If you’re looking for a high-speed multi-gig cable modem, the Netgear CM1200 and CM1000 are some of the most affordable high-performance cable modems available on the market.
The CM1200 is more expensive than its counterpart. However, for that extra cash, you get a total of 4 ethernet ports and higher speeds that are up to 2 gigabits.
Both of these are excellent choices for the price they’re offered at. So it’s easy to get confused between these two options – the cheaper CM1000 with its solid features or the CM1200 for the extra ethernet ports and 2-gigabit speeds?
This comparison between the Netgear CM1200 vs CM1000 should help you clear up the confusion.
I’ll do an in-depth comparison that will include both the differences and similarities. So, hopefully, by the end, you would come to a decisive conclusion.
NETGEAR Nighthawk CM1200 - Compatible with all Cable Providers including Xfinity by Spectrum, Comcast, Cox | NETGEAR Cable Modem CM1000 - Compatible with All Cable Providers Including Xfinity by Spectrum, Comcast, Cox | for Cable Plans Up to 1 Gigabit | DOCSIS 3.1, Black (CM1000-1AZNAS) |
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Table of Contents
Netgear CM1200 vs CM1000 – Comparison Table
Netgear CM1200 | Netgear CM1000 | |
Tech | DOCSIS 3.1 | DOCSIS 3.1 |
Channels | 32 x 8 / 2 x 2 | 32 x 8 / 2 x 2 |
Internet Plan | Up to 2 gigabits | Up to 1 gigabit |
Ports | 4 ports | 1 ports |
Link Aggregation | Yes | No |
Dimensions | 6.1x3.4x10.3 inches | 8.8x5.4x5.9 inches |
RAM | 256MB | 256MB |
NAND Memory | 128MB | 128MB |
Primary Differences
With a price gap between the two, you’d expect there to be some substantial differences. I’ll talk about them here now.
Ethernet Port and Wireless Connectivity
The most noteworthy difference between the two cable modems is the number of ethernet ports that can be accessed by the user.
The CM1200 cable modem has 4 ethernet ports, all of which are gigabit ethernet ports. However, only 2 of those ports support link aggregation. So, it is possible to get connection speeds beyond what a single port could sustain. That leaves you with only 2 other ports that can be used for wired connectivity.
Wired connections are generally faster. So, if you have more than one device in your house that could benefit from such fast connections, the CM1200 is the better choice for you.
Whereas, the CM1000 modem’s ethernet port is only 1, which supports a gigabit connection. So there is no link aggregation support. The maximum supported speed of that port is 1 gigabit. So, this cable modem is comparatively slower with lesser ports than its counterpart.
However, the price gap makes a difference here. Not everyone needs 4 gigabit ports, and most people don’t buy plans with internet plans beyond 1 gigabit speed anyways.
So, if you don’t have many wired devices in your house or you won’t be using internet speed beyond 1 gigabit, then you might want to save some cash and go for the CM1000.
Design
The aesthetics of both of these modems are quite similar, with some key differences.
In the design aspect, these devices look very alike. They are both vertically mounted, and their build is similar as well.
However, the CM1200 has a slimmer and taller body than the CM1000. The CM1200 is also a newer model compared to the CM1000. So, the outlook is definitely better on the CM1200.
The CM1000 is quite thick, almost as thick as a Wi-Fi router. So, it can potentially take up a bit more space on the table.
Both of these have the same mesh material housing, which feels soft to the touch.
Since these devices are not that different in terms of their design, it should not be a deal-breaker for you. If you really want to save some space on your desk or you want those extra ports to connect wired devices, getting the CM1200 makes more sense in your case.
Heat Dissipation
As both of these models have mesh housings, their cooling capabilities are quite similar. The mesh housing works great when it comes to heat dissipation. Both of these devices did not show any signs of overheating under heavy load.
However, the CM1200 being slimmer while supporting more ports and higher speeds can become a bit hot when pushed to its limits. Whereas the CM1000 with its thick body and lesser speeds, has a lot of room for cooling and thus never became hot.
Price
In the pricing department, the difference isn’t very vast. The CM1200 is listed at $230 while the Netgear CM1000 is priced at $180.
From a budget standpoint, the CM1000 is arguably the better choice to save monthly rental fees if those extra ports are not necessary, and you don’t need more than 1-gigabit of internet speed.
But if you have multiple wired devices such as game boxes, PCs, Wi-Fi routers, etc., then this is your only option in this comparison. Even if your isp speeds aren’t 2 gigabits, those extra ports are worth the buy.
However, if you won’t be using those extra ports, then spending the extra money on the CM1200 is really not worth it.
Primary Similarities Between Netgear CM1200 and CM1000
Since both of these serve the same purpose of being a cable modem, there are bound to be similarities between them, especially with such a small price gap.
Hardware and Technology
The internal specifications of these modems are very much the same. They both use the same BCM3390 processor, and they both have 256MB of RAM along with 128MB of fast NAND memory. So, the real-life performance of these two is very similar. The chipset is very power efficient thus, it doesn’t output much heat.
Both of these modems have support for Docsis 3.1, which is a technology used by most internet service providers. It helps sustain your internet speeds and reduces latency. This is especially helpful when multiple devices are consuming heavy download speeds as these modems can certainly keep up.
With sufficient internet speed, both of these modems can run a high-performance gigabit Wi-Fi router. The CM1200 modem supports ipv6, which is the next generation of technology for wireless devices. So, to get the most out of that modem, make sure you get a Wi-Fi router that supports ipv6.
ISP Compatibility
The Netgear CM1000 and CM1200 both work very well with most major cable providers, but don’t work with DSL providers and bundled voice services.
Spectrum, Comcast xfinity, and cox are some of the certified cable providers for these modems. These ISPs are guaranteed to provide the rated speeds for the modems.
Since the CM1200 supports speeds of up to 2 gigabits, it allows you to get high-speed plans. But if you’re planning on getting packages around 1 gigabit, both of these modems will perform great.
When it comes to compatibility, both modems can take full advantage of all major cable internet providers. Just make sure your ISP supports all the technologies that the modem is capable of, such as Docsis 3.1 or ipv6.
Pros and Cons of Netgear CM1200
Pros
- 4 gigabit ports along with link aggregation, can manage multiple wired devices
- Supports next generation ipv6 addressing
- 32×8 channel bonding through Docsis 3.1
- Slim body looks aesthetically pleasing
- Compatible with internet plans up to 2 gigabits
Cons
- Each Ethernet port only supports 1 gigabit
Pros and Cons of Netgear CM1000
Pros
- Backward compatible with Docsis 3.1
- More affordable
- Power-efficient processor saves electricity and reduces heat
- Mesh design allows for efficient heat dissipation
- Reliable and stable internet connection
Cons
- Only 1 ethernet connection port
Who Should Buy the Netgear CM1200?
Considering all the above-mentioned factors, the Netgear CM1200 would be the best suited for –
- Homes with multiple wired devices that require high speeds
- Office or any workspace that requires connecting to many devices
- People who want to use multiple routers in their houses
- Internet plans that go up to speeds of 2 gigabits
- Lag-free connection during heavy loads on multiple devices
Who Should Buy the Netgear CM1000?
Though the CM1200 looks better in almost every way than the Netgear CM1000, not everyone needs all the features the CM1200 offers, and they are better off saving some cash. So, the CM1000 would be great for you if –
- Just connecting to your Wi-Fi router is enough for you
- Your internet plan does not exceed 1 gigabit
- You’re looking to save some money
- Latency isn’t an issue for you, or you don’t play online games
- You don’t mind sacrificing aesthetics
WRAPPING UP
Both of these cable modems perform very well in their respective fields, as they are clearly made for different purposes. If you want faster internet with more wired connectivity, go with the CM1200.
However, if budget is your main concern and you won’t be accessing those extra ports anyways, then the CM1000 is your best bet.
I hope this comparison between the Netgear CM1200 vs CM1000 will help you to decide which one best fits your needs.
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