WOW! (Wide Open West) has numerous modems that can be used for their internet service. Broken into three categories below (WiFi, DOCSIS 3.1, and value), you will find the recommended WOW approved modems.
To receive WOW! phone service, you must use a WOW! supplied modem (monthly lease fees apply).
Read the Cable Modem Buying Guide to help you choose a modem. Do not forget to purchase your modem accessories.
Note: ApprovedModemList.com may receive a small commission from affiliate links, which helps to keep this website online. To maximize the years of use from a modem, it is strongly recommended to purchase a DOCSIS 3.1 device (the latest standard).
Click here to jump to the full WOW! approved modem list.
Last Updated: March 1, 2021
Recommended WOW! Approved Modems for March 2021
Best DOCSIS 3.1 Modem
| Model # | Motorola MB8600 |
| Download Speed | 3.8 Gbps |
| Channel Bonding | 32 Download & 8 Upload |
| DOCSIS | 3.1 |
| Color | Black |
| WiFi Router | No |
| VoIP Telephone Adapter | No |
Best Modem Value
| Model # | NETGEAR CM500 |
| Download Speed | 680 Mbps |
| Channel Bonding | 16 Download & 4 Upload |
| DOCSIS | 3.0 |
| Color | Black |
| WiFi Router | No |
| VoIP Telephone Adapter | No |
Best WiFi Modem
| Model # | NETGEAR CAX80 |
| Download Speed | 10 Gbps |
| Channel Bonding | 32 Download & 8 Upload |
| DOCSIS | 3.1 |
| Color | Black |
| WiFi Router | Yes (WiFi 6) |
| VoIP Telephone Adapter | No |
Full WOW! Approved Modem List
The Modems Listed Below Are All DOCSIS 3.0 Modems
* Indicates a DOCSIS 3.1 Modem
♦ Indicates an Intel Puma Chipset Defect – Do Not Buy
Note: ✅ means Yes, ❌ means No
| Brand | Model # | Channels | VoIP | WiFi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARRIS | DG2460 ♦ | 24×8 | ❌ | ✅ |
| ARRIS | S33* | 32×8 | ❌ | ❌ |
| ARRIS | SB6183 | 16×4 | ❌ | ❌ |
| ARRIS | SB6190 ♦ | 32×8 | ❌ | ❌ |
| ARRIS | SB8200* | 32×8 | ❌ | ❌ |
| ARRIS | SBG10 ♦ | 16×4 | ❌ | ✅ |
| ARRIS | SBG6900-AC | 16×4 | ❌ | ✅ |
| ARRIS | SBG6950AC2 ♦ | 16×4 | ❌ | ✅ |
| ARRIS | SBG7400AC2 ♦ | 24×8 | ❌ | ✅ |
| ARRIS | SBG7580-AC ♦ | 32×8 | ❌ | ✅ |
| ARRIS | SBG7600AC2 ♦ | 32×8 | ❌ | ✅ |
| ARRIS | SBG8300* ♦ | 32×8 | ❌ | ✅ |
| ASUS | CM-16 | 16×4 | ❌ | ❌ |
| ASUS | CM-32 ♦ | 32×8 | ❌ | ✅ |
| Linksys | CG7500 ♦ | 24×8 | ❌ | ✅ |
| Linksys | CM3016 ♦ | 16×4 | ❌ | ❌ |
| Linksys | CM3024 ♦ | 24×8 | ❌ | ❌ |
| Motorola | MB7420 | 16×4 | ❌ | ❌ |
| Motorola | MB7621 | 24×8 | ❌ | ❌ |
| Motorola | MB8600* | 32×8 | ❌ | ❌ |
| Motorola | MG7540 | 16×4 | ❌ | ✅ |
| Motorola | MG7550 | 16×4 | ❌ | ✅ |
| Motorola | MG7700 | 24×8 | ❌ | ✅ |
| NETGEAR | C6250 | 16×4 | ❌ | ✅ |
| NETGEAR | C6300 ♦ | 16×4 | ❌ | ✅ |
| NETGEAR | C6300v2 ♦ | 16×4 | ❌ | ✅ |
| NETGEAR | C6900 | 24×8 | ❌ | ✅ |
| NETGEAR | C7000 | 24×8 | ❌ | ✅ |
| NETGEAR | C7000v2 | 24×8 | ❌ | ✅ |
| NETGEAR | C7500 | 24×8 | ❌ | ✅ |
| NETGEAR | C7800* | 32×8 | ❌ | ✅ |
| NETGEAR | CM500 | 16×4 | ❌ | ❌ |
| NETGEAR | CM600 | 24×8 | ❌ | ❌ |
| NETGEAR | CM700 ♦ | 32×8 | ❌ | ❌ |
| NETGEAR | CM1000* | 32×8 | ❌ | ❌ |
| NETGEAR | CM1000v2* | 32×8 | ❌ | ❌ |
| NETGEAR | CM1100* | 32×8 | ❌ | ❌ |
| NETGEAR | CM1200* | 32×8 | ❌ | ❌ |
| NETGEAR | CM2000* | 32×8 | ❌ | ❌ |
| NETGEAR | CAX80* | 32×8 | ❌ | ✅ |
| NETGEAR | CBR40 ♦ | 32×8 | ❌ | ✅ |
| SMC | D3CM1604 | 16×4 | ❌ | ❌ |
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
VoIP: indicates if the modem has telephone capability
WiFi: indicates if the modem has WiFi capability
WOW! Approved Modems Removed in February 2021
ARRIS SB6120
ARRIS SB6121
ARRIS SB6141
ARRIS SB6180
ARRIS SB6182
ARRIS SBG6400
ARRIS SBG6580
ARRIS SBG6700-AC
ARRIS SBG6782-AC
Cisco/Linksys DPC3008
Cisco DPC3010
Cisco DPC3825
D-Link DCM-301
Linksys CM3008
Motorola MB7220
Motorola MG7310
Motorola MG7315
NETGEAR C3000-100NAS
NETGEAR C3000v2
NETGEAR C3700-100NAS
NETGEAR C3700v2
NETGEAR C6220
NETGEAR C6300BD
NETGEAR CG3000D
NETGEAR CG3000Dv2 N450
NETGEAR CG4500BD
NETGEAR CM400
Ubee DDW365
Ubee DDW366
WOW! Company Information
WOW! Phone Support: 1-866-496-9669
WOW! serves the following areas: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
Bought a netgear c7000v2 which according to this list is compatible (And is advertised at the top as the best pick for a modem and wifi combination). I spent 42 minutes on the phone with wow only to find out it is not compatible and I need to drive back to the store and hope the next one I pick off of this list will be so we can try again. I would recommend updating this list to reflect modems that actually work.
Sorry for the issue you are having, Nicholas. WOW! does not provide an actual approved modem list like most other ISPs. The list WOW! provides states that if you purchase a DOSCIS 3.0 or DOCSIS 3.1 modem, it should work on the their network. If others have issues with the NETGEAR C7000v2 it will be updated.
WOW! previously listed specific modem models as approved; they no longer do that. In general, any DOCSIS 3.0 or 3.1 modem should work with the WOW! network.
Any one else have issues with the NETGEAR C7000v2 working on the WOW! network?
Modem Gurus: I dealt with WOW for a year, they do have an approved hardware list, (https://approvedmodemlist.com/wow-approved-modems) and they actually software limit other hardware. I purchased Gigabit speed internet and my combo modem/router which was DOCSIS compatible yet their own chart said they limited it to 250MPS. This is an attempt to drive subscribers to their equipment and additional rental costs.
Which device are you using, DougE? For 1 Gigabit speed, you will need a DOCSIS 3.1 modem.
No real performance issues, but cannot get a firmware update. No update and then Nighthawk app doesn’t work. Neither Netgear or WOW want to take responsibility. Customer is just left hanging
Unfortunately you have to wait on WOW! to launch the firmware update to you, Keith. The modem manufacturer creates the firmware update and then passes it on to the ISP. The ISP then tests the update on their network to make sure it works and doesn’t create any harm to their service. This will happen with each firmware update, unfortunately. It is the ISP’s responsibility to push firmware updates to your modem.
Is there a recommended modem for WOW’s 1GB internet service that also supports WOW’s phone service?
No, you must use a WOW! supplied modem for phone service and monthly lease fees will apply.
Why must I use (and pay monthly fees for) a WOW modem if I have phone service? With other providers (e.g. Xfinity), this is not the case. With their service I can purchase my own modem.
Some internet providers require their own modems for phone service to be sure the phone service works properly on their network. Unfortunately, it is WOW!’s network, their rules. Terry, you can ditch the WOW! phone service and use a non-phone modem if you combine it with something like an Ooma device (Ooma handles your phone service).