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Head-to-head · Best Standalone DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modems

Motorola MB7621 vs Netgear CM1000

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Netgear CM1000 comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.0 vs 4.4). The gap is mostly about users replacing older modems seeking reliability and ease of setup — read the strengths below before deciding.

Motorola MB7621
Ranked #5 in Best Standalone DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modems
Motorola MB7621
3 sourcesall derived$72as of Jul 31

The Motorola MB7621 is a DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem that performs reliably on the right ISP, holding 500 to 900 Mbps with stable connections and running cooler than some competitors. It isn't suitable for plans above 700 Mbps, and its days are numbered: Spectrum plans to end support by October 2026. Wirecutter named it 'the best modem for most people' back in 2019, but those limitations make it a temporary fix for anyone who expects to upgrade.

Strengths
  • — Operates on DOCSIS 3.0 with 24 downstream and 8 upstream channel bonding
  • — Runs on a Broadcom chipset that runs cooler than some rivals
  • — Provides stable connection in the right ISP environment with speeds between 500 and 900 Mbps
Watch-outs
  • — Not suitable for plans above 700 Mbps due to DOCSIS 3.0 protocol ceiling
  • — Spectrum is ending support for DOCSIS 3.0 modems on October 28, 2026
$72 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Netgear CM1000
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Standalone DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modems
Netgear CM1000
1 source$194.75as of Jul 31

The Netgear CM1000 is a DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem that holds Gigabit speeds reliably, which makes it a straightforward upgrade from an older unit. Reviews consistently mention how easy it is to set up, how well it holds up, and how much faster it is than earlier models like the CM500 and CM600. Customer feedback reports compatibility with major ISPs including Comcast Xfinity and strong performance on 1Gbps plans. Complaints are minor: no coaxial cable in the box and a somewhat flimsy base. It's a common recommendation for anyone trying to stop renting ISP equipment.

Strengths
  • — Excellent performance with Gigabit-class internet plans
  • — Reliable and durable build quality
  • — Easy setup process with quick activation via ISP
Watch-outs
  • — Does not come with a coaxial cable
  • — Base is described as flimsy and modem can topple easily
$194.75 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Motorola MB7621

The Motorola MB7621 is limited to DOCSIS 3.0 speeds, unlike the Arris SB8200 which supports DOCSIS 3.1, but it runs cooler than the Motorola MB8600. Unlike the Netgear CM1000, it doesn't support Gigabit speeds and is not future-proof, and unlike the Motorola MB8611, it lacks 2.5Gbps Ethernet support.

Netgear CM1000

The Netgear CM1000 excels in build quality and ease of setup compared to the Arris SB8200, which has less durability. However, unlike the Motorola MB8600, it doesn't support WAN Link Aggregation, and unlike the Motorola MB8611, it lacks 2.5Gbps Ethernet capabilities.

Specs side-by-side

SpecMotorola MB7621Netgear CM1000
Docsis VersionDOCSIS 3.03.1 (3.0 30×8 compatible)
Max Download Speed500-900 Mbps1Gbps
Downstream Channels2432 downstream and 8 upstream channels
Upstream Channels88 upstream channels
Dimensions7.25"L x 2.25"W x 7.88"H8.8 x 3.4 x 5.9in
Ethernet Ports—1Gbps LAN, 1x Coax
Weight—.95lb (431g)
← See the full ranking of best standalone docsis 3.1 cable modems