Motorola MB8600
Score: 82/100
Motorola B12
Score: 83/100Rankings
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 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.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
3,800 Mbpsbest | 2,500 Mbps | |
800 Mbpsbest | 800 Mbpsbest | |
4 portsbest | 1 ports | |
| ↓ lower better | 30 Wbest | — |
| ↓ lower better | 0.031 kgbest | — |
2 yearsbest | 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 | 2500 Mbps |
Ports(1) | ||
Ethernet Ports (count) (ports) | 4 ports | 1 ports |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Dimensions (HxWxD) (mm) | 200x57x184 mm mm | 5.5 x 3.5 x 3.5 inches mm |
General(1) | ||
Provider Compatibility | Comcast Xfinity, Cox, Charter Spectrum | Comcast Xfinity, Cox (up to 2 Gbps), Spectrum, RCN, Astound |
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 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.
“"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)"”
“easy to set up! Works well.”
