Netgear CM1000 vs. CM1100 vs. CM1200: The Differences Explained
If you are looking to upgrade your home internet setup, you’ve probably run into the “Netgear Wall of Numbers.” You see three modems that look almost identical, have similar names, but completely different price tags: the Netgear CM1000, CM1100, and CM1200.
Are they the same? Do you need the expensive one to get better gaming speeds? And why does one of them have four Ethernet ports on the back?
At ModemGuides, we break down the tech jargon into plain English. Here is the ultimate guide to choosing the right Netgear Nighthawk modem for your home.
Quick Comparison: Which One is For You?
If you are in a rush, here is the cheat sheet. All three of these modems are DOCSIS 3.1, which means they are capable of handling the fastest cable internet speeds available today (Gigabit and beyond).
| Feature | Netgear CM1000 | Netgear CM1100 | Netgear CM1200 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Most Homes (Standard Gigabit) | Power Users (Link Aggregation) | Business / Niche Use |
| Max Speed Cap | 1 Gbps | 2 Gbps (with 2 cables) | 2 Gbps (with 2 cables) |
| Ethernet Ports | 1 Port | 2 Ports | 4 Ports |
| Multi-IP Support | No | No | Yes (Up to 4) |
The CM1100 and CM1200 have multiple Ethernet ports on the back.
Please note: This does NOT mean they are routers. You cannot plug your Xbox, PC, and TV directly into these ports simultaneously.
These extra ports are for a feature called "Link Aggregation" (combining two cables for faster speed) or for business lines with multiple IP addresses. For 99% of home users, you still need to plug a single cable from the modem into a separate Wi-Fi router.
1. Netgear CM1000: The "Old Faithful"
The Netgear CM1000 was one of the first widely available DOCSIS 3.1 modems, and it remains a top seller for a reason. It does exactly what most people need: it converts the cable signal from the wall into a super-fast internet connection for your router.
Why buy it?
If you have an internet plan up to 1 Gigabit (1000 Mbps) and you use a standard Wi-Fi router (like an Eero, Orbi, or Nighthawk), this is all you need. It is often the most affordable of the three.
- Pros: Simple, reliable, works with Comcast Xfinity, Cox, and Spectrum.
- Cons: Only has one Ethernet port, so it can't go faster than 1 Gbps.
Shop Netgear CM1000 on ModemGuides
2. Netgear CM1100: The "Retail Special"
The CM1100 is an interesting middle-ground. Originally designed for retail stores like Costco, it is physically smaller than the other two and includes two Ethernet ports.
The "Multi-Gig" Trick
If you have a very fancy router that supports "Link Aggregation," you can run two Ethernet cables from this modem to your router to get speeds up to 2 Gbps. If you don't have that gear, you can just use it like a regular modem with one cable. Since it is often priced similarly to the CM1000, it's a great value pick.
- Pros: Compact size, capable of speeds over 1 Gbps if you have compatible gear.
- Cons: Requires specific router settings to use both ports.
Shop Netgear CM1100 on ModemGuides
3. Netgear CM1200: The "Business Class"
The CM1200 is the beast of the bunch, sporting four Ethernet ports on the back. But remember our warning above: this does not replace your router!
The Unique Feature: Multi-IP
The main difference between the CM1100 and CM1200 is that the CM1200 supports up to 4 separate public IP addresses. This is a niche feature mostly used by businesses or home-lab enthusiasts who pay their ISP extra for multiple internet lines into one house. If you don't pay for extra static IPs, those extra ports will effectively be dead.
- Pros: Ultimate future-proofing, supports business features (Multi-IP).
- Cons: Usually more expensive; extra ports confuse average users; same speed cap (2 Gbps) as the CM1100.
Shop Netgear CM1200 on ModemGuides
Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
🏆 The Winner for Most People: Netgear CM1000
If you just want to plug it in and get fast internet without fiddling with settings, the CM1000 is perfect. It handles Gigabit speeds easily and saves you money. Support a US-Based small business and grab yours from our shop!
🥈 The Value Pick: Netgear CM1100
If you find the CM1100 for the same price (or cheaper) than the CM1000, buy it. It gives you the option for faster speeds in the future, even if you don't use them today. Support a US-based small business and grab yours from our shop!
Still not sure? Contact your internet provider to see which of these will best fit your networking needs!
