We live in a world where not being connected to the internet is worse than not having water. You might think that this is an exaggeration, but take a minute and imagine which would miss if you would be locked down for 5 hours in your house.
Would it be the internet or water? I don’t say this is a good thing. I just say it as it is.
There are many internet providers and among the most popular ones is WOW! Internet. They offer you internet access and they even rent you the equipment you need.
For a very busy person who doesn’t have time for too much online streaming and doesn’t really care about the price, they pay as long as they can browse the internet when they drink their coffee in the morning, renting an average modem & router seems like the right choice.
But, if you care about every penny you spend, you should know that if you sum it up, you give $120 yearly for a product that you can actually own and let’s face it, a product that will even work better.
So, does that mean?
It means that with your own router you will have a better, more stable connectivity for when you want to download or upload data.
The WOW! Internet has more than one accepted model that can work with the services they provide and I have tested them all in search of the best ones.
Today, I have prepared for you the list of 10 best wow compatible modem models from which you can pick. So, let’s start!
Best WOW! Approved Modems & Routers Quick Comparison
I made a chart in which you can see all the products that are going to be presented in this article. This way, you can have a preview of what is about to come.
| Image | Product’s Name | Product Dimension | Weight | Bonding Channel | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ARRIS SURFboard SB6121 | 2 x 6.4 x 8.7 inches | 7.2 ounces | 8 X 4 | Check On Amazon |
 | ARRIS Surfboard SBG6700AC | 5.3 x 2.2 x 5 inches | 1.4 pounds | 8 X 4 | Check On Amazon |
 | TP-Link TC-W7960 | 8.2 x 5.9 x 2.9 inches | 1.7 pounds | 8 X 4 | Check On Amazon |
 | ARRIS SURFboard SB6190 | 6.4 x 2 x 8.7 inches | 1.12 pounds | 32 X 8 | Check On Amazon |
 | Netgear C6300-100NAS | 6.8 x 10.9 x 3 inches | 2.95 pounds | 32 X 8 | Check On Amazon |
 | ARRIS SURFboard SBG6900AC | 11.6 x 3.9 x 10.5 inches | 1.75 pounds | 16 X 4 | Check On Amazon |
 | Netgear C6250-100NAS AC1600 | 11.7 x 10.1 x 3.1 inches | 2.75 pounds | 16 X 4 | Check On Amazon |
 | NETGEAR C7000 | 9.6 x 8.3 x 1.7 inches | 1.6 pounds | 24 X 8 | Check On Amazon |
 | NETGEAR C3000-100NAS | 9.1 x 10.8 x 3.1 inches | 1.05 pounds | 8 X 4 | Check On Amazon |
 | ARRIS Surfboard SBG7580AC | 2.2 x 7.7 x 9.5 inches | 2.95 pounds | 32 X 8 | Check On Amazon |
Best WOW! Approved Modems & Routers Full Reviews
So, here we are. This is probably the part you have been expected the most to read. I promise that I will keep all the information easy to read.
Moreso, I promise that I will tell you even about the not so great parts of each of the products on the list.
The last thing I want to add is this. You are reading a list and not a top. This means that all 10 products are just as good.
With that clarification out of the way, let’s begin!
#1 ARRIS SURFboard SB6121
The first product that I will start today’s discussion is from Arris and it is their SB6121 model. Firstly, I will tell you right from the start that this is just a model and not a combo.
Another great thing about it is that you can even change providers and it will still be used for most of them. However, be advised that recently Comcast Xfinity has decided not to support it.
So, if you will decide to go with this modem, you should know that you will need to have a cable internet service. Be sure your cable company actually provides you this service before anything else.
Let’s move on to more technical aspects. It has a Gigabit Ethernet port that will provide you to connect your computer directly to it for very fast downloads.
Lastly, you should know that this modem provides an upload speed of 131 Mbps and a download one of 172 Mbps. Furthermore, it comes with 4 different channels for upload and 4 for download.
- 4 / 5.0 GHz Dual-band concurrent;
- Works with most major U.S. Cable Providers;
- Supports IPv4 & IPv6
- 2 years of warranty.
- You will also need a router.
#2 ARRIS Surfboard SBG6700AC
The next product on the list comes also from Arris and it is their SBG6700AC model. Just as its predecessor, this one also is compatible with most internet providers, so you can use it for a very long time.
However, be advised that if you are going to switch to AT&T or Verizon, you will need a different model.
When it comes to download and upload channels, you should know that this wide-open west cable modem has 8 for download and 4 for upload.
But what does that mean? It means that you will be able to reach a speed of 131 Mbps when uploading and 343 Mbps when downloading.
This being said, I suggest you use it for plans that go up 100 Mbps. This way, you can enjoy it at its best.
The beauty of this model is given by the fact that it is a combo and not simply modem. This means that you will not need to buy an extra router.
Its embedded router is capable to offer you a great speed of up to 1600 Mbps and is a dual-band model (2.4 GHz and 5GHz).
Lastly, you should know that this little fellow comes with another step forward and is capable of parental control protection.
- Supports IPv4 and IPv6
- 2 years of US customer service;
- Embedded firewall
- Modem/router combo.
- Kind of expensive.
#3 TP-Link TC-W7960
Another great modem/router combo that I want to talk about is the TC-W7960 from TP-Link.
I will start the review of this product by saying that I strongly recommend to use it if you have internet plans up to 150 Mbps. It works for other subscriptions, but not as best.
Regarding its specifications, you should know that it has 4 upstream channels and 8 downstream ones.
Furthermore, based on your internet plan, it can go up 143 Mbps for upload speed and 343 Mbps for download speed.
Everybody uses the internet for different purposes, but this guy is great for online gamers because it actually can reach a WiFi download speed of up to 300 Mbps.
- 1x USB 2.0 port;
- CableLabs-certified DOCSIS 3.0;
- 8×4 Channel Bonding
- 2 years of warranty;
- 2x Internal Antennas;
- 4x Gigabit LAN Ports.
- Not supported by all internet providers.
#4 ARRIS SURFboard SB6190 White
I will return to Arris. You will see that there are many of their products on this list. Not because of any sponsorship, but because they have really good WOW cable compatible modems.
What this model brings more than the other is its downstream/upstream capacity.
So, it has 8 upstream channels and 32 downstream ones. This means that it is capable of a great download speed of up to 1.4 Gbps.
I should tell you right from the start that this is just a modem and you will also need a router for WiFi connections.
Another aspect that I want to tell you is that this modem is capable of many things, so you should invest in it if you also have a pretty good internet plan. It can support up to 400 Mbps.
- 2 years of warranty;
- Works great for UHD movie streaming;
- Ideal for gaming.
- You will need an extra router.
#5 Netgear C6300-100NAS
Moving on, I will introduce to you a model from a brand that is just as popular as Arris, brand which you will also see more than once in this article. So, number 5 of today’s models are the C6300-100NAS AC1750 from Netgear.
What makes it stand out from the crowd is the fact that this is an actual 3-in-1 model. So, what does that mean? It means that this is a cable modem, a WiFi router and also a 4 Gigabit Wired Switch.
Other specifications worth mentioning are its dual-band capacity and its channel bonding of 16 X 4. Due to this aspect, I suggest you use it for internet plans up to 300 Mbps.
Therefore, it doesn’t matter if you use your internet connection for online gaming, HD video or Vlogging, this great combo will work magically.
- Works with all modern operating systems;
- DOCSIS 3.0
- Approved by most Internet Cable Providers.
- More expensive than others.
#6 ARRIS SURFboard SBG6900AC
Let’s stay in the 3-in-1 product category and discuss another product of this type. This one is manufactured by Arris and it is their SBG6900AC model.
Just to be sure there is no doubt about its capacities, this little fellow can work as a cable modem, as a WiFi router and as a 4 Gigabit Wired Port.
When it comes to internet standards, it supports both IPv4 and IPv6 which are the latest standards today. Regarding the bonded channels, this model works with 16 download channels and 4 upload ones.
This being said, for its specifications, I recommend you use it for internet plans that go up to 300 Mbps.
When you order this product, you will also receive a quick start guide which I suggest to read it before anything else.
- 2 years warranty;
- Great US customer service;
- 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports;
- Ideal for HD videos and online gaming.
- Not very cheap.
#7 Netgear C6250-100NAS AC1600
The next model from the list is the C6250-100NAS AC1600 which is produced by Netgear and is also a 3-in-1 model. However, this one is a little different than the other 2 presented earlier.
So, yes, it is a cable modem and a WiFi router, but it is a 2 Gigabit Wired Switch.
Its modem speed goes up to 680 Mbs and Wifi connection is provided on a dual-band (both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz).
It’s download/upload channel bonding is 16 X 4. This means that it will work great for internet plans that go up to 300 Mbps.
What really caught my eye regarding this product was the following. It has the capacity of content filtering parental control which can easily be managed with the help of the Genie App directly from your phone.
- DOCSIS 3.0;
- Has its own app;
- Works with the most operating system;
- Ideal for HD streaming and online gaming.
- Not the best customer support.
#8 NETGEAR C7000
Probably one of the fanciest models of the list, the C7000 from Netgear was manufactured especially for people who need to work at very great internet speed.
This means that this precise model is capable of supporting internet plans up to 400 Mbps speed.
If the previous information didn’t impress you, I have one that will. Its Wifi performance is more than awesome. It can cover up to 1800 square feet when it comes to the wireless connection.
But that’s not all. You can connect up to 30 devices at the same time.
It has 2 USB ports that will give very fast internet speed directly to the devices, but also 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports. Last, but not least, it has a 24 X 8 download / upload channel bonding.
- Amazing wireless coverage;
- DOCSIS 3.0;
- Parental control;
- WEP & WPA/WPA2 wireless security protocols.
- More expensive than other models.
#9 NETGEAR C3000-100NAS
We are down to the last two products and I will propose to you another Netgear model.
The C300-100NAS N300 model is also a combo, containing a cable modem, a WiFi router and a 2 Gigabit Wired Switch.
What it is worth mentioning about this product is its incredible firewall protection.
It is a double model, which means it is an SPI and also a NAT firewall.
Just as the predecessor Netgear 3-in-1 model, this also offers parental control which can be managed directly from your phone through the Genie App.
- DOCSIS 3.0;
- 8x faster download speeds;
- Great parental control;
- Compatible with most internet providers.
- Not the best customer service.
#10 ARRIS Surfboard SBG7580AC
So this is it. We are down to the final model. And what a model this is. I started with the Arris brand and I think that it is the most appropriate to finish with it.
So let me present to you, the last article of the day which is the SBG7580AC model.
This article is a 3-in-1 modem, Wifi router, and 4 Gigabit port router that can be used for internet plans provided by multiple companies such as WOW, XFINITY or Cox.
It has 8 upload channels and 32 downloads one and is capable of maximizing the service offerings of your Cable ISP. So, use it wisely for subscriptions from 300 Mbps and above.
When it comes to internet standards, it supports the latest ones.
- Supports IPv4 and IPv6;
- DOCSIS Download Speed of 1.4 Gbps;
- 4 Gigabit Ethernet Ports;
- 1 USB Ports
- 2 years of warranty.
- Expensive model.
Best WOW! Approved Modems & Routers Buyer’s Guide
Who is the WOW! Internet Provider Company?
Before going on to discussing the actual products, I want to make sure that you are in the right article. Because of that, I will say a thing or two about the internet provider of the day, WOW!
If they are the ones who you are paying your internet bills to, then you are definitely on the right track. If not, maybe you should consider changing your provider. Either way, I suggest you stay put and read on.
So, Wow! company or the Wide Open West Company was founded in Denver, Colorado in 1996. From then, to now it grew so much that it became the sixth-largest cable operator from the United States.
Moreso, ever since 2018, they have managed to deploy DOCSIS 3.1 for 95% of their footprint, turning them into one of the first operators to be able to do so.
So, even though they started to offer their services only Denver, today they are not available there anymore.
However, you will be able to contract their services if you live in either Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Alabama, Florida, South Carolina, Kansas, Indiana, Tennessee or Georgia.
How to Pick the Best Cable Modem for You
You have read all the full reviews and now you know all the benefits and the disadvantages each model presented today has. But how can you choose? They all look great and in the end, is one better than the other one?
The answer is yes. Some of them are better than others, but not because of their capacities but because of your necessities. So, let’s try and think of what are your requirements and only then can you make the list shorter.
You will see that after this buying guide, choosing the best WOW! approved modem for you will be a piece of cake. But please, pay attention, so you won’t end up with a not so satisfying model.
Brand
First of all, if you already have a favorite brand you can check what they have to offer and see if you see something in their portfolio that you like. Of course, you can look at other brands to see their portfolio. Sometimes a new start is exactly what one needs.
This being said, look at all possibilities. you never know which one is perfect for you if you don’t give everyone a fair chance.
Price
As you can guess, not all products come at the same price. Because of that, it is wise to look into your bank account and see how much you can afford to spend.
If you need to stay within a fixed budget, then it is no use in looking into the very expensive models. It will only mean a loss of your time and it will only end up in frustration.
But if you can afford to spend more than a few pennies, maybe you should look at the premium models also.
Of course, cheaper models cand work well, but why settle with less when you can afford more?
Simple Modem or Modem/Router Combo
It is very important to think about this aspect because it can save you some money. But let’s see exactly why this is.
First of all, the modem is a tool that converts the incoming signal into one which can be understood by your home network. On the other hand, the router divides the incoming traffic and at the same time connects the outgoing traffic.
But let’s translate this. A model will give you the internet, but it will not give you wireless connectivity.
Usually, separate units offer better performance, but it requires more space and of course more money.
Think about what you use your internet and decide on what to buy. Do you need just a modem or a combo?
DOCSIS Technology
Let’s get one thing straight. DOCSIS stands for “Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification”. Again, I will try to put it more simply. It is the same as mobile data (3G/4G/5G).
So, DOCSIS 3.0 tech enables a theoretical speed of 912 Mbps, but in practice, the actual speed is restricted down to 300 Mbps.
On the other hand, DOCSIS 3.1 supports technical speeds of 10 Gbps. This is 10 times faster than DOCSIS 3.0.
Download and Upload Speed
When it comes to internet speed, you should know that it is measured in Mbps. You will need a good download speed for looking at 4K online videos and a good upload speed if you want to do vlogging.
My advice is to find a model that is good for both.
In Conclusion To
As you can see, finding a router suited for your WOW! Internet plan is not as hard as it seems at first glance. You just need to do a little research and spend a little bit of time to understand how the technology works.
After that, you will be able to become technologically independent in no time. So, please let me know your thoughts or experiences in the comment section below.