Netgear CM600 VS Netgear CM700 – which Netgear modem offer higher bandwidth?
Netgear’s best mid-range offerings include the CM600 and the CM700. In this article, we’ll look at their major differences and provide an insightful review of the two.
If you’re on the search for a cable modem, then you know that Netgear has some of the best offerings in the market today. The Netgear CM600 and CM700 are the top selling cable modems by the company. They are high performance modems perfect for large households and small office workplaces. With the high speeds they provide, bandwidth intensive activities on the internet such as 4K streaming and gaming can be done seamlessly. In the table below, we’ll see some more of their differences and top features.
Table of Contents
What are the differences between Netgear CM600 and CM700?
Model |
Netgear CM600 |
Netgear CM700 (Winner) |
Speed |
Up to 400 Mbps |
Up to 500 Mbps |
Number of channels |
8 up channels
24 down channels |
8 up channels
32 down channels |
Ethernet ports |
1 |
1 |
Cable approved |
Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity, SuddenLink |
Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity, SuddenLink, Mediacom |
DOCSIS |
3.0 |
3.0 |
Processor chipset |
Broadcom |
Broadcom |
Availability |
Netgear CM600 vs Netgear CM700 – How do they compare?
Performance and speed
The performance of a cable modem refers to the maximum speed the modem can provide. Both modems are rated at 1 Gbps but this is purely a theoretical figure. However, a test revealed that the CM700 offers higher speed and bandwidth than the CM600. While the CM600 provided speeds of about 300 Mbps, the CM700 provided 400 Mbps. There’s no doubt that both are high performances, but the CM700 maintains these high speeds consistently making it the better performer overall
Design
There is almost no difference in physical design as both modems are from the same brand and family. The modems feature a solid black color with a serrated plastic body covering the system. The mesh body ensures that the modem does not overheat and remains cool throughout. The major difference between them is the location of the LED lights. The CM600 status lights face forward while in the other modem, they face backwards. Here, the CM700 takes the win again as the back facing LED lights ensure the lights do not disrupt the user from sleep. This is wonderful as many users have said that the lights tend to be too bright.
Ports
With Netgear cable modems, not many have more than one gigabit Ethernet port. This is why these two modems have one Ethernet port each. The gigabit Ethernet port is located at the back of the modem together with the coaxial cable port and the power port. This means you can only connect your router for Wi-Fi or just one device. Higher end modems come with two or more Ethernet ports.
Internet service provider compatibility
Cable modems work by bridging the signal between your service provider and your router for wireless connectivity. Some modems are not compatible with other cable internet providers. Here, both modems are compatible with the same companies such as Comcast Xfinity, Cox, Charter, Brighthouse and more. Usually, the package contains all the compatible internet providers. Always buy a cable modem that is supported by your ISP.
Warranty
Being from the same manufacturer, both modems feature a one year warranty and a 90 day technical support warranty
Pricing
If you’re on a small budget, the Netgear CM600 would be the most suitable since it is cheap and has great value for money. But if you have some extra bucks to spare, go for the CM700 as it has better and much more consistent and stable performance.
Netgear CM600 vs Netgear CM600 – A comparison review
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...
Netgear has been on the forefront of networking devices and has some of the best modems in the market. The company is mainly known to focus on high performance networking devices including modems and routers. The CM700 is a high speed modem capable of speeds of up to 300 Mbps provided your ISP can provide that. In addition, it comes with 24 downstream channels and 8 upstream channels that boost the performance by allowing efficient data transfer and flow. The device is also built to support multiple devices, about 5, at the same time while maintaining the stated speeds. It makes the CM600 such a wonderful choice for large households. But perhaps the best feature of this modem is its universal compatibility. It supports all major cable internet providers in the United States.
When it comes to design, nothing but good things are said about the CM600. The unit is a large black device with a beveled body all round for cooling and breathability. It also features a tower design that requires the unit to be placed vertically on surfaces. For some users, this presents a space problem in the house. There huge size also tends to stick out against the home’s interior décor. Overall however, the design is stunning and attractive. The CM600 comes with lovely five glowing LED status indicator lights. There’s also a gigabit Ethernet port for connection to the router, a coaxial port where the ISP cable is connected to and a power jack all located at the back of the unit. Finally, the product comes with a one year warranty
Pros
- It is compatible with all major internet service providers
- There is a reset button for convenience
- Fast speeds ensure a great surfing experience
- The design is stunning and attractive
- It is affordable and offers great value for money
Cons
- The large size makes it difficult to position in the house
Netgear CM700
- Compatible with all major cable internet providers: Including certification by Xfinity by Comcast, COX,...
- Save monthly rental fees: Model CM700-1AZNAS replaces your cable modem saving you up to 168 Dollars/year...
The CM700 came as an improvement of the CM600 in every aspect. First, it features a lovely design that goes well with many home decors. Like the previous modem, this one also features five LED icon lights that face forward rather than backwards like the CM600. The modems are quite similar in design. The CM700 takes the sharp angled edges and the large size of the previous. There are also beveled homes for ventilation and cooling while still adding to its stunning design. On top of these, the CM700 is compatible with a majority of the internet service providers. This means you do not have to change modems when you get a new connection.
Perhaps the best thing about this modem however is the performance. it boasts speeds of up to 500 Mbps. This is supported by 32 and 8 downstream and upstream channels respectively. The following are its pros and cons
Pros
- It provides high speeds of up to 500 Mbps
- The modem is compatible with all major ISPs
- Installation and setup is an easy straightforward process
- Lovely design that compliments the home decor
Cons
- It is expensive
- Does not allow mounting
Conclusion
In conclusion, netgeat CM700 offers higher speeds and a stable consistent connection than the CM600 modem. CM600 however excels in affordability and compatibility with other internet service providers.
Final Verdict -So which is better, Netgear CM600 or Netgear CM700?
Overall, the NetgearCM700 is the better buy than the CM600because it offers high speeds and consistency with low latency. It is also durable and great for large homes and workplaces.
FAQs
-
Does the CM600 overheat?
No. Netgear ensures breathability and cooling in their modems by using a mesh-like body.
-
Does the CM700 feature channel bonding?
Yes. With 32 down and 8 up channels, channel bonding is made possible.
