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7 Best Modems for Spectrum Internet in 2023 [Top Picks]
- Admin
- November 24, 2023
Sparklight charges $12.50 per month for the supplied equipment, totaling $150 for a year. This may sound fair, but trust me, it isn’t. Because, the provided features, speeds, and network performance are quite subpar.
I had it for a month, but it was slow at times and the device couldn’t cover 2,500 Sq Ft despite a few walls. So, what’s the way out? Well, using the third-party equipment. However, with so many options available in the retail space, it can be quite overwhelming to select the right device. And that’s where I step in.
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Best Cable Modems for Sparklight
There’s a long list of supported modems but it includes some outdated models and those that tend to lag and overheat after some use. This is why I took the time to test 18 different devices and handpicked the top 6 choices for you.
Note: While the modem is free, they charge $5 monthly for the WiFi gateway. To terminate this fee, you must replace it with a third-party router. The same will provide the latest features, enhanced security, and better performance
Best Stand-alone Modem: ARRIS SURFboard S33
ARRIS SURFboard S33
- Supported Plan: Gig (1 Gbps)
- DOCSIS Protocol: 3.1
- Downstream Upstream Channels: 32 x 8
- Ports: 1 x 2.5Gig Ethernet + 1 x Gig Ethernet
- Modem/Router Combo: No
159.00
If you’re into gaming or streaming, you can’t go wrong with the Motorola MB8611. It’s a DOCSIS 3.1 modem with AQM support that resonates well with its powerful processor and multi-gig port to deliver higher speeds and lower latency.
Speeds & Performance
The 32 x 8 channels and 2 x 2 OFDM/OFDMA support make it one of the fastest modems available. Its raw speed can peak up to 2.5 Gbps. Besides, it’s backward compatible with DOCSIS 3.0, so pairing any lesser speed plans is also fine.
Since Spectrum doesn’t offer any multi-gigabit plans, I paired it with the Internet Gig. The setup involved MB8611 and a Netgear RAXE300 WiFi 6E router, which delivered excellent speeds. At about 15 feet distance, my MacBook Pro experienced download speeds of 846 Mbps and upload speeds of over 36 Mbps.
Adding to it, the AQM (Active Queue Management) functionality is built for better traffic prioritization, which comes in handy in minimizing latency and ping to an extent. I could play most games like Call of Duty: Warzone, Titanfall 2, and Fortnite at 103-108 FPS.
Port & Connectivity
Motorola MB8611 isn’t replete with many ports, but its single 2.5G Ethernet port does the job of satiating the bandwidth hunger of most of your devices.
The wired speeds raked up to 907 Mbps and 42 Mbps, respectively, for downloads and uploads. A further speed boost resulted in a reduction in ping value and increased frame rates, making it one of the better gaming modems.
Conclusion
Overall, Motorola MB8611 is a top-rated cable modem that’s approved by Charter Spectrum. Its 2.5 Gig-E port and powerful processing setup make it my top pick. Check out its in-depth review for more details on hardware, design, etc.
PROS
- DOCSIS 3.1 technology
- Future-ready multi-gig port
- AQM for low latency
- Easy to set up
- Aesthetic design
CONS
- Single Ethernet port
2. Best Runner-Up: ARRIS SURFboard S33
Motorola MB8611
- Supported Plan: Gig (1 Gbps)
- DOCSIS Protocol: 3.1
- Downstream Upstream Channels: 32 x 8
- Ports: 1 x Gig Ethernet
- Modem/Router Combo: No
$137.33
If you want to take full advantage of your Gigabit connection, consider the ARRIS SURFboard S33. This modem is a great choice, with its numerous features and capabilities, including one 2.5 Gbps and one Gig Ethernet port.
Speeds & Performance
Similar to MB8611, this one also offers multi-gig speeds, but unfortunately, Spectrum doesn’t currently offer such a plan. Furthermore, theoretically, the ARRIS S33 ensures a maximum throughput of 3.5 Gbps.
In my test with the Internet Gig plan + Netgear RAXE300 router, it could deliver a download speed of 843 Mbps and an upload speed of 35 Mbps.
There are 2 high-speed slots to account for; one Gig Ethernet slot and one 2.5 Gbps wired slot. Complementing the same is the Link Aggregation support that allows you to combine the wired throughput for assuming maximum speeds of up to 3.5 Gbps, only if the ISP has the requisite hardware for the same.
In addition to the wireless connections, I could enjoy the fastest possible wired speeds of 907 Mbps in download and over 43 Mbps in upload
Port & Connectivity
There are 2 high-speed slots to account for; one Gig Ethernet slot and one 2.5 Gbps wired slot. Complementing the same is the Link Aggregation support that allows you to combine the wired throughput for assuming maximum speeds of up to 3.5 Gbps, only if the ISP has the requisite hardware for the same.
In addition to the wireless connections, I could enjoy the fastest possible wired speeds of 907 Mbps in download and over 43 Mbps in upload
Conclusion
The integrated spectrum analyzer, bandwidth tuner, and an additional ethernet port make quite a compelling case for SURFboard S33. If you’re interested in learning more about it, read the full review.
However, if you’re confused about choosing between my top pick and this one, check out my detailed comparison.
PROS
- Latest networking standards
- Faster throughput
- Two Ethernet ports
- Built-in bandwidth tuner
- New modem design
CONS
- No major con
3. Best Modem/Router Combo: ARRIS SURFboard G34
Looking for an all-in-one networking device? Check out ARRIS G34!
Netgear CAX30S
- Supported Plan: Gig (1 Gbps)
- DOCSIS Protocol: 3.1
- Downstream Upstream Channels: 32 x 8
- Ports: 4 x Gig Ethernet + 1 x USB 3.0
- Modem/Router Combo: Yes
$370.99
Not every Spectrum modem is as functional as the ARRIS SURFboard G34, a 2-in-1 combo device that boasts the latest networking standards of both modem and router.
Powering the same is the future-proof DOCSIS 3.1 + Wi-Fi 6 setup. There are 32 x 8 channels to rely on, followed by 2 x 2 OFDM support for better data transmission.
Speeds & Performance
Despite being a combo device, it supports plans up to 1 Gbps. The built-in router has a throughput capacity of 3000 Mbps, which is split in its dual-band WiFi setup. I paired it with the Gig internet plan and observed the speeds at different locations.
Based on multiple speed tests at 20-25 feet distances, the download and upload speeds on my testing device (MacBook Pro) averaged 808 Mbps and 32 Mbps, respectively, which is great. I was able to perform all tasks without any lags or glitches.
I even played games on my iPhone 14, and the experience was still smooth. The support for QoS ensured stable network performance and traffic prioritization.
Regarding the WiFi range, the company claims it can transmit signals up to 2,500 square feet. However, I found the signals to be accessible over an area of 1,800 square feet. I had connected over 52 devices, and they were all running smoothly.
Note: The range may vary based on the size, obstructions, and type of your house.
Port & Connectivity
Unlike other options on the list, there are four Gigabit Ethernet ports on offer. Each port allows you to achieve 1000 Mbps worth of throughput for bandwidth-intensive devices. However, it lacks Link Aggregation.
Conclusion
ARRIS G34 makes installation and management easy by integrating modem and routing parts in a single device. Although it may not match the performance of separate devices, it’s still a reliable modem/router combo to pair with Spectrum.
For design, hardware, and other details, refer to my full review of the ARRIS G34.
PROS
- Latest networking standards
- Faster throughput
- Two Ethernet ports
- Built-in bandwidth tuner
- New modem design
CONS
- No major con
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