If you’re serious about your online gaming, then you cannot take too seriously the need to use one of the best gaming modems. These are the things that will make sure that your online game runs smoothie, without glitching or lagging that can utterly ruin your gaming experience.
So what is the best modem for gaming? What features does the best modem for gaming need to have to give you the best performance and prevent lagging and speed? What materials and components do they need to have to provide you with such capabilities? How much can you be expected to spend on a decent modem?
Well, gamers all over the world will no longer need to worry, as we’ve got a list of some of the best modems for gaming that you can currently find on the market. We’ve also got a “Buying Guide” that will help you when shopping for your next gaming modem, as well as some “frequently asked questions” from gamers all over the globe.
Best Modems For Gaming Comparison Table
| Modem | Max Speed | Buy | |
|---|---|---|---|
Top Top
Top | NETGEAR Cable Modem | 1 Gbps | Check Best Price |
Top | Motorola MB8611 DOCSIS 3.1 | 2.5 Gbps | Check Best Price |
 Top
Top | ARRIS® Surfboard® SB6190 | 1.4 Gbps | Check Best Price |
 Top
Top | CenturyLink Prism C2100T 802.11AC Modem Router | 300 Mbps | Check Best Price |
 Top
Top | Linksys High Speed DOCSIS 3.0 24x8 AC1900 | 1.2 Gbps | Check Best Price |
The Top 5 Best Modems For Gaming Reviewed
OUR TOP PICK
1. Netgear Cable Modem
Our first cable modem is one that has been made by a very well-established brand that has been producing game accessories for a number of decades now.
You can see by the wealthy crop of positive reviews that this has accrued on Amazon, that this is a very reliable modem with a healthy 1 Gbps speed and a DOCSIS 3.1 system – introducing the Netgear Cable Modem.
This modem comes with a channel 16×4 configuration, giving you 16 upstream channels and 4 downstream channels, which will result in premium performance and smooth gaming.
This gaming modem comes with a 1-year warranty, allowing you to game to your heart’s content for 12 months, knowing you can return it if it goes faulty.
This router offers wireless and ethernet support, in case you want the reliability of a hardware connection. You can also pair your mobile or tablet devices with this modem and not disrupt your gaming in the slightest.
This unit is also very good value for money, which makes it perfect for first-time gamers on a budget.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”What We Like” cons_title=”What We Don’t Like” ][i2pros]This has a decent speed of 1 Gbps, giving you more than enough juice to play your favorite online games
This has 16 upstream and 4 downstream channels that give you smooth performance without giving you any additional lagging issues.
This unit is small and vertical, it can ideally be stored anywhere
This comes with a DOCSIS 3.1 operating system, which is the most up-to-date system[/i2pros][i2cons]This modem could do with more channels, which will overall increase the performance and further decrease the risk of any lagging issues.[/i2cons][/i2pc]
EDITORS CHOICE
2. Motorola MB8600 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem
Motorola is obviously a very well-respected brand, famous for making smartphones and other communication devices, so you can rest assured that they have been working on developing some of the best gaming cable modems currently on the market.
This unit comes with a maximum speed rating of around 6 Gbps, significantly reducing lag and glitches – introducing the Motorola MB8600 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem.
This modem is a beast, with the maximum speed that you can get from a network device, it has 32 downstream and 8 upstream channels that work together to create maximum network stability. This will be perfect not only for gaming but for hooking up your devices, such as a mobile phone and laptop.
This is the ideal cable modem for multi-device gaming. Invite a few friends over and compete against each other in the same room, knowing that your modem will be able to handle the increased device load.
With a maximum rating of 6 Gbps, you can be certain that a powerful CPU will have a powerful connection device to back it up.
This also has way more channels than our last model, with 40 channels overall, giving you a massive amount of connection stability that will support you when other channels fail.
This device also comes with a 2-year warranty that will enable you to be able to max it out safely in the knowledge that the manufacturer will accept all faulty devices.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”What We Like” cons_title=”What We Don’t Like” ][i2pros]This is one of the highest performing modems on our list, giving you plenty of channels that you and your friends can push to the very limits
This is perfect for gaming parties
This modem comes with a decent 2-year warranty
It has lots of channels[/i2pros][i2cons]As you can imagine, with increased performance and state-of-the-art features comes an increased price. This modem should only be reserved for die-hard gamers who’ll be pushing their gaming to the maximum.[/i2cons][/i2pc]
BEST VALUE
3. ARRIS SURFboard SB6190 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem
The next modem we have is not one made by a popular brand, but it’s one that has been rated very highly by the buyers on Amazon, giving you more than you’ll need for your gaming experience.
This modem has 40 channels altogether, which makes for a stable connection – introducing the Arris Surfboard SB6190 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem.
This modem runs at a slightly more modest 1.4 Gbps, which might not be great for use with multiple devices, but it will be more than enough for solo gaming with a decent computer.
It has a DOCSIS 3.0 system, which makes it slightly outdated, but this results in a slightly cheaper price tag.
The number of channels will reduce the amount of lagging that you’ll get in your game, which virtually no stoppages in games such as Warzone and Destiny.
This is the ideal modem for an entry-level gamer who might not have much money but wants a decent shot at becoming a highly-rated player.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”What We Like” cons_title=”What We Don’t Like” ][i2pros]The number of channels – with 32 upstream channels and 8 downstream channels
The price
This is a great beginner’s modem
This modem is very reliable[/i2pros][i2cons]This modem utilizes slightly outdated systems that won’t be appealing to serious gamers who want that smooth and glitch-free performance in every game.[/i2cons][/i2pc]
RUNNER UP
4. CenturyLink Prism TV Technicolor C2100T 802.11AC Modem
Our next modem is one that is great to use with a decent computer, coming from a little-known manufacturer that is making waves in the online gaming world.
It has some very unique features that other modems for gaming do not have, such as the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz wireless network support capability – introducing the CenturyLink Prism TV Technicolor C2100T 802.11AC Modem.
This runs at a maximum speed of around 300 Mbps, which is not ideal for really hardcore online gamers, but will function as a reliable machine on a decent computer.
It also has a decent warranty of a year, which will mean that you won’t have to worry about it shutting up shop within the first few months of use.
This is another great unit for beginners, with a decent price that should get you up and running in the world of online gaming.
It works with both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, although we would certainly recommend the latter for better performance. With 20 channels, you can expect a respectable level of network stability.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”What We Like” cons_title=”What We Don’t Like” ][i2pros]The price – due to having slightly less capacity and performance speed than some of the other modems on this list, then you can expect to pay a lot less.
This is the ideal modem for a beginner gamer who has a lot smaller budget to work with.
Judging by the hundreds of positive reviews on Amazon, this is a very popular product
The 20 channels will give you all the network stability that you need[/i2pros][i2cons]Much like our last unit, this one uses all the lower-end spectrum features, which won’t be appealing to a lot of hardcore gamers that want absolutely zero glitches during their gaming.[/i2cons][/i2pc]
RUNNER UP
5. Linksys High-Speed DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem Router
Our final modem is one that comes from a very popular company, Linksys, which has been making premium modems and routers for a number of years now.
This unit can be adapted to 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, depending on your online provider, although we would recommend you hook this up to the latter for the best performance – introducing the Linksys High-speed DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem Provider.
This might have a slightly lower performance speed and DOCSIS system, but what that means for you is a reduced price.
Again, a reasonable price will certainly appeal to gamers who are on a budget, such as families who want to keep small children entertained but might not necessarily need the bells and whistles demanded by teenage players.
However, you can certainly count on this modem’s stable connection, coming as it does with 24 downstream and 8 upstream channels.
This modem router combo has more channels than the previous modem, so if you are stuck with the choice between them, we would certainly recommend that you get this unit for a more reliable smoothness in your games.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”What We Like” cons_title=”What We Don’t Like” ][i2pros]The channels – this modem is somewhere in the mid-range in terms of network stability.
This is another very popular modem – the hundreds of positive reviews on Amazon are a testament to its reliability and performance.
This is a great modem with an easy installation
You can adapt this to numerous network settings, again this is a great unit to add to your existing network provider.[/i2pros][i2cons]This modem only includes a 90-day warranty, which might not settle the anxieties of people who want to have a product that they can exchange, especially if it malfunctions after 90 days.[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Best Modems For Gaming Buying Guide
The best gaming modems have progressed in leaps and bounds since the early days of dial-up, now there are a variety of different modems that have numerous capabilities to modulate and demodulate your internet signal, making it faster and slower depending on your service provider.
If you are part of an online gaming team, you won’t want to let down the other players repeatedly during a game. You’re ideally going to want a modem that runs at around 1 Gbps or even higher, as these are the optimum speeds for running fast-paced action or strategy games.
You’ll also want a modem that provides you with more channels, with a mixture of downstream and upstream channels that can affect how your modem operates in a variety of different ways, more of which we’ll discuss later. Also, you’ll want a modem that runs with a certain DOCSIS system, with DOCSIS 3.1 being the best.
However, you’ll want to make sure that you get the best performance for the most reasonable price. If you have built your computer from scratch, buying all the component parts and putting them together yourself can be horribly anxiety-producing and expensive. So having a modem that does a lot for as little as possible will be very important.
Having the correct features and functions for your modem will be crucial if you are a gamer who takes their sport seriously, even more so if you are looking to become a professional and want a modem for training purposes.
Here are some of the things that you’ll be needing to look for in a great gaming modem:
What Is The Maximum Speed?
Having a high maximum speed rating will be one of the most important factors, boosting smooth play and reducing the latency levels that you’ll experience.
The lower end of the speed performance spectrum is around 300 Mbps and 1 Gbps, although as you have seen above, these can go as high as 6 Gbps.
If you are a dedicated gamer, we would recommend that you go for the higher speeds.
Related: Budget Gaming PCs
How Many Channels?
Having more channels will mean more stability in your network connection, having multiple channels for both upload and download transmissions.
For great gaming performance, we would suggest that you get a modem that offers you a 32 x 8 channel configuration. The higher the channels, the better your gaming experience will be.
What DOCSIS Version Does It Have?
Having the most up-to-date DOCSIS system will ensure both better performance and greater stability. The most current version is DOCSIS 3.1, which will definitely be a must for hardcore gamers.
However, if you want to cut costs and don’t mind having less stable performance, then opt for the lower DOCSIS 3.1.
Warranty
As with any other piece of gaming equipment, getting a great warranty will be essential in case something goes wrong, or you just generally want to have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that the product is covered.
We would recommend that you get a modem that offers at least a one-year warranty, but if you can find one with a two or three-year warranty, then that would be better.
Best Gaming Modem FAQ:
What are the benefits of using gaming modems?
The best modems for gaming that are built for gaming are obviously different from ordinary modems. A decent gaming modem will enhance the experience of your ordinary router.
You’ll want a gaming modem that is compatible with your existing router, efficiently boosting its speed.
What are upload and download speeds?
The upload speed of your modem will tell you how much data you can transmit from your modem to your computer, which will obviously affect the overall speed of the program or the game that you’re running.
The upload speed will be much smaller than the upload speed that is listed on the modem package itself.
Ideally, you’ll want a greater download speed than the one your internet service provider can give you. Having more channels in your modem will result in a larger bandwidth, which allows you to transmit a larger amount of data to and from your computer.
Try a speed test to find your upload and download speeds.
How many ethernet ports should a gaming modem have?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the number of ethernet ports you need for your gaming modem will depend on a number of factors.
For example, if you only have one computer and one gaming console that you want to connect to the internet, then you will only need two ports (one for each device). However, if you have multiple computers and gaming consoles that you want to connect, then you will need more ports.
In general, most gaming modems will have at least four ethernet ports. Some higher-end models may have up to eight ports. So, it really just depends on your specific needs.
Final Word
So, there you have it – the 5 best modems for gaming in 2022. If you want great speed and low ping for your online gaming sessions, any of these five will do the trick.
Make sure to choose the one that fits your budget and needs, and get ready to frag some enemies with ease! We cant recommend the Netgear Cable Modem enough, it is our pick for the best modem for gaming! Thanks for reading.
