
If you want 1 Gbps+ speeds, go for the Motorola MB8600 or Arris SB8200 (pricier). ARRIS SURFboard SB6190 (32×8) – up to 859 Mbps.Those were my picks then, but new and improved modems and routers come out all of the time, and any of the following modem + router combos will be more than sufficient for 99% of users:Īll are priced around $90 and under, compatible with Xfinity Comcast (& many other ISPs), and are top sellers on Amazon.
#BEST MODEM FOR MAC FREE#
I paid a total of $120, which means the devices will pay for themselves in less than a year (versus the $168 to rent the Comcast Xfinity modem)! Then, it’s free and clear until the devices die! Both were top sellers in the cable modem and router categories on Amazon and had outstanding reviews. Instead, I opted to go for an ARRIS SB6190 cable modem and paired it with a NetGear AC1200 router. After doing some research, however, I had noticed that this device had horrible reviews due to a number of problems working with Comcast’s network through firmware updates (or, lack of). The customer support tech I had spoke to previously had recommended a now obsolete Motorola gateway. Comcast recently upgraded their network to DOCSIS 3.1, but it is backwards compatible to previous generation DOCSIS model modems. There is a list of Comcast supported cable modems that are supported with their network (and many modems are compatible even if not supported). Not to mention, this setup is much more reliable, based on reviews of gateways.
#BEST MODEM FOR MAC UPGRADE#
This allows you to replace one half of the combo if you want to upgrade more cheaply in the future. You can go with a cable modem and pair it with a wireless router. You do not need to buy a 2-in-1 gateway device (modem + router in 1 device), such as the one Comcast commonly supplies and brands as “xFi”. Buy a Compatible Modem & Router or a Gateway to Replace your Comcast Modem

I will specifically detail how I replaced a Comcast modem with my own, but this should be applicable to other ISPs as well.ġ.
#BEST MODEM FOR MAC HOW TO#
Here is How to Replace a Comcast Modem with your Own, in 4 Easy Steps: Update: I’ve also written more broadly on how to get rid of your ISP modem rental fee (if you’re not a Comcast customer). Now, I am no longer paying the ridiculous $14 per month rental fee for a Comcast modem – and I want to share how you can do the same. Don’t let Comcast fool you – anyone can do this on their own. So, I decided to replace the Comcast-owned gateway, with my own, at a current cost savings of $168 per year.


And, Xfinity is even using leased modems as WiFi hotspots ( but you can opt out). I hated seeing a device with a little “ Xfinity” logo on it sitting next to my computer. And when you get a discount on your modem rental, it leaves you with little leverage to negotiate bigger discounts on the cost of the internet service.īesides. I had successfully tried the Comcast negotiation route before – but it’s easy to forget to call in to negotiate every 6 months or so.
