3 Best Midco Approved & Compatible Modems in 2024 [Full List]

In this article, you will find the 3 best Midco authorized modems. As well as a complete list of all Midco approved modems and what to consider before buying one. 

Go to the list.

As a Network Engineer, I have performed extensive research to find the best Midco compatible modems. 

And after being in contact with Midco, I have concluded that Motorola MB8600 is the best modem for Midco. 

But all people have different internet needs. 

So, therefore, I have put together this list of the top 3 Midco approved modems. 

So keep reading. 

Best Midco Compatible Modems

1. Motorola MB8600 (Editors Choice – Modem) 
2. NETGEAR Nighthawk C7800 (Best Performer – Modem/Router Combo)
3. ARRIS SURFboard SB6141 (Budget-Friendly – Modem) – Read Review Before Buying

3 Best Midco Approved Modems

Here are the top 5 best Midco Compatible modems for your home. 

#1 Motorola MB8600 (Editors Choice – Modem) 

Since June 30, 2021, Midco has decided that any third-party modem must be a DOCSIS 3.1 modem. 

Therefore, I recommend the Motorola MB8600. Which is a DOCSIS 3.1 modem compatible with any Midco cable internet plan. 

The modem is also future-proof because of the ethernet ports. 

You see, the MB8600 has four ethernet ports instead of the 1 that most modems have. 

And two of them have something called ethernet aggregation. This enables you to bond the ports and create one port with a 2000 Mbps capability. 

This allows the modem to work with internet plans up to 2000 Mbps. Double what it otherwise would be able to handle. 

The biggest drawback with this modem is that some people have had a problem with Motorola support, with a long wait time and little to no help. 

So if you know yourself as not being that tech-savvy, you might want to avoid this modem. 

Read the full MB8600 review.

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#2 NETGEAR Nighthawk C7800 (Best Performer – Modem/Router Combo)

The Netgear C7800 is for someone who wants a modem/router combo and has the Midco 500 internet plan or below. 

During testing, this device reached 513.64 Mbps from 5 feet and 309.15 Mbps from 25 feet. Using the 5GHz band. 

This is why it only works up to the 500 Mbps plan even though it’s DOCSIS 3.1. 

Because if you were to use it with the Gig plan, you would not get the speed you are paying for, that’s as long as you don’t use cables. 

The range was also pretty good, reaching about 90-100 feet. This is enough for a medium-sized house. 

The biggest con with the C7800 is that it is not very customizable. You can, for example, not prioritize devices or programs or restricts your kid’s actives on the internet with it. 

Read the full C7800 review.

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#3 ARRIS SURFboard SB6141 (Budget-Friendly – Modem)

• Type: Cable Modem
• Recommended for: Midco 100 or below (100 Mbps) 
• Channels: 8×4
• DOCSIS: 3.0
• Warranty: 2 years
• Chosen as: Budget-Friendly

This modem is not on the approved modems list. So read the whole review before buying.

Midco has been changing its networks to DOCSIS 3.1, so the only modems approved are DOCSIS 3.1 modems. 

But since DOCSIS 3.1 modems are costlier, I wanted to include a cheaper option. And for this, I choose the previously approved Arris SB6141. 

But before you buy this modem, you need to contact Midco support and ask if DOCSIS 3.0 is still compatible in your area and for how long it will be. 

Because for most customers, DOCSIS 3.0 modem will still work for now and might for some time. 

Just note that this modem only works with Midco 100 internet or below. 

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Complete List with All Midco Approved Modems

Here is the full list of all Midco approved modems, with every modem that Midco has tested for compatibility with their internet. [1]

Brand	Module #	With Router	Channels	DOCSIS	Puma Chipset
ARRIS	CM8200	No	32×8	3.1	No
ARRIS	DG3450	Yes	32x8	3.1	Yes
ARRIS	SB8200	No	32x8	3.1	No
ARRIS	SBG8300	Yes	32x8	3.1	Yes
Motorola	MB8600	No	32x8	3.1	No
Hitron	CODA-45	No	32×8	3.1	Yes
Hitron	CODA-4582	Yes	32×8	3.1	Yes
Netgear	C7800	Yes	32×8	3.1	No
Netgear	CM1000/CM1000v2	No	32×8	3.1	No
Netgear	CM1200	No	32×8	3.1	No

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

What to Consider Before Getting a Midco Approved Modem

Before getting a Midco approved modem, there are some things you should take into consideration. 

This is to make sure that you make the best possible choice for your home. For a more in-depth guide, check out the modem buying guide. 

Modem or modem-router combo

The first thing to decide is if you want standalone devices or a modem-router combo (gateway). 

The difference is that the gateway has the two devices built together. While standalone modems need a router to distribute the internet. 

There are pros and cons with both, depending on what you want. I, however, recommend standalone devices. 

Because this allows you to only change one of the devices if it breaks or needs an upgrade. As well as providing more control and better performance. 

This is not to say that combos are useless. They are more convenient and often easier to set up. 

In the case of modems that work for Midco, there are also some good router/modem combos. So if you want one, you can get it. 

Just not for Midco Gig (1000 Mbps) since Midco has yet to approve a modem/router combo that is fast enough. 

Speed – DOCSIS, Channels & Wi-Fi

When buying a modem, you need to make sure it’s fast enough for your internet plan. Because otherwise, it will bottleneck your internet, and you won’t get what you’re paying for. 

There are three main things to consider when it comes to speed. These are DOCSIS, channels, and Wi-Fi. 

DOCSIS

Since June 2021, Midco is moving over to DOCSIS 3.1 modems. 

They have, therefore, removed all their DOCSIS 3.0 modems from their approved modems list. And urge everyone to buy a modem to get DOCSIS 3.1. 

I recommend you follow this and get a DOCSIS 3.1 modem. 

But even though Midco makes it seem like you need a DOCSIS 3.1 modem, you most likely don’t need it for now. 

Because the rollout of DOCSIS 3.1 is pretty slow and most customers likely have DOCSIS 3.0 now. 

Therefore, you can contact the support and ask if your area is still compatible with DOCSIS 3.0 and how long it will be. 

And if you’re lucky, you can get away with a cheaper DOCSIS 3.0 modem, for now anyway. 

Even though it’s most likely cheaper to get a DOCSIS 3.1 modem right away instead. 

Channels

Channels are only something to think about if you get a DOCSIS 3.0 modem. 

They look like this: 8×4, 16×4, 24×8, or 32×8, depending on the modem. These numbers are the streaming channel. The first one is downstream and, the second one is upstream. 

The more channels, the faster the modem is. 

Make sure your modem has enough channels for your internet plan. 

Wi-Fi

For now, Midco has only Wi-Fi 5 devices on their certified modems list. This means that no modem on the list is compatible with the 1000 Mbps plan. [2]

The only Wi-Fi modem I have tested on the list is the Netgear C7800, which has a Wi-Fi speed that is compatible with the 500 Mbps plan. 

Compatible with Midco

This is nothing you need to think about if you chose any of the modems in the list above. But if you plan to get another modem, you need to make sure it is a cable modem. 

But even then, it’s not sure the modem will work for Midco. You will have to contact Midco for further information regarding if the modem you want will work or not. 

A modem from the list, however, is guaranteed to work with your Cable Midco internet.

Midco Internet Plans

Here are all Midco internet plans and what modem and gateway (modem/router combo) I recommend for each one. [3]

As the Midco approved modems list gets expanded, I will add more modems here.

Internet Plan	Cable Modem	Gateway
Midco Internet 50	Motorola MB8600	Netgear C7800
Midco Internet 100	Motorola MB8600	Netgear C7800
Midco Internet 200	Motorola MB8600	Netgear C7800
Midco Internet 500	Motorola MB8600	Netgear C7800
Midco Internet 1000	Motorola MB8600	N/A

Buy Vs. Rent Midco Modem

When it comes to renting fees, Midco is not the worst Internet Service Provider. With a price of $6 a month for a modem and $8 for a modem-router combo. This is lower than many other ISPs. [4]

But it is cheap for a reason, the network equipment provided by Midco is not the best. And in the long run, the monthly fees do add up. 

Therefore, I recommend most people buy their network equipment. 

But I should note I’m somewhat biased. I do make a commission if you buy it. 

If you want a more in-depth overview of this, check out the pros and cons of buying a modem. 

Why get a Midco Approved Modem

As I mentioned earlier, I do recommend most people get a third-party modem. And here is the main reasons why. 

No Rental Fees

Midco doesn’t have the highest fee, but it will still add up over the long run. 

Costing $3 or $5 a month, which becomes $36 or $60 a year. This can pay for a device in everything from one to five years, depending on which you buy. 

Higher Internet Speed

Another benefit of getting your modem and router is that they will allow for faster internet speeds. 

Midco’s renting fee is low, but therefore, their devices are of questionable quality. Getting your modem and router will most likely increase your internet speed. 

Extended Coverage

Midco’s modem-router combo doesn’t have the best range. This won’t matter if you have a small home. 

But if you have a larger home with obstacles, a third-party router will give your home better internet coverage. 

How to install a Midco Compatible modem

This is how to install a modem for your Midco internet. 

1. Pick a location with good airflow. This, so the device doesn’t overheat. For the modem router combo, try to place it as centered and high up in the home as possible. This will improve its coverage. 
2. Connect the coax cable, the power cord to the device, and the wall. If you have a standalone modem, also connect it to a router using an ethernet cable. 
3. Follow the instruction manual that comes with the device for the firmware setup.

You can also check your Midco’s guide on setting up third-party network equipment for their internet here. 

FAQ

Here are some common questions regarding Midco and networks equipment. 

Why is my Midco Internet so slow?

First, you need to make sure that your internet plan is not slow. Do this by comparing it to a speed test. 

Then I recommend following my list of 13 things that will speed up your internet speed. If nothing works, call Midco and ask. 

How do I reset the Midco modem?

Press the little hidden button on the back of the modem using a toothpick or a needle. For a more detailed guide, check out how to reset a modem & router.

How to login into your Midco Router?

To login to your router, write 192.168.1.1 in any browser and then login with the username: admin and the password: password.

If this doesn’t work, check out my guide on how to log in to your router. That goes into more detail on how to log in. 

My Verdict

Midco has a wide range of modems approved for their internet, and thus there are plenty of good options.

But after extensive research, I found that Motorola MB8600 was the best modem for Midco internet.

As it provides your home with a fast and reliable internet connection for a fair price.