Best Gigabit Cable DOCSIS 3.1 Modems

Best Value for Money

• ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 DOCSIS 3.1 

Enjoy optimal virtual reality gaming speeds at 4K ultra-HD with this high-end and performance-oriented modem from ARRIS SURFboard. The modem packs dual gaming-console compatible 1-Gigabit Ethernet ports and high-end design that provides fast internet speeds to up your gaming experiences.

Premium Choice

• MOTOROLA MB8600 DOCSIS 3.1

Looking to enjoy gaming at high speeds and in a more immersive video quality, consider getting the Motorola MB8600. It’s a high-end and gaming-friendly Docsis 3.1 modem that provides impressive download and upload speeds, ensuring your gaming experiences are spruced up.

What Buyers Should Consider When Shopping For Docsis 3.1 Modems

What Is Docsis Modem?

Abbreviated as Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification, the Docsis technology efficiently transfers data through coaxial cables. The technology delivers impressive speed and reliability—the reason it’s widely reputed over other cable operators.

The speed at which the Docsis technology delivers internet, video, and voice services on TV cable systems is superbly incredible. It’s loved among heavy internet users because of the quality of its connection and the security it offers during the internet transfers.

• Upstream and Downstream Channels 

Most Docsis 3.1 modems have 32 or 8 downstream channels and 8 or 4 upstream channels. The total number of channels a modem dictates the speed at which it can download data. In all instances, the downstream channels are way more than the upstream channels. Gamers want a modem that can deliver optimal downstream speeds and so they are always looking for modems that can provide superior performance when playing virtual reality games at super-bright 4K speeds.

• The Docsis Protocol 

Most modern modems use either Docsis 3.0 or 3.1 protocols. The two protocols are uniquely different in terms of specifications, speed, and channel numbers. If your preferred internet service provider offers high internet speeds of up to 1Gbps or higher, you should opt for modems with Docsis 3.1. In case your service provider offers a lower speed, you should go for Docsis 3.0.

The average internet speed in most States is capped at 66Mbps, and so it’s quite lower than the average offered by the Docsis 3.0 modem. That said, consider getting the modems with the Docsis 3.0 protocol instead of the 3.1 protocol.

• The Upload and Download Speed 

The download and upload speeds determine how seamless and smooth your gaming experiences will be. The speed rating in most modems talks about the download speed. In other words, it talks about the no of megabits data you can pull from the service provider during your gaming experiences.

It’s crucial to understand that getting modems with high-speed rating doesn’t mean you will enjoy promising and impressive speeds if your ISP cannot provide such speeds. Don’t struggle to search for high-speed modems if your internet provider cannot give the exact speeds.

• IPS Compatibility 

The compatibility of the modem to the IPS used by your internet service provider is another consideration. Not every modem available is compatible with every type of service provider. The majority of modems available are only compatible with cable internet service providers.

Look for modems that have firmware updates to allow for easy compatibility with different modem providers. You can check the compatibility of any modem by browsing through the official site of the provider or searching through Google.

Best DOCSIS 3.1 Gigabit Modem & Router Modem Combo

1. NETGEAR Nighthawk CM1150V

CM1150V nighthawk modem uses optimal bonded 8 upstream and 31 downstream channels coupled in 2x2 OFDM. The optimal channel use provides smooth and lag-free internet speed, minimizing buffering issues during peak gaming hours. The 4 Ethernet ports are highly compatible with most gaming consoles, routers, and computers. They deliver superbly high wired internet speeds, ensuring gamers can make the most out every gaming moment.

This Docsis 3.1 modem from Netgear allows gamers to stream and play their favorite games at speeds ten times better than the ones provided by the 3.0 modems. It’s simply one of the best commercially-available internet modems that have Comcast voice and superior gigabit internet.

It may not be the perfect modem for those looking to create an expansive smart home, but it does offer the features you need to enjoy gaming. Also, the modem can’t deliver optimal results in commercially-based gaming institutions.

Pros 

• Provides two fully function WAN ports
• Support multi-Gig speeds
• It looks impressive
• It sets up easily and quickly
• Uses the Docsis 3.1 technology
• It is user-friendly and efficient

Cons 

• It doesn’t support satellite and DSL connections
• It’s a bit costly considering what it can do

2. ARRIS SURFboard DOCSIS 3.1 SB8200

Gamers are assured of superior performance thanks to the good-quality chipset that boasts nominal latency. The modem’s 3GB Ram and two flash memory sets allow it to receive and sent data at high speeds of about 5GBPS. Connecting any end-user device or gaming console to the modem directly via the Ethernet ports assures you of high loading speeds and immersive gaming experiences.

The super-fast speeds guarantee near-zero lag and superior picture and graphics quality, ensuring you can enjoy your competitive gaming with minimal to no buffering. The modem’s ability to support UHD/4K and HD content ensures you can stream and play your favorite games without worrying about picture quality. In other words, the video and picture quality of the games you will be playing will be highly immersive and super bright.

Pros

• Compact and pretty design
• Easy to setup
• It supports two Gigabit ports
• It boasts low lag times
• Allows for immersive lag-free gaming
• Supports multiple gaming consoles
• It uses the Docsis 3.1 technology 

Cons

• Not Wi-Fi compatible
• A little bit costly

3. MOTOROLA MB8600 DOCSIS 3.1

Its bottom is thick while the top is narrow, both of which are finished in a glossy black coating. All the modem sides have well-designed cut-outs to provide enough ventilation, minimizing issues with overheating during high traffic gaming sections.

The modem supports all high-end and super-fast services, providing superb download and upload speeds. Its downstream speeds can go as high as 3.8 Gbps, meaning streaming video games won’t be an issue regardless of which gaming console or monitor used. Its low internet latency pioneered by the Active Queue management technology aids boost the performance of interactive gaming sites.

The fact that the modem has the Broadcom full-band capture digital tuner means you don’t have to worry about gaming speeds and high energy consumption during high-traffic gaming sections. Good to note, the modem works with all Ethernet-ported game stations, HDTV, Windows, routers, and Mac computers. It’s not only good for video streaming and website browsing but also ideal for high-speed gaming.

Pros

• It packs 4 highly compatible Gigabit ports
• It is futureproofed and flexible
• It uses a super stable Broadcom chipset
• Works best with most computers and gaming consoles
• Good for link aggregation
• Looks good thanks to the elegant design
• Supports spectrum analyzer

Cons

• Quite costly for the value it offers
• Many of the core features aren’t usable

4. NETGEAR Nighthawk C7800

Also, the modem supports two Docsis 3.1 OFDM downstream and upstream channels. You are getting a whooping 1Gbps download speed, which gives you reliable speeds, ensuring you can stream your video games without worrying about lags and speed drops.

The channel bonding technology combined with the Docsis 3.1 technologies work hand-in-hand to deliver optimal downstream speeds, ensuring your gaming will be free of lags or buffering. The modem bonds all its channels to keep the speeds high even during peak hours when every seat in your gaming station is occupied.

What makes the modem a bit more suited for gaming is its 128Mb flash storage alongside the well-suited 1.5GHz dual-core processor and enough Ram of 512Mb. The modem supports 45 devices at once, and considering its superior specs; you won’t experience low speeds during peak hours. You can use the C7800 both as a modem and router, which makes it quite an impressive choice for most households and gaming stations.

Pros

• It has Wi-Fi-enabled push buttons
• It’s both reliable and fast
• It allows for high-speed immersive gaming
• Combines both a modem and a router
• Installs quickly and effortlessly
• Convenient power on/off power settings
• It’s both user-friendly and performance-oriented
• Packs futureproof design and functions

Cons

• It’s a bit heavy and big
• The installation may not be as straightforward as you want

5. ARRIS SURFboard SBG8300 DOCSIS 3.1

The modem packs 32 download channels and 8 upload channels, all of which are intended to provide ultra-HD 4K streaming content. That makes SBG8300 the perfect modem for virtual reality games lovers.

The modem’s dual gigabit Ethernet ports let you create multiple home networks concurrently. Its backward compatibility feature enables you to connect it with the more antique modem versions such as Docsis 2.0 and 3.0. When talking about the modem’s size, it’s small enough to allow for secure storage and transportation. Despite its miniature size, the modem guarantees stable performance and super high downstream speeds.

Unfortunately, the modem tends to experience heating issues and packet loss. In other words, during peak hours when the modem is exposed to heavy use, it’s likely to overheat and cause upload and download speed throttling. And so, it may not be the ideal modem for you if you are looking for a commercially-affordable modem for your gaming workstation.

Pros 

• It’s compatible with most modems and routers
• It’s quite affordable for the value it delivers
• Sets up in a matter of minutes
• It supports 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports
• It includes 32x8 channel bonding technology

Cons

• It experiences overheating issues

• It is not lag-free

6. NETGEAR DOCSIS 3.1 CM1000 Gigabit Cable Modem

It has a superbly sleek design that provides a modern look. It’s enclosed inside a black and sleek plastic casing that blends well with most electronics and furniture pieces. The black matte finish alongside the polyhedron-shaped housing does make the modem super impressive. The high-performance coupled with superior speeds makes gaming immersive and lag-free.

No need to be worried about low speeds and poor gaming experiences when the modem is connected to multiple devices at once. And considering the modem is created by one of the world’s top manufacturers known as Netgear, you are sure to reap value for your money. Backed by a one-year limited warranty, the modem guarantees lasting performance and reliability.

Pros 

• It’s highly compatible with modern Docsis 3.1 and 3.0
• The modem is light in weight
• It’s super elegant and impressive in design
• It allows for 4K HD multi-user gaming
• It sets up in several minutes  
• The modem has superior support for spectrum cable internet services

Cons 

• The modem doesn’t support link aggregation
• The hardware quality is a bit low for the price