The 7 Best RCN Approved Modems in 2024:[Reviews & Buying Guide]

In today’s technological age, having high-speed internet has become a necessity. From your workplace to college to home, you need an internet connection almost everywhere. Today, the internet has become an integral part of our lives.

Speaking of the internet, the ISP (internet service provider) you choose plays a significant role when it comes to the speed of your internet connection. A reputable ISP like RCN (Residential Communications Network) will provide you with high-speed internet facilities. They have been offering quality internet services for many years and are known for their consistency.

If you are an RCN subscriber you certainly know the kind of speeds they provide. But to get the most out of your ISP you should use an RCN-approved modem. In case, you weren’t aware even the modem you use affects your internet speed. So if you want to enjoy a fast and uninterrupted internet connection from RCN, then you must get a modem compatible with your ISP. At the same time also make sure that the modem is equipped with the latest DOCSIS 3.1 technology.

If you are unable to find the best RCN-compatible modem for yourself, don’t worry because we have got your back. In this post, we are going to review the best RCN-approved modems. So without wasting time, let’s take a look at the details.

7 Best RCN Approved/Compatible Modems Review

In this section, you will find detailed reviews of the best RCN-approved modems. Go through the details and choose the one you think is best suited for you.

#1. TP-Link TC-W7960: Top Pick

TP-Link is one of the leading brands of modems and routers in the market. If you are looking for a modem to work with an N300 Wi-Fi, then this could be the best option for you. TP-Link TC-W7960 can give you speeds up to 2.4 GHz. This is enough speed to support all your household purposes. This modem and router combo can save you from renting and also give you fast internet speeds.

Why Did We Like It?

There are so many reasons why we like this router and modem combo. First of all, it provides an easy set-up. Secondly, it has 4 upstream and 8 downstream channels to work with. By combining these channels with your WiFi speeds, you can watch movies and download files without lagging.

This DOCSIS 3.0 modem comes with parental controls, so you can easily prevent your kids from accessing unwanted content on the internet. It also has a guest network function that helps you to give your visitors separate WiFi access. 

Last, but not least, it gives you upload speeds of 150Mbps and download speeds of 343mbps.

What Could Have Been Better?

Despite all the good things, TP-Link TC-W7960 lacks security features. What we mean is that it doesn’t have a firewall and without it, you cannot protect your data. Also, it has only 8 channels.

Best Fit For

This is an affordable modem that is best suited for household purposes.

#2. NETGEAR Nighthawk (C7800)

NETGEAR Nighthawk C7800 Cable Modem is not just compatible with RCN, but with all the other major cable internet providers. With this modem, you can reach speeds up to 2Gbps which is good enough for watching movies and streaming.

Getting the Netgear Nighthawk C7800 modem means you can save money on your monthly rental charges. This is a high-quality modem with all the features you need.

Why Did We Like It?

This modem provides 3000 square feet of wireless coverage and can support up to 45 devices connected with AC3200 speed. Besides that, it has many other features that make it stand out from other devices within this price range.

It comes with 4 gigabit Ethernet ports along with 2 high-speed USB 3.0 ports. This is to give you fast wired connections. You can connect various devices such as your computer, console, storage drive, etc., with this router.

This is a DOCSIS 3.1 modem including parental controls. It supports WEP and WPA/WPA2 wireless security protocols. Given the features of this router, there’s no doubt that it is built for the ultimate speed.

What Could Have Been Better?

There’s nothing much to complain about this modem. Some users have claimed that Netgear customer support is very poor. So if they have anything to fix, it is their customer service.

Best Fit For

This modem is built for extreme streaming. You can use it for 4K HD streaming and multiplayer gaming.

#3. ARRIS SURFboard SB8200

If you are looking for a reliable DOCSIS 3.1 modem to work with your RCN Internet service, then ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 could be an ideal choice for you.

Check the difference between Arris SB6190 vs SB8200 in detail.

With this powerful modem, you can reach speeds up to 10 Gbps. It gives you faster internet, so you can work more efficiently. From multiplayer gaming to VR to 4K streaming, this modem is fit for all types of heavy-duty work.

Why Did We Like It?

ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 comes with 32 downloads and 8 upload channels. Besides RCN, it is also compatible with other big ISPs. But the biggest flex is that this is a DOCSIS 3.1 modem. DOCSIS 3.1 technology happens to be the latest modem standard in the market.

Other features include 2 Ethernet ports and security options that help keep your data safe. Users also appreciate the fact that it has an easy setup. This saves you both time and effort.

What Could Have Been Better?

One of the main problems with this modem is that it lacks a port for connecting to a telephone. This means you cannot take or make any telephone calls with this. 

Some users have also claimed that the modem has heating issues. However, this could vary from user to user, depending on how long you are using the modem.

Best Fit For:

With DOCSIS 3.1 tech, this modem is ideal for 4K streaming, multiplayer gaming, and VR.

#4. ASUS Wireless AC2600

With ASUS AC2600 Modem Router Combo, you can ditch the monthly modem rental fees once and for all. This is an RCN-certified router-modem combo with DOCSIS 3.0 technology.

An AC2600 Wi-Fi router provides full bandwidth internet access. Not only that, but it also offers expansive wireless coverage. Accessing the internet inside the house becomes much easier with the ASUS AC2600 modem router combo.

Why Did We Like It?

This is an efficient router-modem combo that gives you the benefit of two devices in one. It allows you to stay connected with 4 gigabit Ethernet ports and 2 USB 2.0 ports for your non-Wi-Fi devices.

It features the latest 802.11ac 32×8 channel bonding technology that delivers up to 1.3 Gbps download speeds.

What Could Have Been Better?

ASUS AC2600 is a decent device. However, a few things could have been better. For instance, it has 2.0 USB ports, instead of 3.0 USB ports. This upgrade could have helped the device gain more users.

Best Fit For

This modem is best suited for streaming online movies and other household purposes.

#5. ARRIS SURFboard SBG8300

If you want fast internet speeds, then Arris SURFboard SBG8300 could be an ideal choice for you. It is a DOCSIS 3.1 Wi-Fi cable modem. It comes with the latest standard offered by cable internet providers.

Getting this device gives you the benefit of 2 products in 1. This not only helps you save money, but you can also keep your home or office clutter-free.

Why Did We Like It?

The ARRIS SURFboard SBG8300 combines an 802.11ac Wi-Fi router DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem with 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports. This 2-in-1 device is powerful and has all the features you need.

It is capable of bonding up to 8 upstream and 32 downstream DOCSIS 3.0 channels or 2 x 2 OFDM DOCSIS 3.1 channels. This gives you increased bandwidth for true gigabit-speed capability.

OFDMA On or Off? Should You Enable OFDMA On Your Router?

Just so you know this is a CES Innovation Award-winning cable modem with built-in AC Wave 2 WiFi which offers the perfect solution for fast internet speeds.

What Could Have Been Better?

Everything about this router-modem combo is fine, except that it drops connection sometimes. However, this is a rare issue and is experienced by only a few users.

Best Fit For

This modem is best suited for streaming online movies, and other household work.

#6. ARRIS Surfboard S33

We have yet another modem from Arris and this one is designed for multi-gig networking. This cable modem is the perfect solution for those who want a powerful device for fast internet speeds.

It has been rated highly by users which shows that they are satisfied with the performance. It is a bit expensive, but we can assure you that it is worth the price.

Why Did We Like It?

There is not just one reason but multiple reasons to vouch for this device. The ARRIS Surfboard S33 comes with a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port along with an additional 1 Gbps Ethernet port for a second network. This is something you don’t find in many modems.

It is a DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem that supports internet speed plans up to 2.5 Gbps. It has 32 downstream and 8 upstream DOCSIS 3.0 bonded channels along with 2 downstream and 2 upstream OFDM DOCSIS 3.1 channels. Well, that’s not all, because you can connect this device to any existing Wi-Fi router for an ultra-fast internet speed.

It also features a sleek and modern design that fits perfectly into the home or office.

What Could Have Been Better?

Besides being a little pricey, this modem doesn’t support cable digital voice service. Not only that, but it also doesn’t include Wi-Fi. 

If you can adjust to these drawbacks, then you are fit to buy this device.

Best Fit For

You can work with this modem both in your office and at home. It is built for multi-gig networking.

#7. Motorola MG8702 AC3200 Cable Modem

Motorola MG8702 is an ultra-fast DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem that has everything you would expect from a modem device. Coming from a reputable brand like Motorola you can easily trust its quality and performance.

This modem has also received a 4.5-star rating on Amazon. Users seem to be highly pleased with the features and performance. If you are looking for a reliable RCN-approved modem, then this could be the perfect choice for you.

Why Did We Like It?

To start with, it comes with 4 Ethernet ports for wired connections. It is equipped with Active Queue Management that helps reduce lag for increased loading speeds. Another great thing is that the modem is backward compatible with DOCSIS 3.0.

This is a powerful modem that is ideal for quality streaming, gaming, and connecting throughout the home. It comes with an intelligent mobile that allows for easy setup, usage monitoring, guest network management, speed testing, parental controls, security alerts, and more. In short, it gives you more control over your modem.

If you are still not sure about the device, you should be informed that it has a 2-year warranty and free support from the technicians.

What Could Have Been Better?

There is nothing much to complain about this modem. This is possibly one of the best modems available out there. If you have an expandable budget, then you should consider getting this modem.

Best Fit For

You can use this modem for 4k streaming, gaming, watching movies, and every other heavy-duty task, lag-free.

Buying Guide For The Best RCN-Approved Modem?

When buying an RCN Compatible modem you must make sure that it meets the required criteria. This is to ensure that you are getting the best product possible.

But how do you decide which modems are compatible with RCN? After all, modems will not have them written on them.

To help you out, we have listed a couple of things that you must check while buying an RCN-approved modem.

1. Channels

Channels are the most important things to consider. Based on RCN criteria, your modem must have at least 8 channels. This will help you stay connected and achieve the speeds you need during peak traffic hours.

While buying an RCN modem, don’t always opt for the baseline level. If you can expand your budget, then go for a modem with a higher channel count. In that case, modems with 32 or 16 channels would be ideal. The more channels your modem has, the better internet speed you will get.

2. DOCSIS (Speed)

DOCSIS technology plays a very important role in modems. While buying a modem make sure that it at least has DOCSIS 3.0 technology. This is the minimum requirement for a modem to be RCN-approved.

DOCSIS 3.0 can make a big improvement in terms of speed. It is way better than DOCSIS 2.0. However, if you want the best speeds, then DOCSIS 3.1 would be the best choice for you. This is the latest DOCSIS standard available in the market.

DOCSIS 3.1 is even better than DOCSIS 3.1. If you have a flexible budget, then opting for a future-proof modem like DOCSIS 3.1 would be a good decision for you.

3. Security

Next comes the security of your modem. This is yet another important factor to consider. No matter, what modem you are buying, you must make sure that it has adequate security features.

For a modem to be RCN-approved, it at least needs to have a firewall. A firewall is an effective security feature that helps keep your data protected. If you want more protection, then you can buy a modem with a double firewall. The more security features your modem has, the better it is for you.

4. Controls

If you have kids in your home, you would want a modem with controls. This will help you to prevent your kids from accessing adult and other unwanted websites.

The good news is there are plenty of RCN-approved modems that have parental controls. Using these controls you can also restrict guests and visitors from connecting with your family Wi-Fi line. Just look for modems with a guest access feature and it will help you direct your guests to a different line.

5. Ports

Even the number of ports is an important consideration. When buying an RCN-approved modem, go for the ones that have a minimum of 2 to 4 ports. This will help you hook your modem to more devices.

The number of ports you need depends on your requirement. Even if you don’t have many devices, you can still buy modems with multiple ports. This makes your modem future-proof as you don’t have to worry when you get new devices to connect.

6. Design

We recommend you buy a modem with a vertical design. This specific design is not only space-saving, but it also gets cooler easily. In other words, it will improve the longevity of your device.

Benefits of Buying an RCN Compatible Modem

Buying an RCN approved modem is always more beneficial than renting one. The main benefits are:

• Money-saving

When you rent a modem from RCN, it costs you $15 a month. This means you are spending $180 in a year. This is enough money to buy your RCN-approved modem. Also, you can buy a better modem than the device you get when renting it from RCN. 

• Fast Internet speed

Using a third-party modem will also help you to enjoy faster internet speeds. That’s because the modems offered for renting by RCN are not the best. But when you get your modem, you can buy a high-performing device to get the best internet speeds. 

• More Control

When you get a third-party modem, you get a lot of extra features. This includes parenting control, VPN support, or guest networks. These are the things you will miss when renting a modem from RCN. In short, having your own RCN-approved, third-party modem will give you more control over your network.

RCN Internet Tires

RCN is one of the best internet service providers in the market. Since every customer is different and they have different needs, RCN has multiple internet tiers to offer. Each of the RCN tires has a different speed. You can choose the tier that is best suited to your requirements.

The details of RCN internet tiers are as follows:

• Tier 1:

This is happening in the basic tier with a speed of 250 Mbps. This is best suited for watching online movies. It also allows you to connect up to 5-10 wireless devices.

• Tier 2:

Tier 2 comes with a speed of 500 Mbps and is best for gamers and 4K streaming. If you want a faster internet connection, then you should opt for this RCN tier. You can connect up to 10-15 devices wireless devices to the internet. You can get all of this at the cost of $44.99.

• Tier 3:

This is the gig-level tier plan from RCN. It comes with a speed of 1000 Mbps. This is the fastest internet tier plan offered by the company. The price of this tier is around $49.99.

Plans	Max Download Speed	Price
250 Mbps Internet	Up to 250 Mbps	$29.99 – $44.99/mo
500 Mbps Internet	Up to 500 Mbps	$34.99 – $49.99/mo
Gig Internet	Up to 940 Mbps	$49.99 – $59.99/mo

How to Activate Your RCN Account?

If you are a new RCN customer and are yet to activate your RCN account, you can get help from the steps given below. Activating your RCN account entitles you to several benefits. You can get the most out of your RCN subscription, once you activate your account. The steps are simple and easy to follow.

Before you start make sure that the lights on your modem are on. Here are the steps you need to follow.

• The first thing you need to do is open your web browser on your PC. You will be automatically redirected to the RCN setup page.
• You need to follow all the on-screen prompts and instructions to complete the process. You will be asked to enter some details, which can be found on your RCN packing slip.
• Once you are done with the above step, save your changes. You can change your password or network name if you want. But you should do it before exiting the browser.
• After completing the set-up page procedures, reboot your modem. For this, you need to first switch off your computer and unplug your modem. Wait for a few seconds and then reconnect the power cord and switch on your PC.
• Now open your browser once again to check if the internet works as expected.

(Frequently Asked Questions)

The Verdict

To enjoy the best internet speeds from RCN you must have an RCN-compatible modem. By now you are already aware of the best RCN-approved modems available in the market. All you need to do is choose the one that fits your requirements and budget the best. We hope you find the modem you are looking for.

Also Read:

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• Modem vs. Router: Difference Between Modem & Router Explained
• How to Port Forward? – Guide to Multiple Router Brands
• Best Possible Way to Access Your Router Setting [6 Amazing Hacks]
• Arris Group On My Network: What Does It Mean?