Best Atlantic Broadband Approved & Compatible Modems

Here is a list of all Atlantic Broadband approved modems with an overview of the three best. 

Go to the list. 

As a Network Engineer, I have researched and talked to Atlantic Broadband to find the best-approved modem for their internet. 

And I have concluded that the Motorola MB8600 is the best-approved modem for Atlantic Broadband. 

But not everyone has the same circumstances. 

Thus, I have picked the 3 best modems and covered what to consider before buying a modem for Atlantic Broadband. 

Top 3 Atlantic Broadband Approved Modems

Here are the three best modems for Atlantic Broadband. All taken from the authorized modems list. 

Complete List of Atlantic Broadband Approved Modems

Here is a complete list of all modems approved mode Atlantic Broadbands. [1]

Brand	Model #	With Router	Channels	DOCSIS	Puma Chipset	Speed
Arris	SB6190	No	32×8	3.0	Yes	600
Arris	SBG7580AC	Yes	32×8	3.0	Yes	600
Arris	SBG7400AC2	Yes	24×8	3.0	Yes	600
Arris	SBG7600AC2	Yes	32×8	3.0	Yes	600
Arris	SB8200	No	32×8	3.1	No	1000
Arris	SBG8300	No	32×8	3.1	No	1000
Arris	S33	No	32×8	3.1	No	1000
Netgear	CM600	No	24×8	3.0	No	600
Netgear	CM700	No	32×8	3.0	Yes	600
Netgear	CM1000	No	32×8	3.1	No	1000
Netgear	CM1200	No	32×8	3.1	No	1000
Netgear	CM2000	No	32×8	3.1	No	1000
Netgear	C6900	Yes	24×8	3.0	No	600
Netgear	C7000	Yes	24×8	3.0	No	600
Netgear	C7800	Yes	32×8	3.1	No	1000
Netgear	CAX80	Yes	32×8	3.1	No	1000
Motorola	MB8600	No	32×8	3.1	No	1000

Puma chipset is a problematic chip. Avoid modem using it, as it often has latency problems. This is something that disrupts video calls and gaming.

What to Consider Before Buying an Atlantic Broadband Compatible Modem

Here is what to specifically consider before buying a certified modem for Atlantic Broadband. Check out “Modem Buying Guide” for a more general article.

Speed – DOCSIS & Channels

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

Otherwise, it will bottleneck your internet, and you won’t get the speed you are paying for. 

Two main things decide a cable modems’ speed. These are the DOCSIS protocol and the channels. 

DOCSIS

For Atlantic Broadband, there are two options for DOCSIS, either DOCSIS 3.0 or 3.1. 

The difference between the two is that DOCSIS 3.1 is newer and faster but costs more, while DOCSIS 3.0 is slower but cheaper. 

Atlantic Broadband is clear that you can use a DOCSIS 3.0 modem up to 600 Mbps. But if you have a faster plan than that, you need a DOCSIS 3.1 modem.

DOCSIS 3.1 Benefits

• Faster
• Lower Latency
• Future-proof

DOCSIS 3.0 Benefits

• Cheaper

My recommendation is that everyone should consider a DOCSIS 3.1 modem. Since it will future-proof your modem. [2]

Because most ISP’s are looking at upgrading their DOCSIS 3.0 cable internet to 3.1 in the coming future. 

And when they do, you need to upgrade your modem to DOCSIS 3.1 as well. Therefore, there is a big chance you will save money by getting a 3.1 modem now.

Channels

Channels are only something to that matter if you get a DOCSIS 3.0 modem. Because 3.1 modems always have 32×8 channels (Max amount). 

With Atlantic Broadband, you don’t have to consider channels that much. Since all approved DOCSIS 3.0 modems will work up to the Unlimited UltraFast plan. [3]

Just know that a 32×8 channel modem is faster than the 24×8 modem. Even though both are fast enough for any plan up to Unlimited UltraFast.

Modem/Router Combo Vs. Separate Devices

When buying a modem, you also must decide if you want a modem/router combo or separate. 

Separate is when you have your modem and router as two devices, while a combo has them as one device. 

There are pros and cons for both options, but as a Network Engineer, I recommend separate. 

This is because separate allows you to change one device if it breaks or needs an upgrade rather than both.

It also allows for better performance and more customization, such as better QoS and Parental Controls. 

This is not to say that modem/router combos are a poor option. They do offer a cheaper upfront cost and are often easier to set up and manage. 

Atlantic Broadband has both options on their compatible modem list, so you can choose whatever you prefer. 

If you still are uncertain which you want, read modem/router combo vs. separate. 

Compatible with Atlantic Broadband

When getting a modem for Atlantic Broadband, make sure it’s an approved modem. 

These modems are tested and certified to work with Atlantic Broadband internet. 

To check which modems are compatible, check the list above or go to the Atlantic Broadbands website and find the list there. 

Atlantic Broadband Internet Plan

Atlantic Broadband has four internet plans. Here are what modem and gateway (modem/router combo) work well for each one. [4]

Internet Plan	Modem	Gateway
Base Internet (50 Mbps)	Netgear CM600	Netgear C7000
Unlimted Fast (100 Mbps)	Netgear CM600	Netgear C7000
Unlimited UltraFast (400 Mbps)	Motorola MB8600	Netgear C7000
Unlimted GigaFast (1000 Mbps)	Motorola MB8600	Netgear CAX80

Rent Vs. Buy an Atlantic Broadband Equipment

Renting equipment from Atlantic Broadband costs $14.99 per month. This translates to $180 per year, more than enough to buy an approved modem. 

Admittedly, you get a modem and a mesh network when you rent, both of which are decent. This is a lot better than what many other ISPs offer.

Still, getting yourselves good third-party equipment will give you better performance. Especially if you have the Unlimted UltraFast plan or above. 

Therefore, I recommend most people to buy network equipment instead of renting. 

Though, you should rent if you plan to change ISP soon. As then, the modem you buy might not work with your future ISP.

I should, however, note that I’m somewhat biased. I do make a small commission if you buy a modem using any of my links. 

Want to go deeper? Check out Rent Vs. Buy Your Modem And Router.

My Verdict

After researching and talking to Atlantic Broadband, I have concluded that the Motorola MB8600 is the best modem for them. 

As it provides fast and reliable DOCSIS 3.1 internet for a fair price.