We tested several well-rated, expert-recommended modems for this review of Mediacom-compatible modems.
After extensive testing, we concluded that the ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 is the best option for Mediacom service customers. Because it not only provides satisfying internet speed and quality, but it also provides an excellent value for money.
However, because everyone’s needs and network usage differ, we’ve also included a few other options that performed well in our testing. Also, if you are already a mediacom user but facing some issues in modem configuration, read our guide on how to troubleshoot the mediacom modem isuues . Keep reading to learn more.
Recommended Read: Detailed Review of Armstrong Compatible Modems
The Three Top Mediacom Compatible Modems
| Top Pick | Runner-up | Best Performance |
| ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 Cable Modem | Motorola MB8600 Cable Modem | NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem CM1000 |
Compatible with major service providers in the USA Exceptional performance at a great value Two Link Aggregation supporting Gigabit Ethernet ports Simple and easy setup through mobile application Two years of warranty | Approved with major ISPs Speedy fast performance Great additional features Quick and easy setup Two years of limited warranty | Works with major service providers Efficient performance Modern design Easy setup process One year of limited warranty |
How We Did the Test?
We began the test by selecting nine expert-recommended modems that were approved by Mediacom to work on their network. To test the modems’ performance, we used Mediacom’s 1 GIG plan. The modems were tested at different phases, and only four modems made the list, ensuring optimal performance. The stages of testing were as follows.
Performance
We connected multiple wireless and wired devices to the network. We used these devices to continuously consume the network by performing tasks like web browsing, file downloads, and 4K streaming. We monitored the internet speeds at various intervals over this time to ensure the internet remained stable.
Also Read: List of Modems Compatible with Windstream Internet
Setup, Usage, and Features
Modems have been no one’s favorite device to use. This is because of most modems’ out-of-date user interfaces. However, because purchasing a third-party modem implies no help from your ISP, we made sure the modems were simple to set up and operate. For a better network, we also remained focused on the modem features.
Reliability
Most modems on the market are equipped with a problematic Intel Puma Chipset. We kept a close check on our choices to ensure they do not employ this chipset and are reliable enough.
Comparison of the Four Best Modems for Mediacom
| ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 Cable Modem | Motorola MB8600 Cable Modem | NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem CM1000 | |
| Product type | Cable Modem | Cable Modem | Cable Modem |
| Technology | DOCSIS 3.1 | DOCSIS 3.1 | DOCSIS 3.1 |
| Channels | 32 x 8 | 32 x 8 | 32 x 8 |
| Max Download Speed | 2 Gbps | 1 Gbps | 1 Gbps |
| Gigabit Ethernet Ports | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem with Built-in WiFi 6 Router (CAX80) | |
| Product type | Modem/Router Combo |
| Technology | DOCSIS 3.1 |
| Channels | 16 x 4 |
| Max Download Speed | 6 Gbps |
| Gigabit Ethernet Ports | 4 |
What to Look for in a Modem?
Modems aren’t something you just pull off the shelf and start using. To achieve the desired performance and speeds, you must first understand a few things before selecting a suitable modem based on your service plan and usage conditions. Here are some crucial factors to consider.
ISP Approval
Before you purchase a third-party modem, the first thing to always double-check is your service provider’s compatibility with that specific modem. Not all modems are always friendly with your service provider’s network.
Therefore, Mediacom maintains a list of modems that they claim to have tested and marked as compatible with their network based on their performance. You can head over to their MEDIACOM COMPATIBLE RETAIL MODEMS page to check if your chosen modem is approved.
Device Type
The next thing is to make certain which device type you want: a standalone modem or a gateway (modem-router combo). A standalone modem is a good choice if you wish to configure your network yourself and pair it with the router of your choice. However, if you want to neglect the hassle of purchasing another router, you can go for a gateway.
DOCSIS Technology
Modems rely on DOCSIS technology to achieve optimal download rates. ISPs currently support two DOCSIS versions: DOCSIS 3.0 and DOCSIS 3.1. Which version you choose is determined by your speed plan.
If you’re using Mediacom’s Internet 100 or Internet 300 speed plans, DOCSIS 3.0 will suffice. Otherwise, if you’re on the Internet 1 GIG plan, you’ll need DOCSIS 3.1 to handle gigabit speeds. You can also utilize DOCSIS 3.1 modems for lower-speed plans because they are backward compatible with DOCSIS 3.0.
Channels
If you’re choosing a DOCSIS 3.0 modem, channels are another thing to know about. Channels determine how fast your modem can download and upload data. The greater the number of channels, the greater the speed. Depending on your speed package, you can select from 16 x 4, 24 x 8, or 32 x 8 channels.
Recommended for you: Self tested Modems for Charter Spectrum Internet
Review of the Four Best Modems for Mediacom Internet
1. ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 Cable Modem
Features
- Compatible with major ISPs
- Two Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Simple setup with the SURFboard Central app
- Two Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Two years of warranty period
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
The competition for providing the best value and performance combo in the modem market is fierce. However, the way in which ARRIS has stolen the game with its ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 is unexplainable. The performance and quality that this powerful modem provides usually place it at the top of most reviews.
The SURFboard SB8200 is a decent-looking, white plastic, tower-style modem with a status indicating LEDs, heat vents, and a coaxial port, as well as two Gigabit Ethernet ports. This modem is equipped with the DOCSIS 3.1 with 32 x 8 downstream and upstream channels ready to reach 1 Gbps of maximum speeds.
During testing, the SURFboard SB8200 surprised us with its fairly straightforward setup process through the SURFboard Central application. It also did not disappoint us with its lightning-fast connection, which satisfied the speed needs of our devices running 4K streams and high-resource games on the server.
The SURFboard SB8200 not only achieves maximum speeds but also offers an impressive feature set for advanced and secure network usage. Moreover, ARRIS guarantees the device’s reliability by providing a two-year limited warranty. So, if it’s all under one hood, there doesn’t seem to be any point to search any further. By knowing the difference between DSL modem and Cable modem , you will get to know why should you specifically chose cable internet and why SURFboard SB8200 is really a best cable modem.
Also Read: Wow Approved Modems Review
Plus Point: The ARRIS SURFboard SB8200’s hardware is designed for high-bandwidth network applications with low latency.
| PROS | CONS |
| Fast and reliable performance | Unsatisfactory customer support |
| Supports link aggregation feature | |
| Easy and simple installation | |
| Comes with two years of warranty |
2. Motorola MB8600 Cable Modem
Features
- Broad compatibility with major service providers
- Active Queue ManagementProactive Protection
- Broadcom Full-Band Capture Digital Tuner
- Multi-Processor Technology
- Two years of 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
The Motorola MB8600, which came as a runner-up due to its outstanding performance, is yet another popular and one of the first modems equipped with the latest DOCSIS technology. We’ve seen it give the same flawless performance with many service providers.
The Motorola MB8600 has a standard tower design and is made of gray-black plastic. It has side heat vents, front status LEDs, and, of course, a coaxial port with one Gigabit Ethernet port on the back. This modem is powered with powerful DOCSIS 3.1 technology, which includes 32 x 8 downstream and upstream channels capable of reaching rates of up to 1 Gbps.
When we tested it, we went through a short setup process to get it connected to the Mediacom network. We tried stressing the network by connecting it to many devices that were downloading updates, streaming Netflix, and browsing the web. Even with this many devices, we didn’t see any latency issues. Instead, the network was unaffected.
The smooth performance of the Motorola MB8600 is backed up by a slew of other features that actively secure and stabilize the network connection. With all of this and a two-year guarantee in the case of device failure, the Motorola MB8600 is perfect for your home or office.
After buying this modem, you may need to know how to activate it. Don’t worry, this modem activation guide will help you with the step by step process.
Plus Point: The Motorola MB8600 uses Active Queue Management (AQM) to reduce lag and enable smoother gaming, streaming, video-conferencing, and other tasks.
| PROS | CONS |
| Exceptional performance | Doesn’t support link aggregation feature |
| Reduces latency through AQM | |
| Two years of limited warranty |
3. NETGEAR CM1000 Cable Modem
Features
- Approved by major ISPs
- Multi-gigabit internet support
- Four Gigabit Ethernet port
- One-year limited warranty
Specifications
| Weight | 1.22 lbs |
| Color | Black |
| Dimensions | 6.1 x 3.4 x 10.3 inches |
| IPv4 Support | Yes |
| IPv6 Support | Yes |
| Telephone Voice Ports | No |
| Wi-Fi Standard | – |
Product Review
We were drawn to the NETGEAR CM1000 as soon as we noticed it on the Mediacom compatibility list. This is because of its excellent performance in prior service providers’ compatible modem reviews.
This modem has an aggressive appearance, with its black plastic tower form and sharp edges. It has status LEDs, vent holes for better heat dissipation, and a coaxial port on the back, as well as a Gigabit Ethernet port. The CM1000, like its competitors, is future-proof, as it supports the latest DOCSIS 3.1 technology and has 32 x 8 downstream and upstream channels.
The NETGEAR CM1000 connects to the internet through a quick setup process and then provides a reliable throughput of the connection. It gave an excellent performance in our tests, providing a balanced network that didn’t drop under heavy load usage.
This sporty-looking modem also comes with a one-year warranty to ensure reliable functioning. Therefore, if you seek a stylishly designed modem with high-speed delivery, the NETGEAR CM1000 is just a purchase away.
Read this article: Blue Ridge Compatible Modems List
Plus Point: The NETGEAR CM1200 supports multiple IP addresses, allowing up to four home networks and various servers to operate simultaneously.
| PROS | CONS |
| Modern and stylish appearance | Doesn’t support manual firmware upgrade |
| Superfast performance | |
| Features four Gigabit Ethernet ports | |
| Simple and quick setup |
4. NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem with Built-in WiFi 6 Router (CAX80)
Features
- Compatibility with the major service providers
- Up to 6 Gbps of wireless speeds
- Two-port aggregation to maximize speeds
- One year of limited warranty
Specifications
| Weight | 4.45 lbs |
| Color | Black |
| Dimensions | 12.44 x 10.24 x 5.24 inches |
| IPv4 Support | Yes |
| IPv6 Support | Yes |
| Telephone Voice Ports | No |
| Wi-Fi Standard | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac |
Product Review
Next, let’s eliminate wire clutter with the NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX80’s dual modem/router capabilities. There are several gateway models on the market, but the fact that CAX80 manages your huge number of wireless devices with a wide wireless range is unquestionably excellent.
The Nighthawk CAX80 is a black-plastic, arrow-shaped unit that represents the power it possesses. The modem portion has 32 x 8 downstream and upstream channels and uses the latest DOCSIS 3.1 technology. The router, on the other hand, is outfitted with modern wireless 6 technology and promises to provide a steady connection to more than 30 wireless devices.
The CAX80 is claimed to have a download rate of up to 6 Gbps thanks to its superior equipment. You’ll also be able to connect within 2500 square feet of range, no matter how far away you are. The Nighthawk CAX80 linked with our 15 devices within 30 feet and gave a fast enough connection when we tested it. We could even effortlessly stream 4K videos from a distant place.
This isn’t all; the Nighthawk CAX80 is also known for its security capabilities, which help to keep your business and family’s network safe. So, if you’re looking for a future-proof device with dual functionality and security, go no further.
Plus Point: The NETGEAR CAX80 has a 1.5 GHz dual-core processor that can handle multi-gigabit LAN/WAN traffic efficiently.
| PROS | CONS |
| Incredibly fast performance | Bulky and huge design |
| Great customer service support | |
| Wide wireless connectivity | |
| Advanced additional features |
Conclusion
For the ones seeking to enjoy the Mediacom internet to the fullest and dump the outdated rental equipment, Mediacom allows a list of third-party modems to work on its network. We tested several of the modems on the list and discovered that the ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 is the best modem for Mediacom internet because it provides the highest quality and speeds at the best price.
