Best Modems for Gaming of 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Modems are essential for online gaming. They allow gamers to connect their devices to the internet and play with others from around the world. When it comes to gaming, a modem with high speed and low latency is crucial. This is because online games require a constant and stable connection to avoid lag and other performance issues. Modems designed specifically for gaming offer features such as Quality of Service (QoS) to prioritize gaming traffic, and advanced security options to protect against DDoS attacks. Choosing the right modem can greatly enhance the gaming experience and give players a competitive edge.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Modems for Gaming
NETGEAR Nighthawk CM1200 Cable Modem
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.
ARRIS Surfboard S34 Cable Modem
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.
Hitron DOCSIS 3.1 Modem
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.
NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem CM1200
NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem CM1200 is a black modem engineered with 32x8 channel bonding, OFDM 2x2, and DOCSIS 3.1. It is compatible with all major cable internet providers except Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, DSL providers, DirecTV, DISH, and any bundled voice service. The modem can save you up to dollar 168/yr in equipment rental fees and is best for cable provider plans up to 2 gigabits speed. It features versatile connections with its 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports giving fast wired connections to your computer, separate WiFi router, printer, game box, and other devices. You can also link aggregation to combine two 1G ports into one 2G port for faster wired Ethernet speed.
Motorola MB8611 DOCSIS 3.1 Multi-Gig Cable Modem
The Motorola MB8611 DOCSIS 3.1 Multi-Gig Cable Modem is a fast, reliable, and cost-saving option that delivers true Gigabit-plus speeds. It pairs with any WiFi router, connects all your devices, and supports fast internet plans with Comcast Xfinity, Cox, and Spectrum. The AQM technology ensures reduced Internet latency and better performance for streaming, gaming, and conferencing. The modem has a multi-gigabit Ethernet speed with a 2.5 GB Ethernet port to deliver high-speed connectivity to the fastest routers and computers. It is backward compatible with 32x8 DOCSIS 3.0.
ARRIS Surfboard G36 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem & AX3000 Wi-Fi Router
The ARRIS Surfboard G36 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem & AX3000 Wi-Fi Router is a two-in-one product that saves money by reducing cable modem rental fees up to $168 per year. It is compatible with most U.S. cable internet service providers, including Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity, and others. The modem technology is DOCSIS 3.1, 10 times faster than DOCSIS 3.0, provides better security, reduces lag while gaming, and enables multi-gig networking. The setup is simple and secure, and you'll get enhanced parental controls through the SURFboard Central App. The router technology includes four 1-Gigabit and one 2.5-Gigabit ethernet port with Wi-Fi 6 speeds up to 3 Gbps. The product also comes with a two-year limited warranty from ARRIS.
Renewed Netgear Nighthawk Cable Modem WiFi Router Combo C7000
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.
NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX30 Modem Router
The NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX30 offers impressive compatibility with major cable providers, allowing you to enjoy internet speeds up to 2Gbps. With coverage extending up to 2,500 square feet, you can connect up to 25 devices simultaneously, making it ideal for busy households. The four Gig Ethernet ports and one USB port provide versatile connectivity for your computers and gaming consoles. Plus, setting up your network is a breeze with the Nighthawk app, where you can manage settings and monitor your data usage effortlessly.
ARRIS Surfboard S33 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem
The ARRIS Surfboard S33 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem is designed to bring you superior connectivity, increase your network capability and provide faster streaming and downloading throughout your home. Save money by owning your modem and reduce your cable bill up to $168 dollars per year in cable modem rental fees. DOCSIS 3.1 is ten times faster than DOCSIS 3.0, provides better security, reduces lag while gaming, and enables multi-gig networking. The SURFboard S33 is compatible with major U.S. cable internet providers and approved for cable internet speed plans up to 2.5-Gbps. Plug-in the device, download the SURFboard Central App, and follow the instructions to activate the modem. Connect to a Wi-Fi router for networking.
ARRIS SURFboard SB6190 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem
The ARRIS SURFboard SB6190 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem is compatible with major U.S. Cable Internet Providers including Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity & others. It is not compatible with ATT, Verizon, CenturyLink, or other DSL or Fiber internet providers. With 32 downstream x 8 upstream DOCSIS 3.0 bonded channels, it is best for cable internet speed plans up to 600 Mbps. It has 1 Gigabit Ethernet port for connecting to a Wi-Fi router or other device. Note that this modem does not include Wi-Fi and does not support cable digital voice service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do modems matter for gaming?
There is no such thing as a "gamer" modem/router. That is all marketing. Game performance is most affected by consistent latency they use very little bandwidth most in the 500kbits/sec range, a 2mbps connection will likely run a game just as well as a 500mbps.
2. Do gaming modems make a difference?
The most significant benefit of a gaming router is the QoS feature, which prioritizes your gaming traffic to cut through network congestion. That said, most online games experience faster speeds through a wired connection, regardless of which wireless router you use.
3. What modem do pro gamers use?
For anyone seeking gear to match such premium speeds, the Netgear Nighthawk CM2000 is one of the best premium modems out there. With downstream speeds of up to 2.5Gbps, the Nighthawk CM2000 can handle any and every cutting edge data plan without issue.
During our modem for gaming research, we found 24 modem for gaming products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 283,689 customer reviews through our big data system to write the modems for gaming list. We found that most customers choose modems for gaming with an average price of $157.60.
The modems for gaming are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of modems for gaming, including NETGEAR, ARRIS, Hitron, Motorola. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

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.