12 Best Modems For WOW 2023 – Reviews, FAQS & Guide
We are living in a world embodied with marvels of science and with the inception of the internet late in the twentieth century, the universe is gradually shrinking in the hands of technology day by day.
The Internet certainly keeps you awake and renovated with everything you need or want to know about the universe no matter which part of the world you live in.
To avail the wonders of the internet you must have a decent internet connection and that being said, there are several additional accessories you need to have in order to enjoy high-speed internet.
If you happened to be a subscriber of WOW! Internet, this article can certainly be a great help for you if you are looking for a modem that is compatible with your WOW! Internet subscription.
Generally WOW! Internet provides all necessary equipment on rent to their customers that include the modem but that thing costs you 10 to 15 dollars per month and you will end up paying this extra amount every month which is certainly not a good way to go about things that you are in need of for a lifetime.
So it’s better to invest on your personal modem that is compatible with your WOW! Internet subscription rather than paying monthly rent for years to come.
Yes, you will have to pay an overwhelming amount at once but that amount is not more than your monthly rent of a year plus you don’t have to pay anything afterward and the modem is yours.
Where to Look for Options
Besides all these payment issues, WOW! Internet, safe to say is not even providing you the best quality modem so it is quite an easy decision to buy yourself a modem that is best for your needs and budget.
But here comes the real concern that is how and where to find a suitable modem for WOW! Internet that would be in the best interest of your WOW! Internet subscription and your budget.
You can look into the WOW! internet’s official modem compatibility document but that thing often misleads because it carries a deep background of paid advertisement plans which often are not in the best interest of the users.
On the other hand, you can easily choose the best possible modem device by going through our product review part of the article that is incorporated after hefty and thorough research.
Also, these devices are tested and trusted by our product expert team in varied locations with WOW! Internet so that you don’t have to worry about the performance of these modems beforehand or after the purchase.
Now that you are up for buying a modem of your own, this article brings you not only the detailed reviews of some of the best modems for WOW! Internet but it also covers all the basic information and guidance about how to choose the right device from all these high-end modems.
So if you are buying a modem for the first time, feel free to jump into the business end of the article and help yourself buy a suitable modem device for your WOW! Internet.
1.NETGEAR Cable Modem CM1000NETGEAR Cable Modem CM1000NETGEAR Cable Modem CM1000NETGEAR Cable Modem CM1000NETGEAR Cable Modem CM1000
Features:
A handy little device capable of enhancing the quality of your gig internet plans concerning the cable internet service providers such as spectrum, Cox, etc. Known for providing high-speed internet, NETGEAR Cable Modem CM1000 comes with a highly efficient Broadcom chipset.
Also, the 128MB ROM and 256MB of Ram enhance the overall performance of the processor to a substantial level. Having said that, it is notable that if you are buying the modem for gaming, NETGEAR Cable Modem CM1000 might not be a good choice because 256MB of Ram is not going to give you much against the network congestion generated by gaming.
Besides gaming, the DOCSIS 3.1 network standard is more than good enough to provide high-speed internet with the help of other specs by offering 2×2 OFDM/OFDMA.
The device is also supported by the fallback of DOCSIS 32×8 channel bonding in normal situations.
The internet speed is where NETGEAR Cable Modem CM1000 usually takes pride and the 1GBps downloading speed speaks itself of the efficiency of the modem.
You can upload any stuff at a speed of 120MBps which more than good enough for video calling and uploading heavy stuff.
To connect the modem with a router, NETGEAR Cable Modem CM1000 is equipped with an Ethernet slot. You can also connect the device directly to an Ethernet-compatible device for your convenience.
NETGEAR Cable Modem CM1000 is one of the fee modems available in the market comes with basic as well as advanced setup sections but you don’t have to worry about the complications of the process because it comes with heavy documentation to help you through everything you need to know about.
2.ARRIS SURFboard SB6190ARRIS SURFboard SB6190ARRIS SURFboard SB6190ARRIS SURFboard SB6190ARRIS SURFboard SB6190
Features:
One of the best mid-range modem devices, ARRIS SURFboard SB6190 is a prime option for those using the 400MB WOW! internet subscription plan. Equipped with a DOCSIS 3.0 network standard which works with the 32×8 channel bonding technology to provide magnificent results.
You can also play online games because of its amazing network coverage provided by a vast spectrum of upstream and downstream channels.
One of the best traits of ARRIS SURFboard SB6190 is its reliable and over the top performance which makes it the prime choice for diverse cable network providers such as Xfinity, WOW and Cox, etc.
The overwhelming speed of 1.4GBps is more than good enough to accommodate almost every WOW internet subscription plan.
Although it is good enough to use with every package plan, it is advisable to use it with the 400Mb package plan because of its amazing lab test results with the same WOW internet plan.
On top of all that, it delivers an upload speed of almost 100MBps that means you can easily play online games as well as video calling without any hindrance.
ARRIS SURFboard SB6190 comes with a single Ethernet port to connect it with a compatible router or any other device that is compatible with the Ethernet compatible device.
ARRIS SURFboard SB6190 is considered to be one of the most user-friendly and easy-to-install modem devices available in the market. You can easily configure your ARRIS SURFboard SB6190 as well as set up IP addresses with the help of extensive guiding documentation on offer with the box.
All in all, a great device to have to boost your internet connection if you are looking for a midrange modem for a connection with an average speed of up to 400MBps.
Also, the 2-year warranty comes in handy and makes the decision to buy this highly efficient modem easier.
3.TP-Link 16×4 AC1750 (Archer CR700)TP-Link 16×4 AC1750 (Archer CR700)TP-Link 16×4 AC1750 (Archer CR700)TP-Link 16×4 AC1750 (Archer CR700)TP-Link 16×4 AC1750 (Archer CR700)
Features:
TP-Link 16×4 AC1750 is one of the few modem router combos available in the market with such a great reputation. A great option to have if you are looking to upgrade your networking system for a brand new WOW internet subscription.
The ultra-efficient dual-core chipset of TP-Link 16×4 AC1750 perfectly manages your wireless routing needs as well as networking standards.
The DOCSIS 3.0 support with the help of a 16×4 channel bonding does all the heavy work that makes the TP-Link 16×4 AC1750 the thing it is known for. The ability of the routing technology is enhanced by the built-in antennas and high-power radio amplifiers.
The 16×4 channel bonding support provides an ultimate internet speed of up to 680MBps. However, if you are using a standard network plan from WOW, this high-performance modem router combo can deliver a downloading networking speed of up to 200MBps as well as 100MBps of uploading speed which is more than good enough for video conferencing and uploading stuff.
The AC1750 wireless standard manages the coverage and speed of the network to a certain degree that translates into specific frequencies of 5GHz and 2.4 GHz that will limit the networking speed to 1300MBps and 450MBps respectively.
The channel bonding technology though limits the speed of the network, you can certainly enjoy the network coverage to 2000square feet all around.
TP-Link 16×4 AC1750 comes with four high-speed Ethernet ports to boost even the weakest signals to a higher level and also works to extend the overall range of the network.
4.ARRIS SURFboard SBG8300ARRIS SURFboard SBG8300ARRIS SURFboard SBG8300ARRIS SURFboard SBG8300ARRIS SURFboard SBG8300
Features:
If you are still confused about buying a modem device for your home-based internet plan, ARRIS SURFboard SBG8300 is going to clear your mind.
Famously known for updating its services from time to time according to the new internet plans, ARRIS SURFboard SBG8300 is something you can invest your money in without having to worry about keeping up with the wind. The high-performance modem router combo is equipped with several top-notch technologies.
The DOCSIS 3.1 standard is more than capable of providing you the best possible services of a modem while the AC2350 standards cover all aspects of a high-performance router device.
You will also get a lot from 32×8 channel bonding support as well as 2 downstream and 2 upstream channels for OFDM standards will ensure an endless supply of high speed internet even in peak hours.
ARRIS SURFboard SBG8300 is capable of providing its users a downloading speed as high as 4GBps while in normal hours you can reach up to 1GBps with WOW.
However, in terms of the routing technology of the device, the total speed you can get based entirely on Wi-Fi standards is 2350MBps on both 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz. Last but not the least, 4 integrated Ethernet ports offer a more sophisticated wired connection you could ever imagine.
5.TP-Link TC-W7960TP-Link TC-W7960TP-Link TC-W7960TP-Link TC-W7960TP-Link TC-W7960
Features:
A nearly perfect combination of modem and router designed to accommodate both gaming and your professional needs. Works on DOCSIS 3.0 platform, TP-Link TC-W7960 is one of the most durable and user-friendly devices you could ever imagine.
You can seek anything you are finding hard about the process from the website or if you are not comfortable with that, you can ask your queries from the designated customer care personnel.
TP-Link TC-W7960 is an 8×4 modem router that means it can easily handle several devices and that too while providing a prolific range of high speed internet.
The sleek and aesthetic design of the TP-Link TC-W7960 won’t charge you as much as it delivers.
Although the 343MBps may seem a bit low, it is notable that it is more than enough for gaming and streaming Hd videos plus the device is extremely inexpensive so it will certainly make for a great combo for a home-based internet plan.
You can easily access the Wi-Fi within 150ft and upload stuff anytime at 143 MBps which is more than enough for homes and small offices.
6.ARRIS SURFboard SB8200ARRIS SURFboard SB8200ARRIS SURFboard SB8200ARRIS SURFboard SB8200ARRIS SURFboard SB8200
Features:
Another high quality modem device from ARRIS, widely known for its high speed internet and ultra modern technology. Equally adequate for gaming, 4k video streaming and movies, ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 uses DOCSIS 3.1 standard to work its magic.
Although it works extremely well and efficiently, the device is comparatively small in stature. The high-performance 290/23 wireless function provides endless high-speed internet without dropping any signal.
You can stream HD quality movies and videos without any lag thanks to its ability to IPv4 and IPv6. The modem can heat up quickly if exposed to excessive gaming so it is advised to use a fan to keep the device cool at all times.
The best thing about ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 is its two integrated Ethernet ports for two isolated networks. Also, the 10Gbps downloading and 1GBps uploading speed give you the option to share your data with several devices without having to worry about the speed.
The installation process is very simple and pretty much self-activated so that you don’t have to seek help from any technical staff to configure the device to set up your home-based internet.
7.MOTOROLA 16×4 Cable Modem, Model MB7420MOTOROLA 16×4 Cable Modem, Model MB7420MOTOROLA 16×4 Cable Modem, Model MB7420MOTOROLA 16×4 Cable Modem, Model MB7420MOTOROLA 16×4 Cable Modem, Model MB7420
Features:
More of an entry-level modem device rather than a full-fledged combo, Motorola MB7420 still offers enough features and compatibility options to suit a wide range of internet service providers such as Spectrum, WOW, Xfinity, etc.
The Broadcom processor along with the DOCSIS 3.0 network standard works extremely efficiently with the support of 16×4 channel bonding technology.
Motorola MB7420 offers a maximum ideal internet speed of 686 MBps while on real terms you can reach a downloading speed of 300Mbps and uploading speed of 60MBps.
Widely known and suited for low speed internet connections, Motorola MB7420 comes with a single Ethernet port which you can use to connect any device which is compatible with Ethernet.
The installation is pretty simple and depends largely upon the internet service provider you have subscribed to. However, if you have any queries about the configuration process you can always check out the user manual to seek guidance.
8.ARRIS SURFboard SBG7600AC2ARRIS SURFboard SBG7600AC2ARRIS SURFboard SBG7600AC2ARRIS SURFboard SBG7600AC2ARRIS SURFboard SBG7600AC2
Features:
Another excellent modem router combo, equally suitable and impressive in catering to your professional as well as gaming needs.
The best thing about ARRIS SURFboard SBG7600AC2 is that it works efficiently even with higher speeds than you have initially subscribed to.
Comes in an aesthetic matte black color, ARRIS SURFboard SBG7600AC2 is designed to accommodate large external drives that you can plug into a USB port in front of the device.
The router is designed to provide 5G along with the default 2.5G that comes with the desktops. The DOCSIS 3.0 incorporated modem router combo provides consistent internet speed around 1.4GBps in downloading and 343MBps in uploading.
The latest version of McAfee anti-malware protection provides more than enough security and can easily be controlled through an app and you can see the activities of your little ones even if you are out of the city.
9.NETGEAR Cable Modem CM500NETGEAR Cable Modem CM500NETGEAR Cable Modem CM500NETGEAR Cable Modem CM500NETGEAR Cable Modem CM500
Features:
Finally something valuable and worthwhile for the ones looking for a cheaper yet exceptional alternative to a more lucrative monthly deal from WOW.
Equipped with a high-performance processor and a 128Mb RAM that ensures the issuance of high-speed internet consistently even in rush hours.
Although the device is way cheaper than its competitors, it is equipped with the standard DOCSIS 3.0 and 16×4 channel bonding support which makes this device a must-have if you are looking for a budget-friendly thing.
You can reach a speed of up to 680Mbps while downloading as claimed by NETGEAR that makes it a perfect option for the 400 package plan from WOW.
A secluded Ethernet gig port is manufactured to connect the device to a wired connection or any Ethernet compatible device.
The easy installation process with good enough speed with WOW internet plans make it one of the most favorable modem devices if you are in need of a device that saves you some extra bucks.
10.NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem Wi-Fi Router Combo C7000NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem Wi-Fi Router Combo C7000NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem Wi-Fi Router Combo C7000NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem Wi-Fi Router Combo C7000NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem Wi-Fi Router Combo C7000
Features:
Another great option for people looking for a modem router combo, NETGEAR Combo C-700 is arguably one of the best modem router combo devices available in the market.
The standard 1.6GHz processor works extremely well along with the 24×8 channel bonding support to regulate several network streams with ease. The standard DOCSIS 3.0 support provides internet with high speed consistently.
The built-in radio amplifiers are inducted to accommodate heavy traffic through 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz. The AC1900 wireless standard maximizes the router capability of the device and provides a speed of 1.3GBps on 5.0GHz and 600Mbps on 2.4GHz.
4 high-performance Ethernet gig ports allow you to connect several wireless devices plus some other Ethernet compatible devices such as smart TVs and gaming setups.
11. ARRIS SURFboard SB6183ARRIS SURFboard SB6183ARRIS SURFboard SB6183ARRIS SURFboard SB6183ARRIS SURFboard SB6183
Features:
The SURFboard SB6183 is considered one of the most complete entry-level modem devices manufactured by ARRIS. You will be better served by this standalone modem device if you choose to select a low-speed WOW internet plan.
Although it is highly compatible with several internet packages from WOW, you can get the best out of it with the 200Mbps WOW internet plan.
The dual threaded processor ensures a consistent supply of high-speed internet at all times even during the peak hours of the day.
The DOCSIS 3.0 technology along with the 16×4 channel bonding support makes SURFboard SB6183 one of the most popular among entry-level modem devices.
Although the claimed speed of ARRIS SURFboard SB6183 is 686Mbps, you can easily reach a downloading speed of 190Mbps and uploading speed of 90Mbps with the 200Mbps WOW internet plan.
ARRIS SURFboard SB6183 is also equipped with a solitary Ethernet port to connect it with a compatible router with a UTP cable. The installation and configuration process is no rocket science and you easily set up the modem for your home-based internet.
12. Motorola MB8600Motorola MB8600Motorola MB8600Motorola MB8600Motorola MB8600
Features:
MB8600 is one of the few standalone modem devices available in the market that comes with multi-gig capabilities. Equipped with the latest DOCSIS 3.1 technology, Motorola MB8600 ensures a consistent supply of high-speed internet at all times.
With the arm-based processor and sturdy hardware along with the AQM support, your device will be able to prioritize activities that need more power and are in demand.
Speaking of speed, the claimed internet speed of Motorola MB8600 is 3.4Gbps, however, that claim is an exaggeration but still, the device can hold up pretty heavy internet traffic with ease.
Though the uploading speed is limited to a max of 150Mbps, the overall performance of the device is pretty smooth.
The device is arguably one of the best in the business in terms of Ethernet ports because unlike most modem devices that come with 1 or max two ports, Motorola MB8600 is equipped with 4 Ethernet ports that make this device valuable and unique.
Buyer’s Guide
That’s a wrap from the product review part of this article. Now that you’ve known what models to choose from, it’s time to talk about some basic traits you need to consider before purchasing a device for your home-based internet.
Channel Bonding Technology
Modem channel bonding technology consists of upstream and downstream channels that mean individual channels for downloading and uploading.
Each channel in the channel bonding standard has a frequency of 6MHz and can carry an internet speed of 38Mbps. So the 16×4 can provide a speed of about 600Mbps. So more numbers mean more internet speed.
DOCSIS
There are two types of DOCSIS technologies used in contemporary modems I.e. DOCSIS 3.0 and DOCSIS 3.1. DOCSIS stands for data over cable service interface specification and it works the same as 3G or 4G works for mobile data.
DOCSIS 3.0 provides an internet speed of almost 1Gbps whereas the latest DOCSIS 3.1 is 10 times faster than the 3.0 version.
Internet Speed
The downloading and uploading speed supplied by a modem device is measured in Mbps or Gbps. The more the number, the better it will serve.
ISP compatibility
Check your modem for compatibility with several internet service providers in case you will have to change your ISP for whatever reasons in the future.
If your modem device is compatible with a bunch of different ISP’s, you will be able to change your ISP without having to change your modem device.
FAQs
Are there any router-modem combos compatible with WOW internet?
Which version of DOCSIS is best?
Do modems are designed to store internet history?
Are modem and router different devices?
Our Recommendation
All these modem or combo devices are specified by a team of professionals having expertise in the same field. So the reputation of these devices is unquestionable. Having said that if you are not really into going through everything written in the article, we’ll have you covered in that area too.
Besides the list incorporates the best modems for WOW internet in every sense, the device that stands out from our expert’s point of view is ARRIS SB8200 in terms of internet speed.
However, if you are into modem router combos, the best device you can have is TP-LINK Archer C700. That’s all from us today. Get yourself connected and enjoy.