7 Best Modem With Phone Jack In 2022 [Xfinty, Optimum, & More]

This is our review of the best voice modems in 2022. 

As a Network Engineer, I have spoken to every major ISP and asked them what modem works with their phone service. 

Most answers were that you need to use one of their modems. Still, Comcast Xfinity, Optimum, Mediacom, and Suddenlink stated that you could get your own voice modem. 

For Xfinity, we recommend the Netgear CM2050V. Because it’s a fast, future-proof cable modem for a reasonable price. 

For the others, however, it gets a bit more complex. 

Read on, as I will explain the nuances regarding getting your own phone modem. 

Top 7 Modems For Your Voice Service

• Best Overall For Comcast Xfinity – Netgear CM2050V – Cable Modem
• Best Overall For Optimum – Arris TM3402 – Cable Modem
• Budget-Friendly For Comcast Xfinity – Netgear CM500V – Cable Modem
• Budget-Friendly For Optimum – Arris TM1602A – Cable Modem
• Best Value for Comcast Xfinity – Motorola MT7711 – Modem/Router
• Best Performer for Comcast Xfinity – Motorola MT8733 – Modem/Router
• Most Compatible – Arris TM822G – Cable Modem

7 Best Modems With Phone Jacks in 2022

Here are the best modems for your voice service in 2022. 

#1 Best Overall For Comcast Xfinity – Netgear CM2050V

If you have Comcast Xfinity, then I recommend the Netgear CM2050V.

It’s a DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem with a 2.5-gigabit Ethernet port. This makes the modem compatible with internet plans up to 2500 Mbps.

A speed so fast, Xfinity is yet to offer it to their consumers. Enough to watch more than 20 4K movies at the same time. 

This insane speed makes the modem extremely future-proof, with it being sufficiently for many years to come. 

That said, it’s only compatible with Comcast Xfinity and can honestly be excessive for some reading this. 

Because if you have a slower internet plan and don’t have any thoughts on upgrading it, then it’s a bit unnecessary. 

Overall, the Netgear CM2050V is a solid and fast voice modem. Perfect for someone that wants to future-proof their home network. 

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#2 Best Overall For Optimum – Arris TM3402

The Arris TM3402 is the only DOCSIS 3.1 modem with Voice support compatible with Optimum that you can buy. 

I haven’t tested this device due to not having access to anyone with Optimum voice service and internet. But from a lot of research, it’s evident that this is the best modem for Optimum voice service.

It has a 1-gigabit Ethernet port, making it compatible with any internet plan up to 1000 Mbps. 

A good speed, but it could also be better. 

The problem with the TM3402 is that it’s hard to get a hold of. Because it is one of the few voice modems compatible with Optimum that isn’t old and slow, it has a high demand. 

Below you can check if it is available on Amazon.

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#3 Budget-Friendly For Comcast Xfinity – Netgear CM500V

If you’re on a budget and don’t have an internet plan exceeding 300 Mbps, consider the CM500V. 

It’s a DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem with 16×4 channels compatible with Xfinity Voice. 

Just note that since it’s a DOCSIS 3.0 modem with only 16×4 channels, it’s not especially future-proof. 

So if you get any speed increases or Xfinity upgrades its networks, you might have to get a new one sooner than expected. 

But if you have a slower internet plan and don’t intend to upgrade it anytime soon, then the Netgear CM500V is a good option. 

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#4 Budget-Friendly For Optimum – Arris TM1602A

If you have a slower internet plan and are on a budget, consider the Arris TM1,602A. 

It’s like the CM500V, a DOCSIS 3.0 modem with 16×4 channels. This makes it compatible with Optimum plans up to 300 Mbps. 

That is if you choose to use this modem as an internet modem as well as a phone modem. 

You should know that the TM1602A uses the infamous Puma chipset. 

This chipset is linked with huge latency issues. So, if you play many online games or have tons of video calls, avoid this modem.

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#5 Best Value for Comcast Xfinity – Motorola MT7711

The Motorola MT7711 is a modem/router combo with voice support compatible with Comcast Xfinity. 

I will start with this overview by mentioning that you should be careful with getting a 3-in-1 device (meaning a modem, router, and phone support in one device)

Because if any of the parts break or need an upgrade, you need to get all three. That said, I understand that some want this because it’s very convenient. 

According to Xfinity, this modem/router is compatible with internet plans up to 500 Mbps. 

But I think you should be careful with getting this with a 500 Mbps plan. Since the router is an AC1900 router.

Meaning it’s Wi-Fi 5 and likely not that fast. Even though I haven’t tested this modem/router. 

I would estimate that its Wi-Fi will reach about 300 Mbps based on other similar Motorola models. 

So, know that even though you can get this with a 500 Mbps plan, I recommend using it up to around 300-400 Mbps plans.

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#6 Best Performer for Comcast Xfinity – Motorola MT8733

The Motorola MT8733 is a new modem/router combo with voice support. 

Its twin model, the Motorola MG8725, has the same router and modem, just without voice support. And when I tested it, the MG8725 reached more than 800 Mbps.

This makes the device more than enough for any Xfinity plan. And sufficient for a family of 7+ people to use the internet simultaneously without any issues. 

The MG8725 also had a great range, reaching about 90-100 feet. And as they share the same router, the MT8733 will have the same coverage. 

A range that is enough for any but the largest homes. 

The biggest drawback with the MT8733 is also what makes it good. It has a modem, router, and telephone function all in one device. 

This makes it very convenient but also risky. Because if any part of the device break or needs an upgrade, you have to change everything. 

Overall, the Motorola MT8733 is a premium option for you that want a fast device with all the functions you need. Just keep in mind that its convenience has a cost. 

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#7 Most Compatible – Arris TM822G

The Arris TM822G is a slow and old cable modem and not anything I recommend using for your internet. 

It is, however, a good option if you plan to split up your phone modem and internet modem. 

This is because the TM822G is cheap and works with many ISP’s voice support. Thus, it makes a very good option for this kind of home network setup. 

Just make sure to contact your ISP to make sure this is possible for you and ensure the modem is compatible in your area. 

You can read more about this below. 

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The Different Ways of Setting Up Your Home Network

If you have a Digital Phone service (VoIP), you have a couple of different options for setting up your network. 

These consist of two main ones: if you want to use separate phone modems or not. 

To explain it simply, one is that you get a phone modem with good enough internet capacity for your internet. This way you can use the modem for your telephone and internet connection. 

The other is to get a cheaper telephone modem and a secondary internet modem and use the phone modem for your telephone only and your internet modem for your internet only. [1]

You can see the options in the images below. 

So, what is best for you?

You can get a two-in-one modem if you have Comcast Xfinity or Optimum because they have some good options. 

But if you have any other ISP, I would recommend the separate method. Because their number of approved eMTA modems (modems with phone jacks) is very small.

That said, I do also recommend you contact your ISP and ask to make sure they support this way of setting up your network. Because even if most do, some might not. 

What to Consider Before Buying a Phone Modem

Here are some of the most important things to consider before buying a modem with a phone jack. For a much more general overview, check out our modem buying guide. 

Compatible with your ISP

After contacting every single major ISP that offers voice service, I have now put together a list of all ISPs that allow and don’t allow you to get your own voice modems.

ISP that won’t allow third-party voice modems: 

• Armstrong
• Atlantic Broadband
• Blue Ridge
• Cox 
• Grande 
• Midco
• RCN 
• Sparklight (formerly Cable One)
• Spectrum 
• Wave 
• WOW!

ISP that will allow third-party voice modems:

• Comcast Xfinity
• Optimum
• Mediacom
• Suddenlink (very unclear, though)

Below you can read more about these ISPs

Comcast Xfinity Voice Modems

Comcast Xfinity has the widest supply of voice (eMTA) modems compatible with their services. 

They are thus one of the easiest internet providers to buy a modem for. 

Here is a list of every single voice modem compatible with their internet:

Brand	Model #	DOCSIS	Channels	Wi-Fi
Netgear	CM2050V	3.1	32×8	N/A
Motorola	MT8733	3.1	32×8	AX6000
Arris	T25	3.1	32×8	N/A
Netgear	CM1150V	3.1	32×8	N/A
Arris	SBV3202	3.0	32×8	N/A
Netgear	C7100V	3.0	24×8	AC1900
Motorola	MT7711	3.0	24×8	AC1900
Arris	SVG2482AC	3.0	24×8	AC1750
Arris	SBV2402	3.0	24×8	N/A
Netgear	CM500V	3.0	16×4	N/A
Arris	TM822R	3.0	8×4	N/A
Arris	TM822G	3.0	8×4	N/A

For Wi-Fi, the higher number, the more powerful router. AX stands for Wi-Fi 6 and is newer, while AC stands for Wi-Fi 5, which is older. learn more here.

For more info regarding modems for Comcast Xfinity, check out our article on Xfinity modems. 

Optimum Voice Modems

Optimum has a shorter list of voice modems that will work for them. But they do have a list anyways.

Brand	Model #	DOCSIS	Channels	Wi-Fi
Arris	TM1602	3.0	16×4	N/A
Arris	TM1676	3.0	16×4	N/A
Arris	TM3402	3.1	N/A	N/A
UBEE	UBC1322	3.1	N/A	AC2350

The TM804 and TM822 might also work. But as they do not meet the channels requirements and are old – there is no guarantee. 

You can, however, use them for your voice service only and have another modem for the internet. 

For more info on modems for Optimum, check out our article on Optimum modems. 

Mediacom

Mediacom doesn’t have a list. Instead, you will have to contact their support and ask what voice modem works at your address. 

However, I have deduced from research that the TM822G will work for most Mediacom customers. 

The thing with the modem is that it’s very slow, and thus I recommend you to get it together with a faster modem. 

This way, you can use the TM822G for your voice service only and the other modem for your internet. 

If you want to learn more about Mediacom modem requirements, check out our article on the best modems for Mediacom. 

Suddenlink

After talking to multiple sales reps on Suddenlink, all I can say is that they claim you can use your own voice modem. 

And after asking straight if the CM500V would work for a 300 Mbps plan, they told me yes. 

I, for one, do not believe them. The CM500V is specially made for Comcast Xfinity, and the chances it will work for Suddenlink is, in my opinion, low.

And after looking more online, many seems to have got the CM500V for Suddenlink, only to find out it doesn’t work. 

Even though I have no way of confirming this. 

But after hours of research online, I think the best option is to get the TM822G and only use it for your phone service. 

You can then get another internet modem that is approved for them. Check out our article on the best modems for Suddenlink for some alternatives. 

Then use the approved modem for your internet connection and the TM822G for your phone service. That way, you get the best of both worlds.

You need to use a coax-splitter for this, but that’s all you require. 

What to Do if Your ISP Don’t Allow For Third-Party Modems

Unfortunately, if your ISP doesn’t allow you to get your own modem, you have to get one from them. 

This is not always something to get too annoyed about. Because some ISPs such as Spectrum and Armstrong offer them for free. 

For others, such as Midco, you also have an option to buy a voice modem from them for $199. 

Some ISPs do, however, only offers a renting fee, which is impossible to get rid of as long as you are subscribed to their voice service (or landline). 

DOCSIS 3.1 or 3.0 on Voice Modems

DOCSIS is the telecommunication standard that cable internet uses to deliver data. 

Nowadays, you have two options, either DOCSIS 3.0 or 3.1. DOCSIS 3.1 is newer and faster, while DOCSIS 3.0 is slower but cheaper.

Which one you should get depends on many factors but to simplify.

If you have a Gigabit internet plan, most ISPs require you to have a DOCSIS 3.1 modem. 

Also, some ISPs such as Mediacom, necessities that your internet modem is DOCSIS 3.1. And with “internet modem,” I mean the modem you use for your internet connection and not necessarily the phone service (VoIP).

This all depends on how you choose to set up your network. 

If neither of the two is the case, you technically don’t need a DOCSIS 3.1 modem. 

That said, I would still recommend most to get DOCSIS 3.1 modem. Because this will future-proof your modem for any infrastructure updates or speed increases. 

But of course, it’s up to you in the end. 

For more info on DOCSIS 3.1 vs. 3.0, check out our guide on the topic. 

Channel Bonding (Only for DOCSIS 3.0)

If you decide to get a DOCSIS 3.0 modem, you also must consider how many channels it has. 

Written like Y×Z (16×4, for example), channels tell you how much bandwidth a modem can support. 

The first number stands for downstream channels and the second for upstream channels. And the more channels, the more bandwidth a modem supports.

The most important thing with channels is getting enough to cover your current internet plan. 

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

Here is a table with the approximate number of channels every internet plan needs. 

Just keep in mind that your ISP might have different requirements. 

Internet Plan	DOCSIS Compatibility	Channels Compatibility
Up to 50 Mbps	DOCSIS 3.0 or 3.1	4×4 or above
Up to 100 Mbps	DOCSIS 3.0 or 3.1	8×4 or above
Up to 300 Mbps	DOCSIS 3.0 or 3.1	16×4 or above
Up to 600 Mbps	DOCSIS 3.0 or 3.1	24×8 or above
Up to 800 Mbps	DOCSIS 3.0 or 3.1	32×8
Above 800 Mbps	DOCSIS 3.1	N/A

Modem/Router Combo or Separate Devices

Another thing you can decide if you have Comcast Xfinity is if you want a phone modem with a router or not. 

If it doesn’t have a router, you will have to buy a standalone Wi-Fi router for the modem (if you don’t already have one). 

And if you buy a voice modem with an inbuilt router (i.e., a modem/router combo), you will not need anything else. 

A modem/router combo sounds nice, right? Well, it does, but I would still recommend you avoid this. 

This is because modem technology moves much slower than router technology. So there is a big chance you will have to get a new router while the modem will be fine. [2]

Add a phone jack to this, and then you will have to buy a device with three features. And these usually cost a premium. 

Furthermore, separate devices also allow for better performance and more customization. 

That said, if you really want the convenience of having all three functions in one device, there is nothing wrong with getting it. 

For some, it might simply be a better option. 

If you are still uncertain about what to get, check out our guide on modem/router vs. separate devices. 

Design & Ports

Well, the design might not be the most important thing for a modem with a phone jack. 

But still, get something you think looks nice and will fit in your home. 

The ports are, however, a different story. 

First, you need to consider how many phone jacks you will need. Most voice modems come with two, but some only come with one. 

Furthermore, if you get a DOCSIS 3.1 voice modem, you should consider the Ethernet port.

Because with DOCSIS 3.1 modem, it’s most often the Ethernet port that constrains the modem’s bandwidth. 

Some modems like the CM1150V have a Port Bonding feature, allowing you to combine two 1-gigabit ports into a single data stream capable of 2 gigabits. [3]

Another and better solution modems like the CM2050V uses is that instead of two 1-gigabit ports, it has a single 2.5-gigabit port. 

This makes it compatible with internet plans up to 2500 Mbps. Which means it will be enough for many years to come.

To summarize – the faster the Ethernet port, the better the modem. 

Approved Modems Lists

Depending on how you choose to set up your network, you might want another modem for your internet connection.

If that’s the case, you need to get a modem compatible with your internet provider. 

And for this, I will recommend you check out our compatible modem hub.

There you can find a list of the best modems for every major ISP, which I have spent many hours researching and writing. 

FAQ

Here are some common questions regarding modems with phone jacks. 

Our Verdict

To be frank, for every ISP except Xfinity, it’s very hard to know what modem will work for your phone service. 

Therefore, I recommend you ask your ISP about the model you plan to get, just to be sure. 

That said, if you have Comcast Xfinity, we have concluded that the best cable modem with voice support is the Netgear CM2050V. 

Because it’s fast, future-proof, and reliable. All for a reasonable price.