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Key Takeaways
- Spectrum has four plans in 2026: Advantage (100 Mbps), Premier (500 Mbps, formerly Ultra), Gig (1,000 Mbps), and 2 Gig (2,000 Mbps).
- Buying your own approved modem lets you skip the $10 per month Advanced WiFi fee and avoid the leased gateway. Spectrum will only activate modems on its official approved list.
- For Advantage, Premier, and Gig, a DOCSIS 3.1 modem like the ARRIS S33, Motorola MB8611, or Hitron CODA56 is all you need. The 2 Gig plan still requires Spectrum's own equipment for now.
Spectrum lists a few different speeds when you sign up, and it is not always clear which plan you have or what modem works with it. This guide breaks down every Spectrum speed tier in plain English and matches each one to the right modem, so you get full speed and stop renting equipment.
Spectrum Internet Speed Tiers for 2026
Spectrum offers four internet plans in 2026. Every plan includes a free modem, no data caps, and no contract. Pricing below reflects typical new-customer promotional rates and can vary by address.
| Plan | Download Speed | Best For | Typical Promo Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advantage | Up to 100 Mbps | 1 to 3 people, basic streaming and browsing | Around $30/mo |
| Premier (formerly Ultra) | Up to 500 Mbps | Busy households, 4K streaming, working from home | Around $40/mo |
| Gig | Up to 1,000 Mbps | Large homes, gaming, many devices at once | Around $50/mo |
| 2 Gig | Up to 2,000 Mbps | Power users and creators in select markets | Around $90/mo |
If you signed up a while ago and your plan is called "Ultra," that is now the Premier tier. The speed and modem advice below still applies.
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Which Modem for Each Spectrum Plan
The good news: one type of modem covers the first three plans. Any modem you buy must be DOCSIS 3.1 and on Spectrum's approved list, or it will not activate. Older DOCSIS 3.0 modems lose Spectrum support on October 28, 2026, so do not buy one now.
Advantage (100 Mbps)
Almost any approved DOCSIS 3.1 modem will handle this plan easily. For the best value, the Hitron CODA56 is a strong, affordable pick. If you think you might upgrade to a faster plan later, the ARRIS S33 gives you a 2.5 Gbps port now so you do not have to buy again.
Premier (500 Mbps, formerly Ultra)
The ARRIS S33 or Motorola MB8611 is the sweet spot here. Both are DOCSIS 3.1 with a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port, so they give you headroom if you ever jump to the Gig plan. The Hitron CODA56 is also a solid lower-cost option.
Gig (1,000 Mbps)
For gigabit speeds you want a modem with a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port so the connection is not bottlenecked. The ARRIS S33, Motorola MB8611, and NETGEAR CM2000 are all proven choices. The ARRIS SB8200 is another dependable gigabit pick. Pair the modem with your own Wi-Fi router and you can avoid Spectrum's monthly equipment fee.
2 Gig (2,000 Mbps)
The 2 Gig plan currently requires Spectrum's own gateway. There are no retail approved modems for this tier yet. Retail DOCSIS 4.0 modems are expected to start appearing in late 2026, which may change this. If you are on 2 Gig, keep the Spectrum equipment for now.
Live in a high-split or "Network Evolution" area?
Spectrum is upgrading parts of its network for much faster upload speeds. In those markets, a modem like the ARRIS S34 or NETGEAR CM3000 can unlock higher uploads. If your area has not been upgraded yet, a standard DOCSIS 3.1 modem is the smarter buy.
Want the complete picture? See our 2026 Spectrum approved modem list for every authorized model by plan, or browse all DOCSIS 3.1 modems.
Why Buy Your Own Modem and Router?
Spectrum includes the modem for free, but Wi-Fi is separate. Advanced WiFi costs about $10 per month on the Advantage and Premier plans, which is a rental fee for the router. By buying your own approved modem and your own router, you control your network and can save over $100 a year. You also keep your equipment when you move and can upgrade your Wi-Fi whenever you want without touching the modem.
Stop renting your WiFi router
Spectrum charges a monthly fee for its Advanced WiFi router. Own your router once and stop paying that fee for good.
How to Set Up Your Own Spectrum Modem
- Confirm the modem is on Spectrum's approved list and is DOCSIS 3.1.
- Connect the modem to the coax cable outlet and plug in power.
- Connect your router (or a computer) to the modem with an Ethernet cable.
- Activate the modem at spectrum.net/selfinstall or by calling Spectrum and giving them the modem's MAC number, printed on the label.
- Wait a few minutes for the lights to go solid, then test your speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Spectrum internet speed tiers in 2026?
Spectrum offers four tiers in 2026: Advantage at up to 100 Mbps, Premier at up to 500 Mbps, Gig at up to 1,000 Mbps, and 2 Gig at up to 2,000 Mbps. Premier replaced the older Ultra plan.
What happened to the Spectrum Ultra plan?
The Ultra plan was renamed and updated. It is now called Premier and offers speeds up to 500 Mbps. If your account still shows Ultra, it is the same tier.
What modem do I need for Spectrum Gig?
For the Gig plan, use an approved DOCSIS 3.1 modem with a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port, such as the ARRIS S33 or Motorola MB8611. This prevents the connection from being slowed by a 1 Gbps port.
Can I use my own modem with Spectrum?
Yes. Spectrum allows customer-owned modems, but only models on its official approved list will activate. Using your own modem and router lets you avoid the monthly Advanced WiFi fee.
Does Spectrum charge for the modem?
No. Spectrum includes the modem for free on every plan. The cost most people want to avoid is the roughly $10 per month Advanced WiFi router fee, which you can skip by using your own router.
Why is there no approved modem for the Spectrum 2 Gig plan?
The 2 Gig plan needs DOCSIS 4.0 hardware, and retail DOCSIS 4.0 modems are only beginning to arrive. For now Spectrum supplies its own gateway for 2 Gig customers.
Are DOCSIS 3.0 modems still good for Spectrum?
No. Spectrum is ending support for older DOCSIS 3.0 modems on October 28, 2026. Buy a DOCSIS 3.1 modem so your equipment keeps working past that date.
