Choosing a Best WOW Compatible Modems is a smart way to eliminate rental fees ($14/mo, ~$168/year) and optimize performance for WOW’s cable internet plans (100 Mbps–1.2 Gbps). Our top picks—Motorola MB8611, ARRIS SURFboard S33, Netgear Nighthawk CM1200, ARRIS SURFboard G36, and Netgear CM500—offer DOCSIS 3.1 compatibility, multi-gig speeds, and reliability.
We evaluated them based on compatibility with WOW plans, speed support (up to 2.5 Gbps), modem-router combo options, and price ($50–$300), ideal for gamers, streamers, and households needing seamless connectivity for 4K streaming, online gaming, or smart devices in WOW service areas (AL, FL, GA, IL, IN, MI, OH, SC, TN).
Also read: Best Xfinity Fastest Modem
Why Choose a WOW Compatible Modem?
Benefits of WOW Compatible Modems
Owning a WOW compatible modem saves $168/year ($840 over 5 years) on rental fees, enhances customization (QoS, parental controls), and supports WOW’s high-speed plans, per Homeowner.com. These modems handle low-latency gaming (e.g., Call of Duty, ~15ms ping), 4K streaming (e.g., Netflix), and smart home devices like security cameras.
Key features include DOCSIS 3.1 for future-proofing, multi-gig Ethernet ports, and WiFi 6 in combo units, ensuring robust performance, per Networkshardware.com. Upfront costs ($50–$300) offer long-term savings compared to WOW’s $14/mo rentals, per BuyYourOwnModem.com.
Top 5 Best WOW Compatible Modems
Here’s our curated list of the top five WOW compatible modems, comparing compatibility, speed, features, and suitability for WOW plans.
1. Motorola MB8611 – Best Overall
- Ultra-fast DOCSIS 3.1 performance – Delivers true Gigabit-plus speeds. Supports fast internet plans with Comcast Xfinity…
- Pairs with any WiFi router – Seamlessly compatible with any WiFi router to connect all your devices. This cable modem do…
- Multi-gigabit Ethernet speed – A 2.5 GB Ethernet port delivers true high-speed connectivity to even the fastest routers …
- Features: DOCSIS 3.1, 2.5 Gbps max speed, 32×8 channels, 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port,.
- Pros: Supports WOW 1.2 Gbps plan (781 Mbps download at 25 ft with ASUS router), AQM for low latency (~15ms), easy setup, per Homeowner.com.
- Cons: No built-in WiFi, higher price.
- Best For: Gamers and streamers on WOW’s 1.2 Gbps plan.
2. ARRIS SURFboard S33 – Best for Performance
- MULTI-GIG NETWORKING: The SURFboard S33 features a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port plus an additional 1 Gbps Ethernet port for a …
- Cable internet service required. Does NOT include Wi-Fi and does not support cable digital voice service.
- DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem approved for cable internet speed plans up to 2.5 Gbps
- Features: DOCSIS 3.1, 2.5 Gbps max speed, 32×8 channels, dual Ethernet ports (2.5 Gbps + 1 Gbps).
- Pros: Reliable for WOW 1.2 Gbps (1101 Mbps download at 25 ft), simple setup, 128-bit AES security, per Homeowner.com.
- Cons: No WiFi, requires separate router.
- Best For: High-speed WOW plans needing stable performance.
3. Netgear Nighthawk CM1200 – Best for Multi-Device Homes
- Compatible with all major cable internet providers with internet speed up to 2Gbps. Currently certified with Cox, Spectr…
- Works with any WiFi router: Connect any WiFi router to this modem’s Ethernet port to support all your wireless devices
- Save monthly rental fees: Model CM1200 replaces your cable modem saving you up to $168/yr in equipment rental fees
- Features: DOCSIS 3.1, 2 Gbps max speed, 32×8 channels, four 1 Gbps Ethernet ports.
- Pros: Handles 30+ devices (534 Mbps download at 25 ft), multi-gig port bonding, WPA3 security, per Cablepapa.com.
- Cons: Pricey, no built-in WiFi.
- Best For: Busy households with WOW 500–1,200 Mbps plans.
4. ARRIS SURFboard G36 – Best Modem-Router Combo
- A Trusted Name in Home Connectivity: Get high speeds, low latency, and a two-in-one product. With the ARRIS SURFboard G3…
- Save Money: Own your modem and save. Reduce your cable bill up to 168 dollars per year in cable modem rental fees (Savin…
- Modem Technology: DOCSIS 3.1 is the newest technology available from cable internet providers. Its 10x faster than DOCSI…
- Features: DOCSIS 3.1, WiFi 6 (2.5 Gbps), 2.5 Gbps + four 1 Gbps Ethernet ports.
- Pros: All-in-one with WiFi 6, supports WOW 1.2 Gbps (800 Mbps download at 25 ft), SURFboard Central app setup, per BestBuy.com.
- Cons: Expensive, overkill for slower plans.
- Best For: Users wanting a single device for WOW Gigabit plans.
5. Netgear CM500 – Best Budget
- Save monthly rental fees: Model CM500 replaces your cable modem, saving you up to $168/yr in equipment rental fees.
- Speeds by carrier plans: Xfinity (up to 200Mbps), Cox (up to 150Mbps).
- Works with any wifi router: Connect any WiFi router, separate unit, to this modem’s Ethernet port to support all your wi…
- Features: DOCSIS 3.0, 680 Mbps max speed, 16×4 channels, single 1 Gbps Ethernet port.
- Pros: Affordable, reliable for WOW 100–500 Mbps plans (348 Mbps download at 25 ft), per Cablepapa.com.
- Cons: Not for 1.2 Gbps plans, no WiFi, DOCSIS 3.0 limits future-proofing.
- Best For: Budget users with slower WOW plans.
How We Chose the Best WOW Compatible Modems
Criteria for Selecting Top WOW Compatible Modems
We selected these modems based on:
- Compatibility: Approved for WOW cable plans (100–1,200 Mbps), per WOWway.com.
- Speed: DOCSIS 3.1 for 500+ Mbps plans, DOCSIS 3.0 for slower plans, per Networkshardware.com.
- Features: Multi-gig ports, WiFi 6 for combos, security (AES, WPA3), per Cablepapa.com.
- User Feedback: High ratings (4.0–4.5/5) from Amazon, Reddit (r/HomeNetworking, r/wowway), and X posts.
- Value: Balances cost ($50–$300) with performance and savings, per BuyYourOwnModem.com.
Quick Comparison of Best WOW Compatible Modems
| Model | Price | Speed | DOCSIS | Features | Best Use |
| Motorola MB8611 | ~$$$ | 2.5 Gbps | 3.1 | 2.5 Gbps Port, AQM | 1.2 Gbps Plans |
| ARRIS SURFboard S33 | ~$$$ | 2.5 Gbps | 3.1 | Dual Ethernet, AES | High Performance |
| Netgear Nighthawk CM1200 | ~$$$ | 2 Gbps | 3.1 | 4×1 Gbps Ports, WPA3 | Multi-Device Homes |
| ARRIS SURFboard G36 | ~$$$ | 2.5 Gbps | 3.1 | WiFi 6, App Setup | Modem-Router Combo |
| Netgear CM500 | ~$$$ | 680 Mbps | 3.0 | 1 Gbps Port | Budget Plans |
Benefits of WOW Compatible Modems
Why Choose WOW Compatible Modems?
WOW compatible modems offer:
- Cost Savings: Eliminate $168/year rental fees ($840 over 5 years), per BuyYourOwnModem.com.
- High Performance: Support 4K streaming, gaming, and 30+ devices, per Homeowner.com.
- Customization: QoS, port bonding, and parental controls for tailored setups, per Networkshardware.com.
- Future-Proofing: DOCSIS 3.1 ensures compatibility with future WOW upgrades, per WOWway.com.
These modems optimize WOW plans for small homes or busy households with diverse needs.
What Users Say About These WOW Compatible Modems
Feedback from Amazon, Reddit (r/HomeNetworking, r/wowway), and X posts:
- Motorola MB8611: Fast for WOW 1.2 Gbps (781 Mbps download), low latency, setup easy (4.4/5 on Amazon), per Homeowner.com.
- ARRIS SURFboard S33: Reliable, achieves 1101 Mbps at 25 ft, simple activation (4.3/5 on Amazon), per Homeowner.com.
- Netgear Nighthawk CM1200: Great for 30+ devices, stable (4.2/5 on Amazon), needs router, per Cablepapa.com.
- ARRIS SURFboard G36: Seamless WiFi 6 combo, fast setup (4.3/5 on Amazon), pricey, per BestBuy.com.
- Netgear CM500: Budget-friendly, reliable for 500 Mbps (4.1/5 on Amazon), not for Gig plans, per Cablepapa.com.
Common concerns include setup complexity (needing WOW activation), separate router requirements, and DOCSIS 3.0 limitations, per Reddit.
Maximize Your WOW Compatible Modem
Tips for Optimizing Your WOW Compatible Modem
Maximize performance with these tips, per WOWway.com and CNET:
- Motorola MB8611: Verify compatibility with WOW’s 1.2 Gbps plan via customer support; pair with WiFi 6 router.
- ARRIS SURFboard S33: Use 2.5 Gbps port with a high-speed router for max WOW speeds.
- Netgear CM1200: Place in open area for router signal distribution; use port bonding for multi-device setups.
- ARRIS SURFboard G36: Set up via SURFboard Central app; optimize 5GHz for streaming/gaming.
- Netgear CM500: Pair with a quality router (e.g., Linksys Hydra 6) for WOW 500 Mbps plans.
- General Tips: Contact WOW with modem’s MAC address for activation, update firmware, avoid interference (microwaves, cordless phones), and test placement with speed tests, per WOWway.com.
Other Great WOW Compatible Modems
Alternative WOW Compatible Modems
Consider these alternatives, per Cablepapa.com and Homeowner.com:
- Motorola MB7621 (~$80, DOCSIS 3.0, 1 Gbps, 24×8 channels): Reliable for WOW 500 Mbps, per Homeowner.com.
- ARRIS SB8200 (~$150, DOCSIS 3.1, 2 Gbps, dual Ethernet): High-speed option, per Cablepapa.com.
- TP-Link TC-7620 (~$60, DOCSIS 3.0, 680 Mbps): Budget-friendly for 100–500 Mbps, per Cablepapa.com.
- WOW Rental Option: $14/mo modem-router combo, easy setup but costly long-term, per WOWway.com.
Shop during Amazon Prime Day (July 8–9, 2025), Black Friday, or Best Buy deals for discounts, per Cablepapa.com.
Conclusion
The Motorola MB8611, ARRIS SURFboard S33, Netgear Nighthawk CM1200, ARRIS SURFboard G36, and Netgear CM500 are the best WOW compatible modems . The MB8611 excels for overall performance, S33 for reliability, CM1200 for multi-device homes, G36 for modem-router combos, and CM500 for budget users. Choose based on your WOW plan, speed needs, or budget to optimize connectivity. Shop now on Amazon, Best Buy, or BuyYourOwnModem to save on rentals and boost your connectivity!