10 Cable One Compatible Modems & Routers in 2023 [ISP Approved List]

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Cable One is among the oldest and the most well-known Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in the US. The company has been around since 1997 and provides internet access across 21 states, and serves close to 900,000 people – making it a significant player in the markets. However, while Cable One is a very big name, you won’t hear it too often these days. Why? The company has rebranded itself to Sparklight in 2019. However, when it comes to their users, they still prefer to call it by the older name, Cable One. 

While we are aware of the fact that they’ve been renamed Sparklight, we’ll continue to address them by their older name because that’s how most of our readers continue to address it anyway. Over the course of this article, we shall take a closer look at some of the best cable one-approved modems, which help users get the best possible connectivity on their network. 

Cable One’s internet plans range from a basic 100Mbps plan to an incredibly fast 1-Gig plan. They also have some other plans in between, such as the 100,200 and 600 Mbps plans. However, their internet plans tend to vary from state to state, so it is best advised to check out what kind of internet plans are supported in your area by heading over to their website. Another thing to note about Sparklight or Cable One is the fact that there will be data caps on almost all their plans so keep an eye out for that.

When you but a Cable One internet connection, you will get an option to take a modem from the ISP on rent. However, this does not come free and costs you a fixed amount of $11 per month. This means that you are paying an extra $132 per year to the ISP just for renting the modem, an amount that you keep paying month after month till you have their internet connection. This is why it is better suited to get your own Cable One compatible modem instead of paying the company for a product that might not even meet all your needs.

Generally, the kind of modems/routers that your ISP provides isn’t really top quality. Now we don’t mean to say that Cable One is providing inferior quality modems, we only mean that if you buy your own Cable One approved modem, you are likely to get a better product which will perform in a more efficient manner. Moreover, it will also save you money after about a year’s usage, an amount that you would otherwise be paying to the ISP. 

However, when you go out into the markets to buy a modem, how do you choose one? What are some of the best options that you have when it comes to buying Cable One supported modems? We are here to answer all of these questions. Up next is a list of the 10 best Cable One compatible modems, followed by a buyer’s guide which will help you make a better decision on what factors you should consider before you get a modem. This is then followed by a list of Frequently Asked Questions before we conclude! 

By the time you reach the conclusion, we hope that you will get a better idea about all the different options available to you when looking for the best Cable One approved modems, and that you will be able to buy a modem that fits all your needs really well. Let us now begin with our Cable One modem list:

EDITOR’S CHOICE
NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home WiFi 6 System with DOCSIS 3.1 Modem
NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home WiFi 6 System with DOCSIS 3.1 Modem

10

  • DOCSIS 3.1 modem + WiFi 6 router
  • Set of 1 main unit + 1 satellite
  • 4 LAN ports and one coax cable port on the primary unit, 2 LAN ports on the satellite 

BEST OVERALL
Motorola MG8702 | DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem + Wi-Fi Router
Motorola MG8702 | DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem + Wi-Fi Router

9

  • DOCSIS 3.1 Modem+WiFi router combo
  • Supports speeds up to 1000Mbps
  • 4 LAN ports + 1 USB port + 1 cable port for coax cable 

BEST BUDGET
ARRIS Surfboard SBG7580AC 32x8 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem
ARRIS Surfboard SBG7580AC 32x8 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem

8

  • Cable Modem + WiFi router combo
  • Supports dual band WiFi internet up to 1750 Mbps
  • 4 LAN ports + 1 USB port + 1 coaxial cable port

10 Best Cable One Compatible Modems in 2023

Image Product Features Price
NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home WiFi 6 System with DOCSIS 3.1 Built-in Cable Modem NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home WiFi 6 System with DOCSIS 3.1 Built-in Cable Modem

  • DOCSIS 3.1 modem + WiFi 6 router
  • Set of 1 main unit + 1 satellite
  • 4 LAN ports and one coax cable port on the primary unit, 2 LAN ports on the satellite 

Check Price on Amazon
Motorola MG8702 | DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem + Wi-Fi Router Motorola MG8702 | DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem + Wi-Fi Router

  • DOCSIS 3.1 Modem+WiFi router combo
  • Supports speeds up to 1000Mbps
  • 4 LAN ports + 1 USB port + 1 cable port for coax cable 

Check Price on Amazon
ARRIS SURFboard SB6121 Cable Modem ARRIS SURFboard SB6121 Cable Modem

  • Just a modem with no WiFi Router
  • Functions on DOCSIS 3.0 framework
  • Supports up to 172 Mbps download and 131 Mbps upload speeds

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NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem WiFi Router Combo C7000 NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem WiFi Router Combo C7000

  • Supports speeds up to 800Mbps
  • DOCSIS 3.1 modem with built-in WiFi router
  • Wireless range of 1800 sq. ft. and supports 30 devices

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ARRIS SURFboard SB6190 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem ARRIS SURFboard SB6190 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem

  • Only a modem, no built-in router
  • Supports speeds up to 600 Mbps
  • 1 Ethernet port on the back

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NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem with Built-in WiFi 6 Router (CAX80) NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem with Built-in WiFi 6 Router (CAX80)

  • Modem+WiFi Router combo
  • Supports cable plans up to 6Gbps
  • 4×1-Gig Ethernet ports + 1×2.5-Gig ethernet port + 1 USB port + 1 Coax Cable Port

Check Price on Amazon
TP-Link TC-W7960 DOCSIS3.0 Cable Modem TP-Link TC-W7960 DOCSIS3.0 Cable Modem

  • Supports internet plans up to 300 Mbps
  • DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem + WiFi Router
  • 4 LAN ports + 1 USB port

Check Price on Amazon
Motorola MG7700 Modem WiFi Router Combo Motorola MG7700 Modem WiFi Router Combo

  • Modem+WiFi combo
  • Dual-band WiFi operating at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands
  • Supports internet plans up to 800 Mbps

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ARRIS Surfboard (SBG7600AC) Docsis 3.0 Cable Modem + Wi-Fi Router ARRIS Surfboard (SBG7600AC) Docsis 3.0 Cable Modem + Wi-Fi Router

  • Cable Modem + WiFi Router combo
  • DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem
  • Dual-band WiFi router

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ARRIS Surfboard SBG7580AC 32x8 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem ARRIS Surfboard SBG7580AC 32x8 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem

  • Cable Modem + WiFi router combo
  • Supports dual band WiFi internet up to 1750 Mbps
  • 4 LAN ports + 1 USB port + 1 coaxial cable port

Check Price on Amazon

If you are looking for Sparklight or Cable One approved modems, here are ten of the best such options for you, which we have reviewed so that you know what each of them is all about. Cable One is a cable-based Internet Service Provider (as the former name suggests). In order to use their internet, you need modems that come with the port for the internet coax cable. These are all DOCSIS 3.0 or DOCSIS 3.1 modems, which give you great speeds. Some of them even carry a built-in WiFi system so that you don’t need to purchase an additional router too! 

Here’s a closer look at the Cable One modem list:

1. NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home WiFi 6 System with DOCSIS 3.1 Built-in Cable Modem 

  • DOCSIS 3.1 modem + WiFi 6 router
  • Set of 1 main unit + 1 satellite
  • 4 LAN ports and one coax cable port on the primary unit, 2 LAN ports on the satellite 

Let us start with something a little unconventional. However, the Netgear Orbi is just the right kind of a cable modem for someone who wants to future-proof themselves. Given how fast modem tech has been changing, and how quickly new modems and routers tend to emerge, it is important to always get the latest products. That is exactly what Netgear’s Orbi modems are. 

Netgear Orbi offers you a decent modem+router combo, and also comes with one satellite as a part of its mesh network. Together, the main unit and the satellite cover about 5000 sq. ft. of space. However, if you need to cover a still larger area, you can get another satellite and add it to your existing network. Mesh networks are the future of WiFi tech and we see a lot of people shifting to them of late.

On the back of the main unit is a coax cable port where your internet cable from Cable One will go. Besides that, there are four LAN ports as well, which allow you to connect other devices which require a cable-based connection. Together, the main unit and the satellite support over 40 connected devices, which makes it a perfect fit even for power users.

This is a DOCSIS 3.1 modem, which makes it the perfect Cable One compatible modem for their high-speed gigabit plan which offers speeds up to 1 Gbps. We call it a future-proof modem because it can potentially support speeds up to 4 Gbps, as and when such speeds will be available in cable networks. Netgear also gives you WiFi 6 technology with this modem-router combo, which is considerably faster than WiFi 5. 

Netgear Orbi can be controlled using a mobile application that allows you to set parental controls, provide guest access, and do much more with your WiFi. Setting up the Orbi is also quite an easy task and can be done by practically anyone, even with very little technical know-how. 

Pros

  • Supports speeds up to 4Gbps
  • Covers a massive 5000 sq. ft. and can support over 40 devices
  • Very easy to set up and lots of controls possible via the app

Cons

  • Very expensive

2. Motorola MG8702 | DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem + Wi-Fi Router 

  • DOCSIS 3.1 Modem+WiFi router combo
  • Supports speeds up to 1000Mbps
  • 4 LAN ports + 1 USB port + 1 cable port for coax cable 

Motorola is among one of the best names when it comes to modem-tech, and the MG8702 is currently their flagship modem out there. This is a modem+router combo and it works on all the latest-gen tech, which allows you to get the most out of it. This is one of the best Cable One approved modems, and you get seamless internet connectivity when you use this device. 

The MG8702 from Motorola makes use of DOCSIS 3.1 2×2 OFDM channel bonding tech and also provides backward compatibility via 32×8 DOCSIS 3.0 systems. The modem runs on WiFi 5, which isn’t really the latest WiFi standard, but is still pretty fast. Besides all that, managing and controlling the modem is also quite easy, thanks to the mobile application that it comes with. 

Motorola has added a lot of high-tech features in this modem which ensure that you get the best experience. For instance, it comes with Active Queue Management (AQM) which makes sure that your pages load faster. Then there’s also the MU-MIMO technology, which ensures multiple devices can be connected to the router at the same time without one slowing down to make way for the other! If you are a power-user who streams a lot of content and often has to upload heavy files, this is the ideal modem/router combo for you.

The router supports speeds up to 1000 Mbps, making it an ideal candidate for all of Cable One’s internet plans. When you turn it around, there are four LAN ports on the back, along with one USB port as well, which comes with DLNA support, allowing you to share files over your network with ease. Lastly, the modem comes with a 2-year warranty period, which is another major plus. 

Pros

  • Supports speeds up to 1 Gbps, enough for all Cable One plans
  • DOCSIS 3.1 tech is much faster than DOCSIS 3.0
  • Built-in router, no need to purchase a separate router

Cons

  • Does not run on WiFi 6

3. ARRIS SURFboard SB6121 Cable Modem 

  • Just a modem with no WiFi Router
  • Functions on DOCSIS 3.0 framework
  • Supports up to 172 Mbps download and 131 Mbps upload speeds

While there are some modems on our list which look straight out of the future, we also realize not all of us have those needs. Some of us are average day-to-day users who are using their internet connection to check mails and share memes and to watch videos on YouTube. These users don’t need to burn a hole in their pocket to get those modems, but can instead go for a value for money offering such as the Arris SURFboard SB6121. If you happen to be one of those users, this is totally the modem for you!

This is only a modem and does not come with a built-in router. This is a 4×4 DOCSIS 3.0 modem, and it features one coax cable port and one LAN cable port on the back. The cable port allows you to plug in your internet cable, and the LAN port allows you to hook up your modem to a router, to get WiFi internet connectivity in your home. This is a small but chonky-looking device.

If you’re using a Cable One internet connection, but are on the 50, 100 or 200 Mbps plan, this is something that you should totally consider. The maximum speeds that you get here are about 172 Mbps download speeds and 131 Mbps upload speeds. While this is a Cable One approved modem, you can also get it to work with most other cable-internet connections such as Time Warner Cable, Charter, Cox, and Cablevision among others.

All in all, a great option for people who don’t really want to spend too much on a modem and are happy with a basic internet connection. Setting up this modem is quite easy too, and it gives you all of this for a price that won’t pinch you at all. The price is actually one of the biggest motivations here for people to purchase this. Arris also makes a number of other modems, including a WiFi modem, a few of which are mentioned as we move further in this Cable One modem list. 

Pros

  • Cost effective
  • Easy to set up
  • Great for basic internet usage

Cons

  • Not suitable for high-speed internet plans
  • No built-in router in this

4. NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem WiFi Router Combo C7000 

  • Supports speeds up to 800Mbps
  • DOCSIS 3.1 modem with built-in WiFi router
  • Wireless range of 1800 sq. ft. and supports 30 devices

Netgear makes some of the best cable modems + wifi devices, and the Nighthawk C7000 is on the very top of the table! This is an elegantly designed modem, which has well-angled curves and a very smooth finish, and fits well in any room that you decide to place it at. The modem is suitable for internet plans up to 800 Mbps, and is therefore a good fit for those using the Sparklight/Cable One 50 Mbps, 100 Mbps, 200 Mbps, 500 Mbps or the 600 Mbps plan.

Since there’s a built-in WiFi router in the modem, you will not need to spend some extra bucks to purchase an additional router. When you turn it around, there are four ethernet LAN ports and 2 USB ports that help you improve your connectivity with other devices, as well as stream and share content over your wireless network. There’s also a port for the internet (coax) cable on the back. 

The WiFi network that you get here also performs reasonably well, giving you a coverage of about 1800 sq. ft. and connecting 30 devices on the network. The modem is designed well even in terms of what goes inside it – it makes use of a 32×8 channel bonding and DOCSIS 3.1 framework, giving you a combination of speed as well as stability and there will be no random drops in the network. All in all, a very good option if you are looking for Cable One approved modems with built-in WiFi routers.

Pros

  • Built-in router, no need to purchase additional router
  • Sufficient LAN ports and 2 USB ports on the back
  • DOCSIS 3.1 framework is fast and stable
  • Easy to set up

Cons

  • Not suitable for the Gigabit plan

5. ARRIS SURFboard SB6190 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem 

  • Only a modem, no built-in router
  • Supports speeds up to 600 Mbps
  • 1 Ethernet port on the back

ARRIS is the absolute king in the markets when it comes to cable modems. This is a 32×8 DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem from the company. This is a pure cable modem and does not feature a built-in WiFi system. This is a good choice for those users who are using Cable One internet plans up to 600 Mbps, and want to use their internet connection for basic purposes such as watching YouTube videos, going through social media, checking their email or working on a few documents.

The modem also supports a large number of other cable providers including Cox, Spectrum, and Xfinity. Basically, if there’s an ISP that supports cable internet, this modem will be a good fit. The modem doesn’t really have a design that stands out and is your classic Arris modem with a chonky body and a box-like appeal.

There are three ports on the back, one for the power cable, another for the coaxial (internet) cable, and a third being the ethernet port from where a LAN cable would connect your modem and your router. Since there’s no built-in router, you’ll need to purchase an additional router with this modem. This is a DOCSIS 3.0 modem which comes with a 32×8 framework, ideal for all your basic use, but not something you should consider if you’re someone who’s into gaming or into watching high definition videos. 

Pros

  • Doesn’t cost too much
  • Good modem for basic internet usage
  • Supports 50, 100, 200, 500 and 600 Mbps plans on Cable One

Cons

  • Not suitable for people with heavy internet usage
  • Doesn’t support the 1 Gbps plan

6. NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem with Built-in WiFi 6 Router (CAX80) 

  • Modem+WiFi Router combo
  • Supports cable plans up to 6Gbps
  • 4×1-Gig Ethernet ports + 1×2.5-Gig ethernet port + 1 USB port + 1 Coax Cable Port

If you are looking for a very good modem-router combo which not only performs well, but also looks really well, this is just the right product for you. The Netgear Nighthawk CAX80 is an absolute standout product and gives you excellent performance, allowing you to get the most out of your internet connection. 

The modem runs on a DOCSIS 3.1 framework and allows you to connect to internet plans as high as 6Gbps (as and when they emerge). This is what we really appreciate about Netgear – they create a number of future-proof devices, including this one. This is their most powerful modem/router combo out there as there are 2 Gbps and 4 Gbps variants available as well. 

The modem is angled in a rather unique way and will add to the aesthetic appeal of any room you place it in. The wireless router covers up to 3000 sq. ft. of area, which should be good enough even for larger homes. There’s one 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port, along with 4 1-Gigabit ports, as well as a USB port on the back. There’s also a port for the coaxial cable to go in. 

This modem is very easy to set up and can also be controlled by the Nighthawk mobile app, allowing you to set up parental controls as well as a number of other features that are needed on a wireless network. You get WPA-PSK and WPA2-PSK security standards on this router, and there’s also a 30-day free trial of the Netgear Armor, powered by Bitdefender. All in all, one of the best Cable One approved modems out there! 

Pros

  • Supports cable plans up to 6 Gbps
  • Easily controlled by an app
  • Covers quite a large area

Cons

  • Very Expensive

7. TP-Link TC-W7960 DOCSIS3.0 Cable Modem 

  • Supports internet plans up to 300 Mbps
  • DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem + WiFi Router
  • 4 LAN ports + 1 USB port

TP-Link isn’t really an unfamiliar name when it comes to those looking to buy modems and routers because the company has been around for quite a while now and used to be a dominating player in this segment. This is a cable modem + wireless router combo from TP-Link, which offers you a seamless internet access, as well as ensures that all your wireless devices can connect to the internet. 

The modem supports internet plans up to 300 Mbps and is a good fit for regular home users who don’t want something heavy-duty. With 4 LAN ports as well as 1 USB port on the back, you are assured of a strong wired connectivity as well, and you can make use of the USB port to stream movies on your wireless network. You can also use it to connect a drive and share data over the network. 

The design of this modem/router combo is also well-appreciated as it is a curved modem that can be placed vertically in a space-saver design. Unlike other routers at this price point, this is a really good-looking device and would add to any room you place it at. A large number of other ISPs are also supported by this modem, including Time Warner, WOW, and Spectrum to name a few. This is a DOCSIS 3.0 modem with a 8×4 channel bonding setup. 

The WiFi internet also works really well, and it comes with WEP, WPA-PSK, and WPA2-PSK security standards, which makes it fairly secure to use. There’s a 2 year warranty period on this modem, and it is a good choice for anyone who wishes to use their internet connection for basic purposes. 

Pros

  • Good modem/router combo for basic use
  • Supports multiple ISPs
  • Pretty good customer support
  • Easy to set up

Cons

  • Not suitable for people who need speeds higher than 300 Mbps

8. Motorola MG7700 Modem WiFi Router Combo 

  • Modem+WiFi combo
  • Dual-band WiFi operating at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands
  • Supports internet plans up to 800 Mbps

Motorola’s MG7700 is among the best options available for people looking for a good quality modem + router combo setup. This is a device that won’t let you down! It won’t let you down if you’re looking for speeds up to 800 Mbps because that’s the highest that this modem supports. Being a DOCSIS 3.0 modem, this is as good as it gets. There’s also a built-in WiFi router in this modem, which is a big plus point for anyone who doesn’t want to spend some extra money procuring another device.

Besides being one of the best Cable One approved modems, you can also use this modem from Motorola along with connections from some of the other popular ISPs such as Cox, Spectrum, and Comcast Xfinity. This means that if you decide to change your ISP later, you can use it with practically all the other cable-based ISPs.

This is a 24×8 DOCSIS 3.0 cable Modem and it comes with an AC1900 dual-band wireless router built in it. The wireless system supports speeds of 1900 Mbps and operates on the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. The modem is powered by a broadcom chipset which not only gives it an ample amount of power, but also secures it against attacks. 

To sum up, the Motorola MG7700 is a very good modem for those with basic use, as well as for those with advanced internet usage needs. You can also play games and watch HD videos on the very stable internet connection that you get when you use this WiFi modem from Motorola. 

Pros

  • Built-in router, saves you the cost of buying an additional device
  • Very stable dual-band WiFi system
  • Modem also supports a number of other ISPs in case you wish to change later

Cons

  • Not suitable for Gigabit connection

9. ARRIS Surfboard (SBG7600AC) Docsis 3.0 Cable Modem + Wi-Fi Router 

  • Cable Modem + WiFi Router combo
  • DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem
  • Dual-band WiFi router

Yes, one more Arris modem in our list, and not even the last one! This is a modem+router combo from Arris, which makes sure that you do not have to spend any extra money on buying an additional router along with your cable modem. This is a DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem along with a AC 1600 Dual-band WiFi router and one of the best options for those looking for a good combo setup for their Cable One internet connection. 

The modem supports internet plans with download speeds up to 343 Mbps, and the WiFi network provides you connectivity speeds of 1.6 Gbps within the network. However, the manufacturer recommends that this is a product suitable only for those who are looking to buy internet plans up to 100 Mbps. 

Here, you get a decent connectivity with the 8×4 channel bonding setup on the DOCSIS 3.0 framework. The dual-band WiFi operates on a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network and supports both, IPv4 and IPv6. The modem also supports a large number of other cable-based ISPs and is a pretty good option for anyone who wishes to use cable internet in the US. 

On the back, there are two ethernet ports. However, a USB port is conspicuously missing. While 2 ethernet ports are good to have on a modem, when you think of a router-modem combo, you generally get 4 ports and at least 1 USB port. This is something you’ll not get when you use the ARRIS SurfBoard SBG7600AC, which is otherwise a fine modem+router combo. 

Pros

  • Compact and portable device
  • Easy to set up and connect
  • Built-in router is a plus, no need to buy an extra device

Cons

  • Lack of ethernet ports, and no USB ports
  • Not suitable for plans beyond 100 Mbps

10. ARRIS Surfboard SBG7580AC 32x8 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem

  • Cable Modem + WiFi router combo
  • Supports dual band WiFi internet up to 1750 Mbps
  • 4 LAN ports + 1 USB port + 1 coaxial cable port

And here’s yet another cable modem from Arris, the last one in our Cable One modem list. This is the Arris SurfBoard SBG7580AC, which is a Cable Modem + WiFi router combo, something that really impresses us from Arris. While it is priced a little higher than your regular Arris modems, it is also a pretty good product from them. The modem also works with a number of other cable internet operators, which is a major plus point. 

The modem supports internet speeds up to 1.4 Gbps and runs on the DOCSIS 3.0 framework with a 32×8 channel bonding technology backing it. This modem also supports IPv6 tech, the latest internet standards. Arris actually touts it as a 3-in-1 product, as it features a cable modem, a WiFi Router, and an internet switch with 4 LAN ports.

Talking of LAN ports, there are four LAN ports on the back, along with one very tactfully placed USB port in the front. It actually makes sense to have the USB port in the front as users can plug and unplug devices easily. This is something that other manufacturers might also want to take note of. 

The WiFi connectivity that you get here is actually pretty good, and something that really surprised us. This is a dual-band wireless router that supports wireless speeds up to 1750 Mbps, and allows you to connect to the WiFi via the 2.4GHz or the 5GHz bands. All said and done, a very good modem-router combo for anyone looking for decent connectivity.

Pros

  • USB port placed quite well
  • Built-in router, no need to purchase additional device
  • Supports all Cable One internet plans

Cons

  • WiFi network has multiple drops

Buyer’s Guide to Best Cable One Approved Modems (2023)

When you go out into the markets or on Amazon to buy a modem, you’ll be left confused by the sheer number of options that there are! This is why one needs to always be sure of all the different features that they need to consider before they make the final purchase. Here’s a list of such things that you need to keep in mind while buying a cable one approved modem. You can choose any of them from the list we’ve shared above and run it past this section to see whether it fits your needs:

  • Compatibility

When it comes to buying a new modem, the first and the most important thing that you must keep in mind is – this has to work well with your ISP. There’s no point in getting a modem that is built in a way that your ISP cannot support it. As we’ve mentioned above, when it comes to Cable One (Sparklight) internet connections, you do require a cable modem. 

Getting a DSL modem or a Fiber Optic router will not work out for you. In most cases, the box or the reviews will tell you if the modem you are buying is supported by Cable One ISP. In our article, we have reviewed ten products in detail, all of which are Cable One supported modems.

  • Speed Supported

Not only does your ISP need to be supported by your modem, but you also need to make sure that the speed of your internet plan is being supported by your modem as well. You can’t be on a Gigabit plan but use a modem which supports speeds up to only 600 Mbps. That means you are losing out on the other 400Mbps that you are paying for! 

Hence, always try and buy a modem that supports the maximum possible speeds even if you are on a slower plan, because you may need to upgrade it later and you will then have to buy a new modem in that case. 

  • DOCSIS framework

Most cable modems today come in two variants – they are either DOCSIS 3.0 modems, or they are DOCSIS 3.1 modems. The former is an older standard, yet you will find a very large number of modems coming only with DOCSIS 3.0 support. However, of late a large number of players such as Arris, Motorola, and Netgear have begun to launch many DOCSIS 3.1 modems as well. Always try and get these modems which support 3.0 as well as 3.1 frameworks because they will allow you to upgrade your speeds to an even higher level in the future. 

  • WiFi Modems

One of the first things that you should consider before buying a modem is to check whether it is a WiFi modem (a modem+router combo) or just a cable modem. When you are buying only a mode, you will need to add an extra router to it – which will cost you some more money. However, getting a modem+router combo is always a better deal when it comes to the money you spend on it.

Talking about the performance, however, independent routers are known to cover a larger area and provide more customizations compared to a built-in wireless system in a modem. If you are someone who lives in a very large house or wants to use internet across multiple floors, we’d recommend you go for a separate router rather than going for a WiFi modem. 

  • Ease of Setting Up

The modem that you are planning on buying needs to be a user-friendly device so that practically anyone can set it up without any expert technical guidance. Many a times the persons using it aren’t really tech-friendly because of lack of experience or due to old age and the modem just keeps sitting on the shelf for a long while before someone comes to set it up for them. Many modems today are easy to set up and can begin running in under 10 minutes! Try and get these modems whenever possible. 

  • Number of Ports

The number of ethernet/USB ports on the back also matters a lot. The more the number of LAN ports, the easier it is for you to connect more devices on to the modem. You will generally find WiFi modems offering four ports while regular modems come with only one port – which goes into the router, and then you use the router to connect other devices to it. However, the thing about ports is – the more the better! 

Other than LAN ports, having multiple USB ports is also good (and at least one USB port is recommended in your router/modem). A USB port will allow you to plug in a USB drive or a hard drive to the modem and stream or share data over your network. 

  • Design and Durability

The modem that you are buying needs to be designed well enough to handle a few rough bumps or falls, as every device tends to go through at least a few of them in their lifespan. The modem also needs to be designed in a way that it doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb when you place it in a room. It needs to blend well with other things around it, and if it stands out, it has to do so because of its uniqueness and not because of an ugly design! Not something that matters too much but do keep an eye out for all the futuristic designs that are coming out these days!

  • Cost and Warranty 

Last but not least – the cost needs to be one which is suitable to you and doesn’t become a burden on your pockets! The warranty period needs to be as long as possible. Generally, most modems will offer you about two to three years of warranty, so don’t expect anything more than that. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Cable One Compatible Modems

Our readers tend to ask us a lot of questions about modems and routers. Hence, we have put together a list of some of the most commonly asked questions along with the answers in this section so you know what to expect from your cable one approved modem:

  • Are Cable One and Sparklight the same company?

Yes, Cable One and Sparklight are the same company. In the summer of 2019, Cable One decided to undergo a major rebranding exercise and has since renamed itself ‘Sparklight’. Most old users still use their products under the older brand name and that is how it is commonly referred to as the new name is yet to really catch on.

  • Is it better to buy a WiFi modem or should I go for a modem+router combo?

While getting a WiFi modem is always more convenient, some people prefer to get a separate modem+router combo in case they want a larger or a stronger connectivity. The range that WiFi modems offer is generally lesser compared to having a dedicated router. Having a separate router also allows you to get more control over the network. However, if you don’t really want that much control or customization and don’t require a large area to be covered, a WiFi modem is also a good deal.

  • Where can I buy the best Cable One supported modems?

While there’s always the option of walking into your nearest multi-product retail store such as Walmart or Target or one of those big and fancy places to grab a modem, the best thing you can do during these times of a global pandemic is to order it online via Amazon. Not only do you get a very large collection of products here, but you also get some great discounts on Amazon. All the products listed on our Cable One supported modems list are available on Amazon. 

  • What kind of a modem do I need for a Cable One internet connection?

When you are buying a Cable One approved modem, what you are essentially looking for is a modem that comes with a port for the Coaxial cable for internet connection, as well as a modem with a DOCSIS 3.0 or DOCSIS 3.1 framework. Cable One (or Sparklight) internet connection is not a fiber-optic connection or a DSL connection and hence only cable modems will support it. 

Conclusion

Gone are the days of renting a modem and paying hundreds of dollars to your ISP every year. It is always a better financial decision to invest in your own modem than to rent it. However, when buying a new modem, there can be a lot of options and people tend to get confused. We’ve narrowed it down to the 10 best cable one approved modems that you can buy in 2023. We hope that by the time you reach this concluding section, you have a better idea about all the different options and are soon able to make a better purchase decision. 

If there are any more questions or doubts about Cable One supported modems, feel free to let us know over mail or in the comments section and we shall get back to you as soon as we can! 

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