Choosing to buy your own Cox compatible modem rather than renting from Cox is the best choice, but once you know that is what you want to do, how can you know where to go from there?
The first consideration is that you need to choose from a list of Cox approved modems, ensuring that it will be compatible with your internet. Otherwise, you could buy a modem that doesn’t work at all and cause yourself unnecessary frustration.
Cox does allow either DOCSIS 3.0 or 3.1. Even though 3.1 was released recently, there are 3.1 modems that are on Cox’ approved list. You will also need to make sure that your modem has the amount of broadband channels available that you will need.
Why You Should Get Your Own Cox Approved Modem Instead Of Renting It
If you are renting a Cox modem, then it is time to stop. Cox charges $6.99 a month for a single band modem and $9.99 a month for a dual band modem. If you do the quick math, that means $83.88 a year for single band and $119.88 a year for dual band. Buying your own modem would quickly pay for itself.
With your own compatible modem you will not only save money, but you will have better security as well as a choice in your internet speed abilities. The amount of speed that you need for your household depends on how many devices will be connected to the network and what you use it for. Not every household needs the same thing and with a rental, you have no choice.
Cable Modem vs Modem Router Combo For Cox
When you buy your own modem for Cox, you will have the choice of purchasing a cable modem or a modem router combo. The modem by itself is what connects the cable line to your computer to get the internet. The router is what produces the WiFi that other devices can connect to wirelessly.
Cable Modem:
A cable modem will connect your computer or local network to your Cox internet service through your cable line. It is the same line that you use for your cable television. If you opt to have this separately, you will want to have a router than your modem can connect to in order to broaden your network.
Modem Router Combo:
Your modem router combo for Cox connects to your cable, just like a modem does. The difference is that the modem also has the router inbuilt with it, meaning there is only one box to connect to in order to get WiFi. Most people opt for the combo for this reason.
3 Best Cox Approved Modems For 2022
Device | Speed | Ports | Rating | Check Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Motorola MG7550 Editor's Choice | 1900 Mbps | 4 Ports | 100% | |
2. Motorola MG7700 High Performance | 1900 Mbps | 4 Ports | 99% | |
3. Arris SB6190 Budget Friendly (Modem Only) | 1.4 Gbps | 1 Port | 95% |
1. Motorola MG7550 Cable Modem Router Combo
Best Cox Compatible Modem (Editor's Choice)
The Motorola MG7550 is our Editor’s choice for the best cable modem that you can get for Cox internet. This dual band modem has a built-in router to handle your WiFi. It also has Power Boost, which adds high-performance Wi-Fi- power amplifiers to boost the WiFi signal for the best speed and range possible.
The dual band means it offers both the 2.4GHz and 5GHZ bands to choose from, letting you select the right band for your devices. With four 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports, you will have the ability to supply wired connections to your computers, game systems, and HDTVs as much as you need to.
Having the router within the modem will give you a more streamlined connection, reducing the potential for interruption while ensuring that it does not take up much space. The modem is also constructed with a design that is space friendly to not take up much room, with a vertical, antenna-free design.
2. Motorola MG7700 Cable Modem Router Combo
High Performance Cox Approved Modem
Our choice for the best high performing cable modem for Cox internet is the Motorola MG7700. This is also a dual band modem, allowing you to choose from either the 2.4GHz or 5 GHz bands. Complete with four Gigabit Ethernet ports, this modem also has a built-in firewall, and has been specifically approved by Cox to work with their service.
This is another combo modem, meaning the router is built into the modem, allowing you to take up as little space as possible while keeping a clear connection. Like the MG7550, the MG7700 has Power Boost for increasing the range of your WiFi to the maximum amount.
What really makes this modem different is that the MG7700 offers 24 downstream channels which can give you theoretical speeds of more than 1,000 Mbps and 8 upstream channels for speeds reaching 246 Mbps, making this the highest theoretical speed modem that you can get for Cox internet.
3. Arris Surfboard SB6190
Budget Friendly (Modem Only)
If you are looking for a modem that is more budget friendly with Cox cable internet, then the Arris Surfboard SB6190 is the right choice. Just because you are on a budget, does not mean you need to compromise on great internet speeds.
The SB6190 has 32 download and 8 upload bonded channels, which are capable of up to 1.4 Gbps download and 262 upload speeds. This makes the SB6190 a good choice for video streaming or gaming. This is a DOCSIS 3.0 modem, which means it can keep up with other high speed modems that are higher priced.
The biggest downside to the SB6190 is that this is only a modem, with no router included. If you would like to extend your network or include wireless devices, you will need to purchase a compatible router separately. Despite the lack of router, this modem is compatible with Cox, Xfinity, Charter, and most other major ISPs.