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: August 1, 2020
Full Optimum Approved Modems List for August 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 | TM804G | 8×4 | 343 Mbps | ✅ | ❌ |
| ARRIS | TM822G | 8×4 | 343 Mbps | ✅ | ❌ |
| ARRIS | TM1602A ♦ | 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
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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.
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?
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.