In order to acquaint with the fast pace of today’s lifestyle, we have to make sure that our technical equipment, especially the internet, complements it all the same way. There are a lot of ways to enhance the quality of the internet, however, the first thing you must look out for is the availability of a good cable modem that synchronizes with your internet service provider. If you do not want to invest in one yourself, you can look for an internet provider that offers a cable modem with their internet plans, for your reference, you can have a look by clicking here.
Although, if you are adamant to get your internet a modem buddy, we have discussed the essentials you should look for in a modem and you can follow the rundown to find out the best cable modems of 2021.
Essentials to look for in a modem
When buying a cable modem, make sure to look for the following essential factors:
The number of ports in a modem is directly related to the advancement of its technology. Ethernet ports can be used to set up a link aggregation or even connect to multiple IP addresses.
Your modem must be compatible with the internet service provider. If in doubt, contact your internet provider and ask for a list of modems that can work well with their service.
You must look for a modem that offers a good warranty period. This can help you if you get caught in the middle of a technical issue, in the long run.
Netgear CM600
The Netgear CM600 is one of the most trusted cable modems. It offers 24 downstream and 8 upstream channels supplementing it to be an extremely high performer. It is highly compatible with internet service providers which makes it an ideal choice for the masses.
The user interface of Netgear CM600 is easy to set up and use balancing the features in a much better way. The download and upload speeds are 960 Mbps and 240 Mbps respectively which transcend the expectations of internet speed all the same.
Pros
- Works well with most internet providers
- A high and reliable performer
- Slim and sleek outlook
- Relatively cheaper
Cons
- Its footprint is a bit tall
- Only one-year warranty
ARRIS SURFBOARD SB6183
Thanks to the high-quality performance and super reliability, Arris Surfboard SB6183 is considered one of the best modems of 2021. The all-white body of this modem adds a hint of exclusivity to the design and is one of the reasons for Surfboard SB6183’s immense popularity.
Arris Surfboard SB6183 offers 16 downstream and 4 upstream channels. Furthermore, its download and upload speed i.e. 686 Mbps and 131 Mbps respectively, allows users to experience seamless connectivity. This modem is equipped with easy-to-spot vertical lights that indicate its functionality.
Pros
- Two-year warranty
- Colored LED indicators
- Works well with most internet providers
Cons
- No icon to indicate LAN status
- The placement of coaxial cable is a bit off
Motorola MB7621
One of the reasons you should consider Motorola MB7621 is its downright accessible and helpful power buttons. Motorola MB7621 stands out the most when it comes to the performance and practicality of the modem. The ports are labeled and the user interface is easy to access. The instruction kit also makes it a lot easier to use the equipment.
Motorola MB7621 offers 24 downstream and 8 upstream channels giving you speeds sufficient for cloud computing and playing heavy games. Theoretically, the speed of Motorola MB7621 is 1000 Mbps.
Pros
- Inclusion of power buttons
- Two-year warranty
- Affordable price
- User-friendly interface
Cons
- Large size
- No voice feature
Netgear Nighthawk CM1200
If there is one cable modem that keeps up with all the merits needed in a modem, it is Netgear Nighthawk CM1200. It has two downstream and two upstream DOCSIS 3.1 channels that provide you with speeds enough to supplement heavy internet tasks.
Netgear Nighthawk CM1200 is equipped with four gigabit Ethernet ports allowing you to connect it to multiple devices at the same time. It can assign multiple IP addresses to each port enabling you to support up to four different home networks.
Pros
- 4GB Ethernet Ports
- Supports DOCSIS 3.1
- 802.3ad version Link Aggregation
Cons
- A bit expensive
- No voice feature
ASUS CM-16
With the sleekest and trendiest design, Asus CM-16 can be termed as the best-looking modem of 2021. It is equipped with DOCSIS 3.1 technology and offers 4 downstream and 16 upstream channels allowing it to handle high-speed tasks.
Although every aspect of the modem is good enough, the only issue is its old-school website user interface; it sure works, however, its usability is a bit difficult compared to the ease that comes with recent technologies.
Pros
- Sleek and compact design
- Sufficient speeds
- Value for money
Cons
- Old-school user interface
Netgear CM500
Easy accessibility and value for money are the two main attributes of Netgear CM500. It is compatible with all the major internet providers. It supports speeds of 300 Mbps which is sufficient for most tasks like gaming, file sharing, and video downloading.
It offers 16 downstream and 4 upstream channels and provides decent download and upload speeds i.e. 686 Mbps and 132 Mbps.
Pros
- High performer
- Works well with most internet providers
- Relatively cheaper
Cons
- Only one-year warranty
- Visibility of indicator lights is low
Conclusion
If you are fishing for a stable internet connection, a good modem plays a significant role. The modems discussed in this article have been tried and tested a lot of times and are considered the best investments of 2021. However, before buying any of the modems, you should confirm their compatibility with your internet provider.
