If you have been renting a cable modem from Suddenlink, they are probably renting it to you for around $10 per month. In a year, you will have spent around $120 for the modem only, and the additional cost of your monthly internet plan. The worst thing is that if you decide to stop using their services, you have to give the modem back.
Can I use my modem with Suddenlink?
The good news is that you can buy a Suddenlink compatible cable modem that you can own long after you stop using their services.
Benefits of Buying Your Own Suddenlink approved Modems
Buying your cable modem comes with myriad benefits such as:
Save Money
When you buy your cable modem, you have to fork out some cash up front, but the modem will pay itself in less than one year, meaning you will make some savings in the long run.
Quality
The quality of modems leased out by Suddenlink may not be the best, so buying Suddenlink approved modems will save you money and get a better-quality modem. The Suddenlink modem has a built-in router, but you can get a better-quality cable modem Wifi router that will give you excellent internet speeds and wireless coverage.
What equipment do I need for Suddenlink Internet?
All you need for Suddenlink is:
- Modem and Router or modem Wifi router combo
- Coaxial cable
- Ethernet cable
- Suddenlink plan
What Modems Work with Suddenlink?
Suddenlink approved modems include:
- Netgear Nighthawk C7000 Modem Router
- Motorola MG7550 Cable Modem Router Combo
- Motorola MB7420
- ASUS CM-32
- Arris SBG7580AC
- Motorola MG7540 Modem Router Combo
- Netgear C3000 N300
- Arris SURFBoard SBG6580
- Netgear CMD31T
- Motorola MG7700 Modem Router Combo
- ARRIS SB6183 Cable Modem
- TP-Link N300
- Netgear CM700 Gigabit Cable Modem
- Arris SBG7400AC2
- Arris SB6121
15 Best Suddenlink Compatible Modems
Here is a guide to some of the best Suddenlink compatible modems in the market.
1. Netgear Nighthawk C7000 Modem Router
Features:
- Coverage up to 1,800 sq. ft. for up to 30 devices with AC1900 speed (up to...
- Replaces your cable modem and Wi-Fi router, saving you up to Dollar 168/year in...
- Speeds by carrier: Xfinity (up to 600Mbps), Cox (up to 500Mbps), Spectrum (up to...
The Nightgear Nighthawk C7000 modem router combo is among the Suddenlink approved modems. It is a DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem with two bands, meaning you can choose between the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz frequencies. DOCSIS 3.1 is faster than DOCSIS 3.0, but Suddenlink does not support it.
The Netgear C700 comes with 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports and download speeds of 960 Mbps. This Netgear modem has a 1.6GHz processor that enhances its performance and an excellent choice for online gaming and streaming 4K HD videos. The Nighthawk’s 24×8 channel bonding makes it a good choice for plans of up to 500 Mbps and a modem speed of up to 960 Mbps.
2. Motorola MG7550 Cable Modem Router Combo
Features:
- 16x4 DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem plus a built-in AC1900 Dual Band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz)...
- Requires cable Internet service. Approved by and for use with Comcast Xfinity...
- Built-in high-speed Wi-Fi router with AC1900 Wi-Fi, and Power Boost, and DFS...
The Motorola MG7550 is a cable modem with a built-in router. It is one among many Suddenlink approved modems and has a Power Boost that enhances the modem’s Wi-Fi power with signal boosting amplifiers.
The modems are dual-band and offer you the use of both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, meaning you can choose a band that works best with your devices.
The MG7550 has four Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports, and you can supply a wired connection to your appliances like HDTVs, game systems, and computers. Its aerials are vertically designed to be a modem router combo, meaning it takes up very minimal space.
3. Motorola MB7420 Cable Modem
Features:
- Why a separate modem and router: Get better control over your network, optimize...
- The Motorola AC2600 router provides a high-speed intelligent router link between...
- Four external adjustable antennas provide concurrent 4X4 performance for both 5...
The Motorola MB7420 cable modem has an excellent user-friendly user interface (UI) and a color-coded panel. It has a compact and attractive design, which takes up little space, and comes with a two-year warranty. If you go to the Suddenlink website to check for a list of Suddenlink approved modems, the MB7420 is among the best options.
The 16×4 channel DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem has internet speeds of up to 686 Mbps, 16 times faster than its predecessor, the DOCSIS 2.0. The modem does not have a built-in wireless Wi-Fi router, and its Ethernet port connects to computers, HDTVs, wireless routers, or game stations.
The router needs to be used with cable services and is among the Xfinity, Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Spectrum, etc., approved modems. The cable modem also comes with a power surge and lightning circuits to protect the device.
4. Asus CM-32 Modem Router Combo
Features:
- Ditch the monthly cable modem rental fees save upto $120 per year
- Certified by comcast xfinity, spectrum (legacy time warner cable and charter)...
- All in one docsis 3.0 32x8 cable modem + ac2600 wifi router (4x4) provides full...
The ASUS CM-32 is a modem router combo with four external antennae and AC2600 wireless performance, allowing for a steady signal and speed that can run cloud-based apps such as Adobe CC online gaming.
The ASUS has MIMO technology and comes with four 2GHz and four 5GHz ports., which gives it an excellent frequency range and reception.
Its 32×8 channels provide the ASUS modems with excellent on-demand connection for at least twelve gadgets. It carries a download speed of 1 Gbps and an upload speed of 65 Mbps, making it suitable for streaming HD videos.
The modem router has 256MB storage with 512MB RAM and is compatible with the Apple Time Machine. The device is super easy to set up. All you do is plug it in, attach a coaxial cable, and head to the service provider’s website. Type in your account details, and the device is good to go.
The ASUS has four Gigabit Ethernet and two USB 2.0 ports for external storage and devices like printers. The modem router removes the need for plugging in multiple gadgets, reduces clutter, saves space, and is available on Amazon.
5. ARRIS Surfboard SBG7580AC DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem
Features:
- DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem & AC Wi-Fi router best for cable internet speed plans up...
- Compatible with Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity and other major U.S. cable internet...
- 32 downstream x 8 upstream DOCSIS 3.0 bonded channels.
The Arris cable modem has DOCSIS 3.0 technology with an 802.11ac Wi-Fi router. It comes with 4 Gigabit ports that are excellent for connecting to gaming consoles and smart TVs, making them a perfect choice for online gamers. Its maximum download speed is1.4 Gbps and a Wi-Fi upload speed of 343Mbps.
All the Arris modems are fitted with a Wi-Fi beamforming feature that improves their connectivity. Security for this device is improved by its inbuilt McAfee security, which protects you from cyber threats, and has a license valid for three years.
The modem router combo has 32×8 channels and is easy to set up. All you do is connect the cables, i.e., power, ethernet, and coaxial. The next step is configuring your Wi-Fi settings and contacting your service provider for service activation. The Arris modem router comes with parental controls that allow you to receive alerts on your mobile phone in case of suspicious activity over your Wifi.
6. Motorola MG7540 Modem Router Combo
Features:
- 16x4 DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem plus a built-in AC1600 Dual Band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz)...
- Requires cable Internet service. Approved by Comcast Xfinity and Xfinity X1,...
- Built-in high-speed Wi-Fi router with AC1600 Wi-Fi provides Internet access for...
The Motorola MG7540 modems are an excellent choice for people on a budget, and you can check out their prices on Amazon. The MG7520 is a DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem with an inbuilt AC1600 Gigabit router. The modem router has 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports that are 10/100/1000 and allow you to plug-in devices that require uninterrupted Wifi speeds. The MG7540 has AnyBeam Beamforming that allows Wifi to be focused on the devices that need it more.
7. Netgear C3000 N300
Features:
The Netgear C3000 N300 cable modem router combo is among the approved modems by Suddenlink and other major providers such as Xfinity from Comcast, Cox, Spectrum, etc. This modem router is DOCSIS 3.0 and is great for online gaming and HD Wi-Fi streaming with its 300 Mbps for both upload and downstream Wifi speeds. Its 8×4 channels can efficiently support multiple streaming devices, and its Wi-Fi range is enough for a medium-sized home.
The installation of the Netgear C3000 cable modems is straightforward, and they can be connected to various gadgets. The Netgear Genie app helps you monitor your home Wi-Fi network, is easy to use, and has power-saving features and push buttons. Unfortunately, this Netgear modem cannot connect to VPNs, its unreliable customer service, and its parental controls are not straightforward.
8. Arris SURFboard SBG6580
Features:
- DOCSIS 3.0 SBG6580 Arris Cable Modem Supports Wired Download Speeds up to...
- Compatible with Spectrum Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, & Others - Call Your...
- DOCSIS 3.0 is Up to 8x Faster than DOCSIS 2.0 Devices
The SBG6580 cable modem is SuddenLink approved and has an inbuilt Wifi N600. It is compatible with various ISPs that provide cable plans of up to 100 Mbps. It is among approved modems by major companies like Cablevision, Cox, and Comcast Infinity. It is not on the list of approved modems by providers like AT&T or Verizon.
The router is easy to use, is dual-band, and comes with eight downstream and four upstream channels. The Wi-Fi download speed reaches up to 343 Mbps and an upload speed of up to 131 Mbps. The DOCSIS 3.0 modem router has an advanced firewall and 4 gigabit Ethernet ports. Arris provides tech support for every Suddenlink customer and a limited 2-year warranty for the device.
9. Netgear CMD31T DOCSIS 3.0
Features:
- The NETGEAR High Speed Cable Modem provides a connection to high-speed cable...
- Compatible with U.S. cable Internet providers like Spectrum, Cox, Cablevision &...
- High-performance - Up to 150 Mbps download and upload speed for streaming HD...
The Netgear CMD31T Wifi modem is Suddenlink approved but does not support DOCSIS 3.1. It sustains a steady and reliable downstream and upstream speed of 150 Mbps, enough for streaming without buffering or lags. The modem does not have an inbuilt Wi-Fi router, so if you need Wi-Fi and an internet connection, this is not a suitable modem. However, it uses DOCSIS 3.0 tech, and its 4×4 channel bonding allows you to transfer data fast.
Installation is quite easy, and all you need to do is plug it in, send your account details to your provider. If you go by the instruction manual, it will confuse you further since it’s badly written.
10. Motorola MG7700 Modem Router Combo
Features:
- Fast 24x8 DOCSIS 3.0 cable Modem Plus a built-in AC1900 Dual band (2.4GHz and...
- Eliminate up to 156 dollars per year in cable Modem rental fees. (Savings are...
- Built-in high-speed router with AC1900 wireless and Power boost - Provides...
The MG7700 is a high-performance modem router combo with 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports, a security firewall and is sudden-approved. This device is recommended for cable internet plan speeds of up to 650 Mbps, which most service providers do not.
The modem router combo is a Wifi AC1900 dual-band router and has Power Boost, which amplifies your signal to various devices, covering 1500 square feet in total. If security is a concern for you, these modems have limited updates.
11. SURFboard SB6183 Cable Modem
Features:
- DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem best for cable internet speed plans up to 400 Mbps
- Compatible with Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity and other major U.S. cable internet...
- 16 downstream x 4 upstream DOCSIS 3.0 bonded channels
The Arris SB6183 is a DOCSIS 3.0 modem with 16x 4 upstream and downstream Wi-Fi channels. It works with plans with Wifi speeds of up to 400 Mbps, so if you have subscribed for a plan with more speed, this is not the modem for you.
The manufacturer says it can work well with gaming and HD streaming, but it might not handle multiple users streaming simultaneously. Setting up this cable modem is pretty straight forward. Just plug it in and give your provider a call to activate it. If you need a router, you can plug it in the Gigabit port, then set it up separately.
12. TP-Link N300
The TP-Link N300 is a DOCSIS 3.0 modem router with 8×4 downstream and upstream Wi-Fi channels, respectively. It provides you with a Wi-Fi upload speed of up to 143 Mbps and a download speed of 343 Mbps, although this largely depends on your provider.
All TP-Link modems have parental controls that allow you to have more control of the devices that access the web on your Wi-Fi network. The modem has a Guest network mode that allows you to provide guests with Wi fi access separately from your main network. The TP-Link supports and is among the Suddenlink approved modems by providers like Comcast, Spectrum, and Cox.
It comes with a two-year warranty and 24/7 full technical support. The problem with this device is that you cannot set up a static IP on your devices, nor can you properly configure the firewall. If you browse too heavily, the Wifi signal drops.
13. Netgear CM700 Gigabit Cable Modem
Features:
- A Trusted Name in Home Connectivity: Get high speeds, better coverage, and a...
- Save Money: Own your modem and save. Reduce your cable bill up to $168 dollars...
- Modem Technology: DOCSIS 3.0 is an reliable, broadly available, and affordable...
The Netgear CM700 modem is compatible with Suddenlink and other providers like Xfinity, Comcast, etc., list it among its Suddenlink approved modems, making it an excellent choice if you ever have to change providers or move houses.
The Netgear CM700 runs on the DOCSIS 3.0 technology and gives you a Wi-Fi download speed 32 times faster than the DOCSIS 2.0, and its 128 GB RAM gives you ultra-high speeds and low ping rate, making it excellent for gaming.
Its major downside is that it has no built-in router, which means you have to incur an extra expense of buying a router if you want Wi-fi.
14. Arris SURFboard SBG7400AC2
Features:
- A Trusted Name in Home Connectivity: Get high speeds, better coverage, and a...
- Save Money: Own your modem and save. Reduce your cable bill up to $168 dollars...
- Modem Technology: DOCSIS 3.0 is an reliable, broadly available, and affordable...
This Suddenlink approved modem router has an AC2350 Dual-band and 4-gigabit port route, making it a compact unit with no need for a separate router. The 24×8 download and upload channels help maximize your provider’s plans and enhance seamless performance and Wifi connectivity.
The SBG7400AC2 supports IPv4 and IPv6 Wi-Fi browsing standards, which makes it versatile. Your videos on these modems will not buffer with the superfast download speeds of 1 Gbps and upload speed of 300 Mbps.
These modems have beamforming technology and give you wide coverage and excellent performance that sustains Wi-Fi connection speed even during congested peak hours. External online threats are kept at bay by the in-built McAfee Secure Whole Internet package. These modems have an app that monitors and configures the device’s settings.
15. Arris SURFboard SB6121
Features:
- Compatible with Time Warner Cable, Charter, Cox, Cablevision, and more
- Not compatible with Verizon FiOS or AT&T U-verse, no longer approved by Comcast...
- Requires Cable Iternet Service, if not sure your provider is CABLE call them to...
The SB6121 Suddenlink approved modem router combo runs on DOCSIS 3.0 technology and has multiple Wifi speeds and channel options, but for a higher price. This device reaches and surpasses Wifi download speeds of 172 Mbps and upload speeds of 132mbps, but depending on your provider.
Some people do not like the blue LED indicator lights, and the signal is also problematic. Overall, the Wi-Fi signal is strong, and the 4×4 channel bonding is steady.
Installation and setup are easy, and as long as you know where to plug what, you will be okay. The manual explains how to set up but does not give a detailed guide. If you are tech-savvy and need to do something extra like tweaking the Wifi channels, you need professional help.
FAQs
Is Netgear Nighthawk compatible with Suddenlink?
Yes, Nightgear Nighthawk is fully compatible with Suddenlink service provider as long as it is DOCSIS 3.0. Suddenlink does not support modems with DOSCIS 3.1.
Is Suddenlink Cable or DSL
Suddenlink uses cable lines to provide cable TV, home phone, and internet. This means they can provide ultra-fast speeds and high video quality than DSL. Suddenlink offers fiber internet in some areas, with speeds of 1G, which is thirty times faster than Digital Subscriber Lines (DSL)
What Speeds Does Suddenlink provide?
The Wifi speeds depend on your location but are between 300 Mbps, 400 Mbps, and 1 Gig. Some areas provide 200 and 75 Mbps plans.
Are SuddenLink Packages feasible?
Suddenlink has several packages you can use, which include monthly and annual. You can cancel your subscription at will.
Buying Guide
When buying modems, there are a few things you should take into consideration.
Wifi Speeds
Before paying for an internet plan, make sure you pay for a package with Wi-Fi speeds that suit your needs. To get the most out of your package, use modems that support the provider speeds.
Channel Bonding
Modems with more channels give you faster Wi-Fi. If a modem has 8×4 channels, it means 8 are for downloads and 4 channels for uploads.
Range
The modem you get should have an excellent Wi-Fi coverage range depending on the size of your home. Confirm how many antennae the modem has, and confirm with the manufacturer on the signal strength. Check for customer reviews online in places like Amazon.
Security
To stay safe from online threats, such as server hacking and viruses, check if the modem has DOCSIS 3.0 and firewalls.
Wi-fi Performance
802.11n and 80211 are dual-band Wifi standards that support Wi-Fi on two frequencies: 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz. Confirm the modem or modem router combo’s performance before you purchase.
Price
While price should not be a strong determinant of the modem or modem router combo you buy, you should first compare the price vis a vis the modem features. Do not make the mistake of buying an expensive modem that will not suit your Wi-Fi needs, while a cheaper one can work just as well.
Ports
Confirm how many ports the modem has and how many you need. Get a modem with more ports than you need because you might need them in the future if you acquire more appliances. Some have both, and some have one of each. Preferably, you should choose one with both so that you have a choice when you have to use either port.
Conclusion
Renting a modem from your provider is a spending machine when you look at it long-term. You keep paying the ISP provider for the internet plan and an additional renting fee.
The best way to minimize your expenses is to buy a modem that will serve you long after leaving your current ISP. This means you need to look for a modem that is compatible with most major providers if you need to change providers.
