Key Takeaways
- Xfinity removed every remaining DOCSIS 3.0 modem from its device list in two waves, a large batch in April 2026 and the last few in July 2026. If you are buying today, DOCSIS 3.1 is the only version that makes sense.
- Roughly 35 modems and gateways are currently approved, and every model below was verified against Comcast's official device page, last revised July 21, 2026. Match the modem's speed rating to your plan, and choose a 2.5 GbE port for any plan at or above 1 Gbps.
- The rental math depends on your plan. Older plans still pay $15 to $25 per month for the xFi Gateway, so owning pays for itself fast. Newer Everyday Pricing plans include the gateway, where owning is about control and choosing your own hardware.
Why Buy Your Own Xfinity Modem?
If you signed up before Comcast restructured its plans in mid-2025, you are likely still paying $15 per month for the xFi Gateway, or $25 per month for xFi Complete. That is $180 to $300 per year for equipment you could own outright. Most compatible modems cost between $80 and $200, so the device pays for itself in well under a year on those plans.
Comcast's newer Everyday Pricing plans include the gateway and unlimited data in the monthly price, so there is no rental line to eliminate. Owners on those plans buy their own modem for different reasons: full control over the network hardware, the freedom to pair any router they want, and keeping Comcast's gateway out of the house entirely.
Either way, the modem has to be on Comcast's device list to activate. This guide organizes every currently listed model by speed tier so you can match one to your plan. For the complete audited list in one place, see our full Xfinity approved modem list, or check Xfinity's official device page directly.
DOCSIS 3.0 Is Done on Xfinity
DOCSIS is the standard that lets a cable modem talk to the network, and for years two versions coexisted on Xfinity's list. That ended in 2026. In April, Comcast removed roughly 30 DOCSIS 3.0 models in a single update, including the ARRIS SB6183, SB6190, and SBG10, the SBG7400AC2 and SBG7600AC2 gateways, the Motorola MG7540, MG7550, and MG7700, the Netgear C6230, C7000v2, and CM700, the Linksys CM3016 and CM3024, and every DOCSIS 3.0 voice modem. In July, the last holdouts followed: the Motorola MB7420 and MB7621, the Linksys CG7500, and the Netgear CM500.
If you own one of these, it may keep working for now, but a delisted modem can fail to reactivate after a move or a service change and loses support over time. Plan its replacement, and do not buy one at a clearance price no matter how tempting. For the full story, see our guide to Xfinity removing DOCSIS 3.0 modems.
Everything that remains on the list is DOCSIS 3.1. These modems use OFDM channels for much higher throughput, lower latency, and better error correction, and they work on every Xfinity speed tier. That is what every table below contains.
Quick Note: Modem vs. Gateway vs. Router
A modem connects your home to Comcast through the coaxial cable in your wall. A router broadcasts Wi-Fi and manages traffic between your devices. A gateway, like the xFi Gateway or the Netgear CAX80, combines both in one unit. Most models on the list are standalone modems that need a separate router, and the tables note which devices include Wi-Fi.
Xfinity Compatible Modems by Speed Tier
Comcast now sells simplified national speed tiers running from roughly 300 Mbps to 2 Gbps, with symmetrical multi-gig service expanding in DOCSIS 4.0 markets. Models marked Recommended have been specifically tested by Xfinity for performance and reliability on its network.
Tier 1: Plans Up to 400 Mbps
With DOCSIS 3.0 off the list, there is no separate budget table for entry plans anymore. Any DOCSIS 3.1 modem in the next section covers these speeds with room to spare, and the most affordable route is a refurbished ARRIS SB8200, Motorola MB8600, or Netgear CM1000v2. Whatever you pick will not need replacing if you upgrade your plan later.
Tier 2: Plans from 400 Mbps to 1 Gbps
These modems are rated just under 1 Gbps and cover every sub-gigabit plan Comcast sells.
| Model | Max Speed | Wi-Fi | Voice |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARRIS SB8200 | 957 Mbps | No | No |
| ARRIS SB8200v2 | 936 Mbps | No | No |
| ARRIS SB8200v3 | 934 Mbps | No | No |
| ARRIS SBG8300 Recommended | 941 Mbps | Yes | No |
| ARRIS G18 | 934 Mbps | Yes | No |
| ARRIS G20 | 934 Mbps | Yes | No |
| ARRIS G34 | 934 Mbps | Yes | No |
| ARRIS T25 | 949 Mbps | No | Yes |
| Hitron CODA | 934 Mbps | No | No |
| Netgear CM1000v2 | 950 Mbps | No | No |
| Netgear CM1100 Recommended | 945 Mbps | No | No |
| Netgear CM1200 | 949 Mbps | No | No |
| Netgear CM2500 | 936 Mbps | No | No |
| Netgear CBR750 Recommended | 942 Mbps | Yes (Wi-Fi 6) | No |
| Netgear CAX30 Recommended | 949 Mbps | Yes (Wi-Fi 6) | No |
| Motorola MB8600 | 949 Mbps | No | No |
| Motorola MG8702 | 945 Mbps | Yes | No |
| ASUS CMAX6000 | 951 Mbps | Yes | No |
| Humax HGD310 | 943 Mbps | No | No |
Tier 3: Gigabit and Multi-Gigabit Plans (1 Gbps to 2+ Gbps)
You need a modem with a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port to take full advantage of speeds above 1 Gbps. A modem with only a 1 Gbps port caps your wired speed around 940 Mbps regardless of your plan.
| Model | Max Speed | Wi-Fi | Voice |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARRIS S33 Recommended | 2.33 Gbps | No | No |
| ARRIS S33v2 | 2.32 Gbps | No | No |
| ARRIS S33v3 | 2.32 Gbps | No | No |
| ARRIS S34 | 2.32 Gbps | No | No |
| ARRIS G36 Recommended | 2.37 Gbps | Yes (Wi-Fi 6) | No |
| ARRIS G54 | 2.34 Gbps | Yes | No |
| Hitron CODA56 Recommended | 2.33 Gbps | No | No |
| Netgear CM2000 Recommended | 2.33 Gbps | No | No |
| Netgear CM2050V Recommended | 2.33 Gbps | No | Yes |
| Netgear CM3000 | 2.33 Gbps | No | No |
| Netgear CAX80 Recommended | 2.36 Gbps | Yes (Wi-Fi 6) | No |
| Motorola MB8611 | 2.33 Gbps | No | No |
| Motorola B12 | 2.32 Gbps | No | No |
| Motorola MT8733 | 2.33 Gbps | Yes | Yes |
| Motorola MG8725 | 2.33 Gbps | Yes | No |
| Ubiquiti UCI | 2.32 Gbps | No | No |
Xfinity Voice (Phone Service) Compatible Modems
If you have Xfinity Voice, you need a modem with built-in telephony. Standard modems will not carry the phone service. The April 2026 update removed every DOCSIS 3.0 voice modem, including the ARRIS SBV2402, SBV3202, and SVG2482AC and the Motorola MT7711, so three models remain:
| Model | Max Speed | Wi-Fi |
|---|---|---|
| ARRIS T25 | 949 Mbps | No |
| Netgear CM2050V Recommended | 2.33 Gbps | No |
| Motorola MT8733 | 2.33 Gbps | Yes |
Next Gen Speed Tier (Enhanced Upload Speeds)
Xfinity's Next Gen plans run on mid-split network upgrades that raise uploads from the old 10 to 35 Mbps range into the hundreds of megabits. Comcast publishes a separate, much shorter list of devices rated for those uploads, and a modem can be fully approved for downloads while missing from it. Notably, the popular ARRIS S33 is not on the Next Gen list. It remains an excellent modem for standard plans, but if you are paying for enhanced uploads, choose from this table instead. The ARRIS S34 is its closest equivalent that qualifies.
| Model | Max Down | Max Up | Wi-Fi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hitron CODA | 934 Mbps | 456 Mbps | No |
| Hitron CODA56 | 2.33 Gbps | 455 Mbps | No |
| Netgear CM2500 | 936 Mbps | 456 Mbps | No |
| Netgear CM3000 | 2.33 Gbps | 486 Mbps | No |
| Netgear CBR750 | 924 Mbps | 471 Mbps | Yes (Wi-Fi 6) |
| ARRIS G20 | 934 Mbps | 447 Mbps | Yes |
| ARRIS G34 | 934 Mbps | 472 Mbps | Yes |
| ARRIS G36 | 2.32 Gbps | 419 Mbps | Yes |
| ARRIS G54 | 2.34 Gbps | 474 Mbps | Yes |
| ARRIS S34 | 2.32 Gbps | 444 Mbps | No |
| Ubiquiti UCI | 2.33 Gbps | 474 Mbps | No |
If you have Xfinity Voice and a Next Gen plan, the Netgear CM2050V is the voice modem rated for the Next Gen tier. If enhanced uploads are not offered at your address yet, this list does not limit you, and any modem above simply means you are ready when the upgrade reaches your node. For a deeper look at mid-split and how to confirm your line supports it, see our Next Gen upload guide.
Already Bought Your Modem? Here Is How to Activate It
Once you have your new modem in hand, activation is straightforward. We put together a step-by-step walkthrough covering the Xfinity app method, browser-based activation, and what to do if automatic activation does not work. Read our full Xfinity modem activation guide here.
Our Top Picks by Use Case
Best Overall Modem for Standard Plans
ARRIS S33 -- The most popular standalone DOCSIS 3.1 modem on the market and an Xfinity Recommended device. It supports downloads up to 2.33 Gbps through its 2.5G Ethernet port and covers every standard plan from entry level through multi-gig. One caveat: the S33 is not on Xfinity's Next Gen Speed Tier list, so if your plan includes enhanced uploads, pick the S34 or CM3000 instead.
Best Budget Modem
ARRIS SB8200 -- For plans up to 1 Gbps, the SB8200 is a well-proven DOCSIS 3.1 modem with dual 1 Gbps Ethernet ports. It has been on the market for years, which means refurbished units are widely available at prices that reach the break-even point on rental fees in just a few months.
Best Modem/Router Combo
Netgear CAX80 -- One device that handles both the modem and your Wi-Fi. It combines a DOCSIS 3.1 modem with a Wi-Fi 6 router, supports speeds up to 2.36 Gbps, and is Xfinity Recommended.
Best for Xfinity Voice Customers
Netgear CM2050V -- With the DOCSIS 3.0 voice modems now off the list, this is the top choice for phone service: Xfinity Recommended, multi-gig capable, and rated for the Next Gen tier.
Best for Next Gen Upload Speeds
Netgear CM3000 -- The fastest published upload figure on the Next Gen list at 486 Mbps, alongside multi-gigabit downloads.
Tips Before You Buy
Check your plan speed first. Log in to your Xfinity account or check your latest bill to confirm your plan's download speed, and whether it includes Next Gen uploads. Match your modem to that tier or higher.
Confirm the model against the current list. Comcast revises its device page regularly, and 2026 has already seen two rounds of removals. The My Device Info tool confirms what your specific line supports.
Refurbished units activate the same way new ones do. Xfinity provisions a modem on two facts: the model has to be on the list, and the MAC address cannot still be registered to another account. A professionally refurbished modem is deregistered, tested, and warrantied before it ships, which removes the one risk that trips up units from private sellers. Our compatible modems are covered by a 90-day warranty and an activation guarantee.
You still need a router. Unless you buy a modem/router combo, you will need a separate Wi-Fi router to broadcast wireless internet throughout your home.
Return the rented gateway and verify the fee drops. After activating your modem, return the xFi Gateway to an Xfinity store or ship it back, and keep the receipt. If you are on an older plan, check your next bill to confirm the rental charge is gone; if it is not, call 1-800-XFINITY with your return receipt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What modems are compatible with Xfinity internet?
Comcast maintains an official list of retail modems tested for its network. As of the July 21, 2026 revision, roughly 35 DOCSIS 3.1 modems and gateways from ARRIS, Netgear, Motorola, Hitron, ASUS, Humax, and Ubiquiti are approved. A modem that is not on the list will not provision, no matter how capable it is.
Which modems did Xfinity remove in 2026?
In April 2026, Comcast dropped roughly 30 DOCSIS 3.0 models, including the ARRIS SB6183, SB6190, and SBG10, the Motorola MG7540, MG7550, and MG7700, the Netgear C6230, C7000v2, and CM700, the Linksys CM3016 and CM3024, and every DOCSIS 3.0 voice modem. In July 2026 the Motorola MB7420 and MB7621, Linksys CG7500, and Netgear CM500 followed. No DOCSIS 3.0 modem remains on the list.
Do I need a DOCSIS 3.1 modem for Xfinity?
Effectively yes. Every modem still on Comcast's list is DOCSIS 3.1, and a delisted DOCSIS 3.0 modem will eventually fail to reactivate. A DOCSIS 3.1 modem works with every Xfinity speed tier and will not need to be replaced if you upgrade your plan.
How much does Xfinity charge to rent a modem?
On plans sold before mid-2025, the xFi Gateway rents for $15 per month, or $25 per month with xFi Complete. Comcast's newer Everyday Pricing plans include the gateway in the monthly price, so the savings from owning depend on which plan you are on. On legacy plans, a purchased modem typically pays for itself in under a year.
Can I use my own modem with Xfinity and still get unlimited data?
On Everyday Pricing plans, unlimited data is included regardless of whose equipment you use. On older plans, unlimited data is a paid add-on with your own modem or comes bundled with the xFi Complete rental, so compare your actual usage against the add-on cost before deciding.
What is the best modem for Xfinity gigabit internet?
The ARRIS S33 is the most popular standalone pick for gigabit and multi-gigabit plans, with a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port and an Xfinity Recommended badge. The Hitron CODA56 and Netgear CM2000 are strong alternatives. If your plan includes Next Gen upload speeds, choose the ARRIS S34 or Netgear CM3000 instead, since the S33 is not rated for that tier.
What happens if I use a modem that is too slow for my Xfinity plan?
Your speed will be limited by the modem, not by your plan. If you pay for 1 Gbps but use a modem rated near 940 Mbps with a 1 Gbps port, that is your ceiling. You keep paying full price for the faster plan without receiving it, so always match the modem's rating to your plan or higher.
