A modem is a computer hardware device that converts the signals of your internet provider into Ethernet signals. If you’re still renting one from your ISP, you’re paying up to $168 a year for hardware you could own outright. Owning your own modem pays for itself within a year or two, and 2026’s lineup is faster and more future-proof than what was available even a couple of years ago.

Most home internet in the U.S. still runs over cable, so that’s where the bulk of the picks below live. If you’re on DSL instead, check our dedicated guide to the best DSL modems below — the hardware isn’t interchangeable. Fiber customers typically use an ONT supplied by their provider rather than a retail modem, so compatibility is worth confirming before you buy anything on this list.

DOCSIS 3.1 remains the standard for customer-owned cable modems this year. DOCSIS 4.0 is rolling out on the network side, but retail DOCSIS 4.0 modems are still scarce and mostly limited to ISP-issued gateways, so a good 3.1 modem with a 2.5 Gbps port is still the smart buy. One thing worth flagging: providers have started retiring older DOCSIS 3.0 hardware — Xfinity alone dropped roughly 30 older models from its approved list this year — so if your current modem predates 3.1, it’s worth checking your provider’s approved list before it stops working.

Here are the six best modems to buy in 2026.

Arris SURFboard S34

The S34 is the top pick for most people in 2026. It’s a DOCSIS 3.1 modem with a 2.5 Gigabit and a 1 Gigabit Ethernet port, and it supports mid-split upload technology, which unlocks the faster upload tiers on plans like Xfinity’s Next Gen speed packages. Where older modems cap uploads around 40 Mbps, users upgrading to the S34 have reported jumps to 300+ Mbps on supported plans.

It handles up to 2.5 Gbps download speeds and is certified for Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum, and most other major U.S. cable providers. The trade-off is heat — it runs warm under load, so give it a well-ventilated spot. If you’re on a multi-gig plan or expect to upgrade to one, this is the modem to buy.

Best for: Multi-gig plans and Xfinity Next Gen upload speeds

Netgear Nighthawk CM1200

The CM1200 has been a reliable multi-gig pick for a few years now, and it still holds up. NETGEAR’s Nighthawk CM1200 is compatible with today’s service plans and comes with a two-year warranty at a competitive price.

It’s built on a Broadcom MCM3390 chipset with 32×8 channel bonding, four Gigabit Ethernet ports, and support for DOCSIS 3.1. Combining ports through link aggregation can push it past 2 Gbps. It’s a solid choice if you want proven reliability over the newest release.

Best for: Households running multiple wired devices off one modem

Motorola MB8600

The MB8600 is the budget-friendly DOCSIS 3.1 option that still gets the job done. It supports up to 32 downstream and eight upstream bonded channels, plus two OFDM channels, giving it enough headroom for gigabit plans.

It’s compatible with most cable providers but won’t work with Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, or fiber and DSL plans, so double-check your provider before buying. It’s not the fastest modem on this list, but it strikes a good balance between price and performance for anyone not chasing multi-gig speeds.

Best for: Standard gigabit plans on a budget

Arris SURFboard SB8200

The SB8200 remains a dependable choice for standard gigabit plans, with two Ethernet ports and 32 download/eight upload channels. It supports both IPv4 and IPv6 and handles an unlimited number of simultaneous connections without breaking a sweat.

One thing to know: this model hasn’t been getting the same manufacturer attention as newer releases, so it’s better suited to gigabit-and-under plans rather than multi-gig setups. If you already own one, there’s no urgent need to replace it — it just isn’t the modem to buy new if you’re chasing 2.5 Gbps speeds.

Best for: Existing gigabit connections that don’t need multi-gig headroom

Hitron CODA56

The CODA56 is the value pick for anyone who wants multi-gig speeds without paying S34 prices. It’s a DOCSIS 3.1 modem-only device (no built-in Wi-Fi, so you’ll need your own router) that supports up to 2.5 Gbps and works with Xfinity, Spectrum, and Cox.

It keeps things simple by focusing purely on speed and compatibility rather than extra features, which is exactly what some households want.

Best for: Multi-gig speeds on a tighter budget

Netgear CM1000-1AZNAS

If you just need a reliable, no-frills modem for a standard 1 Gbps plan, the CM1000-1AZNAS covers the basics well. It’s DOCSIS 3.1 certified, works with major providers, and skips the multi-gig premium since it tops out at 1 Gbps.

Best for: Entry-level DOCSIS 3.1 on a standard gigabit plan

Quick Comparison

Modem	DOCSIS	Max Speed	Wi-Fi Included	Best For
Arris SURFboard S34	3.1	2.5 Gbps	No	Multi-gig + fast uploads
Netgear Nighthawk CM1200	3.1	2 Gbps	No	Multiple wired devices
Motorola MB8600	3.1	1 Gbps	No	Budget gigabit
Arris SURFboard SB8200	3.1	1 Gbps	No	Existing gigabit setups
Hitron CODA56	3.1	2.5 Gbps	No	Budget multi-gig
Netgear CM1000-1AZNAS	3.1	1 Gbps	No	Entry-level gigabit

According to Tom’s Guide, the S34 remains the right call for anyone on a gigabit or multi-gig cable plan who wants to stop paying rental fees. PC Guide similarly points to the MB8600 as one of the better budget options for households not chasing multi-gig speeds.

Before buying any modem, confirm it’s on your provider’s approved equipment list — an unapproved modem won’t activate, no matter how good the specs look on paper.

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