Xfinity (Comcast): can you use your own modem?
Checked against Xfinity (Comcast)'s own policy on 2026-09-28 — Xfinity (Comcast)'s own page. Not paid by Xfinity (Comcast) or any ISP — we track 39 ISPs and 39 named models (how we verify). Amazon links are affiliate.
Yes — Xfinity (Comcast) allows customer-owned modems and publishes its own approved-device list. It names devices including ARRIS Surfboard S33 and ARRIS Surfboard SBG8300. Buy from that list — anything off it may not activate. Every detail below is quoted from Xfinity (Comcast)'s own page, last checked 2026-09-28.
- Connection
- cable (DOCSIS)
- Verified
- 2026-09-28
Which modems does Xfinity (Comcast) approve?
Xfinity (Comcast) names these models on its own page. They are the exact make and model strings published there as of 2026-09-28 — a sample of the list, not necessarily all of it.
- ARRIS Surfboard S33Our pickExact model matched in Amazon's catalog 2026-09-11.DOCSIS 3.1 · Up to 2.5 GbpsBest for: Gigabit+ plans, future-proofPrice as ofSee price on Amazon →
- ARRIS Surfboard SBG8300Our pickExact model matched in Amazon's catalog 2026-09-11.DOCSIS 3.1 · Up to 1 Gbps · Wi-Fi 5 built-inBest for: Plans up to 1 GbpsPrice as ofSee price on Amazon →
- ARRIS Surfboard G36Our pickExact model matched in Amazon's catalog 2026-09-11.DOCSIS 3.1 · Wi-Fi 6 built-inPrice as of Also named bySparklightSee price on Amazon →
- Netgear CBR750Amazon lists this exact model, but no new unit is sold there right now. The button opens a search for it.DOCSIS 3.1 · Wi-Fi 6 built-inSearch this model →
- Netgear CAX30Our pickExact model matched in Amazon's catalog 2026-09-11.DOCSIS 3.1 · Wi-Fi 6 built-inPrice as ofSee price on Amazon →
- Netgear CAX80Our pickExact model matched in Amazon's catalog 2026-09-11.Up to 2 Gbps · Wi-Fi 6 built-inBest for: Plans up to 1 GbpsPrice as ofSee price on Amazon →
- Netgear CM2000Our pickExact model matched in Amazon's catalog 2026-09-11.DOCSIS 3.1 · Up to 2.5 GbpsBest for: Gigabit+ plans, future-proofPrice as of Also named byArmstrongBreezelineGCISparklightSpectrumSee price on Amazon →
- Hitron Technologies CODA56Our pickExact model matched in Amazon's catalog 2026-09-11.DOCSIS 3.1 · Up to 2.5 Gbps · No built-in Wi-Fi (pairs with your own router) · 1 Ethernet portBest for: Gigabit+ plans, future-proofPrice as ofSee price on Amazon →
- Your modemyou buy it, or you rent it
- Your ISP's networkthey decide what connects
- The internetthe part you actually want
Can I use my own modem with Xfinity (Comcast)?
Yes, with a restriction: the device has to appear on Xfinity (Comcast)'s published approved list. In their words: "You can use your own modem, router, or gateway instead of renting equipment from Xfinity. Before you buy a device, make sure it works with Xfinity services and supports your internet speed." FAQ: "Can I use my own modem? Yes. Your modem must work with Xfinity and support your internet speed. Check compatibility at My Device Info before you buy."
Does Xfinity (Comcast) charge an equipment rental fee?
"The latest Xfinity Internet plans include the Xfinity Gateway at no extra cost." Xfinity publishes no equipment fee for other plans.
What DOCSIS version does Xfinity (Comcast) require?
No minimum stated as a requirement. The list's per-device DOCSIS column contains only "DOCSIS 3.0" and "DOCSIS 3.1" values — both appear as compatible.
Do Xfinity (Comcast)'s requirements change with my speed tier?
Each device row states a "Wired Download Speed" cap, e.g. "Up to 2.33 Gbps", "Up to 941 Mbps", "Up to 373 Mbps" — buy to your tier. Policy article FAQ: "Can I use my own device with Gigabit Internet? Yes. Your device must support Gigabit speeds."
Can I use my own equipment with Xfinity (Comcast) phone or voice service?
Permitted. "You can use your own modem, router, or gateway instead of renting equipment from Xfinity." The list has a "Built-in WiFi" Yes/No column and a separate "Voice Telephone enabled" column; gateways (Yes/WiFi) are included, e.g. SBG8300, G36, CBR750. Caveat from the article: "Most modems need a separate router to provide WiFi and work with services like Xfinity Home."
What does Xfinity (Comcast) not allow?
"Devices not shown on this list are either incompatible with the Xfinity network or no longer supported by the device manufacturer." Also: "Can I use Xfinity Prepaid or NOW Internet equipment with Xfinity Internet services? No. Xfinity Prepaid and NOW Internet equipment doesn’t work with Xfinity Internet services." And: "If your device isn't supported, it won’t work with Xfinity."
Two boxes
- Modemtalks to the ISP line
- Routermakes the Wi-Fi
One box — a “gateway”
- Modem + routerone unit does both jobs
Where does this information come from?
Every statement on this page is quoted from Xfinity (Comcast)'s own published pages:
- https://assets.xfinity.com/assets/dotcom/projects/cix-4997_compatible-devices/2025.03.25%20Full%20List%20of%20Compatible%20Devices.pdf
- https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/list-of-approved-cable-modems
Other providers to compare
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