Every business is becoming tech-savvy these days. With this, every single business requires fast and reliable internet. For internet provision, however, two devices are very important; a router and a modem. So what is the best modem for a small business?
Motorola MB7420 cable modem is the best modem for a small business since it is a DOCSIS 3.0 modem that offers internet support for plans up to 300Mbps thus offering your business an internet speed of up to 686 Mbps. Moreover, it has an ethernet port to connect your router or one device. However, you can pick a modem router such as Netgear CM500 cable router-modem which will enable you to avoid getting a separate modem and router.
Your solution for poor internet connection in a small business lies in getting a good modem. A modem is a short form of modulator-demodulator. It is a device that converts data in a format that can be transmitted from one device to another.
A small business that has a modem can enjoy a continued internet supply that you can easily share with other devices. It is also an affordable way of getting connected as opposed to renting one from an ISP.
There are separate modems and routers available in the market today and also there are modem router combos. A modem will only submit internet to one device via the WAN cable while a router will transmit to several devices via Wi-Fi and LAN cables.
There are several advantages of getting a modem router combo or getting separate devices. You can read more on the modem router combo or gateway here.
Today’s article has focused on the best modems that you can easily engage in your business. Let’s have a look.
Table of Content
- 1 Best modems for a small business top picks
- 2 What are the internet needs for a small business?
- 3 How to install a modem on your home network or small business
- 4 Which is the best modem for a small business?
- 5 Choosing the best modem for your business
- 6 How to Choose the Right Internet Service for Your Business
- 7 Final verdict
- 8 Modems for a Small Business FAQs
Best modems for a small business top picks
| Modem | Best for | Specifications | Check it out |
| Motorola MB7420 cable modem | Best modem for small business | DOCSIS 3.0, Plans up to 300Mbps, Speeds up to 686 Mbps, 16 download & 4 upload channels, 1 Ethernet port | CHECK IT OUT |
| Netgear CM600 cable modem | Best budget modem for small business | DOCSIS 3.0, Plans Up to 400 Mbps, 24×8 Channel bonding, 1 Gigabit Ethernet port | CHECK IT OUT |
| Netgear CM500 cable modem | Best modem for very small businesses | DOCSIS 3.0, Plans Up to 300 Mbps, 16×4 channel bonding, AC3200 Dual-band router, 1 Gigabit Ethernet port | CHECK IT OUT |
| Arris Surfboard SB6183 | The modem compatible with all ISPs | DOCSIS 3.0, 16×4 channel bonding, Plans up to 300Mbps, Gigabit Ethernet port | CHECK IT OUT |
| Linksys CM3008 cable modem | Best for speeds of up to 343Mbps | DOCSIS 3.0, 8×4 Channels, Plans of up to 100 Mbps, 1 Ethernet port, Intel Puma 5 chipset | CHECK IT OUT |
| Arris Surfboard SB6190 cable modem | The best for high-speed internet | DOCSIS 3.0, Plans Up to 600 Mbps, 32×8 channel bonding, 1 Gigabit Ethernet port | CHECK IT OUT |
| TP-Link TC-W7960 Modem router | Best Cable Modem Router for features | DOCSIS3.0, Plans up to 150Mbps, 8×4 Channels, Four Gigabit Ethernet ports | CHECK IT OUT |
What are the internet needs for a small business?
With the rise of online shopping and the increase in online services, internet connectivity has become a vital component of any business. So, it’s important to find an internet service that works for you.
The best internet speed for your small business will depend on what type of business you have or plan to have, how much time you spend on the internet, and how many employees (simultaneous users) are in your company.
| Number of employees/ users/ devices | Internet speed required |
| Up to 5 users at a time | 30Mbps |
| Up to 7 users at a time | 50Mbps |
| Up to 10 users at a time | 100Mbps |
| Up to 20 Users at a time | 200Mbps |
| More than 20 users at a time | More than 200Mbps |
Kindly note that the users should be doing simple things such as sending emails, browsing the internet, social media, and downloading document files. If the plan is to do internet-intensive activities like gaming, 4K streaming, video teleconferencing, and others, a higher bandwidth is required.
Thus as you determine how many Mbps do you need for a small business, consider the number of users and what activities the users will be doing.
For a small business, you can consider getting the best DOCSIS 3.0 Cable modem, the best DOCSIS 3.1 modem, or the best DSL modem depending on your internet service provider. The high-performance modem among the lists will ensure your small business gets the best internet connection.
What is the best internet type for your small business?
When it comes to choosing internet service for your small business, there are three main types: DSL, cable, and fiber. DSL is an older technology that delivers slower speeds and is more limited in availability.
Cable offers excellent speeds but up to a gigabit. It has some challenges with congestion during peak hours. It is available in most cities and towns but like DSL it is slower and less reliable as compared to fiber.
However, fiber-optic internet is the best type of service for a business that needs fast and reliable connections. Fiber-optic internet offers fast speeds with no data caps, which means you can access the internet without worrying about overage charges. It’s also available almost anywhere in the country—so if you’re looking for an internet service provider, you have a lot of options.
If you are in rural areas, then you may have to work with satellite internet or mobile phone providers internet. The two are either more costly, slower, but also may have some latency.
How to install a modem on your home network or small business
Which is the best modem for a small business?
Motorola MB7420 Cable modem
Pros
- Stable internet
- Reliable
- Compatible with most providers
- Easy to set up
Cons
- Not small compared to other modems
Motorola MB7420 is an ideal modem for a small business. It has a stylish design with vented sides and rounded corners. It is an easy to set up modem with only three connections. You will only connect the power cable, Ethernet, and the coax cable.
The modem is compatible with many devices, although it does not have a built-in router. However, it is compatible with most internet cables with perfect connectivity to any router through the Ethernet cable.
The modem has a service speed of 375Mbps hence providing fast and reliable internet. You can connect a Wi-Fi router, game station, and streaming device and enjoy internet use. However, the connection requires a good cable to offer the best service.
If your office has limited space, you do not have to worry. The modem comes in a compact size that makes it easy to place on the shelves. It weighs 9.3 ounces. Blue and green lights show the performance of the modem.
What makes the modem stand out for a small business?
The Motorola MB7420 modem is the perfect choice for a business looking to upgrade its internet service. With a 16×4 channel setup and DOCSIS 3.0 technology, this budget router will provide more power than even some higher-end modems on the market today!
This budget router pack is perfect for businesses and casual users who want a little bit more power in their internet service package from Comcast XFINITY’s Extreme 300, Time Warner, or Comcast Cable Business Delux 250 downlink speed tier – up to 300Mbps! This model is compatible with any device that connects through one Ethernet port on your home network including computers wired directly.
Netgear CM600 Cable Modem
Pros
- Excellent reliable internet
- Affordable modem
- Excellent web interface
- The lights are very useful in setup and use
- Compatible with many ISP
- It offers a speedy and reliable performance on the sub-Gigabit broadband
- Relatively compact
Cons
- Does not offer link intergration
- Does not support Gig+ or Multi-Gig
- Tall footprint
Netgear CM600 is an affordable and compact modem that offers an excellent network without network limits. It is a speed modem that delivers high speeds for streaming and downloading content from the internet
The modem is compatible with most of the routers and ISP service providers. However, you will only use the cables to connect to other devices. Therefore, you will need a separate Wi-Fi router to have wireless service.
The modem supports cable plans for up to 400Mbps and speed tiers to 500Mbps. With this kind of internet support, the modem is ideal for 4K streaming, gaming, and the fastest downloads.
Funds become a challenge to all small businesses. You can set up the modem by yourself using simple steps. You only need to plug the coax cable, activate the modem, connect the Wi-Fi router.
The best thing about the modem is that it offers no Wi-Fi limits. You will, therefore, run your business effectively using the internet. You will enjoy the price of the modem.
Why does Netgear CM600 stand out for small businesses?
The CM600 is the modem to buy if you have a sub-Gigabit cable Internet, which is still the case for most subscribers. It comes with two ports on its back—a coaxial port and gigabit network connection that can support speeds up to 960Mbps when connected directly into your provider’s box or an internet service extender device (which are both sold separately). The model has proven reliable over three years during my personal Xfinity usage so far!
It also features 24×8 DOCSIS 3.0 so not only will I be able to browse faster than ever before but down the road when upload speeds become more important too – This device has my full confidence.”
If you want to do anything on the internet, from streaming videos and music to downloading files or otherwise accessing information in real-time with no buffering then this is your modem.
With its coaxial port and Gigabit network connection on the back, you’ll be able to do anything from watching Netflix in HD quality all while downloading files at speeds up to 960Mbps! Personally, I get up to 700Mbps on my small business from the modem.
Netgear CM500 Cable Modem
Pros
- Excellent performance
- Perfect compatibility
- Quite affordable
Cons
- The invisibility of indicator lights
Are you looking for a fast modem at an affordable price? Get the Netgear CM500 comes at the best price. It has a beautiful design that is quite attractive. It is not limited and can support any Wi-Fi router.
The modem is compatible with most ISP providers. The setup and connection process of the modem is quite simple. Using the Ethernet port, you will be able to connect to any router and enjoy streaming. There is a provision for connecting your computer too.
We cannot talk about browsing without talking about the speed. It can support internet plans of up to 300Mbps speed. You can, therefore, efficiently browse, download content, and do your gaming. You will also be able to monitor the progress of the modem on the indicator lights.
To ensure that you get the best performance the DOCSIS 3.0 modem is made with 16×4 channel bonding. This can support the high speed provided by your ISP while connected to any router.
Besides gaming, in your business, you will be able to do your marketing and internet business at an affordable rate. You can use several devices to connect to the internet.
Arris Surfboard SB6183 Cable modem
Pros
- Compatible with most ISP
- Highly dependable
- Status lights
- Easy setup
Cons
- Coaxial cable invisible placement
Arris Surfboard modem is one of the most powerful and high-speed modems. It has a solid performance with a very nice design. Its compact nature and light weight make it ideal for businesses with limited office space.
The modem has a high speed accompanied by high compatibility. It easily works with almost all ISP providers. The speed of downloading and uploading is 686Mbps and 131Mbps, respectively. You will, therefore, enjoy streaming and fast downloads.
The DOCSIS 3.0 modem can support internet plans of up to 400Mbps. This makes it effective for most internet providers including Xfinity, Cox, and Spectrum among others.
The initial setup and operational processes are straightforward. You will also be able to monitor the response of the modem with its status lights. If there is any issue with the connection, you will easily notice it.
Moreover, the modem is among the top-rated in terms of internet speed and general performance. It is very affordable.
Linksys CM3008 Cable Modem
Pros
- Reliable performance
- Affordable
- Faster internet speeds
- Compatible with most ISPs
- Easy to set up and manage
Cons
- Not compatible with high-speed ISP
Linksys CM3008 is a compact and stylish modem with a download speed of 343Mbps and a combination of 8 downloads and four upload channels. The modem is a high performer with a very stable internet that will give you the best service ever.
If you do not have that adequate space for storing the modem, you still do not need to worry. It is a slim device weighing 3.52ounces. The speed is of the modem is 343Mbps, which is eight times faster than the normal modems.
The modem is compatible with almost all cable providers and ISPs. However, there is no built-in Wi-Fi router. You will, therefore, need to buy one and connect separately. It works with almost all routers hence worth a try.
The process of setting up the modem is straightforward. It is as simple as plugging and having the modem start functioning. It is also ideal for internet plans between 100- 250 Mbps. You will enjoy faster rates of browsing, making your business management very simple.
Arris Surfboard SB6190 Cable Modem
Pros
- Excellent design
- Easy to set up
- Faster browsing speed
- Reliable
Cons
- Has latency issues
Arris Surfboard SB6190 is a DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem with excellent performance. You can easily download and upload your content with the 32 download and eight upload channels. If you plan to have internet speed plans of up to 600Mbps, this modem will offer you excellent service.
The modem has a 1 Gigabit port to connect the devices or your Wi-Fi router. These speeds ensure your home is covered by high-speed internet.
The modem is compatible with most cable ISPs such as Cox, Spectrum, and others. You can also have your personal computer connected and enjoy the fastest browsing. It offers the latest internet technology. You can, therefore, make a stake, and you won’t regret it.
Setting up the modem is very simple. With the power and internet cable, you will be sorted. You will fast connect your power cables, Ethernet and coaxial then contact your ISP. Finally, have the Wi-Fi router connected and start using your internet.
The modem is an excellent performer with a download speed of 1400Mbps and an upload speed of 262Mbps. Although the price seems to be higher than other modems, you have two things that make the modem worthy. Performance speed and the design
TP-Link TC-W7960 Modem router
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to set up
- Quite reliable
- Compact size
Cons
- Indicator lights not visible
TP-Link TC-W7960 is an excellent choice for high-speed wired connections. It has eight downloads and four upload channels.
You will enjoy a download speed of 343Mbps and an upload speed of 143 Mbps.
The business modem router design is quite attractive with a very simple setup process. You can either browse for the setup process or simply contact your ISP for directions. The most interesting thing with this modem is the option for guest network setup and parental control.
The business modem router will offer you the best Wi-Fi that will keep running most of your devices. You will enjoy gaming and a direct connection to your computer with a maintained speed of 300Mbps.
The compatibility of the modem is an excellent thing to note. You will get connected to almost all ISPs and plans for up to 150Mbps. However, the speed will vary depending on different service providers.
Weighing 1.7 pounds and a compact size, the router will save your office space.
One thing that will make you admire the modem is its affordability. Finally, there is no hosting cost. Consumption costs are therefore low.
Choosing the best modem for your business
Getting the best modem is having your internet challenges half solved. With a good modem, you can choose your best service providers anytime and have your internet up and running.
Buying your own modem will save on modem rental fees from your internet service providers. This way you reduce the monthly costs for your business and also save on costs in the long run.
The best modem has the following traits:
DOCSIS Standard
The DOCSIS standard is the definition of the specifications for your modem. The best modems for a small office should either have DOCSIS 3.0 or DOCSIS 3.1 standards.
DOCSIS 3.0 modems will serve most small businesses since they support internet speed tiers except the gigabit tier. The modems are cheaper and most have gigabit Ethernet ports.
DOCSIS 3.1 modems, on the other hand, support even Gigabit internet plans. They are however most of the time more expensive than DOCSIS 3.0 modems. For small businesses, it may be an overinvestment.
Ethernet ports
Getting a small business modem with one or more gigabit Ethernet ports is recommended. This will enable you to connect the modem to the router for fast speeds. Moreover, in the case of more than one Ethernet port, you can connect to other devices such as PCs, streaming devices, printers, and others.
There are several modems reviewed here that have one or more gigabit Ethernet ports.
Compatibility
The best modem for your business should be compatible with most ISP cables. You should also be able to connect to other devices such as your PC and gaming devices. Connecting to any type of router should also be simple.
Several modem routers are compatible with Spectrum, cox, Comcast Xfinity internet, and other internet service providers.
Design
The design of your modem will determine where to place it and have the best connection. A good modem should be compact and easy to spot. While in use, you should be able to see the performance and be notified of any challenges as they arise.
The design will help to fit the modem in a place where you can easily place your router if you are picking separate modems and routers.
Speed
A low-speed modem will mean low internet speed and vice versa. When buying a modem, ensure you get one that has the highest internet speed. The download, upload, and overall performance speed should be great. You will, however, face business management challenges.
The speed for your modem must be able to match the speed that you have subscribed for from your internet service provider.
Price
A small business will need an affordable modem. However, when checking on the price, you should be cautious to avoid getting a substandard modem to keep disappointing and failing your business. Do not compromise the quality with the price of your router.
Separate modem and router or a combo?
Your business needs will determine if you will pick a modem router combo (gateway) or a separate device. There are several pros and cons of a modem router combo that you can explore. For example, in case of a breakage, you will have to replace the whole device.
Separate modem and router will give you lots of cables thus are untidy. Moreover, separate devices occupy more space. However, they are easier to replace in case of a device failure.
How to Choose the Right Internet Service for Your Business
The internet is an integral part of any business, and it’s important to find a connection that provides the best service for your company. Before you make your decision, it’s important to understand what kind of internet service you need. To figure out which internet service is right for you, consider this:
- How much time do you spend on the internet?
- Do you have a lot of employees?
- What type of online business do you have or plan to have?
Once you know what kind of internet service will work best for your small business, it will be easy to find the right one. For example, if your company has only one or two employees who occasionally use the internet, then cable or DSL might be a good option.
A company with more than 10 employees may want to consider Fiber optic because it has the fastest speeds and can offer more bandwidth. If your company deals primarily with e-commerce, then Fiber optic is also a good option because it can handle more traffic due to its fast speeds.
Whatever type of business you have and how many people are in it will determine what type of connection is best suited for your needs.
The Different Types of Internet Connections
There are a few different types of internet connections that you can choose from. We’ll discuss the options and how they compare to one another.
DSL: DSL is an older type of internet connection. It relies on your phone line, which means it may not be compatible with your phone service. DSL is also old because it relies on telephone lines, so it’s not compatible with all phone services.
The speeds are generally low and the download limit is usually high (5-10 GB per month). Additionally, DSL requires a physical connection to the modem, which means you can’t access the internet if you’re using WiFi.
Cable: Cable is a newer connection and most people in urban areas have access to it. If you live outside an urban area or need more than one line for your business, then the cable may not be for you as it’s difficult to find in rural communities.
Internet speeds are better with cable than DSL and there are no limits on how much data you use each month. However, there are often contracts for this service so if you end up needing to break that contract early there could be substantial fees involved.
Satellite: Satellite internet uses a satellite dish that sends a signal from your location to an orbiting satellite and then through space down to earth again back into your location (hence “satellite”). This type of internet service takes longer to load pages because of the time it takes for the signal to go back and forth through space.
Fiber: Fiber-optic internet is the best type of service for a business that needs fast and reliable connections. Fiber-optic internet offers fast speeds with no data caps, which means you can access the internet without worrying about overage charges. It’s also available almost anywhere in the country—so if you’re looking for an internet service provider, you have a lot of options.
What to look for in a good provider
There are two major types of internet service providers, which are cable and DSL. A cable is a good option for businesses that require high-speed internet services or need to access the internet from multiple locations. DSL is best for companies with a smaller budget and few employees.
There are other considerations as well. You’ll want to look at how long your contract is, how much data you can transfer per month, and what kind of customer service you’ll have access to.
If your business has a specific need, such as if you sell items that require frequent updates or changes to stock levels, then it’s a good idea to find an internet service provider that provides those services.
Why is business internet more expensive?
Every business is different and the type of business you have will determine what internet service is best. Businesses that require high-speed, reliable internet to operate (think medical offices or courier services) will need more bandwidth than a small, local bookstore would.
Businesses also have to pay for their own space on the network. The cost of this space is determined by how much bandwidth your company needs. If you plan to offer high-bandwidth services like streaming video or live broadcasting, then you’ll need more space on the network and will pay more for it than a smaller company with fewer demands for bandwidth.
However, some businesses may be able to take advantage of low-cost options like co-location which can help cut costs. Co-location means that your equipment can bypass some steps in order to increase speed and performance and therefore reduce the amount of time and energy it takes to function online.
It’s important to ask yourself what type of business you want to be first when determining how much bandwidth you need because that’s going to be one of the biggest factors in your decision. Smaller businesses may want a slower but less expensive connection while others might need something faster with more reliability but costlier.
Why do businesses need high speed internet?
There are many reasons why a business needs high-speed internet service. For one, it’s important for any business that has an online presence or plans to have one. Online customers want to be able to purchase your products or services in just a few clicks of the mouse, so you need a high-speed connection to make it happen.
Secondly, people are more likely to shop online when they can connect with your company quickly and easily. That’s because they don’t need to spend time driving around looking for your store or visiting different websites to find what they’re looking for.
They can simply order from the comfort of their own home and receive their product within days.
Lastly, employees who work on computers need reliable internet speed so that they can complete their tasks efficiently and effectively.
If you’re lucky enough to have multiple people working on computers in your office space, you may need faster internet speeds if those workers are frequently uploading and downloading information at the same time.
Is business internet faster than residential?
The type of internet service you need will depend on the type of business. Many people think that business internet is faster than residential, but that’s not always true. It all depends on what your needs are and how much you’re currently spending on the internet.
Final verdict
We have looked at the best modems for your business; the ball is in your court. The modems we have touched on are reliable and very high-performing. Picking one will cause no harm.
You have the choice between a modem and a business modem router. Your choice will be dependent on the features discussed above.
However, with the guide, you will also be able to get a similar modem that will give you the ultimate solution to your internet challenges. Get one and enjoy the best business service delivery.
Modems for a Small Business FAQs
Which company modem is best?
From our reviews, the Motorola MB7420 cable modem is excellent for most small companies. It is compatible with most ISPs, offers excellent performances, and is easy to set up. Moreover, it is widely used by small businesses. The next best modem is the Netgear CM600 for sub-gigabit internet.
What is the Modem price?
A modem can cost as low as less than $50 to as high as $500. The cost depends on the DOCSIS standard, whether it is a modem router, internet plans supported, security specifications, features available including Ethernet ports, link integration, and others. You can choose a modem ranging from $50 to $300 depending on the needs of your business or home.
Do I choose a modem or modem router combo (gateway) for my small business?
The choice of device depends on your needs. A modem router gives you all the features contained in a modem and a router. It however will present a challenge when there is a device failure since you will have to replace the whole device. A separate modem and router will at most times give you better choices of the specifications, is easy to replace one device in case of a failure, and can be positioned at different places. However, too much cabling is needed thus is untidy.
Do modems go bad?
Yes, modems can go bad. This is because of the normal wear and tear, infection by malware and viruses, or because of breakage of some part. One of the main causes of modem failure is over usage since most people do not switch off the modem even when sleeping. In addition, overheating can cause modem failure. Also, dropping the modem, hits by objects, power surges, and others can lead to failure.
Can I replace my modem myself?
Yes, you can replace the modem yourself. The process for replacement will vary from ISP to another and also from device to another. Having your own modem saves modem rental fees in the long run. Moreover, it gives you a chance to choose a modem that suits your needs.
