The 8 Best Gaming Modems for Spotless Connection and Fast Speeds

Truth be told, for most people, the Netgear Nighthawk CM1100 is likely all the modem you’ll ever need (until DOCSIS 4.0 lands, anyway).

About as solid as cable modems get and backed by Netgear’s solid credentials of handling net traffic, this DOCSIS 3.1 modem is a workhorse that can comfortably handle multi-gig speeds without breaking a sweat. That means you can stick to worrying about your KD ratio in Valorant instead of your internet connection.

Should you want to upgrade your home network, this device is also compatible with any wireless router and mesh network system. Installation is also easy, and the modem looks the part, whether for the home office or games room.

This compact modem’s ace up its sleeve is its ability to use its 1 Gbps and 2.5 Gbps ethernet ports simultaneously, provided you have two static IP addresses to play with. Even with the 2.5 Gbps wired connection riding solo, it offers blisteringly fast speeds as long as your ISP can keep up. That might give you the edge in online bouts of Mortal Kombat 1.

If there’s something we’re unsure of, it’s the design, which looks a little too 90s and plasticky for our tastes. Additionally, check before you buy, as the S33 isn’t compatible with some ISPs. That said, the 2-year warranty is a nice touch in the event of a hardware fault.

The basic but functional modem hides a powerhouse performer that utilizes DOCSIS 3.1 to deliver lightning-fast, 2.5 Gbps cabled internet.

There’s also a multi-processor running Active Queue Management, which reduces latency to help ensure crystal-clear voice chat. That’s essential in Apex Legends, where prime team tactics win the day. This feature also makes this modem ideal for streaming or Zoom calls.

Additionally, there’s lightning and surge protection to help protect your hardware should there be an issue with voltages or currents. We’re pretty impressed with this multi-gig cable modem and can wholeheartedly recommend it for voice-enabled online gaming, which is fairly ubiquitous these days.

Only a few top-tier modems can match those lucky enough to have multi-gig internet data plans. 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.

Its easy setup and modern design easily impress and certainly make it stand out when compared to older modems. What we like most though is that, despite its blazingly fast speed, it still only requires one ethernet connection, unlike similar multi-gig modems.

The ultimate gaming den demands the ultimate cable modem-router, which turns out to be the Netgear CAX30S. Not only does it support 25 concurrent devices with its wireless router, but it also features 4 ethernet ports, so you can plug in your PS5, Xbox Series X, PC and smart TV without disconnecting and reconnecting cables. There’s also a USB 3.0 port to handle your storage drive or other peripherals.

It also looks incredibly cool, with the familiar midnight of the Nighthawk line blended into a shark fin design. As a bonus, this package includes a 90-day subscription to Netgear Armor, the company’s internet protection suite. Overall, it’s a strong contender for those with multiple gaming platforms.

Having personally used this modem for over seven years, the Arris Surfboard SB6183 offers an excellent mix of affordability, stability, and longevity. Differentiating itself from the competition with its small body and white colorway, the SB6183 offers similar speeds to Netgear’s CM500, but in an even simpler, more consolidated package.

If you simply want to plug in your modem and forget about it, the SB6183 is your best bet. Just try not to look directly into the indicator lights; they’re very bright.

In large houses or locations, there will often be areas where wireless connections are spotty. This integrated modem and router set is ideal for gamers located far from their modems, such as those in attics, garages, or even outside the house.

It uses a mesh network to eliminate dead spots, casting a 5,000 square foot area with high-speed Wi-Fi of up to 4.2 Gbps. If you’re not in a position to use a wired connection for your online gaming, this is a viable option, but note that an ethernet connection to your modem is always going to be faster than wireless. Also, note that it’s very expensive, so check that you’ll need it before committing.

If there were an award for best-looking modem, the Motorola B12 would emerge victorious. With its compact fabric grill, it wouldn’t look out of place on a side table. Thanks to its diminutive stature, it’s also super compact, around the size of a pint of ice cream.

Utilizing 3.1 DOCSIS technology, this modem supports speeds of up to 2.5 Gbps, and provided you have a speedy data plan, it’ll give you super fluid sessions in Rocket League. We could have just done with an extra ethernet port to tether our wireless router. As it stands, you’ll need to wire up to the latter if you want the reliability of an uninterrupted physical connection.