We generally recommend getting a modem from a brand that has a proven track record when it comes to networking equipment. Once you’ve decided on the type of modem or router to get, it’s time to think about some of the other features that your modem might have. How a modem attaches to your network depends on the type of connection you have. 16x4 DOCSIS 3.0 channels offer solid throughput that’s ideal for cable packages with speeds up to 300Mbps. Well, for starters, with two devices, you’ll need to deal with more wires and set aside more space in your house. You might only be subscribed to a data plan from your ISP that offers up to 100Mbps, in which case that’s the maximum you’ll get from your modem—if you even reach that. Well, it really depends on your usage, but more is better. There's really no reason to keep renting a substandard cable modem from your ISP when you can simply buy the best cable modem outright. The world is becoming increasingly connected, and it’s more important than ever to make sure that you have a decent connection in your home. For most, we recommend buying your own modem and router. So what are the disadvantages of buying a router and modem separately? That doesn’t mean that there aren’t situations in which you should rent a modem. Read on for the best cable modems that will help you make the most of your broadband connection and save you some money in the process. The four Gigabit Ethernet ports around back also give you the ability to connect multiple devices, and it even supports assigning multiple IP addresses—on to each port—so you can support up to four separate home networks, or you can link up two of the ports using 802.3ad link aggregation to a compatible router (like Netgear’s RAX80) to take full advantage of a 2Gbps DOCSIS 3.1 cable plan. Because of that, we recommend getting a modem that has at least a 1Gbps download speed. The only downside to buying a modem that supports the newer standard is that it may be a little more expensive. Netgear Nighthawk C7000 X4 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem Router, The 10 Best 802.11ac Wi-Fi Wireless Routers of 2020, How to Buy a Cable Modem for Broadband Internet, The CATV (Cable Television) Data Network Explained. Take a look at our router buying guide. It can support HD and 4K video streaming, too. Cable modems – the devices that bring the internet to our homes – are easy to forget about because once they’re set up, they don’t need much care and feeding. A modem is a small device that allows you to access the internet in your home via wireless or wired connection. The best DOCSIS 3.0 cable modems, which support the basic standard used by all of the major cable providers, can handle plans of up to 600Mbps, but if you want to make an investment for the future, buying a cable modem that supports the newer DOCSIS 3.1 standard will make sure you're ready for 1Gbps+ speeds when they come down the pike. With four Gigabit Ethernet ports, it can also provide an internet connection for your wired products, whether they're computers, gaming consoles, or HDTVs. Thankfully, there are plenty of modem options out there, so no matter what your budget or the features that you want, it's possible to find something that’s perfect for your needs. Ultimately, the design of your modem probably takes a backseat to performance and speed, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore design altogether. Netgear Nighthawk CM1150V Cable Modem with Voice, Best Budget: Arris Surfboard SB8200, Best for Voice Services: The MG7550 delivers the speed you'd expect from a modern unit, plus some cool proprietary capabilities. Unfortunately, ISPs have confused things a little. The number of download and upload channels is also a big factor. Besides, the main point of buying a cable modem is so you don't have to keep paying rental fees for the old one. It’s important to note, however, that just because you have a modem that theoretically supports up to 688Mbps (on a modem with 16 downstream channels), that doesn’t mean that you’ll achieve that speed. It can also handle dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz) Wi-Fi, saving you the trouble of picking up a separate router.