The days of almost everyone renting network equipment from service providers are long gone. Yes, it saved the hassle of purchasing one. But provided with underperforming gateways, it wasn’t worth it. Fortunately, it’s 2022—the time when everybody realizes the costs they were paying. So let’s take a break from monthly expenses and choose a suitable Cox modem for you.
Through our tests, we have concluded the Motorola MB8600 to be the best fit for any of Cox service plans, including the Cox Gigablast. Because the feature-packed performance isn’t just the only thing we get, but it’s ultimately reliable and future-proof, too.
However, considering that everybody has specific needs for their connections, we have reviewed five other options that could be recommended. Let’s go ahead and explore them.
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3 Top Picks of Cox Compatible Modems
| Top Pick | Budget Pick | Runner-up |
| Motorola MB8600 Cable Modem | Motorola MB7621 Cable Modem | ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 Cable Modem |
Wide compatibility with major cable providersSupport for multi-gigabit service plansExcellent download speedsDurable and reliableTwo years of warranty | Compatible with major service providersEasy and quick setupAdvanced featuresStable internet performanceTwo years of warranty | A premium taste at a budget-friendly priceCompatible with major service providersTwo Ethernet ports with Link AggregationEasy set up through the appTwo years of the warranty period |
How We Did The Test?
We began the testing by selecting the top 15 Cox-approved modems on the market. However, the purpose was to recommend only a few high-performance modems to help you make a straightforward decision without being confused. So we chose six modems that excelled in the following areas:
Performance:
We monitored each modem’s performance at different intervals throughout the test. Because people often report a decline in their networking speeds when they switch modem. Therefore, we ensured the best output regarding internet speeds and stability.
Reliability:
When purchasing an electronic gadget, the subject of reliability constantly comes to mind. Because there is no guarantee that circuits will not fail soon, we went through previous customer reviews to recommend some trustworthy options. Also, we ensured that the product provided a reasonable period of warranty.
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Security:
There is no room for compromise when it comes to the security of your connection. Especially if it’s a connection from your home or office, modems typically include built-in security features to reduce the vulnerability of your network usage. We made sure that our picks offer the most advanced ones.
Comparison Table of 6 Cox Approved Modems
| Top Pick | Budget Pick | Runner-up | |
| Motorola MB8600 Cable Modem | Motorola MB7621 Cable Modem | ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 Cable Modem | |
| Product type | Cable Modem | Cable Modem | Cable Modem |
| Technology | DOCSIS 3.1 | DOCSIS 3.0 | DOCSIS 3.1 |
| Channels | 32 x 8 | 24 x 8 | 32 x 8 |
| Max Download Speed | 2 Gbps | 800+Mbps | 2 Gbps |
| Gigabit Ethernet Ports | 4 | 1 | 2 |
| NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem WiFi Router Combo (C7800) | Motorola MG7700 |
| Modem/Router Combo | Modem/Router Combo |
| DOCSIS 3.1 | DOCSIS 3.0 |
| 32 x 8 | 24 x 8 |
| 2 Gbps | 1000+Mbps |
| 4 | 4 |
Things To Look For When Buying Cox Compatible Modem
Because modems are technically complex, you’re more likely to pick the wrong one if you don’t know enough about modems. So before you randomly pick one, it’s better to consider the following things and make the most suitable choice.
Compatibility
Before you inspect the modem, you must first verify whether it is compatible with the Cox network service. Just like all the other ISPs, Cox also publishes a compatibility list on its website that you can search through.
However, if you don’t find a specific modem on the list, it may still work. Because any DOCSIS 3.0 or DOCSIS 3.1 modem with at least 8 x 4 channels is compatible to work on the Cox network. Still, we’ll recommend you only to get the modem that’s listed to avoid any problems.
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Type
The next thing is to determine if you want a standalone modem or a gateway (modem-router combo). The choice is obvious. If you want to set up a connection of your choice, then you should purchase a modem and pair it with a router.
If you want to minimize the clutter and efforts of buying a separate router to complete your connection. Then a gateway is a way to go.
DOCSIS
hen comes to choose the DOCSIS technology of your modem. DOCSIS 3.0 or DOCSIS 3.1, which one to opt for? This depends on the speed of your internet plan. If you’re using Cox plans from Starter 25 to Ultimate 500, that’s less than 1000 Mbps, then buy a DOCSIS 3.0 modem.
Otherwise, if you’re subscribed to Cox Gigablast, then this 1 Gbps of speed is none of the others’ but a DOCSIS 3.1 modem’s job to handle. You can also buy a DOCSIS 3.1 modem for the lower speed plans, for most of them are backward compatible with the DOCSIS 3.0.
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Channels
If you’re buying a DOCSIS 3.0 modem, channels are a thing to be concerned about. A modem’s channel indicates its speed handling capability. More upstream and downstream channels mean more upload and download speeds. Since Cox supports the least of 8 x 4 downstream and upstream channels, look for a modem with higher channels than these.
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Reviews of the Top Compatible Modems for Cox Internet
1. Motorola MB8600 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem (Top Pick)
Features
- Multi-gigabit connection support
- Broad compatibility with major service providers
- Multi-Processor Technology
- Proactive Protection
- Active Queue Management (AQM)
- Two years of limited warranty
Specifications
| Weight | 0.06 lbs |
| Color | Gray |
| Dimensions | 7.25 x 2.25 x 7.88 inches |
| IPv4 Support | Yes |
| IPv6 Support | Yes |
| Telephone Voice Ports | No |
| Wi-Fi Standard | – |
Product Review
Motorola has gifted the tech world with quite an all-rounder. Our editor’s choice, the Motorola MB8611, is the company’s most popular cable modem. You won’t believe this efficient and reliable modem fits right in almost every test that we perform for different service providers.
The MB8611 is a gray-black-themed plastic box with a wealth of power on the inside. The modem is designed with vent holes on either side for heat dissipation, which the robust modem produces through the powerful specs.
Motorola MB8611 is a DOCSIS 3.1 modem that, together with Link Aggregation support, can handle speeds of up to 2 Gbps. During tests with Cox’s ultimate 500 plan, the modem provided maximum speeds, and we didn’t see speed declines even in stressed network conditions.
This reliable modem has 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports, with only one visible and four covered inside that can be accessed by opening the cover. So you can connect multiple devices on this super easy-to-setup modem.
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Plus Point: The Motorola MB8611 includes Active Queue Management (AQM), which reduces lag and allows for more smooth gaming, streaming, videoconferencing, and other tasks.
| PROS | CONS |
| Rapid fast, reliable performance | Doesn’t support Link Aggregation |
| Supports Multi-gigabit speeds | |
| Features AQM for zero latency |
2. Motorola MB7621 Cable Modem (Best Budget)
Features
- Wide compatibility with major ISPs
- Full-Band Capture, a digital tuner for even faster connections and a more stable Internet experience
- Sophisticated surge, and lightning protection
- Two years of limited warranty
Specifications
| Weight | 1.0 lbs |
| Color | Gray |
| Dimensions | 7.25 x 2.25 x 7.88 inches |
| IPv4 Support | Yes |
| IPv6 Support | Yes |
| Telephone Voice Ports | No |
| Wi-Fi Standard | – |
Product Review
While a list can’t go void without the power options, we can neither ignore the budget pals. Keeping an eye on your budget is a good idea, and purchasing the Motorola MB7621 for guaranteed stable and reliable internet is an even better idea.
The mid-range MB7621 keeps the same Motorola standard design with vent holes on the sides. This cable modem comes at a fairly low price with low-powered specifications. That is still ideal for the ones using the lower internet plans. The Motorola MB7621 is designed with one Gigabit Ethernet port for connectivity.
This modem, when tested, stood out with great performance, providing amazing download speeds for such a price with its DOCSIS 3.0 technology and 24 downstream and 8 upstream channels. It can enable you to get 400 Mbps to 600 Mbps of maximum download speeds.
With all this, MB7621 also features various advanced features for the best of your internet connection and is relatively simple to set up and establish a connection. So if you’re on a budget, don’t overlook this incredible modem. This is the only budget option that doesn’t come with compromises.
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Plus Point: In comparison to other modems, which need you to unplug the wire to turn it off. The MB7621 has a small power button that allows it to be turned on and off more simply than other modems.
| PROS | CONS |
| Best value for the price | It isn’t that compact |
| Great performance under high-traffic networks | |
| Features an easy-to-use power button | |
3. ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 DOCSIS 3.1 Gigabit Cable Modem (Best Performance)
Features
- Supports Multi-gigabit connections
- Wide support with most service providers
- Easy and quick set up with SURFboard Central app
- Two 1 Gigabit Ethernet port
- Two years of limited warranty
Specifications
| Weight | 1.46 lbs |
| Color | White |
| Dimensions | 5 x 2 x 5 inches |
| IPv4 Support | Yes |
| IPv6 Support | Yes |
| Telephone Voice Ports | No |
| Wi-Fi Standard | – |
Product Review
We got to see a great competition between our first and second choice during the test. And it wouldn’t be wrong if we call it a tie. Because Motorola’s MB8611 delivers a blazing-fast gigabit experience, the ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 delivers the same but with a slightly different flavor.
The SURFboard SB8200 has a white, lightweight casing with vent holes to keep the heat at bay when your network usage spikes. Which, upon testing, was obvious. The modem has the latest and most advanced DOCSIS 3.1 technology and provides 32 downstream and 8 upstream channels. That enables lightning-fast speeds of up to 2 Gbps.
This tower-designed modem performed exceptionally during the tests with Cox’s Ultimate 500 speed plan. Providing the best out of the internet plan, this was clear that the modem is perfect for the Ultra 4K streaming and high-end gaming. Moreover, we had no trouble setting it up.
We were also surprised to see that this supports Link Aggregation with the two Gigabit Ethernet ports. That not only makes 2 Gbps of speeds possible but also extends the connectivity for you. The SB8200 also has an advantage over our top option, the Motorola MB8600. Because both provide maximum speeds but the SB8200 has a higher price-to-performance ratio. So with this crazy multi-gigabit speeds support, the SB8200 stands out to be perfect for your Cox Gigablast subscription.
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Plus Point: The ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 supports Ethernet Aggregation, which allows you to combine two Ethernet ports into a single data stream and achieve speeds of up to 2Gbps.
| PROS | CONS |
| Features two Gigabit Ethernet ports | Unsatisfactory customer support |
| Supports Link Aggregation | |
| Easy to install through mobile application |
4. NETGEAR Nighthawk C7800 Cable Modem Wi-Fi Router Combo
Features
- Supported with major service providers
- Operate, install, and monitor networks through NETGEAR genie® mobile application
- Active Antenna Technology
- One year of limited warranty
Specifications
| Weight | 3.15 lbs |
| Color | Black |
| Dimensions | 12.4 x 10.4 x 7.5 inches |
| IPv4 Support | Yes |
| IPv6 Support | Yes |
| Telephone Voice Ports | No |
| Wi-Fi Standard | 802.11 a/n/ac |
Product Review
Now that we have seen the standalone modems. Let’s look at gateways. And when it comes to the combo units, we see the NETGEAR Nighthawk C7800 having the crown. This modem-router combo is said to be the first DOCSIS 3.1 featured gateway.
The Nighthawk C7800 being DOCSIS 3.1 on the modem side, is an AC3200 dual-band unit on the router side. The design looks like a garden bench with heat vents and four high-performance antennas backed with power amplifiers to throw WiFi in every corner and reduce network interference.
This full-featured gateway supports combined WiFi speeds of up to 3.2 Gbps for non-stop VR gaming and internet surfing. And if you wonder about the range, you should rest satisfied with its 3000 sq. ft. range to cover a fairly large space and reach up to 45 wireless devices simultaneously.
We used Cox’s Ultimate 500 speed package to test it, and we used 20 wireless devices to surf the internet and download multiple files. The internet stayed stable throughout and didn’t bother declining for a while. Therefore, if some high wireless speeds and ultimate performance is required for your big-size home or office network, you know who to call for help.
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Plus Point: The NETGEAR Nighthawk C7800 incorporates Beam forming+ technology, which is ideal for increasing WiFi device speed, range, and reliability.
| PROS | CONS |
| Wide coverage and great performance | Lacks Link Aggregation support |
| Supports guest network | |
| Simple and quick setup process |
5. Motorola MG7700 Modem WiFi Router Combo
Features
- Approved for major service providers
- AC1900 Wi-Fi Gigabit Router with 4 Gigabit Ethernet Ports
- Wireless Power Boost
- AnyBeam beamforming at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
- Full-Band Capture digital tuner
- Two years of limited warranty
Specifications
| Weight | 1.50 lbs |
| Color | Gray |
| Dimensions | 8.6 x 2.6 x 9 inches |
| IPv4 Support | Yes |
| IPv6 Support | Yes |
| Telephone Voice Ports | No |
| Wi-Fi Standard | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac |
Product Review
Gateways aren’t always low-priced. Because of the addition of another part in one unit, the prices will obviously take a high. But the Motorola MG7700 has seemed to combine speed, affordability, reliability, and compactness admirably.
The Motorola MG7700 has a compact design and is said to be one of the best-designed gateways on the market. This subtly designed unit combined the DOCSIS 3.0 modem technology and 24 x 8 channels with an AC1900 dual-band wireless router and provided an efficient gateway performance.
Through these specifications, the maximum speed of this modem is observed to be 1000 Mbps, while the supporting service speeds are 650 Mbps. Additionally, the MG7700 also had a Wi-Fi power boost feature that enhanced the signals and performed without a hint of latency during tests. Along with this fantastic feature, we appreciated the MG7700’s feature set, which is superior to that of the more advanced NETGEAR Nighthawk C7800.
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Plus Point: To add an extra layer of security to your family’s networking, Motorola’s MG770 has user-friendly features such as powerful firewall protection and built-in parental controls.
| PROS | CONS |
| Supports Beamforming technology for wireless range extension | Not suitable for large spaces |
| Setup is fairly simple | |
| Features advanced security protocol |
Conclusion
These were all the best Cox-certified modems that performed well throughout the test. With everything explained simply, it should now be easier for you to choose and hit the buy button. If you still can’t make up your mind, the Motorola MB8600 can be your blind choice. Because of its amazing value of swift speed, excellent quality, and high reliability.
Motorola MB8600 can give you a great taste of fast speeds and stable connectivity. But this doesn’t mean overlooking your preferences over our top choice. After all, it will be you sipping on tea while enjoying some smooth Netflix streaming sessions.
