When a gamer buys a new modem, he usually wants to buy the best modem available in the market. It might seem like a costly investment, but investing in a good modem that would keep you connected all day, and not just for a few hours would pay off in the end.
A good modem for gamers needs to be highly efficient, reliable, and compatible with the latest hardware and software. The best modem for gamers should be able to provide the fastest internet speed, the lowest latency, high signal strength, and high data rate.
With all the requirements, finding the best modem for gaming can be an overwhelming task, especially when you are not sure what all these terms mean. So, I have taken the initiative of listing out the best modems for gamers based on various factors like, reliability, performance, data transfer rate, latency, and internet speed. This way, you can choose a high-quality modem that would suit your needs.
Our Top Picks
We've done a lot of research on the best modems for gaming, and these are the ones that stand out from the rest. Our top pick of the best reviews, based on features, performance, and ease of use:
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Best modem for gaming overall: Arris Surfboard SB8200
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Best performance cable modem for gaming: Netgear CM2000
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Best budget cable modem for gaming: Netgear CM600
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Best premium modem for gaming: Netgear CAX80
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Best value modem for gaming: Motorola MG8702
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Best purchased modem for gaming: Netgear C7000
Detail Reviews Of Top 4 Best Modems for Gaming
The Best Modems for Gaming alleviate consumer problems while also improving the overall user experience. Our suggestions focus on the best solutions that are largely future-proof yet are compatible with more antiquated hardware and software.
1. Arris Surfboard SB8200
(Best modem for gaming overall)
Product’s Specifications
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Type: Cable Modem
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Recommended for: 1000 Mbps or below
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DOCSIS: 3.1
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Warranty: 2 years
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Reasons to buy
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Future-proof.
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Excellent performance.
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Can operate with 2000 Mbps or higher plans.
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A two-year warranty.
Reasons to avoid
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Extreme brightness.
Product Summary
A cable modem that supports all internet plans up to at least 1000 Mbps is the Arris Surfboard SB8200.
This DOCSIS 3.1 modem has a function called port bonding, which is why I say "at least."
With the help of this technology, you may join two ethernet ports to create a single data stream that can handle internet plans with speeds of up to 2000 Mbps.
Perfect if you want to purchase a modem and then put it aside for a long time.
Your latency will be reduced by DOCSIS 3.1, which is a wonderful perk for playing online games. especially FPS games like Valorant or CS:GO.
Overall, the Arris Surfboard SB8200 is a well-liked and effective modem. Perfect if you want to buy a modem and then set it aside.
2. Netgear CM2000
(Best performance cable modem)
Product’s Specifications
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Type: Cable Modem
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Recommended for: 2500 Mbps or below
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DOCSIS: 3.1
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Warranty: 1 year
Today’ Best Deal
Reasons to buy
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Future-proof.
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Supports 2500 Mbps and higher internet plans.
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Approved for every major cable ISP.
Reasons to avoid
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Single LAN port.
Product Summary
Consider the Netgear CM2000 if you're one of those folks who demands the greatest possible gaming setup.
It's a different DOCSIS 3.1 modem that stands out for having a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet connector.
As a result, the cable modem is compatible with 2500 Mbps internet plans. An ISP has not yet made a speed that quick available to customers.
Perfect for any gamer seeking the best possible streaming and play experience.
The CM2000 might be thought of as a more potent variation of the SB8200. It is quicker, more dependable for the future, and more recent.
Just bear in mind that no modem can provide you with a quicker internet connection than what your internet plan allows. So for some people, this modem can be too much.
As a result, I urge you to get the Netgear CM2000 if your internet plan is closer to 1 Gig or greater.
3. Netgear CM600
(Best budget cable modem)
Product’s Specifications
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Type: Cable Modem
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Recommended for: 600 Mbps or below
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Channels: 24×8
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DOCSIS: 3.0
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Warranty: 1 year
Today’ Best Deal
Reasons to buy
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Reliable performance.
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Transmits at high speeds.
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Compatible with every ISP we checked.
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Saves you a good deal of money.
Reasons to avoid
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Comes with only one WAN/ LAN port.
Product Summary
If you want to reduce expenses and have an internet plan with a speed of about 600 Mbps, the Netgear CM600 is a great choice.
It is a 248 channel DOCSIS 3.0 modem. Due to the fact that DOCSIS 3.0 modems often have a little bit greater latency, it is less ideal for gaming.
You will need to purchase a new modem as DOCSIS 3.0 is phased out over time.
This makes it less future-proof than the aforementioned solutions.
As long as you don't update your internet plan beyond 600 Mbps, it should continue to function for many years to come.
In conclusion, the Netgear CM600 is designed for budget-conscious gamers without an excessively fast internet plan.
4. Netgear CAX80
(Best premium modem for gaming)
Product’s Specifications
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Type: Modem/Router Combo
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Recommended for: 1000 Mbps or below
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Max Wi-Fi speed: 800+ Mbps
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DOCSIS: 3.1
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Warranty: 1 year
Today’ Best Deal
Reasons to buy
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Class-leading performance.
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Compatible with many ISP's.
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Excellent range.
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Future-proof.
Reasons to avoid
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Expensive.
Product Summary
For gamers seeking a powerful modem/router, there is the Netgear CAX80.
Unfortunately, much like the MG8725, I was unable to find its maximum Wi-Fi speed. I was limited to an 800 Mbps cable internet package because of this.
However, as predicted, it was 800 Mbps at 5 feet. Other speeds recorded were 298.47 Mbps and 583.15 Mbps from 50 and 25 feet, respectively.
As long as your internet plan offers the speeds, these results are more than sufficient to play any video game.
The CAX80 has a strong range as well, with a 90–100 foot range. This satisfies most houses' needs.
The Netgear CAX80 is a powerful modem/router set as a whole. Ideal for someone like you who needs something quickly and has a fast internet plan.
FAQs
Which modem is the best for gaming?
We have decided that the Arris Surfboard SB8200 is the best modem for gaming after considerable research. Considering that it is affordable, trustworthy, and speedy.
But you should read the post up top if you want some additional choices.
What distinguishes a modem from a router?
Your ISP's analog signal is converted to a digital signal using a modem. The digital signal is used by your router, which then distributes it throughout your house. Ethernet and Wi-Fi are used most often.
Additionally, the router is in charge of allocating unique IP addresses to each of your devices and directing data across the internet.
Final Thought
Finally, I’ve compiled a list of the best modems for gaming in 2024. This list was carefully curated from the top wireless router manufacturers such as NETGEAR, Motorola, ARRIS. We’ve narrowed the field down to the most popular models in both desktop and mobile versions, so whether you’re planning to build a home office or your dream mobile hotspot, we’ve got you covered.
