA
Negatives
- Slightly expensive
- Compatibility issues with some Comcast users
2) ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 Fastest DCSISO 3.1 Cable Modem
Manufacturer: ARRIS
Specifications
Connectivity: Ethernet
Max Internet Speed: 2 Gbps
Voice Support: No
Dimensions: 5 x 2 x 5 inches
Weight: 1.46 lbs
While other great choices for the best DOCSIS 3.1 modems are on the list, ARRIS SB8200 has drastically-improved standards and capabilities. Many older modems will be obsolete when handling your Internet usage, but the SB8200 comes packaged with DOCSIS 3.1, enabling it to move forward with technology. It is relatively cheaper yet still delivers everything a person would expect from a modern piece of tech.
Design Philosophy
From an aesthetics perspective, SB8200 is one of the most exemplary-looking DOCSIS modems on the list. It features manageable dimensions while the white exterior provides a blending look for its placement. However, the 2.2 pounds of weight seems quite heavy but effortless as you don’t have to move it regularly across places.
Hardware
The low-powered chipset running with 3GB RAM helps ensure that you have the speed and consistency of internet access necessary to jump right into your games without anything holding you back. With the excellent hardware configuration coupled together with the powerful chipset, you’ll discover that latency isn’t a problem because of the sheer level of bandwidth that is on offer.
Speed Performance
The modem showed excellent connectivity when tested for speeds upon connecting to the PC directly. It reaches 1Gbps of speed quickly and provides a stable connection for gaming and other needs.
The average upload speeds were 60 Mpbs which is impressive. However, what sets this provider apart is the technology and channel bonding options available, especially for customers who like to stream or share files on P2P networks and watch high-quality content.
Arris uses DOCSIS 3.1 technology to help streamline their customer’s broadband plans, ultimately allowing them to deliver data packets ten times faster than with DOCSIS 3.0 technology. The result is faster connection and internet connectivity at higher speeds.
Compatibility
The modem is compatible with various ISPs, such as Spectrum and Xfinity. The device can take a beating because it has a sturdy build. If any problems occur with the modem, it comes with a 2-year warranty to address them straight away.
Purchase Decision
I feel Arris DOCSIS modem will be one of the better choices. The price, availability of a second Ethernet port, and compatibility with multiple ISPs that offer service plans like Sparklight, Xfinity, etc., make it seem more than capable of accommodating multi-gig plans. You can choose from various providers and rely on excellent connectivity.
Positive
- It accommodates wired connections
- Speedy and reliable for connectivity
- LEDs for users to know the connection situation
- Quite easy to configure
- Excellent potential for traffic polarization
Negative
- It can be overheat quickly
3) NETGEAR Nighthawk CM1150 DOCSIS 3.1 Modem with WiFi
Manufacturer: NETGEAR
Specifications
Connectivity: Ethernet, WiFi
Max Internet Speed: 2 Gbps
Voice Support: Yes
Dimensions: 6.1 x 10.3 x 3.4 inches
Weight: 1.33 lbs
If you are in the market for a high-end modem with voice support, consider the Netgear CM1150, as it features two functional telephone ports and supports DOCSIS 3.1. It also has four Gig Ethernet ports, unlike its counterpart CM1000 which only has one Gig Ethernet port (and doesn’t have voice support).
Design and Build
The CM1150 is an excellent choice for a well-ventilated and falt device. It collectively adds to the stability and aeration of the device to prevent heating. It has a compact dimension while having a weight portable for a networking device. Its matte black design ensures a classic signature look from an aesthetic perspective.
Besides the impressive specifications, this particular product also comes with 4 GigE ports for connection to devices for optimal performance. The two dedicated telephone line slots provide an additional way to enhance connectivity, which is helpful if you’re interested in integrating with VoIP technology.
Hardware Setup
If you are into gaming, Netgear CM1150 has less latency, making your performance better. Also, it has a Broadcom chipset inside the modem, and if you have low bandwidth, it won’t be a problem because the modem will scale. And let’s not forget about QoS (quality of service), which will enable users to prioritize high-bandwidth tasks directly connected to the computer.
Speed Performance
As far as the speed goes, the device can go close to 980Mbps depending on the internet plans. However, it is worth noting that the device does not need to deploy DOCSIS for such speeds as its built-in DOCSIS 3.0 protocol can handle it quite effectively.
The maximum speed is 2000Mbps when it comes to downloads. It comes with the fitted two telephone lines that are more than useful if you want to get more out of the modem. Furthermore, the energy-saving technology and support for multi-gig ethernet allow for lower energy bills and increased internet speeds.
Ports & Connectivity
Netgear CM1100 is among the best DOCSIS 3.1 modems with four gig slots in the ports number. It can combine two 1G lines into a single but faster 2G line output. However, these features only work when the internet service provider supports this function. It helps in minimizing the latency and addressing the gaming ping.
Purchase Decision
The NETGEAR Nighthawk CM1150 DOCSIS 3.1 Modem with WiFi is an excellent choice for a modem in 2022. IT has multi-ISM support and is perfectly compatible with Comcast, Midco, Cox, Spectrum, etc. Moreover, the VoIP connection works perfectly, and the device seems perfect for the internet and voice plans.
Positive
- It has VoIP connecitivty support
- Aerated mesh for ultimate cooling
- An affordable choice for the modem
- It comes with four ethernet ports
Negatives
- It seems to be overkill if you don’t need voice plans
- Limited voice plan supports
4) Motorola MB8600 Best DOCSIS 3.1 Modem for Gaming
Manufacturer: Motorola
Specifications
Connectivity: Ethernet
Max Internet Speed: 1 Gbps
Voice Support: No
Dimensions: 7.25 x 2.25 x 7.88 inches
Weight: 1.09 pounds
Most modems don’t have hardware and software potential of supports streaming, P2P downloading, and online gaming. Motorola MB8600 best DOCSIS 3.1 modem for gaming, excels over the rest of the competition as it is a perfect choice for these activities. Apart from supporting these functions, it is an ideal choice for an affordable alternative for the best DOCSIS 3.1 modems.
Design and Build
The Motorola MB8600 is the best among the design competition. However, the weight is concerning as it has got weight to prevent easy transport. The dimensions and weight make it more gigantic than the options available. Plus, it got a LEDs light to show the different aspects of its functioning.
Hardware Technology
Motorola has included an ARM-based chipset inside the modem to offer minimized ISP throttling. Moreover, the full band digital support keeps the modem thriving and speeds intact. Besides that, the AQM support helps to handle the high bandwidth tasks by effectively prioritizing on MB8600 modem.
Speed
On wired mode, the modem works perfectly according to the claimed bandwidth. It provides an overall speed of 1000Mbps on wired mode for a faster connection. In contrast, the wireless connection speed depends on the router’s speed.
The MB8600 stays on DOCSIS 3.0 speeds at present. However, the technology has plans to upgrade to completely utilize the advantages of DOCSIS 3.1 by using 32 downstream channels and eight upstream channels when necessary.
Board Compatibility
The affordable MB8600 modem by Motorola has 32×8 capabilities while it remains top-notch for performance. It has broad compatibility with the providers, including, CableOne, Comcast Xfinity, Xfinity X1, Cox, and more. It shows the broad spectrum of use by the modem and its application for different providers.
Purchase Decision
The Motorola MB8600 is an absolute unit for the DOCSIS 3.1 modem as it is among the top choices. It provides good compatibility for different service providers and has faster ethernet connectivity. You can get the highest internet speeds without losing the bandwidth. However, it does not have any voice support.
Positive
- It has better prioritization with AQM
- LEDs for accurate information
- Better aesthetics and build quality
- Low latency performance
Negatives
- Lacks voice port
- It has only one ethernet port
5) NETGEAR Nighthawk CM1100 Cheapest DOCSIS 3.1 Modem
Manufacturer: NETGEAR
Specifications
Connectivity: Ethernet
Max Internet Speed: 2 Gbps
Voice Support: No
Dimensions: 10 x 7 x 5 inches
Weight: 1 lb
When purchasing the best DOCSIS 3.1 modems, affordability is a big concern for most buyers. Finding affordable options with all bells and tells is not easy. It is where NETGEAR Nighthawk CM1100 Cheapest DOCSIS 3.1 Modem comes in handy. The modem provides faster speeds while remaining top-notch in performance and compatibility.
Design & Structure
The CM1100 looks quite similar to the CM1200 in design and shape. It is one of the lightest DOCSIS 3.1 modems available right now. The black color exhibits the mesh layout with one of the most stable placements, while two ethernet ports play their role in accommodating the coaxial cable for faster connectivity.
Hardware Structure
The modem has 256MB of RAM coupled with the Broadcom processor to boost performance. It has a configuration that provides extended support for link aggregation. Moreover, it also supports the auto-configuration on the IPv6 standard.
Speed & Connectivity
Netgear CM1100 can support plans that reach up to speeds of 1000Mbps, but if you get multi-gigabit plans through your ISP and you’re using this with a new fiber broadband connection, you could enjoy download speeds of up to 1.2Gbps over a wired connection.
On the subject of channel bonding, Netgear says it can support up to eight upstream and thirty-two downstream channels simultaneously. It means you’ll be able to work at fast speeds as data travels along multiple lanes within a coaxial cable and is sent directly into it via two conversion technologies: DOCSIS 3.0 technology and OFDM 2×2 for handling congestion.
Purchase Decision
CM1100 is among the best DOCSIS 3.1 modems at an affordable price. It supports multiple ISP, including Comcast, Spectrum, Cox, and more. Due to affordability and vast compatibility out of the box, it seems the best choice for people looking for a faster internet setup for home or office use as it can handle speedier connections with ease.
Positive
- Dual Ethernet ports
- Proper QoS and IPv6 support
- Affordable pricing
- Faster and reliable connectivity
Negatives
- Less futuristic design
- Lacks voice support
Purchasing Guide for the Best DOCSIS 3.1 Modems
Some important points should remain under consideration while purchasing the best DOCSIS 3.1 modems. They help select modems according to your network and bandwidth requirement. They also help when you compare DOCSIS 3.1 modems for buying.
Price and Value
The price of any product matters a lot for the buyer. Anyone who wants to find the best thing should consider their budget. The Docsis 3.1 is a great option, and due to its low price range, anyone can easily afford this modem.
The price of the Docsis is very reasonable when we talk about the specifications and quality of the modem. Moreover, it will become more critical when you have an option to improve your internet speed and gameplay.
Mostly, these modems come with an upfront cost, and you can save money in the long run. If you buy your modem, you will not have to pay the monthly rent to your internet service provider. Moreover, you will also choose a contract deal according to your budget.
Internet Speed
The other main point for consideration is the internet speed. While purchasing the best DOCSIS 3.1 modem 2022, you want to get a good internet speed without any decline. When you connect through the Ethernet port, all of these options will help you increase internet speed.
While buying a Docsis 3.1 modem, you will get another benefit as this will ensure that the throttling and capping of the internet will stop and don’t reach very low amounts. It contains 2 Gbps upstream caps and 10 Gpbs of downstream CPAs for better speed.
However, it means that if the internet speed is running slow, it will still be faster than the older modem. The slowest speed may be as slow as 100Mbps. If you want to have an incredible speed of your internet, then you have to need 2 IP addresses registered for use with the fastest DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem.
Compatibility & Configuration
If your modem is not compatible with your devices, then it is useless for you, and this is the last thing you should accept from your modem. That’s why it is crucial to keep in mind that the modem should be compatible with your devices.
However, all of the options in our list are compatible with most ISPs, such as Xfinity, Cox, and Spectrum. But there are some limitations if you are a user of fiber optic service, so you should keep all of these points in your mind.
WiFi Performance
The compatibility of your WiFi router and the modem is also crucial. If these two are not compatible, then the speed of the internet will disturb. However, all of these qualities are compatible with most routers and modems.
Most routers need to have a WiFi router for connection, but some have WiFi built-in. The Ethernet port is the fastest source for the fastest internet connection. But at the same time, if there are other devices in addition to the gaming PC, such as smartphones, WiFi is handy.
Durability & Reliability
It is also imperative to have a DOCSIS 3.1 internet modem of good quality material. When you want to buy a modem, make sure that it is made from a sturdy and durable material. So that if it may fall from the place, then it will not damage.
Anyone who wants that their modem goes for the long run without any damage after an investment one should not replace it because it is damaged. However, some companies give their customer a warranty on the modem. No doubt, this warranty will provide you with peace of mind that you can change it if something happens to it within this time.
Security System
Security of your modem is a big concern when there are some complaints in the past related to security. Because some of the modems have been defenseless against attacks, and most of them are due to the cable haunt software flaws. So it is essential to make sure about the security of any modem.
Do the research and ensure that the modem is safe or not. Moreover, you can also receive software patches from ISP if there is any security issue. This software will help you avoid hacking attempts on the DOCSIS 3.1 compatible router.
BEST PRODUCT
Although DOCSIS 3.0 modems are not outdated and still pretty useful for most users, there is still a dire need for better technology to handle the high-speed internet effectively. The best DOCSIS 3.1 modems come in handy in this situation as they are an excellent choice for 1 Gbps and more networks. They improve the internet connection stability and help to reduce the latency for a faster and more reliable connection.
Best Product
The best DOCSIS 3.1 internet modem, ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 Fastest DCSISO 3.1 Cable Modem is the top choice. It is compatible with the 2Gbps internet speeds and offers voice support for connectivity. The broad compatibility allows it to cater to the need of almost all users while remaining reliable and better at connectivity.
MG8702 Best DOCSIS 3.1 is the best Modem Router Combo. This gigabit modem is compatible with various IPSs such as Cox, Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum, etc. this modem will work efficiently even you can pair it with Gig internet, and it will work without any problem.
Yes, the DOCSIS 3.1 standard and 32×8 channels can manage the Gigabit plans efficiently. They are also future-proof against the multi-gig so that you can rely on them for a longer run. That’s why DOCSIS 3.1 is out for satisfactory and future-proof addition.
Yes. No doubt DOCSIS 3.1 makes a difference because they handle their channels in a better way. Although DOCSIS 3.1 offers 32×8 channels, all of these channels ensure that they will move additional data packets to lead towards a better and faster speed for their users.
No, DOCSIS 3.1 is not required for WiFi 6. But if you want faster speed for downloading, then it will become handy if your cable internet service is capable of within the range. Even with the WiFi 6 and older versions, it allows quicker and more reliable connectivity.