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UniFi Cable Internet Modem vs NETGEAR Nighthawk CM2000

Both are DOCSIS 3.1 cable modems with a single 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port, so raw internet speed is a tie. The UniFi Cable Internet is a 1U rack-mount unit with a 1.3-inch touchscreen and UniFi network management, aimed at people who already run UniFi gear. The Nighthawk CM2000 is a small desktop modem with two phone ports for voice service and broad provider compatibility. Pick UniFi for a managed rack setup; pick the CM2000 for a simple standalone install or if you need a landline.

  • Choose the UniFi Cable Internet if you run a UniFi network and want the modem rack-mounted and managed alongside your other gear.
  • Choose the Nighthawk CM2000 if you want a compact plug-in modem that works with most US cable providers and supports phone service.

Prices

  • UniFi Cable Internet Modem: $279.00 at B&H Photo-Video-Audio (last seen Nov 14)
  • NETGEAR Nighthawk CM2000: $249.99 at Micro Center (last seen Nov 14)
  • Difference: the NETGEAR Nighthawk CM2000 is $29.01 cheaper than the UniFi Cable Internet Modem at the latest prices (Nov 14)
UniFi
UniFi Cable Internet

UniFi Cable Internet Modem

UniFi Cable Internet

$279.00at B&H Photo-Video-AudioChecked 19 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit B&H Photo-Video-Audio
Pros
  • Rack-mount 1U chassis fits a wiring closet or rack
  • Touchscreen shows status without opening an app
  • Managed and monitored through UniFi
  • 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port
  • DOCSIS 3.1 with OFDM and OFDMA
Cons
  • No phone ports for voice service
  • Large footprint for a desk
  • Requires UniFi gear to get the management features
  • No stated DOCSIS 3.0 fallback
NETGEAR
NETGEAR Nighthawk CM2000

NETGEAR Nighthawk CM2000

$249.99at Micro CenterChecked 19 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Micro Center
Pros
  • Compact and light, easy to place anywhere
  • Two telephone ports for voice plans
  • Works with major US cable providers, including Xfinity
  • 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port
  • DOCSIS 3.1 and 3.0 compatible
Cons
  • No central management or monitoring
  • Status is LED-only, no screen
  • No Bluetooth or other wireless
  • No rack mounting

What separates them

UniFi Cable Internet ModemNETGEAR Nighthawk CM2000
Form factor1U rack-mountable, 442 mm wide, 3.31 lbSmall external desktop unit, 1.09 lb
ManagementManageable, with network monitoring through UniFiStandalone, no central management
Status display1.3-inch touchscreenSeven LED lights
Voice supportNo telephone portsTwo dedicated telephone ports
Provider compatibilityNot stated for specific providersListed for all major US cable providers and Xfinity
DOCSIS backward compatibilityDOCSIS 3.1 onlyDOCSIS 3.1 and 3.0
WirelessBluetooth supportNo wireless radios
EthernetOne 2.5 Gigabit portOne 2.5 Gigabit port

Price history

  • UniFi Cable Internet Modem: lowest $265.99 on Nov 14 at CDW.
  • NETGEAR Nighthawk CM2000: lowest $249.99 on Nov 14 at Micro Center.

Prices at every store

UniFi Cable Internet Modem

  • B&H Photo-Video-AudioNew

    In stock

    $279.00Free shippingChecked 19 h ago
    Visit B&H Photo-Video-Audio
  • Newegg.comNew

    In stock

    $267.99+ $11.30 shippingChecked 19 h ago
    Visit Newegg.com
  • Newegg BusinessNew

    In stock

    $267.99+ $11.30 shippingChecked 19 h ago
    Visit Newegg Business
  • CDWNew

    In stock

    $265.99+ $116.00 shippingChecked 19 h ago
    Visit CDW

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay
All 13 stores and price history →

NETGEAR Nighthawk CM2000

  • Micro CenterNew

    In stock

    $249.99+ $12.99 shippingChecked 19 h ago
    Visit Micro Center
  • eBayPre-owned

    Availability unknownSold by dyspnea22 (100% positive, 40 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $39.00+ $8.02 shippingChecked 19 h ago
    Visit eBay

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All 2 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecUniFi Cable Internet ModemNETGEAR Nighthawk CM2000
Maximum Transfer RateUp to 2500Mbps (downstream)2.5 Gbps
Data Link ProtocolEthernetEthernet
Data Transfer RateMulti-gigabit speeds2.5 Gbps
Modem TypeCable ModemCable Modem
Communications TypeCableData, Voice
Digital Signaling ProtocolDOCSIS 3.1DOCSIS 3.1
Modulation TechnologySC-QAM, OFDM, OFDMAOFDMA
Compliant StandardsDOCSIS 3.1DOCSIS 3.1, DOCSIS 3.0
Ethernet Ports2.5 Gigabit Ethernet2.5 Gigabit Ethernet
Connectivity TechnologyEthernetWired
InterfaceEthernetEthernet
Number Of1 (network ports)Two (dedicated telephone ports)
Show all 27 specsShow fewer specs
SpecUniFi Cable Internet ModemNETGEAR Nighthawk CM2000
TypeModemModem
Dimensions442.4 x 80 x 43.7 mm6.8 x 3.7 x 8.2 in
Enclosure TypeRack-mountable, 1U rack-mount form factorExternal
Weight3.31 lb1.09 lb
Status Indicators1.3" touchscreen7 LED lights
Transmission Speed2.5 Gigabit Ethernet2.5Gbps
Network HighlightsNetwork Monitoring, ManageableIPv6 Compatible
Protocol SpecificationsTIA, IEEEDOCSIS 3.1, DOCSIS 3.0
Bluetooth SupportYes—

Questions and answers

Which is better for a UniFi home network?
The UniFi Cable Internet. It is manageable and monitored inside UniFi, and its 1U chassis fits a rack with your other UniFi gear. The CM2000 works fine as a modem but sits outside that management.
Do I need a separate router with either?
Yes. Both are modems with one 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port and no Wi-Fi, so you need a router or a UniFi gateway behind either one.
Which supports phone service?
The Nighthawk CM2000. It has two dedicated telephone ports for voice plans. The UniFi modem has no phone ports.
Which is more likely to work with my cable provider?
The CM2000 is listed for all major US cable providers, including Xfinity, and supports DOCSIS 3.0 as well as 3.1. Check the UniFi modem against your provider's approved list before buying.
Is the UniFi modem worth stepping up to?
Only if you already run UniFi and want the modem rack-mounted and managed with the rest of your network. Otherwise the CM2000 covers the same 2.5 Gbps speeds in a simpler box.
Which is easier to set up?
The CM2000. It is a small standalone unit with LED indicators. The UniFi modem needs rack space and UniFi management to use its features.

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Buying guides that pick them

  • Best DOCSIS 3.1 cable modems
Typical UsersResidential, Business—
Environmental CertificationsUL, CE, FCC, IC—
Line Coding Format—OFDM
Carrier—All major US Cable Service Providers, XFINITY f…
Coverage Area—Up to 3000 sq. ft.
Network Transport Protocol—IPv6