Black Friday modem deals 2026
If your cable bill includes a modem or gateway rental fee, buying your own usually pays for itself in about a year. These are the modems worth buying, and when you shouldn't bother.
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Rental fees like Xfinity's $15/mo gateway add up to $180 a year. A DOCSIS 3.1 modem from your provider's approved list pays for itself in about a year. Skip buying if your plan already includes equipment, as Xfinity's 5-year price guarantee plans do.
ARRIS SURFboard S33: best for gig and multi-gig cable
A DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem with a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port, so it won't cap gig or faster cable plans. Approved by most large cable providers.
Skip it if: your plan is 500 Mbps or less; a cheaper DOCSIS 3.1 modem works.
Motorola MB8611: alternative to the S33
Another DOCSIS 3.1 modem with a 2.5 Gbps port, often priced below the S33 on sale.
Skip it if: it isn't on your provider's approved list; always check first.
Netgear Nighthawk CM1000: for plans up to 1 Gig
A DOCSIS 3.1 modem with a gigabit port, a good fit for plans up to about 940 Mbps.
Skip it if: you pay for more than 1 Gig; its port caps wired speeds near 1 Gbps.
What to expect on Black Friday
Cable modems are regular Black Friday deals at Amazon and other retailers, usually discounted the week before Black Friday through Cyber Monday. We'll add sale prices here when they post.
Should you wait for Black Friday?
If you're paying a rental fee now, every month of waiting costs about as much as the Black Friday discount is likely to save. Buy when it's convenient; if you can wait a few weeks, Black Friday week is usually the cheapest time.
Black Friday vs. Cyber Monday
Modem deals usually run the same from Black Friday through Cyber Monday. Check the model number matches your provider's approved list before you check out.
Questions
Is it worth buying my own modem?
Usually, if your provider charges a rental fee. At $15/mo, a $150 to $200 modem pays for itself in about a year. See stop renting your modem.
Will any modem work with my provider?
No. Cable providers keep lists of approved modems. Check which modems work with your provider before you buy.
Do I need a modem for fiber or 5G home internet?
No. Fiber and 5G home internet use the provider's own equipment, usually included in the price.
Should I return my rented modem?
Yes, once your own modem is activated. Unreturned equipment is usually billed to your account.