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Deal.ai › Compare

ARRIS SURFboard S34 vs NETGEAR Nighthawk CM3000 Cable Modem

Both are DOCSIS 3.1 cable modems built for multi-gig plans, and both are modem-only, so you supply the router. The S34 is the simpler pick: two Ethernet ports, a two-year limited warranty, and a compact body that is easy to tuck away. The CM3000 costs more but adds a second Gigabit port with link aggregation and a stronger record of owner satisfaction. Pick the CM3000 if you want the extra wired port and the higher-rated track record; pick the S34 if you want the longer warranty and a smaller footprint.

  • Choose the ARRIS SURFboard S34 if you want a compact modem with a two-year warranty and a single high-speed port for your router.
  • Choose the NETGEAR Nighthawk CM3000 if you want a third Ethernet port with link aggregation and the model with the stronger owner ratings.

Prices

  • ARRIS SURFboard S34: $35.40 at velmoraly (checked today)
  • NETGEAR Nighthawk CM3000 Cable Modem: $299.99 at Abt Electronics (checked today)
  • Difference: the ARRIS SURFboard S34 is $264.59 cheaper than the NETGEAR Nighthawk CM3000 Cable Modem today
ARRIS
ARRIS SURFboard S34

ARRIS SURFboard S34

$35.40at velmoralyChecked 2 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit velmoraly
Pros
  • Two-year limited warranty, longer than most rivals
  • Compact body with simple status LEDs
  • 2.5 Gigabit port for multi-gig plans
  • Straightforward activation with major cable providers
Cons
  • Only one multi-gig port, so one fast wired device
  • No link aggregation
  • Fewer owner ratings to judge long-term reliability
NETGEAR
NETGEAR Nighthawk CM3000 2.5G DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem

NETGEAR Nighthawk CM3000 Cable Modem

NETGEAR Nighthawk CM3000 2.5G DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem

4.8(255 ratings)
$299.99at Abt ElectronicsChecked 45 min ago
See all prices and details
Visit Abt Electronics

Store links may earn us a commission. Price via Klarna.

Pros
  • 4.8 out of 5 from 255 ratings
  • Three Ethernet ports, two of them aggregatable
  • Owners report large speed gains and stable connections
  • Works with Xfinity, Spectrum and Cox
Cons
  • One-year warranty
  • Some owners report reboot loops and unclear MAC address steps
  • Bundled Cat5e cable limits full speed
  • Support calls reported as hard to follow

What separates them

ARRIS SURFboard S34NETGEAR Nighthawk CM3000 Cable Modem
Ethernet portsOne 2.5 Gigabit port plus one 1 Gigabit portOne 2.5 Gigabit port plus two Gigabit ports with link aggregation
WarrantyTwo years, limitedOne year, limited, parts and labor
SizeCompact, space-saving body8.2 in tall, 6.8 in wide, 3.7 in deep
Owner ratingsFewer published owner ratings4.8 out of 5 from 255 ratings
Reported setup issuesStandard activation with the providerSome owners report a unit stuck in a reboot loop and a guide that omits the MAC address step
Bundled cableEthernet cable not emphasized in the listingShips with a Cat5e cable that caps below full speed
Provider fitCertified for Xfinity, Cox and SpectrumWorks with major US cable providers including Xfinity, Spectrum and Cox

Price history

  • ARRIS SURFboard S34: lowest $235.99 on Nov 13 at Amazon.
  • NETGEAR Nighthawk CM3000 Cable Modem: lowest $299.99 on Nov 13 at Best Buy.

Prices at every store

ARRIS SURFboard S34

  • velmoralyNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $35.40Checked 2 h ago
    Visit velmoraly
  • ZENICRAFTNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $35.40Checked 2 h ago
    Visit ZENICRAFT
  • SorvinaNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $260.00Checked 2 h ago
    Visit Sorvina
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $235.99Free shippingChecked 2 h ago
    Visit Amazon

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 7 stores and price history →

NETGEAR Nighthawk CM3000 Cable Modem

  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $299.99Free shippingChecked 45 min ago
    Visit Best Buy
  • Abt ElectronicsNew

    In stock

    $299.99Free shippingChecked 45 min ago
    Visit Abt Electronics
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $299.99Free shippingChecked 2 h ago
    Visit Amazon
  • WalmartNew

    Out of stockSold by Netgear Authorized StoreReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.

    $299.99Free shippingChecked 45 min ago
    Visit Walmart

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 5 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecARRIS SURFboard S34NETGEAR Nighthawk CM3000 Cable Modem
TypeModemModem
Modem typeCable Modem—
Compatible service providerComcast Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum—
Maximum download speed2.5 Gbps—
Docsis version3.1—
Transfer rate2.5 Gbps—
Number of downstream channels32—
Number of upstream channels8—
BrandSurfboard—
ManufacturerMOTOROLA—
ConnectionRJ45—
Number of ports2—
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecARRIS SURFboard S34NETGEAR Nighthawk CM3000 Cable Modem
ModelS34—
Model nameS34—
Warrantytwo years, limited, which is the norm for this …—
Maximum Transfer Rate1024 Mbit/s—
Data Link ProtocolEthernet—
Data Transfer RateGigabit+ speed packages—
Compliant StandardsDOCSIS 3.1—
Coverage Areawhole-home networking—
Transmission SpeedGigabit speed, 2 Gbps (Wired), Gigabit+ speed p…—

What reviewers say

NETGEAR Nighthawk CM3000 Cable Modem

  • 4.8 / 5255 ratings

Owners rate it highly, mostly for the speed jump and stable performance. Setup is usually quick, especially with Xfinity, but a minority ran into activation confusion or a dead unit.

What people mention
  • SpeedPraisedOwners report downloads jumping into the hundreds to over 2,000Mbps and uploads past 300Mbps.
  • SetupMixedMost call activation quick, but some say the guide never states that the ISP needs the modem's MAC address.
  • ReliabilityPraisedLong-term owners report no drops, reconnects or lag in normal use.
  • Bundled cableCriticisedThe included Cat5e Ethernet cable can't support the modem's full speeds.

Questions and answers

Which is better for a 2 Gbps Xfinity plan?
Both handle 2.5 Gbps downloads and mid/high-split uploads. The CM3000 has more owner reports of hitting full speed on Xfinity, while the S34 is certified for the same providers with a longer warranty.
Which modem lasts longer?
The S34 backs its hardware with a two-year limited warranty against one year for the CM3000. Owner reports on the CM3000 are mostly positive over time, but a few units failed out of the box.
Do I need a router with either one?
Yes. Both are modem-only, so you need a separate Wi-Fi router or mesh system. The CM3000 pairs naturally with NETGEAR WiFi 6E, WiFi 7 or Orbi gear, but any router works.
Is the CM3000 worth stepping up to?
If you want a third wired port, link aggregation, or the model with the stronger owner ratings, yes. If you only need one fast port and prefer a longer warranty, the S34 covers it.
Can I use either with fiber or DSL?
No. Both are cable modems for DOCSIS 3.1 providers such as Xfinity, Cox and Spectrum. They will not work on fiber, DSL or satellite service.

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Buying guides that pick them

  • Best cable modems for Comcast Xfinity
Network Highlights
Supports IPv6, Supports IPv4
—
Network Transport ProtocolIPv6, IPv4—
Communications TypeData—
Digital Signaling ProtocolDOCSIS 3.1—
Modulation TechnologyOFDM—
Line Coding FormatOFDM—
CarrierCox—
Ethernet Ports2—
Connectivity TechnologyWired—
InterfaceEthernet—
USB PortsNo—
Bluetooth SupportNo—
Number Of2 (network RJ-45 ports)—
Dimensions5.3 (height)—
Enclosure TypeDesktop—
Weight13.36 oz—
Cable Modem DOCSIS—3.1
Color—Black
DOCSIS Certification—3.1