Are you looking for a Spectrum modem? You’ve come to the right place.
Modems are more than the shrieking gadgets required for a dial-up internet connection in the 1990s (if you don't understand this allusion, ask your parents).
The value and features offered by the NETGEAR CM700 and ARRIS S34 modems will enable you to get the most out of your Spectrum internet service in terms of download speeds. Strong modem performance and intuitive Wi-Fi router capabilities, such as support for Wi-Fi 6, are combined in the ARRIS G36.
Best Spectrum-compatible modems
| Modem |
Recommended plan |
Price |
Channels |
DOCSIS |
| NETGEAR CM700 |
Spectrum Internet Premier (Up to 500 Mbps) |
$116.86 |
32×8 |
3.0 |
| ARRIS S34 |
Spectrum Internet Gig (Up to 1,000 Mbps) |
$219.99 |
32×8 |
3.1 |
| ARRIS G36 |
Spectrum Internet Premier/Gig |
$291.32 |
32×8 |
3.1 |
Although Spectrum is one of the few companies that gives away free modems, buying a modem will provide you with more options.
If you decide to switch to another cable internet provider or decrease your Spectrum services, you can keep your modem and avoid the hardware return procedure. Additionally, customers can rent a Spectrum router for $5 per month.
We have compared our suggested modems to Spectrum's three internet plans. You'll need a modem that matches your Spectrum Internet package to get the most out of your service. Check your bill or sign in to Spectrum if you are unsure about the internet tier to which you are currently enrolled.
Best modem for Spectrum Internet Premier: NETGEAR CM700
Customers who require fast internet can get it with the NETGEAR CM700, which is compatible with the Spectrum Internet Premier (500 Mbps) plan. One of the cheapest Spectrum-compatible modems available is the CM700, which is small enough to fit on a shelf or behind a desk at just 1.7 inches.
However, if you choose to switch to a faster internet tier, the modem will impede your download rates due to the CM700's marginally outdated DOCSIS 3.0 capability. Additionally, NETGEAR only provides a one-year guarantee for the CM700.
Best modem for Spectrum Internet Gig: ARRIS S34
The ARRIS S34 has a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet interface and a secondary 1 Gbps Ethernet connector, and it supports Spectrum Internet Gig instantly. The second port is not necessary for the majority of residential users, however, it can be utilized for sophisticated networking applications like port bonding if you are technically proficient or operate a business.
Compared to most cable modems, the S34 is less unsightly because of its sleek smart home speaker-like design. However, given the S34's high price, we would have preferred a physical on/off button to facilitate maintenance and rebooting.
Best Spectrum combo modem/Wi-Fi router: ARRIS G36
Although they are convenient, modem/Wi-Fi router combos typically lack robust hardware features and Wi-Fi performance. However, with powerful Wi-Fi capabilities that make your home network more user-friendly, the ARRIS G36 turns this issue around.
The G36 has compatibility with Wi-Fi 6 and dual-band, two modern Wi-Fi technologies. Additionally, Spectrum's Internet Premier and Internet Gig plans are compatible with the ARRIS, giving you a choice in case you ever need to change your internet package.
However, if your cable modem is experiencing connectivity issues, the ARRIS does not have a power button for fast reboots. Convenience features like a WPS button for wireless device connectivity and a USB port for network-accessible storage are also absent from the G36.
What to look for in Spectrum-compatible modems?
Since modems serve as the link between your house and Spectrum's network, it's critical to get one with the proper specs. For Spectrum subscribers, we'll go over the fundamentals; however, for additional information on modems, see the Cablepapa.com cable modem purchasing guide.
Download speeds
Manufacturers of modems will advertise download speeds of "up to" any certain amount when you're looking for one.
Compare these figures to your car's engine. Although it is capable of reaching 140 miles per hour, you will never be able to drive at that pace. In reality, network traffic and provider rules are some of the reasons that limit modem performance.
Just make sure your modem isn't faster or slower than your Spectrum plan, and disregard the marketing number if you want steady internet speeds. For instance, your modem will limit downloads to 100 Mbps if you have a Spectrum Internet Premier subscription and a 100 Mbps modem.
Channels
| Spectrum plan |
Minimum modem channels |
| Spectrum Internet Premier |
24×8 |
| Spectrum Internet Gig |
32×8 |
The quantity of download and upload channels on your modem is known as channel bonding.
A 16x4 modem, for example, has four upstream and sixteen downstream channels that serve as internet pipes. Although additional channels should result in faster maximum upload and download speeds, network and provider factors affect actual internet performance.
Our minimal suggestions for modem channels are based on your Spectrum Internet plan.
DOCSIS
DOCSIS, or Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification, is a modem hardware standard for data transmission speeds. If you're on an Internet gig or want to buy a modem for the long term, get a DOCSIS 3.1 modem.
Using Spectrum's current internet services, there is little reason to stick to using DOCSIS 3.0 modems since they are lagging behind DOCSIS 3.1 modems—Spectrum's free modem even supports DOCSIS 3.1.
