This is our article on the best compatible modems for Comcast Xfinity in 2024.
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.
Motorola MB8611 – Editors Choice’s
Best Overall
- Type: Cable Modem
- Works up to: 2500 Mbps
- Channel bonding: 32×8
- DOCSIS: 3.1
- Warranty: 2 years
But everyone has different internet needs and wants, so what modem you should get depends.
Thus, I have compiled this list of the top 9 best Comcast Xfinity modems, so you can pick the one that fits you the best.
Keep reading to learn more.
- Best Overall: Motorola MB8611(Cable Modem)
- Best For Voice Service: Netgear CM2050V(Voice Cable Modem)
- Best Budget Option: Motorola MB7420(Cable Modem)
- Best For Gaming: Surfboard SB8200(Cable Modem)
- Best for Xfinity Gigabit X2: Netgear CM2000(Cable Modem)
- Best Value: Netgear Nighthawk C7800(Modem/Router Combo)
- Best Performer: Netgear Nighthawk CAX80(Modem/Router Combo)
- Best For Voice Service: Motorola MT8733(Voice Modem/Router)
- Best Budget Option: Motorola MG7540(Modem/Router Combo)
9 Best Approved Xfinity Compatible Modems
Here are the best Comcast Xfinity modems.
IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
---|---|---|
Best Overall | Motorola MB8611
| VIEW LATEST PRICE → |
Best For Voice Service | Netgear CM2050V
| VIEW LATEST PRICE → |
Best Budget Option | Motorola MB7420
| VIEW LATEST PRICE → |
Best For Gaming | Surboard SB8200
| VIEW LATEST PRICE → |
Best For Gigabit X2 | Netgear CM2000
| VIEW LATEST PRICE → |
Best Value | Netgear Nighthawk C7800
| VIEW LATEST PRICE → |
Best Performer | Netgear Nighthawk CAX80
| VIEW LATEST PRICE → |
Best For Voice Service | Motorola MT8733
| VIEW LATEST PRICE → |
Best Budget Option | Motorola MG7540
| VIEW LATEST PRICE → |
My Youtube Video on the Topic
Top 9 Comcast Xfinity Compatible Modems
Here are the nine best Comcast Xfinity-approved modems with the best options for your circumstances.
#1 Best Overall – Motorola MB8611
- Type: Cable Modem
- Recommended for: Gigabit Extra or below (2000 Mbps)
- Channel: 32×8
- DOCSIS: 3.1
- Warranty: 2 years
- Top Speed: 2500 Mbps
Pros
- Future-proof
- Works for plans up to 2500 Mbps
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Sometimes excessive
The Motorola MB8611 is ideal for users with Gigabit plans (up to 2000 Mbps) looking to future-proof their modem.
This modem boasts impressive speed capabilities, thanks to its multi-gig port, allowing for speeds up to 2500 Mbps to your router.
This level of speed is more than sufficient for both family use and medium-sized businesses, making it one of the fastest options available for home modems. Consequently, it’s highly recommended for any Xfinity plan.
One of the key features contributing to its speed is the DOCSIS 3.1 technology. DOCSIS is essential for converting signals into a home internet connection, and the 3.1 version represents the latest and most efficient protocol in this technology.
It not only offers top-notch performance but also ensures future compatibility, as internet service providers are gradually moving away from DOCSIS 3.0.
Another notable advantage of the MB8611 is its two-year warranty. While many manufacturers offer only a one-year warranty, Motorola provides an extended two-year coverage for this model, offering additional assurance to consumers.
Although the MB8611 is somewhat expensive, its features and performance justify the cost. This makes it an excellent modem choice for Xfinity plans, standing out as the best in its category.
To learn more, read our full review of the Motorola MB8611.
#2 Best For Voice Service – Netgear CM2050V
- Type: Cable Modem for Voice
- Recommended for: Gigabit Extra or below (2000 Mbps)
- Channel: 32×8
- DOCSIS: 3.1
- Warranty: 1 year
Pros
- Future-proof
- Works for plans up to 2500 Mbps
Cons
- Sometimes excessive
Those with Xfinity Voice plans and a fast internet plan will definitely want to consider the Netgear CM2050V.
What makes it different from our other picks? Well, it has a phone jack, and that means it’s compatible with VoIP.
There are a couple of phone lines for this modem which means it’s possible to have a three-way call should you wish to do so.
Another feature this modem has is call forwarding. This would allow you to redirect calls from your landline phone to your cell. That way, you’ll never have to miss any important calls.
On the internet side of things, this modem has a multi-gig port so you’ll be able to get speeds of up to 2500 Mbps out of it.
This speed will be more than everyone, enough to download nearly anything in mere minutes.
It’s also about as fast as a home modem gets, so I’d recommend it for those on any of the Xfinity plans.
Of course, this is a DOCSIS 3.1 modem. You should be able to keep hold of it for many years without running the risk of the technology becoming redundant.
The only real negative of this modem is that it’s expensive. But then again, that was to be expected considering the speed and the extra technology for phone plan support.
This is the perfect option for those on the faster Xfinity plans with Voice.
To learn more, read our full review of the Netgear CM2050V.
#3 Best Budget Option – Motorola MB7420
- Type: Cable Modem
- Recommended for: Performance or below (200 Mbps)
- Channels: 16×4
- DOCSIS: 3.0
- Warranty: 2 years
Pros
- Affordable
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Not future-proof
- Slow
If you want to save a little money on your next modem, take a look at the Motorola MB7420. It’s very well-priced and enough for some the Performance internet plan (200 Mbps).
The modem is “just enough modem” that will serve you well for now but is not future-proof.
One key downside to think about is that this is a DOCSIS 3.0 modem. As previously mentioned, this means that you won’t be protected against the future so much as Xfinity could phase out compatibility with this technology at some point.
The MB7420 has 16×4 channels, and that’s the bare minimum requirement for any of the Xfinity plans.
The good news is that you’ll still get the double warranty here for a period of two years instead of the legal minimum of one.
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.
#4 Best Modem for Gaming – Arris Surfboard SB8200
- Type: Cable Modem
- Recommended for: Xfinity plans up to Gigabit X2 (2000 Mbps)
- DOCSIS: 3.1
- Warranty: 2 years
- Top WAN speed: 2000 Mbps
Pros
- Ethernet aggregation for 2000 Mbps
- Future-proof
- Reasonable price
Cons
- Really bright lights
Need a lot of speed for gaming? The Arris Surfboard SB8200 has that to offer and then some.
There is no multi-gig port for this modem, so you won’t be able to get a speed of 2.5 Gbps. However, you can still get up to 2 Gbps.
The way the SB8200 achieves this is with a process called ethernet aggregation. It combines the outputs of two 1000 Mbps ethernet ports into one, for a total of 2000 Mbps. Even though ethernet aggregation has its flaws (read more in the buying guide).
This means that this modem will offer enough speed for the Xfinity Gigabit X2 (2000 Mbps) plan.
That’s plenty of speed for some intense gaming sessions! And in fact, this kind of speed is going to be more than enough for most people.
As you have probably guessed, this is a DOCSIS 3.1 modem so you’ll be able to use it for a lot longer than some cheaper modems.
One unusual flaw we found with this modem is that the running lights are super bright. If you’re planning on keeping your modem in your bedroom, this one probably isn’t going to be the best idea.
But other than that, this is a fantastic gaming modem for Xfinity customers at a good price.
To learn more, read our full review of the Arris Surfboard SB8200.
#5 Best Modem for Xfinity Gigabit X2 (2000 Mbps) – Netgear CM2000
- Type: Cable Modem
- Recommended for: Xfinity plans up to Gigabit X2 (2000 Mbps)
- DOCSIS: 3.1
- Warranty: 2 years
- Top WAN speed: 2500 Mbps
Pros
- Super fast
- Future-proof
- Great compatibility
Cons
- Expensive
- One year warranty
Here’s another speedy option: the Netgear CM2000. It might be pricey but it packs a punch for the fastest Xfinity plans.
Crucially, the CM2000 has a multi gig port. As a result, you’ll be able to send speeds of 2500 Mbps to your router with a single connection.
This is more than enough for the Gigabit X2 (2000 Mbps) plan. And because it’s as fast as you can really get to a router, I’d even recommend it for the Gigabit Pro (6000 Mbps) plan.
This DOCSIS 3.1 modem will stay relevant for many years into the future as ISPs slowly phase out the older technology, DOCSIS 3.0. Plus, it’s the key to the fast speed of this modem.
Furthermore, the CM2000 is approved for every major ISP. So you should never have to worry about which provider you can switch to if you ever want to make a change (as long as you still have cable internet).
This is a pretty expensive modem though. For the price, one might expect to receive two years or more of warranty instead of just one, but unfortunately that’s not the case.
This is just about the only downside we could come up with for this modem though. I’m confident that it’s the best option for the fastest Xfinity plans should you have the budget to afford it.
To learn more, read our full review of the Netgear CM2000.
Need a Router To Your Xfinity Modem?
If you don’t get a modem/router combo, you might want a new router for your modem. Luckily, we got you covered in the best routers for Xfinity.
#6 Best Value – Netgear Nighthawk C7800
- Type: Gateway (modem/router combo)
- Recommended for: Xfinity plans up to Fast (400 Mbps)
- DOCSIS: 3.1
- Warranty: One year
- Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 5
- Tested max Wi-Fi speed: 513.64 Mbps
Pros
- Enough for most people
- Fast Speeds
- Decent range
Cons
- Lacks features
- Discontinued
Our top modem/router combo device in terms of value for money has to be the Netgear C7800. It’s quick, and it’s affordable for DOCSIS 3.1.
The DOCSIS 3.1 technology ensures that you’ll get fast modem speeds and that this device will stay supported for years into the future as they phase out DOCSIS 3.0.
The actual router speed isn’t super fast as it’s Wi-Fi 5 instead of Wi-Fi 6. This is slightly older technology but it’s not going to be phased out in the way that DOCSIS 3.0 is.
We tested the speed from 5 ft away and recorded 513.64 Mbps. Other measured speeds were 309.15 Mbps from 25 feet and 155.21 Mbps from 50 feet.
That’s more than enough for most families. I’d recommend it for anyone on Xfinity plans up to Fast (400 Mbps).
This gateway also has a reasonable range of around 80-90 ft. This should be enough for a medium-sized home but you can always add a Wi-Fi extender if you need to.
The router part does have two features: QoS and parental controls. These will allow you to set priority devices for extra speed and to control access to certain content for young children.
However, that is about all they’ll do. Their scope is quite limited, so don’t expect to be in full control here.
Nonetheless, this is still a fantastic gateway device. It’s a perfect option for anyone who wants the convenience of combination hardware if they’re not on a plan faster than Xfinity Fast (400 Mbps).
To learn more, read our full review of the Netgear Nighthawk C7800.
#7 Best Performer – Netgear Nighthawk CAX80
- Type: Modem/Router Combo
- Recommended for: Gigabit or below (1200 Mbps)
- Max Wi-Fi speed: 800+ Mbps
- Channel: 32×8
- DOCSIS: 3.1
- Warranty: 1 year
Pros
- Future-proof
- Very fast
- Good range
Cons
- Lacks features
- Expensive
The Netgear Nighthawk is one of the best gateways I have tested, and it will work for any Xfinity internet plan.
This is the first Wi-Fi 6 gateway we’ve looked at today. This is a newer Wi-Fi protocol that means the Wi-Fi speed is faster. In fact, it’s very fast, with speeds way north of 800 Mbps according to our tests (limited by our plan). That’s perfect gaming speed!
This is about as fast as it gets for a gateway so I recommend it for any Xfinity plan. But realistically, you’re probably only going to be able to max out plans up to the Gigabit Extra (1200 Mbps) over Wi-Fi. That’s still very good though.
The Wi-Fi 6 technology also helps the range of the network. We found that the CAX80 would hold a connection as far as 90-100 ft. This means it’s more suitable for large homes than our other two top picks so far.
It’s going to be more expensive as a result though. This is a premium gateway and the price is high. But still, it should work out cheaper than buying separate devices unless you go down the budget route there.
Of course, it’s DOCSIS 3.1 as well so you’re future proof in that respect and will get the enhanced modem performance.
There’s QoS and parental controls for this gateway but they are still limited. You’ll still be able to block some content and set priority devices though.
This is a really good option for gamers who don’t want to have to worry about separate modems and routers.
To learn more, read our full review of the Netgear Nighthawk CAX80.
#8 Best For Voice Service – Motorola MT8733
- Type: Modem/Router Combo
- Recommended for: Gigabit or below (1200 Mbps)
- Max Wi-Fi speed: 800+ Mbps
- Channel: 32×8
- DOCSIS: 3.1
- Warranty: 2 years
Pros
- Future-proof
- Remarkably fast
- Great range
Cons
- Lacks features
- Pricey
For the ultimate convenience, here’s a modem/router combo that you can use with Xfinity voice plans. It’s compatible with VoIP. It even has two phone jacks for conference calls as well!
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.
It maxed out our 800 Mbps plan at the time with ease (limited by our internet plan).
Again, this is about as fast as it gets for Wi-Fi gateways so it could be fitting for any Xfinity plan. But you’ll probably only really want it for anything up to the Gigabit Extra (1200 Mbps) plan.
Either way, it offers more than enough speeds for large families, even if there are one or two hardcore gamer family members.
This is another Wi-Fi 6 router meaning it has good speed and range. That range is around 90-100 ft according to our tests.
And it’s DOCSIS 3.1 so the modem is very fast. In both the modem and router parts, this gateway device is future proof. Neat!
It’s a shame that the MT8733 doesn’t have parental controls or QoS considering the price of it. But this (and the price, if you consider that an object) are the only two negatives for this gateway overall.
Voice customers who want the extra speed and the gateway convenience need look no further than the MT8733.
#9 Best Budget Option – Motorola MG7540
- Type: Modem/Router Combo
- Recommended for: Performance or below (200 Mbps)
- Max Wi-Fi speed: 301.85 Mbps
- Channel: 16×4
- DOCSIS: 3.0
- Warranty: 2 years
Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- Low range
- Lacks features
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.
Be warned: this is only a DOCSIS 3.0 gateway with channels of 16×4. That’s older technology that could be phased out soon. Plus, 16×4 is the bare minimum channels for Xfinity. This might change again, leaving this router redundant for all Xfinity plans in the future.
The router part isn’t bad though. We managed to record a Wi-Fi speed of 301.85 Mbps which will be more than enough for many people. That’ll be plenty of speed for the Connect and Connect More plans too (75 Mbps and 200 Mbps).
You’ll also be able to get a decent range of 80-90 ft from it according to our tests. That’s around the size of a medium home.
There are QoS and parental controls with this gateway but as is the case for many gateways, the scope of them is very limited.
In conclusion, the MG7540 is a very affordable option for those on the Connect and Connect More plans looking for something fairly temporary.
To learn more, read our full review of the Motorola MG7540.
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 |
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.
Buying Guide to Xfinity Approved Modems
I used a set of criteria to rank and rate each of my top nine picks. Stay with me for the next section to get that information for yourself, so that you can get the clearest idea of which modem to buy.
If you get to the end of this buying guide and still want to know more, you can check out a more detailed buying guide here.
Here’s a list of things to consider:
Rent vs. Buy Your Xfinity Modem/Gateway
Xfinity will lease you their xFi Gateway at a cost of $14 per month. There is no free option.
So, financially, it makes sense for most people to get their own modem or gateway unless they’re only planning on staying with Xfinity for a very short period of time for whatever reason.
This is quite expensive for a gateway. Especially considering that a lot of other ISPs will lease devices to customers for free.
We found that the XFi Gateway is actually pretty good in terms of its speed and range. But the bottom line is that you can get the same quality or even better for a lower price over a period of time. You do the math.
That said, we are a bit biased when it comes to this.
For a more detailed overview, you can check out our guide on Rent Vs. Buy Modem & Router.
Modem Speed – Fast Enough for Your Plan
Is the modem you’re interested in going to max out your plan? Probably, yes. Most modems are pretty quick and most customers aren’t going to be on a plan that threatens maxing the top speed out.
Nonetheless, it’s still worth considering, especially if you are on a faster plan. It’s especially worth considering if you will buy a gateway as these are restricted by top Wi-Fi speeds. Which are going to be lower than the top speeds of most modems.
As a reminder, here’s a look at the current plan lineup for Xfinity:
Internet Plan | Speed (D/U) | Required DOCSIS | Required Channels | Recommended Minimum Wi-Fi Standard |
Connect | 75 Mbps | 3.0 or 3.1 | 16×4 or more | Wi-Fi 5 or 6 |
Connect More | 200 Mbps | 3.0 or 3.1 | 16×4 or more | Wi-Fi 5 or 6 |
Fast | 400 Mbps | 3.0 or 3.1 | 16×4 or more | Wi-Fi 5 or 6 |
Superfast | 800 Mbps | 3.0 or 3.1 | 24×8 or more | Wi-Fi 6 |
Ultrafast | 1000 Mbps | 3.1 | N/A | Wi-Fi 6 or 6e |
Gigabit Extra | 1200 Mbps | 3.1 | N/A | Wi-Fi 6 or 6e |
Gigabit X2 | 2000 Mbps | 3.1 | N/A | Wi-Fi 6e |
Gigabit Pro | 6000 Mbps | 3.1 | N/A | Wi-Fi 6e |
Be aware that these plans (particularly the names of them) will vary from region to region across the US. To find out exactly what they’re going to be called where you are, and for more information on them in general, take a look at this link.
DOCSIS and Channels
I generally recommend opting for a DOCSIS 3.1 modem. It’s newer, faster and will stay relevant for longer. But it is more expensive.
A lot of ISPs are phasing out their support for DOCSIS 3.0, the previous generation, and I don’t think it’ll be long before Xfinity goes the same way.
However, if you need a ‘quick fix’ for cheap and you don’t have a fast (over 800 Mbps) internet plan, DOCSIS 3.0 could still work out for you.
DOCSIS is the technology that converts an outside signal into a network for your home.
DOCSIS 3.0 modems also have something called channels to consider. Cheaper, slow modems can have as little as 8×4 channels but faster modems can be up to 32×8. These will be a bit more expensive though.
Find out more about DOCSIS 3.0 vs 3.1 here.
DOCSIS 3.0 benefits
- Support for up to 800 Mbps sometimes
- Cheaper
DOCSIS 3.1 benefits – Our recommendation
- Very fast
- Will be future proof
Ethernet ports or aggregation
The ethernet output of your modem shows you how much speed you can send to your router, mainly on DOCSIS 3.1.
If your modem has a single Gig ethernet port, it will be able to provide speeds of up to 1000 Mbps. If it has a multi gig ethernet port, the speed will jump up to 2500 Mbps. But this is more expensive.
Another piece of technology some modems incorporate is something called ethernet aggregation. Here, the modem will combine the outputs of 2 Gig ethernet ports for a total speed of 2000 Mbps.
However, this does have its flaws. For a start, it’s not supported by some routers. Also, you’ll need to get two IP addresses, and this is only available in specific areas of the US. Xfinity is phasing out support for this.
Nonetheless, this does not matter too much with the current plan lineup. The fastest plan right now is 1000 Mbps so it’s not necessary to use ethernet aggregation in the first place.
To buy a modem/router combo or to keep them separate?
We’ve looked at a handful of modems and gateways (modem/router combos) today. Generally, I recommend buying a separate modem and router though.
Keeping things separate has a few key benefits. You’ll have more control over your network, access to faster speeds and range and better features all round.
You might be able to get Mesh with a separate router if you have a large home. Or, you could get better QoS and parental controls.
Of course, this is likely to work out more expensive. And I can totally see the benefit of the convenience of having things all in one device.
So at the end of the day it does depend on what your personal priorities are. Do you want convenience or control?
For help with buying a good router for Xfinity plans, take a look at this guide.
Separate modem and router device benefits – Our recommendation
- Faster
- More features
- Better control
Modem/router combo benefits
- Cheaper
- More convenient
You can compare both options in more detail here.
Warranty
If you’re planning on keeping your modem for a while, it could be worth looking at the warranty. The warranty period is the time through which the manufacturer will take care of any faults.
In the US, the legal minimum for this is one year but you’ll find a lot of manufacturers, like Motorola, who offer two years or more.
Hopefully, you’ll never actually have to make a claim on your warranty. But it’s always good to know that the option is there for your general peace of mind.
Home Size
If you’re buying a gateway device or a separate router, you’ll also need to consider the Wi-Fi range.
Most gateways or routers will be able to provide signal to a regular-sized apartment or smaller home but if you live in a large home, be sure to look at the range.
You can still add a Wi-Fi extender but I’d recommend trying to avoid doing this as it’s not super convenient.
For some good options read our article on the best Wi-Fi extenders for Xfinity.
VoIP Voice Support
If you have an Xfinity Voice plan, you’re going to need to buy a modem that supports it. Some modems have support for VoIP. This means it will have a phone jack. Or, in some cases, more than one phone jack for conference calls.
You can check out the Netgear CM2050V and the Motorola MT8733 above for some examples.
If you want more info about voice modems, read our article on the best voice modems.
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: Approved Modems for Xfinity
Here’s a few extra things people have been wanting to know about Xfinity approved modems.
What is the best modem for Comcast Xfinity?
After much testing and talking to Xfinity, we concluded that the best modem for Xfinity is the Motorola MB8611. Because it’s a fast, future-proof cable modem for a fair price.
But if you want to see some other alternatives check out the article above.
Can I use my own modem with Comcast?
Yes, you can. You can find the list of all Comcast Xfinity-approved modems on their site or at the list in this article.
Does Comcast (Xfinity) sell modems?
No, Xfinity only rents you modems. If you want one, you must buy a third-party option.
My third-party modem doesn’t work. What should I do?
First, you need to check if it’s compatible with Xfinity. Do this by searching for the model number on the list of Xfinity-approved modems above.
Then you can check out their guide on how to troubleshoot third-party equipment.
How do I check if a piece of equipment isn’t supported?
You can check if Comcast approves it by either going to their site or searching for the model number in the table with all Comcast Xfinity-approved modems above.
Can I use Third-party modems with Comcast Gigabit internet?
Yes, but you need to get a modem that has DOCSIS 3.1. And if you get Xfinity’s 3 Gigabit internet, you don’t need a modem since it’s fiber optic.
My Xfinity internet is slow; what can I do to increase it?
The first thing you need to do is compare the internet speed you have to your current internet plan. You need to upgrade your Xfinity plan to get faster internet if it’s the same or close.
If you measure a way lower speed than you pay for, check out our article on how to fix slow Xfinity internet.
Do I need DOCSIS 3.1 for Xfinity plans?
DOCSIS 3.1 becomes essential for all Xfinity plans from Ultrafast (1000 Mbps) onwards. You can get away with DOCSIS 3.0 for the slower plans than this but I do still recommend getting DOCSIS 3.1 as this will keep you future proof for longer.
How can I find out if a modem is approved by Xfinity?
Not all modems work with Xfinity plans, so make sure to check if you’re looking at a modem outside of our top picks today.
To do this, just log into ‘My Device Info’ on the Xfinity website. You can also search online for the model number of the individual modem as the product listing page should tell you which ISPs it’s compatible with.
Is it easy to set up a modem for Xfinity?
If your modem is approved, Xfinity makes it pretty easy to switch over to the third party hardware. All you need to do is plug your modem into the socket (and into the router if you want to keep things separate) then activate it.
You can read about that in more detail here.
Final Thoughts on Xfinity-Approved Modems
I love the Motorola MB8611 and think it’s a brilliant modem option for most Xfinity customers. Because it’s fast, future-proof and affordable.
But that’s just me. Everybody is going to have different opinions and circumstances. That’s why I’ve covered all bases in this article and put together the buying guide so that you have all the information you need.
Now it’s up to you. Good luck!
Motorola MB8611 – Editors Choice’s
Best Overall
- Type: Cable Modem
- Works up to: 2500 Mbps
- Channel bonding: 32×8
- DOCSIS: 3.1
- Warranty: 2 years
27 thoughts on “9 Best Comcast Xfinity Approved Modems in 2024”
Super informative article! I have a 1400 square foot townhome. Cutting cable and going to buy either modem router combo, or separate devices. Have Xfinity. All we do is watch/stream TV, and have 2 cell phones, and one tablet. Not gamers, nothing special. What is your recommendation for Xfinity internet plan/speed?
Thank you!
Hi Marcia,
Thanks for your comment.
I would recommend their 200 Mbps plan. This will be enough to stream 4K and use the phones and tablet at the same time.
You can learn more about Xfinity’s internet plans and what they are enough for here.
Hope this helps!
Was hoping for some advice, even with reading through this. I originally was looking at getting a modem that was also wi-fi, but now I’m not sure if I should and instead, if I should get a system that is a modem, with a home-kit router system. My house isn’t large, it’s 1,500SF (will be 1,800 with the renovation eventually), all one level, an L shaped rancher, but we also ran a ground rated cable out to my wife’s office to put a WIFi router out there as well, range is too far otherwise. My son’s are young now, but they’re big into gaming so I want to make sure we have reliable WiFi for them in the future and rather invest in that now than later.
Would it be smarter to get a WiFi/Modem combo, or a Modem that I can connect a homekit to and have multiple WiFi receivers around the house (I need at least 2 ethernet ports if I go this route)? Assuming these kits plug in one port and that main unit projects to the other units?
Hi Leon,
I recommend getting a modem and a normal router. For 1500-1800 SF, you won’t need multiple access points. If you get a high-performing router, like the ASUS RT-AX88U for example, you will be more than fine.
A mesh system would, of course, also work. And yes, you need two ports, that is, if you don’t connect the units using Wi-Fi. Which will be slower but more practical.
You could also get a modem/router combo, but as I explained in the article, I think a separate modem and router are better for most.
I hope I understood your question. Let me know if you want me to clarify anything.
– Andreas
This was helpful info. I recently replaced my Xfinity modem/router combo with the Motorola MB861 and the Asus XenWiFi AX mesh system for my 3700 ft. four story townhome. My Comcast speed is 1200 Mbps. My previous router (Ubiquity Amplifi Mesh) maximum capability was 500 mbps. My speeds have increased, but I am experiencing occasional buffering, even moreso than when using Xfinity. I will check to see if there’s a problem with the equipment, but your information has been helpful and provided useful insight.
Hey RAD,
Good to hear that you found the information useful!
Thank you for the review. This was helpful. I chose to purchase the C6220
Good to hear Lavanya!
Hello Andreas,
Currently using Comcast Xfinity Upto 1.2 Gbps
Equipment is a Netgear CM1100 Modem
& Netgear R6300 Wifi Router.
I’m having issues with speed and connectivity especially with the new IFit equipment just installed.
Comcast blamed Netgear and Netgear blames Comcast. !
I have noticed that the CM1100 is not listed for upto 1.2Gbps
Looking to get your Pick – Motorola MB8611 and use the R6300 as wifi (Rated upto 1.3Gbps) Is this a suitable pairing or is the R6300 need to be replaced as well.
Thanks for your time.
Edwin
Hi Edwin,
Yeah, the CM1100 will only give you 940 Mbps unless you use the link aggregation function it has. So you will need to either upgrade or start using link aggregation if you want to take full advantage of your internet plan. That said, you don’t have to if you don’t want.
Your biggest problem right now will be the router. It’s simply nowhere close to what you need for a 1.2 Gigabit plan.
I know they claim it’s 1.3 Gbps, but honestly, that’s just not true. You will at most get 200-300 Mbps from it. And I’m not even sure of that.
Moving forward I would start by getting a new router. The ASUS RT-AX3000 or the ASUS RT-AX88U are both good options.
But you can also check out our article on the best routers for Xfinity for more to choose from.
And if you really want to take full advantage of your internet plan, I would recommend the Motorola MB8611 cable modem.
Hope this helps and if you have any more questions let me know.
Best,
Andreas
Hi Andreas,
Thanks for the article. I own MB7621 and didn’t have any major problems with it for a year. I recently switched from 200Mbps to 300Mbps and then all the problems started. My internet is not stable anymore, speed is not what I pay for and the most frustrating is that the internet is not only going between 50 to 100/150Mbps, but it goes off constantly. Working from home and needed to be online all the time, so this doesn’t help at all. It’s beyond frustrating. Our two work computers are hard wired.
I had two technicians coming to my house, first changed all the fittings, the other one ran the brand new temporary line to our house. Nothing helped to have my internet stable as it used to be.
Is my modem not able to handle this speed bump? Thanks for your thoughts.
Hi John, the MB7621 should be able to handle 300 Mbps without any issues, so I’m not sure.
I assume you have tried resetting it and checked all the cables, but if not, that would be my first step.
You can also log into the modem and check the log and see what it says. You might find something interesting there.
It’s also worth making sure it’s not the router that is the issue. Try testing your internet directly from the modem to the computer and see if it still drops.
I’m hesitant to recommend you get a new modem, as it might not fix it. But it also could be the solution. Sometimes DOCSIS 3.0 modem has problems with newer infrastructure.
Let me know if anything helped, and if you have any other questions, let me know.
Hi Andreas,
Thank you for your quick answer. I went to logs and found some errors there. After calling Motorola Support we found out that this is a ISP issue, since modem lacks communication through the cable. Now – at least – I have something in my hand when the next technician will come.
Thanks again for your time and help!
Hi Andreas. Thanks for sharing your research. I already own a Motorola MG8702 (modem/router combo) and I’m not thrilled with the speed that it provides. Would I benefit (increase bandwidth) by purchasing the MB8611 and attaching a separate router to it? Or do you think it would produce approximately the same speeds?
Thanks.
Hi Steve,
It depends on the router you get, but most likely, it will be faster. Especially if you get a Wi-Fi 6 router.
Check out our article on the best routers for Xfinity for some good options.
Thank you very much Andreas for sharing your knowledge. After little research I found only very good reviews about MB8611. I got a MB8611, speed is indeed faster about 20mbps than with my old modem. It also helped to make up my mind faster. )
Thank you.
Happy to help you, Alex.
Thank you for sharing your detailed specs and hard work. I am an Xfinity customer and am leaning toward the Netgear CM2050V which supports telephony. However I am on a budget and am unsure about the best router to purchase. I had an Arris gateway for almost 2 years which recently stopped working.
Hello Dorothy, if you need a voice modem and are on a budget, you might want to consider the Netgear CM1050V. I do think it is less value for the money, but it is cheaper than the CM2050V.
If you are looking for a budget-friendly router for your modem, consider the TP-Link AX10. You can also check out our article on the best routers for Xfinity if you want to see some other options.
Thanks for your comment and if you have any more questions let me know 🙂
Why do so many internet service providers in the US implement a system where an analog signal is converted to a digital signal. Why don’t they provide a direct digital link to your residence?
My second question is why receiving internet via satellite link is so slow compared to cable/broadband services. I don’t see any satellite internet systems delivering gigabit speeds and above.
I also noticed that certain nations overseas joke about the US and its definition of fast internet speeds (> 25 Mbps). A lot of overseas nations (e.g. Europe) have far faster speeds as part of their standard service plans, and for a lower cost.
Well, Mark, that quite a few questions. Let’s get started with the first one.
You get analog signals into your home instead of digital because cable internet uses the Television infrastructure. And this infrastructure operates with analog signals.
Your second question is why Satellite is so slow. Satellite internet feels so slow because of the great distance data needs to travel (i.e. from the data center to the Satellite and then to your device). This makes the latency of satellite internet very high.
To your third question. Why is the US internet so slow compared to Europe. Well, this question has a lot of different answers. But my guess is that it’s because of the lack of competition. In most European countries, you can choose between plenty of different Internet service providers, while in the US, you often can only choose between one or two. That said, I don’t think the US is as slow as it often is portrayed as.
This was a very helpful and thorough article – thank you! I am getting Xfinity Gigabit service next month, and will get the MB8611. I do have a random question though and wonder if you can help? I currently have Verizon FiOS, and at some point learned I could ditch their ‘device” which I think is a modem/router combo – I had to call them and ask them to change my profile to have their central switch location serve up my IP address, or something like that? So I did, and got an alternate router. It’s been working well for years now. Does this same approach apply to cable providers, meaning can I ditch the cable modem and go directly into a router? Not sure why I would want to do this, but am just curious.
Hi Jon, thanks for your comment. For Xfinity cable internet, you always need a cable modem. This is to translate the analog signal you receive into a digital signal that a router can understand.
For Version FiOS, you have an ONT which is provided in the installation. This has a similar function to the cable modem, but for fiber. This is why you could connect directly to the router. So to answer your question, no, you can’t.
Thank you Andreas for your hard work in giving us all this great info. I’m going to go with the Netgear CM2050V since I have the bundle with Comcast- voice. Though it’s more $$$ it’s what I need. Just got so tired of paying Comcast the modem fees. I had purchased and now returning the Netgear AX2700 as it’s not compatible with Comcast voice. I guess I didn’t read the fine print. Lol
Thanks, Trish! Yeah, it is always a bit tricky to know what to get exactly.
Just got the MB8611 and it works great for my Xfinity blast plan. Thanks for the help!
I’m happy to hear that Kiara!