Rankings
The Motorola B12 is a compact DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem delivering up to 2.5 Gbps downstream with QoS and LED indicators, perfect for multi-gigabit internet plans. Its single Ethernet port and lack of built-in Wi-Fi mean you'll need an external router for multiple devices. Best suited for users who already own a high-performance router and want a future-proof modem.
The NETGEAR Nighthawk CM1200 is a DOCSIS 3.1 desktop modem with integrated Wi-Fi 6, four Gigabit Ethernet ports, and USB 3.0, supporting up to 2 Gbps download via link aggregation. While it provides extensive connectivity, it still relies on a separate router for advanced networking and lacks 2.5 Gbps Ethernet ports. It fits power users who need high-speed wired and wireless performance on gigabit-class plans.
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 Hitron CODA56 is a DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem that delivers up to 2.5 Gbps downstream speeds and a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port, making it ideal for multi-gigabit cable plans. Its lack of integrated Wi-Fi and cable-only compatibility mean an extra router is required. Best suited for power users who already have a separate wireless solution and need the highest possible wired 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.
The Netgear Nighthawk CM2050V is a DOCSIS 3.1 modem with integrated Xfinity Voice, supporting up to 2.5 Gbps and dual telephone ports. Its exclusivity to Xfinity Voice and single 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port limit broader use. Perfect for Xfinity Voice subscribers who need high-bandwidth and voice integration.
| Attribute | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2,500 Mbps | 10,000 Mbpsbest | 2,500 Mbps | 2,500 Mbps | 2,500 Mbps | 2,000 Mbps | |
800 Mbps | 2,000 Mbpsbest | 1,000 Mbps | — | 320 Mbps | — | |
1 ports | 2 ports | 3 ports | 1 ports | 1 ports | 4 portsbest | |
— | — | — | — | — | 1 portsbest | |
| ↓ lower better | — | — | — | — | 8.92 Wbest | — |
| ↓ lower better | — | 0.608 kg | 1.111 kg | 0.493 kg | 0.462 kgbest | 0.553 kg |
2 yearsbest | 2 yearsbest | 1 years | 1 years | — | 1 years |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Performance(2) | ||||||
Maximum Download Speed (Mbps) | 2500 Mbps | 10000 Mbps | 2500 Mbps | 2500 Mbps | 2500 Mbps | 2000 Mbps |
Maximum Upload Speed (Mbps) | 800 Mbps | 2000 Mbps | 1000 Mbps | — | 320 Mbps | — |
Network(1) | ||||||
DOCSIS Standard | DOCSIS 3.1 | DOCSIS 3.1 | 3.1 | 3.1 | 3.1 | 3.1 |
Connectivity(1) | ||||||
Wi‑Fi Standard | — | None | — | — | — | Wi‑Fi 6 |
Ports(2) | ||||||
Ethernet Ports (count) (ports) | 1 ports | 2 ports | 3 ports | 1 ports | 1 ports | 4 ports |
WAN Port Type | Ethernet | RJ-45 | Coaxial | Coaxial | Ethernet | Coaxial |
Build & Design(3) | ||||||
Weight (kg) | — | 0.6078 kg | 1.111 kg | 0.493 kg | 0.462 kg | 0.553 kg |
Dimensions (HxWxD) (mm) | 5.5 x 3.5 x 3.5 inches mm | 133.35x130.30x44.45 mm mm | 121.9x222.0x234.0 mm mm | 208.28 x 93.98 x 172.72 mm mm | 8.13x1.77x7.0 inches mm | 10.3x3.4x6.1 inches mm |
Form Factor | compact | Modem | — | Upright | — | Desktop |
General(2) | ||||||
Provider Compatibility | Comcast Xfinity, Cox (up to 2 Gbps), Spectrum, RCN, Astound | Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum | Comcast Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum | Xfinity | Comcast XFINITY, Comcast XFINITY Business, Charter Spectrum, Cox Gigablast, Zito Media, Astound, Grande, RCN, Wave | Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum |
Warranty (years) (years) | 2 years | 2 years | 1 years | 1 years | — | 1 years |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers and retail editors consistently praise the Motorola B12 for its fast DOCSIS 3.1 performance, simple plug-and-play installation, and cost-saving potential compared to ISP-rented equipment. They note its future-proof design, broad ISP certification, and QoS capabilities as strong selling points for gamers and streaming enthusiasts.
Everyday consumers echo the professional sentiment, highlighting the modem's easy setup, reliable high-speed connectivity, and compatibility with their existing routers. The limited user feedback shows overwhelmingly positive experiences with few complaints, mainly centered on the lack of built-in Wi-Fi.
“easy to set up! Works well.”
“"outstanding" for reliability”
Choose the B12 for the fastest single-port speed; choose the SB8200 if you need multiple gigabit Ethernet ports.
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.
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.
User feedback is sparse; the only cited rating is a 4-out-of-5 star review on Netgear.com, indicating generally positive reception but lacking detailed praise or criticism.
Everyday users appreciate the modem's ability to deliver the full speed of their multi-gigabit cable plans, especially for gaming and high-resolution streaming, but they are disappointed by the need to buy a separate Wi-Fi router and the restriction to cable-only service providers.
Retailer and editorial listings emphasize the CM1200's ability to handle the fastest cable tiers, citing its DOCSIS 3.1 chipset, four Ethernet ports for link aggregation, and advanced OFDMA/QoS features as strong points for power users and gamers. The consensus is that it offers a solid, future-ready solution for households upgrading to multi-gigabit plans, though reviewers remind buyers that a separate Wi-Fi router is still required.
