7 Best Comcast Xfinity Approved Modems in 2023

This is our article on the best compatible modems for Comcast Xfinity in 2023.

Go to the Full List.

As a Network Engineer, I have bought a bunch of modems to find out which one is the best for Xfinity.

And after much testing, I have concluded that Motorola MB8611 is the best modem for Comcast Xfinity. Because it’s fast, future-proof, and reliable.

But everyone has different internet needs and wants, so what modem you should get depends.

Thus, I have put together this list of the top 7 best Comcast Xfinity modems, so you can pick the one that fits you the best.

Keep reading to learn more.

7 Best Approved Xfinity Compatible Modems

Here are the best Comcast Xfinity modems.

1. Best Overall – Motorola MB8611 – Cable Modem
2. Best For Voice Service – Netgear CM2050V  – Voice Cable Modem
3. Best Budget Option – Motorola MB7420– Cable Modem
4. Best Value – Netgear Nighthawk C7800 –  Modem/Router Combo
5. Best Performer – Netgear Nighthawk CAX80 –  Modem/Router Combo
6. Best For Voice Service – Motorola MT8733 –  Voice Modem/Router Combo
7. Best Budget Option – Motorola MG7540 – Modem/Router Combo

Our Youtube Video on the Topic

Top 7 Comcast Xfinity Compatible Modems

Here are the seven best Comcast Xfinity-approved modems with the best options for your circumstances. 

#1 Best Overall – Motorola MB8611

The Motorola MB8611 is the perfect option for you with the Gigabit plan (2000 Mbps) or below that want to future-proof your modem.

The MB8611 is such a good cable modem because it’s both DOCSIS 3.1 and has a 2.5G ethernet port. 

This makes it future-proof because when Xfinity upgrades its internet to DOCSIS 3.1, you won’t have to go get a new modem. And since DOCIS 3.1 is backward compatible, it will work with DOCSIS 3.0. [1]

The 2.5GB ethernet port is also a great feature. Because this makes the modem compatible with internet plans up to 2500 Mbps. 

And even if it feels excessive today, it won’t be in a couple of years. 

Coming with a two-year warranty and excellent support (in my experience), I felt I couldn’t pick any other modem as the number one choice. 

You should, however, not get the Motorola MB8611 if you know that you will change to Fiber in the future. 

Because this modem is an investment for the future. 

Suppose you will get Fiber in a year or so. In that case, you should get a modem with the minimum requirements for your current internet plan (see table later in the article). 

Overall, the Motorola MB8611 is the modem you can buy and then ignore for the coming years. Because it will be enough for a long time. 

To learn more, read our full review of the Motorola MB8611. 

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#2 Best For Voice Service – Netgear CM2050V

The Netgear Nighthawk CM2050V is a cable modem made for Xfinity’s Voice service. This is because it provides internet and has a phone jack, making it compatible with VoIP. 

It has two integrated phone lines that support a 3-way conference call, which means you can add a third person to your two-party conversation. 

Furthermore, it also supports call forwarding. This allows you to redirect incoming calls to other phone numbers. 

The modem also supports DOCSIS 3.1 technology. This, together with its 2.5G ethernet port, makes it capable of a staggering 2500 Mbps. 

A speed that Comcast doesn’t even offer yet. Enough to download nearly anything in mere minutes. 

It’s worth noting that this modem is not necessary unless you have Xfinity Voice and want extreme internet speeds. 

To learn more, read our full review of the Netgear CM2050V. 

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#3 Best Budget Option – Motorola MB7420 – Cable Modem

The Motorola MB7420 is the best option if you’re on a budget and have the Performance internet plan (200 Mbps).  

The modem is “just enough modem” that will serve you well for now but is not future-proof.

The reason for this is because it’s DOCSIS 3.0 with only 16×4 channels. Which is the lowest requirement for a modem on Xfinity (recently changed from 8×4).

So do not get it if you plan to upgrade your internet plan anytime soon. 

Moreover, If you want a budget modem and have a faster plan than 200 Mbps. Motorola has another good option:

• Motorola MB7621 – For 800 Mbps plans or below (you can read our review here)

Any of these are great options if you’re on a budget and aren’t interested in future-proofing.

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#4 Best Value – Netgear Nighthawk C7800

The Netgear C7800 is a good option if you looking for a gateway and has the Blast! Pro internet plan or below (800 Mbps). 

In testing, the Wi-Fi averaged 513.64 Mbps from 5 feet using the 5GHz band. 

Other measured speeds were 309.15 Mbps from 25 feet and 155.21 Mbps from 50 feet. These results are remarkable when considering it’s a Wi-Fi 5 router. 

Enough for a family of 5 people to watch 4K movies simultaneously without any problem. That is as long as your internet plan is fast enough, though. 

The modem is a DOCSIS 3.0 with 32×8 channels. This, unfortunately, doesn’t make it future-proof since it’s only DOCSIS 3.0. However, it still has great performance because of all the channels. 

In this device, the router is the limiting factor, not the modem. And the reason I only recommend this device for Blast! Pro is because the router only reached around 500 Mbps. 

And even with this, you likely won’t get the 800 Mbps you are paying for. So, you might want to consider a faster device if you have thee 800 Mbps plan.

Another drawback with the C7800 is the lack of features in the router. 

Because it lacks Parental controls, which allow you to restrict your kid’s activities on the internet. And QoS, which makes it possible to prioritize data on your network. 

Besides that, it’s a solid gateway that provides a lot of value for the money. 

To learn more, read our full review of the Netgear Nighthawk C7800. 

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#5 Best Performer – Netgear Nighthawk CAX80

The Netgear Nighthawk is one of the best gateways I have tested, and it will work for any Xfinity internet plan. 

We didn’t even find its max speed in testing since the internet plan we had access to was only 800 Mpbs. 

The testing results were 800+ Mbps from 5 feet, 583.15 Mbps from 25 feet, and 298.47 Mbps from 50 feet. All were using the 5GHz channel. 

These results are incredible for a modem/router combo and would be enough for more than a dozen 4K movie streams simultaneously. 

The biggest drawback of the CAX80 is the same as most other modem/router combos. It lacks extra features. 

This means that if you log into the router’s admin panel, you won’t be able to do much from there. 

Things like Parental controls or QoS, which allow you to restrict your kid’s activities online and prioritize data on your network, are nowhere to be seen. 

Furthermore, the CAX80 is honestly a bit excessive if you have an internet plan below 400 Mbps. 

But if you don’t feel like you need the extra features and are looking to get the speeds you are paying for, the CAX80 is a great option.

To learn more, read our full review of the Netgear Nighthawk CAX80.

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#6 Best For Voice Service – Motorola MT8733

The Motorola MT8733 is a modem/router combo for you with any internet plan and Xfinity’s Voice Service.

To be honest, we haven’t tested this one. But we tested its brother, the MG8725, which is the same device except for the phone jack. 

This device reached 800+ Mbps from 5 feet (limited by my internet plan), 529.86 Mbps from 25 feet, and 289.32 Mbps from 50 feet. All were using the 5GHz band.

These results are great. Enough for any of Xfinity’s cable internet plans.

The range of the device also proved great. Reaching about 90-100 feet, enough for any except the largest houses. 

The MT8733 does, however, lack features. Things like QoS and Parental Controls are nowhere to be seen. 

Moreover, if you have a slower internet plan (100 Mbps or less), this modem/router might be excessive. For other options, go down to voice service in the buying guide.

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#7 Best Budget Option – Motorola MG7540

If you don’t want to spend too much money and have the Performance internet plan or below (200 Mbps), the Motorola MG7540 is perfect for you. 

During testing, its Wi-Fi reached 301.85 Mbps from 5 feet, 102.38 Mbps from 25 feet, and 49.06 Mbps from 50 feet. All were using the 5GHz band. 

Considering its price, these are some pretty good results that would be enough for one to three 4K streams. 

The cable modem is DOCSIS 3.0 with 16×4 channels. This means that it will work as long as Comcast doesn’t change to DOCSIS 3.1. 

The biggest con with MG7540 is actually its range. Which, during testing, only reached around 70 feet. 

This should be enough for a normal-sized house if you place it somewhere closer to the middle, but honestly, it fits best for your average apartment. 

Overall, the MG7540 is a good cheaper option for anyone without too fast of an internet plan. 

To learn more, read our full review of the Motorola MG7540. 

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Complete List with All Comcast Xfinity Approved Modems 

Here is a list of the Comcast Xfinity approved modems with every modem which is confirmed to be working on Xfinity internet.

Brand	Model #	With Router	Channels	DOCSIS	Puma Chipset	VoIP
ARRIS	G36	Yes	32×8	3.1	No	No
ARRIS	G34	Yes	32×8	3.1	No	No
ARRIS	S33	No	32×8	3.1	No	No
ARRIS	SB6183	No	16×4	3.0	No	No
ARRIS	SB6190	No	32×8	3.0	Yes	No
ARRIS	SB8200	No	32×8	3.1	No	No
ARRIS	SBG10	Yes	16×4	3.0	Yes	No
ARRIS	SBG6900-AC	Yes	16×4	3.0	No	No
ARRIS	SBG6950AC2	Yes	16×4	3.0	Yes	No
ARRIS	SBG7400AC2	Yes	24×8	3.0	Yes	No
ARRIS	SBG7580-AC	Yes	32×8	3.0	Yes	No
ARRIS	SBG7600AC2	Yes	32×8	3.0	Yes	No
ARRIS	SBG8300	Yes	32×8	3.1	Yes	No
ARRIS	SBV2402	No	24×8	3.0	Yes	Yes
ARRIS	SBV3202	No	32×8	3.0	Yes	Yes
ARRIS	SVG2482AC	Yes	24×8	3.0	Yes	Yes
ARRIS	T25	No	32×8	3.1	Yes	Yes
ASUS	CM-16	No	16×4	3.0	No	No
ASUS	CM-32	Yes	32×8	3.0	Yes	No
ASUS	CMAX6000	Yes	32×8	3.1	No	No
HUMAX	HGD310	No	32×8	3.1	No	No
Linksys	CG6350	Yes	16×4	3.0	Yes	No
Linksys	CG7500	Yes	24×8	3.0	Yes	No
Linksys	CM3016	No	16×4	3.0	Yes	No
Linksys	CM3024	No	24×8	3.0	Yes	No
Motorola	MB7420	No	16×4	3.0	No	No
Motorola	MB7621	No	24×8	3.0	No	No
Motorola	MB8600	No	32×8	3.1	No	No
Motorola	MB8611	No	32×8	3.1	No	No
Motorola	MG7540	Yes	16×4	3.0	No	No
Motorola	MG7550	Yes	16×4	3.0	No	No
Motorola	MG7700	Yes	24×8	3.0	No	No
Motorola	MG8702	Yes	32×8	3.1	No	No
Motorola	MG8725	Yes	32×8	3.1	No	No
Motorola	MT7711	Yes	24×8	3.0	No	Yes
Motorola	MT8733	Yes	32×8	3.1	No	Yes
NETGEAR	C6230	Yes	16×4	3.0	No	No
NETGEAR	C6250-100NAS	Yes	16×4	3.0	No	No
NETGEAR	C6300-100NAS	Yes	16×4	3.0	Yes	No
NETGEAR	C6300v2	Yes	16×4	3.0	Yes	No
NETGEAR	C6900	Yes	24×8	3.0	No	No
NETGEAR	C7000-100NAS	Yes	24×8	3.0	No	No
NETGEAR	C7000v2	Yes	24×8	3.0	No	No
NETGEAR	C7100V	Yes	24×8	3.0	No	Yes
NETGEAR	C7500	Yes	24×8	3.0	No	No
NETGEAR	C7800	Yes	32×8	3.1	No	No
NETGEAR	CM500	No	16×4	3.0	No	No
NETGEAR	CM500V	No	16×4	3.0	No	Yes
NETGEAR	CM600	No	24×8	3.0	No	No
NETGEAR	CM700	No	32×8	3.0	Yes	No
NETGEAR	CM1000	No	32×8	3.1	No	No
NETGEAR	CM1000v2	No	32×8	3.1	No	No
NETGEAR	CM1000-1AZNAS	No	32×8	3.1	No	No
NETGEAR	CM1100	No	32×8	3.1	No	No
NETGEAR	CM1150V	No	32×8	3.1	No	Yes
NETGEAR	CM1200	No	32×8	3.1	No	No
NETGEAR	CM2000	No	32×8	3.1	No	No
NETGEAR	CM2050V	No	32×8	3.1	No	Yes
NETGEAR	CAX30	Yes	32×8	3.1	No	No
NETGEAR	CAX80	Yes	32×8	3.1	No	No
NETGEAR	CBR40	Yes	32×8	3.0	Yes	No
NETGEAR	CBR750	Yes	32×8	3.1	Yes	No
SMC Networks	D3CM1604	No	16×4	3.0	No	No
TP-Link	ARCHER CR500	Yes	16×4	3.0	No	No
TP-Link	ARCHER CR700	Yes	16×4	3.0	No	No
TP-Link	CR1900	Yes	24×8	3.0	No	No
TP-Link	TC-7620	No	16×4	3.0	No	No
TP-Link	TC7650	No	24×8	3.0	No	No

Puma Chipset is a problematic chip some modems and routers use. I recommend avoiding models using it. “Yes” means that the modem uses it, and “No” that it doesn’t.

You can learn more about the chipset here.

What to Consider Before Getting a Comcast Xfinity Modem

Before buying a Comcast Xfinity-approved modem, there are some things you should consider to make the best choice possible. For a more general guide, check out the modem buying guide.

Modem/Router Combo Vs. Separate Devices

First, you should decide whether you want and router/modem combo (gateway) or separate devices. 

The difference is that gateways are a modem and a router put together in one device. While separate is one standalone modem and router which connects with an ethernet cable. 

Both options have their merits, but as a Network Engineer, I recommend getting separate devices. 

Because then you can change one device if it gets outdated or breaks rather than both. As well as providing better performance and more network control. 

This is not to say that gateways are without benefits. They are more convenient, require less setup, and have a generally lower upfront cost. 

And in the case of Comcast, there are plenty of good gateways to pick from. So if you want one you can buy one. 

Separate Pros

• Better performance
• Can change one device instead of both
• More network control

Combo Pros

• More convenient
• Often easier setup
• Cheaper upfront cost

If you are uncertain what to pick, check out the pros and cons of each option here. 

DOCSIS

DOCSIS is the telecommunications standard cable modems use to deliver data to and from your home. [3]

Nearly all modems sold nowadays are either DOCSIS 3.0 or DOCSIS 3.1.

The difference is that DOCSIS 3.1 can deliver speeds up to 10 Gbps while 3.0 only provides speeds up to 1 Gbps.

Both options have pros and cons, but generally, DOCSIS 3.0 is enough if you don’t have a plan exceeding 1 Gbps.

But for Comcast Xfinity, I actually think getting a DOCSIS 3.1 modem is a good idea. Because it’s a way of future-proofing your modem for the expected speed increases.

DOCSIS 3.1 Pros

• Future-proof
• Faster
• Lower latency

DOCSIS 3.0 Pros

• Cheaper
• Often enough

For a more detailed overview, check out DOCSIS 3.0 vs. 3.1 – which is best?

Channel Bonding

If you decide to get a DOCSIS 3.0 modem, you also need to consider how many channels you need. 

For a modem to be Xfinity-approved, it needs to have between 16×8 and 32×8 channels. 

The first number is the download channels, while the second one is the upload channels. This is why the second number is lower than the first one. Because most consumers use more downloads than uploads. 

As a rule, the more channels, the faster speed a modem is capable of. Even though you need to consider the DOCSIS protocol to pinpoint the exact capability. 

When picking a modem, you should consider what speeds you need and choose a modem where the channels fit your plan.

See the table under speed for some help. 

Speed

This ties into what DOCSIS protocol and channel bonding you should choose. Just make sure the modem’s speed matches or is above the speed of your internet plan. 

Also, note that the advertised speed isn’t real-world speed. But rather the maximum speed that modem can achieve in ideal circumstances. 

Something that never occurs outside the testing facility. 

A modem that is too slow for your internet speed will become a bottleneck for your internet. And speeds above what the modem is capable of is impossible. 

Here is a table showing what DOCSIS and channels are compatible with what Xfinity plan. 

Xfinity Internet Plan	DOCSIS Version	Channels
Performance Starter (75 Mbps)	3.0 or 3.1	16×4 or more
Performance Select (200 Mbps)	3.0 or 3.1	16×4 or more
Performance Pro (400 Mbps)	3.0 or 3.1	16×4 or more
Blast! Pro (800 Mbps)	3.0 or 3.1	24×8 or more
Extreme Pro (1000 Mbps)	3.1	N/A*
Gigabit (1200 Mbps)	3.1	N/A*
Gigabit Extra (2000 Mbps)	3.1	N/A*

Compatible with Comcast Xfinity

Before buying a modem, you need to ensure that it is Xfinity-approved. If you choose any of the modems listed above, there is nothing to worry about. 

As they are tested by Comcast and will work for Xfinity internet. [4] 

But if you want another modem that Comcast hasn’t approved, you must get a cable one. I would also recommend reading the comments to see if it works for other Comcast customers. 

But it still might not work for you, even if a cable modem is reported to work for Comcast. This is because the infrastructure differs somewhat in different areas. 

Therefore, I strongly recommend a Comcast-approved modem listed above. 

Ethernet ports

Another point to consider when getting a modem or a modem/router combo is how many and what type the ethernet is.

The standard Ethernet port supports 940 Mbps, while some newer ones can support speeds up to 2500 Mbps. 

A modem with a standard Ethernet port will not get more than 940 Mbps from it (unless you use Ethernet Aggregation). 

Therefore, I recommend you get a modem with the 2.5 Gigabit port because, for most,  the extra performance is worth the small extra cost. 

Suppose you get a modem/router combo and know that you use many wired internet connections. Then you should also take into consideration how many ports you will need. 

The C7800 has 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports, for example. 

Home Size

Depending on your home’s size, you need more or less Wi-Fi coverage. 

Therefore, if you decide to get a modem/router combo, you need to make sure the router signal is strong enough to reach all over your home. 

So if you have a larger home, you need a better router, while smaller homes can get away with a cheaper option. 

You could also use a Wi-Fi extender to strengthen your signal, but in my experience, it’s more convenient to get a better router simply. 

Xfinity Voice

If you have Xfinity Voice, you must ensure the modem you plan to buy supports VOIP (Voice over internet protocol). [5]

This is because you need a phone jack to connect the modem with your phone. 

If you want a separate modem and router, I recommend the CM2050V. And if you want a modem/router combo, get the MT8733. 

If you want more info about voice modems, read our article on the best voice modems. 

How To Set Up a Comcast Modem

To set up a cable modem:

1. Pick a location with good air circulation. This is so the device doesn’t overheat. If you have a Gateway, place it close to the middle of the home, as high up as possible. This will improve its Wi-Fi coverage.
2. Connect the Coax cable and the power cord. Also, connect it to a router with an ethernet cable if you have a standalone modem. 
3. Follow the instructions manual that comes with the modem/gateway. 
4. Activate your modem here.

If you have any problems with the setup, you can check out our guide on how to set up a modem with Xfinity. 

Rent Vs. Buy

Comcast has one of the most expensive renting fees out of all ISPs. It is at $14 a month, or $168 per year. Midco, for example, only has between $3 to $5 a month.

Therefore, I recommend most people buy their own modem or gateway if they are Comcast customers. Because the fees quickly add up to what a new device would cost. 

Even though the modem or gateway you get from Comcast is decent, many third-party options are better. 

That said, if you are about to move soon, renting for a couple of months might make more sense instead of buying. As the modem you buy might not work in your next location. Also, if you rent a modem, Comcast offers tech support and free replacements. 

So if you don’t like tech, you might want to consider renting, but otherwise, buying is better. 

Just note that I’m somewhat biased towards buying since I make a small commission if you do. 

For a more detailed overview, you can check out my guide on Rent Vs. Buy Modem & Router. 

Why Get a Comcast Xfinity Approved Modem

As mentioned, I recommend most people to buy their modem instead of renting it. And here are some of the main benefits of this.

No Monthly Fee

Comcast has a high renting fee that keeps rising. So, a big advantage of getting your modem is that you legally don’t need to pay the renting fee anymore. 

This will save you $168 a year, enough to buy a new modem every year. 

Faster Internet

You will also often experience faster speeds with a third-party modem than with the ISP’s modem. 

Even if Comcast’s devices are decent many other options are better. This will be especially noticeable if you get any of the top performers in the list above.

More Control and Features

Although Xfinity gateway offers many features like parenting controls and multiple networks, it still lacks in many areas. 

You can, for example, not prioritize programs or devices. 

Getting a third-party modem or gateway will give you more control over the device. It will also enable you to get devices with more advanced features. 

FAQ

Here are some common questions regarding Xfinity modems and gateways. 

Our Verdict

Since Comcast is one of the largest internet providers in the US, it has plenty of compatible modems. 

So, there are many options. However, I have found that Motorola MB8611 is the best option for Xfinity internet. 

Because it provides a fast, future-proof internet connection for a reasonable price.