If you didn’t know already, COX is one of the leading names in the world related to cable internet. For many years now, the Cox approved modems have been providing one of the best speed internets, to residential as well as commercial users.
Moreover, their compatibility for both modems and routers is another big plus, as it is significantly high. As such, Cox is a popular name in all households. So, if you are willing to improve your connectivity, keep on reading.
If you had enough with going for rental charges on a Cox modem, maybe you should start considering buying one. Renting a cable modem made by COX can cost you an extra $11 per month. Therefore, purchasing your own may be a good way to cut the costs of the COX cable bill.
In terms of COX compatible modems, this one requires a DOCSIS 3.0 or 3.1 internet modem. Keep in mind that ultimate subscribers need at least a 16×4 channel bonding modem. But you will find more once you read the review for each product we have selected for today.
There are lots of COX compatible modems, as well as routers in the market today, which makes your decision even harder. Therefore, we have brought together all the information you need in this regard. Down below, you will find the top 10 COX cable modems and routers to keep an eye on this year. Let’s dig in!
Best COX Approved Cable Modems & Routers Comparison Table
Here are the top 10 products we have chosen for today. Have a look at this table, then go straight to the review you are most interested in.
| Image | Product’s Name | Product Dimensions | Weight | Bonding Channel | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Netgear CM1000 | 5.4 x 5.9 x 8.8 inches | 13.4 ounces | 32 X 8 | Check On Amazon |
 | Arris SURFboard SB8200 | 5.1 x 1.8 x 5.2 inches | 2.51 pounds | 32 X 8 | Check On Amazon |
 | Motorola MB8600 | 7.2 x 2.2 x 7.9 inches | 1.12 ounces | 32 X 8 | Check On Amazon |
 | Arris Surfboard SBG7580AC | 9.7 x 4.1 x 9.5 inches | 2.64 pounds | 32 X 8 | Check On Amazon |
 | NETGEAR Nighthawk C7000 | 9.6 x 8.3 x 1.7 inches | 1.6 pounds | 24 X 8 | Check On Amazon |
 | Arris Surfboard SBG6580 | 5.9 x 1.8 x 6.7 inches | 15 ounces | 8 X 4 | Check On Amazon |
 | NETGEAR C300 N300 | 9.1 x 10.8 x 3.1 inches | 1.05 pounds | 8 X 4 | Check On Amazon |
 | Netgear CMD31T | 8.5 x 7.9 x 2.9 inches | 1.28 pounds | n/a | Check On Amazon |
 | Cisco DPC3000 | 7.6 x 5.5 x 2.2 inches | 14.4 ounces | n/a | Check On Amazon |
 | Arris SurfBoard SB6121 | 2 x 6.4 x 8.7 inches | 7.2 ounces | 4 X 4 | Check On Amazon |
Best COX Approved Cable Modems & Routers Reviews
Once you decide to purchase one of the products above, not only you would use your own powerful pieces of equipment, meaning COX compatible modems and routers, but you will also pay less for it, rather than the form of rental.
Also, you will own them after your needs. Therefore, don’t be stuck with all those slow modems, but pay some extra money first and own one of the best ones on the market.
Here are the pros, cons, as well as our personal experience with each of the products in the Cox approved modem list.
#1 Netgear CM1000
Our top starts with Netgear CM1000, one of the first modems that could support the patented DOCSIS 3.1 technology.
This translates into 32 downstream and 8 upstream types of channels. Therefore, users can enjoy maybe the fastest data transfer.
Technical details of this product.
- DOCSIS 3.1 compatible;
- Download/ Upload Speed around 1 Gbps/ 950 Mbps;
- Downstream/ Upstream speed: 32/8;
- Modem/ Router Combo: No.
For those who want to upgrade their old modems and need higher speed and reliable ones, they should consider this one.
Moreover, the design is quite unique, featuring a polyhedron shaped case, all in a black matte finish.
- Enables HD video streaming;
- Offers high-speed internet access;
- Features the latest 3.1 technology;
- Reaches high peak speeds.
- Restricted to maximum 1GBPS speed.
Personal Experience:
One of the best Cox approved modems, the Netgear CM1000 offers downloads at 1 Gbps, as well as uploads at 950Mbps. It comes prepared for the fitting, so you can easily wall-mount it as well, offering great flexibility.
You will always know everything about the status of power and downstream, due to the array of lights on the front panel. Then you have a reset button, right as the rear of the modem, a coaxial cable connector, as well as 1 LAN Gigabit Ethernet port.
#2 Arris SURFboard SB8200
If you are a gamer, then this Arris SURFboard SB8200 comes with Docsis 3.1 modem, which is perfect for streaming your Ultra-HD 4K video and games. Once you test it, you will observe no latency in speed.
Technical details:
- Channels: Downstream/ Upstream speed: 32/8;
- Docsis tech: 3.1;
- Download/ Upload speed: 2Gbps / 1Gbps;
- NO Modem Router Combo included.
One of the best parts of these 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports is that they allow you to create 2 separate home networks.
As such when you have guests, you can create a single network that can be used privately by them.
- Easy to install;
- Stable and good Internet speed;
- Works with Docsis 3.0, as well as Docsis 3.1.
- No modem router included;
- Might have some overheating issues;
- No WiFi router included.
Personal Experience:
One of the great advantages of this modem is the chance of easily connecting more devices at the same time, without queuing. Moreover, the modem is actually powered by a Broadcom BCM3390 chipset that has 3 GB of RAM.
Another additional aspect is the 2 Ethernet ports, that help you connect the gaming console to one port, while the wi-fi router to the second one.
#3 Motorola MB8600
Incorporating Docsis 3.1 platform, Motorola MB8600 is blazing faster than ever.
Therefore, any user can take advantage of the fastest speeds now from their main provider.
Technical information:
- DOCSIS 3.1;
- Download speed / Upload Speed: 1Gbps / 950 Mbps;
- NO Modem/ Router Combo.
- 4 ports for Multiple IP Address;
- Solid stable design;
- Docsis 3.1 is able to transfer huge data transfer.
- You may need a router to be factory reset before any connection;
- The maximum speed that you can obtain is 1 Gbps.
Personal Experience:
One of the most important advantages we have seen at this Motorola modem is its setup, which is very quick to make. It’s like it guides you through the whole setup process.
Also good to know is that the MB8600 incorporates a full-band capture digital tuner, for better speed and energy savings. Moreover, the modem comes with 4 ports, that will allow you to use multiple IP addresses across 32 x 8 channels.
#4 Arris Surfboard SBG7580AC
One of the Cox approved modems, the Arris Surfboard SBG7580AC is a modern-router combo, which uses 32 x 8 channels and 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports.
Therefore, this Arris Surfboard is perfect for connecting to devices like gaming consoles, and smart TVs and offering super-fast connectivity.
Technical details:
- Downstream / Upload speeds: 1.4 Gbps/ 1 Gbps;
- Modem/ Router Combo incorporated;
- DOCSIS 3.0;
- Downstream/ Upstream speed: 32/8;
- Modem-router combo;
- Uses 32 x 8 channels;
- Built-in router;
- Easy set-up;
- 4 Gigabit Ethernet Ports.
- Might encounter some issues with signal drop;
- The modem might reboot itself.
Personal Experience:
If you are looking for a Cox approved modem, this Arris Surfboard incorporates the Docsis 3.0 technology, so it has all you need to connect the cables, ethernet, power and coaxial. Once you will configure that Wi-Fi setting, you are good to go.
The mobile app parental control can set instant alerts if any suspicious activity appears. The data transfer rate is pegged at around 1.4 Gb per second, and the upload is sustained at 1 Gbps.
#5 NETGEAR Nighthawk C7000
This Netgear Nighthawk Cable Modem and Router will definitely be your future modern-day helpline in terms of connectivity.
One of its many advantages is the compatibility with most of the cable providers in the U.S., such as Spectrum, Cox, Xfinity and so on.
The modem-router compatibility delivers a great speed of 960 Mbps when downloading, while 22 Mbps when uploading.
Technical Details:
- Downstream / Upstream: 24/8;
- Docsis tech: 3.0;
- Modem/ Router Combo included;
- Download / Upload Speed: around up to 960 Mbps/ 22.52 Mbps.
- Easy setup;
- Great downloading and uploading speed;
- Great design;
- Fast internet speed;
- No need to configure the network again after changing the old one.
- Can encounter video buffers and freeze.
Personal Experience:
If you are a gamer or just want to watch your favorite movies without interrupting HD video streaming, then make sure you have this modem/ router.
Moreover, you can save $150 on the total bills that are associated with the cable modem monthly rentals.
The 1.6 GHz processor is really high performance, while the bandwidth will ensure you that you are never disconnected from the internet.
If you have children don’t worry, as this modem comes with parental control. As such, you can control the kids’ access at home or your visitors’ one.
#6 Arris Surfboard SBG6580
Those who want easy swift access to the Wi-Fi network should read more about this modem.
Offering great internet speed, once you plug in the device, it will work like a charm and will download data at 343 Mbps, while uploading at 131 Mbps.
There will be no delay, which is cool enough.
- Easy to install;
- No need for tech support;
- Great for simple needs;
- Perfect for small families homes;
- Great replacement for wireless cable box;
- Ideal for the daily internet user.
- May not work for some ISP providers;
- Limited Wi-Fi reach.
Personal Experience:
Once you will buy this Docsis 3.0 modem-router combo, you will be able to download fast, even the large files, stream movies and so on. The bandwidth will be enough to cover the entire house.
However, one downside is frequent rebooting. Accordingly, you will need to do frequent rebooting and stop the Wi-Fi after some time. On bad days, you may need to reboot it 2-3 times per day.
#7 NETGEAR C300 N300 (2 in 1)
A performing cable modem and router combo, the Netgear C300 N300 comes with a fast transfer rate.
Now, the download speed is maybe above 340 Mbps most of the time, while the upload is stable, at 300 Mbps.
Technical Details:
- Docsis Tech 3.0;
- Download/ Upload Speed: 340 Mbps / 300 Mbps;
- Downstream/ Upstream: 8/4;
- Comes with both modem and router.
- Pretty good range;
- Great Wi-Fi signal;
- Easy setup;
- User-friendly interface;
- Good speed.
- The performance is not consistent.
Personal Experience:
We have been trying this modem and router in many different parts of the house, and we must tell that it has a pretty good range. Therefore, no matter where you are, you have good Internet access.
Another exciting thing is the guest network option. This way, you can share the Wi-Fi with anyone who is coming to your house, without giving them the main password.
You must also know that there are mainly two different signals on the router, one is a 2.4 GHz band, while the other is the 5 GHz band.
#8 Netgear CMD31T DOCSIS 3.0
If you are looking for a modem that is beautifully designed and has also great performance in connecting you to the internet, well, consider the Netgear CMD31T Docsis. Smaller than other Comcast modems, this device is very easy to install too.
The Netgear CMD31T is offering both performance and great internet speed. Moreover, the modem is really easy to install, meaning that you just need to plug in a few cables. Once you do this, the modem will start running in less than 5 minutes.
Technical details:
- Docsis Tech: 3.0;
- Download/ Upload Speed: 150Mbps/ 150 Mbps;
- Modem/ Router Combo not included;
- Downstream/ Upstream: 4/4.
- Small size, modern look, great set-up;
- Great price-quality ratio;
- Work perfectly with most of the cable internet services;
- You can access both VOIP and Internet as well;
- Maintains great and fast internet speed;
- You can cut rental cost and save lots of monthly money;
- Very easy to install, comfortable to use.
- You might need to reboot it after 24-48 hours;
- The download speed is slower than the producer promised.
Personal Experience:
Very easy to set-up, you just need to plug in some few cables, and the modem will start in just 5 minutes. Moreover, the device is compatible with most of the ISPs, including Cablevision, Charter, Comcast, and last but not least, with Cox.
Netgear CMD31T works with DOCSIS 3.0 tech and also has 4×4 channels. This way, you will be allowed to browse multiple users. The download speed is 150 Mbps, as well as the upload speed, therefore, ideal for heavy data transfer by up to six devices.
However, while testing this modem, we have encountered some little issues that might cause you trouble during the time. One of these problems is the self-starting of the modem, without any alarm or notifications. Therefore, the internet might suddenly turn off, while you will need to reset the modem to fix it. Some will find this very annoying.
Also, in case you will have to return these Cox approved modems, the shipping cost will be about half of the total price of the modem. Also, you have to register all the complaints, and the refund will come after a long wait.
#9 Cisco DPC3000
Cisco DPC3000 is using the DOCSIS 3.0 platform, which is simple and ensures you will get a robust modem.
Moreover, this Cox compatible modem is manufactured for the customer’s convenience. The no-frills device offers 4×4 channels, meaning a smoother data transfer.
When setting up this modem, you will face no issues. The strong signal ensures you will get an uninterrupted internet supply.
You will not encounter any hiccups. If you have a big apartment, the signal will be great.
Technical details:
- Downstream/ Upstream: 4/4;
- Docsis Tech: 3.0;
- NO Modem/ Router Combo included;
- Fast service due to no-frills modem;
- Simple and robust device;
- Strong and consistent signal;
- Good connectivity, no connection loss;
- Eye-catching software on the webpage of the modem;
- Great purchase for the money value.
- You might need to reset the device very often;
- Might need to pay for return shipping;
- The modem takes some time to connect with Comcast.
Personal Experience:
Once you purchase this modem, it is crystal clear that you will save lots of money from the rental fee you used to pay to the cable company. This way, you will pay only what you are consuming.
In case you are a gamer or you are often downloading HD pictures and movies, the 160 Mbps download & 120 Mbps upload speed will be what you need. Moreover, the modem will work great and be suitable for connecting the full family’s devices.
The only problem that people use to have is the ISP related and return shipping. Therefore, if you are planning to replace your old modem with this one, make sure you remember that the shipping costs will be borne by you. Also, the waiting time will be longer than expected.
Another issue is the low connectivity with Comcast.
#10 Arris SurfBoard SB6121
Arris SurfBoard SB6121 might be one of the best modems you can find in the market in terms of Internet connectivity. You can use it in both homes and some small offices. The downloading and uploading speed is satisfying, due to the 172 Mbps download. The upload speed is 131 Mbps.
Don’t worry about the compatibility, as it ensures you can try the modem on the go as well. As such, it doesn’t matter if you live in a huge apartment or you want a better internet signal at your office, as this modem works great on the go.
You can carry the modem anywhere while still enjoying the seamless service. The 4×4 channels offer perfect stability of the connection.
Technical details:
- Downstream/ Upstream: 4/4;
- Modem/ Router Combo not included;
- Docsis Tech: 3.0;
- Download/ Upload Speed: 172Mbps/ 131 Mbps.
- A seamless and steady connection;
- Easy to install, great Internet speed;
- Good buy saves lots of money;
- Works with all the cable internet provider;
- Aesthetically appealing, one of the best modem designs;
- The best replacement for a TWC modem.
- Need to unplug the device for switching off;
- Might get unstable during the gaming time and streaming.
Personal Experience:
One of the main advantages of this device is the possibility for multiple users to access it. However, when the traffic increases, especially if you are gaming and streaming, the modem might not keep up with the traffic.
The Arris Surfboard SB6121 works based on Docsis 3.0 and is offering a great replacement for the Comcast cable. Therefore, you will save lots of rental fees which you usually paid every month.
The main downside of this device is that it does not have a power button. As such, you need to unplug the device in order to switch it off. Also, there will be times when you require frequent reboots when the modem will get changed during overload.
It’s true, the modem will connect immediately, but rebooting is quite annoying. We recommend you to re-start or even re-configure the device daily if you want to get strong performance.
Best COX Approved Cable Modems & Routers Buyer’s Guide
What is a COX Approved Cable Modems or Router?
Nowadays, Cox Communications is the 3rd biggest telecommunications provider in the USA, meaning it has more than 6 million subscribers. Therefore, COX offers a great range of services, such as TV, high-speed Internet connection (over cable), as well as Telephony and so on.
Now, according to many other Internet Service Providers in the USA and the world, COX is charging a monthly fee as long as you use their provided modem or the combo of modem and router device. Usually, this fee will be around $7 to $11.
Although you might want to rent a monthly plan, with their product support, why not consider buying their own device? You would basically pay for itself in under a year, once there will be no other rental fee for the device you are using.
In this article, we have made an exhaustive list of the best modems and modem/router combo devices. These are fully compatible with COX and their most popular Internet plans.
Learn how to choose a Cox compatible modem
Now that you know the top models of Cox approved modems, it’s time to find out the most important topics and criteria when purchasing the one that suits best your needs.
Therefore, once taken into consideration the actual recommendations from our article, together with our feedback, let’s take a look at the following criterion from our buying guide.
Modem or modem/router? What to choose?
Once you want to renew or have your own modem, think about how happy you are with your router too.
For instance, if you upgraded the router recently, but you still have a very old modem, maybe you need a standalone cable modem. Most of the modern routers will be compatible with every router on the market, so make sure that the firmware you are using is upgraded.
If you are still using a router that was provided by the cable company, you can send it back and buy your own new router. Now, when it comes to the modems, most of the cable companies would charge exorbitant rental fees, so why not consider purchasing modem and router too?
DOCSIS protocols
As soon as you will start searching for the next modem, you will see this acronym featured everywhere: DOCSIS. This stands for “Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification”, and it is actually the protocol that lets an ISP provide the internet service through the coaxial table.
In other words, it means that the modem you bought can provide broadband internet access.
Now, DOCSIS 3.0 and 3.1 are the version numbers, and the main differences between them stand in speed and also the number of simultaneous channels. The idea is related to the internet speed that your ISP offers.
For instance, if the Internet speed is more than 1 gigabit or 1,000 Mbps per second, the DOCSIS 3.1 router will be a better investment. But considering that the average internet speed in the US is only 66 Mbps, DOCSIS 3.0 will be enough for the majority of users.
Of course, you can expect this to change in the future, and DOCSIS 3.1 to be more suited. Of course, during this time, it will also become cheaper.
Upstream and downstream channels
When you are looking for a modem, you will often see some number in its description, which can be anything from 32×8 to 8×4. Now, you should know that these numbers are simply a description of the number of downstream and upstream channels the modem has.
Now, what you need to keep in mind is that the number before “x” stands for how many downstream channels the modem has. In other words, it correlates with how much download data your ISP can provide at a certain time.
Every modem now should provide many more downstream channels compared with the upstream ones. This is due to the ISPs and the end-users. They are more concentrated on downloading content, instead of uploading it.
In a nutshell, you should buy a modem that has at least 16 downstream channels. Anything that is less than this might be either old or underpowered.
Upload and download speeds
Another important thing you should learn about a modem is its upload and download speeds. This information is always shoved about halfway down the page of the manufacturer’s website. You might see descriptions such as “up to 600 Mbps” in the text you are reading.
However, what brands are usually advertising to their Cox approved modem list is always the download speed, and never the upload speed.
Therefore, if a modem advertises a speed of 1 gigabit, it means it can pull up to 1,000 Mbps from the main ISP. The upload speeds will be much slower, somewhere around one-quarter of the download speed.
ISP compatibility
Well, this article was mainly about the Cox approved modems, so we have focused on this specific ISP. Therefore, the last thing you have to check before purchasing a modem and a router is if they are compatible with your ISP.
Most of the modems are compatible with all the cable companies, but some might be not. Big companies, such as Cox support about anything, but some smaller networks might not.
Usually, cable companies will run large networks, so they want to be 100& sure that a certain product is compatible before authorizing it for use. There are some easy methods to check if the modem is compatible with the ISP:
- The easiest one is to go on Google and write the “ISP” compatible modems.
- The second method is the check all the approved modems on the website.
- Last but not least, you can always call your ISP and ask for this information.
Security
Unlike the routers, which can be adjusted to make them more secure, modems are different. For instance, if your modem uses Broadcom’s systems, it could allow a hacker to take control of the modem and access malicious websites. This is why you need to check with your ISP, to know if your modem is all secure.
In Conclusion To
In a nutshell, Cox’s Internet is maybe the most widely used form of cable internet when talking about homes and offices. You will get the ideal internet speed for average users, who don’t spend so much time on the internet.
The data transfer will be efficient and quick, so don’t hesitate to buy a Cox approved modem and router to always stay connected.