We then choose a shorter list for in-depth research and testing before finalizing our top picks. The modem is what converts a cable signal from your internet service provider (ISP) into something that a digital device like a computer can understand. There are other advantages to buying your own modem. These are the products we considered that ultimately didn't make our top 5. Subscribing to internet service through a cable provider can entail a whole new set of fees in addition to your base subscription price. Q. Gigabit: If you need a modem that supports gigabit speeds, expect to spend between $100 and $350. The Ethernet port is how your cable modem will communicate with other devices in your home. If you’re planning to jump onto a higher-speed internet plan, then you need a cable modem that can keep up with the latest DOCSIS 3.1 standards, and this is where Motorola’s MB8600 comes in. Thankfully, however, DOCSIS 3.1 is backward compatible, meaning that if you have a modem that supports DOCSIS 3.1 and an ISP that only supports up to DOCSIS 3.0, you'll still be fine, plus you'll already have a modem that's ready to go when your ISP eventually does roll out DOCSIS 3.1 support. The wireless router is no slouch either, offering two bands at 2.4GHz and 5GHz, plus AnyBeam technology that focuses the connection based on your wireless client. Motorola's MB7621 is a really affordable cable modem that can pay for itself in only a few months with the money that you'll save by returning your rental modem, and thanks to its 24x8 DOCSIS 3.0 channel support it will easily handle the fastest internet plans of today, with support for upload speeds of up to 246Mbps and download speeds theoretically capable of reaching 1Gbps, although you'll only get 600Mbps from most major cable providers. Go to rogers.com. If you want real gigabit fibre-optic class speeds you'll need to invest in a DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem." 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. Use our ISP and internet plan comparison tool below to find the best deals on Rogers Internet Plans. 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. ACCEPT. 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. Designed for people that stream videos and multimedia. For example, if you simply want to plug in the device without tweaking the settings—and don’t anticipate needing to in the future—then a modem/router combo might be the right choice for you. Capable of delivering speeds of up to 3.8Gbps downstream with a compatible router, plus 1Gbps upstream, this cable modem should offer ample performance for even the busiest families. Since most Ethernet ports still only support Gigabit speeds, link aggregation lets you connect two Ethernet cables between your modem and your router in order to get a total of 2Gbps of combined throughput. Yes. After all, the device will be in your home, and it may very well be out in the open, since you'll be stuck putting it wherever your coaxial cable comes into your home. Supports multi-gig speeds. DOCSIS 3.0 is the standard currently being used by pretty much all cable providers, but although it offers theoretical speeds of up to 1Gbps, most ISPs in the U.S. don’t go beyond 600Mbps using DOCSIS 3.0. Write them both down, and keep them handy, because there’s a decent chance you’ll be asked for them a few times. The DOCSIS standard isn’t the only thing that affects the speeds you can achieve with your modem. The MG7550 delivers the speed you'd expect from a modern unit, plus some cool proprietary capabilities. Whether you think you know everything you need to or you’re starting from scratch, here are all the features you should keep in mind while buying a modem. Basic: If you just need a basic high-speed internet modem, you’ll spend between $50 and $100. The Best Mobile Hotspots for 2020. Enter your address to compare your options and pick the best provider. Visit us at http://www.rogers.com.Rogers on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rogers/Rogers on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Rogers With a 1Gbps download speed, it’ll take 12 seconds. Close and reopen Internet Explorer. — Jesse Hollington, Tech Writer. Not compatible with other cable voice services. Get exclusive content, advice, and tips from BestReviews delivered to your inbox. 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. As you can see, there are a number of things to keep in mind when buying a cable modem. Best of the Best. Eight downstream channels. It will make it much easier to find the right model more quickly. The MB7621 also features an attractive low-profile design that means you can leave it in plain sight without the risk of it looking like an eyesore, and it won't take up much space. If you've got a 600Mbps or faster plan, or think you may upgrade to one someday, you'll want at least a 16x8 DOCSIS 3.0 configuration, for example. Recent processor. These devices have been getting better over the past few years, too, so you should be able to get by perfectly fine with the factory settings and options of a combination device. Of course, there are a ton of things to consider when buying a modem. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. Upload speed, at 262 Mbps, is not exceptional. BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. Are DOCSIS 3.1 modems backwards-compatible with DOCSIS 3.0 modems?A. N300 (8 x 4) WiFi DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem Router. For example, if you bought a modem/router combo for just $75, you can easily recoup your costs in less than a year. Most ISPs will have a list of compatible modems on their website, or, at the very least, you should be able to contact customer service to find out. To get started, select your Rogers modem: Arris XB6. When buying a modem, different brands might offer different warranties. Hitron CGNM3552, CGN3ACR or … 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. Netgear C6250 Dual-Band AC1600 Router with DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem, Best Budget: Although modems are fairly simple devices, there are still two key features that matter. Providing your ISP supports the newer standard, we think it’s a price worth paying. With download speeds of 1gbps, you can expect: Lightning-fast downloads; Seamless streaming no matter how many devices you’re using at the same time; Uninterrupted gaming; It’s the best internet service Rogers has to offer by far. There’s also a USB 2.0 port for connecting an external hard drive or printer to share on your network. 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. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t situations in which you should rent a modem. DOCSIS is essentially the standard by which all modems provide internet access over cable. While the DOCSIS standard and number of channels have a significant impact on the download and upload speeds a modem offers, modem manufacturers still normally list the maximum download and upload speeds that their modems can handle, making it easier to determine how fast a device will be without having to calculate the number yourself. The CM500 is a simple yet smart modem that can handle speeds up to 680Mbps, which means it can handle almost any connection you throw at it. There are advantages and disadvantages to both of these options, which we’ve outlined below. Their lowest internet bundle starts at only $69.99. On the pricier end of the spectrum, this 2-in-1 product features an excellent modem but less-than-stellar WiFi. There are a lot of no-name, knock-off modems that aren’t worth the money. If you get phone service from your ISP for your landline, you’ll need to get a modem with telephony service to replace it. A single Gigabit Ethernet port on the back lets you connect any wireless router, but the MB8600 also has another trick up its sleeve—there are actually three more Gigabit Ethernet ports hidden away under the label on the back, allowing you to connect a router that supports 802.3ad link aggregation to get multi-gigabit speeds; Motorola has simply chosen to hide the extra ports to avoid confusion, since they can’t be used for connecting multiple devices—you’ll need to hook up your own router for that. Netgear Nighthawk CM1200 Multi-Gig Speed Cable Modem, Best Value: While we generally recommend that most people buy a standalone modem and standalone router separately, there is a case to be made for combination devices. The two upstream and two downstream OFDM DOCSIS 3.1 channels will give you download speeds easily reaching 2Gbps, so you’ll be ready for your ISP’s multi-gigabit internet plans. Compatible with all of the major cable providers, the C6250 also boasts the simplified setup that Netgear products are known for, letting you get up and running with a simple call to your cable provider rather than an on-site visit. BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. Some ISPs will offer to accept your cable modem in the mail – they’ll even send you a prepaid box for shipping. The maximum speed that your modem can deliver has a whole lot to do with the "Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification," or DOCSIS, protocol. Which internet plan is best for your needs? "Although there are DOCSIS 3.0 cable modems that technically support speeds of 1Gbps or higher, chances are that your cable internet provider will cap out at 600Mbps over DOCSIS 3.0. Nighthawk Cable Modem CM1200. Models in this price range are reliable performers for basic high-speed internet plans. We look beyond the "in a bundle, for the first 6 months, on a 24 month contract, new accounts only" promotional offers to find the best ISP provider for your usage needs. So what’s a good download speed? VMedia is recognized as an innovation leader in the industry, and was the first to launch … 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. Easy set-up. The SB8200 is built in the same classic Arris style, but in this case the unassuming design belies the power hidden under the hood. The router also features a firewall and parental control features. Ignite WiFiTM Gateway modem rental Ignite WiFi Hub for easy network control and protection2 24/7 support 5 email accounts Rogers Internet 10 -Basic 2021 Login / Register Login Wishlist The coaxial cable connection is a bit awkwardly placed close to the power connector, but once it’s plugged in that’s not something you’ll need to deal with, and the compact size of the SB6190 makes it worth the tradeoff. DOCSIS, which is a short form for “Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification,” is the technology on which all cable modems are based. We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers. Print this article Email this article to a friend. Brands like Arris, Cisco, NETGEAR, Linksys, Motorola, and TP-Link have strong reputations based on track records of delivering quality modems. 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. Range is impressive overall, and speeds in the 5GHz band are stellar. Before buying a modem, it’s worth double-checking that the modem you’re interested in is compatible with your ISP. 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. Most of the time, ISP routers lack features, and they prevent you from getting much control over your home network, which might be important if you want to tweak your network’s settings. Return a rented cable modem to your ISP in person and get a receipt. Once you’ve decided on the type of modem or router to get, it’s time to think about some of the other features that your modem might have. It’s widely supported, it has a two … Well, for starters, with two devices, you’ll need to deal with more wires and set aside more space in your house. ", "Delivers the speed you’d expect from a modern unit, plus some cool proprietary capabilities. How long do cable modems last before they need to be replaced?A. Compatible with popular cable providers like Comcast and Time Warner. Compatible with Microsoft Windows 7, 8, 10, Vista, XP, 2000 and macOS, this modem can work with just about any computer. Most notably, there are rental fees for the cable modem and router that can add $100 or more per year to your cable bill. Even DOCSIS 3.0 offers some pretty fast speeds—maxing out at a cool 1Gbps, which is more than fast enough for the vast majority of users. A standalone modem is the route we recommend for most people. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. A single Gigabit Ethernet port on the back gives you a full-speed connection to your wireless router, although it lacks support for voice services. A budget-priced cable modem with standard competitive features and a low fault rate. Q. Pros. Eight downstream channels. Just be forewarned that they usually cost at least $100 more than their DOCSIS 3.0 counterparts. If you’re ready to buy a cable modem, take a look at our top recommendations. Learn more about the Ignite WiFi Gateway modem. 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. Customers can select from 3 unlimited internet plans and choose from a total of 5 internet packages. There are a number of companies that make cable modems, and they’re not all created equal. With an up-to-date processor and USB port, this modem has a slight edge over some mid-range competitors. Check Price. Naturally, at these speeds a standard Gigabit Ethernet WAN port won’t cut it, so the CM1150V offers a pair of ports that support 802.3ad link aggregation, so as long as you have a compatible Wi-Fi router you can get a full 2Gbps of throughput into your home network simply by hooking up a pair of Ethernet cables. 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. Are cable modems difficult to install?A. While it’s true that one of the advantages of renting your cable modem from your ISP is they’ll easily swap it out if you have any problems—something that won’t be an option if you’ve bought your own—the fact is that modern cable modems are very reliable as long as you go with a trusted brand, and almost all of them also come with 1–2 year warranties. Because of that, we recommend getting a modem that has at least a 1Gbps download speed. We think it’s worth buying a dedicated modem and router separately. Download and upload channels are expressed as a number “x” another number, where the first number is the number of download channels and the second number the number of upload channels. If you’re in the market for a new wireless router anyway, then it might be worth considering one of the best cable modem/router combos instead, since you’ll get the best of both worlds in a much more affordable package, but there’s rarely any good reason to go that route if you’re perfectly happy with the Wi-Fi router that you already have, as any cable modem should work just fine with any relatively modern router. Cable modems don’t have any moving parts, and they’re incredibly durable, so they can last up to a decade or longer. So what do those speeds mean? 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. Many customers subscribe to all-in-one bundles from their ISP and get internet, TV, and phone service as a package deal. Of course it’s also compatible with the much more common DOCSIS 3.0 standard, and with 32 downstream and 8 upstream channels, it’s as fast as a DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem gets, meaning you’ll still get outstanding download speeds while you wait for your cable provider to roll out DOCSIS 3.1 in your area. Modem prices. Best Overall: Arris Surfboard SB6190 Impressive speeds Great for HD movies and gaming Convenient LED indicator lights 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. We recommend steering clear of these models altogether as they're not only slower, but less secure. and give us feedback about your visit today. Who wouldn’t be tempted to subscribe to Rogers Ignite Gigabit Internet? Wears four 1G Ethernet ports and one 3.0 USB port. We’ve rounded up a collection of the best cable modems below that are ideal for anybody who wants to escape the monthly rental fees and get a unit that will be ready for the future of faster internet plans. Thanks to DOCSIS 3.1 Active Queue Management, the SB8600 is also among the lowest latency cable modems available, making it a great choice for fast-paced online gaming and video conferencing, but it’s also backward-compatible with the DOCSIS 3.0 standard, offering full 32x8 channel support for the fastest sub-gigabit plans, which means you can buy this one to stay ahead of the curve even if your ISP isn’t offering gigabit plans just yet. For most, we recommend buying your own modem and router. There are a lot of great options out there for high-performance cable modems, but if you’re also using your ISP’s voice services, your options will be slightly more limited, as you’ll need one that also includes a built-in voice gateway. For the ultimate future-proof option, however, Motorola’s SB8600 will have you ready for multi-gigabit internet plans thanks to its cutting-edge DOCSIS 3.1 support and aggregated Ethernet ports. There are two main components to a decent home internet network: a modem and a router. It’s a good idea to buy a modem that supports DOCSIS 3.1, even if you don’t think you need the improved speeds yet, and we think most should go for a modem that offers at least eight download channels and four upload channels over DOCSIS 3.0. It's also certified for use with all major cable providers, including Comcast Xfinity for speeds of up to 600Mbps and Charter Spectrum and Cox for 400Mbps plans, so you can have it up and running out of the box in mere minutes. Well, it really depends on your usage, but more is better. In this post, I will provide the details on the best coaxial cable for the modem to get a high-speed Internet on your system. There are two main types of cable modem: a standalone modem and a router/modem combo. Before diving into the features to consider when buying a modem, it’s worth considering the possibility that you could simply rent one from your ISP. Cons: Wi … Take a look at our router buying guide and our roundup of the best cable modem/router combos. DOCSIS 3.1 support with 2 downstream and 2 upstream OFDM channels promises twice the speed of a DOCSIS 3.0 modem, but it also offers 32x8 DOCSIS 3.0 support for backward compatibility, so it’s capable of delivering solid performance even if your ISP doesn’t offer gigabit speeds yet. Free phone support is limited to 90 days. Rogers continues to be one of the fastest internet providers in Canada.