Best 3G Modems of 2026

Mike Davis Avatar
Mike Davis
Last Updated: Jan 11, 2026

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3G modems are portable devices that allow users to access the internet from virtually anywhere. These modems use 3G cellular network technology, which provides fast and reliable internet connectivity. They are particularly useful for people who travel frequently or work remotely, as they can be used to access the internet from a laptop or desktop computer. 3G modems are available from a variety of manufacturers and can be purchased from mobile carriers, electronics retailers, and online marketplaces. They are a convenient and affordable solution for staying connected on the go.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

NETGEAR Nighthawk CM3000 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem Cover #TOP 1
NETGEAR Nighthawk CM3000 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ARRIS Surfboard S34 Cable Modem Cover #TOP 2
ARRIS Surfboard S34 Cable Modem
ftb score rating icon 9.7
NETGEAR Nighthawk CM3000 Modem Cover #TOP 3
NETGEAR Nighthawk CM3000 Modem
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 3G Modems

NETGEAR Nighthawk CM3000 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem

Black
NETGEAR Nighthawk CM3000 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem Cover
NETGEAR Nighthawk DOCSIS 3.1 Mid/high-Split Cable Modem (CM3000-1AZNAS) – Approved for Today’s Fastest Speeds - Works With all Cable Providers, Incl. Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox - Cable Plans up to 2.5Gbps

The NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem offers incredibly fast download speeds up to 2.5Gbps, perfect for streaming, gaming, and handling multiple devices without lag. It supports advanced mid/high-split DOCSIS 3.1 technology, allowing you to enjoy some of the fastest internet plans available, like Xfinity's 2Gbps service. With upload speeds up to 1Gbps, you can easily share large files, video conference smoothly, and keep your home security cameras connected without interruption. Plus, its enhanced speed and efficiency ensure a reliable internet experience that keeps up with your busy digital lifestyle.

What We Like
Stable internet connection
Easy setup process
Faster internet speeds
Improved security control
Future-proof compatibility

ARRIS Surfboard S34 Cable Modem

White
ARRIS Surfboard S34 Cable Modem Cover
Arris Surfboard S34 DOCSIS 3.1 Multi‑Gig Cable Modem | 2.5Gbps + 1Gbps Ethernet Ports | Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum for Cable Internet Plans up to 2.5Gbps Next Gen Upstream. Modem Only, Router Required

The ARRIS Surfboard S34 is designed to help you save money by eliminating rental fees from your cable provider, potentially cutting your bill by up to $168 annually. It features the latest DOCSIS 3.1 technology, which is ten times faster than its predecessor, ensuring smoother online experiences and enhanced security. With optimized upload speeds, you can enjoy better performance for activities like gaming or video conferencing. Setting it up is a breeze; just plug it in, download the SURFboard Central App, and follow the instructions to get started quickly.

What We Like
Solid and stable performance
Easy setup process
Improved internet speeds
Future-proof 2.5G support
No monthly rental fees

NETGEAR Nighthawk CM3000 Modem

CM3000-100NAS
Black
NETGEAR Nighthawk CM3000 Modem Cover
NETGEAR Nighthawk DOCSIS 3.1 Mid/high-Split Cable Modem (CM3000) – Approved for Today’s Fastest Speeds - Works with All Providers Incl. Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox - for Plans up to 2.5Gbps

The NETGEAR CM3000 Modem is designed to deliver lightning-fast internet speeds of up to 2.5Gbps for downloading and 1Gbps for uploading. This means you can enjoy seamless streaming, gaming, and video conferencing without interruptions. With its advanced technology, you can take advantage of high-speed plans from all major US providers, making it a versatile choice for any household. Additionally, the modem's impressive upload speeds allow you to share large files and access your home security systems effortlessly, enhancing your digital experience.

What We Like
Supports ultra-fast internet speeds
Wide compatibility with major ISPs
Reliable and stable performance
Advanced DOCSIS 3.1 technology
Easy installation and setup
#TOP 4

NETGEAR Nighthawk CM1200 Cable Modem

CM1200-100NAS
Black
NETGEAR Nighthawk CM1200 Cable Modem Cover
NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem CM1200 - Compatible with All Cable Providers Including Xfinity by Comcast, Spectrum, Cox | for Plans Up to 2 Gigabits | 4 x 1G Ethernet Ports | DOCSIS 3.1, Black

The NETGEAR Nighthawk CM1200 Cable Modem is compatible with all major cable internet providers with internet speed up to 2Gbps. It works with any WiFi router, allowing you to connect any WiFi router to this modem's Ethernet port to support all your wireless devices. It also saves monthly rental fees, replacing your cable modem, and has four Gigabit Ethernet ports to give you fast wired connections to your devices. Additionally, the modem technology is engineered with 32x8 channel bonding, OFDM 2x2, DOCSIS 3.1, and multi-gig Ethernet, link aggregation combines two 1G ports into one 2G port for faster wired ethernet speed.

What We Like
Easy installation process
Strong and reliable signal
Improved internet speed
Compatible with major ISPs
Affordable upgrade option
#TOP 5

Hitron DOCSIS 3.1 Modem

CODA
Regular (1 yr)
Hitron DOCSIS 3.1 Modem Cover
Hitron CODA DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem ONLY | Up to 1 Gbps Max Internet Speeds | Certified with Comcast Xfinity, Charter Spectrum, Cox & More | Requires Separate WiFi Router

The Hitron DOCSIS 3.1 Modem is a high-performance modem that provides 10x faster speeds than DOCSIS 3.0. It is compatible with any WiFi router or mesh and certified to work with Comcast Xfinity, Charter Spectrum, Cox and other providers. It is built for reliability and easy to set up in three simple steps. The modem also works with DOCSIS 3.0 networks.

What We Like
Easy installation process
High download and upload speeds
Cost-effective alternative to rentals
Reliable performance with no issues
Supports next-gen speed tiers
#TOP 6

Renewed Netgear Nighthawk Cable Modem WiFi Router Combo C7000

C7000
black
AC1900 - Nighthawk
Renewed Netgear Nighthawk Cable Modem WiFi Router Combo C7000 Cover
Netgear Nighthawk Cable Modem WiFi Router Combo C7000-Compatibility Cable Providers Including Xfinity by Comcast, Spectrum, Cox (Renewed)

The Renewed Netgear Nighthawk Cable Modem WiFi Router Combo C7000 is an efficient device that saves you up to $150/yr in rental fees by replacing your cable modem and WiFi router. With compatibility of all major cable internet providers, it is built for fast speed, giving you up to 400 Mbps speed and 1800 sq ft wireless coverage for up to 30 devices connected with AC1900 speed. Moreover, this versatile modem has 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports and 2 USB ports that provide fast wired connections to your computer, printer, game box, storage drive, and other devices. It is engineered with 24x8 channel bonding and DOCSIS 3.0 modem technology and comes with parental controls and supports WEP and WPA/WPA2 wireless security protocols.

What We Like
Excellent speed and stability
Wide WiFi coverage range
Easy setup process
Multiple Ethernet ports
Cost savings over ISP rental
#TOP 7

NETGEAR Cable Modem CM500

CM500-1AZNAS
Black or White
NETGEAR Cable Modem CM500 Cover
NETGEAR Cable Modem DOCSIS 3.0 (CM500) Compatible with Major Cable Providers Including Xfinity, Cox, for Plans Up to 400 Mbps

The NETGEAR Cable Modem CM500 is a high-speed modem that can replace your current modem and save you up to $168 per year in rental fees. It supports speeds of up to 400Mbps for Spectrum, up to 200Mbps for Xfinity, and up to 150Mbps for Cox. This modem can be connected to any WiFi router through its Ethernet port, and also features 1 Gigabit Ethernet port to connect to your computer or separate WiFi router. The modem technology is engineered with 16x4 channel bonding and DOCSIS 3.0.

What We Like
Compatible with all cable providers
Supports high speeds up to 400Mbps
Can save up to $168/year in rental fees
Works with any wifi router
#TOP 8

Arris S33-RB DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem

White
S33-RB
Arris S33-RB DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem Cover
Arris (S33-RB) - Cable Modem - DOCSIS 3.1 Multi-Gigabit Cable Modem for Comcast Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum & More 1 & 2.5 Gbps Ports 2.5 Gbps Max Internet Speeds 4 OFDM Channels 1 Year Warranty - Renewed

The Arris DOCSIS 3.1 Modem is designed to work with major U.S. cable providers like Comcast Xfinity, Cox, and Spectrum, giving you reliable internet access without compatibility issues with fiber or DSL services. By owning this modem, you can save up to $168 annually by avoiding rental fees, which helps reduce your monthly cable costs. It uses the latest DOCSIS 3.1 technology, which is much faster than older models, offering smoother gaming and streaming experiences with less lag. Setting it up is straightforward — just plug it in, use the SURFboard Central App to activate, and then connect it to your Wi-Fi router for seamless home networking.

What We Like
Compatible with major cable providers
Cost-saving by avoiding rental fees
Fast DOCSIS 3.1 technology
Easy setup with mobile app
#TOP 9

ARRIS SURFboard SB8200-RB DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem

SB8200
White
ARRIS SURFboard SB8200-RB DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem Cover
ARRIS (SB8200-RB) - Cable Modem - Fast DOCSIS 3.1 32x8 Gigabit Cable Modem , Approved for Comcast Xfinity, Cox, Charter Spectrum, & more | 1 Gbps Max Internet Speed, 4 OFDM Channels - Renewed

The ARRIS SURFboard SB8200-RB DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem is best for cable internet speed plans up to 2 Gbps* and is compatible with major U.S. cable internet providers. It features 32 downstream x 8 upstream DOCSIS 3.0 bonded channels or 2 downstream x 2 upstream OFDM DOCSIS 3.1 channels, two 1-Gigabit Ethernet ports, and can be easily set up using the SURFboard Central app.

What We Like
Supports high-speed internet plans up to 2 Gbps*
Compatible with major U.S. cable internet providers
Features multiple downstream and upstream channels for efficient data transfer
Equipped with two 1-Gigabit Ethernet ports for seamless wired connectivity
Easy setup using the SURFboard Central app
#TOP 10

NETGEAR Cable Modem DOCSIS 3.1 (CM1000)

CM1000-100NAS
Black
NETGEAR Cable Modem DOCSIS 3.1 (CM1000) Cover
NETGEAR Cable Modem DOCSIS 3.1 (CM1000) Gigabit Modem, Compatible with All Major ISP Providers Including Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, for Cable Plans Up to 1 Gbps,Black

The NETGEAR Cable Modem DOCSIS 3.1 (CM1000) is a high-speed modem that supports all cable internet speed tiers up to Gigabit service, providing download speeds up to 10 times faster than DOCSIS 3.0. It has 32 downstream and 8 upstream channels for DOCSIS 3.0 connection, and is compatible with major cable providers including Xfinity, Spectrum, and Cox, among others. A separate router is required for WiFi and it eliminates monthly cable modem rental fees, saving up to $120 per year.

What We Like
Eliminates monthly cable modem rental fees, saving up to $120 per year
Supports all cable internet speed tiers, up to Gigabit (1000 Mbps) service
Compatible with major cable providers including Xfinity, Spectrum, and Cox, among others
Buying Guide Image

A Guide to Selecting the Best 3G Modems

Introduction

Choosing the right 3G modem can be a daunting task, especially if you're not sure what to look for. In this article, we'll go over some key factors to consider when making your decision, so you can find the best 3G modem for your needs.

Compatibility

The first thing to consider when choosing a 3G modem is whether it's compatible with your device and network. Most 3G modems are designed to work with specific types of devices, such as laptops or smartphones, so it's important to make sure the modem you're considering is compatible with your device.

Additionally, 3G modems are typically designed to work with specific wireless carriers, so you'll need to make sure the modem you choose is compatible with your carrier's network. If you're not sure which 3G modems are compatible with your device and network, your best bet is to check with your carrier or device manufacturer.

Features

Once you've determined that a 3G modem is compatible with your device and network, the next thing to consider is the features it offers. Some key features to look for in a 3G modem include:

  • Speed: The speed of a 3G modem is important because it determines how quickly you'll be able to access the internet. Most 3G modems are capable of speeds of up to 3.1 Mbps, but some offer faster speeds of up to 7.2 Mbps.

  • Memory card slot: If you want to be able to store files on your 3G modem, look for one that has a memory card slot. This will allow you to easily transfer files to and from your 3G modem, which can be useful if you need to access files on the go.

  • External antenna port: Some 3G modems have an external antenna port, which allows you to connect an external antenna to the modem. This can be useful if you're in an area with poor reception, as the external antenna can help improve the quality of the signal.

  • Size: The size of a 3G modem can be an important factor to consider, especially if you're looking for a portable solution. Smaller 3G modems are more portable, but may not offer as many features as larger models.

Price

Finally, the price of a 3G modem is another important factor to consider. 3G modems can range in price from under $50 to over $100, depending on the features they offer. If you're on a budget, you may want to look for a 3G modem that offers the features you need at a lower price. However, it's important to remember that you get what you pay for, so a cheaper 3G modem may not offer the same level of performance as a more expensive model.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several factors to consider when choosing a 3G modem. Compatibility with your device and network is important, as is the modem's features, price, and size. By taking the time to research your options and consider these factors, you can find the best 3G modem for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is 3G WiFi modem?

A 3G modem is a device that allows a computer to connect to the Internet via a high-speed mobile broadband connection. This means that the Internet signal is broadcast over the airwaves rather than sent and received through a cable or telephone line.

2. Can 3G modem support 4G?

As long as it has the correct size or you have the appropriate adapter (full size SIM, Micro-SIM, Nano-SIM), then yes.

3. What is 3G 4G USB modem?

The 4G/3G USB modem connects directly into a DrayTek router/firewall and provides shared Internet connectivity to all PCs and other devices on your network, including wireless laptops (if you have a DrayTek product with WiFi).

4. Is 3G good for WiFi?

3G networks have a much larger coverage than WiFi networks. WiFi networks tend to be faster than 3G networks. Connecting to WiFi networks is often free while 3G networks come at a fee. 3G networks are more reliable than WiFi networks.

Editor's Notes

During our 3g modem research, we found 24 3g modem products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 162,947 customer reviews through our big data system to write the 3g modems list. We found that most customers choose 3g modems with an average price of $154.78.

The 3g modems are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of 3g modems, including NETGEAR, ARRIS, Hitron. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Mike Davis Avatar

Mike Davis is a professionally trained electrician with six years of working experience in the electronics industry. He has written an array of web and mobile-based articles for e-magazines and blogs. He loves trying out some novel and popular gadgets and his expertise is in the areas of electronics and computers which is built over many years of working and personal experiences.