Motorola MB8600
Score: 82/100
Arris SURFboard SBV3202
Score: 71/100Rankings
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 ARRIS SURFboard SBV3202 is a DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem designed for Xfinity Internet and Voice, offering up to 800 Mbps download speeds and a built-in firewall with battery-backup support. It lacks Wi-Fi, uses an older DOCSIS standard, and provides only a single Ethernet port, limiting future-proofing and multi-device wiring. Best suited for Xfinity subscribers needing VoIP lines on modest-speed plans.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
3,800 Mbpsbest | 800 Mbps | |
800 Mbpsbest | 240 Mbps | |
4 portsbest | 1 ports | |
| ↓ lower better | 30 Wbest | — |
| ↓ lower better | 0.031 kgbest | 1.08 kg |
2 yearsbest | 2 yearsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance(2) | ||
Maximum Download Speed (Mbps) | 3800 Mbps | 800 Mbps |
Maximum Upload Speed (Mbps) | 800 Mbps | 240 Mbps |
Network(1) | ||
DOCSIS Standard | DOCSIS 3.1 | DOCSIS 3.0 |
Ports(1) | ||
Ethernet Ports (count) (ports) | 4 ports | 1 ports |
Power & Energy(1) | ||
Operating Temperature Range | 0°C to 40°C | -40 to 70 |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (kg) | 0.031 kg | 1.08 kg |
Dimensions (HxWxD) (mm) | 200x57x184 mm mm | 7.1 x 7.1 x 1.8 inches mm |
General(1) | ||
Provider Compatibility | Comcast Xfinity, Cox, Charter Spectrum | Xfinity |
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 and editors describe the SBV3202 as a solid, budget-friendly option for Xfinity customers who need reliable wired connectivity and VoIP support. They commend its easy setup, LED indicators, and battery-backup feature, but caution that the older DOCSIS 3.0 standard and single Ethernet port limit its longevity and multi-device use.
Everyday users generally appreciate the modem's ability to hit advertised speeds and its space-saving mounting options, especially when paired with a separate router. However, many express frustration over its provider-specific compatibility, lack of Wi-Fi, and the perception of outdated technology, resulting in mixed overall satisfaction.
“"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)"”
