Motorola MB8600
Score: 82/100
Netgear Nighthawk CM3000
Score: 78/100Rankings
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 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 | | |
|---|---|---|
3,800 Mbpsbest | 2,500 Mbps | |
800 Mbps | 1,000 Mbpsbest | |
4 portsbest | 3 ports | |
| ↓ lower better | 30 Wbest | — |
| ↓ lower better | 0.031 kgbest | 1.111 kg |
2 yearsbest | 1 years |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance(2) | ||
Maximum Download Speed (Mbps) | 3800 Mbps | 2500 Mbps |
Maximum Upload Speed (Mbps) | 800 Mbps | 1000 Mbps |
Network(1) | ||
DOCSIS Standard | DOCSIS 3.1 | 3.1 |
Ports(1) | ||
Ethernet Ports (count) (ports) | 4 ports | 3 ports |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (kg) | 0.031 kg | 1.111 kg |
Dimensions (HxWxD) (mm) | 200x57x184 mm mm | 121.9x222.0x234.0 mm mm |
General(2) | ||
Provider Compatibility | Comcast Xfinity, Cox, Charter Spectrum | 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 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 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.
“"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)"”
“"outstanding" for reliability”
