Connectivity is a good thing, and what is better is being able to maximise that connectivity. A case in point would be internet service provider Optimum Compatible modem which receives good reviews for the service it provides. But what if you can further enhance your user experience?.
This is definitely possible by not renting a modem, and getting your own modem to save on costs while getting the best possible speeds. Rentals have the unfortunate tag of previous use and do not come with the best of specifications. By owning your own optimum compatible modem, you have control over what features you can get with your internet service.
This article tells you all about the Optimum compatible modem and which ones you should buy based on the specifications of the service you are subscribed to.
How do you Choose What Modem is Best for your Optimum Subscription
So how do you choose what modem is best for your Optimum subscription? Buying the right modem for your internet could be a difficult task, especially for the uninitiated. One of the things you have to know is that Optimum runs on DOCSIS 3.0 modem. Later modems that run on DOCSIS 3.1 might not run as Optimum has not rolled out compatibility modem with that system yet as of now.
Given that, if you are on Optimum, buy only Optimum compatible modem to save yourself some time, money, and that extra drive back to the store to get your modem replaced again. So we ran down the top five Optimum compatible modem on the market, highlighting the pros and cons of each brand and why these are the best for your needs. We considered things like speed and cost so you can narrow down your choices further.
8 Best Optimum Compatible Modem and Router with High Speed Internet
From there you can shortlist what you require. Though all of them are highly recommended, it still depends on you to choose based on the overview of a particular brand. So in no specific order, here are the modems for your Optimum subscription with a bonus of 3 more brands for you to choose from:
1. Arris Surfboard SB8200
Arris, by far, makes the top of the list. Particularly the Arris Surfboard SB6183 is a good investment when it comes to optimising your internet speed. In general, an Arris brand of the modem will not let you down, and it can handle maximum speeds of internet subscriptions. If you think this is expensive, think long term.
You get every dollar you spend, and you can that get reassurance that this would perform admirably. With a two year warranty, you can at least expect this hardware to perform in top shape for the next couple of years.
Key Features:
- 16 x 4 Modem Channels
- One 1-Gigabit Ethernet Port
- Supports IPv4 and IPv6
- Up to 686 Mbps DOCSIS Download Speeds
- Top of the class in terms of speed and bandwidth
- 2 Year Limited Warranty that you would not find in another modem manufacturer
- More costly than its other counterparts
The Verdict: This is the best Optimum Compatible modem that money can buy. If you can spend on it, go for performance even if you have to pay for more.
2. Netgear Nighthawk C7000 DOCSIS 3.0
The Netgear Nighthawk can get up to 1.96Gbps with a 24×8 channel bonding translating to some of the fastest download speeds, with up to 960Mbps even during with heaviest user hours.
The Netgear modems come at modest costs and can perform just as spectacularly as the other top brands. Undeniably, this brand has been getting good user reviews on Amazon not only for its price but as well as its performance and the ease of setting it up. Unlike other brands, however, Netgear modems come with only one year warranty, but with the significantly low cost of the device, it hardly matters to the user and the buyer.
Key Features:
- Up to 1.96Gbps upload speeds
- 24×8 Modem channels
- Up to 960Mbps download speeds
The Verdict: An Optimum Compatible modem that gives you bang for your buck
3. Linksys (CM3016) Docsis 3.0 16×4
This is one of the more established and popular brands in the modem arena, so naturally, it will make the top 5 list. Though the brand speaks for itself, it became popular because it performs very well and is known to really enhance the performance of your internet regardless of whether it’s for personal use or for businesses.
This brand performs so well, this is actually a favorite of corporations and enterprises. Again, you will treat this as an investment because it belongs to the more expensive side of the modem spectrum, but with a good reason. Aside from it being reliable, design-wise it is very manageable and easy to handle as well as can be easily set-up.
The Linksys CM3016 comes with a maximum Line Rate of up to 686Mbps download and up to 120Mbps Upload and with an easy plug and play setup. The downside? Only a one-year warranty.
Key Features:
- 16×4 Bonded channels
- Up to 686Mbps download speeds
- Up to 120Mbps upload speeds
- Trusted name
- Relatively high speed
- Easy plug and play set-up
- Only one-year warranty
- Expensive
The Verdict: An Optimum Compatible modem that is as reliable as it can get.
4. Zoom 5350 DOCSIS 3.0
The Zoom 5350 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable can also mean how fast they are taken from store shelves of computer stores. They sell out fast because it’s an alternative to the more expensive modems but can give the same optimal performance. Aside from a two-year warranty, another feature that users love about Zoom is that it’s easy to read because its indicator lights are clearly labeled.
Depending on how you utilise your internet, this device is recommended for regular internet users who surf casually and occasionally download small to medium-sized files. Zoom products also come with a 2-year manufacturer warranty, and they have customer service available by phone and email.
Key Features:
- Up to 343Mbps download speeds
- Up to 123Mbps upload speeds
- 8×4 Bonded channels
- Comparatively good speeds
- Great after service
- Reasonable prices
- 2-year warranty
- Well-labeled indicator lights
- Available customer service by phone and email
- Limited availability in the market
- Not recommended for heavy internet users
The Verdict: A bargain but you have to find one first
5. TP-Link (TC-7610-E)
They say simple is better. This is what TP-Link embodies. If you want a straightforward modem that performs its main function and is very reasonably priced, then this is the modem you should be looking at. This brand is probably the most user-friendly of modems out there.
The product gives out very simple instructions that can easily be followed. Aside from the ease of use, you will hardly feel months, even years go by while using this device because it hardly gives any issues. When you purchase a TP-Link, you can expect a long-term use modem that will stay with you for years. The TP-Link (TC-7610-E) has a download speed of up to 343Mbps and upload speeds up to 143Mbps.
Key Features:
- Up to 343Mbps download speeds
- Up to 134Mbps upload speeds
- 8×4 Bonded channels
- Supports IPv6 and IPv4
- Good middle of the line modem
- High-quality modem
- Easy to use
- That is all you will be getting
- Limited compatibility
The Verdict: Sometimes the middle of the pack works out just as fine.
6. Motorola SB6120 SURFboard DOCSIS 3.0
Motorola modems carry their signature aesthetics. It has sleek designs and is very compact. Though at the end of the day, looks do not count for much, an ugly looking modem can break the look of your computer setup. Some users also use this brand as an alternative to Arris and it has not disappointed so far.
It’s limitation is its compatibility with some ISPs but if it is compatible with your ISP, then it’s a good choice because it’s less expensive than the usual modem and it comes with a two-year warranty. Performance is great as well, it is able to give out strong wi-fi signals once you have finished setting up. Try out the Motorola SB6120 SURFboard DOCSIS 3.0 eXtreme Broadband Cable Modem for your home use.
Key Features:
- Up to 160 Mbps download speeds
- 4×4 Bonded channels
- Supports IPv6 and IPv4
- Great speeds right off the bat
- 2-year warranty
- Some compatibility issues
- More on the expensive side
Verdict: If it works for you that is awesome however it could be hit or miss.
7. Asus CM-16 Docsis 3.0
Another brand from the computing space, the Asus is also well-built both in and out. Lights and labels are visible and can accommodate internet speeds of up to 300Mbps. This is particularly the modem of choice for a gamer – so you can imagine how much power it is by being able to accommodate the bandwidth requirement of even the hardcore gamers. To put things into perspective, you can get 686 Mbps without skipping a beat.
This is important because, in e-sports and competitive gaming, even the slightest latency can make or break your chances of winning. Its features are always updated with the latest technology and ensure solid performance. If you are looking for an entry-level modem to own rather than rent from your ISP, then this is a good starting point for you.
Key Features:
- Up to 300Mbps upload speeds
- Up to 686Mbps download speeds
- 16×4 Bonded channels
- Perfect for gaming
- Value for money
- No compatibility issues
- Fast performance
- A new entry to the modem game
- Outdated interface
Verdict: If you can get this kind of performance, it is worth the gamble.
8. D-Link DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem (DCM-301) Compatible
This would also be placed on the more expensive side of modem selection but can also give much value for money. The D-Link is also a popular brand and it has many variants, you just need to know which one would work best with the subscription that you currently have to ensure optimal performance level. When you get the right modem model for your subscription, expect fast internet speeds and a strong wireless connection.
D-Link modems also come with a 2-year warranty so you either expect the device to be working well in the next 2 years, or rest assured that if anything goes wrong within the next 2 years, you don’t have to go shopping for a new modem. The question is of course price. With a heftier price tag than other modem brands, you have to ask if you really need all that speed?
If you are going to use it for simple office work and research, maybe a less expensive, more modest modem is in the cards.
Key Features:
- 8×4 Bonded channels
- Up to 343Mbps download speeds
- Up to 150Mbps upload speeds
- Speed is up to par with most high-end modems
- 2-year warranty
- Strong wireless connection
- Expensive
Verdict: It becomes a case of do you really need that much speed.
How to Buy Optimum Compatible Modem – Step by Step Guide
So to wrap up this article, here are the things you need to determine before buying that modem for your Optimum subscription:
- Find out the subscription type that you have.
- Choose your top 2 brands that you want to look at based on the price and the features as well as the after-sales service.
- It would be helpful to browse a bit more on the reviews about the brands that you shortlisted.
- Pick the models you want based on your internet subscription.
- Remember to always test out the merchandise before you seal the deal.
The last 5 items are actually a checklist of what you need to do to ensure that you have picked the perfect and proper modem for your Optimum subscription. Though it seems overwhelming, paying attention to detail and being meticulous about the features can be worth it in the long run.
You need to remember that the internet is something that you need on a daily basis and like many things, it has since evolved to service a wide range of needs. Whether you like entertainment, games, you work on the creative industry or have a career in the digital marketing space, the internet will likely determine the success of what you are doing and of course your satisfaction.
Yes, they are all compatible, but it still boils down to how you intend to use the internet, and how can the modem help you become more efficient, faster, and more satisfied with your internet service. By the end of the day, we all have different needs but we all need a fast, stable internet experience with your modem.
To put it in other terms, the best experience with the internet is one that you do not notice because the only time you notice your internet speed.