Motorola MB8600
Score: 82/100
Netgear Nighthawk CM1200
Score: 80/100Rankings
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 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.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
3,800 Mbpsbest | 2,000 Mbps | |
800 Mbpsbest | — | |
4 portsbest | 4 portsbest | |
— | 1 portsbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 30 Wbest | — |
| ↓ lower better | 0.031 kgbest | 0.553 kg |
2 yearsbest | 1 years |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance(1) | ||
Maximum Download Speed (Mbps) | 3800 Mbps | 2000 Mbps |
Network(1) | ||
DOCSIS Standard | DOCSIS 3.1 | 3.1 |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (kg) | 0.031 kg | 0.553 kg |
Dimensions (HxWxD) (mm) | 200x57x184 mm mm | 10.3x3.4x6.1 inches mm |
General(2) | ||
Provider Compatibility | Comcast Xfinity, Cox, Charter Spectrum | 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 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.
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.
“"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)"”
