Best Armstrong Approved Modems in 2024 [List]

In this article, you will find out which modem is best for Armstrong. As well as a list of all Armstrong-approved modems and what to consider before purchasing one for yourself.

Click here to go to the list.

As a Network Engineer, I have discussed with Armstrong and researched to conclude which modem is best for Armstrong.

And I have settled that the Motorola MB8600 is the best modem for Armstrong internet. 

But not everyone has equal internet needs and wants. Thus, what modem is best for you depends. 

Therefore, I have chosen the three best from the approved modems list and went over what to consider before buying a modem for Armstrong.

Keep reading to learn more. 

Top 3 Armstrong Approved Modems

List Of All Armstrong Compatible Modems

Here is a list of all Armstrong-approved modems. All of which is Armstrong tested and certified, which guarantees them to work with your internet. [1]

Brand	Model #	With Router	Channels	DOCSIS	Puma Chipset
Arris	CM820	No	8×4	3.0	No
Arris	SB6183	No	16×4	3.0	No
Arris	SB6190	No	32×8	3.0	Yes
Arris	CM3200A	No	32×8	3.0	Yes
Arris	SB8200	No	32×8	3.1	No
Motorola	MB7621	No	24×8	3.0	No
Motorola	MB8600	No	32×8	3.1	No
Netgear	CM700	No	32×8	3.0	Yes
Netgear	CM1000	No	32×8	3.1	No
Netgear	CM2000	No	32×8	3.1	No

Puma Chipset is a problematic chip. Avoid modems having it. Yes means it has it, while no means it doesn’t.

With router means that the modem is a modem/router combo. No modem in this list as for now have a router.

What to Consider Before Buying an Armstrong Approved Modem

Here is what to specifically consider when buying Armstrong approved modem. For a more general guide, click here. 

DOCSIS & Channels – Modem Speed

When buying a modem, its real-world speed, not max speed, must be at least as fast as your internet plan.

Because otherwise, your modem will bottleneck and slow down your internet connection. 

Two components decide a cable modem’s speed. These are the DOCSIS version and channel bonding it has.

DOCSIS

When it comes to DOCSIS, you have two options with Armstrong, either DOCSIS 3.0 or 3.1. 

The difference is that DOCSIS 3.1 is newer and faster, while 3.0 is older and is slowly phased out.

DOCSIS 3.1 modems are also a bit costlier but will work longer, so you will likely save in the long run.

Therefore, I recommend getting a DOCSIS 3.1 modem.

For more information, check out DOCSIS 3.1 vs. 3.0.

Channels

This is only something to consider if you buy a DOCSIS 3.0 modem because 3.1 modems always have 32×8 channels. 

A cable modem has between 4×4 and 32×8 channels, with more channels equal to a faster speed.  

Armstrong recommends getting a modem with at least 32×8 channels, and the reason for this is that such a modem can handle all their plans. 

But most Armstrong customs won’t need it. Below I have put together a table on how many channels each internet plan is compatible with. [2]

Armstrong Internet Plan	DOCSIS Version	Channel Bonding
Zoom Express (25 Mbps)	3.0 or 3.1	8×4, 16×4, 24×8, or 32×8
Zoom (150 Mbps)	3.0 or 3.1	8×4, 16×4, 24×8, or 32×8
Zoom II (300 Mbps)	3.0 or 3.1	16×4, 24×8, or 32×8
Zoom Extreme (1000 Mbps)	3.0 or 3.1	32×8

Note, 4×4 channel bonding is not compatible with Armstrong internet even though it is technically enough for Zoom Express. 

Compatible With Armstrong

When buying a modem for Armstrong, it needs to be a cable modem and preferably an approved modem. 

Most cable modems will work with Armstrong internet, but not all. Therefore, I recommend getting a modem from the compatible modem list. 

These modems are Armstrong tested and certified. Thus, they will always work with your internet.

Modem Router Combo Vs. Separate

Usually, when you buy a cable modem, you need to decide if you want a modem router combo or separate devices.

The difference being that a modem/router combo (gateway) has the modem and router as one device while separate has them as two. 

But Armstrong has no approved gateway, so separate is the only option (if you don’t buy a modem that isn’t certified)

I recommend separate devices, but if you want a gateway, you need to contact Armstrong and ask which one works with your plan and region. 

If you want to learn more about the pros and cons of gateways and separate, click here. 

Armstrong Internte Plans

Here are Armstrong’s four internet plans and what cable modem and gateway I recommend for each one. These modems are all from the Armstrong-approved modems list. [3, 4]

Armstrong Internet Plan	Cable Modem
Zoom Express (25 Mbps)	ARRIS SURFboard SB6183
Zoom (150 Mbps)	Motorola MB8600
Zoom II (300 Mbps)	Motorola MB8600
Zoom Extreme (1000 Mbps)	Netgear Nighthawk CM2000

Why You Should Buy A Third-Party Modem For Armstrong

Armstrong doesn’t do what most ISP’s does and rent their network equipment. Instead, you get one for free. 

So, understandably, most Armstrong customers use their modem. 

And for many, that’s enough, and they are happy with it. But for those of you that want that bit extra performance, getting a third-party modem makes sense. 

Because the modem you get from Armstrong is going to be just enough for your plan, and thus, in many cases, it can slow down your internet. 

Therefore, I recommend buying a modem for Armstrong. 

Even though you should take my opinion with a grain of salt. I do make a small commission if you use any of my links.

My Verdict

From talking to Armstrong and researching, I have concluded that the Motorola MB8600 is the best cable modem for most. 

Because it’s a reliable, high-performing DOCSIS 3.1 modem for a fair price.