Regardless of the internet provider you pick, the idea remains the same. You will end up paying far more for a piece of equipment that doesn’t work as best as it should. But what does that mean?
It means that internet providers rent you what you need to have internet in your house, but well, they don’t invest in the best products on the market.
Today it is all about Mediacom and the equipment needed for their services, so I will give you an example from their portfolio to make you understand what I am really trying to say.
Therefore, if you have a very big subscription from this provider and you should get 1000 Mbps, then why are your 4K videos buffering? Because the device that should spread the internet through your house is actually blocking the speed and makes it less than its potential.
If you don’t care about the speed part, then you should also know that it is much more costly to rent the equipment than buying a device.
This being said, if you want some independence and be the one making the decision of the modem’s capacity, I have great news for you. I have tested probably every device that is supported by Mediacom and managed to draw the line at 10 models.
This way, you can decide easier which one to choose. Moreso, I have the best buying guide that will make your decision even smoother. So let’s start!
Best Mediacom Approved Cable Modems/Router Combos Quick Chart
I believe that a product chart containing all devices that will be presented later on in the article will help you have a better understanding of what it is that we are going to talk about.
In other words, it will give you a very succinct preview of each and every one of the pieces of equipment I have prepared for you. Therefore, I suggest you don’t skip it.
Image | Product’s Name | Product Dimension | 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 SBG7580AC | 2.2 x 7.7 x 9.5 inches | 2.95 pounds | 32 X 8 | Check On Amazon |
![]() | Asus Modem Router Combo AC2600 | 7.4 x 2.4 x 11.8 inches | 2.09 pounds | 32 X 8 | Check On Amazon |
![]() | ARRIS SURFboard AC2350 | 7.7 x 2.2 x 9.5 inches | 2.64 pounds | 24 X 8 | Check On Amazon |
![]() | NETGEAR C7000 | 9.6 x 8.3 x 1.7 inches | 1.6 pounds | 24 X 8 | Check On Amazon |
![]() | Arris SURFboard SBG6950AC2 | 7.7 x 2.2 x 9.5 inches | 1 pounds | 16 X 4 | Check On Amazon |
![]() | Netgear C6300-100NAS AC1750 | 6.8 x 10.9 x 3 inches | 2.95 pounds | 16 X 4 | Check On Amazon |
![]() | TP-LINK Archer CR700 AC1750 | 6.3 x 9 x 1.5 inches | 2.64 pounds | 16 X 4 | Check On Amazon |
![]() | TP-Link TL-WA850RE | 6.2 x 4 x 3.4 inches | 4.2 ounces | n/a | Check On Amazon |
![]() | NETGEAR N600 C3700 | 10.1 x 11.3 x 3.1 inches | 1.89 pounds | 8 X 4 | Check On Amazon |
Mediacom Approved Cable Modems & Routers Reviews
My bet is that you can’t wait to start reading the actual reviews, so I will not linger more than we are supposed to with the introduction. I just want to make only one thing clear.
What you are about to read are a list and not a top. This being said, the device you will read in number one is just as good as the one from number 10. Great! Time for reviewing.
#1 NETGEAR CM1000
The first product that I want to present in this article comes from Netgear. I am talking about the CM1000.
What is absolutely amazing about this combo is the fact that it supports all the cable internet speed tiers. Yes, it can go up to 1000 Mbps speeds.
When it comes to streaming channels, this device has 8 upstream channels and 32 downstream ones. As for DOCSIS, it is a DOCSIS 3.1 model, meaning that it works 10 times faster than DOCSIS 3.0.
Even though it is compatible with other internet providers such as Comcast or Cox, it is not accepted by others such as Verizon or AT&T. I am telling you this just in case you want to switch to another internet provider. The last thing you want is to end up with a useless device.
- 32 X 8 SC-QAM channels;
- Compatible with Spectrum;
- Gigabit Ethernet port;
- DOCSIS 3.1.
- It is kind of expensive.
#2 ARRIS Surfboard SBG7580AC
This Arris SBG7580AC is more than a combo. It is a 3-in-1 model and I will tell you exactly what that means. It can work as a cable modem, as a dual-band WiFi router and also a 4 port gigabit router. So, yes, this one is a dream device.
You should not worry to invest in it and be compatible only with Mediacom because this is not the case. You can change the network provider to XFINITY or Cox and still be able to use it.
But let’s move on to some technical aspects. When it comes to its channels, this modem comes with 8 channels for upload and 32 for download. This will maximize the service offerings from or Cable ISP.
Because of that, I strongly recommend you invest in this model if you have a subscription of 300 Mbps or bigger.
As I have said earlier, the router is dual band, which means it works on both 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz. More so, it comes packed with 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports.
- 2 years of warranty;
- ARRIS Secure Home Internet by McAfee
- 1 USB Port;
- DOCSIS Download Speed of 1.4 Gbps.
- It is an expensive model.
#3 Asus Modem Router Combo AC2600
If you are looking for some very performant and fancy device, then I have just the thing for you. This combo from Asus is the dream for every person who uses the internet for more than shopping and social media.
It works with lots of internet providers, so yes, you can use it even if you move away or change the company.
It has 32 download channels and 8 upload ones. But this is not all. Its performant router is capable of providing full bandwidth internet access but also an expansive wireless coverage.
If you also need to connect your home/office devices through cable, worry not. This little “spider” has 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports and 2 USB 2.0 ports. If you think this is impressive, prepare to be amazed. It even has support for the Apple time machine, so how cool is that?
- 3 Gbps download speeds
- Dual bands (2.4ghz / 5ghz)
- IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11ac, IEEE 802.11n, IPv4, IPv6 network standards.
- Premium price.
#4 ARRIS SURFboard AC2350
Another Arris model that I want to bring in the discussion is the SBG7400AC2, which is as its predecessor also a 3-in-1 model.
There are some little changes between this one and the other Arris product that I have earlier detailed. Because of that, I want to tell you that if you need a good model, but not as expensive as the other one, Arris offers you this possibility.
So, when it comes to capabilities, the difference is given by the modem’s channel. This one has 24 channels for download and 8 for download. The Dual-band router and the 4 Port Gigabit Router information remains the same.
The modem’s channels are created in such a way that it will maximize the service offerings of your Cable ISP.
- Supports IPv4 and IPv6
- McAfee Secure Home Internet
- Has its own App to monitor and configure.
- It has only one USB port.
#5 NETGEAR C7000
The model I am about to present to you is produced by Netgear and it is actually an improved version of an older and very popular model.
You can use it for almost all major internet providers. It even has certifications given by companies such as Comcast or Spectrum. However, it will not work for any DSL providers or Verizon, so be careful about that.
But since we are discussing modems compatible with Mediacom, you should not worry. It works for your case.
People usually ask me how to pick their equipment based on their plans. You need to see what specifications the device has. For instance, this modem has 24 download channel bonding and 8 upload ones, but also DOCSIS 3.0. This can tell you that you should use it for subscriptions that go up to 400 Mbps speed.
Since we are at the specification point, you should also know that if you will go with this model, you will have great wireless coverage. 1800 square feet to be more precise. Also, you can connect up to 30 devices at the same time.
- 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports;
- 2 USB ports;
- Includes parental controls;
- Supports WEP and WPA/WPA2 WiFi security protocols.
- Not the best customer support.
#6 Arris SURFboard SBG6950AC2
The last Mediacom compatible modem from Arris that I want to present to you today is their SBG6950AC2.
Even though it is also a 3-in-1 model, I recommend it more for people who don’t need the best cable speed. The reason I am saying this is because it has only 16 download channels and 4 upload ones.
But, please, don’t mistake it as a bad thing. It is an amazing product that will make many people very happy.
It works perfectly for internet plans that go up to 300 Mbps. However, if you want to go beyond that, you will need one of its older brothers.
- Dual band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz router;
- McAfee Secure Home Internet;
- Has an App to monitor and configure;
- Supports IPv4 and IPv6;
- Good price.
- Docsis 2.0.
#7 Netgear C6300-100NAS AC1750
If you like to play online games, then you should take a look at this C6300-100NAS AC1750 model from Netgear.
Being compatible with most important internet providers from the US, this device is a dream come true for any gamer or person who is streaming HD videos.
The modem speed goes up to 680 MBps and it’s Wifi speed works on dual-band. This means that both 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz are available.
Compatible with Xfinity from Comcast, Spectrum, Cox, CableONE & more
When it comes to channel bonding, you should know that it has 16 download channels and 4 upload ones. It is DOCSIS 3.0. This means it will go even 16 times faster than DOCSIS 2.0.
However, if it was me, I wouldn’t use it for internet plans that go beyond 300 Mbps.
- Works with all important operating systems;
- Dual band;
- Great for HD video streaming;
- Genie App Management;
- Guest Network;
- USB Media Sharing;
- Advanced Parental Controls.
- More expensive than other models.
#8 TP-LINK Archer CR700 AC1750
This multi-certified TP-Link Archer CR700 made its way on my list with ease. Yes, it still needs to get its certification from Cox and WOW, but are discussing Mediacom approved devices, so you should not worry about it.
The reason why I think it should be included among the best possible combos for your house or office are many, but I will start with its specifications.
First of all, it is a DOCSIS 3.0 model. This means that it has a cable download speed which is 16 times faster than what DOCSIS 2.0 can offer. In other words, it can go up to 680 Mbps.
Moving on to the channel bonding section, it is my pleasure to tell you that it has 16 downloads and 4 upload channels.
Its router performs just as great as the modem. Its Wifi speed goes up to 1750 Mbps. The reason for that is its dual band capacity that functions 2.4 GHz at 450 Mbps and 5 GHz at 1300 Mbps.
- It hs 6 internal antennas;
- It has high-powered amplifiers;
- Great price.
- It has a dual core processor.
- Not the best if you want to make custom settings.
#9 TP-Link TL-WA850RE
We have only two more products to review and I want to present another one from TP-Link, one that has a more unusual design than anything presented so far. The reason for that is simple. The TL-WA850RE is actually a WiFi range extender.
But what does that even mean?
It means that this little device was created to boost your WiFi signal in areas that were previously unreachable by your router. In other words, it will give you even more freedom to use the internet.
It is a very small object that needs to be wall-mounted. Due to that, it is very flexible, so it can easily adapt to your needs. So all you have to do is to plug it in, push its Ranger Extender button and expand the WiFi coverage.
Even more interesting about it is its capacity of connecting to wired devices through its ethernet port.
Yes, it is not an actual modem & router combo, but I wanted you to know about its existence and its great capacities.
- Compatible with other 802.11n/g/b devices
- Tether App;
- Access straight from your mobile phone;
- Led Control;
- Night Mode;
- Great price.
- Not an actual modem/router combo.
#10 NETGEAR N600 C3700
So this is it. The last product of the day. And this last device is the N600 C3700 model from Netgear.
Yes, this is not the most performant model of the list, but it has some amazing capabilities. So, if you are not a professional online gamer or you don’t live with one, then you should be just fine with it.
It works with probably all important operating systems. If I missed one, I am sorry, but it even works with prehistorical browsers such as Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0, so what more can you want?
Its modem speed goes up to 340 Mbps. Speaking of the modem’s specifications, you should know that it has 8 download channels and 4 upload ones.
Its Wifi capacities are just as powerful. It works on a dual-band. This means that both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz are accessible.
The best recommendation is to use it with an N300 adapter such as the Netgear WNA3100. This will offer the best performance.
- DOCSIS 3.0;
- Has a Denial of Service attack prevention (DoS);
- ISP compatibility;
- Guest network access;
- Great price.
- Not suitable for very fast internet plans.
Best Mediacom Approved Cable Modems & Router Buyer’s Guide
How to Pick the Best Mediacom Modem for You
After reading all the reviews, I am sure that you still have no clue what to choose. For a newbie’s eye, all of these pieces of equipment look more or less the same. Am I right?
The truth is that all of the 10 devices are extremely useful and will make many people happy. But if chosen badly, it can get people very frustrated. The secret is to find the one that suits your needs and that is exactly what I’m going to help you discover.
I promise you that after reading this buying guide you will be able to pick a model that will be the perfect one for you and your needs. So, let’s proceed.
Price
Unfortunately, in the end, all purchases are connected with the power of buying. This is why the first aspect you should consider is how much money you are willing to spend on your new modem/router combo. It is no use to look at very expensive devices if you can’t afford it.
But if you afford to spend a little more than a dime, then you should definitely consider the premium models, because why not spend more if you can?
Brand
The next aspect some should consider is the brand of the equipment. I like to switch from a brand to another. This way I can get a full picture of which one is the best. However, others prefer to remain faithful to a brand for as long as possible.
Understand what kind of person you are and do as you may.
Upstream and downstream channels
As you could see all throughout the review section, each modem has a downstream and a downstream number. These represent the number of channels the modem has.
To translate this is into normal words, let me tell you that it corresponds with the downloaded data your ISP can present at a certain time.
As a rule, modems provide me more downstream channels than upstream ones. The reason for that is actually simple and it is related to the ISPs and also the end-users.
So, be sure to check the number of channels. It will give you an idea of what you can do with it.
Upload and download speeds
Speaking of capabilities, let’s discuss the upload speed and download one. You can find this information very easily. Just look at what is the maximum the equipment can handle.
The idea is very simple. You should not invest in a device that can have great speed if you will not use it. However, if you intend to watch 4k online videos, play online games but also upload content, then be sure to choose a model that can support all of these.
DOCSIS Technology
Finally, you should look at what kind of DOCSIS technology the modem has. For many people, this information is very hard to comprehend, but I suggest you think about it as you would mobile data (3G/4G/5G).
The best one available today is DOCSIS 3.1 which supports a very fast technical speed of up to 10 Gbps. This means it is 10 times faster than the previous one which is DOCSIS 3.0
Again, think about your needs and see if you actually need to invest in such a high-end model.
Conclusion
That’s it, folks! These were the best 10 combos you can buy if your internet provider is Mediacom. From this point, only you can make the decision regarding your purchase.
However, if you have any questions or comments regarding the topic, please feel free to use the comment section below.