A List of Approved Modems and Routers for Spectrum, Comcast Xfinity, Cox, Optimum, & More

While you could go with your ISP’s modem and router rental service, many consumers want the opportunity to choose a modem and router themselves. Taking on the responsibility of choosing your own router and modem has many advantages, from saving money to improving speed and Internet connectivity in your home.

However, choosing a modem and router that is approved for and works well with your ISP is essential to success should you choose to forego ISP-provided hardware. In general, the most important thing to weigh is whether your modem is compatible with your provider — a router just needs to be compatible with your modem. Here is a list of some of the more popular and highly rated approved routers and modems for some of the most popular and highly rated Internet service providers.

Understanding Key Modem and Router Features

Before picking your equipment, review these essential specs — they determine performance, compatibility, and future flexibility:

• DOCSIS 3.1 (Modern Standard): Required for most plans 300 Mbps or faster. It’s faster, more efficient, and ready for future upgrades.
• Port Speed (2.5G / 10G): Needed for 1 Gbps + plans. A 2.5G or 10G port prevents speed caps caused by standard 1 Gbps ports.
• Voice / Telephone Compatibility (eMTA): If you have a home phone bundle, choose an eMTA modem with phone jacks. Standard models won’t support voice service.
• Device Type (Standalone vs. Gateway): Standalone modems pair with a separate router and allow upgrades later. Gateways combine both for simplicity.
• Obsolescence Risk: Older DOCSIS 3.0 models are being phased out by many ISPs. Stick with DOCSIS 3.1 to stay compatible.
• WiFi Standard (e.g., WiFi 5, 6, 6E, 7): The wireless generation built into your router or gateway. Newer standards offer faster speeds, lower latency, and better range.
• Max Speed (Throughput Rating): The highest combined wireless or wired speed the device supports. Choose a model rated faster than your provider’s plan to get full performance.
• Device Type (Standalone Modem vs. Gateway): A standalone modem needs a separate router, but gives you more upgrade flexibility. A gateway combines both in one unit for simplicity.

Xfinity Approved Modems and Routers

If you already have your own router and modem, or a modem/router combo, and you have new Comcast Xfinity service, you can check Xfinity’s modem compatibility list. Otherwise, read on to find a list of approved devices.

Xfinity Approved Modems

The best modem for Xfinity often translates into what is the best modem for your needs. Below you’ll find a list of modems recommended by Xfinity.

Model	DOCSIS 3.1	Port Speed	Obsolescence Risk	Phone (eMTA)	Device Type
ARRIS SURFboard S33	Yes	2.5 Gbps	Low	No	Standalone
ARRIS SURFboard T25	Yes	1 Gbps	Medium	Yes	Standalone eMTA
ARRIS SURFboard SB8200	Yes	1 Gbps	Low	No	Standalone
Motorola MB8600	Yes	1 Gbps (bonded)	Low	No	Standalone
Motorola MB7621	No (3.0)	1 Gbps	High	No	Standalone
NETGEAR CM2050V	Yes	2.5 Gbps	Low	Yes	Standalone eMTA
NETGEAR CM2000	Yes	2.5 Gbps	Low	No	Standalone

 

Xfinity Approved Routers

Curious about which routers work best with Comcast Xfinity-approved modems? This list of modem/router combo devices recommended by Xfinity gives good guidance, but, in general, make sure your router is compatible with the modem you’re using. Also, choose a router that offers faster maximum speeds than what your plan advertises.

Model	WiFi Standard	Max Speed	Device Type	Voice Support	Best Use Case
ARRIS SURFboard G36	WiFi 6	2.5 Gbps	Gateway	No	Multi‑Gig home plans
Motorola MT8733	WiFi 6	2.5 Gbps	Gateway	Yes (2 lines)	Voice + Gig customers
NETGEAR CAX80	WiFi 6	6 Gbps	Gateway	No	High-performance households
NETGEAR CAX30	WiFi 6	3 Gbps	Gateway	No	Mid-tier plans, streaming

 

Cox Approved Modems and Routers

Have you just switched your ISP to Cox and are wondering about Cox-compatible modems and routers? If you already have your own hardware and are just wondering whether you can use your own modem and/or router with Cox, check this Cox modem compatibility list.

Cox Approved Modems

There are a number of Cox compatible modems. Here are a couple of the more popular and readily available.

Model	DOCSIS 3.1	Port Speed	Obsolescence Risk	Phone Support	Type
ARRIS SURFboard G54	Yes	10 Gbps	Very Low	No	Gateway
Motorola MB8600	Yes	1 Gbps	Low	No	Standalone
ARRIS SURFboard SB6190	No (3.0)	1 Gbps	High	No	Standalone
NETGEAR CM500	No (3.0)	1 Gbps	High	No	Standalone

 

Cox Approved Routers

To find a router that works with Cox, you need to simply ensure that it is compatible with your modem and that it supports the level of Internet speed you’ve chosen. If you’re looking for top-tier Internet speed, the routers below are capable of supporting 2 Gbps of service.

Model	WiFi Standard	Max Speed	DOCSIS 3.1	Notes
Netgear Orbi RBKE963	WiFi 6E Mesh	10.8 Gbps	N/A	Best for whole-home Cox Gigabit
Asus ET12	WiFi 6E Mesh	10 Gbps	N/A	High-end mesh system
Asus GT‑AXE16000	WiFi 6E	16 Gbps	N/A	Gaming-first router
Asus GT‑AX6000	WiFi 6	6 Gbps	N/A	Mid-range gaming router
TP-Link AXE300	WiFi 6E	10 Gbps	N/A	Top throughput, near-zero latency

 

Spectrum Approved Modems and Routers

Already have your own modem and/or router and wondering whether it’s compatible with Spectrum? Check out Spectrum’s list of approved modems. If you’re looking to buy your own modem and/or router for Spectrum Internet service, keep reading.

Spectrum Approved Modems

There are a large number of modems currently compatible with Spectrum Internet — you just make sure the one you’re considering fits your service plan.

Model	DOCSIS 3.1	Port Speed	Voice	Type	Note
ARRIS SURFboard SB8200	Yes	2 Gbps	No	Standalone	Best for Gig plan
Linksys CG7500	No (3.0)	1 Gbps	No	Gateway	For up to 500 Mbps
NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX80	Yes	2.5 Gbps	No	Gateway	DOCSIS 3.1 combo

 

Spectrum Approved Routers

If you’re planning to purchase your own equipment, opting for a two-in-one modem and router combo device is a great way to get the reliability and speed you need. Here are some options that are compatible with Spectrum.

Model	WiFi Standard	Device Type	Max Speed	Voice	Best Plan Tier
NETGEAR C7800	WiFi 5	Gateway	3 Gbps	No	Up to Gig
ASUS CMAX6000	WiFi 6	Gateway	6 Gbps	No	Ultra tier
Motorola MG8725	WiFi 6E	Gateway	2.5 Gbps	No	Top-end plans

 

Optimum Approved Modems and Routers

If you’re wondering, “Can I use my own router with Optimum?” or “Can I use my own modem with Optimum?”, the answer is yes! Follow these instructions to connect your approved Optimum modem and router to Optimum’s Internet service. If you’re wondering what Optimum-approved modem or router to buy, read on.

Optimum Approved Modems

Depending on the service you’ve chosen and your household’s needs, here are a few excellent modem choices for Optimum customers.

Model	DOCSIS 3.1	Port Speed	Obsolescence Risk	Type
ARRIS SURFboard S33	Yes	2.5 Gbps	Low	Standalone
NETGEAR CM1000	Yes	1 Gbps	Medium	Standalone
ARRIS SURFboard SB8200	Yes	1 Gbps	Low	Standalone
Motorola MG8702	Yes	2 Gbps	Low	Gateway

 

Optimum Approved Routers

Here are a few routers that will work well with Optimum-compatible modems.

Model	WiFi Standard	Max Speed	Device Type	Best Use Case
NETGEAR AX6000 CAX80	WiFi 6	6 Gbps	Gateway	Multi‑Gig plan
ARRIS SURFboard G36	WiFi 6	2.5 Gbps	Gateway	Future‑proof setup
Linksys CG7500	WiFi 5	1 Gbps	Gateway	Mid-tier plan
ASUS CM‑32	WiFi 5	3 Gbps	Gateway	Performance gaming

 

Xtream Powered by Mediacom Approved Routers and Modems

Mediacom does allow residential customers to provide their own routers and modems. However, modems and routers must be DOCSIS 3.0 or 3.1, or they won’t work, and Mediacom specifically recommends 3.1 so customers can hit the advertised speeds. To find the right option, see Mediacom’s list of compatible devices.

Xtream Powered by Mediacom Approved Modems

Here are a handful of high-quality modems that will work well with Mediacom Internet.

Model	DOCSIS	Port Speed	Type	Comments
ARRIS SURFboard SB8200	3.1	2 Gbps	Standalone	Fastest support
NETGEAR CM1000	3.1	1 Gbps	Standalone	Mid‑tier suitable
Motorola MB8600	3.1	1 Gbps	Standalone	Reliable DOCSIS 3.1 option

 

Xtream Powered by Mediacom Approved Routers

Here are some routers to consider pairing with your Xtream-compatible modem.

Model	WiFi Standard	Device Type	Max Speed	Notes
NETGEAR CAX30	WiFi 6	Gateway	3 Gbps	Balanced combo
NETGEAR CAX80	WiFi 6	Gateway	6 Gbps	Premium DOCSIS 3.1 choice

 

Sparklight Approved Modems and Routers

Sparklight advises customers who do not rent their modems and routers from them to ensure they are at least a DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem. Only cable modems (or eMTAs) work with Sparklight. DSL modems are not supported. Not sure if what you have has the right technology? Look through Sparklight’s list of compatible devices here.

Sparklight Approved Modems

When it comes to picking the right modem for your Sparklight Internet service, keep in mind the advertised speed and specs of your service plan. Make sure your modem can do at least what your service plan advertises.

Model	DOCSIS 3.1	Port Speed	Obsolescence	Type
ARRIS SB8200	Yes	1 Gbps	Low	Standalone
NETGEAR CM2000	Yes	2.5 Gbps	Very Low	Standalone
Hitron CODA56	Yes	2.5 Gbps	Low	Standalone

 

Sparklight Approved Routers

These routers pair well with the approved Sparklight modems above for fast household WiFi.

Model	WiFi Standard	Device Type	Max Throughput	Note
ARRIS G34	WiFi 6	Gateway	4 Gbps	Reliable DOCSIS 3.1
NETGEAR C7800	WiFi 5	Gateway	3 Gbps	VR and HD capable
NETGEAR CBR750	WiFi 6 Mesh	Gateway	4.2 Gbps	Mesh‑ready with built‑in modem

 

Armstrong Approved Modems and Routers

Armstrong provides all-in-one devices for all their customers free of charge, but if you want to use your own modem and/or router to improve performance, be sure to purchase an Armstrong-compatible modem.

Armstrong Approved Modems

Armstrong has some remarkably fast Internet service. These modems can help make sure those advertised speeds are a reality in your home.

Model	DOCSIS 3.1	Port Speed	Obsolescence	Type
ARRIS SURFboard SB8200	Yes	2 Gbps	Low	Standalone
NETGEAR CM1000	Yes	1 Gbps	Low	Standalone

 

Armstrong Approved Routers

Though Armstrong subscribers do receive a mesh system with two pods to provide WiFi service, you are able to use your own routers. Here are some routers to use alongside your Armstrong-compatible modems.

Model	WiFi Standard	Max Speed	Device Type	Ideal Use
TP-Link AX6600	WiFi 6	6.6 Gbps	Router	Premium choice
ASUS AC1900	WiFi 5	1.9 Gbps	Router	Budget-friendly

 

MCTV (Ohio) Approved Modems and Routers

MCTV high-speed Internet requires a cable modem. Customers can supply their own, or they can use one provided by MCTV, free of charge. MCTV’s list of compatible modems favors DOCSIS 3.0 and 3.1 modems.

MCTV (Ohio) Approved Modems

MCTV’s compatible cable modems are listed below according to speed rating and DOCSIS version.

Model	DOCSIS Version	Speed Support	Type	Notes
ARRIS DG1670A	3.0	500 Mbps	Standalone	Reliable for mid-tier plans
ARRIS 6900	3.0	300 Mbps	Gateway	Entry-level combo

 

MCTV Approved Routers

Which routers work best with MCTV-approved modems? Almost any — just be sure your router is compatible with the modem you’re using. Here are a couple of routers that should ensure WiFi as fast as your plan advertises.

Model	WiFi Standard	Max Speed	Device Type	Comments
TP‑Link Archer A20	WiFi 5	1.8 Gbps +	Router	Fast dual 5 GHz bands
NETGEAR Nighthawk R7000	WiFi 5	1.9 Gbps	Router	Parental controls included

 

Is it Better to Buy Your Own Modem and Router?

Regardless of whether you’re hoping to save money or improve your Internet experience, supplying your own modem, router, or two-in-one modem/router combo can make a lot of sense.

The decision to buy or rent equipment ultimately comes down to the rental price, the quality of the devices, and what you’re looking to get out of your Internet plan.

There are dozens of Internet service providers out there, but it’s likely that, depending on where you live, you only have a handful — or fewer — to choose from.

Follow this guide to find the best options for your ISP, and if you’re looking for a new Internet provider, let SmartMove help.