Best High speed modems are essential to unlock Xfinity’s fast internet plans (200 Mbps–2 Gbps), eliminate rental fees ($14–$15/month, ~$180/year), and ensure low-latency performance for streaming, gaming, and remote work. Our top five Xfinity-approved high-speed modems—Motorola MB8611, ARRIS SURFboard S33, NETGEAR Nighthawk CM2000, Motorola MB8600, and ARRIS G36 (modem/router combo)—offer DOCSIS 3.1, multi-gig speeds up to 2.5 Gbps, and seamless compatibility.
Key considerations include support for Xfinity Gigabit and Gigabit Extra plans, 32×8 channel bonding, easy activation via the Xfinity app or website, and future-proofing for network upgrades. While Xfinity provides a free modem with select plans, third-party modems deliver superior performance, customization, and long-term savings.
ALSO READ: Best WiFi Modems Compatible with Xfinity
Why Choose a High-Speed Modem for Xfinity?
Benefits of High-Speed Modems for Xfinity
High-speed modems optimize Xfinity’s cable network for fast plans, delivering reliable speeds, low latency (~10–15ms), and support for 30–100+ devices. Eliminating rental fees saves ~$180 annually, with costs recouped in 6–12 months.
DOCSIS 3.1, up to 10x faster than DOCSIS 3.0, is critical for Gigabit (1 Gbps) and multi-gig plans (1.2–2 Gbps), ensuring future-proofing for Xfinity’s network enhancements. Ideal for 4K/8K streaming on Netflix, online gaming (e.g., Call of Duty), smart home devices like Ring doorbells, and multi-user households.
Top 5 Best High Speed Modem For xfinity
Below are five top Xfinity-approved high-speed modems, compared for speed, features, price, and compatibility with high-speed plans.
1. Motorola MB8611 – Best Overall High-Speed Modem
- Ultra-fast DOCSIS 3.1 performance – Model MB8611 supports the fastest DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem services available for all …
- Compatibility – Plugs easily into any WiFi router for shared internet access by all your WiFi and ethernet-capable devic…
- Flexible connection: A 2.5G Ethernet port to work with even the Fastest Routers and Personal Computers, providing downst…
- Features: DOCSIS 3.1, 32×8 channel bonding, 1×2.5 Gbps Ethernet port, up to 2.5 Gbps, Active Queue Management (AQM), Xfinity Gigabit Extra compatible.
- Pros: High speeds (942 Mbps down/37 Mbps up on Gigabit plan), low latency (~12ms), reliable for gaming, ~$150.
- Cons: Single Ethernet port, requires separate router.
- Best For: Xfinity Gigabit (1 Gbps) or Gigabit Extra (1.2 Gbps) plans.
2. ARRIS SURFboard S33 – Best for Multi-Gig Performance
- Save Money: Own your modem and save. Reduce your cable bill up to $168 dollars per year in cable modem rental fees (Savi…
- Modem Technology: DOCSIS 3.1 is the newest technology available from cable internet providers. Its 10x faster than DOCSI…
- Simple and Secure Set-up: Plug-in the device, download the SURFboard Central App, and follow the instructions to activat…
- Features: DOCSIS 3.1, 32×8 channel bonding, 1×2.5 Gbps + 1×1 Gbps Ethernet ports, up to 2.5 Gbps, Xfinity-approved.
- Pros: Fast (942 Mbps down/37 Mbps up), dual Ethernet ports for flexibility, ~$160.
- Cons: May run warm, needs ventilation.
- Best For: Xfinity Gigabit Extra or Next Gen plans (1.2–2 Gbps).
3. NETGEAR Nighthawk CM2000 – Best for Premium Performance
- Compatible with major cable internet providers including Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox and more. NOT compatible with Verizon, A…
- Best for cable provider plans up to 2.5Gbps
- Works with any WiFi router. Connect any WiFi router to this modem’s Ethernet port to support all your wireless devices
- Features: DOCSIS 3.1, 32×8 channel bonding, 1×2.5 Gbps Ethernet port, up to 2.5 Gbps, Xfinity-approved.
- Pros: Premium performance (940 Mbps down/35 Mbps up), reliable for 1–2 Gbps plans, ~$200.
- Cons: Higher price, single Ethernet port.
- Best For: Xfinity Gigabit or higher plans with premium routers.
4. Motorola MB8600 – Best Value High-Speed Modem
- Top Internet Speeds for all Multi-gigabit Speed Tiers – Wirecutter recommends this model as the best cable modem for peo…
- Save Money – Eliminate up to 168 dollars per year in cable modem rental fees (Savings are shown for Comcast Xfinity and …
- Flexible Compatibility – Pair with any Wi-Fi router you’d like, including Whole Home Wi-Fi or Mesh routers like eero, Go…
- Features: DOCSIS 3.1, 32×8 channel bonding, 4×1 Gbps Ethernet ports, up to 2 Gbps, Xfinity-approved.
- Pros: Affordable, multiple Ethernet ports, reliable for 1 Gbps plans (902 Mbps down/35 Mbps up), ~$140.
- Cons: No 2.5 Gbps port, slightly older design.
- Best For: Xfinity Gigabit (1 Gbps) or Fast (400 Mbps) plans on a budget.
5. ARRIS G36 – Best High-Speed Modem/Router Combo
- Approved for Cox, Spectrum and Xfinity internet along with other US cable internet providers. Is NOT compatible with ATT…
- Does NOT support cable digital voice service.
- ARRIS Surfboard G36-RB DOCSIS 3.1 Multi-Gigabit Cable Modem & AX3000 Wi-Fi Router, Comcast Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum, Four …
- Features: DOCSIS 3.1, 32×8 channel bonding, 4×1 Gbps Ethernet ports, WiFi 6 router (AX5400), up to 2.5 Gbps, coverage up to 2,500 sq ft, Xfinity-approved.
- Pros: All-in-one, WiFi 6, supports 1.2 Gbps plans, ~$270.
- Cons: Limited WiFi range for large homes, higher cost than standalone modems.
- Best For: Xfinity Gigabit (1 Gbps) or Connect (200 Mbps) plans in small to medium homes.
How We Chose the Best High-Speed Modems for Xfinity
Criteria for Selecting Top High-Speed Modems for Xfinity
We evaluated modems based on:
- Compatibility: Confirmed on Xfinity’s approved device list, DOCSIS 3.1 for high-speed plans.
- Speed: Supports 400 Mbps–2 Gbps plans, multi-gig capable (up to 2.5 Gbps).
- Features: 32×8 channel bonding, AQM for low latency, 1–4 Ethernet ports, optional WiFi for combos.
- Performance: Tested speeds (e.g., 942 Mbps on Gigabit), reliability, and user feedback.
Data from Xfinity’s approved modem list, PCMag, CNET, CableTV.com, Homeowner.com, and ApprovedModemList.com (2024–2025) informed our selections.
Comparison Table of High-Speed Modems for Xfinity
| Model | Price | Speed | Ethernet Ports | Features | Best Use |
| Motorola MB8611 | ~$$$ | 2.5 Gbps | 1×2.5 Gbps | DOCSIS 3.1, AQM, 32×8 bonding | Gigabit/Gigabit Extra, gaming |
| ARRIS SURFboard S33 | ~$$$ | 2.5 Gbps | 1×2.5 Gbps, 1×1 Gbps | DOCSIS 3.1, 32×8 bonding | Gigabit Extra/Next Gen |
| NETGEAR CM2000 | ~$$$ | 2.5 Gbps | 1×2.5 Gbps | DOCSIS 3.1, 32×8 bonding | Gigabit, premium setups |
| Motorola MB8600 | ~$$$ | 2 Gbps | 4×1 Gbps | DOCSIS 3.1, 32×8 bonding | Fast/Gigabit, budget |
| ARRIS G36 | ~$$$ | 2.5 Gbps | 4×1 Gbps | DOCSIS 3.1, WiFi 6, 32×8 bonding | Connect/Gigabit, small homes |
Benefits of High-Speed Modems for Xfinity
Why Invest in a High-Speed Modem for Xfinity?
High-speed modems save $180/year, maximize speeds (e.g., 942 Mbps on Gigabit plan), and ensure compatibility with Xfinity’s network. DOCSIS 3.1 handles multi-gig speeds, minimizes latency (10–15ms) for gaming and streaming, and prepares for Xfinity’s network upgrades. These modems support 30–100+ devices and are often compatible with other ISPs (e.g., Spectrum, Cox) for versatility if switching providers.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
What Xfinity Users Say About High-Speed Modems
- Motorola MB8611: Amazon (4.5/5, 2,000+ reviews) praises speed, reliability; separate router needed (Xfinity forums).
- ARRIS S33: Best Buy (4.3/5) highlights performance, occasional overheating noted.
- NETGEAR CM2000: Amazon (4.2/5) lauds premium speeds, high cost criticized.
- Motorola MB8600: Affordable, reliable for 1 Gbps (4.4/5, Amazon).
- ARRIS G36: Convenient combo, WiFi range limitations noted (4.1/5, Best Buy).
Concerns include activation challenges, router pairing needs, and Xfinity Voice compatibility (requires eMTA for voice service).
Tips for Setting Up and Using Your Xfinity High-Speed Modem
Maximize Your Xfinity High-Speed Modem Performance
- Setup: Connect to cable outlet, activate via Xfinity app or xfinity.com/activate (use MAC ID), call 1-800-XFINITY if issues arise, pair standalone modems with WiFi 6 router (e.g., ASUS RT-AX86U Pro).
- Placement: Position in open, elevated area (~3–5 ft), ensure ventilation to prevent overheating.
- Testing: Verify speeds with Speedtest.net (aim for 80–90% of plan, e.g., ~900 Mbps on Gigabit).
- Maintenance: Update firmware via vendor apps or modem’s IP (e.g., 192.168.100.1), avoid Puma chipset modems (e.g., ARRIS SB6190), check Xfinity’s approved list for updates.
Conclusion
Choose the Best High-Speed Modem for Your Xfinity Plan
The best high-speed modems for Xfinity in 2025 cater to diverse needs: Motorola MB8611 for overall performance, ARRIS S33 for multi-gig speeds, NETGEAR CM2000 for premium setups, Motorola MB8600 for value, and ARRIS G36 for an all-in-one solution. Match your modem to your Xfinity plan: 400 Mbps for budget needs or 800–1200 Mbps for high-speed households. Shop now on Amazon or Best Buy to save on rental fees and enjoy blazing-fast internet in 2025!
