The Motorola MB8611 and Netgear CM2000 are both high-performance DOCSIS 3.1 cable modems capable of multi-gigabit internet speeds. The MB8611 edges out the CM2000 when it comes to advanced features with a lower price tag. However, the CM2000 is still an excellent modem with fast speeds and wider compatibility at a reasonable price point.
Quick Verdict
| Product | Rating | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| Motorola MB8611 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 🏆 Lower price point with Advanced Features |
| Netgear CM2000 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2 | 🏆 Reliable and Wider compatibility |
The Motorola MB8611 is the winner if you want best-in-class performance with advanced QoS and a longer warranty at a cheaper price point. The Netgear CM2000 still delivers fast fiber-like speeds for those needing reliability and wide compatibility across cable providers.
Motorola MB8611 Pros and Cons
Pros
- Faster multi-gig speeds up to 2.5 Gbps
- 1 x 2.5 Gbps ethernet port
- Low latency with Active Queue Management
- Saves up to $168 per year in rental fees
Cons
- More expensive upfront cost
- No built-in router
Netgear CM2000 Pros and Cons
Pros
- Supports internet speeds up to 2.5 Gbps
- Affordable price
- 1 x 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port
- No monthly rental fees
Cons
- Slower maximum speeds than MB8611
- No advanced queue management
Motorola MB8611 vs Netgear CM2000: Detailed Features Comparison
| Feature | Motorola MB8611 | Netgear CM2000 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Download Speed | 2.5 Gbps | 2.5 Gbps | Tie |
| Max Upload Speed | 800 Mbps | N/A | 🏆Motorola MB8611 |
| Ports | 1 x 2.5 Gbps Ethernet | 1 x 2.5 Gbps Ethernet | Tie |
| DOCSIS Version | 3.1 + 3.0 32×8 | 3.1 + 3.0 32×8 | Tie |
| Cable Provider Compatibility | Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum, Mediacom, WOW Internet, , Astound, Midco and Breezeline | Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum, Mediacom, WOW Internet, , Astound, Midco, and Breezeline | 🏆Netgear CM2000 |
| Advanced Queue Management | Yes | No | 🏆Motorola MB8611 |
| 2 Year Warranty | Yes | No | 🏆Motorola MB8611 |
| Telephone Ports | No | No | Tie |
| Built-in Wi-Fi Router | No | No | Tie |
| Price | 220$ Approx | 280$ Approx | 🏆Motorola MB8611 |
Winner: The Motorola MB8611 wins on max upload speeds, is less pricy, has advanced QoS, and has a 2-year warranty period. But the Netgear CM2000 supports more cable providers out of the box. Overall, they have very similar capabilities.
The Key Differences Between the Motorola MB8611 and Netgear CM2000
- The MB8611 has faster maximum upload speeds up to 800 Mbps vs undisclosed for the CM2000
- Motorola includes advanced Active Queue Management (AQM) but Netgear does not
- Motorola provides a 2 year warranty compared to 1 year for Netgear
- Netgear CM2000 is compatible with Xfinity, Spectrum, and Cox while Motorola officially supports Xfinity and Cox only
Similarities Between the Motorola MB8611 and Netgear CM2000
- Both support multi-gig internet speeds up to 2.5 Gbps down
- Each has 1 x 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port
- DOCSIS 3.1 modems with 32×8 channel bonding
- No built-in Wi-Fi router or voice ports
- Easy to set up and use with any router
- Eliminate monthly modem rental fees
Amazon Customer Reviews Comparison
The MB8611 and CM2000 both average around 4.4 out of 5 stars from thousands of customer reviews.
Common positives mentioned for both models include fast speeds, easy installation, and compatibility with gigabit cable internet plans.
Few issues are reported with either modem. Some CM2000 owners note the status lights seem overly bright.
A small percentage of customers for each modem ran into activation or connectivity challenges, unexpected reboots, and inconsistencies dealing with ISP. A small percentage of 1-star reviews report receiving defective units.
The MB8611 draws more enthusiasm for its blazing multi-gig performance and leading technology. The CM2000 earns praise as a highly compatible modem that delivers speedy service.
Who Should Buy the Motorola MB8611?
The MB8611 is ideal if you want bleeding edge technology with the fastest possible speeds today. It best suits Xfinity or Cox customers subscribing to pricey multi-gigabit plans. Paying more upfront gets you advanced traffic management features plus a longer warranty.
Who Should Buy the Netgear CM2000?
The CM2000 hits the sweet spot on price while supporting 2.5 Gbps internet plans. It’s a great fit if you want fast fiber-like speeds on a budget. CM2000 owners on Xfinity, Spectrum, and Cox are very satisfied with real-world performance.
Verdict
For cable internet users ready to upgrade, choosing between the Motorola MB8611 and Netgear CM2000 often comes down to price versus performance. The MB8611 costs less while providing smarter queue management and faster peak uploads.
But the CM2000 supports more providers while still hitting 2.5 Gbps download speeds at an affordable rate. We outline all the key differences to help determine the best value DOCSIS 3.1 modem for your home network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do these modems have a built-in router?
No, both the MB8611 and CM2000 are cable modems without Wi-Fi. You need to add your own router.
What internet speeds are they compatible with?
Both support multi-gig download speeds up 2.5 Gbps and typical gigabit cable plans up to 1 Gbps.
Do they work with Comcast Xfinity or Cox?
Yes, the MB8611 and CM2000 are certified to work with Comcast Xfinity and Cox cable services.
How hard is it to set up the modems?
They are both plug-and-play to set up. Just connect the coax cable, ethernet, and power. Then activate through your provider.
Which modem has more ports?
The MB8611 and CM2000 each provide one 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port to connect your router or computer.
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