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Head-to-head · Best Standalone DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modems

Motorola MB7621 vs Netgear CM1000

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Netgear CM1000 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (3.6 vs 3.9). The gap is mostly about users replacing older modems seeking reliability and ease of setup — read the strengths below before deciding.

Motorola MB7621
Ranked #2 in Best Standalone DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modems
Motorola MB7621
$79.99as of Jul 7

The Motorola MB7621 is a DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem that delivers reliable performance in the right ISP environment, offering speeds between 500 and 900 Mbps with stable connections and cooler operation compared to some competitors. However, it's not suitable for plans exceeding 700 Mbps and faces obsolescence as Spectrum plans to end support by October 2026. Wirecutter selected it as 'the best modem for most people' in 2019, but its limitations make it a temporary solution for users planning future upgrades.

Strengths
  • — Operates on DOCSIS 3.0 with 24 downstream and 8 upstream channel bonding
  • — Runs on a Broadcom chipset that runs cooler than some rivals
  • — Provides stable connection in the right ISP environment with speeds between 500 and 900 Mbps
Watch-outs
  • — Not suitable for plans above 700 Mbps due to DOCSIS 3.0 protocol ceiling
  • — Spectrum is ending support for DOCSIS 3.0 modems on October 28, 2026
$79.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Netgear CM1000
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Standalone DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modems
Netgear CM1000
$195.99as of Jul 7

The Netgear CM1000 is a solid DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem that delivers reliable Gigabit-speed performance for users upgrading from older modems. Reviews consistently praise its ease of setup, durability, and significant speed improvements over previous models like the CM500 and CM600. Customer feedback highlights its compatibility with major ISPs including Comcast Xfinity and strong performance with 1Gbps plans. While some users noted the lack of included coaxial cable and a somewhat flimsy base, the modem is widely recommended for those seeking to replace rented ISP equipment and achieve better internet speeds.

Strengths
  • — Excellent performance with Gigabit-class internet plans
  • — Reliable and durable build quality
  • — Easy setup process with quick activation via ISP
Watch-outs
  • — Does not come with a coaxial cable
  • — Base is described as flimsy and modem can topple easily
$195.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

How they stack up

Motorola MB7621

The Motorola MB7621 is limited to DOCSIS 3.0 speeds, unlike the Arris SB8200 which supports DOCSIS 3.1, but it runs cooler than the Motorola MB8600. Unlike the Netgear CM1000, it doesn't support Gigabit speeds and is not future-proof, and unlike the Motorola MB8611, it lacks 2.5Gbps Ethernet support.

Netgear CM1000

The Netgear CM1000 excels in build quality and ease of setup compared to the Arris SB8200, which has less durability. However, unlike the Motorola MB8600, it doesn't support WAN Link Aggregation, and unlike the Motorola MB8611, it lacks 2.5Gbps Ethernet capabilities.

Specs side-by-side

SpecMotorola MB7621Netgear CM1000
Docsis VersionDOCSIS 3.03.1 (3.0 30×8 compatible)
Max Download Speed500-900 Mbps1Gbps
Ethernet PortsGigabit Ethernet ports1Gbps LAN, 1x Coax
Downstream Channels2432 downstream and 8 upstream channels
Upstream Channels88 upstream channels
Dimensions7.25"L x 2.25"W x 7.88"H8.8 x 3.4 x 5.9in
Weight—.95lb (431g)
← See the full ranking of best standalone docsis 3.1 cable modems