Netgear Nighthawk CM3000 vs ARRIS SURFboard SB8200

Buy the Netgear CM3000 if your cable plan is above 1 Gbps or you want headroom for future upgrades: its 2.5G port and link aggregation are the real differentiators. Buy the ARRIS SB8200 if you are on a plan at or below 1 Gbps and want a proven, compact modem with two gigabit ports. Both are DOCSIS 3.1 modems with no built-in router, so either needs a separate Wi-Fi router. Owners of the SB8200 widely report years of stable service; the CM3000 is newer and its 2.5G port is what you pay extra for.

• Choose the Netgear Nighthawk CM3000 if your plan exceeds 1 Gbps or you plan to upgrade, since only its 2.5G port can feed a multi-gig router.
• Choose the ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 if your plan tops out at 1 Gbps and you want a compact, well-proven modem with two gigabit ports.