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Netgear CM1100 vs CM1200: Which Cable Modem to Buy in 2024

For demanding online activities like 4K streaming, gaming, and group video conferences, you need at least a 2-gigabit modem.

Among several DOCSIS 3.1 modems, Netgear CM1100 and CM1200 are two of the most popular choices. Both modems stand for speed, performance, and several other factors.

If you are having a tough time choosing between the two modems, no worries, we have got your back. In this Netgear CM1100 vs Netgear CM1200 comparison guide, we will highlight the differences and similarities between both modems.

Netgear CM1100 vs CM1200

Quick Comparison: Netgear CM1100 vs CM1200

TraitsNetgear CM1100Netgear CM1200
Processor & MemoryBroadcom BCM3390 256MB RAMBroadcom BCM3390 256MB RAM
Channels32 x 8 / 2 x 232 x 8 / 2 x 2
TechnologyDOCSIS 3.0, DOCSIS 3.1DOCSIS 3.0, DOCSIS 3.1
Ports2 Gigabit Ethernet ports & 1 Cox port4 Gigabit Ethernet ports & 1 Cox port
SpeedUp to 2GbpsUp to 2Gbps
Compatible ISPsSpectrum, Cox, Mediacom, Xfinity, RCN, SuddenlinkWOW!, Cox, Spectrum, Mediacom, Optimum, Xfinity
Link AggregationYesYes
Dimensions8.80 x 3.40 x 5.90 inches10.3 x 3.4 x 6.1 inches

Quick Review: Netgear CM1100 vs Netgear CM1200

Netgear CM1100 Cable Modem Review

Netgear CM1100 Cable Modem Review
  • Delivers true multi-Giga internet speeds.
  • Comes with auto-sensing technology.
  • Supports IPv6.

What Stands Out?

Netgear CM1100 is one of the best-selling cable modems in the market. It is equipped with DOCSIS 3.1 tech and comes at an attractive price.

This cable modem makes a great choice for home users. It offers consistent download and upload speeds, so users can enjoy their internet sessions without any interruption.

It can support intensive gaming, 4K streaming, and group video calls. It comes with 2 gigabit Ethernet ports along with 1 Cox port. Additionally, it supports several ISPs.

Use the R6400 if

Netgear CM1100 makes a great choice for home use. It allows you to enjoy uninterrupted 4K streaming on separate devices. If you want to work with high-speed internet plans, this modem is for you. Unlike other modems, CM1100 doesn’t have throttling and overheating issues.

For more, check out our post on DOCSIS 2.0 vs 3.0 vs 3.1.

Pros

  • Offer speeds up to 2 Gbps.
  • DOCSIS 3.1 modem.
  • Consistent speed and performance.
  • The excellent heat dissipation system.
  • Supports 4K streaming and intensive gaming.
  • Backward compatible with DOCSIS 3.0.
  • Sleek and compact design.

Cons

  • Has only two gigabit Ethernet ports.
  • Not suitable for office users.

Bottom Line

Netgear CM1100 is a versatile cable modem that can work with multiple high-speed ISPs like Cox, Xfinity, Suddenlink, etc. It has two gigabit Ethernet ports, which is good enough for home users. Plus, it can handle 4K streaming on multiple devices at the same time.

Sale
NETGEAR Nighthawk Multi-Gig Cable Modem (CM1100) - Compatible With All Cable Providers Incl. Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox - For Cable Plans Up To 2Gbps – 2 x 1G Ethernet Ports - DOCSIS 3.1
  • Compatible with major cable internet providers including Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox and more. NOT...
  • Best for cable provider plans up to 2Gbps. Supports link aggregation to deliver true Multi-Gig...
  • Works with any WiFi router. Connect any WiFi router to this modem’s Ethernet port to support all...

Netgear CM1200 Cable Modem Review

Netgear CM1200 Cable Modem Review
  • Works with Wi-Fi router.
  • Comes with four gigabit Ethernet ports.
  • Easy 5-minute setup.

What Stands Out?

The CM1200 from Netgear is a powerful cable modem with DOCSIS 3.1 technology. It is also backward compatible with DOCSIS 3.0.

This modem pretty much has everything that you would want in a cable modem. It is best suited for office use or places where you need to connect multiple smart devices.

It comes with 4 gigabit Ethernet ports and 1 Cox port. It has link aggregation up to 2Gbps with decent download and upload speed. The good thing about this modem is that you can use it with multiple high-speed ISPs.

Unlike other cable modems, it has an easy setup. It will take you hardly 5 minutes to complete the setup and start using the device.

Use the R6700 if

Netgear CM1200 makes a great choice for office use. It can be used for both small and large business setups. It has 4 gigabit Ethernet ports for powerful wire connections. Besides the office, this modem can also be used in places where you need to connect multiple smart devices. It is also suitable for professional gamers and enthusiastic streamers.

Pros

  • DOCSIS 3.1 compatibility.
  • Provides speed up to 2Gbps.
  • Comes with 4 gigabit Ethernet ports.
  • Compact and lightweight design.
  • The good heat dissipation system.

Cons

  • A bit expensive.
  • Doesn’t have much difference with CM1100.

Bottom Line

Netgear CM1200 makes a great choice for office setups. It can support multiple smart devices and provide consistent speed at all times. It is a future-proof modem that is perfect for high-speed internet plans. Having this modem will ensure an uninterrupted internet connection both at home and office.

Sale
NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem CM1200 - Compatible with all Cable Providers including Xfinity by Comcast, Spectrum, Cox | For Cable Plans Up to 2 Gigabits | 4 x 1G Ethernet ports | DOCSIS 3.1, Black
  • Compatible with all major cable internet providers with internet speed up to 2Gbps. Currently...
  • Works with any WiFi router: Connect any WiFi router to this modem’s Ethernet port to support all...
  • Save monthly rental fees: Model CM1200 replaces your cable modem saving you up to 168 dollars/yr in...

Netgear CM1100 vs Netgear CM1200: Similarities

1. Netgear CM1100 vs Netgear CM1200: Technology

Both the modems are equipped with DOCSIS 3.1 technology and are backward compatible with DOCSIS 3.0.

These two modems are designed for faster processing. While backward compatibility allows support for legacy devices, DOCSIS 3.1 makes the modem future-proof.

Related | What are DOCSIS Cable Modem T1, T2, T3, T4 & T6 Timeouts Error?

2. Netgear CM1100 vs Netgear CM1200: Speed

Netgear CM1100 and CM1200 ensure consistent speed at all times. Both the modems offer speeds up to 2Gbps, which is great for any high-speed internet plan.

The inclusion of Quality of Service allows both modems to modulate speeds depending on the task at hand.

3. Netgear CM1100 vs Netgear CM1200: ISP Compatibility

Both these modems can work with multiple high-speed ISPs. These modems support the likes of Cox, WOW!, Xfinity, Suddenlink, Comcast, Spectrum, and more.

Whether you have CM1100 or CM1200, you can upgrade your internet plans without having to replace your modem.

Netgear CM1100 vs Netgear CM1200: Difference

1. Netgear CM1100 vs Netgear CM1200: Ports

While CM1100 has 2 gigabit Ethernet ports, CM1200 comes with 4 gigabit Ethernet ports. So if you have multiple smart devices that require a wired connection, CM1200 will make a better choice.

2. Netgear CM1100 vs Netgear CM1200: Design

At first glance, both the modems look the same. But if you look closely, you will notice the difference in their weight and dimensions. CM1200 is slightly bigger and heavier than CM1100. But the difference is not huge, so both the modems are still compact and lightweight.

3. Netgear CM1100 vs Netgear CM1200: Speeds

Both CM1100 and CM1200 are DOCSIS 3.1-approved modems. But when it comes to speed, they differ from each other over internet connections.

With CM1100, you get a download speed of 600 Mbps, whereas CM1200 offers speeds up to 680 Mbps. However, the wired speeds are the same through aggregation. These modems offer a max of 2 Gbps speed from 2 gigabit Ethernet ports.

4. Netgear CM1100 vs Netgear CM1200: Price

Netgear CM1100 is $30 cheaper than CM1200. The price of the CM1200 modem is slightly higher because it offers an extra 4 gigabit Ethernet ports, which is missing in the CM1100.

Top Pick: Netgear CM1100 vs CM1200

Choosing between Netgear CM1100 vs Netgear CM1200 is not easy because both modems have a lot of similarities. But when it comes to ports, CM1200 takes the limelight. It has 4 gigabit Ethernet ports, which is perfect for a wired setup with multiple devices. You can use this modem both at home and office. Not only that, but it also offers more download speed than CM1100. So if you are looking for a high-speed modem with multiple gigabit ports, CM1200 will be the best choice for you. It is a DOCSIS 3.1 modem that is perfect for high-speed internet plans.

Winner: Netgear CM1200

Sale
NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem CM1200 - Compatible with all Cable Providers including Xfinity by Comcast, Spectrum, Cox | For Cable Plans Up to 2 Gigabits | 4 x 1G Ethernet ports | DOCSIS 3.1, Black
  • Compatible with all major cable internet providers with internet speed up to 2Gbps. Currently...
  • Works with any WiFi router: Connect any WiFi router to this modem’s Ethernet port to support all...
  • Save monthly rental fees: Model CM1200 replaces your cable modem saving you up to 168 dollars/yr in...

(Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1. What is DOCSIS used for?

Ans: Data Over Cable Service Interface Specifications is a globally recognized telecommunications standard that enables high-bandwidth data transfer through existing coaxial cable systems.

Q2. Is Netgear CM1100 compatible with Cox?

Ans: Yes, the Netgear CM1100 modem is compatible with most of the major ISPs including Cox.

Q3. What chipset is used by CM1200?

Ans: Netgear CM1200 uses the BCM3390 chipset to tackle the activity loads and bandwidth.

Final Verdicts

Both Netgear CM1100 vs CM1200 are great modems. Even though these modems have a lot of similar features, they are different from each other. If you want a reliable cable modem for your home, CM1100 could be a good choice for you. It supports DOCSIS 3.1 and has 2 gigabit Ethernet ports. However, if you are looking for a cable modem for office setup, CM1200 is a better choice as it has 4 gigabit Ethernet ports and DOCSIS 3.1 compatibility.

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