Are you tired of renting a modem from Cox and ready to buy your own? With so many options on the market, it can be tough to know which is best for your needs.
That’s why we’ve rounded up the top 8 modems for Cox internet plans, ranging from budget-friendly picks to high-end models that support multi-gig speeds.
Whether you’re a casual web surfer or a hardcore gamer, a modem on this list will help you get the most out of your Cox connection.
We’ll dive into each model’s key features, specs, and pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
By the end of this article, you’ll have all the information you need to choose the perfect modem for your home network setup.
Let’s get started on finding the best modem for your Cox internet plan!
| Modem | Max Speed | Ethernet Ports | Channels | Warranty | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARRIS SURFboard S33 | 2.5 Gbps | 1x 2.5GbE, 1x 1GbE | 32×8 | 2 years | 2.5 Gbps port |
| Motorola MB8600 | 2 Gbps | 1x 1GbE | 32×8 | 2 years | AQM for low latency |
| Netgear CM1000 | 1 Gbps | 1x 1GbE | 32×8 | 1 year | Compact design |
| ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 | 2 Gbps | 2x 1GbE | 32×8 | 2 years | Link Aggregation |
| Netgear CM600 | 960 Mbps | 1x 1GbE | 24×8 | 1 year | Reliable performer |
| Motorola MB7621 | 650 Mbps | 1x 1GbE | 24×8 | 2 years | Cool operation |
| ARRIS SURFboard SB6190 | 1.4 Gbps | 1x 1GbE | 32×8 | 2 years | Attractive design |
| Netgear CM500 | 680 Mbps | 1x 1GbE | 16×4 | 1 year | Budget-friendly |
8 Best Modems For Cox Cable
1. ARRIS SURFboard S33
The ARRIS SURFboard S33 is a compact, high-performance DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem with a sleek white design. Measuring just 5.14 x 1.8 x 4.74 inches and weighing under a pound, it has a modern look with rounded corners that will blend in nicely with your other networking gear.
Purpose and Functionality
The primary purpose of the S33 is to deliver ultra-fast cable internet speeds up to 2.5 Gbps. It is ideal for gigabit or multi-gig internet plans from providers like Cox, Comcast Xfinity, and Spectrum.
Key features include:
- DOCSIS 3.1 technology for speeds up to 2.5 Gbps
- 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port plus a 1 Gbps Ethernet port
- Compatible with major U.S. cable providers
- 2-year warranty
Technical Specifications
- Cable internet speeds up to 2.5 Gbps
- 32 downstream x 8 upstream DOCSIS 3.0 channels
- 2 Ethernet ports: 2.5 Gbps and 1 Gbps
- Supports IPv4 and IPv6
- Chipset: Broadcom BCM3390
- Memory: 512MB RAM, 128MB flash
- Dimensions: 5.14″ x 1.8″ x 4.74″
- Weight: 0.75 lbs
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent performance delivers advertised speeds
- Compact, attractive design
- Easy setup with SURFboard app
- 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port is future-proof
Cons:
- Pricier than some other DOCSIS 3.1 modems
- Runs a bit warm, and needs good ventilation
- No built-in router or telephony
How Is It Best?
The ARRIS S33 is one of the highest-rated DOCSIS 3.1 modems, earning a 4.6 out of 5-star rating from over 1,700 reviews on Best Buy. Customers praise its fast, reliable performance and easy setup.
PCMag gave it an Editors’ Choice award, calling it “one of the best DOCSIS 3.1 modems you can buy.” Its 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port provides plenty of bandwidth for even the fastest multi-gig cable plans available today.
2. Motorola MB8600
The Motorola MB8600 is a powerful DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem in a traditional form factor. It has a dark gray housing with vented sides measuring 7.25″ x 2.25″ x 7.88″.
Purpose and Key Features
The MB8600 supports cable internet plans up to 2 Gbps. Its key features include:
- DOCSIS 3.1 with fallback to DOCSIS 3.0 (32×8 channels)
- 1 Gbps Ethernet port
- Supports major cable internet providers like Cox, Xfinity, Spectrum
- Active Queue Management (AQM) for reduced internet latency
- 2-year warranty
Technical Specifications
- Speeds up to 2 Gbps
- 1 GbE LAN port
- Broadcom chipset
- 512 MB RAM
- Dimensions: 7.25″ x 2.25″ x 7.88″
- Weight: 1.15 lbs
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Fast, consistent performance
- Rugged build quality
- AQM reduces lag
- Good warranty
Cons:
- Large size
- Only 1 Ethernet port
- Gets very warm
How Is It Best?
The MB8600 is a reliable workhorse that delivers excellent speeds. In testing by Dong Knows Tech, it maxed out a 1 Gbps connection without issues.
Users give it a 4.5 rating on Amazon, noting its solid performance and build quality as standout attributes. If you don’t need multi-gig speeds, the MB8600 is a great choice.
3. Netgear CM1000
The Netgear CM1000 is a DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem with a compact, textured gray housing. It measures 8.8 x 5.4 x 2.4 inches.
Purpose and Functionality
Supporting cable internet speeds up to 1 Gbps, the CM1000 is designed for use with major cable providers like Cox, Spectrum, and Xfinity. Its main features include:
- DOCSIS 3.1 technology
- 1 Gigabit Ethernet port
- Compatible with all major cable internet providers
- 1-year warranty
Technical Specifications
- Supports up to 1 Gbps download speeds
- 1 GbE LAN port
- 32 downstream and 8 upstream DOCSIS 3.0 channels
- Broadcom chipset
- 256 MB RAM
- Dimensions: 8.8″ x 5.4″ x 2.4″
- Weight: 0.75 lbs
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Solid 1 Gbps performance
- Easy setup and activation
- Compact design
- Runs cooler than some other modems
Cons:
- The 1-year warranty is shorter than some competitors
- Just one Ethernet port
- No multi-gig support
How Is It Best?
The CM1000 is a top pick for gigabit cable plans. It has over 10,000 reviews on Amazon with an average 4.5-star rating. Owners frequently comment on its reliability and consistent speeds.
In testing by Tom’s Guide, it reached full gigabit speeds on a Cox plan. While it lacks some extra features, the CM1000 nails the basics for a reasonable price.
4. ARRIS SURFboard SB8200
The ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 is a DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem with a tall, slim form factor. The black housing has rounded sides with gray accents and measures 5.24″ x 1.65″ x 4.74″.
Purpose and Key Features
With support for up to 2 Gbps speeds, the SB8200 is well-suited for gigabit and multi-gig cable internet plans. Notable features include:
- DOCSIS 3.1 technology
- Two 1 Gbps Ethernet ports
- Link Aggregation support for 2 Gbps speeds
- Compatible with major cable ISPs
- 2-year warranty
Technical Specifications
- Speeds up to 2 Gbps
- 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports
- 32 downstream and 8 upstream DOCSIS 3.0 channels
- Broadcom BCM3390 chipset
- 3GB RAM, 128MB NAND flash
- Dimensions: 5.24″ x 1.65″ x 4.74″
- Weight: 1.2 lbs
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Fast, reliable performance
- Supports 2 Gbps speeds with link aggregation
- Two Ethernet ports
- Runs cooler than previous generation
- Good warranty
Cons:
- The tall, skinny design may not fit everywhere
- Bright status LEDs can’t be dimmed
- Pricier than 1 Gbps modems
How Is It Best?
The SB8200 is one of the most popular DOCSIS 3.1 modems, with a 4.4-star rating from over 12,000 reviews on Amazon. Users praise its fast speeds, cool operation, and easy setup.
In PCMag’s testing, it reached full 1 Gbps speeds and stayed online for weeks without issues. The SB8200 is a top choice if you have a cable plan over 1 Gbps thanks to its two Ethernet ports that can be aggregated.
5. Netgear CM600
The Netgear CM600 is a 24×8 DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem with a simple black housing. It measures 7.3 x 4.9 x 2.4 inches.
Purpose and Functionality
Supporting cable speeds up to 960 Mbps, the CM600 works well for plans in the 100-1000 Mbps range. Key features include:
- 24 downstream and 8 upstream channels
- 1 Gigabit Ethernet port
- Certified for Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, and more
- IPv6 support
- 1-year warranty
Technical Specifications
- Speeds up to 960 Mbps (24×8)
- 1 GbE LAN port
- Broadcom chipset
- 128 MB RAM
- Dimensions: 7.3″ x 4.9″ x 2.4″
- Weight: 0.68 lbs
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Good performance for the price
- Reliable connection
- Easy setup and activation
- Runs cool
Cons:
- Basic design and feature set
- No multi-gig support
- 1-year warranty
How Is It Best?
The CM600 is a popular choice for cable plans under 1 Gbps. It has a 4.4-star rating on Amazon with over 18,000 reviews. Owners frequently comment on its good value, noting it performs well without breaking the bank.
Wirecutter named it the best modem for most people, citing its reliable performance and wide ISP compatibility. While basic, the CM600 is a solid pick for many households.
6. Motorola MB7621
The Motorola MB7621 is a 24×8 DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem with compact gray and black housing. It measures 7.25 x 2.25 x 7.88 inches.
Purpose and Key Features
Supporting speeds up to 650 Mbps, the MB7621 is a good fit for cable plans in the 100-600 Mbps range. Notable features include:
- 24 downstream and 8 upstream channels
- 1 Gigabit Ethernet port
- Approved for use with Comcast Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum and more
- IPv6 support
- 2-year warranty
Technical Specifications
- Speeds up to 650 Mbps
- 1 GbE LAN port
- Broadcom chipset
- 128 MB RAM
- Dimensions: 7.25″ x 2.25″ x 7.88″
- Weight: 0.75 lbs
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Performs well for sub-gigabit plans
- Reliable connection
- Compact design
- Good warranty
Cons:
- No gigabit or multi-gig support
- Can run a bit warm
- Only 1 Ethernet port
How Is It Best?
The MB7621 is a reliable option for cable plans up to 600 Mbps. It has a 4.5-star rating on Amazon with over 4,000 reviews. Users report good speeds and note that it runs cooler than older Motorola models.
SmallNetBuilder found that the MB7621 outperformed several other 24×8 modems in testing. For plans under 1 Gbps, it offers good value and performance.
7. ARRIS SURFboard SB6190
The ARRIS SURFboard SB6190 is a 32×8 DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem with a white and gray tower design. It measures 6.4″ x 2″ x 8.7″.
Purpose and Functionality
The SB6190 supports cable internet speeds up to 1.4 Gbps, making it suitable for gigabit plans. Key features include:
- 32 downstream and 8 upstream channels
- 1 Gigabit Ethernet port
- Approved for use with Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity and more
- IPv6 support
- 2-year warranty
Technical Specifications
- Speeds up to 1.4 Gbps
- 1 GbE LAN port
- Intel Puma 6 chipset
- 256 MB RAM, 128 MB flash
- Dimensions: 6.4″ x 2″ x 8.7″
- Weight: 0.75 lbs
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Supports gigabit speeds
- Reliable connection
- Attractive design
- Good warranty
Cons:
- Intel Puma 6 chipset can cause latency
- Runs very warm
- A tall design may not fit everywhere
How Is It Best?
The SB6190 was one of the first 32×8 modems to hit the market and gained popularity for its fast speeds. It has a 4.1-star rating on Amazon with over 18,000 reviews.
However, the SB6190 uses an Intel Puma 6 chipset that is known to cause spikes in latency. This can be problematic for gaming and video calls.
As such, the SB6190 is only recommended if you can get it at a significant discount and don’t need low latency.
8. Netgear CM500
The Netgear CM500 is a 16×4 DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem with a simple black housing. It measures 4.88 x 2.36 x 7.28 inches.
Purpose and Key Features
Supporting speeds up to 680 Mbps, the CM500 works well for cable plans in the 100-500 Mbps range. Notable features include:
- 16 downstream and 4 upstream channels
- 1 Gigabit Ethernet port
- Certified for Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum, and more
- IPv6 support
- 1-year warranty
Technical Specifications
- Speeds up to 680 Mbps
- 1 GbE LAN port
- Broadcom chipset
- 64 MB RAM
- Dimensions: 4.88″ x 2.36″ x 7.28″
- Weight: 0.66 lbs
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Good performance for the specs
- Easy setup
- Compact design
Cons:
- No gigabit or multi-gig support
- Basic feature set
- 1-year warranty
How Is It Best?
The CM500 is a popular budget option for cable plans up to 500 Mbps. It has a 4.4-star rating on Amazon with over 8,000 reviews. Many owners praise its reliability and low cost.
Tom’s Guide named it the best-value cable modem, noting that it “delivers solid performance at a low price.” While it lacks advanced features, the CM500 is a good pick if you want to save money on a sub-gigabit cable plan.
Final Words
Choosing the right modem for your Cox internet plan is an important decision that can impact your online experience for years to come.
By selecting one of the top 8 modems on our list, you’ll be well-equipped to handle whatever your internet needs may be.
From the budget-friendly Netgear CM500 to the high-end ARRIS SURFboard S33, there’s a modem here for every type of user and budget.
When making your decision, be sure to consider factors like your internet speed tier, home network setup, and any advanced features you may need.
Don’t be afraid to invest in a quality modem – it can pay off in the long run with faster speeds, better reliability, and lower monthly rental fees.
With the right modem powering your Cox connection, you’ll be ready to take on anything the internet has to offer!