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NETGEAR CM500 Cable Modem vs Netgear CM1000 Cable Modem

The CM500 is a solid DOCSIS 3.0 modem for sub-gigabit cable plans, and owners report it runs cool and stable for years. The CM1000 (DOCSIS 3.1) is the better buy if your plan is at or near gigabit, or if you expect to upgrade soon. On features the CM1000 wins clearly: 32x8 channel bonding plus OFDM channels and a 1 Gbps ceiling versus 16x4 and 680 Mbps. Build is similar plastic desktop hardware from the same brand; reviewers treat both as reliable, with the CM500 the more proven workhorse.

  • Choose the CM500 if your cable plan tops out well below a gigabit and you want a simple, proven modem that will last.
  • Choose the CM1000 if you have a gigabit or near-gigabit plan, or want headroom for a future speed upgrade.

Prices

  • NETGEAR CM500 Cable Modem: $54.79 at Buyapprovedmodems.com (last seen Nov 13)
  • Netgear CM1000 Cable Modem: $179.00 at PC Richard & Son (last seen Nov 12)
  • Difference: the NETGEAR CM500 Cable Modem is $124.21 cheaper than the Netgear CM1000 Cable Modem at the latest prices (Nov 12 and Nov 13)
NETGEAR
NETGEAR CM500 DOCSIS 3.0 16x4 High Speed Cable Modem

NETGEAR CM500 Cable Modem

NETGEAR CM500 DOCSIS 3.0 16x4 High Speed Cable Modem

$54.79at Buyapprovedmodems.comChecked Nov 13
See all prices and details
Visit Buyapprovedmodems.com
Pros
  • Works with DOCSIS 3.0 cable providers like XFINITY, Spectrum and Cox
  • 16x4 bonding handles most sub-gigabit plans without dropouts
  • Simple self-activation, no service call for many customers
  • Compact, cool-running design with a long owner track record
Cons
  • 680 Mbps ceiling caps you below gigabit plans
  • No DOCSIS 3.1 or OFDM support
  • Single LAN port, no built-in router or Wi-Fi
  • Will need replacing sooner if your provider pushes faster tiers
Netgear
Netgear DOCSIS 3.1 Ultra-High Speed Cable Modem

Netgear CM1000 Cable Modem

Netgear DOCSIS 3.1 Ultra-High Speed Cable Modem

$179.00at PC Richard & SonChecked Nov 12
See all prices and details
Visit PC Richard & Son
Pros
  • DOCSIS 3.1 with 32x8 bonding and OFDM channels
  • 1 Gbps download ceiling suits gigabit plans
  • Lower latency on congested nodes, good for gaming
  • Backward compatible with DOCSIS 3.0 service
Cons
  • Overkill and no benefit on slow plans
  • Fewer long-term owner reports than the CM500
  • Single Ethernet port, no routing or Wi-Fi
  • Some providers require specific firmware approval

What separates them

NETGEAR CM500 Cable ModemNetgear CM1000 Cable Modem
DOCSIS standardDOCSIS 3.0DOCSIS 3.1, backward compatible with 3.0
Max download speed680 Mbps1 Gbps
Channel bonding16 downstream, 4 upstream32 downstream, 8 upstream plus 2x2 OFDM
Gigabit plan supportNot enough for gigabit tiersBuilt for gigabit tiers like XFINITY Gigabit
Ethernet portOne Gigabit portOne Gigabit port
Latency under loadFine for typical streaming and gamingOFDM channels reduce latency on busy networks
SetupSelf-activation with major providersSelf-activation with major providers
Track recordLong-selling, widely reviewed modelNewer, fewer long-term owner reports

Price history

  • NETGEAR CM500 Cable Modem: lowest $54.99 on Nov 13 at Amazon.
  • Netgear CM1000 Cable Modem: lowest $179.00 on Nov 13 at PC Richard & Son.

Prices at every store

NETGEAR CM500 Cable Modem

  • Buyapprovedmodems.comNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $54.79Checked Nov 13
    Visit Buyapprovedmodems.com
  • Connect eTronicsNew

    In stock

    $69.99Checked Nov 12
    Visit Connect eTronics
  • CraftedyogiNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $72.64Checked Nov 12
    Visit Craftedyogi
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

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

    $54.99Free shippingChecked Nov 12
    Visit Amazon

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 6 stores and price history →

Netgear CM1000 Cable Modem

  • PC Richard & SonNew

    In stock

    $179.00Free shippingChecked Nov 12
    Visit PC Richard & Son
  • WalmartNew

    In stock

    $199.00Free shippingChecked Nov 12
    Visit Walmart
  • Abt Electronics & AppliancesNew

    In stock

    $199.00Free shippingChecked Nov 12
    Visit Abt Electronics & Appliances
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

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

    $199.00Free shippingChecked Nov 12
    Visit Amazon

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 14 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecNETGEAR CM500 Cable ModemNetgear CM1000 Cable Modem
TypeCableCable
InterfaceEthernetEthernet
ColorBlackBlack
DOCSIS standardDOCSIS 3.0—
Downstream channels16—
Upstream channels4—
Max download speed680 Mbps—
Max upload speed132 Mbps—
Ethernet portsone 10/100/1000 LAN Gigabit Ethernet port—
Flash memory8 MB—
RAM128 MB—
Width4-15/16"—
Show all 16 specsShow fewer specs
SpecNETGEAR CM500 Cable ModemNetgear CM1000 Cable Modem
Height7-5/16"—
Depth2-3/8"—
Weight9.92 oz—
Transmission Speed—1 gbps

What reviewers say

NETGEAR CM500 Cable Modem

Owners generally find the CM500 easy to set up and stable on mid-tier cable plans, and many cite dropping the rental fee as the main win. Complaints center on it being outdated for faster plans and on provider compatibility.

What people mention
  • SetupPraisedOwners say activation with XFINITY is quick and needs no technician visit.
  • StabilityPraisedUsers report a steady connection with few dropouts on mid-tier plans.
  • SpeedMixedIt handles typical plans fine but caps out well below gigabit tiers.
  • CompatibilityCriticisedSome buyers find their provider does not approve this model.

Netgear CM1000 Cable Modem

Owners generally find the CM1000 reliable on gigabit cable plans and easy to activate with their provider. Complaints center on its age and its single gigabit port rather than on performance.

What people mention
  • SpeedPraisedOwners report it delivers close to the full gigabit their plan allows.
  • SetupPraisedActivation with the cable provider is described as quick and painless.
  • StabilityPraisedUsers say connections stay steady through peak evening hours.
  • PortsCriticisedThe lone gigabit Ethernet port is seen as limiting for wired devices.

Questions and answers

Which is better for a 300 Mbps plan?
The CM500. Its 16x4 bonding and 680 Mbps ceiling cover a 300 Mbps plan with room to spare, and DOCSIS 3.1 adds nothing at that speed.
Which is better for a gigabit plan?
The CM1000. The CM500 tops out at 680 Mbps, so it cannot deliver a gigabit tier. The CM1000 is built for gigabit service.
Which lasts longer?
Both are simple modems with no moving parts. The CM500 has a longer public track record, but the CM1000 stays useful longer because it supports faster plans.
Is the CM1000 worth stepping up to?
Yes if your plan is near or above 680 Mbps, or you expect an upgrade within a couple of years. If your plan is slower and stable, the CM500 is enough.
Do both work with Comcast XFINITY and Spectrum?
Both are CableLabs certified and listed for major US cable providers. Check your provider's approved modem list for your exact speed tier before buying.
Do either include Wi-Fi?
No. Both are modems only with a single Gigabit Ethernet port. You need a separate router or mesh system for Wi-Fi.

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More comparisons

  • Netgear Nighthawk CM3000 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem vs NETGEAR CM500 DOCSIS 3.0 16x4 High Speed Cable Modem
  • Netgear Nighthawk CM3000 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem vs Netgear DOCSIS 3.1 Ultra-High Speed Cable Modem