The 5 Best Cable Modems for Spectrum
Before buying a cable modem for Spectrum, check whether you need to buy one at all. Spectrum says it supplies a compliant modem without an additional charge. Its current policy also limits customer-owned modems to non-symmetrical tiers, and its approved-device list changes. I would verify my exact plan and the model on Spectrum's list before spending money; a fast Ethernet port cannot fix a modem the network will not activate.
For someone who still wants an approved retail modem, the Hitron CODA56 is my practical starting point. Netgear's CM2500 and ARRIS's S34 make sense when multi-gig networking justifies their price, while S33 provides another multi-gig layout. SB8200 remains a DOCSIS 3.1 choice for a conventional gigabit setup. The ranking assumes the current approved list and a separate Wi-Fi router; it is not a promise of compatibility on every Spectrum plan.
Our top 5 cable modems for spectrum
Swipe to compare price, rating and best use →
| Product | Price | Rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
01 Hitron CODA56Details ↓ | $189.99 | 4.1/5Amazon | Best straightforward retail modem |
02 Netgear Nighthawk CM2500Details ↓ | $197.00 | 4.3/5Amazon | Best Netgear multi-gig choice |
03 ARRIS SURFboard S33Details ↓ | $194.99 | 4.3/5Amazon | Best dual-port ARRIS |
04 ARRIS SURFboard SB8200Details ↓ | $169.00 | 4.4/5Amazon | Best conventional gigabit setup |
05 ARRIS SURFboard S34Details ↓ | $235.99 | 4.3/5Amazon | Best ARRIS upgrade path |
01 — Hitron
Best straightforward retail modemHitron CODA56
The CODA56 is a DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem with a 2.5 Gb Ethernet port and no built-in Wi-Fi. Spectrum lists the CODA-56 among authorized retail models for qualifying non-symmetrical tiers. Pair it with a router and check the exact model label before activation; similarly named Hitron variants are easy to confuse.
It leads because it meets the modern cable brief without requiring a modem-router combo. Netgear and ARRIS below add different port or brand preferences, but a higher sticker price alone does not improve an unsupported plan.
View on Amazon ↗Spectrum customers who have confirmed a retail modem is allowed.
You have a symmetrical tier or need built-in Wi-Fi.
What I like
+DOCSIS 3.1 and a 2.5 Gb port.
What to weigh
−Separate router and plan check required.
- ProductType
- modem
02 — NETGEAR
Best Netgear multi-gig choiceNetgear Nighthawk CM2500
The CM2500 is a modem-only DOCSIS 3.1 option with multi-gig positioning. It suits an existing Netgear household that wants to keep routing separate and has a plan and router able to use faster wired service. I would compare the current approved list with the exact CM2500 model, then budget for the router and cable as well.
Second place reflects a higher offer than the Hitron, not a claim that its real-world speeds are lower. I would move it up for a buyer who specifically wants Netgear hardware and has confirmed the relevant speed tier.
View on Amazon ↗Netgear buyers with an approved multi-gig cable plan.
A free Spectrum modem already meets your needs.
What I like
+Modern modem-only DOCSIS 3.1 hardware.
What to weigh
−Substantial cost with no built-in router.
- Type
- DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem
- Ethernet
- 2 × 1 GbE
- MultiGig
- WAN link aggregation with compatible router
- WiFi
- None
- Voice
- None
03 — ARRIS
Best dual-port ARRISARRIS SURFboard S33
ARRIS's S33 pairs DOCSIS 3.1 with one 2.5 Gb and one 1 Gb Ethernet port. That port layout gives a home network more options than a single-gigabit modem, provided the ISP and router support the intended setup. I would not assume both ports can deliver two separate internet subscriptions or aggregate speed without checking the service configuration.
Third place is for the buyer who values ARRIS and the extra physical port. The CODA56 is a simpler purchase; the S34 below is worth comparing if its current offer makes the newer ARRIS model cheaper.
View on Amazon ↗ARRIS households planning a multi-gig router link.
You expect two independent internet connections from two ports.
What I like
+2.5 Gb and 1 Gb Ethernet ports.
What to weigh
−Port benefits depend on service and network setup.
- Type
- DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem
- Ethernet
- 1 × 2.5 GbE + 1 × 1 GbE
- WiFi
- None
- Voice
- None
- Provider
- Confirm exact tier before purchase
04 — ARRIS
Best conventional gigabit setupARRIS SURFboard SB8200
The SB8200 is a DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem with two 1 Gb Ethernet ports, aimed at buyers who do not need a 2.5 Gb handoff. Spectrum's current approved list includes the SB8200 for qualifying non-symmetrical plans. I would compare its offer with a newer multi-gig model: an older port ceiling matters if you plan to upgrade soon.
Fourth place keeps a dependable gigabit role without pretending it is the fastest choice. It can move up for a stable lower-speed plan if its current price is meaningfully below the multi-gig options.
View on Amazon ↗Homes staying on a conventional gigabit-or-lower tier.
You are paying for service above a 1 Gb wired handoff.
What I like
+DOCSIS 3.1 on Spectrum's approved list.
What to weigh
−No 2.5 Gb Ethernet port.
- Type
- DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem
- Ethernet
- 2 × 1 GbE
- WiFi
- None
- Voice
- None
- StockAtCheck
- One new unit displayed
05 — ARRIS
Best ARRIS upgrade pathARRIS SURFboard S34
The S34 is a newer DOCSIS 3.1 SURFboard with a 2.5 Gb Ethernet connection and an ARRIS upgrade story. Spectrum's approved list names S34, but check the precise retail model and plan before activation. I would buy it only when the offer is competitive with S33 or when the model-specific port layout suits the router I own.
Fifth place reflects overlapping capability at a premium, not poor suitability. It becomes my first ARRIS option when its live price undercuts the S33 or its exact hardware layout solves a real network need.
View on Amazon ↗ARRIS buyers planning a faster wired connection.
Your current included modem already covers the plan.
What I like
+Approved DOCSIS 3.1 multi-gig model.
What to weigh
−Overlaps cheaper modem options.
Price information
Amazon price and availability checked Oct 17, 2026, 10:13 PM Lisbon time. Prices and availability are subject to change; the information shown on Amazon.com at purchase applies.
Our process
How we picked.
We compare five relevant products for different needs, using documented specifications, clear use cases and practical trade-offs. Our goal is to make the differences clear and help you choose with confidence.
- 01Relevance
Each product must fit the guide’s intended use, audience and requirements.
- 02Specifications
We compare the key product details that meaningfully affect the buying decision.
- 03Use case and fit
We compare the intended use, configuration and practical fit of every selected product.
- 04Strengths and limitations
We explain where each option performs best and the compromises to consider.
Good questions
FAQ — Cable Modems for Spectrum
01Does Spectrum charge for its modem?+
Spectrum currently says a compliant modem is included without an additional charge. Check your plan and local availability before buying a retail replacement.
02Will a customer-owned modem work with Spectrum symmetrical speeds?+
Spectrum says customer-owned modems are authorized only for non-symmetrical tiers. Confirm your plan and the current approved-model list before ordering.
The short answer
Start with the Hitron CODA56.
I recommend it for spectrum customers who have confirmed a retail modem is allowed. Choose something else if you have a symmetrical tier or need built-in wi-fi.
View on Amazon ↗Keep looking
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