9 Best Charter Spectrum Approved Modems in 2023

Note, no device can get you faster internet speeds than your internet plan provides.

Also, get the device you need. A modem and a router are not the same things. Some types of internet require both others only one. If you are uncertain, click here

This is our review of the best cable modems for Spectrum in 2023.

Go to the list.

Spectrum modem and router

As a Network Engineer, I have tested and researched which modem is best for Charter Spectrum. 

And I have concluded that the Arris Surfboard SB8200 is the best cable modem for Spectrum. Because it’s a future-proof and high-performing modem for a fair price. 

Arris Surfboard SB8200
Source: Surfboard.com

Arris SB8200 – Editors Choice’s

Best Overall

  • Type: Cable Modem
  • Recommended for: Any Spectrum Plan
  • DOCSIS: 3.1
  • Warranty: 2 years
  • Chosen as: Best Overall

But every person has different internet needs and wants, with varying internet plans, home sizes, and preferences.

Thus, I have put together this list of the top 9 best Charter Spectrum approved modems, so you can pick the one that fits you the best. 

Keep reading to learn them. 

Top 9 Modems Approved for Spectrum 

  1. Arris Surfboard SB8200 (Best Modem for Spectrum) 
  2. Motorola MB8611 (Best Premium Modem for Spectrum) 
  3. Netgear CM500 (Best Budget-Friendly Modem for Spectrum) 
  4. Netgear CM1000 (Best Runner Up Modem for Spectrum) 
  5. Motorola MB7220 (Most Budget Modem for Spectrum)
  6. Netgear CAX80 (Best Premium Modem/Router Combo for Spectrum)
  7. Motorola MG8702 (Best Value Modem/Router Combo for Spectrum)
  8. Netgear C7000 (Best Runner Up  Modem/Router Combo for Spectrum)
  9. Motorola MG7540 (Best Budget Modem/Router Combo for Spectrum)

9 Best Charter Spectrum Compatible Modems 

IMAGE PRODUCT
Arris Surfboard SB8200
Arris Surfboard SB8200
  • Future-proof
  • Works with any Spectrum plan
  • Ethernet aggregation
VIEW LATEST PRICE →
Motorola MB8611
Motorola MB8611
  • Works with any Spectrum plan
  • 2.5G Ethernet port
  • 2-year warranty
VIEW LATEST PRICE →
Netgear CM500 HT
Netgear CM500
  • Enough for many
  • Cheap
  • Great track record
VIEW LATEST PRICE →
Netgear CM1000 HT
Netgear CM1000
  • Future-proof
  • Works with any Spectrum plan
  • Approved for every major cable ISP
VIEW LATEST PRICE →
Motorola MB7220
Motorola MB7220
  • Cheap
  • 2-year warranty
  • Easy to setup
VIEW LATEST PRICE →
Netgear CAX80
Netgear CAX80
  • Future-proof
  • Very fast
  • Good range
VIEW LATEST PRICE →
Motorola MG8702
Motorola MG8702
  • Future-proof
  • Fast
  • 2-year warranty
VIEW LATEST PRICE →
Netgear C7000 SPH
Netgear C7000
  • 1-year warranty
  • Enough for a normal-sized home
  • Enough for a family of 4
VIEW LATEST PRICE →
Motorola MG7540
Motorola MG7540
  • Cheap
  • 2-year warranty
  • Enough for many
VIEW LATEST PRICE →

Here are short reviews of the best-certified modems and gateways for Charter Spectrum. 

#1 Arris Surfboard SB8200 (Editor’s Choice – Cable Modem)

Arris Surfboard SB8200
Source: Surfboard.com
  • Type: Cable Modem
  • Recommended for: Any Spectrum Internet Plan
  • DOCSIS: 3.1
  • Warranty: 2 year
  • Chosen as: Best Overall 

Pros

  • Future-proof
  • Works with any Spectrum plan
  • Ethernet aggregation
  • 2-year warranty

Cons

  • Sometimes excessive

The Arris Surfboard SB8200 is the best option for you who wants to get a modem and then forget about it. 

To begin with, the SB8200 will work for any Spectrum internet plan. This is thanks to it being a DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem with a max speed of 2000 Mbps.

This is also what makes it future-proof. Because when Spectrum upgrades its internet to DOCSIS 3.1, you won’t have to get a new modem. And since DOCSIS 3.1 is backward compatible, it will work with DOCSIS 3.0.

Furthermore, the SB8200 has a thing called ethernet aggregation. This allows you to combine two Ethernet ports into a single data stream. This data stream has a max speed of around 2000 Mbps, double what a single Ethernet port is capable of.

This feature is, however, not very beneficial today. Since Spectrum is yet to offer an internet plan exceeding 1 Gbps to its customers. But it makes the modem more future-proof. 

Though, I don’t recommend the SB8200 if you are switching to fiber in the foreseeable future. Because this modem is an investment for the future. 

Suppose you are switching soon. Then you should get a modem with the minimum requirements for your current internet plan (see table under “speed”).

Altogether, the Arris Surfboard is a modem you can get and then ignore. Because it will be enough for years to come. 

Read the full review.




#2 Motorola MB8611 (Best Performer – Cable Modem) 

Motorola MB8611
Source: Motorola.com
  • Type: Cable Modem
  • Recommended for: Spectrum 1 Gig 
  • DOCSIS: 3.1
  • Warranty: 2 years
  • Chosen as: Premium Option

Pros

  • Future-proof
  • Works with any Spectrum plan
  • 2.5G Ethernet port
  • 2-year warranty

Cons

  • sometimes excessive

The Motorola MB8611 is the best cable modem if you are looking for pure performance. Working for internet plans up to 2500 Mbps.

These are speeds so fast that Spectrum is yet to offer them to consumers. Enough to watch more than a dozen 4K movies simultaneously.

Such speeds are possible because the modem is DOCSIS 3.1 with a 2.5G Ethernet port. Instead of the usually 1G port. 

You can think about the MB8611 as a more extreme version of the SB8200, with it being faster, newer, and even more future-proof. 

This, however, also makes it more excessive. Because remember, a modem can only provide you with the internet speed of your internet plan. 

Thus, I recommend the Motorola MB8611 for Spectrum customers who want the best of the best. 

Read the full review. 




#3 Netgear CM500 (Budget-Friendly – Cable Modem) 

Netgear CM500
Source: Netgear.com
  • Type: Cable Modem
  • Recommended for: Internet 400 or below
  • Channel: 16×4
  • DOCSIS: 3.0
  • Warranty: 1 year
  • Chosen as: Budget-Friendly

Pros

  • Enough for many
  • Cheap
  • Great track record

Cons

  • Not future-proof
  • Slower

Note: Some areas such as NY don’t support DOCSIS 3.0 modems anymore, so proceed with caution.

The Netgear CM500 is a good option for you with the Spectrum Internet 400 plan or below that aren’t interested in future-proofing. But rather just want something that works now. 

Overall, CM500 is a value-packed modem that will provide you with a reliable internet connection for a good price. 

But as Spectrum moves towards DOCSIS 3.1, it’s unclear how long this cable modem will be enough. 

Therefore, I should note that if you get this cable modem, you might have to get a new one in the future. 

That said, if you have a slower internet plan and want to save some money now, the Netgear CM500 is a solid option. 




#4 Netgear CM1000 (Runner Up – Cable Modem) 

Netgear CM1000
Source: Netgear.com
  • Type: Cable Modem
  • Recommended for: Any Spectrum Internet Plan
  • DOCSIS: 3.1
  • Warranty: 1 year
  • Chosen as: Runner Up

Pros

  • Future-proof
  • Works with any Spectrum plan

Cons

  • Sometimes excessive
  • 1 Gig ethernet port

The Netgear CM1000 is another DOCSIS 3.1 modem that will work for any Spectrum internet plan. 

It’s very similar to the SB8200 but lacks Ethernet aggregation. Thus, it only works with internet plans up to 1000 Mbps. 

This makes it less future-proof than the other DOCSIS 3.1 modem in this list and, therefore, in my view, a worse option.

That said, you can still consider the CM1000 if you prefer Netgear or if it’s on sale. It’s future-proof, and as long you don’t upgrade to an internet plan exceeding 1000 Mbps in the future, it really doesn’t matter.

Overall, the Netgear CM1000 is another DOCSIS 3.1 option for any Spectrum customer who prefers Netgear. 

Read the full review.




#5 Motorola MB7220 (Most Budget-Friendly – Cable Modem)

Motorola MB7220
Source: Motorola.com
  • Type: Cable Modem
  • Recommended for: Spectrum 100 or below
  • Channels: 8×4
  • DOCSIS: 3.0
  • Warranty: 2 years
  • Chosen as: Most Budget Friendly

Pros

  • Cheap
  • 2-year warranty

Cons

  • Not future-proof
  • Very Slow

Note: Some areas such as NY don’t support DOCSIS 3.0 modems anymore, so proceed with caution.

If you have Spectrum Internet 100 and are on a strict budget – the Motorola MB7220 is a solid option. 

It’s a “just enough” modem that will serve you well now. Still, if you want to upgrade your internet plan (or Spectrum increases its speed), it will bottleneck your internet. 

The reason for this is because it’s a DOCSIS 3.0 modem with 8×4 channels. Which is the lowest requirement for a cable modem to work with Spectrum. 

This might make the MB7220 more expensive in the long run. Since you might have to get one of the faster modems in a year or so anyway. So keep that in mind if you decide to get this one.

That said, if you want to save money now and don’t have a fast internet plan, it’s an option.  




Link to Router Page

Need a Router To Your Spectrum 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 Spectrum.

#6 Netgear CAX80 (Premium Option – Modem/Router Combo)

Netgear CAX80
Source: Netgear.com
  • Type: Modem/Router Combo
  • Recommended for: Spectrum 1 Gig 
  • Max Wi-Fi speed: 800+ Mbps
  • DOCSIS: 3.1
  • Warranty: 1 year
  • Chosen as: Premium Option

Pros

  • Future-proof
  • Works with any Spectrum plan
  • Very Fast
  • Good range

Cons

  • Sometimes excessive
  • Lacks extra features

The Netgear Nighthawk CAX80 is one of the fastest gateways we have tested, and it will work for any Spectrum internet plan.

We didn’t find its max speed since the internet plan we had access to only reached 800 Mbps. 

That said, it did reach 800+ Mbps from 5 feet, 583.15 Mbps from 25 feet, and 298.47 Mbps from 50 feet. All using the 5GHz channel. 

These results are excellent for a modem/router combo, enough for a family of 7+ to use the internet without any issues. 

Range-wise, the CAX80 also performed well, reaching about 90-100 feet. This should be enough for any but the largest homes. Particularly if you place it somewhere closer to the center of the house. 

The cable modem in the CAX80 is DOCSIS 3.1, which, as previously explained, makes it future-proof.  

The biggest drawback with the CAX80, however, is its lack of features. Because it misses things like Parental controls that allow you to restrict your kid’s activities on the internet and QoS, which will enable you to prioritize applications on your network. 

This is a common theme in gateways and is one of the reasons I recommend separate devices.

Moreover, the CAX80 can sometimes be a bit excessive. Especially if you have a slower internet plan. Thus, I recommend it for you that have the Spectrum 1 Gig plan particularly. 

Read the full review.




#7 Motorola MG8702 (Best Value – Modem/Router Combo)

Motorola MG8702
Source: Motorola.com
  • Type: Modem/Router Combo 
  • Tested Max Speed: 518.51 Mbps
  • Recommended for: Spectrum 400 or below
  • DOCSIS: 3.1
  • Warranty: 2 years
  • Chosen as: Best Value

Pros

  • Future-proof
  • Fast
  • 2-year warranty

Cons

  • Lacks extra features

The Motorola MG8702 is the best modem/router combo for the Spectrum 400 Mbps plan or below. 

It averaged 518.51 Mbps from 5 feet and 272.03 Mbps from 25 feet during testing using the 5GHz network. 

These are good results that will be enough for a family of 5 to use the internet without issues. 

The range of the MG8702 is also good, managing to reach about 80-90 feet. This will be enough for most homes. But if you have a larger home with thick walls, you might experience some dead spots. 

The cable modem is DOCSIS 3.1, which is why it’s future-proof and will thus likely work for years to come. 

The biggest con the MG8702 is the same as the other modem/router combos. It lacks extra features. Specifically, it lacks Parental Controls and QoS. 

Altogether, the MG8702 is a solid and reliable gateway that will provide you with fast internet access. Just avoid it if you have the Gigabit plan and/or want extra features. 




#8 Netgear C7000 (Runner Up – Modem/Router Combo)

Netgear C7000
Source: Netgear.com
  • Type: Modem/Router Combo
  • Recommended for: Spectrum 200 or below
  • Max Wi-Fi speed: 370.47 Mbps
  • Channel: 24×8
  • DOCSIS: 3.0
  • Warranty: 1 year
  • Chosen as: Runner Up

Pros

  • Pretty Cheap
  • Enough for many

Cons

  • Not future-proof
  • Lacks extra features

Note: Some areas such as NY don’t support DOCSIS 3.0 modems anymore, so proceed with caution.

The Netgear C7000 is a suitable option for you that wants a gateway and have the Spectrum 200 Mbps plan or below. 

In testing, the C7000 reached 370.47 Mbps from 5 feet, 132.82 Mbps from 25 feet, and 70.11 Mbps from 50 feet. Also using 5GHz band. 

This performance is decent and enough for a family of around 4 people to use the internet simultaneously without any issues.  

Its coverage matches its speed pretty well, reaching about 70-80 feet. This will be enough for a normal-sized home. But if you have something larger, you might experience some Wi-Fi dead spots. 

The cable modem is DOCSIS 3.0 with 24×8 channels. This makes the modem enough for the Spectrum 400 Mbps plan. 

But the thing is, as the router only reached 370.47 Mbps, I’m heisted to recommend it for the 400 Mbps plan. 

But if you are okay with the slight loss in speed, you can get this device with that plan as well.

Overall, the Netgear C7000 is a good modem/router combo that you can get if you want to save some money




#9 Motorola MG7540 (Budget-Friendly – Modem/Router Combo)

Motorola MG7540
Source: Motorola.com
  • Type: Modem/Router Combo
  • Recommended for: Spectrum 200 or below
  • Max Wi-Fi speed: 301.85 Mbps
  • Channel: 16×4
  • DOCSIS: 3.0
  • Warranty: 2 years
  • Chosen as: Budget Friendly

Pros

  • Cheap
  • 2-year warranty
  • Enough for many

Cons

  • Not future-proof
  • Short-range
  • Lacks extra features

Note: Some areas such as NY don’t support DOCSIS 3.0 modems anymore, so proceed with caution.

The Motorola MG7540 is the best modem/router combo for you on a budget with the Spectrum 200 Mbps plan or below. 

In testing, it reached 301.85 Mbps from 5 feet, 102.38 Mbps from 25 feet, and 49.06 Mbps from 50 feet. All using the 5GHz band. 

These results are nothing special, but considering the price, I think they are good enough. It will be enough for a family of around 3-4 people to use the internet without any issues. 

The biggest drawback with the MG7540 is its range. In testing, it only reached about 60-70 feet. This will be enough for a normal-sized home if it’s placed somewhere closer to the middle of it. But honestly, it fits best for the average apartment. 

The cable modem is DOCSIS 3.0 with 16×4 channels. This makes it enough for the 400 Mbps plan. But as the router only reached 301.85 Mbps, I would not recommend using it with that plan. 

The MG7540 also lacks extra features like Parental Controls and QoS. But as it’s a cheaper option, it’s more forgiving. 

Altogether, The Motorola MG7540 is a good budget option for you with a slower internet plan that isn’t looking to upgrade your internet plan anytime soon. 

Read the full review.




Full List of Charter Spectrum Approved Modems

Here is a list of all Charter Spectrum compatible modems. [1, 2]

BrandModel #With RouterChannelsDOCSISPuma ChipsetSpeed (Mbps)
ARRISSB6141No8×43.0No100
ARRISSBG6400Yes8×43.0No100
ARRISSBG6580Yes8×43.0No100
ARRISSBG6580-2Yes8×43.0No100
ARRISSBG6700-ACYes8×43.0No100
ARRISSBG6900-ACYes16×43.0No300
ARRISSB6183No16×43.0No400
ARRISSB6190 No32×83.0Yes400
ARRISSBG10 Yes16×43.0Yes400
ARRISSBG6950AC2 Yes16×43.0Yes400
ARRISSBG7400AC2 Yes24×83.0Yes400
ARRISSBG7580-AC Yes32×83.0Yes400
ARRISSBG7600AC2 Yes32×83.0Yes400
ARRISS33No32×83.1No1000
ARRISSB8200No32×83.1No1000
ARRISSBG8300Yes32×83.1Yes1000
D-LinkDCM-301No8×43.0No100
LinksysCM3008No8×43.0No100
LinksysCG7500 Yes24×83.0Yes400
LinksysCM3016 No16×43.0Yes400
LinksysCM3024 No24×83.0Yes400
MotorolaMB7220No8×43.0No100
MotorolaMG7310Yes8×43.0No100
MotorolaMG7315Yes8×43.0No100
MotorolaMB7420No16×43.0No300
MotorolaMG7540Yes16×43.0No300
MotorolaMG7550Yes16×43.0No300
MotorolaMB7621No24×83.0No400
MotorolaMG7700Yes24×83.0No400
MotorolaMB8600No32×83.1No1000
MotorolaMB8611No32×83.1No1000
MotorolaMG8702Yes32×83.1No1000
HUMAXHGD310No32×83.1No1000
ASUSCM-16No16×43.0No300
ASUSCM-32 Yes32×83.0Yes400
ASUSCMAX6000Yes32×83.1No1000
NETGEARC3000-100NASYes8×43.0No100
NETGEARC3700v2Yes8×43.0No100
NETGEARC6220Yes8×43.0No100
NETGEARCG3000DYes8×43.0No100
NETGEARCG3000Dv2 Yes8×43.0No100
NETGEARCM400No8×43.0No100
NETGEARCMD31TNo4×43.0No100
NETGEARC6250Yes16×43.0No300
NETGEARC6230Yes16×43.0No400
NETGEARC6300 Yes16×43.0Yes400
NETGEARC6300v2 Yes16×43.0Yes400
NETGEARC6900Yes24×83.0No400
NETGEARC7000-100NASYes24×83.0No400
NETGEARC7000v2Yes24×83.0No400
NETGEARC7500Yes24×83.0No400
NETGEARCM500No16×43.0No400
NETGEARCM600No24×83.0No400
NETGEARCM700 No32×83.0Yes400
NETGEARCM1000No32×83.1No400
NETGEARCBK40 Yes32×83.0Yes400
NETGEARCBR40 Yes32×83.0Yes400
NETGEARC7800Yes32×83.1No1000
NETGEARCM1000v2No32×83.1No1000
NETGEARCM1100No32×83.1No1000
NETGEARCM1200No32×83.1No1000
NETGEARCM2000No32×83.1No1000
NETGEARCAX30Yes32×83.1No1000
NETGEARCAX80Yes32×83.1No1000
NETGEARCBR750Yes32×83.1Yes1000
TP-LinkTC-7610No8×43.0No100
TP-LinkTC-W7960Yes8×43.0No100
TP-LinkARCHER CR500Yes16×43.0No300
TP-LinkARCHER CR700Yes16×43.0No300
TP-LinkTC-7620No16×43.0No300
TP-LinkCR1900Yes24×83.0No400
Zoom5341JNo8×43.0No100
Zoom5345No8×43.0No100
Zoom5350Yes8×43.0No100
Zoom5352Yes8×43.0No100
Zoom5354Yes8×43.0No100
Zoom5360Yes8×43.0No100
Zoom5363Yes8×43.0No100
ZyxelCDA-30360No8×43.0No100
SMC NetworksD3CM1604No16×43.0No300

Puma Chipset is a problematic chip some modems use. I would strongly recommend modems that don’t use it. No means it doesn’t have it, while Yes means the modem haves it.

“Speed” is the fastest plan the modem is approved for. So 400, for example, means that the modem is approved for any internet plan up to 400 Mbps.

Take the “speed” with a grain of salt if it’s a modem/router combo. As they often provide Wi-Fi which isn’t really good enough for that internet plan.

What to Consider Before Buying a Modem for Spectrum

Here are some of the most important things you need to consider before buying a third-party modem for Charter Spectrum. For a more in-depth guide, check out the modem buying guide

DOCSIS

DOCSIS is the telecommunication standard that gets you cable internet. [3]

When getting a cable modem, you have two options with Spectrum. Either DOCSIS 3.0 or DOCSIS 3.1. 

The difference between the two is that DOCSIS 3.1 is newer and faster while DOCSIS 3.0 is cheaper. 

Personally, I recommend getting a DOCSIS 3.1 modem for Spectrum. Because it will future-proof your modem when you either get a faster internet plan or Spectrum upgrades all their networks. 

However, I should note that if you are either switching ISP or to fiber in a year or less. Then it might make more sense to get a DOCSIS 3.0 modem. It all depends on your current internet plan. 

Because suppose you are switching. Then you should get the minimum requirements for your internet plan (see table under “speed”)

DOCSIS 3.1 Benefits

  • Faster
  • Lower latency
  • Future-proof

DOCSIS 3.0 Benefits

  • Cheaper
  • Often enough

If you want to go deeper into the pros and cons of each option, check out DOCSIS 3.1 vs. 3.0

Channel Bonding

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

For Charter Spectrum, you need at least 8×4, and at most 32×8. 

The first number stands for downstream channels and the second for upstream channels. More channels equal more bandwidth. [4]

Check the table below to see how many channels you need for each Spectrum plan.

Speed

Spectrum has four main internet plans. These are Internet 100, Internet 200, Internet Ultra, and Internet Gig. 

When getting yourself a Spectrum-approved modem, it needs to support your current internet plan at least. 

Because otherwise, it will bottleneck your internet connection, and you won’t get the internet speeds you are paying for. 

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

Spectrum PacketDOCSISChannels
Spectrum Internet 1003.0 or 3.18×4 or more
Spectrum Internet 2003.0 or 3.116×4 or more
Spectrum Internet Ultra 4003.0 or 3.116×4 or more
Spectrum Internet Gig 10003.1N/A

Some might also argue that a DOCSIS 3.0 modem with 32×8 channels is enough for the Spectrum Internet Gig plan. 

And even though such a modem might work, I would strongly advise against it as Spectrum states that you need a DOCSIS 3.1 modem. [5]

Approved & Compatible With Spectrum

For a modem to work with Spectrum, it first and foremost needs to be a DOCSIS 3.0 or 3.1 cable modem. 

If it’s a DOCSIS 3.0 modem, it moreover needs to have 8×4 channels or more. 

This is against what you will find on the Spectrum site, which says two 4×4 modems are approved for Spectrum. 

This is not up to date, and after talking with the support, they confirm that such modem will likely not work. 

Furthermore, I also recommend that you get a modem that Spectrum has approved. This means that they are tested the modem and can guarantee that it will work with your Spectrum Internet. 

All modems in the 9 best cable modems for Spectrum are approved, and for even more options, check out the full list. 

Modem/Router Combo or Separate

When buying a modem, you must choose if you want a modem/router combo or separate devices. 

The difference is that a modem/router combo is a modem and a router in the same devices. 

While separate is a standalone modem that connects with a router through an ethernet cable. 

Both options have pros and cons, but as a Network Engineer, I recommend separate devices. 

This is because separate devices allow for changing one device if it breaks or needs an upgrade. It also allows for higher performance and more customization. 

This is not to say that modem/router combos are worse in every way. They do have less of an upfront cost and are often easier to set up. 

Spectrum has plenty of both options in their approved modems list, so in the end, it’s up to you. 

Separate Pros

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

Combo Pros

  • More convenient
  • Often easier setup
  • Cheaper upfront cost

Check out separate devices vs. gateway for a more detailed overview. 

Ethernet Port

An interesting thing with DOCSIS 3.1 modems is that the ethernet ports most often constrain the modem’s speed. 

This is due to a standard ethernet port only supporting around 1 Gbps (940 Mbps, to be exact). 

Therefore, it’s often worth looking into the ports of a cable modem. Especially if you get a DOCSIS 3.1 modem. 

Because to combat this limit, many modems have either ethernet aggregation or a 2.5G ethernet port. 

The 2.5G ethernet port is just what it sounds like, an ethernet port capable of 2500 Mbps instead of 940 Mbps. 

While ethernet aggregation is when you can combine to 1G ethernet port into a single data stream that supports speed up to 2000 Mbps. 

Home Size

If you get a modem/router combo, you should also consider the size of your home. 

Because a larger home might necessitate a better router, while a smaller one might get away with a cheaper one. 

I tried to determine the range of all the modem/router combos I tested, but it is hard to know exactly since I don’t have the right equipment. 

But you can find my estimates in the overviews above. 

You can also get a Wi-Fi extender if you find that your home gets too many dead spots. Even though, in my experience, it’s better to get a higher-performing router instead.

Voice Support

If you have Spectrum voice service, you must get a modem from Spectrum. Because none of the approved modems will work with Spectrum Voice. 

This contrasts with providers such as Comcast Xfinity and Optimum, which allows for voice modems.

Because of this leaves you with two options. Get a telephone modem (you will most likely get the Technicolor DPC3216) from Spectrum and use it for your internet and telephone service. 

Or get two modems, one telephone modem, and one approved modem. 

You can then get a splitter and connect the internet to the approved modem and the telephone line to the telephone modem. 

You need to call Spectrum and inform them of it. Because things need to rearrange so it will work.

I would also recommend explaining to them what you are doing to get guidance with the process. 

Even though I should note that this is not necessary for most. 

How To Install A Spectrum Modem

This is how to install a Spectrum modem. 

  1. Find a location with good air circulation. So the modem doesn’t overheat. If you have a gateway, also try to place it in the center of your home. This is to avoid Wi-Fi dead spots. 
  2. Connect the coax cable and the power cord. Also, connect the router with an ethernet cable if you have separate devices. 
  3. After that, you need to activate the modem.  You can either do that here or call Spectrum. They will ask for the device’s MAC ID, which you can find on the bottom of the modem. 
  4. The rest is different for every modem. But follow the setup guide that comes with it.

For a more in-depth guide, read our article on how to change modem with Spectrum.

Spectrum Internet Plans

Charter Spectrum has four main internet plans. Here they are and what cable modem and gateway I recommend for each internet plan. [6]

Spectrum Internet PlanCable Modem Gateway
Spectrum Internet 100 MbpsNetgear CM500 Motorola MG7540
Spectrum Internet 200Netgear CM500Netgear C7000
Spectrum Internet Ultra 400Arris Surfboard SB8200Motorola MG8702
Spectrum Internet Gig 940Motorola MB8611Netgear CAX80

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about Spectrum third-party modems. 

Which is the best modem for Spectrum?

After much testing and talking to Spectrum, we concluded that the best modem for Spectrum is the Arris Surfboard SB8200. Because it’s fast, future-proof, and goes for a fair price. 

Do I need a DOCSIS 3.1 modem for Spectrum?

If you need a DOCSIS 3.1 modem or not depends on two factors. Where you live, and your internet plan.

If you have a Gigabit plan, you always need a DOCSIS 3.1 modem. And if you live in certain areas such as New York and Wisconsin, you also need DOCSIS 3.1 modems.

Contact Spectrum and ask to be sure.

What modem will I get from Spectrum?

If you choose to get your modem directly from Spectrum, the modem you get will depend on your internet plan and type of internet.

If you have a faster cable plan, you will most likely get the Technicolor TC4400 DOCSIS 3.1 modem. While if you have a slower plan, you will most likely get the Cisco DPC3000.

This contrasts with providers such as Comcast Xfinity, whose modems are their brand.

My Verdict

Spectrum has a long list of approved modems, and after much testing and consideration, I have concluded that the best modem for Spectrum is the Arris Surfboard SB8200

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

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