Top-of-the-Line Cable Modems for Xfinity Internet

Introduction

The world is changing, and so does the internet. Back in the past, we were accustomed to dial-up connections and download speeds that were good for nothing. Now, we are in the age of ultra-fast internet. Many different technologies are being introduced to bridge the lag between two connections, and success is just around the corner.

Most importantly, with the introduction of the fifth-generation of networking a.k.a 5G, we are about to witness the internet in a way that we’ve never before. The 4G connection we have is fast but 5G will be 100 times faster. Think of the possibilities this supersonic internet connection can achieve!

The broadband industry in the United States has been a major contributor in providing internet access to geographically remote areas, and high-speed internet to urban centers. With the introduction of fiber optics, our connections will be better and stronger.

Amidst these revolutionary technologies, one thing is certain. We will still whine about our internet’s monthly charges. Better technologies will cost us more.

However, there are many ways you can save on your Xfinity internet connection. The best method is to use your own equipment.

Investing in a good internet modem can do just more than delivering a better and reliable broadband. It can reduce your monthly bill too. Whenever you use the modem from the internet provider, they charge you a monthly rental for that. The monthly rental mounts up to more than $170 for a year.

If you are not sure that you are being charged for the internet equipment, take out your internet bill and check.

If you are charged a monthly rental, you can stop that right now by buying a modem of your own. This article will explain in detail all the other benefits of getting your own modem and the options available in the market for Xfinity internet plans.

What are the Benefits of Getting your Own Modem?

The internet is now an inseparable part of our daily lives. Since every one of us is dependent on the service, it is expected that we will spend some money on a monthly plan and maintenance of the equipment that comes with it.

Here are all the reasons why you should get your own internet modem.

Freedom of Customization

Purchasing a modem gives you the freedom and option to customize the settings according to the need. All the gamers and tech nerds can understand the importance of dynamics DNS, tunneling protocols, custom key lengths, and Wake On LAN. The new modems available in the market give you the option to do all of this at your convenience. Secondly, you get full control over your network which saves it from any potential attack by the hackers.

Better Performance

Getting an advanced router means that you will experience better performance. If you have a big house, there is a high chance that you will face signal issues in most of the areas of the house. Many providers tell you to add a Wi-Fi extender. However, it is better to invest in a good modem with built-in Wi-Fi and a greater range.

No More Throttling

ISP throttling is a common phenomenon but you can avoid it by taking the right steps. Buying your own modem will get you full control over your home network. As a result, your home network will have a great performance overall. The internet service provider will not be able to throttle your connection speed nor the bandwidth. The latest models come with a customization option so that with a few modifications, you can get the speed you pay for.

More Savings

Since we have already discussed the cost incurred by renting the internet equipment from the provider and how the prices go up every year, it is high time to purchase a modem. Once you purchase the right modem, you can keep it for the rest of your life. A decent modem will last you more than 5 years unless a better technology takes over.

1.1 What Modem Technology is Best for Xfinity?

Since the world of the internet is changing, our gadgets should change too. Now is the perfect time to invest in a 5 GHz technology as compared to the 2.5 GHz band. There are many problems with the 2.4 GHz band. It gets overcrowded and results in slower internet speeds and lesser bandwidth. However, with the 5 GHz technology, there is no such problem as network congestion. The Wi-Fi modem will have a better connection overall.

Moreover, you may be looking for the modems compatible with Xfinity’s internet connection. Therefore, all of our focus will be on DOCSIS 3.0 or higher modems. DOCSIS stands for Data Over Cable Services Interface Specifications. Cable operators use this telecommunication standard to provide internet service over the same network that delivers your favorite TV shows. Gradually, DOCSIS 3.0 modems are rolling out in the market and are capable of delivering speeds up to 1 Gbps. DOCSIS 3.1 is the latest DOCSIS technology but limited to certain areas.

At the end of the day, what matters is your usage and how much download speeds you want to get. After all, you do not want to spend a hefty amount on a modem that is too high-end for your house.

Lastly, the modem has to be compatible with Xfinity. The good thing is that all DOCSIS 3.0 or higher modems are compatible with Xfinity. So, the next time you get Xfinity deals, remember you need a DOCSIS 3.0 modem to power your internet.

1.2 Types of Cable Modem

There are two different types of cable modems: a standalone modem and a modem/router combination. Both of them have advantages and disadvantages of their own.

Standard Modem

We personally recommend getting a standard modem to most of the people. There are multiple benefits to it. If a new wireless technology takes us by storm, you can always upgrade your modem or router separately, one at a time.

Secondly, having separate devices offers you more flexibility in terms of options and features that come along in contract to a combination device.

However, there are some drawbacks to it as well. If you are a starter, two devices can be difficult to deal with. You will have to take care of the wires and allocate space for both of them. This might get a bit messy, but if you only care about the performance, there is nothing to worry about.

Modem/Router Combination

If you ask us, we generally recommend people to get a standard modem but on the other side, a combination device makes a strong case for itself. Having a combination device offers more convenience as you can simply plug in the device without tweaking the settings. Secondly, if your internet usage is basic and you hardly care about new networking technology, it is better to save money and get a modem/router combination.

These devices have gotten better with time. Most importantly, instead of investing separately on a modem and router, it is better to get a combination device. There are many options available in the market under $120. If you purchase them separately, it will cost you over $150.

1.3 Features to Look for in a Modem

Once you have decided on the type of modem, it is important to understand some of the features of a modem and get acquainted with them.

DOCSIS Protocol

As we have already discussed the DOCSIS system in detail, it is easier to understand why it is important for internet speeds. Bear in mind, you do not need the latest DOCSIS standard to get good internet speed. The DOCSIS 3.0 has been here for a while and is fast enough for a majority of consumers.

Many internet service providers confuse things. You only require DOCSIS 3.1 when your internet speed exceeds 1 Gbps. The main benefit of DOCSIS 3.1 is the backward compatibility. However, it is better to stick with DOCSIS 3.0 as the 3.1 variant is much more expensive and there is no point in having a DOCSIS 3.1 when your ISP does not even support it.

Channels

The DOCSIS standard is not the only thing that influences your download and upload speeds. The number of channels is a crucial factor. The download and upload channels are represented as speed times the speed (Number x Number). For example, a modem having 16x4 has 16 download and 4 upload channels. The DOCSIS 3.0 and later standards allow 43Mbps on each channel. This means that a modem having 8 download channels will be good for 344 Mbps download. Similarly, they allows 31Mbps on each upload channel.

If you are looking for an ideal modem, we recommend getting the 16x8 modem. This will be helpful in the future in case you want to increase your download speed.

Compatibility with your Provider

Before buying a modem, just make sure it is compatible with your ISP. Many times we end up buying a modem that is not supported by our ISPs. You can check the modem’s compatibility on the box, but it is always better to call the provider.

Ethernet Port

This part is for gamers. We all know that using Wi-Fi to play online games is a cardinal sin in the gaming community. Therefore, it is better not to commit it. Ethernet connection offers more reliability and steadier speeds. This is crucial for online games that require a rapid and quick response from the servers. Hence, if you are a gamer, always check that the modem has enough Ethernet ports to connect your PCs and consoles.

Top-of-the-Line Cable Modems for Xfinity Internet

We understand that with so many options available in the market, it is quite confusing to get one according to your requirements. Therefore, we created a comprehensive list for all the modems compatible with Xfinity’s internet connection. You can compare these modems according to your usage and get the one that suits you the most.

2.1 NETGEAR CM500

There are multiple reasons why Netgear CM500 is on the top of our list. We will try to highlight as many as possible. First, there is no point in giving you a recommendation about a modem that is not easily available in the market. Not with the CM500. You will find it at most retailers. The good thing is that Netgear CM500 works with all other providers in addition to Xfinity. Therefore, if you move out in the future and Comcast Xfinity is not available in your new area, you can sign up for any other provider and continue using this modem.

Secondly, it supports the download speeds up to 300 Mbps. This kind of download speed is enough for a vast majority of broadband users out there.

Most importantly, this modem has some great reviews on Amazon. Netgear CM500 ticks all the boxes. You get a combination of solid performance, good compatibility, and an affordable price range that you will not find anywhere else. This modem uses DOCSIS 3.0 technology. On Amazon, you can order this great modem in just $54.99. With all these amazing features, affordable pricing and reliability, Netgear CM500 is the bestselling modem.

2.2 TP-Link TC-7610

Ideally, you should sign-up for a provider according to your requirements. The households with a basic internet usage, involving regular browsing, social media surfing, emailing and paying online bills, need a minimal internet speed. This modem is for you if you have minimal usage and do not want to spend a fortune on an expensive device.

This modem is ideal for the users having Xfinity’s 100 Mbps plan. TP-Link's TC-7610 fits perfectly in your budget. It is surprising to note that despite being a budget-friendly modem, this equipment is fairly reliable and has great reviews on the internet. The TP-Link TC-7610 has a great design but the indicator lights are hard to spot. It is compatible with all major providers especially Comcast Xfinity. If you are on a tight budget, this is the perfect choice for you. You can get this modem in under $60.

2.3 Arris Surfboard SB6183

Another great modem known for its stellar performance and customer satisfaction is the Arris Surfboard SB6183. The box comes with a two-year warranty and has the DOCSIS 3.0 technology guarantee. This modem is quite compact, meaning you can place it next to your cable box, router, or near the power connector easily. However, its body has a simple row of indicator lights that are not easy to spot. The yellow lights are hard to see especially during the day.

The modem has a positive response on Amazon and its negative reviews are rare. You can choose the model according to your requirement. It supports download speeds up to 1.4 Gbps. You can either get the basic version having max download up to 343 Mbps or up to 686 Mbps. The latter is retailing at $66. The 10 Gbps variant has DOCSIS 3.1 technology and will cost you somewhere around $160.

2.4 MOTOROLA MG7540 Modem Router

This innovation of Motorola defines what the future holds for us. It is a combo device that works as both a modem and a router. The combination is backed by IPV6 that ensures the reliability of the connection. This is a dual-band router. It comes with 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies. If you have a connection somewhere around 400 Mbps, this device is the best for you.

The rear panel of the modem router is color-coded. This makes the installation easy. You can also monitor the status of the connection by checking the LEDs. As a result, troubleshooting is fast and convenient.

The quick installation, dual-band support and high-speed connectivity makes this device an excellent choice for all Xfinity customers.

The modem comes with an advanced network setting. It has a bonding of 16 downstream and 4 upstream channels. This highly advanced network ensures the data transfer rate of more than 350 Mbps, while keeping you secure online. All of this is achieved by AES traffic encryption. The price for this modem router starts at $150. We think of it as a one-time investment. You will have to purchase a separate router eventually. Therefore, you should get a modem with a built-in router.

2.5 NETGEAR C6250

This is another affordable option by Netgear. The modem has a built-in Wi-Fi router and provides extensive coverage up to 1,500 square feet throughout your home or office. It has the latest 802.11ac dual-band Wi-Fi technology and DOCSIS 3.0 support.

Most importantly, it can deliver download speeds up to 680 Mbps. You can stream your favorite movies and TV shows in 4k with your Xfinity packages via this modem. It is compatible with all the major cable providers.

The main feature associated with any Netgear product is the easier and quicker installation. The C6250 is the same, and very easy to set up without going through the pain of calling a technician.

This modem is perfect for gamers. There are two Ethernet ports so that you can hardwire your PC and play all the online games without any lag.

You can get this device at just $119.

2.6 Linksys CM3008

This is another great option for households with a minimum speed of 100 Mbps. It gets the job done. It is quite compact and does not take much space. It will sit on the corner of your living room and the simple yet elegant design will blend in with your décor. However, given this compact design, it becomes a bit difficult to spot the status lights.

Due to its great demand, it is quite difficult to track this modem down. Therefore, it is the last option on our list. It is an 8x4-channel modem and supported by all the major providers. The box comes with a one-year warranty.

Final Verdict

I hope you understand all the things that need to be considered while purchasing a cable modem for your Xfinity internet connection. This guide will help you further in your search for the best device. Bear in mind that the modem is the link between your internet service provider and your home Wi-Fi connection. If this link is damaged or weak, you will not get a good service.

Therefore, evaluate the aforementioned options and choose the best one for your home or office. It is a one-time investment, after all.

FAQs

Can I use my own router with Xfinity?

Yes, you can use your own router with Xfinity internet deals.

How much does an Xfinity modem cost?

xFi Gateway is a combination device and costs you $14 a month.