Motorola MB8600
Score: 82/100
Actiontec T3200
Score: 77/100Rankings
The Motorola MB8600 is a DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem delivering up to 3.8 Gbps downstream speeds and four Gigabit Ethernet ports. Its lack of built-in Wi-Fi and masked Ethernet ports limit flexibility for some users. Ideal for gigabit plans where a separate router is already in use.
The Actiontec T3200 is a premium dual-band xDSL gateway offering bonded VDSL2 up to 1 Gbps and high-speed Wi-Fi 5 performance. Its drawbacks include reliance on the older Wi-Fi 5 standard and potential compatibility limits with non-Windstream ISPs. Ideal for Windstream DSL subscribers needing gigabit wired connectivity and robust Wi-Fi for multiple devices.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
3,800 Mbpsbest | 1,000 Mbps | |
800 Mbpsbest | — | |
4 portsbest | 4 portsbest | |
— | 1 portsbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 30 Wbest | — |
| ↓ lower better | 0.031 kgbest | 1.34 kg |
2 yearsbest | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance(1) | ||
Maximum Download Speed (Mbps) | 3800 Mbps | 1000 Mbps |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (kg) | 0.031 kg | 1.34 kg |
Dimensions (HxWxD) (mm) | 200x57x184 mm mm | 254x50.8x127 mm mm |
General(1) | ||
Provider Compatibility | Comcast Xfinity, Cox, Charter Spectrum | Windstream |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers view the MB8600 as a solid, no-frills DOCSIS 3.1 modem that excels in raw speed potential and low-latency performance thanks to its Broadcom chipset and AQM.
Consumers generally praise the MB8600 for delivering consistent gigabit-class speeds and an easy setup with major ISPs. Common praise centers on its stability and the ability to handle multiple static IPs, while recurring complaints focus on the hidden Ethernet ports, occasional distance-related speed loss, and the need for an external router due to the absence of Wi-Fi.
Professional reviewers commend the T3200 for its high theoretical Wi-Fi throughput, robust bonded VDSL2 capability, and versatile connectivity options, positioning it as a strong choice for DSL subscribers seeking gigabit-class performance. However, they note the reliance on the older Wi-Fi 5 standard and the absence of real-world speed validation.
Pros include theoretical wireless throughput up to 2.3 Gbps, bonded VDSL2 for doubled bandwidth, and multiple Gigabit ports. Cons note that real-world speeds often fall short, Wi-Fi 5 is older than Wi-Fi 6, and DSL-centric design may limit non-Windstream compatibility.
“"valuable" frill-free DOCSIS 3.1 modem ideal for 1 Gbps plans”
“"Reliable high speeds (e.g., 900+ Mbps down at 20 ft in tests, stable for gigabit plans)"”
