Xfinity Approved Modem List 2026: Compatible Modems for Comcast Internet

Buying your own modem for Xfinity Internet eliminates the $15 monthly rental fee and pays for itself in under a year. But the modem you choose has to appear on Xfinity's official approved list, or it will not activate. Xfinity removed a large batch of older DOCSIS 3.0 modems in April 2026, so several popular models from a few years ago no longer work. This guide covers every DOCSIS 3.1 modem currently approved for Comcast Xfinity in 2026, what changed this year, and how to pick the right one for your plan.

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What Is the Xfinity Approved Modem List?

The Xfinity approved modem list is the official set of customer-owned modems that Comcast has tested and certified to work on its cable network. If a modem is not on this list, Xfinity will not provision it, and you cannot get online with it. The list changes a few times a year as Xfinity adds new DOCSIS 3.1 devices and removes older DOCSIS 3.0 hardware that no longer meets network standards.

You can always check the official source at xfinity.com/support/articles/list-of-approved-cable-modems, but the list below organizes the current 2026 approved devices by type so you can find the right one faster.

Why Buy Your Own Xfinity Modem

Xfinity charges $15 per month, or $180 per year, to rent its xFi Gateway. A quality DOCSIS 3.1 modem costs between $100 and $300, so you break even in six months to two years depending on the model. After that, every month of ownership is pure savings. You also get more control over firmware updates, security settings, and which router you pair with the modem.

Xfinity Approved DOCSIS 3.1 Modems (No WiFi) for 2026

These are standalone modems that connect to your own separate WiFi router. They are the most popular choice for customers who want flexibility and the best WiFi performance, since you can pair them with any router brand you like.

Xfinity Approved Modem and Router Combos for 2026

These devices combine a DOCSIS 3.1 modem and a WiFi router in one box. They are simpler to set up and take up less space, but you cannot upgrade the WiFi side independently when WiFi standards advance.

Xfinity Voice Approved Modems

If you have Xfinity Voice home phone service, you need a modem that supports voice telephony. A standard data modem will not work with the voice service. Browse all Comcast Xfinity phone modems, or see the three currently approved voice-capable modems for 2026 below:

• ARRIS T25, standalone voice modem, DOCSIS 3.1, no WiFi
• NETGEAR CM2050V, standalone voice modem, DOCSIS 3.1, no WiFi
• Motorola MT8733, voice modem with built-in WiFi 6 router

What Xfinity Removed from the Approved List in 2026

Xfinity removed about 30 older modems from the approved list in April 2026. If you own any of these devices, they will stop working on the network. The most notable removals include:

• NETGEAR CM500, CM700, CM1000 (original), and C6230
• ARRIS SB6183, SB6190, SBG10, and several older SBG-series gateways
• TP-Link CR500, CR700, CR1900, TC-7610, and TC-7620
• Motorola MG7315, MG7540, MG7550, MG7700, and MT7711
• Linksys CM3008, CM3016, and CM3024
• ASUS CM-16 and CM-32

If your current modem is on this list, plan to replace it. Xfinity will stop provisioning these devices, and you may experience activation failures or service interruptions.

How to Pick the Right Xfinity Modem

Step 1: Check Your Plan Speed

Log into your Xfinity account or check a recent bill to find your internet plan speed. Common tiers in 2026 are Connect (75 to 200 Mbps), Fast (400 Mbps), Superfast (800 Mbps), Gigabit (1.2 Gbps), Gigabit Extra (2 Gbps), and Gigabit X2 or higher (2 Gbps and up).

Step 2: Match the Modem to the Plan

Your modem must support your plan speed or higher. For plans under 1 Gbps, modems like the ARRIS SB8200 or Motorola MB8600 are enough. For 1 Gbps to 2 Gbps plans, choose a modem with a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port such as the Motorola MB8611 or NETGEAR CM2000. For multi-Gig plans above 2 Gbps, the NETGEAR CM3000 or Motorola B12 is the right tier.

Step 3: Decide Standalone or Combo

If you already own a good WiFi router, buy a standalone modem. If you want the simplest possible setup, a modem and router combo like the NETGEAR CAX80 or ARRIS G54 is easier to manage. Standalone modems usually give better long-term value because you can replace the router separately when WiFi standards change.

Step 4: Avoid Older DOCSIS 3.0 Devices

Even if a DOCSIS 3.0 modem is still listed as approved, buy a DOCSIS 3.1 model instead. DOCSIS 3.0 is on the way out, and choosing 3.1 protects your investment for the next several years.

How to Activate Your New Xfinity Modem

1. Unbox the modem and connect the coaxial cable to the wall outlet and the modem's coax port.
2. Plug in the power adapter and wait for the modem to power on. Allow 2 to 5 minutes for the lights to stabilize.
3. Open the Xfinity app on your phone, sign in, and tap Activate xFi Gateway or Activate Modem.
4. Scan the barcode or QR code on the back of the modem when prompted, then follow the on-screen steps.
5. If the app method does not work, go to xfinity.com/activate in a web browser and complete the same steps.
6. Once activation finishes, connect your router or your devices to the modem and test your speed.

For a full walkthrough including troubleshooting tips, see our Xfinity modem activation guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the NETGEAR CM1000 still on the Xfinity approved list?

No. The original NETGEAR CM1000 was removed from the Xfinity approved modem list in April 2026. The CM1000v2 is still approved as of May 2026. If you own a first-generation CM1000, you should replace it with a current DOCSIS 3.1 modem.

What is the best Xfinity approved modem for gigabit service in 2026?

For Xfinity Gigabit plans, the Motorola MB8611, NETGEAR CM2000, and ARRIS S33 are the top picks. All three are DOCSIS 3.1 modems with 2.5 Gbps Ethernet ports, which prevents the modem from bottlenecking your plan speed.

Can I use any DOCSIS 3.1 modem with Xfinity?

No. Even though DOCSIS 3.1 is the current standard, the modem must specifically appear on Xfinity's approved devices list to activate on the network. Xfinity tests each model individually, and unapproved modems will not be provisioned even if they support the same DOCSIS version.

How often does Xfinity update the approved modem list?

Xfinity updates the list a few times each year. New DOCSIS 3.1 and DOCSIS 4.0 modems are added as they pass certification, and older models are removed when they no longer meet network standards. Check the official Xfinity compatible devices page before buying.

Do I need a separate router if I buy a standalone modem?

Yes. A standalone modem does not broadcast WiFi. You will need to buy a separate WiFi router and connect it to the modem with an Ethernet cable. If you want WiFi built in, choose an approved modem and router combo like the NETGEAR CAX80 or ARRIS G54.

Will my old Xfinity modem still work in 2026?

It depends on the model. If your modem appears on the current Xfinity approved list, it will continue to work. If it was removed in 2024, 2025, or April 2026, you will need to replace it. Modems removed from the approved list lose Xfinity network support over time.

Can I buy a used Xfinity modem on eBay or Facebook Marketplace?

It is not recommended. Used modems are sometimes still associated with the previous owner's Xfinity account, which can block activation. Buying new from a trusted retailer is the safest option and usually comes with a manufacturer warranty.