YouTube TV recommends a download speed of 13 megabits per second for streaming live TV in HD - even with other devices using the same network. Netflix recommends a download speed of five megabits per second for HD streaming, and 25 megabits per second for 4K/Ultra HD (UHD). Upload speeds matter for uploading a photo or video to Facebook.įor the purposes of streaming TV, you don’t need a lot of download speed to watch a show in High Definition. Download speeds are important for tasks such as streaming video from Netflix or YouTube. Internet plans are rated by a download speed and upload speed.
Comcast Xfinity Internet plans: Download vs Upload speedsĬomcast Xfinity generally offers three tiers of standalone Internet plans in the U.S. So that means it will work fine if your ISP is currently operating on DOCSIS 3.0. If you decide to buy a DOCSIS 3.1 model today, know that your equipment will be backwards compatible. A cable modem won’t work with a fiber connection. The exception is for ISPs offering gigabit service through fiber. You will need a DOCSIS 3.1 modem for gigabit speeds from most internet service providers. But DOCSIS 3.1 is expected to eventually become the new standard to support faster connections. The Internet plan you are on, or the one you plan to be on, will dictate whether you need a modem that supports DOCSIS 3.0 or DOCSIS 3.1.ĭOCSIS is an abbreviation for Data Over Cable Service Interface Specifications.Ĭurrently, most ISPs operate on the DOCSIS 3.0 standard. Comcast’s Triple Play bundle requires a modem with a VOIP telephone port. There are two more recommendations to consider if you are either on a gigabit speed plan or a Triple Play bundle. Picking a compatible replacementīefore replacing the modem you’re renting from Comcast Xfinity, it’s important to review your monthly bill so you know exactly what kind of Internet plan you are currently on. TP-Link’s Archer A20has been my top pick over the last year, but I am just starting to test out new Wi-Fi 6 models. Once you have picked a replacement modem of your own, you will also need to pick up a Wi-Fi router to be able to access the Internet wirelessly around your house. The widespread compatibility gives you some flexibility if you have more than one internet service provider in your area. The MB7621 is certified by Comcast Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum (formerly Time Warner, Charter and Brighthouse), Suddenlink, Sparklight/Cable One and WOW. You won’t have to worry about compatibility issues. It is a DOCSIS 3.0 modem that has 24 downstream channels and eight upstream channels. The MB7621 supports speeds up to 600 megabits per second. Best modem for Comcast Xfinity Triple Play bundleįor most people on non-gigabit plans, the Motorola MB7621 is the best choice for replacing a modem rented from Xfinity.Best Modem for Comcast Xfinity Gigabit plans.Comcast Xfinity Internet plans: Download vs Upload speeds.Why you should replace a Comcast Xfinity modem.The company says that there are no retail modems that support EPON technology. Comcast Xfinity does have a fiber-only network in some cities known as EPON (or Ethernet Passive Optical Network). These recommendations come from my own testing in the last few years as a Comcast Xfinity subscriber and what I have used for friends and family.ĭon’t buy a cable modem if your Xfinity service is on fiber. In this guide, I’m providing recommendations of the best modems to use in 2021 for a few different Comcast Xfinity Internet plans. The price for the MB7621 is currently just under $78, so you will recover the cost in about five and a half months. Owning your own cable modem instead of renting one from Comcast Xfinity can save you $14 per month. If you’re ready to ditch the monthly rental fees for a Comcast Xfinity modem, then replace it with a Motorola MB7621 cable modem. Why you should replace a Comcast Xfinity modem The Motorola MB7621 is certified by Comcast Xfinity and a number of other Internet service providers.