Best Cable Modem For Time Warner Cable (TWC) in 2021

[Cover] Best Cable Modem For Time Warner Cable

Are you tired of paying a big chunk of amount every month for your internet bill? Worry no more, because we are here with a solution for you to cut your cost for the internet bill. Time Warner is a cable internet service provider. They provide modems to their users and charge for it. People who are using Time Warner can tell how they accommodate their users by waiving off the fee for modem if you use your own.

Some of you might be wondering how to select a modem especially if you are a first time user. This article is going to help you find the right option for you. We have selected the best modems for Time Warner Cable which will serve the purpose for you. Along with that, we have prepared a buying guide which will guide you through the whole process of purchasing.

Quick Pick

We have selected three modems which are the best available in the market. These picks are according to your budget, features, and value.

Best Choice
ARRIS SURFboard SBG6900AC Docsis 3.0 16x4 Cable Modem/ Wi-Fi AC1900 Router - Retail Packaging - White
Best Budget
TP-Link 16x4 AC1750 Wi-Fi Cable Modem Router | Gateway | 680Mbps DOCSIS 3.0 - Certified for Comcast XFINITY, Spectrum, Cox and more (Archer...
Best Worth
NETGEAR Nighthawk Modem Router Combo C7000-Compatible with Cable Providers Including Xfinity by Comcast, Spectrum, Cox,Plans Up to 800Mbps |...
ARRIS SBG6900
TP-LINK Archer CR700
NETGEAR C7000
AC1900
AC1750
AC1900
$196.83
$79.99
$178.98
Best Choice
ARRIS SURFboard SBG6900AC Docsis 3.0 16x4 Cable Modem/ Wi-Fi AC1900 Router - Retail Packaging - White
ARRIS SBG6900
AC1900
$196.83
Best Budget
TP-Link 16x4 AC1750 Wi-Fi Cable Modem Router | Gateway | 680Mbps DOCSIS 3.0 - Certified for Comcast XFINITY, Spectrum, Cox and more (Archer...
TP-LINK Archer CR700
AC1750
$79.99
Best Worth
NETGEAR Nighthawk Modem Router Combo C7000-Compatible with Cable Providers Including Xfinity by Comcast, Spectrum, Cox,Plans Up to 800Mbps |...
NETGEAR C7000
AC1900
$178.98

Best Product Reviews

We have picked the best 8 products available in the market and reviewed them to make it easier for you to make the selection. Have a look at them and learn about all the required information which you need before making up your mind.

#1 – ARRIS SURFBOARD SBG6900AC – The Best Modem Available

ARRIS SURFboard SBG6900AC Docsis 3.0 16x4 Cable Modem/ Wi-Fi AC1900 Router - Retail Packaging - White
  • 3 products in 1: 16x4 Cable Modem, AC1900 WiFi Router and Gigabit 4 port Wired Router
  • Ceritified on Comcast Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum (Charter, Time Warner, Brighthouse Networks), Mediacom and many other US...
  • Cable Modem is 16 Download and 4 Upload Bonded Channels with Internet Download speeds up 686 Mbps based on your Internet...

The best product we came across is the ARRIS SBG6900AC. It delivers remarkable performance and comes with a good price tag. It is highly in demand because of its 3-in-1 characteristic. It is a 16×4 Cable Modem + AC1900 Wi-Fi Router + Gigabit four-port Wired Router. It is compatible with all the leading ISPs including Time Warner. It also supports the latest internet standards i.e. IPv4 and IPv6. You don’t have to worry about the coverage as it covers maximum areas effortlessly.

If you are looking for a modem with which you can build an effective network then this is the perfect option for you. It offers download speed up to 686 Mbps and it has the ability to bond with 16 channels. This is sufficient enough to play games online and to stream your favourite content. You no longer have to wait endlessly to watch videos online. The 2-years warranty is the best part as it saves your cost for the repairs if required.

Pros

  • Compatible with major Cable Internet Providers
  • Supports latest Internet standard
  • 16 download and 4 upload bonded channels
  • Maximum coverage and performance
  • 2-years warranty

Cons

  • Connection gets disrupted
  • The range is not flexible
TP-Link 16x4 AC1750 Wi-Fi Cable Modem Router | Gateway | 680Mbps DOCSIS 3.0 - Certified for Comcast XFINITY, Spectrum, Cox and more (Archer...
  • Eliminate rental fee: eliminate your cable Modem monthly rental fee - up to $120 per year
  • Cable Modem router: item is cable Modem router and this will serve as both your cable Modem and Wi-Fi router
  • Industry leading support: 2-year warranty and free 24/7 technical support; J. D. Power Ranked TP-LINK "highest in...

This modem is for those people who have to buy a modem within a budget. It is one of the most reasonably priced modems available in the market with a good performance. It is certified for several Cable Internet Providers that includes big names like Time Warner and Comcast. The design is sleek that gives a very stylish look to it.  The CR700 comes with DOCSIS 3.0 and offers a good 680 Mbps download speed. This speed is 16 times faster than the previous DOCSIS 2.0 version.

It offers channel bonding of up to 16 channels for downstream and 4 channels for upstream. The speed is impressive and lets you stream through your favourite content hassle-free. The high powered amplifiers built in the modem boost wireless signals and create a strong Wi-Fi network throughout your house. No matter where the device is plugged, it will provide strong signals everywhere in the house. Its large amount of memory keeps the lag and buffering minimum. This option is perfect for those who don’t wish to spend much on a modem and yet want to have good performance.

Pros

  • Compatible with major Cable Internet Providers
  • 16×4 channel bonding
  • Fast performance
  • 1750 Mbps Wi-Fi speed

Cons

  • Signals drop often
  • Quality isn’t impressive

#3 – NETGEAR C7000 – The Best Value for Money

NETGEAR Nighthawk Modem Router Combo C7000-Compatible with Cable Providers Including Xfinity by Comcast, Spectrum, Cox,Plans Up to 800Mbps |...
  • Compatible with major cable internet providers including Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox and more. NOT compatible with Verizon,...
  • Coverage up to 1,800 sq. ft. and 30 devices with WiFi 5 AC1900 speed (up to 1900Mbps)
  • Replaces your cable modem and WiFi router. Save up to $168/yr in equipment rental fees

The NETGEAR C7000 is the perfect solution to your wireless requirements. It has everything that you need to have a smooth and strong network at yourhome or your workplace. The C7000 is modem/router combo; hence you don’t need to invest in getting a separate router. It is better than the above products when it comes to speed as it provides 960 Mbps at max. No wonder it is the fastest modem/router combo available in the market.

It comes with DOCSIS 3.0 that lets 24 downstream channels to be bonded. Combined with the speed of 960 Mbps, this modem will let you complete your browsing with the blink of an eye. The built-in router comes with dual-band wireless technology which means that you can connect as many devices to it without compromising on the speed. It offers pretty good coverage with the help of the three internal dual-band antennas along with high powered amplifiers. All in all, it is a good deal with good features offered. You will not regret paying the price for it because of the performance it delivers.

Pros

  • High-speed ports
  • Amazing processors
  • High-powered amplifiers
  • 24×8 DOCSIS 3.0 modem

Cons

  • Slow speed
  • Reboot required after every while
  • Drops connection

#4 – Linksys CM3024 – User-friendly and Fast

Linksys CM3024 High Speed DOCSIS 3.0 24x8 Cable Modem, Certified for Comcast/Xfinity, Time Warner, Cox & Charter (Modem Only, No Wifi...
  • Compatible with Comcast Xfinity, Time Warner Cable, Charter, Cox, Cablevision, and more; Requires Cable Internet Service
  • Not compatible with: Verizon, AT&T, or CenturyLink
  • Cable Modem only (no WiFi router), Interfaces: Cable: F type female 75 ohm

The Linksys CM3024 is a very good option that maintains fast speed and is easy enough to set up. It is compatible with all the leading cable internet providers. Though it is expensive as compared to other products, its performance is good enough to make it to our list. This modem offers 24 downstream and 8 upstream channel bonding. The downstream speed goes up to 960 Mbps and upstream speeds up to 122 Mbps. The impressive speed maximizes data-transfer efficiency.

Though its performance is good, it is not good enough for the price it comes with. It is decent enough for people who don’t mind spending a good amount on modems. The speed is fast enough to let you stream movies, listen to music, and play games. What makes it beat the other brands is its design and easy setup. It has a very modern-day design with a sleek black body that will compliment your décor well.

Pros

  • Easy to setup
  • Intel Puma 6 chipset
  • Efficient channel bonding
  • Compatible with major cable providers

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Lacks helpful features

#5 – ARRIS SURFBOARD SB6190 – The Fastest of All

ARRIS® Surfboard® SB6190 Cable Modem, White
  • Power your home network with the SB6190 to deliver fast speeds and a reliable connection to the Internet. The SURFboard...
  • Get internet speeds up to 1.4 Gbps for downloads and 262 Mbps for uploads based on your cable ISP subscription.
  • Gigabit Ethernet port connects to your computer or router for fast downloads.

ARRIS is a leading brand for modems. The SB6190 is yet another impressive product by this company. It is superfast as it comes with a download speed of 1.4 Gbps approx. and it can bond with 32 channels. Its upload speed is as impressive and it goes up to 262 Mbps. By now you must be wondering that it is expensive, but it is not. It is an onetime investment which is not likely to hurt you especially when you start saving money that you pay for modem rental fees.

It is compatible with almost all cable internet providers, except for a few. It comes with a 1 Gigabit Ethernet port which enables you to connect a Wi-Fi router with it and enhance connectivity all over your network. It is easy to set up anduse. There are lights on the front of the device through which you can easily see the status of the connection.

Pros

  • Superfast speed
  • Ethernet port for router connectivity
  • 2-years warranty

Cons

  • Some clients faced latency flaw
  • Disconnects often

#6 – MOTOROLA MB7420- The Best Compact Modem

MOTOROLA 16x4 Cable Modem, Model MB7420, 686 Mbps DOCSIS 3.0, Certified by Comcast XFINITY, Charter Spectrum, Time Warner Cable, Cox,...
  • This 16x4 DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem provides speeds up to 686 Mbps, sixteen times faster than DOCSIS 2.0. A Full-Band...
  • Cable modem's Ethernet port connects to a computer, HDTV, game station, or wireless router. (This Model MB7420 cable...
  • Requires cable Internet service. Certified by Comcast XFINITY for residential speeds up to Extreme 300, by Comcast...

Motorola MB7420 is the perfect option for people who live in apartments or small places. It is small and fits into every space easily. It is not speedy like the ARRIS SB6190 but provides decent speed with its 16×4 DOCSIS 3.0 modem. It is highly recommended for the internet plans that speeds up to 300 Mbps. The downstream speeds go up to 686 Mbps and upstream goes up to 123 Mbps.

People have reviewed it to be delivering a satisfactory performance and rated it well. It is user-friendly and easy to setup. Though it is compact, it comes packed with all useful features that all expensive modems have. It is a good option especially for those people who don’t have to work online and can upkeep with 300 Mbps speed.

Pros

  • Compact design
  • Easy to use
  • 16×4 DOCSIS 3.0 modem

Cons

  • Not suitable for high-speed internet subscribers
  • Heats up quickly
TP-Link TC-W7960 DOCSIS3.0 300Mbps Wireless WiFi Cable Modem Router for Comcast XFINITY, Time Warner Cable, Cox Communications, Charter, Spectrum
  • Eliminate rental fee: eliminate your cable Modem monthly rental fee - up to $120 per year
  • Cable Modem Router: item is Cable Modem Router and this will serve as both your cable Modem and Wi-Fi router
  • Fast speed: up to 343Mbps download and 143Mbps upload speeds (based on cable provider’s service); game, stream, and...

If you want to get rid of the monthly cable modem rental fees, then this is the right option for you. This is a modem/router combo that can provide you with both wireless and wired internet for your works space or home. The downstream data speeds up to 343 Mbps and upstream data speed goes up to 143 Mbps. You get to stream HD content, listening to music, play games, and download heavy files in no time.

The TC-W7960 is compatible with all leading cable internet providers. It provides a fantastic wireless experience for all devices including mobile phones and tablets. The channel bonding goes up to 8 downstream channels and 4 upstream channels. It is 8 times faster than DOCSIS 2.0. All in all, it is a great product for people who do not require high-speed internet.

Pros

  • Modem/Router combo
  • 300 Mbps wireless speed
  • 8×4 channel bonding

Cons

  • Connection drops constantly

#8 – Motorola MB8600- The Life-Saver Modem

Motorola MB8600 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem - Approved for Comcast Xfinity, Cox, and Charter Spectrum, Supports Cable Plans up to 1000 Mbps | 1 Gbps...
  • Top Internet Speeds for all Multi-gigabit Speed Tiers - Wirecutter recommends this model as the best cable modem for...
  • Save Money - Eliminate up to 168 dollars per year in cable modem rental fees (Savings are shown for Comcast Xfinity and...
  • Flexible Compatibility - Pair with any Wi-Fi router you’d like, including Whole Home Wi-Fi or Mesh routers like eero,...

The last product on our list is the Motorola MB8600 which enables you to stream any amount of HD content, play games, and lets you support a range of other bandwidth-intensive tasks. It is the best modem for people who use Gigabit internet plans. It has both DOCSIS 3.0 and 3.1 equipped in it. It is compatible with all speeds and all leading companies of cable internet providers.

You can connect any router with it to enhance your internet network. As this is a modem only, you will have to connect a separate router with it if you want to get Wi-Fi signals anywhere in the house or your office. The compact size and good performance make it a must-have especially if you love watching content online.

Pros

  • Compatible with all routers
  • Works well DOCSIS 3.1, 3.0, and 2.0 services
  • Best for watching movies without interruption

Cons

  • Disconnects frequently
  • Needs to be reset every week
  • Does not maintain speed

Buying Guide for Cable Modem

The following buying guide will help you in looking for the features you require for a good cable modem. You should keep the below-mentioned points in mind while searching for your options.

Modem or Modem/Router

Make up your mind first if you require a modem or a modem/router combo. Some modems have built-in routers and they do not require you to have a separate router. The routers available these days are compatible with almost all modems. These modems are good enough to transmit wireless signals to the whole house especially if you are living in a small place. For bigger houses, you might want to get separate routers to reach far off rooms from the modem/router.

DOCSIS Protocols

Every modem has a DOCSIS version mentioned on its packaging. DOCSIS is the “Data over Cable Service Interface Specification” which is a protocol which lets the ISP provider deliver internet services through a coaxial cable. The different version numbers depict the up-gradation in the speed and number of simultaneous channels. You would want to invest in a DOCSIS 3.1 router if your ISP delivers internet speed of 1,000 Mbps per second. Coming to the price, DOCSIS 3.0 is cheaper as compared to DOCSIS 3.1.

Upload and Download Speed

This is one of the most important features to look for when you are buying a modem. Most of the companies mention the maximum downloading speed in the features to attract users. They never mention the uploading speed which usually differs from the downloading speed. It tends to be slower than the downloading speed. Also, high speeds mentioned by the companies are only to lure the users. The beginners don’t know that the speed will be according to the package they subscribe.

Versatile Service Provider Compatibility

Some modems are not compatible with certain ISP providers. You have to check the compatibility of the modem with your internet cable connection. You can check the compatibility of your ISP with the modem you wish to get on Google. You can also check the official website of your ISP to check its list of compatible modems. You can also call at the helpline of your ISP and check with them if the modem you like is compatible with them or not.

Warranty

Whichever brand you finalize for your modem, make sure it is backed by a warranty. A modem is a hardware and it is an investment which lasts for years. You have to be very careful while making investing. Check the tenor of the warranty and the components that it covers. You don’t want to put yourself in liability after spending a huge amount on it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it recommended to get a combo modem or two separate devices?

Ans. It depends on how many devices will be connected to the modem. Another factor that matters is the size of your house/office. If you have a bigger space with more devices to be connected, then it is better to get a modem and router separately instead on getting a combo device.

Is it a good idea to get a refurbished modem instead of a new one?

Ans. Yes, you can get a refurbished modem or even a used one and save a good amount of money. Used modems come with a little risk and their life depends on their condition. However, the refurbished modems are the ones which have been returned by clients and they are as good as new.

Is it better to get DOCSIS 3.0 with the 3.1 version available in the market?

Ans. That depends on your budget. DOCSIS 3.1 is expensive than the 3.0 version. If budget is not an issue and you don’t want to compromise on the speed then you should get DOCSIS 3.1 because of its 10Gbps speed.

How can I connect more than one device to the modem?

Ans. If you want to connect multiple devices to the modem at the same time, then you need to have a router connected with the modem. A modem/router combo can also serve the purpose for you but it won’t be effective for bigger areas.

Final Thoughts

We hope this article was informative enough for you to learn about the best options available in the market for cable modems. The information we have shared is helpful and will further serve as a good resource in finalising the modem for your space.

In our view, the winner is the ARRIS SURFboard SBG6900AC because of its performance and the price tags that come with it. If you want to make your browsing time free of hassle, then you should think about getting it.

Sources:

Ted Webster

Ted is an expert in the field of computers, electronics, and the latest technology.Have a question, need some help, or want to give your opinion? Drop us a comment below!

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