Contents

Why Should You Buy a Modem for Gaming?
The 9 Best Modems For Gaming Reviewed
How We Tested
What To Look For In The Best Modems for Gaming
FAQs
Conclusion

The best modems for gaming offer the fastest speeds and most reliable connections. The more expensive ones also include features like parental controls, extra security protocols, and even better customer service.

Some of these features can make a big difference in your online experience. For example, if you’re streaming games from services like Twitch or YouTube Gaming, it’s important to have a fast enough connection to reduce buffering times and stream at high quality without interruptions.

If you want to play competitively on an online game like Overwatch or League of Legends with other players around the world (or just with people in your neighborhood), lag time is what decides who wins and loses – so faster speeds can mean everything! If you’re looking for the best modem for gaming, here’s what you need to know.

Why Should You Buy a Modem for Gaming?

While some individuals may not want to buy a modem simply because they do not play online games, there are still good reasons as to why it is necessary to own one. It’s estimated that more than half of all gamers in the US use a broadband connection to access the internet and play their favorite games.

If you don’t have a gaming modem, you might experience problems with latency during important gameplay moments which could lead to your demise in a multiplayer match or campaign mode. Network latency (the time it takes for data to travel between two points), often referred to as ping, can make gameplay virtually unplayable if it gets too high during intense moments in action-based games.

A modem can also provide a more stable and faster connection for your console or PC, reducing the chances of packet loss and enabling you to game without any annoying interruptions.

Additionally, some modems offer features such as Quality of Service (QoS) that allow gamers to prioritize their gaming traffic over other activities on the network. This is important because it ensures that your packets are always sent first, preventing them from being buffered while streaming videos or downloading large files in the background.

Last but not least, modems can be used for other purposes such as home networking, video streaming and even VoIP services like Skype. So if you’re looking for an all-in-one device that can take care of all your internet-related needs, then you should definitely consider getting a modem.

The 9 Best Modems For Gaming Reviewed

Here are our top picks of the best gaming modems. These modem models have been designed specifically to improve the speed of your internet connection, as well as allow you to play online games without experiencing any lags or delays.

#1 ARRIS Surfboard S33 – Best Overall

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Brand: ARRIS
Internet service provider: Suddenlink, Xfinity, Cox, Mediacomm, Spectrum
Connectivity Technology: Ethernet
Item Dimensions LxWxH: 5.14 x 1.8 x 4.74 inches
Number of Ports: 2

ARRIS Surfboard S33 is our top pick of the best modem for gaming. It is a DOCSIS 3.1 modem that has been certified to work with cable internet speeds of up to 1.2 Gbps.

The S33 also comes equipped with 2x Gigabit Ethernet ports, making it the perfect modem for gamers who need the fastest possible speeds and dual network connections. This modem is not compatible with DSL or Fiber providers, such as ATT or Verizon, but it will work with most major U.S. cable providers, including Cox, Spectrum, and Xfinity.

The ARRIS Surfboard S33 has a sleek new design that will look great in any home or office and features an easy-to-use touchscreen display. Plus, you can stop paying monthly rental fees for your modem and save over time. overall, the ARRIS Surfboard S33 is the best modem for gaming available today.

#2 NETGEAR Cable Modem CM1000 – Runner Up

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Brand: NETGEAR
Internet service provider: Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum
Connectivity Technology: LAN, WLAN
Compatible Devices: PC, Router, Modem
Item Dimensions LxWxH: 8.8 x 5.4 x 5.9 inches

Experience the best in online gaming performance with this top-of-the-line NETGEAR cable modem. Sporting a DOCSIS 3.1 configuration and a 1Gbps speed, this modem is sure to give you the edge you need in all your online gaming sessions. Plus, its compatibility with the newer DOCSIS 3.1 standard ensures that you’ll be able to take advantage of increasing speeds as they become available.

Don’t miss out on this essential piece of hardware for any gamer looking to up their game. It also comes with a 1-year warranty, so you can be confident that you’re getting a quality product.

One downside of this modem is that it only has one ethernet port, which may not be enough for some gamers. However, it does come with a built-in Wi-Fi router, so you can still use it with your wireless devices.

Overall, the CM1000 is a great modem for gamers who are looking for high performance and value.

#3 NETGEAR Cable Modem CM500 – Best Budget3

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Brand: NETGEAR
Internet service provider: Optimum, Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum
Connectivity Technology: Wired
Item Dimensions LxWxH: 4.88 x 7.28 x 2.36 inches
Total Ethernet Ports: 1

Netgear’s CM500 is a good choice for gamers on budget-friendly internet data plans who don’t want to spend too much money. It streams 16×4 channels and has enough power for most players on a budget-friendly plan or even those that wish to go online and download bigger game files offsite. Its design has been slightly floated, allowing it to breathe better while running at higher speeds without becoming excessively hot!

The only downside? The lack of a physical power button on this budget gaming modem is not an issue because it includes the essential reset switch.

#4 NETGEAR Nighthawk Multi-Gig Cable Modem CM2000 – Best Design

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Brand: NETGEAR
Internet service provider: Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum
Connectivity Technology: Ethernet, WiFi

Do you have a multi-gig internet data plan? If that’s the case, prepare to be pleasantly surprised. The Netgear Nighthawk CM2000 is one of the greatest high-end modems on the market today, with speeds up to 2.5Gbps.

It’s simple to set up and has a sleek, modern look that will wow anyone who sees it. It’s also designed to handle even the most demanding online activities without difficulty.

So if you’re searching for an extremely powerful modem capable of keeping up with your ultra-high connection speeds, look no further than the Netgear Nighthawk CM2000.

#5 ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 – Best Premium

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Brand: ARRIS
Internet service provider: Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity and others
Downstream x Upstream Channels: 32×8
Item Dimensions LxWxH: ‎5 x 2 x 5 inches
Total Ethernet Ports: 1

The ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 is perfect for anyone looking for an affordable, productive gaming modem. This device can handle large homes and professional gaming setups with ease, and it also features the latest cable internet technology (DOCSIS 3.1).

Plus, with speeds up to 1000Mbps, the SB8200 is a great option for anyone with a Gigablast or other high-speed internet plan from Xfinity or Spectrum.

This powerful modem comes with two gigabit ethernet ports, making it easy to connect to your gaming console and other devices. Plus, with its hard plastic form factor and rock-solid construction, the SB8200 is perfect for gamers who want the best performance possible.

#6 Linksys CM3024 – Best Value for Money

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Brand: Linksys
Internet service provider: Optimum, Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum
Item Dimensions LxWxH: 1.77 x 6.97 x 8.03 inches
Number of Ports: 3
Maximum Downstream Data Transfer Rate: 343 Megabits Per Second

The Linksys CM3024 modem provides stable high-speed Internet access for cable customers with ISP plans offering speeds of 250 Mbps and up. With Dual-Band WiFi, your cable modem can provide the best Wi-Fi speeds possible in your house while you enjoy simultaneous media streaming, online gaming, and web surfing.

The Intel Puma 6 chipset ensures reliable fast performance, while the channel-bonding technology allows efficient data transfer. The easy plug-and-play setup requires no additional software installation, so you can start using your modem right out of the box.

#7 TP-Link 16×4 AC1750 Wi-Fi Cable Modem Router (Archer CR700)

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Brand: TP-LINK Technologies Co., Ltd
Connectivity Technology: Wireless, Wired
Frequency Band Class: Dual-Band
Wireless Type: 802.11ac
Security Protocol: WEP, WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK
Data Transfer Rate: 680 Megabits Per Second

Looking to keep your home network running at top speed? The Archer CR700 modem router from TP-Link is the perfect solution. With AC1750 dual band Wi-Fi, it can handle even the most demanding activities – like gaming online or streaming movies in 4K.

Plus, DOCSIS 3.0 technology and 16×4 channel bonding provide superior throughput, meaning faster overall speeds for all of your devices. And with two USB ports, it’s easy to connect external drives to the router.

Finally, six internal antennas provide maximum range and performance. So if you’re looking for a modem router that can handle anything, look no further than the Archer CR700 from TP-Link.

#8 NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home WiFi 6 System with DOCSIS 3.1 Built-in Cable Modem (CBK752)

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Connectivity Technology: Wi-Fi, Ethernet
Brand: NETGEAR
Control Method: App
Frequency Band Class: Dual-Band
Security Protocol: WPA2-PSK
Controller Type: Vera, Ios

Why fight with cords and plugs when you could be gaming on the best Orbi system around? NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home WiFi for gaming is designed to keep you connected without any interruptions.

With speeds of up to 4,200 Mbps and a mesh satellite system that provides coverage up to 5,000 square feet, this is the perfect router for busy gamers who demand the best performance possible. And with a DOCSIS 3.1 modem included, you can be sure that you’re getting lightning-fast speeds whether you’re streaming in 4K or playing online multiplayer games.

The Orbi is available in two configurations. A router modem and a satellite extender with tri-band technology are included in the box, ensuring an uninterrupted connection. The satellite also includes two Gigabit Ethernet connections for wired gaming on PC or console using a cable connection.

#9 ASUS Modem Router Combo – Best High-End

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Connectivity Technology: Wireless, Wired, USB, Ethernet, Rj45
Brand: ASUS
Frequency Band Class: Dual-Band
Wireless Type: 5 GHz Radio Frequency, 2.4 GHz Radio Frequency
Security Protocol: WEP, WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK
Number of Ports: 2

If you’re looking for a modem router combo that can handle all your gaming and streaming needs, look no further than the ASUS Modem Router Combo. This powerful device comes with dual-band 2.4 and 5Ghz frequencies to give you the best possible performance, and it even has the capability of reaching fiber-level internet speeds. With DOCSIS 3.0 technology, this modem is sure to give you the speeds you need for an optimal online experience.

This all-in-one DOCSIS 3.0 modem and AC2600 WiFi router provide full bandwidth access and expansive wireless coverage. With four Gigabit Ethernet connections and two USB 2.0 ports, you can connect non-WiFi devices such as external hard drives and printers to your network using the 802.11ac radio technology. Up to 1.3 Gbps download speeds are provided by the dual-band 802.11ac 32×8 channel bonding technique, making it ideal for streaming HD material or gaming online.

How We Tested

The best gaming modem is one that provides the best combination of features, performance, and price.

We started by identifying the most important features for gamers, including Wi-Fi speeds, the number of Ethernet ports, and security protocols. We then looked at the available models and eliminated those that did not offer all of the features we looked for.

Next, we tested the remaining models to see how well they performed. To do this, we used a tool called Speedtest to measure the download and upload speeds of each model. We also measured the range of each model using a Wi-Fi signal strength meter.

Finally, we considered the price of each model and selected the best one based on value.

What To Look For In The Best Modems for Gaming

When buying a modem for gaming, there are several things to consider. Several technical aspects of data transfer need to be considered in order to get the best performance out of your Internet connection while playing online games. With multiple players uploading and downloading at once during gameplay, having the best modem for gaming is very important.

Speed

The speed rating of your cable or DSL modem should closely match up with your Internet service provider’s package that you have subscribed to. A standard high-speed broadband connection will range from around 3 Mbps to 10 Mbps download speeds. If you subscribe to one of these packages, it is suggested to buy a model that supports 8 downstream channels in order for you to achieve optimal performance without overpaying for a modem with more channels than you need.

Some gamers may have faster connections, reaching beyond 15 Mbps and even 50 Mbps downstream. If you are one of these lucky individuals, then you will want to purchase a modem that has 16 or more channels. This ensures that your gaming experience will not be hindered by a slow connection.

ISP compatibility

In addition to speed, there are other factors that should be considered when choosing the best modem for gaming. One of these is compatibility with your router. Make sure the modem you choose is compatible with the router you are using, otherwise you may not get the best performance possible from your network. Additionally, certain gaming modems come equipped with features such as Quality of Service (QoS) and the ability to prioritize gaming traffic over other types of Internet activity. If you are a serious gamer, these features may be a good choice for you as they can ensure a less laggy and more enjoyable online experience.

Numbers of ports and types of connections

Many gaming modems come equipped with 4 or more downstream channels as well as 1 or 2 upstream channels. The reason for this is that most gamers will be using one console such as a Playstation, Xbox, Wii, etc., but there can be multiple consoles connected at once so having extra channels is crucial.

There are also different kinds of ports and some perform better than others depending on your particular needs and equipment. A common connection type found on many gaming modems is Ethernet Ports. This allows you to connect multiple devices simultaneously without experiencing any lag time during game play due to bandwidth limitation like it would if you were using a wireless connection.

DOCSIS

This is the standard that your modem should be using in order to be compatible with your ISP. The most current DOCSIS 3.0 standard is backwards compatible with previous versions, so you don’t have to worry about this too much. However, if you live in an area where your ISP has upgraded to a newer network technology such as fiber optic, then you will want to make sure that your modem also supports this type of connection.

Price

Last but not least, price is always an important factor when making any purchase. Luckily, most gaming modems are very affordable and can be found for around $60 or less. If you are on a tight budget, there are even some models that can be purchased for under $30. So, whether you are looking to spend a little or a lot, there is definitely a modem out there that will fit your needs.

FAQs

1. Do modems matter for gaming?

A: If you’re using a wired connection, absolutely. A better modem ensures less latency and stuttering during online games.

2. What else affects my ping?

A: Download speed of your ISP is the largest factor in determining ping. Other factors include router type, bandwidth throttling from ISPs, regional location, distance to server host (if applicable), and contention within your local exchange.

3. Do I need a dedicated gaming modem?

A: It depends on what kind of connection you have. Dedicated or “bonded-modem” connections like cable and fiber offer benefits over traditional DSL internet with DOCSIS 2 technology such as faster speeds and reduced pings; however they typically cost more than DSL modems. If you only have a DSL modem and want to improve your gaming experience, consider upgrading to a bonded modem.

4. Do Gaming modems make a difference?

A: Yes. A good one can improve your latency and ping in games, resulting in a smoother online experience.

5: Are Gaming modems worth it?

A: It depends on your situation. If you’re playing mostly FPS or MOBA games (where jitter can affect response time), a good modem can provide improved connection stability, resulting in a more consistent gaming experience. If you have a high-quality router, then a lower-end gaming modem may not make as much of a difference. You can check out our list of the best gaming routers here.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, it is not just about finding a good modem for gaming. You will also need to have one that has excellent performance and high-quality internet connection as well. So make sure you are prepared with all these aspects before choosing your new best modem for gaming. We hope this article helped you in making an informed decision on which device suits your needs the most!

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