If you use sparklight internet and you’re looking for a modem that’s compatible with it and can deliver high-quality internet, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, you’ll find a modem that caters to your specific needs, be it eliminating rental router costs or a router modem combo!
Some people are okay with paying monthly equipment rental fees, however, not all of them are happy with the quality of the equipment that’s provided. This might lead to them looking for an upgrade.
Sparklight’s website, Cable One, has a list of modems that are compatible with it and have been officially approved. However, not all of the modems on that list provide optimal performance. That’s why we tested tons of modems and compiled a list of the 8 most compatible and optimally performing modems for Sparklight Internet.
Table of Contents
- 8 Best Modems for Sparklight Internet Service
- 1. ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem
- 2. Motorola MB8611 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem
- 3. NETGEAR Cable Modem CM500
- 4. ARRIS Surfboard S33 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem
- 5. Motorola MG8702 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem
- 6. NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX80 Cable Modem
- 7. Motorola MG7700 Modem WiFi Router
- 8. NETGEAR Orbi WiFi 6 Router
- How We Picked and Tested Modems for Sparklight Internet Service?
- Things to Consider Before Buying a Modem for Sparklight Internet Service
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Verdict
8 Best Modems for Sparklight Internet Service
ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem
Our Top Modem Recommendation for Sparklight Internet Service!
- Better connectivity, better speed.
- Reduce your cable bill up to $168 dollars per year in cable modem rental fees
- The newest technology available from cable internet providers.
- Simple and Secure Set-up
When it comes to Sparklight Internet Service, choosing the right modem can significantly enhance your connectivity, ensuring smooth streaming, gaming, and browsing. In this section, we unveil the top 8 modems meticulously selected to complement the robust capabilities of Sparklight.
- ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem
- Motorola MB8611 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem
- NETGEAR Cable Modem CM500
- ARRIS Surfboard S33 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem
- Motorola MG8702 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem
- NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX80 Cable Modem
- Motorola MG7700 Modem WiFi Router
- NETGEAR Orbi WiFi 6 Router
1. ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem
If you’re using Sparklight’s internet service, the Arris Surfboard SB8200 is the best modem you can get right now.
It is cost-effective and is compatible with every Sparklight plan. It also supports DOCSIS 3.1, which is the latest technology, so you don’t have to worry about your technology becoming outdated.
The previous technology, DOCSIS 3.0, is no longer supported by some providers, so DOCSIS 3.1 is the better option.
This, along with the modem’s ability to support ethernet aggregation makes this modem future-proof, as combining 2-gigabit ports gives you a combined speed of 2000 Mbps, this is amazing if Sparklight will bring out a faster speed than its current fastest plan which provides speeds of up to 940 Mbps.
The only drawback of this modem is that its lights are quite bright. If you’re planning to set up your network in your bedroom, thinking twice about this model might be helpful.
Other than that, this modem is perfect as it is easy on the wallet and provides amazing support with Sparklight.
Features
- DOCSIS 3.1 standard
- 32 x 8 channel bonding
- 2×2 OFDM/OFDMA
- Two Ethernet ports
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Brand | ARRIS |
| Manufacturer | CommScope |
| Connectivity Technology | Ethernet |
| Compatible Devices | Router |
| Color | White |
| Price | $138.15 |
Pros
- Future-proof
- Affordable
- Save up to $168 per year in cable modem rental fees
- Easy setup
- Low Latency
Cons
- Bright lights
2. Motorola MB8611 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem
This modem is capable of providing incredibly fast speeds.
It is a little expensive, but the performance makes it incredibly worth it.
Incredible features include a multi-gig port instead of ethernet aggregation, which makes it capable of handling speeds of 2500 Mbps. It is also very easy to use and does not require port bonding- you just have to plug it in and go!
Since Sparklight’s maximum speed is 940 Mbps, maxing out this router’s speed is not possible. If the current maximum speed does end up increasing in the future, this modem will be able to comfortably handle that as well. 940 Mbps is a great speed, even for the most hardcore internet users out there.
This modem supports DOCSIS 3.1, which is one of the main reasons that this modem can handle such high speeds, as its predecessor would not even be able to get near speeds of 2500 Mbps.
As we’ve mentioned before, DOCSIS 3.1 is newer and will last for longer as it will be supported by networks for a long period of time.
The price tag could be a downside for people. However, the performance of this modem more than makes up for it.
Features
- DOCSIS 3.1 standard
- Supports Wi-Fi 6
- 32×8 channel bonding
- Active Queue Management (AQM)
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Motorola |
| Manufacturer | MTRLC LLC |
| Connectivity Technology | Wi-Fi, Ethernet |
| Compatible Devices | Personal Computer |
| Color | Grey |
| Price | $188.00 |
Pros
- Backward compatible
- Save up to $168 per year in cable modem rental fees
- 2-year warranty
- Easy setup
- Multi gig port
- Future proof
Cons
- Expensive
3. NETGEAR Cable Modem CM500
If you use a Sparklight internet plan that’s comparatively slower, this might be the right modem for you! It will not burn a hole in your pocket, but it supports the earlier version of DOCSIS, which is DOCSIS 3.0, which is old.
Some other issues that might surface are slow performance owing to DOCSIS 3.0, and the chance that it might stop being supported by Sparklight in the future.
It meets the entry criteria for being suitable for Sparklight because it has 16×4 channels. However, it cannot be used with the Internet 500 or Gig plans which support 940 Mbps speeds as it is simply not equipped to handle very fast speeds.
The fastest speed it can handle is 680 Mbps. It will be a good choice for all the plans offered by Sparklight except for the Internet Gig Plan.
This router is perfect if you are subscribed to one of those plans and are not worried about this technology not being supported in the near future.
Features
- 16×4 channel bonding
- DOCSIS 3.0 standard
- Supports QoS
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Brand | NETGEAR |
| Manufacturer | Netgear Inc |
| Connectivity Technology | Wired |
| Compatible Devices | Personal Computer |
| Color | Black |
| Price | $57.99 |
Pros
- 1-year warranty
- Affordable
- Save up to $168 per year in cable modem rental fees
- Easy to set up
- Aesthetic design
Cons
- Not future-proof
- Just one Ethernet port
4. ARRIS Surfboard S33 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem
This modem is an incredible choice if you are an avid gamer but are on a budget, as it is not very expensive. This modem also has a multi-gig port, and it can allow speeds of up to 2500 Mbps.
As we have mentioned before, the fastest speed offered by sparklight currently is 940 Mbps. If this is not fast enough for you, moving to another internet service provider with a faster speed could also be an option.
It is also future-proof as it supports DOCSIS 3.1, as the top supported speeds show. It is not too expensive, but it costs more than our overall top pick, the SB8200.
There are not a lot of negatives to this modem, except for maybe the top speeds it can support, as it might be excessive for even the fastest Sparklight plans. But it is a great choice for users looking for that kind of really fast speed.
Features
- Max speed up to 2.5 Gbps
- DOCSIS 3.1 standard
- 4 OFDM Channels
- Two Ethernet Ports
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Brand | ARRIS |
| Manufacturer | CommScope |
| Connectivity Technology | Ethernet |
| Compatible Devices | Router, Personal Computer, Ethernet connected devices |
| Color | White |
| Price | $161.72 |
Pros
- 2-year warranty
- Future-proof
- Simple setup
Cons
- It can be excessive for most plans
5. Motorola MG8702 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem
This modem router combo can also be ideal for you as a sparklight customer. The router’s speeds have to be measured in this case, as those are the speeds we will be receiving.
The speeds it can support are high, with the maximum being 518.51 Mbps. It can support 3 of the current sparklight plans, but it is not suitable for the Internet Gig plan.
It is a wifi 5 router, which explains the limited speeds and the price. It is future-proof, though, as it supports DOCSIS 3.1.
The router supports QoS and comes with parental controls! Amazing, right?
The overall range of this device is approximately 80-90 feet, which makes it a good option for an average-sized house.
It is a fantastic choice because it will not burn a hole in your pocket and is great for people who want a getaway device.
Features
- DOCSIS 3.1 standard
- QoS
- Parental controls
- Dual-band
- Beamforming
- 32X8 channel bonding
- MU-MIMO Technology
- 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Motorola |
| Manufacturer | Motorola |
| Connectivity Technology | Ethernet, WiFi |
| Compatible Devices | Gaming Console, Security Camera, Personal Computer, Tablet, Smart Television, Smartphone |
| Color | Grey |
| Price | $228.00 |
Pros
- Save up to $168 per year in cable modem rental fees
- Easy setup
Cons
- No Wi-Fi 6 support
6. NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX80 Cable Modem
This is ideal for gamers looking for that low latency, high-speed modem.
It is capable of comfortably handling the highest speed plan offered by Sparklight, the internet gig plan and it has great range too, around 90-100 ft!
It supports both DOCSIS 3.1 and Wifi 6, which enable the best possible performance.
This gateway also comes with QoS and parental controls, but they are limited in theoretical usage.
It is pretty expensive, but the features and performance make it worth it.
Features
- Supports Wi-Fi 6
- DOCSIS 3.1 standard
- 32X8 channel bonding
- 2×2 OFDM
- 4 X 1 Gig Ethernet ports
- Supports WPA/WPA2/WPA3 wireless security protocols
- Beamforming
- MU-MIMO Technology
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Brand | NETGEAR |
| Manufacturer | NETGEAR |
| Connectivity Technology | Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet |
| Compatible Devices | Phone, Tablet, WiFi-Enabled Devices, Media Streaming Devices, Computer, PC, Mac, Gaming Consoles |
| Color | Black |
| Price | $499.99 |
Pros
- Fast for all Sparklight plans
- 1-year warranty
- Backward compatible
- Save up to $168 per year in cable modem rental fees
Cons
- Expensive
7. Motorola MG7700 Modem WiFi Router
This one is for the users who have subscribed to a comparatively slower sparklight plan and want to buy a good modem on a budget.
The maximum speed it offers is 441.28 Mbps, which is good, but the downside to this modem is that it supports DOCSIS 3.0 and has only 16×4 channels, which does not future-proof it, but it is compatible with the Sparklight internet 200 and 300 plans.
It also comes with QoS and parental controls. Overall, this is a pretty good modem with good features, considering the price range.
Features
- DOCSIS 3.0 standard
- 16×4 channel bonding
- Dual-band
- Beamforming
- QoS
- Parental controls
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Motorola |
| Manufacturer | Motorola |
| Connectivity Technology | Wi-Fi Built In, Ethernet |
| Compatible Devices | Tablet, Smartphone |
| Color | Grey |
| Price | $215.28 |
Pros
- Compact design
- Affordable
- Save up to $168 per year in cable modem rental fees
- Easy setup
Cons
- Not future-proof
8. NETGEAR Orbi WiFi 6 Router
This router is incredibly elegant and comes with an integrated modem, which makes it an amazing choice!
It supports DOCSIS 3.1, which allows the combo to use the 2×2 channels. However, for Sparklight, it also comes with the built-in Docsis 3.0 along with 32×8 channel bonding.
The main attractions to this combo are its quad-core chipset and its 1.4 GHz limit clock speed, which allows for minimal latency!
It supports incredible speeds and can connect 40+ units! It can be controlled remotely from its app-based smart connect feature. All of these features and more make it an amazing choice.
Features
- DOCSIS 3.1
- 32X8 channel bonding
- Supports Wi-Fi 6
- Beamforming
- MU-MIMO technology
- Tri-band
- 4 Gig Ethernet ports
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Brand | NETGEAR |
| Manufacturer | NETGEAR |
| Connectivity Technology | Wi-Fi, Ethernet |
| Compatible Devices | iPhone, Gaming Console, Smart Television |
| Color | White |
| Price | $479.99 |
Pros
- Save up to $168 per year in cable modem rental fees
- Easy setup
- Charges for high-level security
Cons
- Not apt for large homes
How We Picked and Tested Modems for Sparklight Internet Service?
To provide you with a list of the best-performing modems, we conducted holistic and in-depth research to make our list comprehensive and reliable.
You’ll find an insight into our research process below:
Compatibility Assessment
It was very important to us that every modem on our list should be compatible with Sparklight’s internet service. To do this, we referred to Sparklight’s official website (CableOne) and also tested the modems ourselves to ensure that they worked seamlessly.
Performance Testing Across Plans
We understand that various internet plans offer a variety of speeds. We integrated this into our testing by testing our choice of modems on different Sparklight plans. This helped us because we understood how well they could cater to the needs of customers who have subscribed to various plans.
Reliability Under Heavy Usage
We also wanted to ensure that the modems worked really well in actual real-world scenarios. We did this by testing each modem’s performance under incredibly heavy usage conditions. These conditions included streaming, online gaming, and a large number of devices being connected so that the modems could be assessed for their reliability and stability under heavy usage.
User-Friendly Setup
We evaluated the ease of use and installation of the modems. We can proudly say that each modem on our list is incredibly easy to use and install for users who are unfamiliar with network equipment, along with users who are tech-savvy.
Durability and Build Quality
Just buying a modem and having to upgrade it every 1-2 years is not ideal. Longevity and durability were very important factors in our tests, as we wanted to make sure the modems would last long with regular use, which would provide customers with a reliable option.
Feedback From Sparklight Subscribers
We took feedback and reviews from actual Sparklight subscribers into account. This helped us understand the real-life performances of the modems better and also ensured our recommendations were in fact satisfactory for Sparklight’s consumers.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Modem for Sparklight Internet Service
Compatibility and Approved Devices
Before you buy a modem for Sparklight’s internet service, it’s important to ensure that the modem you’re looking to buy is compatible with Sparklight’s network.
To do this, refer to Sparklight’s official website (CableOne) to ensure that the modem of your choice is indeed compatible. This will avoid connectivity issues and ensure that your network seamlessly aligns with Sparklight’s infrastructure.
Performance and Speed Requirements
It’s essential to keep in mind your internet usage while buying a modem as different modems have different speeds and you should choose one that comfortably handles your internet usage, be it casual usage, online gaming, or a work from home setup.
Understanding the extent of your usage will help you select a modem that works just right for you and handles your online activities perfectly. Make sure to go through the modem’s specifications and choose a modem that’s equipped to handle your speed requirements.
Budget and Cost Efficiency
Your budget should be considered when you consider buying a modem. A higher price tag and new features might not necessarily be the best option. Keep the features in mind and try to find a modem that strikes a balance between performance and cost-effectiveness.
However, investing in a good quality modem is also a great idea as it will prove to be cost-effective in the long run as monthly equipment rental costs will be eliminated.
Warranty and Customer Support
Check the warranty and customer support options that are provided by the manufacturer of the modem.
Warranty and customer support are important, especially in case of defects or malfunctions. Customer support can prove to be invaluable if you run into any issues when installing the modem. Choose a modem from a manufacturer that is well-known for its warranty and customer care services.
Modem Vs. Modem Router Combo
There are lots of options available in the markets nowadays, so that means you can choose between a standalone modem or a modem router combo! A modem router combo combines the functions of a modem and a router. In contrast, a standalone modem is dedicated to providing internet access.
If you have specific router requirements or if you already own a router, choose a standalone modem. However, for a more simplified setup, a modem router combo might be the right choice.
Future-Proofing and DOCSIS Standard
The DOCSIS version supported by the modem plays a very important role in determining if your modem is future-proof or not. The latest version is DOCSIS 3.1, and it offers high speeds and efficiency. This version is future-proof as it ensures that you will not have to upgrade frequently in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
As long as the modem has been officially approved by Sparklight, then yes. Check the list of the approved modems on their website or refer to this list for the top 8 compatible modems.
External modems work just fine with Sparklight, too. The best performing ones in our opinion the Arris SB8200 (a standalone modem) and the ARRIS SBG8300 as the best modem router combo for your Sparklight internet plans.
There’s only one plan that specifically requires DOCSIS 3.1 and it is the Sparklight internet gig. DOCSIS 3.0 will work on the other plans but Sparklight might stop supporting it in the future so that should be kept in mind.
This isn’t recommended, but renting a modem would cost $8 a month. This cost definitely adds up in the long run – why bother renting a modem when you could buy an incredible modem in a similar price range?
Final Verdict
I strongly recommend the Arris Surfboard SB8200 for users who prefer separate modems and routers. However, if you’d like the modem router combos better, the Motorola MG8702 is an ideal choice.
Not all of these recommendations will suit your specific needs. You might find splurging on high-end equipment unnecessary if you are subscribed to a low-speed plan.
Go through the recommendations, and also make sure to refer to the buying guide as you navigate through the options. You’ll definitely find a modem that is suitable for your needs.
Chris loves technology, specifically smart home technology! With both hands-on and executive leadership experience in his corporate career, Chris stays abreast of emerging technology and solutions and immerses himself in BCCA when not in the office.