Netgear
NETGEAR High Speed 960Mbps DOCSIS 3.0 24x8 Cable Modem (CM600-1AZNAS)
Best cable modem for households seeking fast, reliable internet and monthly savings.
Experience blazing fast high-speed cable internet with the NETGEAR CM600 Cable Modem, delivering download speeds up to 960 Mbps. This modem is ideal for streaming HD content, rapid downloads, and smooth online gaming. It utilizes 24 downstream and 8 upstream channels for reliable connectivity and is DOCSIS 3.0 certified. Compatible with major U.S. providers like XFINITY, Spectrum, and Cox, this modem saves you money by eliminating monthly rental fees. It features a Gigabit Ethernet port for the fastest wired connection to your router or computer.
$79.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
11
/ 184
#11 in Modems
Price vs Category Average
-85%
Below average
Technology
3.0
/ DOCSIS
Who it's for
- Homeowners needing fast speeds for mid-to-high-tier internet plans
- Budget-conscious renters looking to avoid monthly ISP equipment fees
- Gamers and streamers requiring a consistent, reliable connection
Who should skip it
- Users seeking future-proof hardware for multi-gigabit internet speeds
- Subscribers relying on bundled VoIP or digital phone services
- Gigabit internet customers wanting to avoid speed bottlenecks
Performance breakdown
Data Throughput
Handles high-bandwidth streaming and gaming with consistent, reliable speed.
Channel Efficiency
The 24x8 bonding configuration effectively manages heavy network traffic loads.
Setup Simplicity
Streamlined installation process gets you online without needing extra software.
Provider Compatibility
Works seamlessly with the nation's largest cable internet service providers.
Future Readiness
DOCSIS 3.0 is reliable but lacks the speed ceiling of newer standards.
Hardware Reliability
Robust internal components ensure stable, long-term connectivity for your home network.
Key Specs
Technology
DOCSIS 3.0
Maximum Download Speed
960 Mbps
Channel Bonding
24 downstream x 8 upstream
Ethernet Ports
One (1) Gigabit Ethernet port
Certifications
CableLabs DOCSIS 3.0 certified
Interface
One (1) WAN coaxial cable connection
Memory
8 MB NOR flash and 128 MB RAM
Warranty
12 months
Features
- Up to 960 Mbps download speed
- 24x8 channel bonding for superior performance
- Gigabit Ethernet port for fast wired connections
- Save money by owning your modem
- DOCSIS 3.0 certified for high-speed internet
- Supports IPv6 for future-ready networking
- Compatible with major cable providers
- Easy, CD-less installation
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the NETGEAR CM600 for its exceptional reliability and ease of use, especially on mid-to-high-speed internet plans. The setup process is frequently described as quick and painless, often requiring no technical support. The core strength lies in its consistent performance, providing stable connections that significantly outperform typical ISP rental units, which greatly benefits streaming and gaming. Users value the long-term financial benefit of avoiding monthly rental fees, positioning this modem as a strong value investment. While minor activation issues exist, the device excels when used within its intended speed range, delivering dependable connectivity.
Know before you buy
No, the CM600 is a standalone cable modem and does not have built-in Wi-Fi. You will need to connect it to a separate wireless router to provide internet access to your devices.
The CM600 is compatible with major U.S. cable providers including Xfinity, Spectrum, and Cox. However, it is always recommended to check your specific provider's approved equipment list before purchasing to ensure compatibility with your current service plan.
Channel bonding allows the modem to communicate over multiple frequencies simultaneously. The 24 downstream and 8 upstream channels help maintain stable, high-speed performance even during peak hours when network traffic is heavy.
Yes, with download speeds up to 960 Mbps, this modem is well-equipped to handle demanding tasks like 4K video streaming and online gaming. The Gigabit Ethernet port ensures that your wired connection to your router or computer is not a bottleneck for these speeds.
The CM600 is DOCSIS 3.0 certified and supports IPv6. While it is a reliable standard for current high-speed plans, it does not support the newer DOCSIS 3.1 standard required for multi-gigabit internet tiers.
Installation is straightforward and does not require a CD. You simply connect the coaxial cable from your wall to the modem, plug in the power, and follow your internet provider's activation process, which is typically handled through their website or mobile app.
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