Arris SURFboard SB8200
Score: 75/100
Netgear Nighthawk CM3000
Score: 78/100Rankings
The NETGEAR Nighthawk CM3000 is a high-performance DOCSIS 3.1 mid/high-split modem offering up to 2.5 Gbps download and 1 Gbps upload, featuring a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port and link-aggregation on two 1 Gbps ports. It lacks built-in Wi-Fi and carries a premium price, which may be unnecessary for lower-speed plans. Best suited for tech-savvy users with multi-gigabit cable subscriptions seeking future-proof throughput.
The ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 is a DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem delivering very high theoretical speeds and dual Gigabit Ethernet ports. It lacks built-in Wi-Fi and can run hot, with some users experiencing lag spikes and port issues. Best suited for households that already have a separate router and need a high-performance wired modem.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
10,000 Mbpsbest | 2,500 Mbps | |
2,000 Mbpsbest | 1,000 Mbps | |
2 ports | 3 portsbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.608 kgbest | 1.111 kg |
2 yearsbest | 1 years |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance(2) | ||
Maximum Download Speed (Mbps) | 10000 Mbps | 2500 Mbps |
Maximum Upload Speed (Mbps) | 2000 Mbps | 1000 Mbps |
Network(1) | ||
DOCSIS Standard | DOCSIS 3.1 | 3.1 |
Ports(2) | ||
Ethernet Ports (count) (ports) | 2 ports | 3 ports |
WAN Port Type | RJ-45 | Coaxial |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (kg) | 0.6078 kg | 1.111 kg |
Dimensions (HxWxD) (mm) | 133.35x130.30x44.45 mm mm | 121.9x222.0x234.0 mm mm |
General(2) | ||
Provider Compatibility | Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum | Comcast Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum |
Warranty (years) (years) | 2 years | 1 years |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Reviewers highlight the SB8200's ability to deliver true gigabit speeds on DOCSIS 3.1 networks, praising its dual Gigabit ports, solid build, and proven compatibility with Cox and Xfinity. They note the lack of built-in Wi-Fi as a trade-off and caution that real-world speeds depend on ISP provisioning, while occasional lag spikes are mentioned as a minor drawback.
Users consistently praise the modem's speed, ease of setup, compact design, and compatibility with major ISPs, but many complain about the unit running hot, occasional lag spikes, and Ethernet port failures that cause connectivity drops.
“"outstanding" for reliability”
Professional reviewers commend the CM3000 for its top-tier download and upload capabilities, emphasizing the 2.5 Gbps speed ceiling, low-interference DOCSIS 3.1 design, and the convenience of a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port with link aggregation. They position it as a future-proof solution for high-speed cable plans, noting its energy-efficient chipset and compact size as additional strengths.
Everyday users consistently highlight the modem's reliable high-speed performance, often seeing real-world speeds close to the advertised 2.5 Gbps download. Reviewers appreciate its seamless integration with mesh Wi-Fi systems like Orbi and its ability to handle multiple 4K streams and large uploads without hiccups. No major complaints were recorded.
