Charter Spectrum Approved Modems

81 thoughts on “Charter Spectrum Approved Modems”

1. I’m interested in the Motorola MB8600 but noticed that you have an asterisk (*) placed next to it?
   There isn’t a key glossary, so what does the asterisk mean?

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   • Sorry about that, Roberto. The asterisk means the Motorola MB8600 is a DOCSIS 3.1 modem. The page has been fixed. Thanks for bringing attention to that error. The MB8600 was just added to the Charter Spectrum approved modems list last month.

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     • I noticed on the Amazon website the newer Motorola MB8611 is Charter Spectrum approved. Is that true?

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       • Don, it is not approved yet by Charter Spectrum as of January 1, 2021. At this time, the Motorola MB8611 is only certified for Comcast and Cox. Eventually Charter Spectrum will approve the modem.

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         • FYI, looks like MB8611 just got added to Spectrum’s 1G tier.

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           • Sure did, Terry. It was not on the list February 28, so it certainly happened in the last four days. The list above has been updated – thanks!

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2. On the Spectrum site, it shows Netgear CM1000v2 is approved, not the CM1000.

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   • Jeff, you are correct (page has been fixed – thank you). However, the NETGEAR CM1000 is approved under the Minimally Qualified Modems List. So, either version of the CM1000 will technically work, but Spectrum recommends against using modems on the Minimally Qualified Modems List.

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3. Trying to use ,c7800 night hawk by Netgear for gig service, says it’s a spectrum modem! Don’t see on list, it’s docsis 3.1 up to 10gigs! Huge download files from work and uploads various devices on the network at 1 time! So need to be able to work flawlessly and the spectrum hardware drops out!

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   • The NETGEAR C7800 is a minimally qualified modem for Spectrum meaning it has passed minimal testing to confirm that it won’t cause harm to Spectrum’s network. However, Spectrum doesn’t recommend using minimally qualified modems because they haven’t been tested to deliver your purchased internet service speed.

     You may want to purchase a modem that appears on the Spectrum approved modem list to reach your full internet speed. Also, avoid Intel Puma chipset modems.

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4. On netgear cm 1200 modem box claims it can be used with spectrums gigabit internet plan. I would like to use it for my gig plan. On different web sites some say spectrum will only let u use spectrums modem. I would like to have the answer to this before purchasing one of them .

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   • Hello Bobby,

     Spectrum allows customers to purchase their own equipment. The NETGEAR CM1200 is a minimally qualified modem, which is why it does not appear on the list above. A minimally qualified modem means it won’t cause harm to Spectrum’s network, but they haven’t tested the CM1200 to confirm its ability to deliver your purchased internet service speed. Though permitted for use on Spectrum’s network, they recommend against using minimally qualified modems.

     You can use the NETGEAR CM1200, but you may not receive the full internet speed you have purchased. It may be months or years before Spectrum fully approves the CM1200. Spectrum is notoriously slow for approving modems.

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5. looking to buy a new router voice modem router combo to replace mt arris tg1682,will the Motorola mt7711 work on spectrum the Motorola mg7700 is an approved modem but it does not have voice,ph jacks which i need..thank you hope to get a rapid reply.ty Alan

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   • Hello, Alan. No, the Motorola MT7711 is not approved for Spectrum. Currently, Spectrum has no certified voice modems on their customer-owned Spectrum approved modems list. They do list these phone devices for use on their network. You should contact Spectrum to know what options you have for your local region. You need to rent a device from Spectrum if you require phone service.

     Thanks for the question, Alan.

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6. Hi Alan. I have gigabit service through Spectrum currently, and am looking to switch my spectrum provided modem (Ubee e31u2v1).
   Which is recommended with confirmed gigabit speeds? I see the NETGEAR CM1000v2 and MOTOROLA MB8600 on your list — have they been confirmed to work up to the gigabit speed or just up to 400 mbp as far as you’re aware? It makes it hard since Spectrum hasn’t provided an approved list for gigabit service.

   Thanks!

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   • Hello Joshua,

     Thanks for the question. Spectrum Internet Gig is only available in select markets. You need to contact Spectrum and verify with them if it is available in your local area with the modem you want to use to be sure you can achieve the speed you want. Per their website, any DOCSIS 3.1 modem on Spectrum’s approved modem list should get you to Gig speed if it is actually available in your area, Joshua.

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7. I need a Cable Modem for download speeds up to 400Mhz with Voice supported. Is the Netgear Nighthawk 1150V Cable Modem with Voice certified by Spectrum? If nor, what is an alternative cable modem w/ voice that I can use for speeds up to 400Mbps?

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   • Unfortunately, Michael, Spectrum does not have a voice modem certified on their customer-owned approved modem list. Spectrum offers information on their voice modems page. Spectrum will rent one of these devices to you. You should contact Spectrum to see what options are available in your location. Good luck, Michael.

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8. Spectrum Website now has the list below for 1G. My questions are regarding the Arris. What does “Rev 4” mean, and how do you know if you’re getting that when you buy? And second, If you go yo buy the Arris on Amazon, it shows a screen shot “from the Manufacturer” that says its compatible with COX and XFINITY for 1GB or lower, but for Spectrum it says 400 Mbps or lower (with and asterisk that goes nowhere). Any idea how to reconcile this conflicting information? thank you for any info you have!!

   Approved for Spectrum Internet tiers up to 1G:
   Arris SB8200 Rev 4
   Netgear CAX80
   Netgear CM1100

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   • Rev. 4 means Revision 4. It may be a small change like a component inside the modem has switched brands. Hardware wise, the ARRIS SB8200 should be about the same. Revisions are just small changes. A sticker on the modem or an info card included with the device should indicate what revision you have received.

     Spectrum is the only ISP that specifies what revision number you must have for the SB8200. No other ISP does this; other ISPS just accept all revisions of modems. It would be best to just ignore the ARRIS SB8200 for Spectrum service due to the reliance on revision numbers for compatibility.

     When you order from a retailer, you will not know which revision you will receive. But again, revision changes are minor things. Spectrum just started listing 1G devices in February 2020, so the listing on Amazon is old. Trust your ISP for device speed since it is their network that determines how fast your modem is capable of data transferring and the ISP is more up to date than an old Amazon product page. Hopefully that answers all your questions, Paul.

     Update: The Amazon picture has been updated. The ARRIS SB8200 now shows 1 Gbps or lower speeds for Spectrum.

     Stay safe, Paul B.

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     • A follow-up to this, Spectrum has removed the ARRIS SB8200 from their approved modem list.

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       • Does anyone know why they removed it?

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         • Spectrum was too quick to approve the modem most likely. The ARRIS SB8200 does not even appear on Spectrum’s minimally qualified modems list, so it may return in a few months after they work out the issues Spectrum is having with certifying the device.

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9. Why did Spectrum approve the Motorola MB8600 in November 2019 for up to 400 mbps but not the gig plan? it is docsis 3.1 and one of the best gig modems on the market. Do expect to have it as an approved modem in the near future for the gig plan?

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10. and a follow up question – when i spoke with service about using a privately owned modem, i was told by a service representative AND a supervisor that only the spectrum modem could be used with the gig internet service and that Spectrum is not permitting any privately owned routers for the gig service at this time. is that accurate?

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    • Hello Timps,

      Spectrum just started approving 1G modems in February 2020, so eventually the MB8600 should be approved for the faster 1G service. For as large of an ISP Spectrum is, they are incredibly slow certifying modems that even smaller ISPs approve in a quicker fashion. The sales rep and supervisor may have told you incorrect information about the need for a Spectrum provided device for 1G service.

      You can look at Spectrum’s approved modem list and see there is no restriction stated on the page about using your own device for 1G (note the second information box on their page: Modems listed here can be used on the Spectrum network). RCN, Grande, and Wave have a stated restriction on their approved modem pages that fiber-to-the-home customers must use an ISP provided device. Spectrum makes no such claim on their approved modems page for 1G service. The next time a sale rep tells you that you need a Spectrum provided device, refer them to their own approved modems page. The sales rep is probably just trying to force a device you won’t like on to you or to get you to pay a monthly fee.

      Spectrum does state that “only Spectrum-provided equipment is supported by our technicians.” However, that is common among ISPs. If you have any other questions, Timps, reply back.

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11. Just to update. Spectrum refused to activate the sb8200 on 5/13/20. They state it is not approved. It is currently in the approved list and they see that as well. They then told me they could tell by the MAC address that I only had a Rev2. I contacted Arris to find out how you can tell which Rev you are buying. They told me it’s absolute BS that spectrum can see if it’s Rev2 by the MAC. They also told me there is no way to tell when you buy it because there is nothing different in the modem. So it’s a stale mate.

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    • Spectrum must not have worked out the bugs for approving the ARRIS BS8200. Thanks, Rob, for providing the information about Spectrum “reading the MAC address” to determine Rev status. Spectrum will likely remove the SB8200 from their approved modem list (again).

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      • Pretty fed up with Spectrum. I bought the Arris because it was on their Approved list. They have me though because my only other option is satellite. So glad I bought SB8200 at Best Buy because they will take it back. Guess I will go with the Netgear CM1200 if I can find it anywhere.

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        • I am currently with Spectrum and I have their 400 mbps plan and I am and have been using the SB8200 on their network.

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          • Keith they approved it at a time. Then they removed it. If you had it activated during that special time then your were grandfathered in.

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12. Anyone know what the story is with using the Technicolor TC4400 modem on the Spectrum network? Also, FWIW, I am using the SB8200 with Spectrum and have nothing but T3 and T4 timeouts and a whole host of errors all day, every day. I’ve had every “tech” that works for Spectrum out to my house – they do “something” and I have a good, steady signal for about 2 weeks and then right back to errors galore. It seems they just CANNOT fix whatever is wrong – which I believe is with THEIR equipment as my wiring, splitters, etc. have been checked and checked again with no issues BUT Spectrum refuses to acknowledge that the problem lies with their equipment, wiring, etc. outside the house or somewhere along the route from the node to the termination point.

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    • Technicolor is not a popular brand, but maybe someone has actually used the TC4400 with Spectrum to offer advice on their experience with the device.

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13. Can I use a cable modem approved for a higher tier on a lower tier service.
    I currently have standard internet from spectrum
    Standard Internet 60-200 Mbps
    Ultra Internet 300-400 Mbps

    If i purchased an 24/8 Docsys 3.0 modem like Motorola MB7621 which supports up to 400 Mbps would it just drop down to the best speed available at my current standard tier.
    Trying to future proof my CM purchase in case I decide to move up to Ultra in the future

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    • Absolutely, Tom, always go for a device that can achieve the fastest speed you believe you will eventually need in the future. Instead of buying multiple devices, just get the fastest you will need for the future. You actually save money that way.

      Any modem will only operate at the speed tier you are currently subscribed to (unless the modem does not have enough channels, e.g. an 8×4 channel modem won’t be capable of hitting speeds in excess of 400 Mbps).

      So, if you purchased a Motorola MB7621, you will only reach the Standard Internet speeds of 60-200 Mbps (your current plan). But if you get a speed increase, your MB7621 will reach faster download speeds. Have a nice day, Tom!

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14. I’m looking to upgrade my Spectrum service to 400mb. Gigabit is available in my area and I may upgrade to that service at a later date. Keeping that in mind I’d like to purchase a single modem. Will the Netgear CM1000v2 run ok at 400mb? And then later at gigabit when I upgrade further on down the road?

    Thanks!

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    • Absolutely, Shane, it is best to to future-proof now. So, get one of the modems listed for up to 1G (gigabit) service now. It will operate at your 400 Mbps speed just fine and then you are ready when you upgrade your service speed in the future.

      Stay safe, Shane!

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15. Do you know of a voip capable modem for use with spectrum? I don’t see any choice in the table list.

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    • Sorry, Jamie, Spectrum has not approved a voice modem for your own use. If you require phone service, you will need to get a device from Spectrum themselves (lease fees may apply).

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16. What’re the chances of the Nighthawk C7800 getting added to the list of approved modems? Is it just a matter of time and them working out the kinks? I bought one only to disco it didn’t work. Didn’t even know the Approved List was a thing until then.

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    • Thanks for the question, Val.

      The NETGEAR Nighthawk C7800 is actually on Spectrum’s minimally qualified modems list, which means the device has passed minimal testing to confirm that it won’t cause harm to their network.

      Spectrum recommends against using minimally qualified modems because they haven’t been confirmed to deliver your purchased internet service speed, but you are allowed to use a C7800 on their network. The C7800 may be fully approved in a few months.

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      • Update: The NETGEAR C7800 got certified in October 2020 (now officially approved for speed tier 1G).

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17. What is the difference between the cm1100 and the cm1200?

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    • Other than the color difference around the LED lights, there are two main differences between the devices. The NETGEAR CM1100 only contains two Gigabit Ethernet ports on the back, while the CM1200 includes four Gigabit Ethernet ports. The NETGEAR CM1200 also utilizes Multi-IP Address Support with up to four home networks and allows for multiple servers to run at the same time (but it looks like you will you need a Comcast Business account to use that feature).

      Thanks for the question, Kevin!

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      • Thanks for the reply. For the CM1100, is there a fee to utilize both Ethernet ports?

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        • Kevin, the second Ethernet port on the NETGEAR CM1100 can only be used for link aggregation, which can be used to achieve 2 Gbps speed which Spectrum currently does not offer. Any fee will likely be built-in to the pricing of 2 Gbps speed whenever Spectrum offers that service.

          Here are some other resources:

          Two Ethernet ports on the NETGEAR CM1100

          NETGEAR CM1100 Data Sheet

          Stay safe, Kevin!

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18. Is a arris sbg 6900 compatible with spectrum

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    • Yes, Gerd, the ARRIS SBG6900-AC is approved by Spectrum (recommended for Spectrum Internet tiers up to 300 Mbps).

      Stay safe, Gerd!

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19. Hello, I made the mistake of buying a netgear cm700 modem a month ago for my spectrum service, Do you think I will have problems with the intel puma 6? Do you recommend the arris sb6183? Thank you!

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    • Jesus Pineda, if you can return the NETGEAR CM700 to the place of purchase, you should. It is not clear right now, but the ARRIS SB6183 has some online retailers displaying an Intel logo on the boxes of the SB6183 packaging (maybe a photo error), but avoid it anyway. The NETGEAR CM500 should be the modem you target for a new device.

      If you are not having any problems with the NETGEAR CM700, you could keep using it if you can’t return it. Keep in mind, problems could develop later on due to the bad Intel Puma chipset (for example, a new firmware upgrade could make things worse). You can try using the CM700 for as long as you can, but if you are getting constant headaches due to your modem presenting you with connection problems, it will be time to move to a better device.

      Good luck.

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      • Looking to buy a compatible cable modem for my spectrum service. Currently I have 400mbs possibilities in the future upgrading to a GB. Which is the best one in your opinion for a 400mbs and a GB service. Also would work great with a erro pro gen2

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        • The modem suggestion for you is the ARRIS S33, a recently released modem. If you don’t like that brand, the NETGEAR CM1200 is an option. Both modems are free from the dreaded Intel Puma chipset and are actually capable of speeds up to 2 or 2.5 Gbps. If you want to upgrade to 1 Gig speed later, you definitely want a DOCSIS 3.1 modem.

          Thanks for the question, Javier.

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20. I’m currently haggling with Spectrum over a modem for VoIP service. For up to 400 Mbps, the most conservative “stable” choice looks like the the Arris TM-822 or TM-902. other than the obvious battery, was there any significant change with the model change.

    The other choices might be the Cisco DPC-3208 and DPC-3216. From the spec sheet, the DPC-3208 is an 8×4 and claims download speeds of >340 Mbps (might that be 343?). The DPC-3216 is a 16×4 claims download speeds of >500 Mbps (might that be 686?). Do either of these suffer from the Intel Puma problem?

    Part of the constraints here are –
    1. It would preferable for these speeds to have a single “box” and avoid the use for a splitter due to low line signal strengths and minimize the complexity for the end user
    2. In a different location with sufficient signal strength, one modem would be for VoIP service only, and a second like a Netgear CM-2000 for data use.
    3. Modem only is preferable as each location uses a Cisco RV-260-W VPN router.

    Obviously, if this were another ISP (like Comcast), the obvious choices would be a Netgear CM-500-V or a CM-1150-V.

    Thought about this?

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    • Spectrum is frustrating that they don’t offer any voice modems to be purchased by the customer. For being such a large company they really should offer choices like Comcast and Cox does with voice modems. All off the modems you listed are really old models, none of them are ideal. You will be safe on the Intel Puma problem because these modem models are are not modern.

      The only nice option is the Spectrum D3.1 eMTA but that may have the Intel Puma chipset in it depending on the model number you receive. You might take a chance on that device if Spectrum will allow you to get it (they may reserve that for only 1 Gig service speeds customers).

      Nothing is really ideal with Spectrum. Is it possible to avoid phone service altogether and just use Skype or a mobile phone?

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21. Which or what kind of modem should I buy from Amazon? Just want to avoid the rental fee and get more speed . Could you suggest me few options?

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    • If you just need a modem, the NETGEAR CM500 is an excellent option. If you need a modem and WiFi router combo device, the NETGEAR C7000 is an alternative. If you require a fast modem for 1 Gig service, the NETGEAR CM1200 should be considered.

      Hope that helps you, Tyler.

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22. Hi there Modem Gurus, I’m looking for a modem/wifi combo for Spectrum. Its for a studio apartment so it doesn’t need crazy range. It does still need to support 2.4ghz for security system cameras. $150 and under is my preferred price range. What do you recommend? thanks!

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    • Ben,

      The NETGEAR C7000 is what you are looking for (contains dual-band for both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz). It is $10 more than your price range, but it is a highly recommended device.

      If you want a different brand or a cheaper price, the TP-LINK ARCHER CR700 is only $100, but does offer a bit slower max internet speed. Hope that helps you, Ben.

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      • Thanks!

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        • Your welcome, Ben.

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23. What’s going on with the ASUS CMAX6000? I can’t seem to find it anywhere online either….

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    • The ASUS CMAX6000 was just approved in October 2020, so it is most likely a manufacturing delay. With COVID-19 still crippling every industry in the world, there maybe be a few weeks yet before it is available for sale.

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24. I keep seeing the CM1200 being recommended in these comments, but I personally would avoid it for now. I own the CM1200 myself and have had constant upstream connectivity issues, packet loss, and complete loss in connectivity. From what I have seen elsewhere, it seems to be related to the firmware version which is pushed by Charter and some incompatibility with OFDMA. The firmware version currently provided by Charter for the CM1200 is v1.02.01. I believe the OFDMA issue was fixed in v1.02.02. Most other ISPs support version v2.02.03 and Comcast is currently supporting v3.02.01. I don’t know what’s taking Charter so long to approve an updated firmware version, but until that happens the CM1200 won’t be much more than a $200 paperweight.

    Long story short, I would avoid the CM1200 at least until a higher firmware version is supported by Charter.

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    • Thanks for this info. Hopefully Charter Spectrum will remedy this soon with a better firmware version for the NETGEAR CM1200 owners. For future reference for others, here is NETGEAR’S firmware version updates listed by ISPs.

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25. If you own a suddenlink modem can it be activated on a spectrum account

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    • Hello Ray. Yes, as long as you deactivate the modem on your Suddenlink account, you can then use it for your Spectrum service. Make sure whatever modem model you have is on the Spectrum approved modem list.

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26. I see that the Motorola MT-7711 is not approved with Spectrum – I am currently using mine with Comcast (northern part of IN) and I don’t use it for voice (phone service) nor do I want or need it for that. Is there any reason it would not work for just Internet and wi-fi on Spectrum (no voice), which is how I am using it now?

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    • R Spreeman, you likely will not get the Motorola MT7711 to work with Spectrum. They probably don’t even have the firmware updates for this device. Spectrum is slow to implement firmware updates on devices that are actually on their approved modem list. Spectrum likely does not have the time to maintain a device like the MT7711 that is not approved for Spectrum service. You may contact Spectrum with your address for verification.

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      • Thanks, I guess it’s not the end of the world, my Motorola has saved me $200 more than it cost since I started using it with Comcast. I’m still ahead money. Thanks!

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        • You are welcome, R Spreeman.

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27. We’ve been with TWC/Spectrum 8.5 years and recently switched over to the newer Spectrum system before the holidays. They gave us the standard Hitron EN2251 modem/Sagemcom SAC2V2S router. About 6 weeks ago the modem started dropping/rebooting a few times a day advancing to as much as 20+/day. They’ve been very responsive with 4 tech calls, re-cabling, swapping out same modem/router, etc. In short, problem not fixed. Only conclusion I can come to at this time is the hardware? Willing to spend for equipment. We currently have voice (that we’ve never used) and I’m willing to cancel that part to get the right equipment. So, any thoughts are gratefully welcome. Thanks.

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    • The Hitron EN2251 contains the bad Intel Puma chipset and it is most likely the reason for your connection issues. If you never use voice, why pay that extra amount on your bill? Time to get rid of that and use a non-Intel Puma device. The Motorola MB8600 is a top option for DOCSIS 3.1 modems. You could continue to use your Sagemcom SAC2V2S router or if you would like to purchase your own, the TP-Link Archer A7 is a top seller. You can view the best wireless routers here, JeffreyDB.

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28. Hi, I’m about to make the jump over to Spectrum. I currently have a Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 (mod.# R7000P) on my ISP-supplied modem/router (the latter’s WiFi is terrible which is why I switched it off and splurged on the AC2300; its WiFi coverage is EXCELLENT in our house). I really want to stay with the AC2300 since I already “know” this router, will it work with Spectrum internet+voice? I keep seeing many Amazon Q&As/”best Spectrum routers” reviews all claiming it’s compatible w/Spectrum but thus far don’t see it on any approved lists I’ve looked at. Just want to be sure before making the call to Spectrum. Thanks in adv., -J.C.

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    • Hello Justin C.

      All stand-alone routers are compatible with any ISP. Routers are not dependent on approval from ISPs. A stand-alone router only sends out a wireless internet signal throughout your home. A modem, however, requires approval from an ISP, as it is pushing internet service to your home. Feel free to use any stand-alone router with any internet service you have, Justin.

      Yes, your NETGEAR R7000P will “work” with your Spectrum service (it will work with any internet service provider since the R7000P is a stand-alone router, not a cable modem and router combo unit).

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      • OK thanks, that helps a lot. I just don’t want Spectrum forcing their own WiFi router on me so they can get the extra $5/month (or whatever it is) for that when there’s no reason I can’t use my own already-configured router for WiFi. (I plan to use their supplied cable modem, I should’ve mentioned that before.)

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        • For reference, Spectrum actually states in the second paragraph on this page that customers may use their own router.

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29. I’m not seeing and spectrum modems with voice how come

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    • Unfortunately, Spectrum requires use of their own phone modem (fees will apply) if you need voice service, Eric.

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      • Thank you

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30. Is there a difference between Motorola MG8702/MG8725 and Motorola MT8733? I got sent the latter after
    ordering the former.
    Thanks!

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    • Big differences here, Kathryn.

      The Motorola MG8702 is a 1 Gig modem and a WiFi 5 router.

      The Motorola MG8725 is a 2.5 Gig modem and a WiFi 6 router.

      The Motorola MT8733 is a 2.5 Gig modem, 2 phone lines, and a WiFi 6 router.

      Kathryn, you will likely have trouble activating the Motorola MT8733 on Spectrum since that device is only approved for Comcast service.

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