Arris Vs Netgear Modem – Which modem is faster?
When looking for a modem, two of the biggest names you’ll come across are the Netgear and Arris brands. Here, we’ll compare them and provide in depth reviews of their best products.
Modems, for a long time have been used to provide internet connection to our homes and workplaces. First, their name is an acronym that stands for ‘modulator demodulator’. This name also denotes the main function of these networking devices. A modem’s main function is to regulate transmissions and translate network from large internet highways to smaller highways. Because of this, you will find that they are used hand in hand with routers. However, the use of modems is quickly being replaced by modem-router units that combine the functionalities of both into one device. A few years ago, I was looking for a home modem and two brands kept popping up: Netgear and Arris. They make arguably the best modems we have in the market today. The following table breaks down the brands’ differences and features.
Table of Contents
What are the differences between Arris and Netgear?
Brands |
Arris |
Netgear |
Specialty |
Modems, gateways |
Routers, modems, switches and hubs |
Operating system |
Ubiquiti OS |
NetgearOS or DD-WRT |
Cable providers supported |
Comcast, Spectrum, Cox |
Comcast, Spectrum, Cox |
Warranty |
2 years |
1 year |
Color |
White or Black |
Black |
Default username |
admin |
admin |
Product |
Arrisvs. Netgear – How do these modem brands compare?
Performance
The speed and performance is the most important factor to consider when buying a modem. Since both companies offer low to high level entries, it is difficult to compare their performance. However, comparing their most popular products: Arris SB8200 and Netgear CM1000, the Arris is definitely superior and offers better speeds. It provides download speeds of up to 2Gbps while the Netgear provides a maximum of 1Gbps. The Arris is therefore the better choice for 4K streaming and gamers.
Setup and configuration
When you first buy the modem, you need to set it up into your home network. Both Arris and Netgear modems are plug and play devices, meaning all you need to do is connect the cables and power it on. However, Arris modems have a special feature known as Spectrum Analyzer. The feature allows the user to monitor the line connection. This makes Arris the better choice yet again.
Design
Arris and Netgear modems vary most when it comes to design. Netgear modems, for example the CM1000, are usually large black solid and sturdy devices. They feature a rectangular shape attached to a flat base at the bottom for support. Overall, Netgear modems are much more stunning and futuristic in design. Arris on the the hand also use a similar design for their products. They are white tower-based designs, box in shape and are significantly smaller than Netgear modems, resembling routers. Netgear looks much better and features a solid and more durable design
Pricing
The price of the modem depends on the type of modem you are buying. Although Netgear products generally cost more, Arris modems tend to be more expensive. For instance, comparing two of their most popular products: Netgear CM1000 and Arris SB8200, the Arris costs 30 bucks more than Netgear’s modem. If you’re in a tight budget, consider looking for a Netgear modem as they are more affordable and provide decent performance.
Arris vs Netgear – A comparison review
Arris overview
The ArrisCompany is known for manufacturing the best high speed modems for homes and small businesses. Their modem intermediary branch is known as Surfboard. The Surfboard series has been around for decades with popular entries that are used to date such as Arris Surfboard 8200, otherwise known as SB8200. There are only four Surfboard entries released today: SB8200 which provides the highest speeds, SB6190, SB6183 and SB6141. All of them are cablemodems, meaning, they are approved for all relevant cables including Comcast, Comcast Xfinity and Cox cable. In the following section, we’ll look at two of their best products.
Arris Surfboard SB6183
- Tom's guide #1 cable Modem choice 2 years in a row. Compatible with major U.S. Cable Internet Providers...
- DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem best for cable internet speed plans up to 400 Mbps
The SB6183 is an entry level modem with top performance for its price. It is a small white box shape that stands as a tower rather than lying on the surface horizontally. In addition, this cable modem is approved and supports all relevant cables, this includes: Comcast, Spectrum and Cox. What this means is that the internet service provider can connect to your home network through any of these cables. This is great since all ISPs tend to distribute through either of these connections. Furthermore, the modem comes with download and upload speeds of 686 Mbps and 131 Mbps respectively. For the price, this is pretty decent that it’s considered one of the best modems under $100. Each unit measures 5.2 x 5 x 2.1 inches which sis quite small. Lastly, the Arris SB6183 is durable and comes with a warranty of two years.
Arris Surfboard SB6141
No products found.
Are you on a really tight budget and need a cheap and reliable modem? If so, consider the SB6141. Named the best modem under $50, this modem provides download and upload speeds of 343 Mbps and 141 Mbps respectively. It also features 8 down channels and 4 up channels for cable connections. When it comes to design, the Surfboard series are quite similar with this unit measuring 5.2 x 5 x 1.7 inches. It comes in either a solid black or solid white color. Like the previous model, this one also supports all cable providers including Comcast, Cox and Spectrum. And finally, the Arris SB6141 features a two year warranty like other SB models.
Netgear
One of the largest names in IT and networking is the Netgear Company. The renowned brand manufactures all networking devices from routers, switches, gateways and modems. When it comes to cable modems, Netgear has something to suit anyone’s needs from high level performance modems to low budget reliable modems that get the job done. Compared to Arris, the brand has many more cable modems to choose from. Some of their most popular models include: Netgear CM series (CM100, 600, 1000), Nighthawk series and more. The following section highlights two of these products
Netgear CM600
- COMPATIBLE WITH ALL MAJOR CABLE INTERNET PROVIDERS: Including certification by Xfinity by Comcast, COX,...
- SAVE MONTHLY RENTAL FEES: Model CM600 replaces your cable modem saving you up to $168/yr in equipment...
High performance modems come in quite handy for gamers and small businesses. The CM600 is one of the most affordable high performance models in the market and provides download and upload speeds of up to 960 Mbps and 240 Mbps respectively. When it comes to design, the model features the signature Netgear design of a large black tower attached to a flat base for support. It measures 8.7 x 5.3 x 2.4 inches. This large and bold design is sturdy and offers great durability. In addition, there are 24 down channels and 8 up channels for this model. Like all Netgear products, the CM600 comes with a one year warranty.
Netgear CM500
- Save monthly rental fees: Model CM500 replaces your cable modem, saving you up to $168/yr in equipment...
- Speeds by carrier: Spectrum (up to 400Mbps), Xfinity (up to 200Mbps), Cox (up to 150Mbps).
The CM500 is a mid-level entry model that provides download and upload speeds of up to 686 and 132 Mbps respectively. It features the signature Netgear design with a large black towering unit measuring 7.3 x 4.9 x 2.4 inches. Furthermore, it also supports all cable providers such as Comcast, Spectrum and Cox. Like the previous model, the Cm500 has a one year warranty when you buy it.
Model |
Arris Surfboard SB6141 |
Netgear CM600 |
Cables supported |
Comcast, Spectrum and Cox |
Comcast, Spectrum and Cox |
Channels |
8 down
4 up |
24 down
8 up |
Speed |
Download – 343 Mbps
Upload – 141 Mbps |
Download – 960 Mbps
Upload – 240 Mbps |
Size |
5.2 x 5.2 x 1.7 inches |
8.7 x 5.3 x 2.4 inches |
Color |
White or Black |
Black |
Availability |
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing a modem, put your needs first. If all you are a gamer or stream heavily in 4K, consider getting a performance model such as Netgear CM600. Although expensive, it provides high throughput speeds. But if you’re on a budget, the Arris SB6141 would be the better choice.
