The Best DOCSIS 3.1 Modems for Gaming (2026 Edition)

When you are losing a competitive match in Valorant or Call of Duty, it is easy to blame the server. But if you have already optimized your PC and upgraded your router, the bottleneck might be the one device you ignore: your modem.

For gamers, "speed" (bandwidth) is less important than "stability" (latency/jitter). You don't need 2Gbps to game; you need a connection that doesn't spike from 20ms to 150ms when your roommate opens Netflix.

To achieve that, you need a modem with a Broadcom chipset and DOCSIS 3.1 technology. We have tested the top models on the market to bring you the best gaming modems for 2026.

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🏆 The Top Pick: Arris Surfboard S33

The Gold Standard for Low Latency

If you want the best balance of performance, size, and reliability, the Arris S33 remains the king of the hill in 2026.

• Chipset: Broadcom BCM3390 (The "Safe" Chip)
• Max Speed: 2.5 Gbps
• Ports: 1x 2.5GE, 1x 1GE

Why it’s best for gaming:
The S33 is built on the Broadcom BCM3390 chipset, which is famous for its rock-solid ping stability. Unlike Intel-based modems that process data via a CPU (adding micro-delays), the S33 handles packets via hardware switching. This minimizes "jitter," ensuring your bullets hit when you click.

Pros:

• Extremely low latency variance (jitter).
• Compact, heat-efficient design (doesn't take up desk space).
• Future-proof 2.5 Gbps port.

Cons:

• No dedicated power button (you have to unplug it to reset).
• Bright LED light (can be annoying in a dark room).

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🚀 The "Streamer's Choice": Netgear Nighthawk CM3000

Best for High Upload Speeds

If you stream to Twitch or YouTube while you game, or if you live in a house with heavy internet users, the Netgear CM3000 is the upgrade you need.

• Chipset: Broadcom
• Max Speed: 2.5 Gbps Down / High-Split Upload Support
• Ports: 1x 2.5GE, 2x 1GE

Why it’s best for streamers:
The CM3000 is one of the first widely available modems to support "Mid-Split" and "High-Split" technology.

Traditionally, cable internet has terrible upload speeds (often capped at 35 Mbps). Mid-Split technology allows ISPs (like Xfinity and Cox) to boost upload speeds to 100 Mbps or even 200 Mbps. This extra overhead is critical for keeping your stream stable while gaming, preventing the "buffer bloat" that kills ping.

Pros:

• Unlocks faster upload speeds on supported ISPs (Xfinity/Cox).
• Aggressive aesthetic matches "gamer" setups.
• Excellent heat dissipation.

Cons:

• Expensive (Premium pricing).
• Mid-Split benefits only work if your ISP supports them in your area.

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📉 The "Budget Reliable": Arris SB8200

Old Reliable

If you don't need 2.5 Gbps speeds and just want a cheap, safe modem that won't lag, the Arris SB8200 is still a viable option.

It uses the same Broadcom architecture as the S33 but in an older shell with two 1-Gigabit ports. It is often available refurbished for under $100. It won't give you the "mid-split" upload speeds of the Netgear CM3000, but for pure ping stability in League of Legends or CS:GO, it performs identically to the more expensive models.

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🤓 The Enthusiast Pick: Ubiquiti UCI

For the Prosumer with a Rack

If you have a server rack in your basement and run UniFi access points, the Ubiquiti Cable Internet (UCI) modem is the ultimate flex.

• Chipset: Broadcom
• Max Speed: 2.5 Gbps
• Form Factor: 1U Rackmount

Why it’s unique:
This is not a plastic box to hide behind your TV. It is a rack-mountable piece of enterprise gear. It features a 1.3" touchscreen on the front that displays real-time signal levels and throughput.

For gamers who love data, the integration with the UniFi Controller software allows you to view historical latency data and signal noise directly from your dashboard, making it easier to diagnose lag spikes than any other modem on this list.

Pros:

• Incredible build quality (metal chassis).
• Real-time analytics screen.
• Seamless integration for UniFi users.

Cons:

• Overkill for average users.
• Rackmount form factor is awkward for normal desks.

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Summary: Which One Should You Buy?