You can’t really talk about high-quality cable modems and fail to mention Netgear. This brand is known for providing high-speed, reliable cable modems for different uses, from light office work to heavy home-gaming sessions.
Among Netgear’s most popular cable modems are the CM600, CM700, and CM1000.
These cable modems have multiple similar features that make them excellent choices for various settings.
However, there are also some differences, especially in terms of hardware capabilities and speed, that you should know about.
In this review, we’ll pit the three cable modems against each other, comparing their features, performance and value.
After reading this article, you’ll have a pretty good idea of the ideal cable modem to buy for your particular situation.
Comparison Table
Last update on 2023-03-22 at 17:30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Overview of Netgear CM600
- COMPATIBLE WITH ALL MAJOR CABLE INTERNET PROVIDERS: Including certification by Xfinity by Comcast, COX, and Spectrum. NOT compatible with Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, DSL providers, DirecTV, DISH and any bundled voice service.
- SAVE MONTHLY RENTAL FEES: Model CM600 replaces your cable modem saving you up to $168/yr in equipment rental fees.
- BUILT FOR FAST SPEED: Best for cable provider plans up to 960 Mbps speed.
Last update on 2023-03-22 at 17:30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Let me tell you one thing from the very beginning: The CM600 is one of the most reliable and stable cable modems among all brands (not only among Netgear’s models).
It is powered by Broadcom BCM3384 chipset, and unlike the Intel Puma 6 chipsets, the Broadcom is super stable and reliable.
If your Internet speed subscription is up to 400Mbps, the CM600 will be one of the best value for money options in the market.
This is a high-speed cable modem that can stream HD/UHD videos or allow you to play online games at amazing speeds.
The modem looks appealing in its beveled body with ventilation openings on the sides. The device also comes with a reset button and on/off switch, something that most modem manufacturers ignore.
At the back, the modem has coaxial connection port, a power input port, and a Gigabit Ethernet port (in addition to the reset and on/off buttons of course).
The CM600 is quite a performer compared to other modems in its category. This device is 24×8 DOCSIS 3.0 which currently supports almost all cable ISP providers in the USA (or other countries with cable service).
The status LED panel on the front left bevel will help you to detect device network connections, uplink, downlink etc.
However, while most modems come with a 2-year warranty, the CM600 only has a 1-year warranty.
Moreover, the CM600’s maximum operating temperature is 104°F. Since modems tend to run hot sometimes, the device can heat up if it’s not placed in a well-ventilated area.
Overview of Netgear CM700
- Compatible with all major cable internet providers: Including certification by Xfinity by Comcast, COX, and Spectrum. Not compatible with Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, DSL providers, DirecTV, DISH and any bundled voice service.
- Save monthly rental fees: Model CM700-1AZNAS replaces your cable modem saving you up to 168 Dollars/year in equipment rental fees.
- Speeds by carrier: Xfinity (up to 800Mbps), Cox (up to 500Mbps), Spectrum (up to 400Mbps).
Last update on 2023-03-22 at 15:40 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Netgear CM700 stands out in a robust design featuring sharp lines and vent holes. The modem is compatible with various ISPs and offers connection speeds of up to 500 Mbps.
The CM700 is easy to install, comes with a 1-year warranty as well and will improve your internet surfing experience.
Moreover, it has excellent load capabilities and manages a 1.4 Gbps high-speed throughput through its 32×8 channel bonding. This is theoretical however as we will describe below.
The modem has four self-governing cores, each providing a high operation throughput.
If you have a speed internet plan of up to 500 Mbps, the CM700 is a good choice. However, if your Internet plan is lower than 400 Mbps, I would recommend the CM600 model instead (see below for my explanation).
Unlike most modems, the CM700 comes with an inbuilt-stand. Therefore, it doesn’t take a lot of space wherever you place it. To use space efficiently, set the modem in an upright position.
Despite its power, the CM700 runs cool thanks to its well-ventilated housing and quality construction. Still, you should place the modem in an open area to prevent it from getting heated by other appliances.
Overview of Netgear CM1000
- Compatible with all major cable internet providers with internet speed up to 1Gbps. Currently certified with Spectrum and Cox (up to 1Gbps), Xfinity (up to 800Mbps). Not compatible with Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, DSL providers, DirecTV, DISH and any bundled voice service.
- Save monthly rental fees: Model CM1000 replaces your cable modem saving you up to dollar 168/year in equipment rental fees.
- Works with any Wi-Fi router: Connect any Wi-Fi router to this modem's Ethernet port to support all your wireless devices.
Last update on 2023-03-22 at 18:40 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is the only DOCSIS 3.1 model in our comparison article here and the only one supporting Gigabit cable Internet plans (only DOCSIS 3.1 modems support actual Gigabit speeds).
The Netgear CM1000 used to be one of the fastest cable modems on the market a few years ago, but it is still a great option for Gigabit plans.
Although you will find some newer modems that support speeds above 1 Gig, currently there are no ISP providers that offer more than 1 Gigabit Internet plans (and even if they offer such plans in the future, I believe it will be a waste of money because 1 Gig is still more than enough).
The modem’s edges are a little sharp and its indicator panel at the front is made from a shiny aluminum.
The router is compatible with DOCSIS 3.1 system, which means it can be used for Gigabit Internet plans from all major cable providers in the world.
You will get the best performance in densely populated urban centers where 1Gbps Xfinity or similar services are available. Moreover, you’ll need a separate router for the Wi-Fi, just like the other two modems in this article.
The design of the CM1000’s back is simple and includes a power switch, reset button, the coaxial connection, and one Gigabit Ethernet connection.
Netgear CM600 vs CM700
Main Similarities
The Netgear CM600 and CM700 cable modems have a lot in common.
Starting with the design, both cable modems are black and have cutouts of the sides for ventilation. The devices are sold with a 1-year warranty and are using DOCSIS 3.0 technology.
The two modems have a gigabit Ethernet port that you can use to connect them to your home WiFi router, and are compatible with all major ISPs.
Main Differences
Channel Bonding. Netgear CM600 offers 24 download channels and 8 upload channels (i.e., 24×8 channel bonding). On the other hand, the CM700 has 32×8 channel bonding.
Speed. The CM600 can reach maximum speeds of 400 Mbps, while the CM700 reaches speeds of 500 Mbps.
Size. The CM700 is slightly larger than the CM600. Therefore, it takes a little bit more space but can handle massive traffic.
Editor’s Note
While the CM700 beats the CM600 in terms of upload and download stream as well as speed, it uses the infamous Intel Puma 6 chipset, while the CM600 uses the excellent Broadcom chipset.
The Puma 6 chipset is defective as it allows high spikes in network latency quite often, which makes websites feel sluggish or to not load as fast. On the other hand, the Broadcom chipset running in the CM600 is much more reliable.
Pros and Cons
The Netgear CM600 is compatible with the major internet service providers (ISPs) networks and has a power button. However, its display faces left instead of straight forward. This can make monitoring the network quite inconvenient.
Coming to the Netgear CM700, this upgraded cable modem blows the CM600 in terms of download speeds. However, there have been reports of the modem failing after some years of use. Moreover, you may encounter poor internet speeds, which is a problem with modems that run on the Puma 6 chipset.
Verdict
If your Internet plan is up to 400Mbps, there is no question that the CM600 is a better choice. Get the CM700 only if you have a 500Mbps plan.
See our Recommended Model at Amazon
Netgear CM600 vs CM1000
Main Similarities
The Netgear CM1000 is a major upgrade of the CM600 cable modem. However, the two cable modems have a similar design, work with the major ISPs, and handle multiple connected devices well.
Both cable modems are sold with a warranty of 1 year.
Main Differences
Speed. The CM1000 is fast and can reach 1 Gbps download speeds, which is more than double that of the CM600’s 400 Mbps.
Channel bonding. The CM1000 has a 32×8 channel bonding on DOCSIS 3.0 and also supports DOCSIS3.1, all these compared to CM600’s 24×8 channel bonding.
Pricing. As expected, the CM1000 is more expensive than the CM600. One of the reasons for this is that it’s integrated with DOCSIS 3.1 technology, which is many times faster and more reliable than the DOCSIS 3.0 technology that the CM600 is certified for.
Pros and Cons
The CM600 is a robust cable modem. However, its speed is capped at 400 Mbps, which is quite low compared to the CM1000’s 1 Gbps.
On the other hand, while the CM1000 will amaze you with its download speeds, it’s quite expensive.
Verdict
If you want to be future-proof in terms of speed upgradeability, then get the CM1000. However, if you want a value-for-money device and your Internet plan will never get above 400 Mbps, then buy the CM600 instead.
Netgear CM700 vs CM1000
Main Similarities
The Netgear CM700 and the CM1000 follow a pretty similar design pattern. Both cable modems feature a polyhedron shape, have soft corners, and are finished in a black matte that does not leave fingerprints.
The CM700 and CM1000 are compatible with the major cable providers, have fast download and streaming speeds and use the latest data transfer technologies.
Also, both cable modems have a 32×8 channel bonding.
Main Differences
Speed. The CM1000 is designed for plans of up to 1 Gbps while the CM700 reaches speeds of up to 500 Mbps.
Size and build. The CM1000 is a little taller, its stand feels more solid and the LED indicators are on the left-hand side at the front.
Editor’s Note
You may be surprised that the CM700 has an advertised download speed of 1.4 Gbps while the CM1000’s speed is 1 Gbps.
Well, the 1.4 Gbps is the theoretical maximum speed of the CM700’s interface. However, the ethernet port is limited to allow speeds of up to 1 Gbps. Therefore, do not expect your CM700 to reach the advertised download speed.
Pros and Cons
The CM1000 was the first Netgear cable modem that came with DOCSIS 3.1 technology. The device is also backward compatible with DOCSIS 3.0, which allows you to take advantage of the fastest internet from your ISP.
Moreover, the CM1000 is powered by the reliable Broadcom chipset, whereas the CM700 uses the faulty Intel Puma 6.
However, the CM1000 is more expensive than then CM700. Moreover, while the DOCSIS 3.1 technology has the capability to go past the Gigabit speed, you won’t be getting it with this modem because of the Gigabit Ethernet port is limited to 1 Gbps.
Verdict
If you have the budget, then definitely get the CM1000 instead of CM700. The former is faster and more reliable with the Broadcom chipset.
See our Recommended Model at Amazon
Which Cable Modem Should You Buy?
The Netgear CM600, CM700, and CM1000 are all excellent cable modems that can handle intensive load traffic.
These modems are built sturdily, provide high-speed internet connection and their warranty is valid for one year.
Of the three, the CM1000 is the most advanced, thanks to its DOCSIS 3.1 technology that can support speeds of up to 1 Gbps. However, it is also the most expensive.
Our take: if you are all about performance, this would be the best device to buy.
The CM700 offers a good bargain between performance and value. However, it is powered by the Puma 6 chipset, which has been found to lead to some network problems. With this cable modem, everything works great until the Puma 6 chipset starts acting up.
Finally, the CM600 is a formidable device, offering decent speeds of up to 400 Mbps. This cable modem is also the cheapest amongst the three and can handle multiple connections well. If you are on a budget, get the Netgear CM600.
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