Motorola B12
Score: 83/100
Netgear Nighthawk CM3000
Score: 78/100Rankings
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 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.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
2,500 Mbpsbest | 2,500 Mbpsbest | |
800 Mbps | 1,000 Mbpsbest | |
1 ports | 3 portsbest | |
| ↓ lower better | — | 1.111 kgbest |
2 yearsbest | 1 years |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance(1) | ||
Maximum Upload Speed (Mbps) | 800 Mbps | 1000 Mbps |
Network(1) | ||
DOCSIS Standard | DOCSIS 3.1 | 3.1 |
Ports(2) | ||
Ethernet Ports (count) (ports) | 1 ports | 3 ports |
WAN Port Type | Ethernet | Coaxial |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Dimensions (HxWxD) (mm) | 5.5 x 3.5 x 3.5 inches mm | 121.9x222.0x234.0 mm mm |
General(2) | ||
Provider Compatibility | Comcast Xfinity, Cox (up to 2 Gbps), Spectrum, RCN, Astound | Comcast Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum |
Warranty (years) (years) | 2 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.
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.
“easy to set up! Works well.”
“"outstanding" for reliability”
