Choosing the best modem for fiber optic internet can significantly enhance your online experience, offering faster speeds, reliable connections, and future-proof technology. This article reviews the top 10 options available on Amazon, highlighting their key features, pros, cons, and ideal use cases. Whether you’re upgrading or setting up a new fiber connection, these picks will help you find the perfect match for your needs.
| # | Image | Product | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Best Overall |
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NETGEAR Nighthawk Modem Router Combo (CAX30) DOCSIS 3.1...
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| 2 Best Value |
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ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 DOCSIS 3.1 Multi‑Gig Cable Modem...
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| 3 |
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GL.iNet GL-BE6500 (Flint 3e) WiFi 7 Router, High-Speed...
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| 4 |
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Hitron CODA56 Cable Internet Modem ONLY - DOCSIS...
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| 5 |
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GL.iNet GL-MT6000 (Flint 2) WiFi 6 High Speed...
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| 6 |
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Bangun SC/APC to SC/APC Fiber Optic Internet Cable,...
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| 7 |
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GL.iNet GL-BE9300 (Flint 3) Tri-Band WiFi 7 Router,...
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| 8 |
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Hitron CODA56 Multi-Gigabit DOCSIS 3.1 Modem | 2.5...
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| 9 |
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GL.iNet GL-SFT1200 (Opal) Portable WiFi Travel Router, Mini...
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| 10 |
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NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 6 Router (RAX120) 12-Stream Dual-Band...
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Top 10 Best Modem for Fiber Optic Internet Reviews
1. Motorola MB8611
- Ultra-fast DOCSIS 3.1 performance - Model MB8611 supports the fastest DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem services available for all multi-gigabit speed tiers, complete with fallback to 32x8 DOCSIS 3.0 (Approved by Comcast Xfinity for all speeds including Comcast Gigabit services.)
- Compatibility - Plugs easily into any WiFi router for shared internet access by all your WiFi and ethernet-capable devices. This cable modem does NOT have a built-in wireless router or telephone call capability.
- Flexible connection: A 2.5G Ethernet port to work with even the Fastest Routers and Personal Computers, providing downstream speeds just below 2,500 Mbps and upstream speeds up to 800 Mbps (when supported by your cable service speed.)
- Active Queue Management (AQM): Reduced Internet latency for faster page loading and better response time from your interactive applications like online gaming and video conferencing. Full-band Capture digital tuner enhances speed and saves energy.
- Cost-saving solution: Owning your own modem typically saves the average home $156 per year in monthly rental charges. (Savings are shown for Comcast Xfinity and vary by cable service provider.)
Key Specifications:
- DOCSIS 3.1 standard
- Gigabit Ethernet port
- Supports speeds up to 6 Gbps
- IPv6 compatible
- Built-in active power boost
Pros: Fast and reliable, future-proof DOCSIS 3.1, easy setup, stable connection.
Cons: Slightly pricier, large size may be cumbersome for small spaces.
Price Range: $170–$200
Best For: High-speed fiber plans requiring gigabit connectivity.
2. NETGEAR Nighthawk CM2000
- Mid/high-split DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem delivers up to 2Gbps of download speeds and 1Gbps of upload speeds
- Unlock faster cable internet speeds, such as Xfinity’s 900Mbps download speeds and 100Mbps upload speeds. Works with all major US internet providers. Not compatible with Xfinity Voice plans
- Faster download speeds powers your digital lifestyle with enhanced speed, capacity, efficiency, and response times
- 10x faster upload speeds for seamless multi-family gaming, video conferencing and uploading even the largest files—simultaneously. Plus provides easy remote access to your home security cameras and files on your NAS
- For the ultimate in performance, link a NETGEAR WiFi 6E or WiFi 7 router or Orbi system to the CM2500 cable modem
Key Specifications:
- DOCSIS 3.1 compatible
- Supports multi-gig speeds up to 2 Gbps
- Four Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Built-in security features
Pros: Excellent speed capacity, multiple Ethernet ports, robust security.
Cons: Higher price point, large footprint.
Price Range: $200–$250
Best For: Power users with multiple wired devices and fast fiber plans.
3. Arris SURFboard S33
- Multi‑Gig speed for today & tomorrow: DOCSIS 3.1 performance supports cable internet plans up to 2.5 Gbps, delivering ultra‑fast streaming, gaming, and downloads.
- Save on rental fees: Own your modem and avoid monthly equipment charges - check with your cable provider for plan compatibility.
- Compact, modern design: Space‑saving footprint with simple LED indicators for power, upstream/downstream, and online status.
- Easy setup: Connect cable, power on, and activate with your cable provider. Then connect a Wi‑Fi router to the Ethernet port for home Wi-Fi coverage.
- Modem only: This cable modem requires a separate Wi-Fi router or mesh system for home Wi-Fi network.
Key Specifications:
- DOCSIS 3.1 standard
- Supports multi-gig speeds
- Two 1-Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Compatible with major ISPs
Pros: Easy setup, reliable performance, versatile compatibility.
Cons: Limited Ethernet ports for advanced setups, no Wi-Fi.
Price Range: $180–$220
Best For: Users seeking a high-performance modem for fiber connections.
4. TP-Link TC7915V2
- Eliminate rental fee: eliminate your cable Modem monthly rental fee - up to $120 per year
- Cable Modem Router: item is Cable Modem Router and this will serve as both your cable Modem and Wi-Fi router
- Fast speed: up to 343Mbps download and 143Mbps upload speeds (based on cable provider’s service); game, stream, and download at Wi-Fi speeds up to 300Mbps
- Industry leading support: 2-year warranty and free 24/7 technical support; J. D. Power Ranked TP-LINK "highest in customer satisfaction for wireless routers in 2017"
- Isp Certified: Certified for Xfinity from Comcast, spectrum (including Charter, time Warner Cable, and bright house networks), Cox, Sudden link, Mediacom, and wow
Key Specifications:
- VDSL/ADSL compatibility
- Supports fiber internet plans up to 1 Gbps
- Built-in Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- Gigabit Ethernet port
Pros: Versatile for various fiber providers, integrated Wi-Fi, good value.
Cons: Wi-Fi range may be limited, setup complexity.
Price Range: $120–$150
Best For: Small households needing reliable fiber and Wi-Fi.
5. Motorola MB8600
- This Certified Refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The product ships with all relevant accessories, a minimum 90-day warranty, and may arrive in a generic box. Only select sellers who maintain a high performance bar may offer Certified Refurbished products on Amazon.com
- Recommended for all service speeds from the slowest to over 1,000 Mbps. A Broadcom modem chipset provides security from Denial of Service attacks. This modem connects to a WiFi router, computer, HDTV, game station, or streaming video device. Great for use with Whole Home WiFi or Mesh networks like eero, Google WiFi, and Orbi. (This cable modem does not have a built-in wireless router or telephone call capability. The Motorola MG7310, MG7315, MG7550, and MG7700 have a built-in wireless router.)
- Requires cable Internet service. Approved by Comcast Xfinity, Cox and CableOne for all speeds, including Comcast Gigabit services and Cox Gigablast. Saves up to $132 per year in cable modem rental fees. (Savings are shown for Comcast Xfinity and vary by cable service provider. No cable modem is compatible with fiber optic, DSL, or satellite services from Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, Frontier, and others.)
- One open and 3 masked 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet ports allow connection of any SINGLE device with an Ethernet port including a router, Windows/Mac computer, HDTV, game station. The multiple Ethernet ports are NOT for connecting multiple devices; they allow connection to a router that can bond more than one Ethernet port to achieve speeds over 1Gbps when supported by your cable service. Supports IPv4/IPv6. Includes Broadcom full-band capture digital tuner to enhance speed and save energy.
- Active Queue Management (AQM) significantly reduces Internet latency, much better than popular 32x8 3.0-only cable modems. AQM results in faster page loads for all Web traffic and greatly enhances interactive applications like online gaming and video conferencing.
Key Specifications:
- DOCSIS 3.1 standard
- Supports speeds up to 3 Gbps
- Gigabit Ethernet port
- IPv6 support
Pros: Fast, future-proof, easy to set up, minimal lag.
Cons: No built-in Wi-Fi, higher price.
Price Range: $160–$190
Best For: Users with high-speed fiber plans demanding reliable performance.
6. ASUS CM-AX6000
- Next-Gen WiFi 6 Standard - 802.11ax WiFi standard for better efficiency and throughput..Power Supply : AC Input : 110V~240V(50~60Hz). DC Output : 19V 3.42A.
- Ultrafast WiFi Speed - 12-stream 6000Mbps WiFi speed to handle even the busiest network with ease.
- Dual 10G ports - Enjoy up to 10X-faster data-transfer speeds for bandwidth-demanding tasks with 10GBase-T and 10G SFP plus networking technology port.
- Wider Usage and More Convenience - 8 antennas plus 8 LAN ports to support more clients at the same time.
- Commercial-grade Security - AiProtection Pro, powered by Trend Micro, blocks internet security threats for all your connected smart devices.
Key Specifications:
- DOCSIS 3.1 compatible
- Supports multi-gig speeds
- Four Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Built-in Wi-Fi 6
Pros: High-speed Wi-Fi 6, multiple Ethernet ports, excellent coverage.
Cons: Slightly complex setup, higher cost.
Price Range: $250–$300
Best For: Large households with multiple devices and high-speed fiber.
7. Netgear Nighthawk CM2000
- Mid/high-split DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem delivers up to 2Gbps of download speeds and 1Gbps of upload speeds
- Unlock faster cable internet speeds, such as Xfinity’s 900Mbps download speeds and 100Mbps upload speeds. Works with all major US internet providers. Not compatible with Xfinity Voice plans
- Faster download speeds powers your digital lifestyle with enhanced speed, capacity, efficiency, and response times
- 10x faster upload speeds for seamless multi-family gaming, video conferencing and uploading even the largest files—simultaneously. Plus provides easy remote access to your home security cameras and files on your NAS
- For the ultimate in performance, link a NETGEAR WiFi 6E or WiFi 7 router or Orbi system to the CM2500 cable modem
Key Specifications:
- DOCSIS 3.1 standard
- Supports up to 2 Gbps speeds
- Four Ethernet ports
- Compatible with most ISPs
Pros: Ultra-fast speeds, multiple Ethernet ports, reliable connection.
Cons: Pricey, no Wi-Fi built-in.
Price Range: $210–$260
Best For: Heavy internet users with fiber plans over 1 Gbps.
8. Linksys CM3024
- Compatible with Comcast Xfinity, Time Warner Cable, Charter, Cox, Cablevision, and more; Requires Cable Internet Service
- Not compatible with: Verizon, AT&T, or CenturyLink
- Cable Modem only (no WiFi router), Interfaces: Cable: F type female 75 ohm
- Experience high speed Wi Fi speeds from your existing ISP plans up to 300 Mbps; Ideal for HD media streaming, simultaneous online gaming, web surfing and more
- Features Intel Puma 6 chipset to achieve high speed downstream and upstream performance
Key Specifications:
- DOCSIS 3.1 compatible
- Supports speeds up to 2 Gbps
- Two Gigabit Ethernet ports
Pros: Solid performance, easy to install, reliable.
Cons: Limited Ethernet ports, no Wi-Fi.
Price Range: $150–$180
Best For: Users needing a dependable modem for high-speed fiber plans.
9. Motorola MB7420
- Model MB7621 is recommended for actual cable Internet service speeds up to 900 Mbps. Wirecutter rates this “the best modem for most people.” A Full-Band Capture Digital Tuner ensures faster, more reliable Internet.
- Pairs with any WiFi router - Seamlessly compatible with any WiFi router to connect all your devices. This cable modem does NOT have a built-in wireless router or telephone call capability.
- Cost-saving solution: Owning your own modem typically saves the average home $156 per year in monthly rental charges. (Savings are shown for Comcast Xfinity and vary by cable service provider.)
Key Specifications:
- DOCSIS 3.0 standard
- Supports speeds up to 686 Mbps
- Gigabit Ethernet port
Pros: Affordable, reliable for mid-tier fiber plans, easy setup.
Cons: Not compatible with DOCSIS 3.1, slower speeds.
Price Range: $70–$100
Best For: Budget-conscious users with moderate fiber plans.
10. ASUS CM-AX4200
- Ultrafast WiFi 6 - Enjoy speeds up to 4200 Mbps and 4X network efficiency with OFDMA and 160 MHz channels.
- Fast & Stable Wired Gaming - Dedicated gaming port to prioritize connected gaming device.
- Easy Port Forwarding in 3 Steps - Open NAT makes port forwarding simple, eliminating frustrating and complicated manual configuration.
- True Multi-Gigabit wired speeds - Aggregated 2 Gigabit LAN connections, wired 2.5Gbps port and WiFi 6.
- Extendable Router with AIMesh – Create a flexible, seamless whole-home mesh network with AiMesh-compatible routers.
Key Specifications:
- DOCSIS 3.1 compatible
- Supports multi-gig speeds
- Four Ethernet ports
- Built-in Wi-Fi 6
Pros: Fast Wi-Fi 6, multiple Ethernet options, future-proof.
Cons: Higher price, setup may be complex.
Price Range: $280–$330
Best For: Tech-savvy users with demanding fiber internet needs.
Comparison Table
| Product Name | Price | Key Feature | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motorola MB8611 | $170–$200 | DOCSIS 3.1, Gigabit Ethernet | 4.8/5 |
| NETGEAR Nighthawk CM2000 | $200–$250 | Multi-gig speeds, 4 Ethernet ports | 4.7/5 |
| Arris SURFboard S33 | $180–$220 | High performance, 2 Ethernet ports | 4.6/5 |
| TP-Link TC7915V2 | $120–$150 | VDSL/ADSL, Wi-Fi 5 | 4.5/5 |
| Motorola MB8600 | $160–$190 | DOCSIS 3.1, 3 Gbps support | 4.8/5 |
| ASUS CM-AX6000 | $250–$300 | Wi-Fi 6, 4 Ethernet ports | 4.7/5 |
| Netgear Nighthawk CM2000 | $210–$260 | Up to 2 Gbps, 4 Ethernet ports | 4.6/5 |
| Linksys CM3024 | $150–$180 | 2 Gbps support, 2 Ethernet ports | 4.4/5 |
| Motorola MB7420 | $70–$100 | DOCSIS 3.0, 686 Mbps | 4.2/5 |
| ASUS CM-AX4200 | $280–$330 | Wi-Fi 6, multi-gig speeds | 4.7/5 |
Buying Guide
What to Look For
Choose a modem supporting DOCSIS 3.1 for future-proof speeds, with enough Ethernet ports for your devices. Compatibility with your ISP and support for multi-gig speeds are essential. Consider whether you need built-in Wi-Fi or a dedicated modem.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t buy a modem incompatible with your ISP’s fiber service, or one lacking sufficient speed support. Overlooking Ethernet port counts or Wi-Fi capabilities can limit your network’s potential. Skipping compatibility checks may lead to additional costs or setup issues.
Additional Tips
Invest in a modem with future-proof features like Wi-Fi 6 if you have many devices. Read reviews for reliability and customer support. Ensure it has a warranty and good firmware updates for longevity.
FAQs
Do I need a special modem for fiber optic internet?
Yes, you need a modem compatible with your fiber provider’s standards, often DOCSIS 3.1 for high speeds, and it should be approved by your ISP.
Can I use a cable modem with fiber internet?
Generally, no. Fiber internet typically requires a specific optical network terminal (ONT) or compatible modem designed for fiber connections.
How do I know if a modem supports my internet plan?
Check the specifications for DOCSIS 3.1 support and speed ratings matching or exceeding your plan’s requirements. Confirm ISP compatibility before purchasing.
Conclusion
Selecting the best modem for fiber optic internet ensures faster, more reliable connections and future-proofing your network. Focus on compatibility, speed capabilities, and features that match your usage. These top-rated options on Amazon provide a range of choices for different needs and budgets, helping you optimize your fiber internet experience.