7 Best Compatible Modems For Suddenlink in 2024 [Full List]

This is our review of the best cable modems for Suddenlink in 2024, including a complete list of all Suddenlink-approved modems. 

As a Network Engineer, I have spent hours researching and testing which modem is best for Suddenlink.

And I have concluded that the best modem for Suddenlink is the Arris Surfboard SB8200. Because it’s fast, future-proof, and goes for a fair price.

But the reality is not that simple with Suddenlink. Because what modem you can get depends on your Internet Market. 

With 1-Gig Markets, a DOCSIS 3.1 modem will work. But with 150 Mbps Markets or below, you should not get a modem exceeding 16×4 channels. 

Therefore, I have reviewed the top 7 modems for Suddenlink. So you can choose the one that works for you. 

Let’s get started. 

Top 7 Suddenlink Compatible Modems

1. Best Overall – Arris Surfboard SB8200 – Cable Modem
2. Best Performer – Motorola MB8611 – Cable Modem
3. Runner Up – Netgear CM600 – Cable Modem
4. Budget-Friendly – Motorola MB7420 – Cable Modem
5. Best Premium Option – Motorola MG8725 – Modem/Router Combo
6. Best Performer – Netgear C7800 – Modem/Router Combo
7. Best Budget-Friendly – Motorola MG7540 – Modem/Router Combo

7 Best Suddenlink Approved Modems

Here are the 7 best Suddenlink-approved modems.

#1 Best Overall – Arris Surfboard SB8200

The Arris Surfboard SB8200 is the modem I recommend for any Suddenlink customer looking to future-proof their cable modem. 

It’s DOCSIS 3.1 and has Ethernet aggregation, making it compatible with plans up to 2000 Mbps. 

A speed so fast that it would be enough to watch more than 20 4K movies simultaneously.

This speed is possible because Ethernet aggregation means that you can combine two ethernet ports into a single data stream capable of supporting 2 Gbps. 

However, this feature is not very useful today since Suddenlink doesn’t have any cable internet plan exceeding 1-Gig. 

But, as time moves forward, this feature will likely become useful as internet plans continue to increase. That is why the SB8200 is a good investment for the future. 

That said, if you live in a Suddenlink Internet Market that only offers 150 Mbps or less, then you should not get this modem. 

Because it’s a bit too new for Suddenlink’s older infrastructure. Later in the article, you can learn more about Internet Markets.

Altogether, the Arris Surfboard SB8200 is a modem for the future. If you get it now, you don’t worry for years.

Read the full review.

---

#2 Best Performer – Motorola MB8611

The Motorola MB8611 is your best option if you are looking for raw performance. 

Equipped with DOCSIS 3.1 and a 2.5 Gig Ethernet port, this modem is compatible with internet plans up to 2500 Mbps. 

This is more than Suddenlink, or any other ISP offers the public. So fast, you could watch more than 15 8K movies simultaneously.  

A good way to view the MB8611 is like a more refined version of the SB8200. Newer, faster, and a bit more future-proof. 

That said, like the SB8200, you should not get this modem in an older Internet Market. 

So if you have an internet plan under 150 Mbps, you could be in an older market. If you have more than 150 Mbps, you’re fine. 

Learn more about the subject in the guide below. 

Overall, the Motorola MB8611 is a great modem and high-performing modem. Just note that it’s sometimes a bit excessive.

Read the full review.

---

#3 Runner Up – Netgear CM600

The Netgear CM600 is a good option for you with the Suddenlink 500 Mbps plan or below that is not in a 150 Mbps internet market or below. 

So, if your internet plan is less than 150 Mbps, proceed with caution (learn more below). But if it’s between 150 and 500 Mbps, this modem is a solid option. 

The CM600 is a DOCSIS 3.0 modem with 24×8 channels. This means that it’s pretty fast but not future-proof.

Because if you upgrade to Gigabit internet, you will have to get a better modem. That said, it will set you back less than a DOCSIS 3.1 modem in the short term. 

Altogether, the Netgear CM600 is a good option for you looking for a more budget-friendly cable modem. 

---

#4 Budget-Friendly – Motorola MB7420

If you are in an older Internet Market, which means you only have access to internet plans up to 150 Mbps. Then, the Motorola MB7420 is your best option.

This is because the MB7420 is DOCSIS 3.0 with 16×4 channels. And this means that it’s compatible with Suddenlinks older Internet Markets. 

However, if you are in a new market, I would not recommend this modem. Because for the price, the CM600 is a better value. 

Also, note that it only works for internet plans up to around 300 Mbps, so it’s not especially future-proof.

The Motorola MB7420 is best for you living in a rural area with slower internet and older infrastructure. 

---

#5 Best Premium Option – Motorola MG8725

The Motorola MG8725 is for you looking for a modem/router combo and has the Suddenlink 1-Gig plan. 

Unfortunately, I couldn’t test its max speed since my internet plan only reached 800 Mbps. 

But it did reach 800 Mbps from 5 feet, with other results being; 529.86 Mbps from 25 feet and 289.32 Mbps from 50 feet.  All using the 5GHz band.

These results are one of the best I have gotten from a modem/router combo, equaling the Netgear CAX80. It will be enough for a family of 7+ people to use the internet simultaneously. 

Range-wise, the MG8725 also performed exceptionally, reaching around 90-100 feet. Enough for any but the largest homes. 

Furthermore, it is also the first cable modem on the market equipped with Low Latency DOCSIS (LLD). [1]

This feature is intended to lower your latency when playing online games or on video calls. But during testing, I didn’t notice any substantial difference. 

The same will likely happen for you since Suddenlink is yet to implement it.

The MG8725’s biggest drawback I like to note about the MG8725 is that it’s excessive for you with a slower internet plan.

It’s also like the other DOCSIS 3.1 modem, likely to cause problems if you live in a rural area with older internet infrastructure. 

Altogether, the Motorola MG8725 is a fast and future-proof modem/router combo that delivers for the money. 

Read the full review.

---

#6 Best Performer – Netgear C7800

The Netgear C7800 is a more moderate modem for you with a Suddenlink plan of 500 Mbps or below. 

It managed 513.64 Mbps from 5 feet, 309.15 Mbps from 25 feet, and 155.21 Mbps from 50 feet during testing.

This performance is pretty good considering it’s a Wi-Fi 5 router and will be enough to provide a family of around 5 people with a good internet connection. 

The modem is DOCSIS 3.1, and it will thus not work for you living in a 150 Mbps Internet Market or below (learn more under DOCSIS).

The C7800 also had a pretty decent range of around 80-90 feet. This is enough for a larger home if the device is closer to its center. 

The biggest con with the device is that it lacks extra features. Because it’s missing things like Parental Controls and QoS that allow you to restrict users on your network and prioritize applications. 

Overall, the Netgear C7800 is a solid modem/router combo that is somewhat future-proof and provides a lot of value for the money. Just don’t get it if you want the extra features.

Read the full review.

---

#7 Best Budget-Friendly – Motorola MG7540 

The Motorola MG7540 is for you who want a modem/router combo and has an internet plan of 300 Mbps or less. 

In testing, it reached 301.85 Mbps from 5 feet and 102.38 Mbps from 25 feet. Decent results consider its price tag. 

Enough for a family of around 3 people to use the internet without issues. [2]

The modem is also DOCSIS 3.0 with 16×4 channels. This makes it compatible with any Internet Market, even the older ones. 

The biggest drawback with the Motorola MG7540 is its Wi-Fi range, which only reached about 70 feet. 

This is enough for a normal-sized home if the device is placed closer to its center. It honestly fits best for the average apartment. 

Altogether, the Motorola MG7540 is perfect for you with an internet plan below 150 Mbps. Because then you can be sure it will work. 

Read the full review.

---

List of Suddenlink Approved Modems

Here is a list of all Suddenlink certified modems. [3]

Brand	Model #	With Router	Channels	DOCSIS	Puma Chipset
Motorola	MB7220	No	8×4	3.0	No
Motorola	MB7420	No	16×4	3.0	No
Motorola	MB7621	No	24×8	3.0	No
Motorola	MB8600	No	32×8	3.1	No
Motorola	MB8611	No	32×8	3.1	No
Motorola	MG7310	Yes	8×4	3.0	No
Motorola	MG7315	Yes	8×4	3.0	No
Motorola	MG7540	Yes	16×4	3.0	No
Motorola	MG7550	Yes	16×4	3.0	No
Motorola	MG7700	Yes	24×8	3.0	No
Motorola	MG8702	Yes	32×8	3.1	No
Motorola	MG8725	Yes	32×8	3.1	No
Arris	DG2460	Yes	24×8	3.0	Yes
Arris	SB6141	No	8×4	3.0	No
Arris	SB6180	No	8×4	3.0	No
Arris	SB6182	No	8×4	3.0	No
Arris	SB6183	No	16×4	3.0	No
Arris	SB6190	No	32×8	3.0	Yes
Arris	SB8200	No	32×8	3.1	No
Arris	SBG10	Yes	16×4	3.0	Yes
Arris	SBG6400	Yes	8×4	3.0	No
Arris	SBG6580	Yes	8×4	3.0	No
Arris	SBG6700-AC	Yes	8×4	3.0	No
Arris	SBG6782-AC	Yes	8×4	3.0	No
Arris	SBG6900-AC	Yes	16×4	3.0	No
Arris	SBG6950AC2	Yes	16×4	3.0	Yes
Arris	SBG7400AC2	Yes	24×8	3.0	Yes
Arris	SBG7580-AC	Yes	32×8	3.0	Yes
Arris	SBG7600AC2	Yes	32×8	3.0	Yes
Arris	SBG8300	Yes	32×8	3.1	Yes
Arris	S33	No	32×8	3.1	No
Netgear	C3000-100NAS	Yes	8×4	3.0	No
Netgear	C3700-100NAS	Yes	8×4	3.0	No
Netgear	C3700v2	Yes	8×4	3.0	No
Netgear	C6220	Yes	8×4	3.0	No
Netgear	C6230	Yes	16×4	3.0	No
Netgear	C6250	Yes	16×4	3.0	No
Netgear	C6300	Yes	16×4	3.0	Yes
Netgear	C6300v2	Yes	16×4	3.0	Yes
Netgear	C6300BD	Yes	24×8	3.0	Yes
Netgear	C6900	Yes	24×8	3.0	No
Netgear	C7000	Yes	24×8	3.0	No
Netgear	C7000v2	Yes	24×8	3.0	No
Netgear	C7500	Yes	24×8	3.0	No
Netgear	C7800	Yes	32×8	3.1	No
Netgear	CG3000D	Yes	8×4	3.0	No
Netgear	CG3000Dv2	Yes	8×4	3.0	No
Netgear	CG4500BD	Yes	8×4	3.0	No
Netgear	CM400	No	8×4	3.0	No
Netgear	CM500	No	16×4	3.0	No
Netgear	CM600	No	24×8	3.0	No
Netgear	CM700	No	32×8	3.0	Yes
Netgear	CM1000	No	32×8	3.1	No
Netgear	CM1000v2	No	32×8	3.1	No
Netgear	CM1100	No	32×8	3.1	No
Netgear	CM1200	No	32×8	3.1	No
Netgear	CM2000	No	32×8	3.1	No
Netgear	CAX30	Yes	32×8	3.1	No
Netgear	CAX80	Yes	32×8	3.1	No
Netgear	CBR40	Yes	32×8	3.1	Yes
Netgear	CBR750	Yes	32×8	3.1	Yes
Cisco	DPC3008	Yes	8×4	3.0	No
Cisco	DPC3010	No	8×4	3.0	No
Cisco	DPC3825	No	8×4	3.0	No
D-Link	DCM-301	No	8×4	3.0	No
Linksys	CG7500	Yes	24×8	3.0	Yes
Linksys	CM3008	No	8×4	3.0	No
Linksys	CM3016	No	16×4	3.0	Yes
Linksys	CM3024	No	24×8	3.0	Yes
SMC	D3CM1604	No	16×4	3.0	No
Zyxel	CDA-30360	No	8×4	3.0	No
Zoom	5341J	No	8×4	3.0	No
Zoom	5345	No	8×4	3.0	No
Zoom	5350	Yes	8×4	3.0	No
Zoom	5352	Yes	8×4	3.0	No
Zoom	5354	Yes	8×4	3.0	No
Zoom	5360	Yes	8×4	3.0	No
Zoom	5363	Yes	8×4	3.0	No
Zoom	5370	No	16×4	3.0	No
TP-Link	ARCHER CR500	Yes	16×4	3.0	No
TP-Link	ARCHER CR700	Yes	16×4	3.0	No
TP-Link	CR1900	Yes	24×8	3.0	No
TP-Link	TC-7610	No	8×4	3.0	No
TP-Link	TC-7620	No	16×4	3.0	No
TP-Link	TC7650	No	24×8	3.0	No
TP-Link	TC-W7960	Yes	8×4	3.0	No
Ubee	DDW365	Yes	8×4	3.0	No
Ubee	DDW366	Yes	8×4	3.0	No

Puma Chipset is a problematic chip some modems and routers use. I recommend avoiding models using it. Even though I should note that Suddenlink has fixed most of its problems by now.

What to Consider When Buying A Suddenlink Approved Modem

Here are the most important things to consider before buying yourself a Suddenlink certified modem. For a more general guide, check out what to consider before buying a modem. 

Compatible With Suddenlink 

Suddenlink’s official requirements for third party modems on their network are the following:

• DOCSIS 3.0 or DOCSIS 3.1 certified 
• At least 8 downstream channels
• Not using EURODOCSIS (only in America)

However, after much research, I can tell you that this is not the entire truth. 

Because if you are in an older Internet Market that only supports internet speeds up to 150 Mbps or less. Then you should not get a modem that exceeded DOCSIS 3.0 with 16×4 channels. 

Because modems with either DOCSIS 3.1 or 24×8 channels or more will be unreliable and likely drop internet connection. 

To know what Internet Market you are in, call Suddenlink and ask, or check the fastest internet plan available for you. [4]

You will learn more about the details surrounding this below. 

DOCSIS 3.1 or 3.0

DOCSIS is the telecommunication standard that cable internet uses to transfer data over the coaxial lines. 

For Suddenlink, you can usually get either DOCSIS 3.1 or 3.0. DOCSIS 3.1 is faster and newer, while DOCSIS 3.0 is slower but cheaper. 

For most reading this, I recommend getting a DOCSIS 3.1 modem. Because this will future-proof your modem for both speed increases and for when Suddenlink decides to upgrade their network. 

That said, there are exceptions. Because if you live in an area with older infrastructure, likely rural, you should get a DOCSIS 3.0 modem. 

Because a DOCSIS 3.1 modem will likely cause you problems, even though they are backward compatible with DOCSIS 3.0. 

So, now begs the question, how do you know if you are in an area with older infrastructure?

Well, it’s actually quite simple. Just check the highest internet speed that is available for you. 

If it’s 400 Mbps or more, then you’re in an area with newer infrastructure. But if it’s 150 Mbps or below, you are in an older one. 

If you are gettings a DOCSIS 3.0 modem, keep reading about the channels below. 

Channels (Only for DOCSIS 3.0) 

Channels are something that only DOCSIS 3.0 modem use. They decide the modem’s actual speed, with more channels equal more bandwidth.

For most ISP’s I simply say that the number of channels you have should match your internet plan. But for Suddenlink, it’s a bit harder. 

The basics do apply. If you have a 400 Mbps plan, you can’t get an 8×4 modem because such a modem would be too slow. But the Internet Markets makes this a bit harder. 

Because if you live in a 150 Mbps Internet Market or below (with older infrastructure). Then you should not get more channels than 16×4. 

If you live in a 400 Mbps Internet Market or more (with upgraded infrastructure). Then you simply need to match your internet plan. 

Check out the tables below for some help with this. 

Modem Speed

As I said, what modem you should get depends on your internet market and internet plan.

Because if you get a modem that’s is too slow, it will bottleneck your internet, and you won’t get what you are paying for. 

That said, for Suddenlink, you shouldn’t get a too fast modem either.

Check the tables below to see what modem you can get. 

150 Mbps Internet Marktes or Below

Here are the requirements for older internet markets. 

Internet Speed	DOCSIS	Channels
15 Mbps	3.0	8×4 or 16×4
30 Mbps	3.0	8×4 or 16×4
50 Mbps	3.0	8×4 or 16×4
75 Mbps	3.0	8×4 or 16×4
100 Mbps	3.0	8×4 or 16×4
150 Mbps	3.0	16×4

400 Mbps Internet Markets or More

Here are the requirements for newer internet markets. 

Internet Speed	DOCSIS	Channels
50 Mbps	3.0 or 3.1	8×4 or more
100 Mbps	3.0 or 3.1	8×4 or more
200 Mbps	3.0 or 3.1	16×4 or more
300 Mbps	3.0 or 3.1	16×4 or more
400 Mbps	3.0 or 3.1	24×4 or more
500 Mbps	3.0 or 3.1	24×8 or more
1-Gig Internet	3.1	32×8

Which Market Are You In?

So, to recount, how do you know what market you’re in?

Either call Suddenlink and ask, or check the fastest internet plan available. If it’s 150 or less, you’re in an older market. If it’s 400 or more, you are in a newer market. 

Suddenlink Voice Service

After talking to their support, they said that as long as the modem has VOIP capacity and fits their requirements it will work.

I for one am skeptical about this claim, but since I couldn’t find a Suddenlink technician to ask I can only say what the Suddenlink support said.

I will, however, still recommend you to contact Suddenlink and ask for a voice modem that will work for your area.

I for one asked about the CM500V and the support said that it will work for an internet plan at or below 300 Mbps.

If you have any more knowledge than I do about the subject, please let us know in the comments below.

Modem/Router Combo or Separate Devices

Another thing you get to think about is whether you want a separate modem and router or a modem/router combo (gateway). 

The difference is that the latter is one device with both the modem and router function while separate requires two devices for the same thing. 

As a Network Engineer, I recommend most people have separate devices. 

This is because separate allows you to change one if it needs an upgrade or breaks. It also permits for higher network performers and more customization. 

Furthermore, if Suddenlink decides they need to factory reset your modem (which they tend to do). Then, all your custom settings on the router will disappear if you have a modem/router combo. 

This is not to say that a gateway is useless. It certainly has its benefits, like taking up less space and having an easier to set up.

And since Suddenlink has cable internet, there are many gateways to choose between. Therefore, you can get one if you prefer it. 

Modem/Router Combo Benefits

• Takes up less space
• Often easier set up
• More convenient

Separate Devices Benefits

• Better performance
• Can change one device instead of both
• More customization and control
• Doesn’t reset the router if Suddenlink decides they need to reset the modem

If you want a more comprehensive overview of the pros and cons of each option, then click here. 

Rent Vs. Buy Suddenlink Equipment

Suddenlink has a fee of $10 a month to rent a gateway from them. [6]

This is not the highest fee out there, but neither the lowest. I would still, however, recommend you buy a third-party modem if you have Suddenlink. 

$10 a month makes $120 a year. Enough to get a new modem every year. And just 5 months can easily pay for a cheaper device. 

Thus, I recommend you buy a third-party modem. 

That said, there are reasons to rent. If you’re switching to fiber optic internet or moving soon. Then it might be cheaper to rent a modem for a couple of months. 

I should also note that I’m somewhat biased towards buying since I do make a small commission if you buy a modem. 

You can find a more in-depth guide on if you should rent or buy a modem here. 

Benefits of Getting a Third-Party Modem

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

No Monthly Fee

Suddenlink has a monthly renting fee of $10 a month. A new cable modem costs between $50 and $200. This means that it takes between 5 and 20 months to pay it off. After that, you will save money every month. 

Faster Internet

A third-party modem will also often give you faster internet. Since the rented gateway you get from Suddenlink isn’t the best. Especially if you get a high-performing device. 

Just note that buying a too slow device could slow down your internet speed.

More Control

A third-party device enables you to choose features that you would benefit from. This could be extra VPN support for work-at-home purposes, parental controls for kids who spend too much time online, or guest networks for visitors. Things that you won’t have with your rented gateway. 

How to Set Up a Third-Party Modem with Suddenlink

Here is a short instruction on setting up a modem with Suddenlink internet. 

1. Pick a location with good airflow, so it doesn’t overheat. If you have a gateway, try to place it as close to the center of your home as possible to improve coverage. 
2. Connect to the power cord and the coaxial cable. Then connect the modem to a PC and follow the rest of the setup manual that comes with the modem. 
3. Call Suddenlink and inform them that you are changing network equipment. They will ask you for the MAC address for the device to activate. You can find it at the bottom of the modem/gateway. You can also go here to self-activate the modem. 

Suddenlink has a guide on its own if you want some more information. 

Suddenlink Internet Plans

Suddenlink offers a lot of different internet speeds. And here, you can see what devices I recommend for each speed, with a cable modem and a gateway option. [7] 

Download Speed	Recommended Modem	Recommended Gateway
150 Mbps or below	MB7420	MG7540
200 Mbps	CM600	MG7540
300 Mbps	CM600	C7800
400 Mbps	SB8200	C7800
500 Mbps	SB8200	C7800
1-Gig	MB8611	MG8725

FAQ

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

Our Verdict

Suddenlink is one of those ISP’s which seems to try its best to make it hard for their customers to get their own modem.

But, after much research and talking to Suddenlink, I have concluded that the best modem for Suddenlink is the Arris Surfboard SB8200. 

Because it’s future-proof, fast, and reliable. Just don’t get it if you are in a 150 Mbps Internet Market or below.