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.
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.
Modem | Channels | Top Speed | WIFI Speed | Modem Type |
Arris SB6121 | 4x4 | 172 mbps | N/A | Basic |
Arris SBG6700-AC | 8x4 | 343 mbps | 1600 mbps | Wi-Fi AC |
Asus CM-32 AC2600 | 32x8 | 700 mbps | 2600 mbps | Wi-Fi AC |
TP-Link TC-W7960 | 8x4 | 340 mbps | 300 mbps | Wi-Fi N |
Arris SB6190 | 32x8 | 644 mbps | N/A | Basic |
Arris SBG6900-AC | 16x4 | 686 mbps | 1900 mbps | Wi-Fi AC |
Netgear C6300BD | 16x4 | 680 mbps | 1750 mbps | Wi-Fi AC |
Netgear C6250-100NAS | 16x4 | 680 mbps | 1600 mbps | Wi-Fi AC |
Netgear C7000-100NAS | 24x8 | 960 mbps | 1900 mbps | Wi-Fi AC |
Netgear C3000-100NAS | 8x4 | 340 mbps | 300 mbps | Wi-Fi N |
Netgear C3700-100NAS | 8x4 | 340 mbps | 600 mbps | Wi-Fi N |
Arris SBG6580 | 8x4 | 343 mbps | 600 mbps | Wi-Fi N |
Arris SB6120 | 4x4 | 150 mbps | N/A | Basic |
ZoomTelephonics 5341J | 8x4 | 340 mbps | N/A | Basic |
TP-LINK ARCHER CR700 | 16x4 | 450 mbps | 1750 mbps | Wi-Fi AC |
TP-LINK TC7620 | 16x4 | 680 mbps | N/A | Basic |
Netgear CM600 | 24x8 | 960 mbps | N/A | Basic |
Motorola MB7420 | 16X4 | 686 mbps | N/A | Basic |
TP-Link TC-7610 | 8x4 | 340 mbps | N/A | Basic |
Motorola MG7550 | 16X4 | 686 mbps | 1900 mbps | Wi-Fi AC |
Netgear CG3000DV2 N450 | 8x4 | 340 mbps | 450 mbps | Wi-Fi N |
D-Link DCM-301 | 8x4 | 320 mbps | N/A | Basic |
Motorola MG7315 | 8x4 | 343 mbps | 450 mbps | Wi-Fi N |
ZoomTelephonics 5370 | 16x4 | 686 mbps | N/A | Basic |
Linksys CM3008 | 8x4 | 343 mbps | N/A | Basic |
Linksys CM3024 | 24x4 | 960 mbps | N/A | Basic |
Netgear CMD31T-100NAS | 4x4 | 150 mbps | N/A | Basic |
ZoomTelephonics 5352 | 8x4 | 300 mbps | 300 mbps | Wi-Fi N |
Netgear CM400 | 8x4 | 340 mbps | N/A | Basic |
ZoomTelephonics 5363 | 8x4 | 340 mbps | 1900 mbps | Wi-Fi AC |
ZoomTelephonics 5345 | 8x4 | 343 mbps | N/A | Basic |
Motorola MB7220 | 8x4 | 343 mbps | N/A | Basic |
Hitron-ZyXel CDA30360 | 8x4 | 400 mbps | N/A | Basic |
Arris SBG6400 | 8x4 | 343 mbps | 300 mbps | Wi-Fi N |
ZoomTelephonics 5350 | 8x4 | 300 mbps | 450 mbps | Wi-Fi N |
Motorola MG7310 | 8x4 | 343 mbps | 300 mbps | Wi-Fi N |
SMCNetworks D3CM1604 | 16x4 | 640 mbps | N/A | Basic |
ZoomTelephonics 5354 | 8x4 | 343 mbps | 300 mbps | Wi-Fi N |
Asus CM-16 | 16x4 | 686 mbps | N/A | Basic |
ZoomTelephonics 5360 | 8x4 | 343 mbps | 600 mbps | Wi-Fi N |
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.