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Netgear CM500 — Review & Specs | Pricepect | Pricepect

Home ModemsNetgear CM500

Netgear CM500 — image 1

Netgear

Netgear CM500

$47.49

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CM500-1AZNASBlack or White16x4 Cable Modem (CM500) 1 Year Warranty

Expert Review Analysis

The NETGEAR CM500 is a compact DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem offering up to 680 Mbps download and 132 Mbps upload speeds. It provides a single Gigabit Ethernet port, IPv6 support, and advanced QoS, making it a budget‑friendly choice for mid‑tier cable plans while requiring a separate router for Wi‑Fi.

✓ Best for: Budget‑conscious households on 300‑600 Mbps cable plans who already have a separate Wi‑Fi router and want to eliminate ISP modem rental fees. Ideal for single‑device or small‑home setups focused on wired streaming, gaming, or fast downloads.✗ Not ideal for: Users who need a combined modem‑router solution, require Wi‑Fi out of the box, or plan to upgrade to multi‑gigabit cable plans that exceed the 680 Mbps DOCSIS 3.0 ceiling.

Pros

✓Supports DOCSIS 3.0 with 16 downstream and 4 upstream bonded channels delivering up to 680 Mbps download and 132 Mbps upload.
✓Includes a Gigabit Ethernet port for fast wired connections and low‑latency gaming or streaming.
✓

Price History

Current

$47.49

Average

$52.53

Lowest

$29.99

Highest

$59.99

Good Deal — 10% below average

Price trend (90d):0.0%

Best Seller Rank History

Now#12Best#4Worst#175 -5

Lower = better sales rank

Specifications

Design

Height60 mm mm

Width185 mm mm

Depth124 mm mm

Weight648 g g

Features

Quality of ServiceAdvanced QoS

General

BrandNetgear

ModelCM500-1AZNAS

ColorBlack

CompatibilityXfinity, Cox, Spectrum, Cablevision

Warranty1 year

Network

DOCSIS Standard3.0

Downstream Channels16

Upstream Channels4

IP SupportIPv4, IPv6

Performance

Maximum Download Speed680 Mbps Mbps

Maximum Upload Speed132 Mbps Mbps

Channel Bonding16 downstream × 4 upstream

Flash Memory8 MB NOR MB

RAM128 MB MB

Ports

Ethernet Port1 Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000Base-T)

Power

Input Voltage110-240 V

Power Consumption18 W W

Memory

Flash and RAM8 MB NOR flash, 128 MB RAM

Environmental

Operating Temperature and Humidity0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F), up to 90 % non‑condensing humidity

Dimensions & Weight

Height2.36 inches

Width7.28 inches

Depth4.88 inches

Weight1.43 pounds

Research Sources

approvedmodemlist.com

buyapprovedmodems.com

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Motorola SURFboard SB6121 vs Netgear CM500

User Reviews

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4.2

(14,792 reviews)

Low power consumption of only 18 W and compact dimensions make it easy to place in any home setup.

✓Broad compatibility with major US ISPs such as Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, and Cablevision without needing a separate router.

✓Built‑in IPv6 support and advanced QoS features help prioritize traffic for smoother video and gaming experiences.

Cons

✗Lacks built‑in Wi‑Fi, requiring a separate router for wireless connectivity.
✗Only a single Ethernet port limits simultaneous wired device connections.
✗DOCSIS 3.0 caps maximum speed at ~680 Mbps, making it unsuitable for emerging multi‑gigabit plans.
✗No support for voice services, so it cannot replace a combined modem/VoIP unit.
✗Reported weight variations suggest packaging differences, potentially confusing consumers.

From Expert Reviews

Praised by Experts

✓Professional reviewers highlight the 16×4 channel bonding for reliable HD streaming and online gaming.
✓Editors praise the easy self‑activation process for Xfinity and other major ISPs.
✓The modem’s IPv6 support and advanced QoS are noted as forward‑looking features for network performance.
✓Broad ISP certification is emphasized as a strength for compatibility across many cable providers.

Criticized by Experts

✗Reviewers note that the DOCSIS 3.0 platform is outdated for modern gigabit‑plus plans.
✗Professional editors point out the lack of a built‑in Wi‑Fi radio, requiring an additional router.
✗No independent real‑world speed testing is provided, leaving actual performance unverified.

From User Reviews

Users Love

✓Everyday users appreciate the simple plug‑and‑play installation without needing a CD.
✓Customers report that the modem delivers sufficient speed for HD and 4K video streaming on mid‑tier plans.
✓Users like the cost savings from eliminating monthly ISP modem rental fees.

Users Complain About

✗Consumers mention frustration that the device does not include Wi‑Fi, so a separate router is necessary.
✗Some users note the single Ethernet port limits the number of wired devices they can connect simultaneously.

Expert Opinion

Professional reviewers consider the CM500 a reliable, entry‑level DOCSIS 3.0 modem that excels on cable plans up to 600 Mbps, thanks to its 16×4 channel bonding, IPv6 support, and easy ISP activation. However, they caution that its speed ceiling and lack of Wi‑Fi make it less suitable for users seeking future‑proof gigabit performance.

What Users Say

Everyday users generally praise the CM500 for its straightforward setup, solid wired speeds for streaming and gaming, and the savings from avoiding ISP rental fees. The most common criticism centers on the absence of built‑in Wi‑Fi and the limitation of only one Ethernet port.

Common Complaints

Lack of built‑in Wi‑Fi, only one Ethernet port, speed limitation of DOCSIS 3.0 for future gigabit plans, and occasional confusion over packaging weight variations.

How It Compares

vs. NETGEAR CM1000 (DOCSIS 3.1)

Advantages

✓Higher maximum download speeds exceeding 1 Gbps for future‑proof gigabit plans
✓Supports more channel bonding (32×8) for better throughput
✓Advanced IPv6 and QoS features comparable to CM500

Disadvantages

✗Higher power consumption and typically higher price point
✗Larger physical footprint in some models
✗May be overkill for users on sub‑600 Mbps plans

Choose the CM1000 if you need gigabit‑class speeds or plan to upgrade; stick with the CM500 for affordable mid‑tier plans.

vs. ARRIS SURFboard SB6183 (DOCSIS 3.0)

Advantages

✓Similar 16×4 channel bonding delivering comparable 686 Mbps max download
✓Often priced slightly lower than the CM500
✓Broad ISP compatibility comparable to CM500

Disadvantages

✗Lacks the explicit IPv6 and advanced QoS emphasis highlighted for the CM500
✗No notable power‑efficiency advantage over the CM500
✗Packaging and weight details less clearly documented

Both modems perform similarly for mid‑tier plans; the CM500 offers added IPv6/QoS features, while the SB6183 may be a marginally cheaper alternative.

Rating Trend

Rating4.2/ 5Reviews14,794+428 reviews -0.10

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