Best Modem For Spectrum + Approved Routers 2018

Spectrum offers high speed cable internet in several regions throughout the US. In return, they have a large customer base of subscribers who rent cable modems and are looking for a replacement modem or approved Spectrum router to save money on rental fees. Modem renters can save $10 a month by simply buying their own approved modem or combo modem router and replacing the one that Spectrum rents to them. This is the best option, but there is one catch, it must be approved for Spectrum, such as these compatible modems and routers recommended.

Spectrum requires you to have at least a DOCSIS 3.0 modem for compatibility and for 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 Spectrum Time Warner internet.

Spectrum Router

1. The Cheap Spectrum Router: [NETGEAR R6080]
   AC1000: Small apartment or small 2 bedroom one story home.
   Cheapest and lowest you should go with today’s available devices.
2. The Average Approved Router: [Netgear R6700]
   AC1750: Normal apartment or normal 3 bedroom one story home. One of the most common routers due to its versatility in most living situations.
3. The Strong WiFi Router: [ASUS AC3100]
   AC3100: Normal multi floor 2 or 3 bedroom home. Now we’re starting to talk power for your average American cookie cutter home.
4. The Strongest Spectrum Router: [AC5300]
   AC5300: Large 2 to 3 story American dream home. This is as strong as it gets for routers, perfect for most American homes.
5. The Ultimate Router: [Wireless Mesh]
   OVER 9000: If you have a large home or mansion. This is not just a router, this is “wireless mesh”, the newest in wireless. Business strength solutions brought to the home consumer level. Works with Spectrum.

Spectrum Compatible Modems

1

Fastest Spectrum Modem

With speeds up to 1.4Gbps, the Arris SB6190 is the best future proofed standalone modem for the Spectrum Cable DOCSIS 3.0 network. Fully approved for over the highest Ultimate download speed package and ready for next generation speeds. It has 32 bonded download channels and 8 bonded upload channels for a max download speed capable of 1.4Gbps and upload speeds up to 262Mbps. If you do not care about being future proofed for the speeds of tomorrow, you should get the Surfboard SB6183 mentioned next.

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Brand:	Arris	Pros:
Model:	SB6190	Best future proofed modem Ready for Gig Speeds Use your own router Plug & Play Time Warner Compatible Spectrum Approved
Down/Up Channels:	32×8
Download Speed:	1.4Gbps
Upload Speed:	262Mbps
Wireless Modem:	Router Required
Spectrum Approved:	Yes	Cons:
Unit Weight:	1.1 pounds	Highest cost
Color:	White
Source:	Data Sheet

2

Cheaper Spectrum Compatible Modem

With speeds up to 686Mbps, the Arris SB6183 is the best current standalone modem for Time Warner Cable or Spectrum. It is Spectrum approved up to the highest Ultimate download speed package. It has 16 bonded download channels and 4 bonded upload channels for a max download speed capable of 686Mbps. This is enough for the fastest current high speed internet plan. While it may be all you need for today’s service, if you want to be future proofed for speeds up to 1 gigbit, you will need the fastest modem, the Surfboard SB6190 above.

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.

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Brand:	Arris	Pros:
Model:	SB6183	Best current modem Most common issued Use your own router Plug & Play Spectrum Compatible
Down/Up Channels:	16×4
Download Speed:	686Mbps
Upload Speed:	131Mbps
Wireless Modem:	Router Required
Approved Modem:	Yes	Cons
Unit Weight:	1.4 pounds	No current cons Not ready for 1 Gig future speeds
Color:	White
Source:	Link

3

Spectrum Router Combo Modem Gateway

With speeds up to 1.4Gbps, the ARRIS SURFboard SBG7580AC combo modem router is a full on gateway modem and is the best future proofed combo modem 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 all tiers, Ultimate included and future Gig speeds. Extremely fast 32 bonded download channels for a max speed of 1.4Gbps and 8 bonded upload channels for a max upload speed of 262Mbps.
This is the modem for most cable users because it has a built in wireless router. It is wireless AC1750 and will serve a small apartment or 3 bedroom 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.

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Brand:	Arris	Pros:
Model:	SBG7580AC	Best future proofed modem router Ready for Gig Speeds WiFi router built in Plug & Play Time Warner Approved Spectrum Approved
Max Speed:	1.4Gbps
Down/Up Channels:	32×8
Wireless Modem:	YES
Spectrum Approved Modem:	Yes	Cons:
Unit Weight:	2.7 pounds	Can’t use separate router
Color:	Black
Source:	Specs

Modem & Router Vs. Gateway Combo

You’ll note that the modem and router separate cost a bit more. But why?
The combination gateway modem & router is an all in one device that will handle the highest speeds over a gigabit internet. It is great for almost all users in normal living situations. It has wireless AC1750 which is good enough for a 3 bedroom in most normal sized apartment or home floor plans. If you have a larger house, you may need to get the modem and router separate or even a wireless mesh network, the strongest option when it comes to networking equipment.

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 plus 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 less wires and many want this. I personally 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 wires is a savior in some situations like when you do not want your wifi router next to your cable modem. The two separate units is nice 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 a normal sized apartment or house, get the combo gateway modem.

Sources:
Spectrum Modems