Jump to: [Side by Side Comparison] | [Best Combo Modem] [Best Spectrum Modem] [Best Budget Modem] [Compatible Routers]
To save you time, we bring you the top 3 best cable modems approved for Spectrum. No need to waste time with a long confusing top 10 list full of extra modems you should never even think about buying. These are the best modems required and matched to the speed plan you subscribed to. No overselling, save money by getting the modem that is right for your Spectrum home internet plan.
We will start with an easy to read comparison chart displaying all of the key features you should be looking at when making a choice as to which modem you will need for your Spectrum account.
Spectrum Approved Modems Compared
| Brand | ARRIS | Netgear | Netgear |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model | SB6183 | CM600 | C7000 |
| Channels | 16×4 | 24×8 | 24×8 |
| Download | 300Mbps | 400Mbps | 400Mbps |
| Upload | 131 Mbps | 262 Mbps | 262 Mbps |
| WiFi | No WiFi | No WiFi | Wireless AC1900 |
| DOCSIS 3.0 | YES | YES | YES |
| Weight | 1.4 pounds | 1.91 pounds | 3.43 pounds |
| Dimensions | 2.5 x 8.5 x 7.8 in | 7.2 x 10.2 x 4.5 in | 11.61 x 11.02 x 3.94 in |
| Color | Black | Black | Black |
| Spectrum Approved | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Amazon | Amazon | Amazon |
| Note: If you have a voice package these modems will not work. If you have a Gigabit plan, these modems will not be enough. Spectum has not approved any retail modems for these plans. | |||
Spectrum requires you to have at least a DOCSIS 3.0 modem for compatibility and their maximum download speeds, a minimum of 16 bonded download channels. These modems are all at least DOCSIS 3.0 with a minimum of 16 bonded download channels for maximum performance with the Ultimate Plan provided by Charter Spectrum Time Warner internet.
When it comes to buying your own modem for Spectrum, it really comes down to matching a compatible modem with the speed you pay for. There are a lot of modems out there and many are on the bad modem list. So if you stick to these Spectrum approved high-quality brand name tried and tested certified modems from trusted manufacturers, everything will be OK. I used the ARRIS for years before upgrading to the Netgear with wireless.
As for DOCSIS 3.1 with Spectrum, here is a quote directly from them telling you they have not approved any devices of this class so you must rent from them.
1 Netgear C7000 Combo Modem Router
- Modem: Netgear C7000
- Down/Up Channels: 24×8
- Download Speed: 400 Mbps
- Upload Speed: 262 Mbps
- Wireless Modem: Yes, built in Router
- Spectrum Approved: Yes
- Source: Data Sheet
Pros:
- Best combo modem router
- Ready for 400Mbps
- WiFi router built in
- Plug & Play
- Time Warner Approved
- Spectrum Approved
Cons:
- Can’t use your own router
With speeds up to Spectrum’s 400MB Ultra, this combo modem router is a full-on gateway for the Time Warner Spectrum Cable DOCSIS 3.0 network. It has a built-in wireless router, also known as a combo modem or a gateway modem. It is fully compatible with Spectrum as a router and modem. Extremely fast 24 bonded download channels for a max download speed of 400Mbps and 8 bonded upload channels.
This is the modem for most cable users because it has a built-in wireless router. It is wireless AC1900 and will serve a small apartment or 3 bedrooms without a problem.
I would still get the modem and router separate myself as explained below but for your purposes, this set up should be perfect.2 Netgear CM600 Cable Modem
- Modem: Netgear CM600
- Down/Up Channels: 24×8
- Download Speed: 400Mbps
- Upload Speed: 262Mbps
- Wireless Modem: Router Required
- Spectrum Approved: Yes
- Source: Data Sheet
Pros:
- Best future proofed modem
- Ready Spectrum Ultra and 400Mbps
- Use your own router
- Plug & Play
- Time Warner Compatible
- Spectrum Approved
Cons:
- Highest cost
The Netgear CM600 is the best standalone modem for the Spectrum Cable DOCSIS 3.0 network. Fully approved for up to 400Mbps download speed package with Spectrum Ultra and 400Mbps. It has 24 bonded download channels and 8 bonded upload channels. If you do not have Spectrum 400Mbps, you should get the cheaper Surfboard SB6183 mentioned next.
3 ARRIS SB6183 Cable Modem
- Modem: ARRIS SB6183
- Down/Up Channels: 16×4
- Download Speed: 686 Mbps
- Upload Speed: 131 Mbps
- Wireless Modem: No, Router Required
- Spectrum Approved: Yes
- Source: Data Sheet
Pros:
- Best current modem
- Most common issued
- Use your own router
- Plug & Play
- Spectrum Compatible
Cons:
- Only 16×4 CHannels
- Lower Top Speed
- Separate Router Required
With speeds up to 300Mbps, the Arris SB6183 is the best current standalone modem for Time Warner Cable or Spectrum. It is Spectrum approved up to Ultra and 300Mbps download speed package. It has 16 bonded download channels and 4 bonded upload channels for a max download speed capable of 300Mbps.
Note: You can not get a modem below this one because Spectrum plans on upgrading all of their customers to 200Mbps speeds by the end of 2018 and if you get a lower bonded channel modem, it will cease to work.
Do I Need A Router With Spectrum?
Maybe you’re confused about the difference between a modem, combo modem, and router. This can be a little daunting to the nontech savvy. However, it is pretty easy to figure out.
- Modem: Required no matter what to access internet.
- Router: Used with the modem and required to turn internet wireless, aka WiFi.
- Combo Modem Router: Both of those devices in one.
In summary, you do need a wireless router to use WiFi. The modem is the device to bring the internet into your home but the router is the device to send it to your computer, TV, or phone via wireless signal. So you do need a modem and a router. You can buy them separately or together in what is known as a “combo modem router”. That part is up to you. Both work just the same. The main reason you would buy them separate is if you have a large home because a standalone router can be much more powerful.
Best Spectrum Routers Chart
| Model | R6080 | RT-AC66U | RT-AC88U | RT-AC5300 | GT-AX11000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wireless Bandwidth | AC1000 | AC1750 | AC3100 | AC5300 | AX11000 |
| Bands | 300+700 Mbps | 450+1300 Mbps | 1000+2100 Mbps | 1000+2167+2167 Mbps | 1148+2400+2400 Mbps |
| Band Channels | Dual Band | Dual Band | Dual Band | Tri Band | Tri Band |
| Ethernet Ports | 4 | 4 | 8 | 4 | 5 |
| Coverage | Apartment | 2-3 Bedroom | 3-4 Bedroom | Multi-Story Home | Largest House |
| CPU | 880MHz | 1GHz | 1.4GHz Dual Core | 1.4GHz Dual Core | 1.8GHz Quad-Core |
| RAM | 64MB | 256MB | 512MB | 512MB | 1GB |
| USB Ports | No | 2+3.0 | 2+3.0 | 2+3.0 | 3.1 (x2) |
| Gaming | No | Acceptable | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Spectrum Approved | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Amazon | Price | Price | Price | Price | Price |
USB Ports.
The single device combo modem is great unless you want added extras such as the ability to plug an external hard drive into your router and create a network share for backing up your computers. That alone is reason enough for me to get the modem and router separately. This could be unnecessary for you and well beyond your needs, get the combo modem. You can also plug a printer into the USB and have it in the room with the wireless router.
Easier To Manage or More Flexibility.
The combo unit is also a lot fewer wires, and many want this. I do not mind the extra wires and it even gives me the ability to put my cable modem in one area of the house where the coaxial cable comes into the home, and then use a long cat5 ethernet cable to place my wireless router in a more central location with a better range to cover my whole apartment. So the extra wire is a savior in some situations like when you do not want your wifi router next to your cable modem. The two separate units are helpful if you ever have any issues, you only replace one unit. If you ever switch to DSL and need a different modem, you already have a router, etc.
The choice is yours. Again, if you want simple and do not need advanced options and live in an average-sized apartment or house, get the combo gateway modem.
To get faster more reliable home WiFi with Spectrum you must buy your own replacement Spectrum compatible modem and router. However, there are several possibilities and options to choose from based on your specific situation. So, what cable modem and router works best with Spectrum?
Spectrum offers high-speed cable internet in several regions throughout the US. In return, they have a large customer base of subscribers who rent equipment and are looking for a replacement modem or simply put, the best cheap approved Spectrum modem. Check out this chart for the differences.
If you want to see exactly what modem Spectrum uses, or router, here is their official list so that you may compare provided devices versus replacement devices listed below. You’ll see that many of them are very outdated or on the bad modem list which is why you’ll want to buy your own replacement modem router.
Spectrum Voice Modem
At this time, there are no options or winners when it comes to buying your own voice modem for Spectrum. The retail options are old and outdated combo units that we cannot recommend or may no longer be authorized with Spectrum. They must be listed on the authorized devices. We think they do this so you are stuck with renting their modem.
What we really suggest is canceling the voice package so that you may actually buy the best possible modem and router for Spectrum Time Warner Cable.
John Levat says
I am completely baffled by all of this. I have Spectrum Wifi internet and phone and use their equipment. I would love to buy my own equipment, but can’t find a combo Wifi/Phone piece of equipment. So, what do I buy and what do I need to do to buy my own equipment, but also have phone?
StickyStatic says
They have not approved and modems with a phone line enabled. This is their way of keeping you stuck in their rental program paying monthly fees.
Rajan says
Will Netgear Orbi mesh Router will work for Spectrum cable internet?
StickyStatic says
Absolutely. The Orbi will work for any internet provider. The router plugs into the modem and is not dependent on their system at all.
Sherry Shapiro says
I have a 3 story home and now have Spectrum wireless, internet cable, and phone service. I would like to buy my own equipment. My equipment is located on my lowest floor. I have 200 mpg ability as well as upcoming 5G. What kind of equipment and setup would you suggest to work with Spectrum? I am not a tekkie but can hookup equipment with manuals!
StickyStatic says
The problem with Spectrum phone service is they limit you to their own rental equipment. You can still buy your own router but you will need to use the modem they provide.
Scott Zimmerman says
Will a Spectrum rented DVR work with a purchased ASUS RT-AC5300?
StickyStatic says
The DVR may still need a direct coaxial cable connection from the wall for TV services but as far as WiFi or ethernet connection, yes. It will work with any router.
wren says
Great info. Do you know if any specific routers will auto connect when powered up, or will I have to call spectrum after powering it up to connect?
StickyStatic says
For the stand-alone routers with Spectrum, you would just plug it into your existing Spectrum modem and it will automatically pick up the internet connection from the modem. It will also automatically start casting a wireless signal but you will have to check the bottom of the router for login information.
For the combo modem router, you would plug it into the cable coax coming into your house and it will automatically pick up the connection but you will need to call Spectrum and give them the MAC Address printed on the bottom of the modem router so they can add it to your account.
Allen says
Is there an arris or other type of tv cable box (receiver) that can be purchased instead of renting from Spectrum?
StickyStatic says
This information is about the internet connection. As for cable TV boxes, you would have to look for that specifically.
Gail Green says
All I know is that the Spectrum Arris equipment is not working for me. I live in a 2000 apartment with the modem and such on one side, giving me no reception (internet, etc) on the other with an elevator core in between. I am definitely not technical-minded so all I know is that I need something strong and not too expensive to do the job. Would you mind just recommending to me the elements you believe would work for me?
StickyStatic says
With each house being setup different, it’s no guarantee anything will ever penetrate your elevator core. As we always recommend, a long hardwire to a secondary router on the other side of the solid wall in the middle of your home would recast the wifi signal without any obstacles ensuring full coverage.
Aaron Wright says
The cable modem you are talking about is great for my Netgear. I was setting this modem up with my Netgear router and I faced no issues. I was actually surprised at how easy it was because I have never done this before but thanks to you it was easy!
KATHY HELMS says
Hi, I’m wondering if I buy a sagemcom fast 5260 router off eBay if it will work or does spectrum block their own routers like Time warner used to?
Mike says
I have a 7 year old Apple Airport router. My home is large and Apple can’t seem to handle the demand. What modem and router should I demand from Spectrum.
StickyStatic says
I’m not sure demanding equipment from them will work. It’s best to buy your own modem/router. But the guide should help with your house and size requirements.
Elana says
The AC1750 can be more than efficient in a normal household situation, however, we still suggest AC5300 because of its functionality/features. With the upgraded device, you can achieve speeds of 1 GBPS easily with optimal coverage of the entire home. Sure the AC5300 is a bit expensive, but if you compare it side by side, it is worth every penny. With this specific router, you just plug and play and it is compatible with the Spectrum modem.
Elijah says
Hello, I found your post and it has a lot of good information and I appreciate all the hard work you put into!
I recently set up a spectrum modem, and as far as I can tell, its a Ubee model E31U2V1 on DOCSIS 3.1, though I am only subscribed to an internet service, no voice. It works perfectly when wired directly to my PC, and there seems to be no problem with my modem or internet connection.
I also went and bought the NetGear R6080 AC1000, which is on your list of recommended router options. However, I cannot get it to connect for the life of me. Everytime I try to set it up connected to the WLAN port, the set-up app cannot establish an internet connection through DHCP, and implies that it is either a static IP or PPoE connection, though everything I read says spectrum works through DHCP. I have also tried disconnecting everything, resetting the modem and router, and following the step wise connection process, and still it fails to connect to the internet.
I was curious if you had any advice or next steps I should take in trying to set up my wi-fi network.
StickyStatic says
When you say set-up app, are you talking about on your phone?
If you connect the modem to the router WAN(Wide Area Network) port, the router should be automatically connected to the internet. Plug N Play, no setup needed. But if you are using a phone app, you are still steps away because you must first connect to the router wifi signal itself. The default SSID and passkey should be on the router or in the manual. Once connected to the wireless signal, well there is nothing really more to do. You could try this once the router is connected to the modem. On your computer/laptop/phone look for the new strong WiFi network, connect, type in the password on the sticker from the router or in the manual and you’re on.
Monica Reinhart says
Hi. I have a 940 sq. Ft. House and have had a lot of trouble with wifi. They’ve been here and tried 4 different modems and routers and show a good signal on their phones while they’re here but it is bad for us again after they leave. (I have an sb6183 and they suggested we use their free modem, arris1602) so I just used my Netgear N600 router and it hasn’t been any worse than their stuff, yet still poor. We’re tired of this overpriced, poor internet, want to drop TV with them, but need reliable internet. We just purchased the AC1750 and in a test after hooking up, we got 78mb. That night, I was on 4g. Every day since, for a week, it’s about 47, if it doesn’t drop altogether. We ran a coax through the house to move it closer to where we need it, to test, and it’s no different. The actual signal on my phone always shows full and strong, but the upload/download lights disappear frequently and can’t even play on Facebook as it’s constantly “loading” I don’t know if the lights are supposed to blink on the router, but now, 1 flutters. Some days, more than 1. Roku won’t hold a steady signal and is constantly loading. It’s very frustrating, especially when they just want to send someone out again and they ALL say something different. They supposedly sent one guy last year, that had many years of experience. He was rude and was here 3 hours, checked everything and we still had nothing. While I’m typing this, my wifi dropped, I’m on 4g and 10 ft from the modem/router. I looked at router again and 2 lights out of 4 are lit up and 1 is flash8ng faster. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
StickyStatic says
Hello, as for blinking lights, it’s normal and shows activity on the device. The N600 is a very old and weak router so one should expect wireless drops and low signal strength when dealing with this device. The AC1750 should be able to provide optimal coverage for this house. There are a few channels on the router, 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz. You may need to use an app and determine where your signal issues come into play and connect to a different wireless band based on the signal strength in that location. It may even be a good idea to check the channel strength and change it in the router based on the test you can run with this app.
Here is our guide and a tool to check these wireless options. Change the wireless channel guide.
Walt H says
Hi! Slightly off-kilter question for you…
today I (AGAIN!) have found spectrum has replaced my “preferred” DNS provider with THEIR garbage (AND now, have locked out the edit function). they also bumped my LAN IP addresses around (which throws my wi-fi printer and other items off the network (AGAIN!!!))… (BTW, I’m tied into them ONLY by my network connection – I have ‘outsourced” my TV and phone)
quite honestly, I’m OVER their heavy-handedness, when it comes to MY home network (I just switched from windoze to Linux for the same reason!).
Upshot of it all – WHAT happens if I buy or use a “NOT Spectrum approved” router (I’m willing to leave the modem here, but beyond THAT point, they really should not be allowed further)?
or buying a router with more than one company’s stamp of approval?
I guess that I’m looking for a way to lock THEM out from where they don’t belong…
Any help would be much appreciated!
StickyStatic says
Yeah, you can use any other router than theirs and they will not be able to force any settings changes on your home network. That would really throw a wrench in our local network settings if they started changing our private IP addresses. I have all my devices set up with static local IP’s.