6 Best RCN (Astound Broadband) Approved Modems In 2024 [Full List]

This is our review of the best modems for RCN internet in 2024. Note that fiber-optic internet does not use modems. This is only for cable internet. 

As a Network Engineer, I have bought a bunch of modems and tested them against each other. 

And out of these, the best modem for RCN proved itself to be the Arris Surfboard SB8200. Because it’s fast, future-proof, and affordable. 

But, since everyone has a different home, internet plans, and preferences, it won’t be perfect for everyone.

Thus, I have picked the six best modems for RCN so you can choose the one that fits your preference and needs the best. 

Let’s dive in!

Top 6 RCN Compatible Modems

1. Best Overall – Arris Surfboard SB8200 – Cable Modem
2. Best Performer – Netgear CM2000 – Cable Modem
3. Best Budget-Friendly – Netgear CM600 – Cable Modem
4. Best Value – Motorola MG8702 – Modem/Router Combo
5. Best Premium Option – Netgear CAX80 – Modem/Router Combo
6. Best Budget-Friendly – Motorola MG7700 – Modem/Router Combo

6 Best RCN Compatible Modems

Here is an overview of the best modems for RCN in 2022. 

#1 Best Overall – Arris Surfboard SB8200 

The Arris Surfboard SB8200 is a good modem for any RCN customer looking for a future-proof solution.

The SB8200 is a DOCSIS 3.1 modem compatible with internet plans up to 2000 Mbps. This makes it compatible with any RCN internet plan. 

It’s so fast because it has a feature called Port Bonding. This allows you to combine two Ethernet ports into a single data stream with a capacity of 2000 Mbps. [1]

A feature that isn’t especially useful today. Because RCN has no cable plan exceeding 1000 Mbps. This feature does, however, make the modem more future-proof. 

Yet, I don’t recommend the SB8200 if you think you might change to fiber-optic in a year or less. Because then there is no point of future-proofing. 

If that’s your case, you should get a modem with the minimum requirements for your internet plan (see tables under “Speed”).

Altogether, the Arris Surfboard SB8200 is a modem for you that simply want what works that you then don’t have to think about.

Read the full review here.

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#2 Best Performer – Netgear CM2000

The Netgear CM2000 is for you that want the best of the best. With a 2.5-Gigabit Ethernet port, this modem is compatible with internet plans up to 2500 Mbps. [2]

These are speeds so fast no ISP has yet to offer them to consumers. It would be enough to watch more than 20 8K streams simultaneously.

The CM2000 is very much like a more refined version of the SB8200. Being faster, newer, and even more future-proof.

The thing is that this also makes it more excessive. Because a modem can only provide you with the internet speed of your internet plan. 

Thus, I especially recommend the CM2000 with the RCN 940 Mbps plan. 

For more info, read our review of the CM2000.

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#3 Best Budget-Friendly – Netgear CM600

If you have an internet plan of 400 Mbps or less and want a more budget-friendly cable modem, consider the Netgear CM600. 

It’s a DOCSIS 3.0 modem with 24×8 channels. This makes it less future-proof than a DOCSIS 3.1 option but still within RCN’s recommendations. 

Nevertheless, as RCN progresses towards DOCSIS 3.1, it’s ambiguous how long this cable modem will be sufficient. 

Thus, if you get this cable modem, you might need to get a new one sooner than expected. 

Overall, the Netgear CM600 is a decently fast and affordable modem. It’s perfect for you with an internet plan below 400 Mbps that won’t upgrade anytime soon. 

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#4 Best Value – Motorola MG8702

The Motorola MG8702 is a good option for you with RCN 500 Mbps plan or below. 

In our tests, it reached 518.51 Mbps from 5 feet and 272.03 Mbps from 25 feet, both using the 5GHz band. 

Pretty good results considering it is a Wi-Fi 5 router and enough for a family of around 5 people to use the internet without any issues. 

Range wise the MG8702 also performed pretty well, reaching about 80-90 feet. This is enough for a normal home. But if you have something too large with thick walls, you might experience some dead spots. 

The biggest drawback of the MG8702 is that of most other modem/router combos. It lacks the extra features. 

Some might disagree and say that it has both Parental Controls and QoS, which is true. But they are basically useless, as the interface is slow and unpractical to use. 

Overalls, the Motorola MG8702 is a solid gateway that will provide fast internet with good coverage. Just don’t get it if you have RCN 940 Mbps plan and/or want better features. 

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#5 Best Premium Option – Netgear CAX80

The Netgear CAX80 is the best modem/router combo for you with the RCNs Gigabit plan (i.e. the 940 Mbps plan). 

I wish I could tell you the max Wi-Fi throughput, but I could not find it as I only had access to an 800 Mbps plan. 

Because the router reached 800+ Mbps from 5 feet, 583.15 Mbps from 25 feet, and 298.47 Mbps from 50 feet. All using the 5GHz channel. 

Excellent results for a modem/router combo, enough for a large family of 8 or more people to use the internet without any issues. 

Its coverage is also a match to its speed because its Wi-Fi reached about 90-100 feet. Enough for any but the largest homes.

The drawback with the CAX80 is, however, its features. Lacking both Parental Controls and QoS, which enables you to restrict your kid’s activities on the internet and prioritize applications on your network. 

Overall, The CAX80 is a modem/router combo for you that want pure performance that isn’t on a budget. Just note that it’s a bit excessive if you have an internet plan below RCN’s 500 Mbps packet. 

Read the full review here.

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#6 Best Budget-Friendly – Motorola MG7700

The Motorola MG7700 is the best budget-friendly modem/router combo for RCN if you have an internet plan at or below 400 Mbps.

It achieved 441.28 Mbps from 5 feet and 126.12 Mbps from 25 feet during testing, using the 5GHz band. 

Good results, enough for a family of around 5 people to use the internet simultaneously without any issues. 

The router range also proved pretty decent, covering a distance of around 80-90 feet, even though it is hard to know exactly. 

It should nonetheless be enough for any normal home and even a slightly larger home if it’s placed somewhere closer to its center. 

The drawback with the MG7700 is that it lacks any good Parental Controls and QoS like all the other modem/router combos. 

It’s also only DOCSIS 3.0, making it less future-proof than many other options. 

Overall, the Motorola MG7700 is a good affordable modem/router combo for RCN. Because it delivers relatively fast internet for a lower price.

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List of RCN Approved Modems

Here is a list of RCN-approved and compatible modems. These modems follow the requirements and not the recommendations. 

Brand	Model #	With Router	Channels	DOCSIS	Puma Chipset	VoIP
Netgear	CM500	No	16×4	3.0	No	No
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	CM1100	No	32×8	3.1	No	No
Netgear	CM1200	No	32×8	3.1	No	No
Netgear	CM2000	No	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	C6250	Yes	16×4	3.0	No	No
Netgear	C6300	Yes	16×4	3.0	Yes	No
Netgear	C6300v2	Yes	16×4	3.0	Yes	No
Netgear	C6300BD	Yes	16×4	3.0	Yes	No
Netgear	C6900	Yes	24×8	3.0	No	No
Netgear	C7000	Yes	24×8	3.0	No	No
Netgear	C7000v2	Yes	24×8	3.0	No	No
Netgear	C7500	Yes	24×8	3.0	No	No
Netgear	C7800	Yes	32×8	3.1	No	No
Netgear	CBK40	Yes	32x8	3.0	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	S33	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	MB7420	No	16×4	3.0	No	No
Motorola	MB7621	No	24×8	3.0	No	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
Zoom	5370	No	16×4	3.0	No	No
SMC	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
ASUS	CM-16	No	16×4	3.0	No	No
ASUS	CM-32	Yes	32×8	3.0	Yes	No

Puma Chipset is a problematic chip some modems use. I recommend avoiding models using it since they are linked to latency issues.

What to Consider When Buying A RCN Approved Modem

Here are the things you should consider before buying an RCN-approved modem. For a more general guide, check out our modem buying guide. 

What’s Makes a Modem Compatible With RCN?

RCN does not have a list of approved modems like most ISPs (Internet Service Providers) have.

Instead, they have specs requirements that a modem must have to work with their internet. 

RCN’s Modem Requirements

These are the minimum requirements for a modem to work with RCN. [3]

• At least 16 downstream channels for 250 Mbps or less (DOCSIS 3.0)
• At least 24 downstream channels for 400 Mbps or less (DOCSIS 3.0)
• DOCSIS 3.1 for more than 400 Mbps
• If you have a fiber-to-the-home service, you need to use an RCN device. 
• If you have RCN’s phone service, you need a modem from RCN. 
• Not using EURODOCSIS (only in America)

RCN’s Modem Recommendations

But, RCN does have other recommendations for their customers. This so they will deliver the fastest internet possible.

• DOCSIS 3.0 with 24 downstream channels for 400 Mbps or below
• DOCSIS 3.1 for any plan above 400 Mbps 

In this article, I will follow these recommendations. Thus, I only recommend modems that fit them.

Just know that you only need to follow the requirements for a modem to work for RCN. 

Note: The Motorola MB8600 doesn’t work on RCN even though it checks all the requirements.

DOCSIS 3.1 or 3.0

The most immediate thing you get to decide when you get a cable modem is whether you want a DOCSIS 3.1 modem or a 3.0 modem. 

The difference is that DOCSIS 3.1 is faster and newer while DOCSIS 3.0 is slower but cheaper. 

For RCN, I recommend getting a DOCSIS 3.1 modem because they have been actively raising their modem requirements in the past few years. 

And if they continue at this pace, you will need a DOCSIS 3.1 modem soon anyways. 

That said, if you think you’re going to switch to fiber in a year or less, I recommend you get the slowest modem compatible with your internet plan (see table under “Speed”). 

Because then, there is no point in future-proofing. 

DOCSIS 3.1 Benefits

• Future-proof
• Faster
• Lower latency

DOCSIS 3.0 Benefits

• Cheaper
• Often enough 

For a more in-depth overview of the topic, check out DOCSIS 3.1 or 3.0. 

Channels (Only for DOCSIS 3.0)

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

These decide the modem’s bandwidth, with more channels equaling more speed.

RCN minimum requirements for slower internet plans are at least 8 downstream channels. At the same time, they recommend you have a modem with at least 24 downstream channels.

This is to make sure you get the optimal performance.  

I recommend you follow their recommendations, but if you are on a budget, you can follow their requirements instead.  

I also suggest you avoid the 32×8 modems, as they often have the infamous Puma Chipset. Which is a chipset linked with latency issues. 

Just note that you can’t get a DOCSIS 3.0 modem if your internet plan exceeds 500 Mbps. 

Speed

When buying a modem, you need to make sure it’s fast enough for your current internet plan. 

Because otherwise, it will bottleneck your internet speed, and you won’t get what you are paying for. 

For RCN, you need a modem with at least DOCSIS 3.0 and 8×4 channels for plans up to 250 Mbps. And more than 16×4 channels or more for 330 Mbps packets or below. 

But if you have a plan faster than 500 Mbps, you need a DOCSIS 3.1 modem. 

RCN Requirements for Each Internet Plan

These are the minimum requirements you need for each internet plan. [4]

Internet Plan	DOCSIS	Channels
50 Mbps Internet	3.0 or 3.1	16×4 or more
100 Mbps Internet	3.0 or 3.1	16×4 or more
250 Mbps Internet	3.0 or 3.1	16×4 or more
330 Mbps Internet	3.0 or 3.1	16×4 or more
500 Mbps Internet	3.1	N/A
940 Mbps Internet	3.1	N/A

Note: DOCSIS 3.1 modem doesn’t use channels. Only their backward compatibility, which always is 32×8.

RCN Recommendations for Each Internet Plan

These are what RCN recommends for each internet plan.

Internet Plan	DOCSIS	Channels
50 Mbps Internet	3.0 or 3.1	24×8 or 32×8
100 Mbps Internet	3.0 or 3.1	24×8 or 32×8
250 Mbps Internet	3.0 or 3.1	24×8 or 32×8
330 Mbps Internet	3.0 or 3.1	24×8 or 32×8
500 Mbps Internet	3.1	N/A
940 Mbps Internet	3.1	N/A

I recommend following their recommendations, but if you are on a strict budget, consider the minimum requirements instead. 

Modem/Router Combo or Separate for RCN?

Another thing you must decide before you buy a modem is whether or not you want separate devices or a modem/router combo (gateway).

The difference is that a gateway is a modem and a router in one device. While separate is one standalone modem and router connected through an ethernet port. 

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

This is because separate devices make it possible to change one device if it breaks or needs an upgrade instead of both. 

 It also will allow for better performance and more customization. 

That said, modem/router combos are not useless. They often offer a lower upfront cost and are generally easier to set up.

Separate Devices Benefits

• Can change one device
• Better performance
• More customization

Modem/Router Combos Benefits

• Often a lower upfront cost
• Generally easier to set up

If you feel uncertain about what to get, check out combo vs. separate – which is best for you? 

Home Size

Suppose you decide to get a modem/router combo. In that case, you also need to consider the range of the device you want to get. 

Because a larger home will generally require a better router, while a smaller one can get away with a worse router. 

You can read the overview of some of the modem/router combos I have tested for an approximation of the range. 

That said, it’s always hard to know exactly. If you have problems with the coverage, also consider the router’s position. 

Ports

Ethernet ports are significant for cable modems, especially DOCSIS 3.1 models. 

This is because they are often the limiting factor on the modem’s bandwidth. 

And because of this, many DOCSIS 3.1 modem is moving away from the standard 1-gigabit port. Instead, opting for a 2.5-gigabit port. 

This port makes the modem compatible with plans up to 2500 Mbps instead of 1000 Mbps. 

Another solution to the problems some modem use is Port Bonding. This allows you to combine the bandwidth of a 1-gigabit port into a single data stream that supports 2000 Mbps. 

The faster the Ethernet port the better. 

RCN Voice Service

Unfortunately, if you have RCN Voice service, you must rent your modem from RCN. Because no eMTA modem is approved for them. 

This leaves you with two options. Either use the eMTA modem for both your phone service and the internet. 

Or get another modem for the internet, and use the eMTA modem for your phone only. 

This won’t be necessary for most, but you should know that this is an option. 

Buy Vs. Rent an RCN Modems

RCN charges a fee of $16 a month to rent a modem from them [5]. This fee is not the highest but neither the lowest of all ISPs. I would still strongly recommend you buy your modem if you have RCN. 

$16 a month makes $192 per year. This is enough to buy yourself a high-performing modem. And if you buy a cheaper device, it will be pay off itself in as little as three months.

So, this is why I recommend you buy a modem. 

That said, if you have to move soon, you might want to rent, as you can’t be sure your modem will work at your next location. 

Also, note that I’m somewhat biased. I make a small commission if you buy any of a modem. 

For a more detailed overview, check out buying vs. renting a modem & router – which is best.

Benefits of Buying an RCN Compatible Modem

As I said, I think it’s better to buy a modem than rent it. Here are some of the main reasons why. 

Monthly Fee

RCN has a monthly fee of $15 a month if you rent a modem. This means that you pay $180. Enough to buy a pay of a modem in 3 to 20 months, depending on what you get. 

Faster Internet

Getting a third-party modem will also enable you to receive a faster internet speed. As the rented devices you get from RCN are not the best. 

Buying a high-performing third-party option will often give you a faster internet speed. However, if you buy a cheaper device, you could theoretically get a slower internet speed.

More Control

A third-party modem will enable you to get a device with features that fit you. 

This could be VPN support, parenting control, or guest networks. Things that RCN’s modem might not support. This enables you to have more control of your network. 

RCN Internet Plans

RCN offers five main internet speeds in their plans. And here are they and the speed, a modem and a gateway that I recommended for that speed. [6]

Download speed	Recommended Modem	Recommended Gateway
50 Mbps	CM600	MG7700
250 Mbps	CM600	MG7700
330 Mbps	SB8200	MG8702
500 Mbps	SB8200	MG8702
940 Mbps	CM2000	CAX80

FAQ

Here are some common questions regarding RCN and third-party equipment. 

Our Verdict

After much testing and consideration, we have concluded that the best-approved modem for RCN is the Arris Surfboard SB8200. 

Because it’s fast, future-proof, affordable, and fits the RCN requirements and recommendations well.