The Arris S33 is the better modem for plans above 1 Gbps because its 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port passes multi-gig speeds that the SB8200's 1 Gbps ports cannot. For plans of 1 Gbps or slower, the SB8200 delivers the same DOCSIS 3.1 performance for less money and runs cooler.
Last updated: September 2026
Key Takeaways
- Both modems use the same Broadcom BCM3390 chipset and the same 32x8 plus OFDM channel layout, so raw DOCSIS 3.1 performance is identical.
- The S33 has one 2.5 Gbps port and one 1 Gbps port. The SB8200 has two 1 Gbps ports, which caps a single wired connection at about 940 Mbps.
- Both are on the Xfinity, Spectrum, and Cox approved lists, but neither is on Xfinity's Next Gen Speed Tier list for enhanced uploads.
- The SB8200's vented shell runs cooler. The S33's compact white case runs warmer to the touch but is stable in normal use.
- Buy the SB8200 for plans up to 1 Gbps. Buy the S33 for 1.2 Gbps and 2 Gbps plans, or if you expect to upgrade.
Arris S33 vs SB8200: Specs Side by Side
| Spec | Arris S33 | Arris SB8200 |
|---|---|---|
| DOCSIS standard | 3.1 (backward compatible with 3.0) | 3.1 (backward compatible with 3.0) |
| Chipset | Broadcom BCM3390 | Broadcom BCM3390 |
| Channel bonding | 32x8 plus 2x2 OFDM/OFDMA | 32x8 plus 2x2 OFDM/OFDMA |
| Ethernet ports | One 2.5 Gbps, one 1 Gbps | Two 1 Gbps |
| Max wired speed (single port) | About 2.3 Gbps | About 940 Mbps |
| Best plan range | 1.2 to 2.5 Gbps | Up to 1 Gbps |
| WiFi | None (router required) | None (router required) |
| Voice / phone | No | No |
| Case design | Compact, white, rounded | Larger, black, fully vented |
| Released | 2020 | 2017 |
| Xfinity Next Gen upload tier | Not listed | Not listed |
Speed and Ports: Where the S33 Pulls Ahead
This is the only difference that changes what speed you get. Both modems pull the same DOCSIS 3.1 signal from the cable line, so the bottleneck is the Ethernet port that hands that signal to your router.
The SB8200 has two 1 Gbps ports. A single gigabit port tops out around 940 Mbps of real throughput after network overhead. Arris advertised link aggregation to combine both ports into 2 Gbps, but most ISPs never enabled it on their firmware and it requires a router that supports it. For nearly everyone, the SB8200 is a 1 Gbps modem.
The S33 adds a 2.5 Gbps port. On a 1.2 Gbps or 2 Gbps plan, one cable from that port to a router with a 2.5 Gbps WAN port gives you the full speed with no configuration. If your router only has a 1 Gbps WAN port, the S33 will still be capped at about 940 Mbps, so check the router before you upgrade the modem.
Winner: Arris S33, but only if your plan is faster than 1 Gbps. Below that, the two perform the same.
Design and Heat: Where the SB8200 Holds Up
DOCSIS 3.1 modems run warm around the clock, and heat is the most common cause of dropped connections and early failure in the modems we refurbish.
The SB8200 uses the classic black SURFboard shell with vent slots on every face. It moves air well and stays comfortably warm in a cabinet or on a shelf.
The S33 is smaller, rounded, and white, with far less vent area. It runs noticeably warmer to the touch. That is normal and does not cause problems when the modem has open air around it, but we do not recommend stacking it under a router or closing it in a media cabinet. Give it a few inches of clearance and it is fine.
Winner: Arris SB8200 for cooling and placement flexibility.
ISP Compatibility: Xfinity, Spectrum, and Cox
Both modems are approved by the three largest cable providers, but the details matter for upload speed. Approved lists change several times a year, so confirm your model on your ISP's list before you buy.
Xfinity
Both the S33 and SB8200 are on Xfinity's approved list as of our August 2026 audit. The S33 is the right pick for Xfinity's 1.2 Gbps and 2 Gbps download tiers because of its 2.5 Gbps port. Neither modem is on Xfinity's Next Gen Speed Tier list, which is what unlocks the enhanced uploads (100 Mbps and up) available in upgraded markets. If your Xfinity plan advertises fast uploads, you want the Arris S34, NETGEAR CM3000, or Hitron CODA56 instead. See our Xfinity approved modems list for the current tier breakdown.
Spectrum
Both are approved for Spectrum plans up to 1 Gig. Spectrum added the S33v2 and S33v3 hardware revisions to its list in May 2026 and removed every Motorola modem in June 2026, which has made the S33 the default recommendation for Spectrum Gig customers. Our Spectrum approved modem list covers every plan level.
Cox
Both appear on Cox's compatible list for plans up to 1 Gbps. Cox's Gigablast and multi-gig tiers benefit from the S33's 2.5 Gbps port the same way Xfinity's do.
Winner: Tie for approval. The S33 wins for any plan above 1 Gbps.
Hardware Versions: SB8200v3, S33v2, S33v3, and RB Models
Both modems have been revised over the years, and the version names cause confusion when shopping used or refurbished.
- SB8200 v1, v2, v3: Minor internal component changes. All three share the same chipset, ports, and speed rating. The SB8200v3 is the current retail version and is on the Xfinity list; earlier versions remain approved as well.
- S33 v1, v2, v3: Same story. The S33v2 and S33v3 are hardware refreshes with identical specs. Spectrum specifically lists the v2 and v3, so check the label on the bottom of the unit if you are on Spectrum.
- SB8200-RB and S33-RB: RB means renewed or refurbished. It is the same modem, tested and resold. Our refurbished units carry a 90-day warranty and an activation guarantee.
Which Should You Buy?
Choose the Arris SB8200 if:
- Your plan is 1 Gbps or slower.
- You want the modem that runs coolest and can sit in a cabinet.
- You want the lowest price on a DOCSIS 3.1 modem. Refurbished SB8200 units are the cheapest way to stop renting.
Choose the Arris S33 if:
- Your plan is 1.2 Gbps, 2 Gbps, or you plan to upgrade to one.
- Your router has a 2.5 Gbps WAN port.
- You are on Spectrum Gig, where the S33 is now the standard recommendation.
Either one is a large step up from a DOCSIS 3.0 modem like the SB6183 or SB6190, both of which Xfinity removed from its approved list in April 2026. Browse every option in our DOCSIS 3.1 modem collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Arris S33 better than the SB8200?
For plans above 1 Gbps, yes, because of its 2.5 Gbps port. For plans at or below 1 Gbps they perform the same, and the SB8200 is cheaper and runs cooler.
Does the Arris S33 have WiFi?
No. The S33 and SB8200 are modem-only devices. You need a separate WiFi router. For multi-gig plans, pick a router with a 2.5 Gbps WAN port so the S33's fast port is not wasted.
What is the difference between the Arris S33 and S34?
The S34 is the newer model with mid-split and high-split support, which is what enables the faster upload tiers Xfinity and Spectrum are rolling out. The S34 is on Xfinity's Next Gen Speed Tier list; the S33 is not. If your plan includes enhanced uploads, choose the Arris S34. If it does not, the S33 gives you the same downloads for less.
Is the SB8200 still approved by Xfinity in 2026?
Yes. The SB8200 stayed on Xfinity's list through the April and July 2026 removals, which targeted DOCSIS 3.0 modems. It remains the budget pick for plans up to 1 Gbps.
Does the Arris S33 overheat?
It runs warmer than the SB8200 because of its smaller, less vented case, but it is stable with a few inches of open air around it. Avoid stacking it under a router or sealing it in a cabinet.
What does SB8200-RB mean?
RB is Arris's suffix for renewed or refurbished units. The hardware is identical to a new SB8200.
What is the difference between the Arris S33 and S34?
The S34 adds mid-split support, which is what enables the faster upload tiers Xfinity and Spectrum are rolling out. Downloads and ports are identical. Our Arris S33 vs S34 comparison explains exactly which plans need the S34.
