Comparing DOCSIS 3.0 to DOCSIS 3.1
The world of technology moves exponentially fast. When the internet first entered the average household in the late 1990s, data transfer speeds were restricted to 56 kilobits (roughly .05 megabits). This was the upper limit of dial-up modems. Today, some modems can offer maximum speeds of 10GB, a roughly 20,000,000% increase over the last 20 years.
The key change that allows such a leap is thanks to revolutionized cable technology. Dial-up modems send and receive data over a telephone line. But modern modems use “data over cable service interface specifications” tech, known as DOCSIS, which sends and receives data through the cables used by television transmissions.
As internet technology continues to evolve, choosing the appropriate modem that takes advantage of modern speeds can be difficult. Yet most consumers don’t actually need such fast capabilities or have an internet service provider who can keep up. Ultimately, choosing between DOCSIS 3.0 and 3.1 will come down to which internet speeds you have access to.
What is DOCSIS 3.0?
Originally released as an upgrade to DOCSIS 2.0 in August 2006, DOCSIS 3.0 vastly increased both its upstream and downstream data-transfer speed capabilities while adding support for internet Protocol version 6 and introducing channel bonding.
In practice, this brought DOCSIS into compliance with modern internet-access standards and upped effective speeds.
With download speeds up to 1 Gbps and upload speeds up to 300 megabits per second, DOCSIS 3.0 modems are easily capable of handling almost every ISP plan range with power to spare. Price points for DOCSIS 3.0 modems are as low as $50 to as high as $400.
DOCSIS 3.0 pros
The range of modems using DOCSIS 3.0 means every consumer can find an option that fits their specific needs, from low-end modems for average internet surfing to high-end powerhouses for online gaming and 4K video streaming. The difference between low- and high-end DOCSIS 3.0 modems comes down to the number of channels available.
DOCSIS 3.0 has been around for 15 years, so prices for a modem using DOCSIS 3.0 have fallen to ranges as low as $50-$75. DOCSIS 3.0 modems at that price point can still be more than capable of exceeding data speeds in the low-end tiers offered by some ISPs.
Even midrange DOCSIS 3.0 modem models can last you for years, with sturdy construction and maximum speed capabilities ready to meet the ISP plans of the future.
DOCSIS 3.0 cons
Not every DOCSIS 3.0 modem is created equally, with the low-end models often requiring a yearly replacement as they overheat, break down or simply don’t have the maximum speeds necessary as ISP infrastructure continues to evolve.
The fastest ISP plans available can reach speeds of up to 2 Gbps, exceeding the capabilities of even the best DOCSIS 3.0 modems. If you have one of these plans and purchase a DOCSIS 3.0 modem, you’ll actually throttle your speed to less than what you’re paying for, making the purchase counter-productive, no matter how much money you saved on the actual product.
Best DOCSIS 3.0 modems
Netgear AC1750: available at Amazon Offering speeds up to 680Mbps and combining both modem and router into one, this model eliminates the need to spend extra money for the equipment to paint your home with WiFi. It is compatible with Xfinity from Comcast, Spectrum, Cox and CableONE. The modem also enables parental controls and on-the-go WiFi management with Netgear’s Genie App.
Netgear C6250: available at Amazon For slower ISP plans, this model offers speeds up to 300Mbps and still combines your modem and router into one. It’s compatible with Xfinity by Comcast, COX, and Spectrum. This model is not compatible, however, with some of the bigger names like Verizon, AT&T and CenturyLink.
Motorola MB7621: available at Amazon If you already have a router (like a Google Nest AC2200) or are looking to save some money, this modem can be found for $100 or less and reaches speeds up to 650Mbps. Can be used with Comcast Xfinity and Xfinity X1, Cox, Charter Spectrum, Time Warner Cable, BrightHouse, CableOne, SuddenLink, and RCN.
What is DOCSIS 3.1?
An incremental upgrade to DOCSIS 3.0 released in October 2013, DOCSIS 3.1 can provide downstream speeds up to 10 Gbps and upstream speeds up to 2 Gbps, for speeds that are 10x faster than what the best DOCSIS 3.0 modems can manage.
However, unless you have an appropriately high-speed service plan to take advantage of these improved speed capabilities, a DOCSIS 3.1 can far outpower the needs of most consumers while also costing at least $100 more than the cheapest DOCSIS 3.0 modem.
DOCSIS 3.1 pros
Purchasing a DOCSIS 3.1 modem means you have enough power to be set for any future speed increases offered by your ISP for a very long time. Get one if you can already take advantage of 2 Gbps speeds and want to future-proof your internet.
DOCSIS 3.1 modems receive more technical support than DOCSIS 3.0 modems as they’re more up to date in companies’ lineups.
DOCSIS 3.1 cons
Very few ISPs offer data-transfer speeds fast enough to actually take advantage of the power a DOCSIS 3.1 modem possesses. This can make the cost of the modem less than worth it.
Even the cheapest DOCSIS 3.1 modems are more expensive than the average DOCSIS 3.0 modem, coming in at a usual premium of $100 extra.
Most DOCSIS 3.1 modems don’t come in modem/router combos. This means you’ll have to spend more money on a router (like this TP-Link Archer A7) on top of the assumed increase in cost of DOCSIS 3.1 modems over DOCSIS 3.0 modems.
Best DOCSIS 3.1 modems
Netgear Nighthawk CM2000: available at Amazon If you’re the type who needs the best of the best, look no further than the Netgear Nighthawk CM2000. This bird of prey can snatch download speeds of 2.5 Gbps, but the cost is equally high. It’s compatible with all ISPs who don’t use fiber-optic cables, DSL or satellite—so get it if you have an ISP like Xfinity, COX or Spectrum.
Arris SURFboard SB8200: available at Amazon Slightly more affordable yet almost as good, the Arris SURFboard SB8200 can hit download speeds up to 2 Gbps through both of its ethernet ports, which is hard to find among DOCSIS 3.1 modems.
Motorola MB8600: available at Amazon Not everyone needs 2 Gbps speed. The Motorola MB8600 breezily reaches 1 Gbps download speeds, but even better is the cheaper price tag compared to the Netgear Nighthawk. This model is dependable and easy to use and is best taken advantage of with a gigabyte service.
Should I get a DOCSIS 3.0 or DOCSIS 3.1 modem?
The fact of the matter is very few ISPs offer the kind of service and speeds that necessitate a DOCSIS 3.1 modem. If you’re lucky enough to live in an area that does offer speeds at or exceeding 1 Gbps and you subscribe to such a service, a DOCSIS 3.1 modem would be a requirement, not a suggestion.
For everyone else, a DOCSIS 3.0 modem is the way to go. They are cheaper, the mid-to-high-end models can last for years and with the range of options available, you are sure to find the perfect modem that fits all of your needs.
Jordan C. Woika is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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