Tech & Gadgets · Head-to-head
ARRIS SURFboard S34 vs NETGEAR Nighthawk CM3000
Which should you buy? Our verdict on both, pulled from our full The Best Cable Modems: 5 Compared (and One to Skip) comparison.
The ARRIS SURFboard S34 is the default buy: a DOCSIS 3.1 modem with a 2.5 Gbps port that ARRIS builds for next generation upload tiers, approved for Xfinity, Spectrum and Cox, with a 2 year warranty. Choose the NETGEAR Nighthawk CM3000 if you want mid-split and high-split support, which NETGEAR rates for up to 1 Gbps upload.
ARRIS SURFboard S34
Buy itThe S33's 2.5 Gbps hardware with a switchable upstream filter for faster next generation upload tiers, plus a 2 year warranty.
- DOCSIS 3.1 with one 2.5 Gbps and one 1 Gbps Ethernet port, rated for cable plans up to 2.5 Gbps
- Switchable upstream filter (5-42 MHz or 5-85 MHz) per the ARRIS data sheet, so it can run the faster upload tiers cable ISPs are rolling out
- On Xfinity's Next Gen speed tier list, where Xfinity rates it for up to 444 Mbps wired upload; ARRIS lists Cox and Spectrum compatibility too
- 2 year limited warranty, double NETGEAR's 1 year
- No built-in Wi-Fi and no voice support, so you still need your own router and cannot use it for cable phone service
- Newer than the S33, so the owner track record is shorter
NETGEAR Nighthawk CM3000
Buy itA mid-split and high-split DOCSIS 3.1 modem with a 2.5 Gbps port the only high-split modem here, at a higher price tier.
- DOCSIS 3.1 with mid-split and high-split support; NETGEAR rates it for up to 2.5 Gbps download and up to 1 Gbps upload
- On Xfinity's Next Gen speed tier list, where Xfinity rates it for up to 486 Mbps wired upload
- One 2.5 Gbps port plus two 1 Gbps ports that support link aggregation with a compatible router
- Costs more than the S34, and high-split only pays off once your ISP offers it; NETGEAR says high-split may come in the near future
- Not compatible with cable bundled voice service, and NETGEAR's warranty is 1 year, valid only from an authorized reseller
Side by side
The 6 criteria below are the ones our full comparison judged every product on, narrowed to these two.
| ARRIS SURFboard S34 Our pick | NETGEAR Nighthawk CM3000 | |
|---|---|---|
| Our verdict | Buy | Buy |
| Best for | Most people on a gigabit or multi-gig cable plan who want a modem ready for faster upload tiers without paying for high-split hardware. | Buyers who want high-split upstream support and are willing to pay for high-split support their ISP may switch on later. |
| Price tier | $$ · mid-range | $$$ · premium |
| Plan speed rating (maker) | Up to 2.5 Gbps | Up to 2.5 Gbps download |
| Upstream support | Switchable 42/85 MHz (mid-split) | Mid-split and high-split |
| Xfinity Next Gen upload (Xfinity rating) | Up to 444 Mbps | Up to 486 Mbps |
| Ethernet ports | 1x 2.5 GbE + 1x 1 GbE | 1x 2.5 GbE + 2x 1 GbE |
| ISP approval (maker) | Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox | Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox |
| Warranty | 2 years | 1 year (authorized resellers) |
Which one is right for you?
Pick the ARRIS SURFboard S34 if
most people on a gigabit or multi-gig cable plan who want a modem ready for faster upload tiers without paying for high-split hardware.
Know before buying: no built-in Wi-Fi and no voice support, so you still need your own router and cannot use it for cable phone service.
Pick the NETGEAR Nighthawk CM3000 if
buyers who want high-split upstream support and are willing to pay for high-split support their ISP may switch on later.
Know before buying: costs more than the S34, and high-split only pays off once your ISP offers it; NETGEAR says high-split may come in the near future.
The bottom line
Our overall pick is the ARRIS SURFboard S34 - The S33's 2.5 Gbps hardware with a switchable upstream filter for faster next generation upload tiers, plus a 2 year warranty. Choose the NETGEAR Nighthawk CM3000 instead if buyers who want high-split upstream support and are willing to pay for high-split support their ISP may switch on later.
Want the full picture, including the other options we compared and the popular one we'd skip? Read the complete The Best Cable Modems: 5 Compared (and One to Skip).