It must be fun paying an amount every single month for something you don’t own, right?
Well, we didn’t think so either! And that's why you should get one of many Optimum approved modems.
Did you know that Optimum charges a standard rate of $10 per month for your internet equipment rentals? Oh, but if you’re a ‘valued’ customer, the rate falls to $4.95. Yes, you get this oh-so-ever special rate.
You pay them for your internet speed, and as a cherry on the cake, you get the special privilege of paying for the equipment you need to get connected to the internet! Wow.
Best of all, you may not get the best Optimum compatible modems you can get your hands on, if you are renting your modem from them.
Benefits Of Getting Your Own Optimum Approved Modem
Substantial Savings: Simply saving from shelling out monthly rental fees is enough reason to make many people opt to buying their own approved modem. There will be an initial investment that may make you hesitant in buying your own, but this move will allow your device to pay for itself within a short time. Since modems are made to last for many years, this is definitely a money saver in the long run.
Better Technology: A newer modem will be better equipped to handle the high speed internet packages Optimum delivers to your home. Usually rentals are older models that may not support your ISPs ever evolving new technology.
Increased Control: Your ISP has the capability to restrict the amount of control you have over your rental equipment. If you like to tweak advanced settings, troubleshoot when there are issues or even install third party firmware to boost the performance, you can do that with your own modem.
How To Install Your Own Optimum Modem (Router)
If you have bought your own modem from the list of Optimum compatible modems mentioned on their website, and then follow these steps to get connected:
Step 1: Take your coax cable and connect one end to your new modem and the other to your cable outlet. Check that is tightened to enjoy a good connection
Step 2: Plug the power cord into the power outlet. Make sure you do this before connecting it to the modem to avoid damage
Step 3: Connect the other end of the power cord into your modem
Step 4: If you wish, you can connect your modem to a router via an Ethernet cable if you will be using separate devices. If you are using a modem router combo unit, you can skip this step. Connect your modem to your computer via the Ethernet cable.
Step 5: Open up your browser and you will be redirected to Optimum’s website for provisioning the modem. And voila. It’s as simple as that!
5 Best Optimum Approved Modems (2022)
Device | Speed | Ports | Rating | Check Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Motorola MG7550 Editor's Choice | 1900 Mbps | 4 Ports | 100% | |
2. Netgear C7000 High Performance | 1900 Mbps | 4 Ports | 99% | |
3. Netgear CM500 Budget Friendly | 500 Mbps | 1 Port | 97% | |
4. Arris SB6183 | 400 Mbps | 1 Port | 95% | |
5. TP-Link TC7650 | 500 Mbps | 4 Ports | 93% |
1. Motorola MG7550 Cable Modem Router Combo
Best Modem For Optimum (Editor's Choice)
This is a modem router combo unit that can get your home connected to the internet within minutes.
Design
It removed the hassle of setting up two separate devices, while also removing the hassle of finding devices that are compatible with each other as well as your ISP.
The MG7550 is a DOCSIS 3.0 with an in built dual band router that is great for users who are subscribed to internet tiers up to 375Mbps.
Performance
It also has 4 gigabit Ethernet ports to get four devices connected via Ethernet to the modem for a faster and more reliable connection.
The high speed in built wireless router is great for a multi-device household. Visually, the design is simple, yet impressive. It runs cool, and is a space saver.
The black tower twinkles with the lights of the indicators so that you can know in one glance what’s happening with your internet connection. The wireless Power Boost feature and Beamforming enhances the wireless connection to your devices.
2. Netgear Nighthawk C7000 Modem Router
High Performance
The C7000 can be used as a modem, router and wired switch as well.
Design
The versatility of this modem router combo is DOCSIS 3.0 and has 24x8 downstream and upstream channels. This means that your connection is faster and faces less traffic when online.
The powerful 1.6GHz processor really boosts overall performance of the device and is a great option for multi-device households, heavy internet users as well as gamers.
Performance
The Beamforming technology provides a stable wireless connection as well as extends the coverage, eliminating existing dead spots. Families with children or many guests can create separate guest network to keep your private home network secure. The parental controls allow you to control which websites are accessible to your children.
The 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports are perfect if you have other devices you want a wired connection for. It also has ReadySHARE USB for unlocking many other useful features. Manage your network remotely with the Netgear Genie App.
The sheer amount of features and ease of set up makes this our High Performance pick if you are looking for Optimum supported modems for your home.
3. Netgear CM500 Cable Modem
Budget Friendly
If you are looking for the best modem for Optimum that is also easy on the wallet, check out the Netgear CM500. This is a pretty standard modem that should get the job done well.
Design
Starting with its design, the CM500 modem is a tower with a base that looks like two feet that give it more support to stand up higher off of the shelf. It also will have a longer lifespan than modems that are horizontal as it is able to keep itself cool better by having airflow under as well as around it.
This modem has one Gigabit Ethernet port to connect the modem directly to your computer or to a wireless router. It works with just about any router as well, so you still can get wireless connectivity pretty easily.
Performance
The CM500 modem can provide speeds up to 300 Mbps, which should be fine if you do not have too many users on at once. It is a DOCSIS 3.0 modem as well with 16 downstream and 4 upstream channel bonding. Check your internet speed package with Optimum to make sure this modem isn’t less than what you are supposed to be getting.
The CM500 modem is also easy to set up and should take just a matter of minutes to get up and going. You still might need to contact Optimum to finish the setup.
4. ARRIS SURFboard SB6183 Cable Modem
Another great modem choice for Optimum is the ARRIS SURFboard SB6183. This might not have all of the upgrades that some other modems have, but it is a reliable modem that will get the job done right.
Design
The design of the SB6183 is a tower with built-in vents along the sides. This modem will not overheat easily. The build is really strong and well-made, so you shouldn’t be surprised by how heavy it is. It only has one Gigabit Ethernet port, which you can use to attach a router if you wanted to.
Performance
Looking at its performance, the SB6183 is a DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem. It has 16 downstream and 4 upstream bonded channels. It offers speeds that cap out at 400 Mbps, which should be right for the average Optimum plan.
If you do have a faster speed package, you might want a different modem that can accommodate that. It does work with HD video and gaming, but it doesn’t work for heavy streaming from multiple users.
Additionally, the setup of this modem is pretty simple. You just need to plug in the cables to your computer and the coaxial cable to the wall. There’s a chance you might need to call Optimum for help. Unfortunately, the firmware on this modem is hard to update as well, so you might need assistance from ARRIS when you want to update your firmware.
5. TP-Link TC7650 Cable Modem
At first glance, you notice the black design, with vents running down the front surface.
Design
This design feature helps it in running at cool temperatures. It is only a modem, and not a combo unit, but this is very useful if you are looking for more control over your network, without shelling out big bucks.
Performance
The 1GHz dual core processor makes short work of performance issues and keeps your online connection smooth and reliable. It has 24x8 channel bonding, which is above the 16x4 minimum requirements you are recommended to own.
The easy set up and activation process is smooth and quick and the customer support line is active and helpful. The affordable price range makes this an attractive buy for many Optimum subscribers.