A modem is one of the simplest yet highly important devices needed to connect to the internet. It is used to modulate and demodulate network signals from cable and thus making it highly important if you are using the internet. A low-performance modem can cause a lot of latency issues, which is quite a problem while gaming. Hence, we are here with the best modems for gaming based on the following factors:
- Maximum Speed: The first thing to check while getting a modem for gaming is its maximum speed rating. It is highly important to check as a 1Gbps modem is going to offer much better speeds than a 300Mbps one. A few models might even offer network speeds higher than 1Gbps.
- Number of Channels: Another thing to check which affects the performance of a given modem is the number of channels offered by it. While some of them offer 16 downstream channels with 4 upstream channels, other models might also offer 32 downstream channels with 8 upstream channels.
- DOCSIS Version: While buying a modem for gaming, you will see that they offer different DOCSIS versions. This primarily includes DOCSIS 3.0 modems and DOCSIS 3.1 modems. Out of these two options, the DOCSIS 3.1 modems will offer better network performance and stability, making them ideal for gaming.
Other than these factors, there is still more to check because of which we have mentioned all of the major features and options of the various modems for gaming present in this article. You can even find a detailed “Buying Guide” related to these modems for buying the best modem for gaming after following this article until the end.
5 Best Modems For Gaming In 2021
5 Best Modems For Gaming In 2021 Reviews
1. Netgear Cable Modem CM1000
Netgear is one of the most popular brands of networking tools and devices out there, which is known for offering high-performance products like its modem for gaming.
The Netgear CM1000 modem is present in the 1st position in this article as it offers great performance without charging a premium for it. With this modem, you get a maximum speed of 1Gbps, which is quite high and results in a high value for money.
It is able to offer these speeds thanks to its DOCSIS 3.1 version, which is paired along with a 32 x 8 channel configuration. This means that you get 32 upstream and 8 downstream channels with this modem. You also get a 1-year warranty with this Netgear modem, which is always great to have.
Best Features
- Rated at a maximum speed of 1Gbps
- Offers 32 downstream and 8 upstream channels
- Uses the DOCSIS 3.1 version
- Comes with a 1-year warranty
Pros
- High value for money modem
- Offers high performance for the price
- Compatible with the newer DOCSIS 3.1 version
Cons
2. Motorola MB8611 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem
While you might know Motorola for its smartphones or radio communication devices, it also makes many high-end networking devices that offer excellent performance to the user.
Motorola’s MB8611 modem is present in the 2nd position in this article as it is the best in terms of performance. Unlike most other modems for gaming available out there, this one offers a very high maximum speed rating of 6Gbps, which is much more than what you will need. The ethernet port on this router is also very high speed at 2.5Gbps.
Since this is a high-performance modem for gaming, you also get the DOCSIS 3.1 version with it. When combined with its 32 downstream and 8 upstream channels, you can expect excellent network stability. Because this is a premium modem for gaming, the included 2-year warranty is expected.
Highlights
- Rated at a maximum speed of 6Gbps
- 2.5Gbps Ethernet Port
- Offers 32 downstream and 8 upstream channels
- Uses the DOCSIS 3.1 version
- Comes with a 2-year warranty
Pros
- Excellent performance for gaming
- Uses a lot of channels for excellent stability
- Highly reliable modem
Cons
- Slightly on the expensive side
3. Arris Surfboard SB8200 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem
Compared with other modem brands out there, Arris is not as popular since it is a bit new. But it still offers a great modem which is rated to have pretty good performance for the price.
This Arris Surfboard SB8200 modem is present in the 3rd position in this article as it can be another great option if you are looking for a high-performance mode. When compared with most other modems, this one offers a slightly higher maximum speed rating of 3.1Gbps. It also contains two 1Gbps ethernet ports.
You also get a total of 32 downstream channels and 8 downstream channels with this modem, which is quite good for stability and performance. It uses the latest DOCSIS 3.1. Even though Arris is a smaller brand of models, it still offers a 2-year warranty for your peace of mind.
Highlights
- Rated at a maximum speed of 3.1Gbps
- Offers 32 downstream and 8 upstream channels
- Uses the DOCSIS 3.1 version
- Comes with a 2-year warranty
Pros
- Quite a reliable and durable modem
- High-performance modem for gaming
- Uses a lot of downstream and upstream channels
Cons
4. CenturyLink Prism TV Technicolor C2100T 802.11AC Modem
CenturyLink is another smaller brand of modems and related networking devices that offer some of the most unique features in its modem models.
The CenturyLink Prism TV Technicolor modem is one of the only few options out there, which also comes with Wi-Fi support. With this modem, you get the support for both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz wireless networks. Although this also limits its maximum speed to just 300Mbps, which is a bit low for many users.
As for its DOCSIS version, it uses the older DOCSIS 3.0, which is to be expected with a Wi-Fi modem. This is combined with 16 upstream and 4 downstream channels, which is decent if not the best. Thankfully, CenturyLink offers a 1-year warranty, which you would not expect from a smaller brand like this one.
Highlights
- Rated at a maximum speed of 300Mbps
- Offers 16 downstream and 4 upstream channels
- Uses the DOCSIS 3.0 version
- Comes with a 1-year warranty
Pros
- Includes Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz support
- Comes with a decent warranty
- Decent stability channel count
Cons
5. Arris Surfboard SB6190 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem
At the last option in this article, we have another listing from Arris. This is the Arris SurfboardSB6190 Cable Modem, an affordable alternative to the earlier model.
The Arris Surfboard SB6190 modem is another great option if you are looking for a high-performance mode. When compared with most other modems, this one offers a slightly higher maximum speed rating of 1.4Gbps.
You also get a total of 32 downstream channels and 8 downstream channels with this modem, which is quite good for stability and performance. Although, it uses the slightly older DOCSIS 3.0 version instead of the 3.1. Even though Arris is a smaller brand of models, it still offers a 2-year long warranty for your peace of mind.
Highlights
- Rated at a maximum speed of 1.4Gbps
- Offers 32 downstream and 8 upstream channels
- Uses the DOCSIS 3.0 version
- Comes with a 2-year warranty
Pros
- Quite a reliable and durable modem
- High-performance modem for gaming
- Has a lot of downstream and upstream channels
Cons
- Uses the older DOCSIS 3.0 version
- Not the most powerful modem
Buying Guide for the Best Modems for Gaming
Whether you are using a wired internet connection or a wireless one with your computer, making sure that it is a high-performance connection is highly important. This is especially important for uses like gaming on your computer. While gaming, things like latency and network stability can affect your gaming experience quite a lot.
Thus, getting a high-performance cable modem from one of the best modems for gaming mentioned above in this article is highly important. As you would expect, all of them have been mentioned with most of their major details like features and options. But if you are interested in knowing more, then consider going through this detailed buying guide for the best modems for gaming:
1. Maximum Speed
One of the most important factors to check before getting the right modem for gaming is its maximum speed rating. As you would expect, it simply tells you about the maximum internet speeds that you can get using a given modem.
Some of the common maximum speed ratings include 300Mbps, 1Gbps, and even higher in a few cases. Usually, it is preferred to go with a modem that offers a high maximum speed for the best internet speeds possible.
2. Number of Channels
To make sure that your internet connection is also stable apart from being fast, then you should consider the number of channels offered by it. Most modems use multiple channels for the download and upload transmission.
This includes channel configurations like 16 downstream channels and 4 upstream channels or 32 downstream channels and 8 upstream channels. If you want the best performance out of your gaming modem, consider going with a modem that offers a 32 x 8 channel configuration.
3. DOCSIS Version
While buying a modem for gaming, you will see that different modem models have different DOCSIS versions. This primarily includes DOCSIS versions like DOCSIS 3.0 and DOCSIS 3.1 in different modems. When compared with each other, the more recent DOCSIS 3.1 version will offer better performance to the user. Not only do you get a higher transmission speed, but DOCSIS 3.1 modems also offer more stability compared to DOCSIS 3.0 modems.
4. Warranty
Even though most modems come with a 1-year warranty, some models also come with a 2-year warranty for better reliability and longevity. It is always advisable to go for a longer warranty period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do gaming modems make a difference?
There are no gaming modems but there are some “Gaming Routers”. Gaming Routers are slightly advanced than normal routers in terms of features and performance.
Which is better for gaming modem or router?
Technically speaking, a Modem is a device that converts the data from the cable or telephone line into internet data. Router is a device that is used to provide internet connectivity to multiple devices (either wired or wireless). Usually, modems have only one port for connecting a computer or laptop and doesn’t even have Wi-Fi connectivity. If your internet connection needs a modem, then we recommend you to buy a W-Fi router, as you can use the Wi-Fi as well as some wired connections as well.
Are Gaming Routers Worth It?
If you have a decent internet connection with low latency and ping time, then a gaming router can further improve the efficiency of the internet connection. They often have better data management, right to the individual user. Some gaming routers even have some sort of gaming mode, which restricts the internet connectivity to other devices while the main gaming system gets maximum bandwidth allocation.
Even if you are not a gamer, gaming routers can be used in multi-user households as they often have additional features such as Quality of Service or QoS, using which control the bandwidth to every device. The quality of hardware used in gaming routers is also superior than normal routers, which results in a good Wi-Fi range and good overall build quality. Some gaming router manufacturers also provide frequent firmware updates with all the latest and improved features.
Does a better modem make a difference?
Just like routers, an expensive and a better modem does make a difference in terms of speed, connectivity, less or no data drop outs. All this is possible only if you a decent from your ISP and the speeds cannot be more than the limit of the plan you are on.
What is the difference between a 3.0 and 3.1 modem?
DOCSIS is the standard for transmission of internet data on cable. Presently, there are two standards that are commonly used: DOCSIS 3.0 and DOCSIS 3.1. DOCSIS 3.1 is an update to DOCSIS 3.0 and has higher upstream and downstream speeds. In DOCSIS 3.0 modems, the upstream and downstream speeds are 200 Mbps and 1 Gbps respectively. The speeds in case of DOCSIS 3.1 modems are 1 Gbps and 10 Gbps for upstream and downstream. Apart from this, the data throughput has also gained a significant bump. It is 42.88 Mbps per 6 MHz channel in DOCSIS 3.0 and 1.89 Gbps per 192 MHz channel in DOCSIS 3.1.
Do I need DOCSIS 3.1 for 500Mbps?
If you want 500 Mbps on both upstream and downstream, then you need a DOCSIS 3.1 modem.
Conclusion
If you play a lot of online multiplayer games, then you must know that keeping your ping to a minimum is highly important for getting rid of all lag and other latency issues. This means that apart from having a high-quality internet connection, you will also need to have high-performance networking devices for your computer.
This also includes getting one of the best modems for gaming mentioned up above in this article. We have mentioned all of them, along with all their important details like major features and options.
You can also find a detailed buying guide related to these modems for gaming. And based on all those factors, here are our favorite recommendations for the best modems for gaming:
- The first product we recommend is the Netgear CM1000 Cable Modem. It is DOCSIS 3.1 compatible and supports major cable providers such as Comcast, Cox, Spectrum, etc. Coming to the internet speeds, depending on the cable internet provider, it supports speeds up to 1Gbps. It comes with 1-year warranty.
- If you are looking for even higher internet ethernet, then the Motorola MB8611 Cable Modem is one of the best performing modems available out there. It uses 32 downstream channels and 8 upstream channels resulting in a very high maximum speed of 6Gbps, which is much higher than others. It also supports the latest DOCSIS 3.1 cable for the best performance. You also get a 2-year long warranty with this modem from Motorola.
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