5 Best Cable Modems for Gaming

57.14% of users selected NETGEAR Cable Modem CM700, 28.57% selected ARRIS SURFboard SB8200, 14.29% selected Motorola MG7700, 0% selected ARRIS SURFboard SBG7600AC2 and 0% selected TP-Link 16x4 AC1750. Every month we analyze your answers and change our rating.

Cable modems are devices that allow you to connect your computer to the internet. A cable or broadband cable is a digital connection carrying both data and TV signals through one wire. Many ISPs offer their services with these types of connections because they provide much faster speeds than DSL ever could while being more affordable in the end since there are no phone line rental fees involved.There are many things to consider when buying a cable modem for gaming. There are different speeds, price points, and features that can make or break your gaming experience. This article will help you figure out what the best cable modem is for you with reviews on some of the top products!

NETGEAR Cable Modem CM700 – the Editor’s choice!

Packed with 32×8 channel bonding and DOCSIS 3.1, get faster download speeds than other models available today!

Friendly for small-medium dwelling places that need reliable high-speed internet connection at an affordable price point, this device offers a broad compatibility profile that ensures it works well with popular national providers such as COX and Spectrum.

This cable modem is compatible with every major cable ISP so you can work around those frustrating installation fees. Take advantage of the 32×8 channel bonding and DOCSIS 3.1 speeds that give you a Gigabit Ethernet port to your computer or a separate router.

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ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 Cable Modem – the best speed range!

It’s also future-ready, featuring Ultra HD video streaming and enhanced security protection for the evolving connected world of high-powered modems.

Two-gigabit Ethernet ports at the rear of cable modems allow you to connect two devices simultaneously. It’s used for transferring wired or wireless connections with the help of a router. If you enjoy playing video games, these two ports will improve your gameplay.

The Arris SB8200 modem is perfect for today’s in-demand connection speeds of 10+ Gbps! The modem has two Ethernet ports at the back to power your whole home network.

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Motorola MG7700 Modem WiFi Router Combo – the best for small houses!

Plus, Motorola’s product security management will allow you to keep your devices safe from hacking or malicious threats online by using Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA).

The MG7700 isn’t intended to draw attention; rather, it’s designed to blend into the background and take up as little room as possible. It is one of the most affordable choices for small-to-moderate houses up to 2,000-feet range.

The Motorola MG7700 modem/router combination offers blazing-fast upload and download speeds (streaming movies and music will be a cinch), as well as an above-average range of 2,000 feet and simple software, making it ideal for most homes.

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ARRIS SURFboard SBG7600AC2 – the best security!

Watch all your favorite videos, stream music for hours without interruption, play video games uninterrupted – do whatever you please because it will never get in the way of connectivity! Never suffer from glitches or buffering again with its strong wireless coverage connections.

This Arris modem/router combo is an excellent speed-matching solution for those who require it. This little device can handle a lot of internet traffic thanks to its maximum rate of up to 600 megabits per second. 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports allow you to connect your devices directly for the best performance, or you may use the built-in AC2350 Wi-Fi.

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TP-Link 16×4 AC1750 Wi-Fi Cable Modem Router – the best for design!

You’ll never have to suffer through buffering or connection issues again. With this device, you can enjoy faster download speeds and device connections with minimal effort. The sleek exterior will look great in your home or office, while the powerful features will give you an unbeatable experience.

The TP-Link AC1750 has a smaller range of customization options than its competitors do, but it does have parental controls, Quality of Service (QoS) software, and a two-year warranty. For most families, the performance of this router should be more than sufficient.

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The Buyer’s Guide

What is a Modem for Gaming?

A cable or DSL router [1] can be used to connect your home computer system and other devices to the Internet. When it comes to online games though, there are some specific requirements that modems should meet in order to deliver a smooth experience without lags and interruptions. Two main features of a high-quality internet connection that allow gamers to enjoy various MMOs: speed and low latency. 

How Do Modems Work? 

As you likely know, a modem is an electronic device that makes it possible for computers to receive and send data over phone lines.

This means the internet signal coming from your ISP (Internet Service Provider) will go through the cable in your house first before being distributed throughout your home network.

A modem is usually used with a router, which distributes the internet signal to all of your devices.

While most typical homes have just one computer that needs an Internet connection at home, you should consider getting a separate modem for each person if you plan on adding more devices in the future. 

One important thing about modems is that they are not compatible across different service providers or brands so make sure to get one from your specific ISP company.

Benefits of Gaming Modems:

• Internet is faster when using a cable modem;
• Cable modems are more stable than Wi-Fi routers for gaming since they run on one type of internet connection that doesn’t cut out as often as wireless connections do;
• Cable modems are more reliable than Wi-Fi routers since they don’t interfere with wireless signals;

Types of Modems: Cable Modems vs. DSL 

There are two main types of internet connections available for home users: cable and DSL (digital subscriber line). In the past, both these connection types had a lot in common, as they were using similar technologies to transfer data over phone lines. 

However, today you can easily tell them apart because their speeds differ significantly from each other. Cable modems provide much faster internet connectivity compared with DSL ones due to the different encoding methods they use on the same copper wires.   

Although DSL is still a popular internet connection type in some regions, cable modems provide more stable and faster data transfer speeds that make them preferable for gamers. 

Modem vs. Modem/Router Combo

Many people are unsure whether they need a modem or if it’s better to purchase a cable modem/router combo unit. It is definitely more convenient to have all your networking devices in one box, but most buyers don’t pay attention that these combos are not future-proof. If you buy the two-in-one solution, there is no way of upgrading either part without buying an entirely new product which will cost you money and time on installation as well. 

Modem/router combo units can be useful if you want all your devices (PCs, game consoles) in one place without having to purchase extra routers for each of them which will require more space on your desk or table due to their bulky design. On top of that, these two-in-one units are usually much easier to install since they come already configured by default thus saving you some time when setting up a new device at home. However, keep in mind that most manufacturers don’t mention compatibility across different speeds within modem/router combos so you should check the specifications in case your ISP uses different speed tiers.

For this reason, less tech-savvy customers usually choose the easier option with purchasing only the router since both units come together at very affordable prices which saves them some cash for other things like games. 

Also, the modem/router combos are usually unsuitable for more demanding gamers who like to play on multiple devices at once. This is because these units have limited ports with only 4 in some models which can cause serious problems in crowded homes when several users simultaneously browse the web or stream content from online services.

Main Features:

1. Ports and Connectivity

Now that experts have cleared out the difference between a modem and a combined unit, let’s discuss some features which you should be looking for when choosing your cable connection:

Number of Ports 

This is an important factor to consider since most people connect to more than one device at once (computer, console/smartphone). Make sure that the model offers enough ports so you can hook up all of your devices without any problems. This number varies from model to model but usually ranges anywhere from four to eight ports. 

For example, if you own game consoles like Xbox or PlayStation with their respective controllers then make sure not only the modem has enough ports but also its router counterpart in order to avoid having too many cables running all over your living room.

USB ports 

They are also worth mentioning since they allow you to connect your console directly without dealing with Ethernet cables [2]. However, if the modem router combo has USB ports on its router part then there is no need for having them in your cable model unless it offers something that other units don’t like an external antenna which might come useful during connection issues or dead spots when the wireless signal cannot reach all parts of a house.

Gigabit Ports 

Gigabit ports are special Ethernet ports that can provide up to 1000Mbps of bandwidth for faster data transfer between connected devices. If you own a gaming console or high-end PC then this feature is crucial since it will allow faster online gaming by reducing network delays and latency times improving overall performance. 

Also, some providers offer their customers internet packages with speeds higher than 100 Mbps so if that’s your case make sure to look out for models with gigabit ports as well. These units usually have four to eight gigabit LAN/Ethernet connections but depending on the manufacturer they might also be without these fast connectivity options thus working just like any other regular modem.

2. DOCSIS Version

DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification) is an international standard that defines requirements for communication protocols on networks delivering multimedia services via broadband connections like DSL or cable TV providers. 

There are a few major versions of the DOCSIS specifications: Docsis 1.0, 1.1, 2.0, 3.0, 3.1, 4.0, which define minimum speeds over 32 ppm downstream and 30 ppm upstream respectively [3]. 

An ideal choice would be DOCSIS 3.0 modems featuring eight Ethernet LAN ports and speeds up to 600 megabits per second (Mbps) download rates together with two-hundred-fifty Mbps upload bandwidth. The best models also have dual-core processors or better to ensure high-quality multimedia streaming even when you play online. 

For example, DOCSIS technology is widely used by ISPs that offer broadband Internet service via coaxial cables rather than telephone landlines that gives it a significant edge over DSL devices when it comes to speed and bandwidth capacity per pair of wires inside its infrastructure network system.

3. Download/Upload Speeds

While this may seem like an easy thing to check, you might be surprised at how many different factors contribute even before your computer connects to the internet! To avoid confusion, make sure that all of your devices (which should include any routers or other networking hardware) use the same Mbps speed rating system. 

For example, if you use Comcast, the DOCSIS specs require a minimum speed of 16 Mbps downstream and 4 Mbps upstream. The most current standard is DOCSIS 3.1, which promises speeds up to 10Gbps in theory [4].

If your computer is connected to an Ethernet port (as opposed to WiFi), it will be receiving this data much faster than if connected wirelessly. The same goes for your router being wired or wireless – so always test on both! 

4. WiFI Standards:

• 802.1x. The standard improves the security of local networks by providing a mechanism for authenticating users to a central authority, such as LDAP or Active Directory. It provides an effective method for restricting access to the wireless local area network when used with 802.11 access technologies;
• 802.11a. An expansion to the IEEE’s 802.11n wireless network technology standards was created by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Wireless local area networks using 802.11a have a maximum connection rate of 54 megabits per second (Mbps) in the 5 GHz band. This standard is not backwardly compatible with 802.11b/g, and additional wireless adapters are required;
• 802.11b. The IEEE developed an extension to the 802.11 standards for wireless network technology. With fallback to 5.5, 2, and 1 Mbps in the 2.4GHz ISM band, this standard applies to wireless local area networks and allows for a maximum connection rate of 11 Mbps. This standard was adopted in 1999;
• 802.11g. This version of the WiFi standard improves on previous versions by adding a new extension to the 802.11 standards that allow for a 54 megabit per second maximum connection rate while keeping compatibility with the older 802.11b protocol in the 2.4GHz range. This specification is interoperable and backup with the 802.11b standard;
• 802.11i. The WPA2 Personal is a revised version of the WPA2 network security standard designed to provide better security than existed before. This extension adds support for stronger encryption techniques such as AES (Advanced Encryption Standard), which is an optional, fully compliant implementation of 802.11i, and it integrates the IEEE 802.1x authentication protocol into the system as well as more complex encryption methods like those used in WPA-PSK networks;
• 802.11n. To allow for higher data transfer rates and range, this format utilizes several transmitters and receiver antennas (also known as multiple-input and multiple-output, or MIMO). This standard was approved in 2009. Commercial hardware that is not compatible with PittNet Wi-Fi is already on the market [5];

Since you are looking to purchase a cable modem, it is safe to assume that your ISP uses the traditional DOCSIS technology for providing Internet services. So make sure not only the model you want has this feature but also its router counterpart in order to avoid compatibility issues down the road when purchasing additional units by different brands. Some models have both variants while others have only one type so keep an eye out for information about this before making any purchases.

5. Compatibility To ISP (Internet Service Providers)

Cable connection standards vary from one ISP to another, meaning that some units work only with certain providers and not all of them. Make sure to check the product description before purchasing a new modem that states whether it is compatible or not with your provider’s service packages. 

Also, there are different protocols used by ISPs so you should double-check if they use DOCSIS as well as what speed tiers do they support (e.g., DOCSIS 3.0 vs DOCSIS 3.1). 

In case you have no idea about these technicalities then simply look for models which state compatibility across multiple speeds like “DOCSIS X/X+ up to 100Mbps”. This means that the product is compatible with not only DOCSIS models up to 100Mbps but also other speed tiers like 200, 300, and so on.

6. Number of Channels

Channel bandwidth directly affects the Internet speed that you can get from your cable modem. The best cable modems for gaming offer high-bandwidth channels (up to 160 MHz) and DOCSIS technologies.

The more channels a cable modem offers, the faster it can transfer information. Downstream channels are the minimum required for your modem. Anything fewer is most likely obsolete or underpowered. The majority of modern modems come standard with 16 or more downstream channels, anything less would be unusual [6].

For example, 8×4 modems – that is, modems with eight downstream channels and four upstream channels – can achieve a bandwidth of 343Mbps. For downloads, a 16×4 modem typically maxes out at around 680Mbps [7].

7. Channel Bonding

The best cable modems for gaming provide high-speed Internet access by bonding multiple channels together. This is called channel bonding and basically means that your device takes the data from one channel and another, combines them into a single “bonded” connection to deliver more bandwidth. 

If you use cable Internet services, your device is connected to the cable modem through an Ethernet connection. If there are more than one of these connections (Ethernet ports), then they will be combined into a single “bonded” connection using channel bonding technology. This allows for increased bandwidth and data speed over each port used in this way.

For example, if both Fast Ethernet ports on the back support channel bonding, it means that you can get speeds up to 200 Mbps per port or 400 Mbps total when combining them together. But keep in mind that some ISP providers may limit how many channels can be bonded together depending on their service plans.

Lastly, do not forget about security! The standard cable modems for gaming will have 128-bit encryption to keep your network protected from unwanted intruders [8].

Some cable connection models offer dual-band wireless signal that uses both the older and less energy-efficient “Network” frequency as well as the newer, faster “Device” band. 

This allows users to connect their smartphones or game consoles on one channel while streaming multimedia content at higher speeds through laptops, tablets, TVs, etc. without affecting the overall performance of connected devices since they use different frequencies. 

However, keep in mind that this isn’t necessary for all internet providers so you should check your ISP manual before purchasing a new unit with such a function even though it might seem pretty cool to have connectivity across multiple devices.

8. Number of Users

The number of users allowed per cable modem also matters for gaming. Many top models allow as many as 8 devices at once with a single connection — but the best cable modems for gaming typically allow between 32 and 128 connections simultaneously. If your household has more than one gamer or if there’s someone staying over regularly via Wi-Fi, look for high capacity levels. 

9. Warranty & Support

Last but not least, the best cable modems for gaming should come with a money-back guarantee or at least one year of warranty in case something happens. If you’re looking for high-performance models, many of them come with lifetime warranties.

The last thing you want is to spend hard-earned cash on an expensive unit only to find it dying within a few months after purchase so do your research before purchasing new equipment!  

FAQ:

Do gaming modems make a difference?

Yes, they actually do make a difference. The best cable modems for gaming have faster download speeds and better latency than standard routers or even other high-end models designed specifically for gamers.  They are perfect when you want to improve your internet connectivity without spending too much money in the process. If you feel that your current ISP connection is not good enough, then it’s time to upgrade!

If you already have an amazing router with fast wireless capabilities but still notice some signal issues from time to time due to interference coming from other devices in your home (e.g., cordless phones), adding a new modem will help eliminate this problem by providing uninterrupted network coverage all around the house while freeing up bandwidth for other devices.

Last but not least, the best cable modems for gaming also reduce lag and latency issues by increasing upload speeds as well as download ones.  In addition, they allow you to prioritize specific internet-connected devices so that if there are multiple people using your home network at the same time (e.g., sending e-mails or working from home), you can ensure a smooth experience overall.

Is a modem or router better for gaming?

Modems are more flexible than routers, so they can be used for both. But the fact is that most service providers provide better results with a router because of its ability to handle higher speeds and multiple devices connected at once. 

However, some models do not support wireless connections on all bands or lack USB ports that could limit your internet speed when using an external hard drive as well as other features like parental controls; this is where modems shine through by providing more bandwidth without limiting your options. 

If you plan on overloading your connection (e.g., streaming movies) then it might make sense to go with a router instead since it has the power to manage everything happening on their network simultaneously while still giving out good enough performance. But if you only plan on using the internet for gaming and live in a small apartment, then you should definitely consider going with a cable modem instead.

Is a wireless modem better for gaming?

A wireless modem is not the best option for gaming. Cable modems are designed with a high-speed internet connection in mind, so they tend to work best when combined with cable service providers and Ethernet cables. Wireless relays can be reliable but will often provide a weaker signal than traditional wired connections do. 

Is it better to buy your own modem?

A cable modem is not a router, although some people use them for both purposes. It’s best to have separate devices if possible. You can buy your own cable modem instead of renting one from the ISP where you live or work so that you don’t end up paying extra every month just because they are putting it on your bill without telling you.

Are gaming routers worth it?

Routers that are designed for gaming deliver faster speeds. That means they can provide the highest level of visual and aural accuracy, particularly with shared connections. They’re built to endure a larger amount of traffic, so a gaming router will minimize disruptions when your roommates or family all stream at once [9].

For the same price, you can get a more powerful cable modem that is capable of much higher speeds and doesn’t have to share its connection with other devices inside your home network. And if you need a router for gaming purposes, consider purchasing one instead – they’re usually less expensive than buying both a wireless router and cable modem separately.

Does the modem affect ping?

Yes, your modem and router have a big influence on your ping, and depending on what modem you have, it can be quite significant. If you are using a good modem for gaming, it does not affect your ping. But if the modem is of low quality and has an unstable connection, then there will be latency issues which can make it difficult to play online games like Fortnite or Apex Legends. 

How do I get the best WiFi for gaming?

There are many ways to improve your WiFi’s connectivity, but the most obvious step you can take is by switching out your router for a newer model. If this doesn’t solve all of your problems though, don’t worry – it likely won’t be too hard or expensive to upgrade any dead spots in your home with an additional access point (AP) [10]. 

Simply plug the AP into an outlet near where you experience poor signal and configure it just like you would a new router. All of these devices come with built-in software that makes configuration extremely easy even if you’ve never set up one before! You’ll still need some sort of modem service from the ISP of course.

Does a modem affect Internet speed?

Cable modems are actually faster than DSL, but what you do with your connection matters more. For example, if you have a 100 Mb/s download speed with your ISP and are uploading files at the same time as someone else on your network is streaming Netflix videos, then it’s possible that your Internet speeds will actually decrease. 

What is the fastest Ethernet cable for gaming?

Many gamers are looking for the fastest Ethernet cable, but there is no need to worry. The current generation of video games usually runs at much lower speeds than what an Ethernet connection can deliver (~100 Mbps). Although it may seem that Gigabit cables will give you a better gaming experience, this isn’t always correct. You should instead focus on getting your internet speed up above 100 Mbps since most online game providers require very low latency (<300 ms) and high upload (>50 MB/s).  

Is 400 Mbps good for gaming?

Even 400 Mbps downloads won’t help if latency problems persistently exceed 100 milliseconds [11]. Cable Internet providers usually offer speeds between 100 and 1000 Mbps (or even higher). This can be more than sufficient for any type of online gaming. If the provider only offers 40 or 50 megabits per second, you should look for another one that provides faster speed options. 

How to know if your router and modem are compatible?

Before you purchase a modem, make sure that it is compatible with your internet service provider (ISP). Contact your ISP to find out which modems are compatible with their service. Also, check the list of supported devices on the manufacturer’s website. If you have chosen a model that is not listed on either site, contact customer support for assistance before making your purchase.

When choosing between cable and DSL Internet services it is important to select the one that meets your needs and provides adequate speed (DSL or Cable) in order to provide a streaming experience without lags and delays when gaming online. 

How to replace a modem on your own?

If you are comfortable with replacing your old modem with a new one, then the following steps will help you replace it on your own:

• First of all, unplug the power cord and Ethernet cable from the back of the device. Remove any screws that secure its cover in place (if there is any);
• Carefully remove or turn over its casing while taking care not to touch anything inside – you might get an electric shock;
• Make sure every wire is connected properly before closing everything up again;
• If unsure about how something should be done, please contact the technical support team;

Video Tutorial: Arris SB8200 Docsis 3.1 Cable Modem – Unboxing – Poc Network

Final thoughts 

You’ve done the research and know what you need in a cable modem for gaming, but can’t figure out which one to buy. We’ve got your back! This guide will help you find the right product for your specific needs. Scroll down to read our reviews of some of the top products on the market today or search by features below if you want more information before making a decision.

References:

1. https://www.tp-link.com/ae/dsl-modem-router/
2. https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/different-types-of-ethernet-cables-explained/
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DOCSIS
4. https://www.tech21century.com/docsis-cable-modems-8×4-vs-16×4-vs-24×8-vs-32×8/#What_is_DOCSIS_31_cable_modem
5. https://www.technology.pitt.edu/help-desk/how-to-documents/wireless-network-standard
6. https://www.tomsguide.com/us/how-to-buy-cable-modem,review-5607.html
7. https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/get-the-best-cable-modem-buy-or-rent-from-your-isp
8. https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/5-settings-to-change-on-your-new-router/
9. https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/tech-takes/benefits-of-a-gaming-router
10. https://www.smarthomeperfected.com/access-point-vs-extender-repeater/
11. https://decortweaks.com/is-400-mbps-good-for-gaming

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