Best Gaming Modem In 2022
Are you looking to purchase a new gaming modem? In this article we talk you through our five top picks, focusing on connective, speed, and frequency bands.
When it comes to gaming, owning the best modem is key. If you don’t have a great modem, this is going to lead to connection issues, lagging, and freezing. There really is nothing worse than when you are about to level up, or complete a mission, only for your internet to cut out.
You can have the best PC specs in the world, but without good internet speeds and a decent modem connection, you will never be able to use the PCs full potential. You will want to choose a modem that is not only great for general web browsing, but one that can handle the connection and speeds needed for gaming.
In this article, we are going to be chatting you through five of the best gaming modems you can purchase. We have focused on aspects such as the connection, connectivity, price, and frequency bands.
Our Top Picks
Best Gaming Modem In 2022
In-depth Review
NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem CM1200
NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem CM1200
Our top choice for the best gaming modem is the Netgear Nighthawk CM1200. Netgear is a reliable company that produces robust modems. This particular modem is more expensive, but it is compatible with all Wi-Fi routers, and is easy to set up.
When it comes to speed, this modem is impressive. It can reach download speeds of up to 2000Mbps. The Ethernet ports are 4 Gigabits, and provide a lightning fast connection. It has 32×8 channel bonding technology, and DOCSIS 3.1. Being a multi-gig Ethernet, you can combine the 1G ports for a faster overall speed.
The CM1200 is certified for use with Cox, Spectrum, and Xfinity. Unfortunately, it is not compatible with ISPs such as Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, and DSL, which can be frustrating. However, on the whole, this is a great modem to consider.
NETGEAR Cable Modem CM1000
NETGEAR Cable Modem CM1000
This Netgear CM1000 Modem is a great alternative to the CM1200, if you are looking for a less expensive option. While it does have fantastic specs, it is not quite as fast as the previous Netgear Modem.
What is great about this modem is that it is compatible with the most popular cable providers, such as Spectrum, Cox, and Xfinity. However, it cannot be used with CenturyLink, Verizon, and AT&T.
The data transfer rate is 300 megabits per second, and the max download speed is 1000Mbps. Overall, this modem will save you monthly rental feed, and it also works with all Wi-Fi routers, which is helpful.
There is one, 1 Gigabit Ethernet port which can be used to connect the modem directly to your PC for faster speeds overall. The CM1000 is easy to set up, and features OFDM 2×2, a 32×8 channel, and DOCSIS 3.1.
ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 DOCSIS 3.1 Gigabit Cable Modem
ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 DOCSIS 3.1 Gigabit Cable Modem
The Arris SURFboard modem is a great alternative if you do not want to purchase Netgear equipment. It is one of the more reasonably priced options.
It is durable in its design, and it is rather robust. With a 2-year warranty, you are covered should anything go wrong with the modem. In terms of the speeds, it can reach up to 2 Gbps, which is great, but you will need to have the second IP address approved by your ISP in order to reach these speeds.
There are 2, 1 Gigabit Ethernet ports that allow you to connect more than one device straight into the modem. This will help to provide faster connection and download speeds. This is a DOCSIS 3.0 modem, with 32×8 modem channels.
While this is compatible with many ISPs, this does not include ATT, Verizon, and CenturyLink. It is a quick and easy modem to set up.
NETGEAR Nighthawk C7000
NETGEAR Nighthawk C7000
This is the final Netgear modem included in this article. When looking at the price of the C7000, it is a fairly average price. It has a dual-band frequency, which is great for both gaming and general web browsing. The wireless type is 802.11ac.
What is great about the C700 modem is that it will save you money in the long run when it comes to your cable bills. This is because you will not have to pay the monthly rental fees. Given this, it is a worthwhile investment.
This modem may not be the fastest option, but it is built with speed in mind, which is great for gaming. It uses a 24×8 channel, and is a DOCSIS 3.0 modem. It can reach speeds of up to 400 Mbps, which is reasonable for gaming.
There are 2 USB ports, 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports, which allow for better connection and download speeds. While this is a great option with good connectivity, it does have a lower speed in comparison to the other options featured.
Motorola MB8611 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem
Motorola MB8611 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem
The final option we have chosen is the Motorola MB8611. This is a DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem that is a fairly popular choice. We love the sleek and durable design. While it does not feature built-in Wi-Fi, it does allow Wi-Fi connection. This can be set up quickly, and easily.
The connectivity of this modem is good, as it will connect with the most popular internet service providers, such as Cox, Spectrum, Comcast, and Xfinity. In addition to this, you do not have to pay the monthly rental fees when using this modem, which will save you money in the long run.
The Motorola MB8611 features a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port that allows quick and seamless connections. The maximum speed for this modem is 6 Gbps, which is particularly good, and great for gaming.
This is one of the least expensive options we have featured, however, it is not lacking in any way. The lag is reduced when using, and your gaming will be more responsive on the whole.
Final Word
There are many fantastic modems that can be purchased for gaming. All the options featured we have tested, and can confirm that they provide faster connection speeds, and help to reduce lag overall.
While they all have great connectivity, it is important to check with your ISP before purchasing to ensure that the modem is compatible. While they are an investment to purchase, as you no longer have to pay monthly rental fees, you will save money in the long run.
All but one of these modems allow a Wi-Fi connection, which is useful if you are looking to connect multiple devices. However, when using the modem for gaming, we would always suggest using the Ethernet ports. These will provide the best possible speeds on the whole.
While the Netgear modems tend to be the most popular options, this article emphasizes that other companies, such as Motorola, and Arris are great options to consider for gaming too.