Best USB 2.0 Modems of 2026

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

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USB 2.0 modems are a type of device that allows users to connect to the internet via a USB port. These modems are easy to install and use, making them a popular choice for people who need internet access on the go. They are also relatively inexpensive, making them a great option for those who don't want to spend a lot of money on a traditional modem or router. USB 2.0 modems can be used with a variety of devices, including laptops, desktop computers, and tablets. They are a convenient and reliable way to stay connected to the internet no matter where you are.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Hitron CODA56 Cable Internet Modem ONLY Cover #TOP 1
Hitron CODA56 Cable Internet Modem ONLY
ftb score rating icon 9.8
NETGEAR Nighthawk CM1200 Cable Modem Cover #TOP 2
NETGEAR Nighthawk CM1200 Cable Modem
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Renewed Netgear Nighthawk Cable Modem WiFi Router Combo C7000 Cover #TOP 3
Renewed Netgear Nighthawk Cable Modem WiFi Router Combo C7000
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 USB 2.0 Modems

#TOP 1

Hitron CODA56 Cable Internet Modem ONLY

CODA56-S12B
Regular (1 yr)
Hitron CODA56 Cable Internet Modem ONLY Cover
Hitron CODA56 Cable Internet Modem ONLY - DOCSIS 3.1 | 2.5 Gbps | NO WiFi - Requires Router | Xfinity/Spectrum/Cox Compatible | NOT for Fiber/DSL

Features
NO WiFi INCLUDED - ROUTER REQUIRED: This Is A Modem ONLY. You MUST Buy A Separate WiFi Router To Get Wireless Internet. Without A Router, Only ONE Device Can Connect Via Ethernet Cable. This Does NOT Replace Your Current WiFi Router.
CABLE INTERNET ONLY - NOT COMPATIBLE WITH: Fiber (Verizon FiOS, AT&T), DSL, Satellite, Or Fixed Wireless. ONLY Works With Cable Providers Like Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox. Verify Your Internet Type BEFORE Purchase.
MULTI-GIG PERFORMANCE: Supports Internet Plans Up To 2.5 Gbps With 2.5 Gbps Ethernet Port. Designed For Plans 1 Gbps And Faster From Certified Providers: Xfinity (up To 2.33 Gbps), Spectrum (1 Gbps), Cox (2 Gbps). Verify Your Plan Speed And Provider Compatibility.
CABLE INTERNET REQUIRED: Works EXCLUSIVELY With Cable Internet Service (DOCSIS) From Providers Like Xfinity, Spectrum, Or Cox. Will NOT Work With Fiber (Verizon FiOS, AT&T), DSL, Satellite, Or Fixed Wireless Internet. Contact Your ISP To Confirm Compatibility BEFORE Purchasing.
POTENTIAL SAVINGS: May Eliminate Monthly Modem Rental Fees (check Current Rates With Your Provider). 30+ Years Hitron Expertise With 7-Day Technical Support And Warranty Coverage.
SETUP REQUIREMENTS: You Need: (1) Cable Internet Service, (2) Separate WiFi Router With 2.5 Gbps Port For Full Speeds, (3) ISP Activation. This Modem Cannot Create WiFi Networks Or Connect Multiple Devices Without Additional Equipment.
GAMING & STREAMING OPTIMIZED: DOCSIS 3.1 Technology With Low Latency For Smooth 4K Streaming, Gaming, And Video Calls. Backward Compatible With DOCSIS 3.0 Networks.
WILL NOT WORK WITH: Verizon FiOS, AT&T Fiber, CenturyLink DSL, Satellite Internet (HughesNet, Viasat), T-Mobile/Verizon Home Internet
BEFORE PURCHASING: (1) Confirm You Have CABLE Internet Service, (2) Check Your Internet Speed Plan Is 1+ Gbps, (3) Ensure You Own Or Will Purchase A WiFi Router
TRUSTED BRAND + SUPPORT: 30+ Years Of Networking Expertise With Technical Support 7 Days Per Week, Warranty Coverage, And Easy Product Registration.

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

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 4

ARRIS Surfboard SB6190 Cable Modem

SB6190NNO-cr
white
ARRIS Surfboard SB6190 Cable Modem Cover
ARRIS Surfboard SB6190 32x8 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem with 1.4 Gbps Download and 262 Upload Speeds, White (Non-Retail Packaging) (Renewed)

The ARRIS Surfboard SB6190 Cable Modem is a powerful modem that supports cable internet speed plans up to 600 Mbps. It is compatible with major U.S. cable internet providers such as Cox, Spectrum, and Xfinity. With 32 downstream x 8 upstream DOCSIS 3.0 bonded channels, you can enjoy fast download and upload speeds of up to 1.4 Gbps and 262 Mbps, respectively. The modem also comes with one Gigabit Ethernet port, allowing you to connect your favorite devices. Setting up your modem is made easy with the SURFboard Central app.

What We Like
Supports cable internet speed plans up to 600 Mbps
Compatible with major U.S. cable internet providers
Fast download and upload speeds of up to 1.4 Gbps and 262 Mbps, respectively
Comes with one Gigabit Ethernet port for connecting devices
Easy setup process with the SURFboard Central app

StarTech.com USB 2.0 Fax Modem

StarTech.com
USB56KEMH2
Black
0.8"x1.1"x3"
StarTech.com USB 2.0 Fax Modem Cover
StarTech.com 56K USB Dial-up & Fax Modem - V.92, External - Hardware Based USB Modem - Transfer rates up to 56Kbps (data) / 14.4Kbps (fax)

The StarTech.com USB 2.0 Fax Modem is an external hardware-driven dial-up modem that provides data and fax support to your computer/laptop via USB. It offers compatibility with various data and fax modes, including V.92, V.90, V.34, V.32bis, V.32, V.22bis, V.22, V.23, V.21 Bell 212A & Bell 103 and V.17, V.29, V.27, V.21 Ch 2, EIA/TIA 578 Class 1 & T.31 Fax Class 1.0 fax modes. The modem's hardware-driven performance ensures it doesn't put any additional load on your CPU, and it is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Windows Server operating systems.

What We Like
External hardware-driven modem
Compatible with various data and fax modes
No additional load on CPU
#TOP 6

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 7

ARRIS SURFboard SB6183-RB DOCSIS 3.0 16x4 Cable Modem

SB6183
White
ARRIS SURFboard SB6183-RB DOCSIS 3.0 16x4 Cable Modem Cover
ARRIS (SB6183-RB) Cable Modem - Fast DOCSIS 3.0 16x4 Gigabit Cable Modem, For Comcast Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum and more, 1 Gbps Port, 400 Mbps Max Internet Speed, 1 Year Warranty - Renewed

The ARRIS SURFboard SB6183-RB DOCSIS 3.0 16x4 Cable Modem is compatible with Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, and most other Docsis Cable Internet Providers, with internet speeds up to 686 Mbps on 16 Download Channels and 131 Mbps on 4 Upload Channels. It is great for streaming HD Video and gaming on multiple devices at a time, and comes with a Gigabit Ethernet port to connect to a computer or router. Please note that it does not support Cable TELCO options, and is not compatible with Verizon, AT&T, or CenturyLink.

What We Like
Compatible with major cable providers
Fast internet speeds for multiple devices
Gigabit Ethernet port for fast connections
#TOP 8

Motorola MB7621 Cable Modem

MB7621
Black
Motorola MB7621 Cable Modem Cover
Motorola MB7621 Cable Modem | Pairs with Any WiFi Router | Approved by Comcast Xfinity, Cox, and Spectrum | for Cable Plans Up to 900 Mbps | DOCSIS 3.0

The Motorola MB7621 Cable Modem is recommended for cable internet plans up to 650 Mbps. It has a Full-Band Capture Digital Tuner for faster and more reliable internet, and a 1 Gigabit Ethernet port that can connect to any WiFi router or device. It is approved for use with Comcast Xfinity, Cox, and Spectrum, and can help save up to $156 per year on cable modem rental fees. The setup is quick and easy, and the modem has an attractive and compact design that can fit in any office or home.

What We Like
Recommended for cable internet plans up to 650 Mbps
Faster and more reliable internet with Full-Band Capture Digital Tuner
Approved for use with Comcast Xfinity, Cox, and Spectrum
Can help save up to $156 per year on cable modem rental fees
Quick and easy setup
Attractive and compact design
#TOP 9

USB 56K Voice Fax Data External Modem with Dual Ports

Black
USB 56K Voice Fax Data External Modem with Dual Ports Cover
AGPtek External USB 2.0 3 in 1 Data Voice Dial Up Modem 56K V.92 V.90 CX93010 WIN7 Receive Send Fax on Computer with RJ11 Cable

This USB modem provides a 56K data/fax modem with USB interface and is compliant with V.90, and V.42/V.42bis/MNP5 protocols and V.17, V.29, and V.27ter Group 3 fax protocol. It supports Caller ID and distinctive ring detect, Auto format/speed sensing, Data/Fax/Voice call discrimination, and call forward/fallback. The modem has 2 RJ11 ports, Quick Connect, and Modem-on-Hold features. It supports Auto-Dial, Tone and pulse dialing, Auto answer, Auto retrain, and compatible with Windows 98SE/2000/ME/XP/Vista/Win 7.

What We Like
Easy to install and use with a USB interface
Supports Caller ID and distinctive ring detect, Auto format/speed sensing, and Data/Fax/Voice call discrimination
Has 2 RJ11 ports and Quick Connect and Modem-on-Hold features
#TOP 10

ARRIS Surfboard SB6190-RB DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem

Commscope
SB6190
White
ARRIS Surfboard SB6190-RB DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem Cover
ARRIS (SB6190-RB) - Cable Modem - DOCSIS 3.0 32x8 Gigabit Modem, [Check with your provider for compatibility]1 Gbps Port, 800 Mbps Max Speed, 2 Year Warranty -Renewed

The ARRIS Surfboard SB6190-RB DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem is a renewed modem that requires cable internet service and is compatible with major U.S. Cable Providers. It has 32 DOWNLOAD & 8 UPLOAD channels to future-proof your modem as your Cable ISP enhances service offerings, and it supports IPv4 and IPv6 - the latest Internet standard. With a recommendation for plans up to 800 Mbps, it is a reliable modem for high speed internet.

What We Like
Excellent speed performance
Easy installation process
Compact size for storage
Reliable for multiple devices
Buying Guide Image
Editor's Notes

During our usb 2.0 modem research, we found 24 usb 2.0 modem products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 240,324 customer reviews through our big data system to write the usb 2.0 modems list. We found that most customers choose usb 2.0 modems with an average price of $105.34.

The usb 2.0 modems are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of usb 2.0 modems, including Hitron, NETGEAR, ARRIS, StarTech.com, Motorola. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 135 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

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.