Xfinity (Comcast): can you use your own modem?

Checked against Xfinity's own policy on 2026-09-28 — Xfinity's own page. Not paid by Xfinity (Comcast) or any ISP — we track 37 ISPs and 27 named models (how we verify). Amazon links are affiliate.

Own modem allowed — approved list published

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's own page, last checked 2026-09-28.

Connection: cable (DOCSIS)
Verified: 2026-09-28

Our pick ARRIS Surfboard S33

Xfinity marks it Recommended on its own list, and it is still sold new.

DOCSIS 3.1 · 2.5 Gbps port · modem only

Not for: Xfinity Voice lines: it has no phone port.

See price on Amazon →

Browse compatible cable modems for Xfinity on Amazon

Exact product links open the title-verified model shown; fallback links open an Amazon search. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. They never change what Xfinity (Comcast) permits: check the model against their own page below before ordering.

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.

Amazon product/search links · affiliate — we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

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-proof
See price on Amazon →
ARRIS Surfboard SBG8300Exact 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 Gbps
See price on Amazon →
ARRIS Surfboard G36Exact model matched in Amazon's catalog 2026-09-11.DOCSIS 3.1 · Wi-Fi 6 built-inAlso named bySparklight
See price on Amazon →
Netgear CBR750Named on Xfinity's list. Buy links are on the other models in this list.DOCSIS 3.1 · Wi-Fi 6 built-in
Netgear CAX30Exact model matched in Amazon's catalog 2026-09-11.DOCSIS 3.1 · Wi-Fi 6 built-in
See price on Amazon →
Netgear CAX80Named on Xfinity's list. Buy links are on the models above.Up to 2 Gbps · Wi-Fi 6 built-inBest for: Plans up to 2 Gbps
Netgear CM2000Named on Xfinity's list. Buy links are on the models above.DOCSIS 3.1 · Up to 2.5 GbpsBest for: Gigabit+ plans, future-proofAlso named byArmstrong Breezeline GCI Sparklight Spectrum
Hitron Technologies CODA56Named on Xfinity's list. Buy links are on the models above.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-proof

Check the savings math: Xfinity's own wording says: "The latest Xfinity Internet plans include the Xfinity Gateway at no extra cost." Xfinity publishes no equipment fee for other plans. Do not buy solely to avoid a modem fee unless Xfinity (Comcast) confirms one applies to your plan; owning can still make sense for hardware choice or control.

Your modemyou buy it, or you rent it
Your ISP's networkthey decide what connects
The internetthe part you actually want

Your equipment has to satisfy Xfinity (Comcast) before it reaches the internet at all — which is why their published rule, not a retailer's compatibility claim, is the one that decides.

Can I use my own modem with Xfinity (Comcast)?

Yes, with a restriction: the device has to appear on Xfinity'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." Their 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." See the modems Xfinity approves.

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. So buying your own modem does not lower a monthly equipment fee with Xfinity; the reason to own one is choosing the hardware yourself from the models it approves. See the modems Xfinity approves.

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. Compare the DOCSIS version all 37 providers name.

Do Xfinity'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. Their policy article: "Can I use my own device with Gigabit Internet? Yes. Your device must support Gigabit speeds." See the modems Xfinity approves.

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." Compare Suddenlink's rules.

Two boxes

Modemtalks to the ISP line
Routermakes the Wi-Fi

One box — a “gateway”

Modem + routerone unit does both jobs

Xfinity (Comcast) treats the modem and the Wi-Fi router as separate questions. Read their router answer before assuming one box covers both.Their router answer, above

Where does this information come from?

Every statement on this page is quoted from Xfinity's own published pages:

Last verified 2026-09-28. Approved lists and equipment policies change without notice — re-check the source above before you buy.

Other providers to compare

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Compare Xfinity with all 37 providers →