Below you will find the entire Optimum approved modems list. Warning, there are not many options for one to purchase their own modem for Optimum’s internet service.
Read the Cable Modem Buying Guide to help you choose a modem. Do not forget to purchase your modem accessories.
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Last Updated: November 1, 2020
Full Optimum Approved Modems List for November 2020
The Modems Listed Below Are All DOCSIS 3.0 Modems
♦ Indicates an Intel Puma Chipset Defect – Do Not Buy
Note: ✅ means Yes, ❌ means No
| Brand | Model # | Channels | Max Speed | VoIP | WiFi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARRIS | TM804 | 8×4 | 343 Mbps | ✅ | ❌ |
| ARRIS | TM822 | 8×4 | 343 Mbps | ✅ | ❌ |
| ARRIS | TM1602 ♦ | 24×8 | 960 Mbps | ✅ | ❌ |
Channels: first # refers to downstream channels, second # refers to upstream channels (e.g. 16×4, means 16 downstream channels and 4 upstream channels)
The more channels, the faster the speed
Max Speed: refers to the theoretical maximum download speed
VoIP: indicates if the modem has telephone capability
WiFi: indicates if the modem has WiFi capability
Optimum Approved Modems Added in August 2017
Arris TG1672G
Optimum Approved Modems Removed in April 2019
ARRIS TG1672G
Cisco DPQ3212
Motorola SBV6220
Optimum Company Information
Optimum Phone Support: 1-866-200-7273
Optimum Regional Phone Support
Optimum serves the following areas: Connecticut, New York (Long Island, Bronx, Brooklyn, Westchester), and New Jersey.
Hello. Can you tell me if the new NETGEAR CM1150V modem will work with Optimum. Thanks Jon.
Unfortunately, Jonathan, Optimum only recommends the three modems listed on their webpage. Optimum states there are many DOCSIS certified models that are compatible with Optimum, but they do not not list the model numbers. You should contact Optimum support to see if they can answer your question. The NETGEAR CM1150V may or may not work in your local region.
I chatted with Optimum support today (unsure how “techy” the rep is but I have no way to know) about cable modems for use in Manalapan, NJ 07726 and here’s what he said :
Any brand modem will work if it meets the following specs :
minimum 16 x 8 channels
maximum 32 x 8 channels
DOCSIS 3.0 ( he said their network currently can’t detect DOCSIS 3.1 modems and they are working on it )
He said Arris & Netgear are “recommended” brands. When I asked why brand is important, he said it’s not important. Just that their customers usually buy those. Another rep told me in Sep 2019 that 32 x 8 channel modems may have issues and hence 24 x 8 channels were recommended. When I mentioned this to today’s rep, he said that didn’t matter.
So….Although their “approved” modem list has only 3 models all being Arris, any brand should work with Optimum. Another Optimum rep told me this in December.
Thanks, Prasad, for this highly-detailed post. It seems like Optimum would update their approved modem list to include more modem models than the three that they list. Maybe only certain modem models work in certain regions. Hopefully, Optimum, will update their official approved modem list in the future.
Thank you again, Prasad, for sharing this knowledge with everyone.
They DO support DOCSIS 3.1. They have their own branded modem/router, the UBC 1326 Wireless eMTA. I suggest you stick with the ARRIS 1602, which I believe comes in a DOCSIS 3.1 model. The Optimum/Altice modem is a modem/router, so if you already have your own router with wifi (especially if you have a different IP address … mine is 192.168.4.1 … notice the 4!) you should buy your own modem (the 1602) and save yourself $10/month. Also, if you are not using your computer for gaming or business, 200 mps is fast enough for a 5000 sq. ft. house, especially if you have a powerful router. That will save you another $10/month!
Thanks for the info, Mark! Side note: the ARRIS TM1602 contains an Intel Puma chipset (will likely give network connection issues); you should avoid that device if possible.
I don’t mean to be rehashing the same issue, but my head is spinning.
I’m on Long Island… with Optimum.
I definitely want to drop TV and just stream. Not sure about phone yet. We have a small house, no gaming.
I know some modems get automatic updates from Optimum.
I spoke to an Optimum Rep. yesterday and was told to use:
Arris TM822
Arris TM804
Arris TM1602
Arris TM1672
Or
Motorola SB6141
Motorola SB6183
Motorola SB6121
He had no idea about updates.
I know I will also need a router, and was told by the same rep. that any router will be fine.
PLEASE help, me determine what modem and router to get.
Thank you in advance!!!
Hello Cheryl,
The Motorola models are the best on that list. It is concerning that the rep refers to the last three modems as Motorola brand, as they are now under the ARRIS brand name. That happened years ago, so it shows how out of date that rep’s list is when providing it to a customer. The best device on the list is the (Motorola) ARRIS SB6183
Checkout the ARRIS SB6121 packaging to see the Motorola and ARRIS branding on the same box.
As for the router, the TP-Link Archer A7 is a best value device and a best seller on Amazon. You can also checkout the Best Wireless Routers page if you want something else. Hope that helps you with your decision, Cheryl.
Today I was told that Arris and Motorola were the recommended brands (with a short list of model numbers), but that any DOCSIS 3.0 should work. When I asked about DOCSIS 3.1 he said that they have not fully tested any of them, but in theory 3.1 is downward compatible with 3.0 and “should probably work”.
I found on the Netgear site documents that indicate the CM1xxx series being compatible with Optimum, so I think I’m going to try the CM1200.
Come back and let everyone know how it goes, Brian. Good luck!
Optimum reps have given me several different Answers. I was wonder if the Netgear CM700 is a comparable modem for phone, cable and internet. Some say it won’t work for the phone. Please help
Frank,
You will likely get different responses from Optimum because they have a really short official approved modem list (only three modems listed above). The NETGEAR CM700 does not have phone capability, so you will not get phone service through that device. Plus, the CM7000 has a bad Intel Puma chipset you should stay clear of anyway. If you want guaranteed service with Optimum, you will need to choose from the three modems listed above until they officially approve additional modems.
And the ARRIS TM1602A is an Intel Puma chipset as well, so you are really only left with two choices.
How did the cm1200 work?
Optimum will never support a business practice that is in the best interest on the customer, but rather, look for the easiest way to generate revenue. They fleece customers by charging an exorbitant monthly fee for a modem that was relevant 5 years ago. Why would Optimum want to update their website, list any supporting modems that any smart shopper would buy in a heartbeat and drop the recurring charge for a vastly inferior product?
This is exactly why anti-competitive legislation is needed. Do we really expect some “hidden hand” to protect consumer interests?
Optimum tech just told me that ANY DOCSIS 3.0 or higher modem will work. I’m buying this one: ARRIS Surfboard SBG10.
Thanks for the input, WS. But you should avoid the ARRIS SBG10 as that contains an Intel Puma chipset.
Optimum installed arris 1602
Out of all the modems out there, only 2, which just happens to be the maker that they rent to customers, that sets off many red flags
If optimum truly believed is supporting it’s customers, it should reveal the modem specs a customer needs to get the best results from service
Oh no, the dreaded ARRIS TM1602 (bad Intel Puma chipset). Good luck with that, JW!
At least if you have issues with the device, they should support it.
Im thinking of getting the Arris svg2482ac to work with Optimum three play in Westchester, NY. Can anyone give me comments or reviews if this modem will work for sure? Ive already had to return a netgear nighthawk.
First of all, Delia, you should avoid the ARRIS SVG2482AC since it contains an Intel Puma chipset (you’ll likely have a bad experience with it). With Optimum’s lack of information, in regards to any modem not on their approved modem list, you should contact Optimum’s customer service with your local address so they can give you a definitive answer for your region.
Stay safe, Delia!
SURFboard Gigabit+ DOCSIS 3.0 32 x 8 Cable Modem SB6190 – I was told by someone at Optimum to get this. I researched and it has the bad intel chip set ? Is this still the case? any thoughts?
Ant,
The ARRIS SB6190 is actually the worst of all modems with the Intel Puma chipset. Avoid at all costs!
Thanks modern. What modem would you recommend. I want to get one that can handle 300 mbps. That is the plan I have. I thought I would get one that could handle upto 1 gig. What would be a safe choice in your opinion? Thanks.
Officially, Optimum only supports the three modems listed on their approved modems list. Others have commented that other modems not on the list may work, but you are really taking a chance since they are not officially supported if you run into issues later.
You may want to contact Optimum directly with your address so they can recommend a fast modem that may work in your area. Unfortunately, Optimum is not a serious ISP as they only list three official approved modems; it is the shortest list of all the ISPs.
Hello, can you please tell me if the ARRIS SB6141 will work with optimum?
It likely will, Shan, but keep in mind the ARRIS SB6141 does not appear on the actual Optimum’s approved modems list. They may accept it, but in a few months, Optimum may not allow it. Modems not on the Optimum approved modem list do not include tech support.
Contacting Optimum with your residential address may give you a clearer answer if the SB6141 will work for you in your area .
I can confirm Optimum does support the Arris SB8200. They are finally upgrading their plant to support Docsis 3.1. In my area they do support 3.1 with 28 downstream channels and 4 upstream SC-QAM channels. The overseas tech support will claim that only the MSO provided Ubee 1322 gateway can be provisioned for the highest speed teir of 1000/50. This is not true, if pressed they will connect you with the technology department, as they call it, which is stateside and 15 minutes later your SB8200 will be provisioned for the 1 gig service. Also, Optimum is in the process of buying the Arris CM8200 which is the MSO version of the commercial Arris SB8200.
Thanks, Joe, for this quality information that hopefully others looking to upgrade their equipment can take advantage of for Optimum internet service.
Arris SB8200 i wont by its okay optimum thanks
I am searching on Best buy for an Optimum compatible modem and among the Q/A section somebody provided this list of compatible modems in NJ which is close enough to my region. I thought I’d share with you here as this sites been super helpful in my search for a working modem update to save the unnecessary rental fee.. My next step is finding out which modem works best for me to future-proof my setup.
A: I just spoke to Optimum this afternoon, we subscribe to cable, internet(400) and voice in Bergen County, NJ, got a great rep and was actually given a coveted list! YES this was on list! Will cut and paste list to spare some many, many hours of research. Optimum approved modems (8/22/20):
Arris 512
Arris 802g
Arris 804
Arris 822
ARRIS 1602
ARRIS 1672
Cisco DPC3000
Cisco DPQ3212
Cisco DPQ3925
Gateway 4 (Ubee 1319)
Gateway 5 (Ubee 1322)
Innomedia 3528-4
Innomedia 6528-12
Motorola SB5100
Motorola SBV5120/5121
Motorola SBV5222
Motorola SBV5322
Motorola SB6120
Motorola SBV6220
By technicallychallenged 1 week ago
Thanks for the list. I have the net gear cm500v and optimum can’t get it to work. I called net gear and they said it will there appears some sort of software change they need to make but now everyone knows this.
All that said previously, would you recommend an Arris SBV3202? I almost got the Arris CM8200, but that model has 2 RJ45’s and I need the RJ11’s that are on the Arris 822 I’ve been renting for $10/month for the last 5 years…
I need this to work on Optimum for both data and voice. Please let me know your thoughts on which I should ultimately choose.
Thank you!
Hello PB,
First, thanks for providing the list above. Unfortunately most of those modems are older devices that other ISPs don’t even use (end-of-life). If you are future-proofing, that isn’t the way to go. However, Optimum doesn’t offer much help here since they only officially support the three modems listed above.
Certainly stay away from the ARRIS SBV3202 as it contains an Intel Puma chipset (not worth the hassle it may cause you).
The suggestion is to pick from the actual three approved modems listed above (avoid the ARRIS TM1602 has that contains an Intel Puma chipset as well). Why not just buy your own ARRIS TM822 to avoid the rental fee (at least until Optimum officially supports more modems on their approved modem list – if that ever happens)?
Optimum is the weakest of all the ISPs in providing a lengthy list of modems they officially support.
Hi Modem Gurus,
Question for you since I upgraded to Optimum 1 GZ service. I had a Arris (not sure about the model ) and it was 200 MBPS. They installed a UBEE UBC1322 BA00 modem(DOCSIS3.1). Ever since it has been installed the connection falls every 2-3 hours. My connection was never falling with 200 MBPS modem.What could be the reason for the fall? Is it ok to by a Arris ARRIS SURFboard DOCSIS 3.1 on my own if they really support 3.1 and the current modem which is 3.1 is getting connected but no performance impe=rovement with this UBEE modem and additionally connection drops. Please help me out
Can the reason for the fall may be because of 3.1 modem?
Thanks
TK
Hello Tarun,
There could be many reasons for your failing Ubee modem. It could be a bad firmware upgrade or needs a firmware upgrade. It may be a defective modem altogether. It sounds like Optimum gave you the modem, so the good news is they should provide technical support for your device. You should take advantage of it. Contact Optimum about your issue. Optimum also has this troubleshooting Internet connectivity guide for you.
Like determining why a WiFi device works fine in one home, but has issues in another home, there are various factors that can be an issue with a modem. Your plan should be to contact Optimum, see if they can determine the issue with the Ubee device. If they can’t, then you should try purchasing your own modem. Good luck, Tarun.
Thank you so much for responding. I also do not want to spend a recurring $10 per month for rental. Whta would you recommend a good modem . I just do not trust Optimum on the recommendation
Tarun,
Keep in mind Optimum only recommends the three modems listed on their approved modem list (none are DOCSIS 3.1 modems). If you want to take a chance on a DOCSIS 3.1 modem, either try the ARRIS SB8200 or the NETGEAR CM1000 (you will need a separate router). If you need WiFi included, you can try the NETGEAR CAX80.
Remember, Optimum may not support these devices since they are not officially on their approved modem list. You could contact Optimum and give them your residential address to see if they support a particular device in your local region.
Yes Optimum recommends the three modems for their service but is there one they recommend that has a good chip set that also offers 1000mbps of speed?!?! Going to be signing up for their 1gb service and want to get best router for it have been looking at Netgear CAX80. Also will the CAX80 “future proof my home??”
You can order the NETGEAR CAX80 from Amazon and try to activate it with Optimum’s network. If you can’t activate it, you can return it free to Amazon. The CAX80 is the best device right now. It offers the latest technology (DOCSIS 3.1 for 1 Gigabit internet service and WiFi 6; both are the latest and fastest standards). So, this is as future-proof as you can get in the market today. WiFi 6 routers just hit the market a few months ago (around April 2020).
Some Amazon reviewers say that the CAX80 works with Optimum, but that may be for only certain locations.
If you don’t want to hassle with returns, you can contact Optimum and give them your street address and they should tell you if the NETGEAR CAX80 will work for you. If you use chat or Twitter to contact Optimum, you can save the message if you need it as proof that a service rep told you to use a certain device.
Stay safe, Buddy!
This is very helpful. I did speak to an optimum representative. Not sure how tech Savvy she is. She just mentioned that in our locality 3.1 is available and netgear and arris are supported. However I really do not trust what she said. However I am thinking i will get a ARRIS SB8200 and when the tech comes I will ask him to replace their router with my router. I have a Netgear R7000 wifi router. Will it make sense to get NETGEAR CM1000 in case it works better with the netgear router?
Thanks a Ton
You shouldn’t worry about the modem brand, especially since you will have someone else setting it up. The modem connects to the router with a simple ethernet cable. You should just go with the cheaper ARRIS SB8200.
Stay safe, Tarun.
Wassss Supppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppp
I am getting the CM1150V and if they dont let it work… guess what? Optimum is toast! You read it here.. toast. Fire em up! Salute!
Any thoughts on a DOCSIS 3.1 gigabit compatible modem-router combo? Optimum installed a Ubee UBC1322 today and it looks like it’s not good quality. I’m also not looking to pay $10 a month forever for something that isn’t sold directly to consumers via Amazon, Best Buy, etc. where I have the ability to read reviews.
Unfortunately, for the Altice Mini (which is the required cable box for the gigabit plan), I’m told I need an all-in-one modem & router gateway device. I’m finding devices that are too cheap and don’t support gigabit, devices that are too expensive, or devices that fall somewhere in-between and have mediocre reviews.
Please help. I’m not a networks person, I spent several days researching the right modem and router for us and I need to return all of it. I don’t want to use their crappy, shady equipment.
First off, Anthony, some commenters stated that ARRIS and NETGEAR modems are able to work in their local regions even if they are not on Optimum’s official approved modem list.
Second, a DOCSIS 3.1 modem is more expensive than DOCSIS 3.0 because it is considered a “premium feature”, while adding a WiFi router to that makes it even more expensive. Flat out, a DOCSIS 3.1 modem and router combo is just overall going to be more expensive. But you would eliminate the $10 fee each month, so eventually the device you purchase will pay for itself.
You may want to verify with Optimum (you can use chat or call) that you can use the following device with your local address: the NETGEAR CAX80. It features a DOCSIS 3.1 modem combined with WiFi 6 (the latest WiFi standard). Yes, it is expensive, but this device offers the fastest speeds and efficiency.
If you don’t ever need WiFi 6 for the future, you may go with the NETGEAR C7800. There are limited options when purchasing a DOCSIS 3.1 modem and WiFi router combo device.
Thank you for all your useful posts.
I wonder if you or anyone else has heard of any of these modems actually working with Optimum 1GB home internet service?
I know I cannot use the ARRIS SB8200 because I also have a home phone line with Optimum and the ARRIS SB8200 does not have telephony ports.
Right now I have the Ubee UBC1322 but it does not seem very reliable or quality equipment. I would also prefer to buy my own.
Any advice on a modem that works with 1GB and phone line would be greatly appreciated.
Ben,
You might want to stick with Ubee UBC1322. The closest device to what you require is the NETGEAR C7100V Voice WiFi Router Cable Modem that you can purchase. It is only a DOCSIS 3.0 modem; for 1 Gig service you really need a DOCSIS 3.1 modem. The C7100V will get close to 1 Gig speeds (maybe around 850 Mbps). No guarantee it will work with Optimum though since the NETGEAR C7100V is not on Optimum’s approved modem list, but Amazon offers free returns.
Thank you for the advice.
What do you think of this Arris T25 for what I need? Worth trying?
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/arris-surfboard-docsis-3-1-cable-modem-for-xfinity-internet-voice-black/6379635.p?skuId=6379635
No, Benjamin, avoid the ARRIS T25 as it contains the bad Intel Puma chipset. The NETGEAR CM1150V may be an option for you. The Ubee UBC1322 you mentioned earlier consists of a WiFi router, but if you don’t need that and just need a DOCSIS 3.1 modem and voice device like the ARRIS T25, the CM1150V could work. The device is intended for Comcast, but Optimum may be able to activate it on their network. There are not a lot of options for DOCSIS 3.1 combo units. Hope that helps you, Benjamin.
Optimum is installing a new Gateway, UBEE, Docsis 3.1 modem / router in my home.
Is that a good modem? Should I let them install that?
Gary,
Your Ubee device will probably look like a low-quality device, but you can try it out and see if it works for you. Personally, you should use your own device especially if you are paying a monthly fee for the Ubee equipment.
At my wits end with the Optimum Gear we get and paying the rental fee. After reading through this thread I splurged on the NETGEAR CAX80 DOCSIS 3.1 modem and WiFi router combo. Live in North Jersey. Seems like based on this thread it will work. I am not a network savvy guy, just really annoyed by the crappy equipment and failing service. Any updates or advise is sooooo welcomed?
Keith,
You can certainly give the NETGEAR CAX80 a shot. Optimum won’t guarantee it will work with their network since the device is not on their official approved modem list. You can try it, and if you buy it from Amazon, they have free returns if Optimum can’t activate the device for your household.
The best advice that can be given is to contact Optimum directly and give them your street address and they can tell you if the CAX80 device will work. If the first response is not the answer you are looking for, contact them again and talk to somebody different. ISPs are known for for giving different responses based on the employee. Good luck, Keith.