Table of Contents
Introduction
If you want to get rid of your Comcast Xnfinity’s monthly rental, then there is one very easy option. Go buy a decent cable modem! Yes, there is always a concern that Comcast warns about using third party hardware which may become unsupported shortly. But the modems in this list are fully compatible modems with the Comcast Xfinity network and will not get redundant anytime sooner.
Comcast has a habit of increasing monthly rents and they may do it again. Furthermore, the stock Comcast modems are average mid-ranged modems that provide average speeds and in most cases, cannot handle higher Gigabit speeds. Higher speeds are especially a concern if you are a premium subscriber of Comcast services which allow for higher speeds.
Do the math here. A 1 or 2-dollar increase doesn’t sound much but that equals almost 110 dollars a year. Thus by buying these modems you will be saving a lot of money. Also, since you will keep on using the internet even in the future, this means that it will add up to more savings. So let’s see what this list has to offer to you. Come along!
What is Comcast Xfinity?
Comcast is one of the largest cable ISPs in the United States and has a customer base of forty percent of all internet users in the country. With over 26.5 million customers, it is an internet giant. It started in 1996 and provided internet cable service through cable lines.
With internet service, they provide cable modems that come with a charge of about 14 dollars rent a month. But people who buy their modems are exempted from this fee. It also provides a budget program called “Internet Essentials” which only qualified families and students are eligible for.
In about 2017, they revealed a new platform they were working on, which offered a redesigned configuration interface that gives support for remote setup as well as easy management via the Xfinity mobile app. With this, also came a new X Wifi modem that supported all these technologies.
What Services do they Provide?
XfinityWiFi
Comcast provides a unique Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspot feature which is a network made of performance tier subscribers. The subscribers can opt-in and out of providing their home internet as gateways to the internet for the public. By default, the hotspot is limited to only 5 users at a time.
Landline telephone
Comcast also provides Xfinity voice which was launched in 2005. It allows voice communications using VoIP. Comcast prefers voice over the internet resulting in HD voice quality. The network is HFC that qualifies all the QOS standards.
Cable television
Comcast also provides cable television service to its customers with about 25 million customers. Since 2012 they have been providing internet TV apps and live streaming as well.
Home security and automation
Comcast provides home security systems and home automation services known as the Xfinity home. These services include full home security, burglar alarms, fire alarms, and surveillance cameras.
Xfinity Mobile
Comcast also operates as a Virtual Mobile Network operator. This service is only available as a part of their Xfinity package exclusively for the Comcast subscribers.
Comcast Business
Comcast has many businesses as their customers. Most of the Comcast customers are small scale businesses with few employees. They offer business-class internet and high-quality Ethernet services to mid-range business markets.
What Areas are Serviced by Comcast Xfinity
Comcast Xfinity are available on the following areas:
- Washington
- Virginia
- Utah
- Tennessee
- Pennsylvania
- New Mexico
- Oregon
- New Hampshire
- Mississippi
- Minnesota
- Michigan
- Massachusetts
- Maryland
- Indiana
- Illinois
- Georgia
- Florida
- DC
- Delaware
- Connecticut
- Colorado
- California
Why You Need a Modem Approved by Comcast Xfinity
A Comcast Xfinity approved modem will make sure that your third party modem fully supports the network infrastructure and that you do not incur additional costs for rent while using their services.
We know that Comcast warns their customers against using third party modems that they might discontinue the support for those. But it isn’t likely. The main reason for this is that the support comes from one factor that is the DOCSIS 3.0 standard which has been in this industry for so long that it is unlikely to go anywhere.
As long as your modem supports the DOCSIS 3.0 you are good to go. Furthermore, you can save at least 120 dollars a year by using these modems. All you gotta do is call Xfinity and tell them that you are dropping out of their stock modem and check with their Retail equipment compatibility tool to ensure that the modem you are buying is compatible with your network standards.
The Picks
MOTOROLA MB8600 DOCSIS 3.1 Modem
The Motorola MB8600 supports a maximum speed of 1 GBPS which is one of the top tier speeds. It runs on DOCSIS 3.1 which means that it will have support for all the previous versions as well as the newest version.
AQM technology actively reduces internet latency and gives you faster loading times. It has some of the most excellent customer support and is great for enhancing interactive applications like online games and video conferencing.
Features
- High-speed up to 1 Gbps
- 32 downstream with 8 upstream channels
- 1-Gigabit Ethernet Port
- DOCSIS 3.1 Technology.
Pros
- Multiple Ethernet Ports
- High Downstream
- DOCSIS 3.1
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Not all ISP’s are currently supporting DOCSIS 3.1
- Reported Issues with disconnections
Verdict
The MOTOROLA MB8600 DOCSIS 3.1 Modem is a high-quality DOCSIS 3.1 modem which can save you around 120 dollars a year. With 2 years of warranty and support for multiple Ethernet ports, this modem is worth a secure investment.
NETGEAR Nighthawk C700
This modem is a 2 in 1 cable modem that supports speeds up to 960 Mbps. With a channel bonding of 24 downstream and 8 channel upstream it is 5 times faster and cleaner.
With a 1.6 GHz processor, it has an advantage to fully utilize its channel bonding. It also has double firewall protection which is both SPI and NAT. Furthermore, it also has a nice little genie app to assist you.
Features
- High-speed Internet up to 960Mbps speed
- 24 downstream with 8 upstream channels
- 4 Gigabit Ethernet
- Dual-Band Wi-Fi
- Compatible with Comcast and many more
Pros
- Powerful 1.6 GHz processor
- Built-in router
- 24 downstream channels
- Parental control
- Guest Network
Cons
- Limited Warranty
- Average Customer service
Verdict
Although the only one-year warranty is a bit let down, the NETGEAR Nighthawk C700 is still the fastest of the modems. If it weren’t for the warranty, it would be on the top of the list.
Linksys CG7500 High-Speed
The Linksys CG7500 is one of the highest tier speed supporting modems that can reach up to 1.9 Gbps. With 24/8 bandwidth bonding and DOCSIS 3.0 support, it will work with all the previous-gen cable standards.
With 4 Ethernet ports that are supported by the Intel Puma chipset, this modem fits for online gaming and streaming. It also has a 3 x 3 AC Wi-Fi, the built-in router broadcasts data streams or ultra-fast speeds.
Features
- High-speed Internet up to 1.9Gbps
- 24 downstream and 8 upstream channels
- 4 Gigabit Ethernet Port
- Intel Puma 6 chipset
- Compatible with Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum, and more
Pros
- Fast Internet speed
- Multiple Ethernet ports
- Latest Intel Puma 6 chipset
- High Performance
Cons
- Little expensive
- Not the best for a large number of users
Verdict
The Linksys CG7500 High-Speed is a highly acclaimed modem from Linksys in a very affordable price that offers high-quality speeds.
NETGEAR CM600 Cable Modem
Netgear is one of the top supporting modems for Comcast Xfinity. It is a budget modem that offers high speed with a potential of up to 400 Mbps.
Although it will not be supporting other services like Verizon, DirectTV, and other DSL providers it fully supports Comcast Xfinity services and will provide you high speeds.
One of the disadvantages of this modem is that it doesn’t have multiple ports so it will not be able to work with gaming consoles.
Features
- High-speed – 960Mbps
- 24 downstream and 8 upstream channels
- 1 Gigabit Ethernet
- 8 MB NOR flash
- 128 MB RAM
- Compatible with Comcast
Pros
- Great performance
- Very cheap and affordable
- Simple to use and setup
Cons
- Only limited warranty of 1-year
- Bulky and tall
Verdict
Coming with a year warranty and an easy setup, the NETGEAR CM600 Cable Modem is one of the best value modems for Comcast.
Motorola MG7550 Cable Modem
This modem from Motorola is an AC1900 gigabit router that supports 16/8 channel bonding. It is 16 times faster than the 2.0 version and is also backward compatible.
The WIFI DFS technology makes your network cleaner as it makes it less susceptible to be interfered with by frequencies of other networks. Coming with a 2 years’ warranty, this is a good bargain.
Features
- High-speed cable Internet up-to 686Mbps
- 16 downstream and 4 upstream channels
- 4-Gigabit Ethernet Port
- Supports IPv4 and IPv6
- Compatible with Comcast Xfinity, and charter spectrum
Pros
- Great performance and speed
- Built-in Wi-Fi router
- 4-Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Simple setup
Cons
- Issues with the wireless range
- Security Issues
Verdict
The Motorola MG7550 Cable Modem is a basic Comcast modem with high speed and innovative features.
NETGEAR CM500-1AZNAS
The Netgear CM500 is a top of the line budget device that is sleek and powerful. It delivers maximum speed with the option to connect it to multiple devices.
With high-speed support and multiple Ethernet ports, you will be able to connect it to your gaming consoles without any issue.
The only issue we encountered was the firmware upgrade which can only be done by your service provider.
Features
- High-speed Internet up-to 680Mbps
- 16 downstream and 4 upstream channels
- Gigabit Ethernet port with AST (auto-sensing technology)
- Compatible with any Wi-Fi router
- Supports Comcast, Cox, and Spectrum
Pros
- High-Speed Cable Internet
- Affordable and great value for the price
- High performance
Cons
- Heating Issues
- 1-year warranty period
Verdict
The NETGEAR CM500-1AZNAS is an ultimate budget modem that supports multiple outputs for flexibility and best overall usage.
ARRIS SURFboard SB6183
This modem wins in speed and performance. Although it is a lesser-known brand, it gives you tons of new features. Unlike other average models, this supports 16 channels for upstream which makes your internet more responsive.
You also get a two-year warranty for this. But the only thing we didn’t like was that the LED lights are too bright that they are almost hard to look at. Also, it tends to get heat a lot.
Features
- High-speed Internet up to 686Mbps
- 16 downstream and 4 upstream channels
- 1 Gigabit Ethernet
- Support for both IPv4 and IPv6
- Compatible with Comcast, Spectrum, Time Warner and more
Pros
- High-Quality Streaming
- Dirt cheap
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Heating Issues
- LED lights are too bright
Verdict
If you want a third party Comcast modem in the less possible budget, then the ARRIS SURFboard SB6183 is the best choice for you.
ARRIS SURFboard SB6141
As evident from the name, this modem is designed to make your surfing smoother and faster. It makes your internet cleaner and provides you less latency even though it has only 8 channel bandwidth.
But then this modem is not made for higher speeds. It will work great for lower speed plans and you will see a visible reduction in latency.
Features
- Internet speed up to 131Mbps
- 8 downstream and 4 upstream channels
- 1 Gigabit Ethernet
- Supports IPv4 and IPv6 simultaneously
- Compatible with Comcast Xfinity, and cable one
Pros
- 2-year warranty
- Easy to set up
- Very lightweight
- Affordable
Cons
- Low Internet Speed
- Single Ethernet Port
- No reset option
Verdict
The ARRIS SURFboard SB6141 is a great choice for low-speed plans for bringing a cleaner network with low latency.
TP-Link TC-7610 Cable Modem
This is probably the cheapest modem you can find on the market. It has a maximum speed of 143 Mbps and is designed for low-speed plans. If you are using a lower amount of bandwidth for a lower number of people, then this is a great choice.
Furthermore, we like the simple and classy look. Also, it is a built-in router so you won’t need to spend on a separate device for routing.
Features
- Speed to 143Mbps
- 8 downstream and 4 upstream channels
- 1 Gigabit Ethernet Port
- IPv4 and IPv6 support
- Compatible with Comcast Xfinity, CableOne and Cox
Pros
- Simple and sleek design
- Very lightweight
- Good enough speed
- Very cheap
Cons
- Lesser channels
- Low tier performance
- Not suitable for large traffic and users
Verdict
The TP-Link TC-7610 Cable Modem is the cheapest available option for low-speed plans and a limited number of users with a classy look and innovative design.
D-Link DCM-301 Cable Modem
This modem is specifically built for small businesses as it is a router cum modem at the same time. It is compatible with all the DOCSIS standards. It is also fit for live streaming videos to your TV and watching Netflix.
It only has one Ethernet port so it isn’t designed to be used with a lot of devices, primarily the reason why it has low bandwidth.
Features
- High-speed Internet up to 150Mbps
- 8 downstream and 4 upstream channels
- 1-Gigabit Ethernet Port
- High-quality SNMPv3 remote network management
- Compatible with Comcast Xfinity and cable one
Pros
- Easy set-up
- DOCSIS 3.0
- Remote network management
- Compatible with major ISP’s
Cons
- Lower tier upload speed
- Only one Ethernet port
Verdict
If you want something cheap for a small business that can support high-speed connection with good latency, then consider buying the D-Link DCM-301 Cable Modem.
What to Look for When Choosing a Comcast Xfinity Approved Modem?
In this article, we have covered pretty much everything when it comes to modems. We have put in modem from every spectrum of the performance tier but here are some of the basics that you need to know before anything. This will serve as a basic buying guide for you.
DOCSIS Technology
Probably the most important and only major factor you need to consider while buying a Comcast modem. DOCSIS stands for Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification. It is the industry standard for sending data through coaxial cable networks. Although the 3.1 has recently been launched, 3.0 remains the standard. It is important to know if your modem is DOCSIS 3.0 compatible before buying your modem.
Max Recommended Speed
If you are a premium subscriber, then you need to see the maximum supported speed by the modem. If you don’t get a powerful enough modem, you will not get all the speed even if your data plan supports it. The lower speed modem will bottleneck your internet and will not give you the intended experience.
Channel Bonding
Just like the traffic lanes, the more the merrier; the internet channels work the same way. More channels mean more traffic through the channels without compromising on speeds. But the higher channel modems cost more, therefore, if you don’t need that many channels modem just buy a cheap one and save your money.
Recommendation
Best overall – NETGEAR CM500
The Netgear CM500 tops as our best overall choice as it comes at an affordable price yet it is not limited by speed. Unlike many other modems, it supports 16 channels downstream with an AST Gigabit port. For an all-purpose modem, this is a great choice.
Runner up – MOTOROLA MB8600
The Motorola MB8600 beats all other modems in terms of high-end features. Offering some of the highest supported speeds with 32 upstream channels and 2 years’ warranty, this modem stands out on its own.
Best value for money – TP-Link TC-7610
TP-Link TC-7610 Cable Modem is the cheapest modem on this list. With 143 Mbps speeds and an average 8 downstream channels, this is a great choice if you have a small scale business or want it for home use.
Final Words
This list of the best Comcast Xfinity modems has some of the most affordable and cheap and some more expensive ones with premium features. Some of them are the best in regards to their speed but there are some choices which you can get only by putting in a few more bucks and getting more performance.
Most of the modems are routers as well so they will also afford you more savings and you won’t have to deal with many devices and a lot of wires all at once. You will have an all in one setup for your network. There are also hundreds of other choices available on My Devices by Xfinity, but we have picked out the best in value and performance among them. So, we have done all the hard work for you so that you can choose the best for yourself with ease.
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