Spectrum Compatible Modems

Spectrum is a top-rated internet service provider. Just like with all providers available at this time, there are some nuances that you need to be aware of. First and foremost, Spectrum will provide you with a modem free of charge.

Unlike many other internet service providers, Spectrum will not charge you to lease a modem, as it comes included with your internet package.

That said, the modems that come with your Spectrum internet service may not be what you are looking for. If that is the case, you can purchase your own modem and use it in conjunction with your Spectrum internet service.

However, if you choose to go this route, you need a compatible modem, and not all modems will work with Spectrum internet. Let’s go over everything you need to know in terms of Spectrum-compatible modems.

Choosing a Spectrum Compatible Modem – Important Details

Before we talk about the specific internet modems that are compatible with Spectrum, there are a few essential things to know, particularly when choosing and using your own modem instead of the one included with your internet plan.

The most important thing to know is that if you use a modem provided by Spectrum, and it breaks down, they will provide service and maintenance for free or a replacement if needed. However, if you use your own modem, Spectrum will not cover it if something goes wrong. If your non-Spectrum provided breaks, you are on your own.

Unless you plan on using a wired internet connection, you will also need to have a compatible Wi-Fi router, which appears to be an 802.11ac router in the case of Spectrum. Spectrum provides router rentals for around $5 per month, but just like with the modems, you can use your own, as long as it is compatible.

The other important thing is that you need to keep your Spectrum internet plan in mind when choosing a Spectrum-compatible modem. Specific modems will work best with specific plans and internet speeds. Therefore, the modem you choose will depend on your internet speed, something we will take a look at in greater detail below.

Spectrum Internet Plans

As noted above, the specific modem that you end up buying is in part going to depend on which internet plan you have. Remember, if your modem’s indicated speed is not well-matched with your internet speed, it won’t perform well.

If you don’t pay attention to your specific internet plan, the speed, and you just buy any modem, chances are that your internet speed will be slow, or in some cases non-existent. When it comes to Spectrum internet, what sort of plans are there to choose from?

You have three main internet plans to choose from with Spectrum.

1. Regular Spectrum Internet - $49.99 per month, with up to 200 Mbps download speed
2. Spectrum Internet Ultra - $69.99 per month, with up to 600 Mbps download speed
3. Spectrum Internet Gig - $109.99 per month, with up to 940 Mbps download speed

You should be aware that Spectrum internet has no data limits, plus there are no contract requirements either.

Spectrum Compatible Modems

Now we are getting to the modems that you can use with your Spectrum internet. Below, we have a list of all modems that Spectrum has approved for use with its internet. Remember that some products listed below are Wi-Fi and router combos, and others are not; some of them will have Wi-Fi speeds listed as well.

Spectrum Internet Modem Top Picks

While we have listed all Spectrum-compatible modems at this time, you probably don’t want to have to filter through that list. We will give you two of the available top picks. These are based both on Spectrum’s recommendations as well as general opinion.

Arris SurfBoard SB6121 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem |Best Basic Modem

If you are looking for a basic modem that will provide you with a solid wired connection, the Arris SurfBoard SB6121 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem is an excellent option to look into.

It’s fast, reliable, and easy to set up, with a top speed of 172 Mbps, making it ideal for Spectrum internet packages' lower tiers.

If you want a modem that is a bit faster, we suggest checking out the Arris SURFboard SB6190 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem, as it has a top speed of 644 Mbps.

ASUS CM-32 Cable Modem Wi-Fi Router |Best Modem & Router Combo

If speed is what you need, and you want a reliable Wi-Fi connection, this is a good combo router and modem, with a top speed of 700 Mbps and a maximum Wi-Fi speed of 2,600 Mbps.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many great modems, all that work fine with Spectrum internet. Just be careful to choose the best modem for your internet speed, and keep in mind that you may need a router or a combination router/modem as well.