When it comes to modems and routers, Netgear is one renowned brand. Its products have been trusted in many homes, offices, and public spots. In this article, we will discuss about the comparison between two modems that are popularly used in homes, Netgear CM500 vs CM700. What is the difference between the two models? Which one is better?
Continue reading below to learn more about:
– The size and weight of each model
– The available connectivity options on each model
– The distinctive features of Netgear CM500 and Netgear CM700
– The performance of Netgear CM500 vs CM700
– What platforms and services that are compatible with them
– Which modem that is more recommended for the money
Dimensions
Well, the first obvious difference between Netgear CM500 vs CM700 is their dimensions. This is something to keep in your mind because both of these modems can’t be wall-mounted. They have integrated foot stands. Whichever model that you choose, you need to put the modem on a flat surface, such as on your desk, on a side table, or on a shelf. See also: Netgear CM500 vs CM400.
Netgear CM500 is slightly taller. It measures 4.88 inches wide, 2.36 inches thick, and 7.28 inches tall (124mm x 60mm x 185mm). The weight is about 0.62 lbs (0.28 kg). The green light indicators are on one side, while the connection ports are on the other side. The whole housing has a black glossy finish which looks simple yet stylish.
Netgear CM700 is not as tall, but it is thicker and wider. It measures 5.2 inches wide, 2.7 inches thick, and 6.6 inches tall (132mm x 69mm x 167mm). It weighs approximately 0.55 lbs (0.25 kg). The overall design is slightly different. The sides are all curved and almost pointy. There is a diamond-like pattern on the front surface. Nevertheless, there are also light indicators on one side and the connection ports are right on the other side.
Connectivity
These two models have similar connectivity options. Netgear CM500 and Netgear CM700 are only modems; they don’t have any routing capability. So, if you want to provide Internet access not only to one computer but also to other devices in your home, you need to pair the modem with an Ethernet or Wi-Fi router.
On Netgear CM500, the topmost connector is the power port. Then, there is the Gigabit Ethernet port. You need to plug the included Ethernet cable to this port, and connect the other end to your computer or router. The bottom most connector is the coaxial port, which needs to be connected to your ISP’s cable. This model is designed for DOCSIS 3.0 services, but it is backward-compatible with DOCSIS 2.0 networks.
Similarly, Netgear CM700 also has a power port, an Ethernet port, and a coaxial port. It is just the layout that differs. On this model, the topmost connector is the Ethernet port. In the middle, there is the coaxial port. The bottom most connector is the power port. Netgear CM700 also supports DOCSIS 3.0 and is backward-compatible with DOCSIS 2.0.
Features
There are some notable differences between Netgear CM500 vs CM700 in terms of features. The differences are the on/off switch and the QoS capability.
Netgear CM500 does not have any on/off switch. There is just a small reset button, which you can use when there is a network issue that you can’t solve. The reset button will return the device to the default condition. Since there isn’t any on/off switch, you need to unplug the power cord to turn off the modem. This is quite inconvenient.
Actually, Netgear CM500 has the Advanced QoS feature. So, this modem is already able to handle multiple devices at the same time. The Advanced QoS feature will split the bandwidth accordingly and prioritize certain activities and devices. However, it is not really customizable.
Netgear CM700 is equipped with an on/off switch, in addition to the reset button. The on/off switch is very nice. It allows you to turn on and off the modem without plugging and unplugging the power cord repeatedly. It is definitely very handy when you need to reset the IP addressing – just turn off the modem for a minute, and then turn it back on. This is much more convenient.
In addition, Netgear CM700 comes with the DOCSIS QoS feature, which is supposedly smarter. It ensures optimum performance when serving multiple devices. You will not experience significant ups and downs in your connection speeds when there are other active Internet users in the network. It can also prioritize certain activities and devices.
Performance
The primary distinction between Netgear CM500 and Netgear CM700 is their maximum download and upload speeds. Netgear CM500 ‘only’ has 16×4 channel bonding, whereas Netgear CM700 is a beast with 32×8 channel bonding.
Netgear CM500 has 16×4 channel bonding, which means that this modem has 16 download channels and 4 upload channels. The channel bonding technology allows a modem to download data packets simultaneously through multiple channels. According to the specs, this model can reach a maximum download speed of 680 Mbps and a maximum upload speed of 132 Mbps.
For sure, Netgear CM500 is already sufficient if you only need Internet access for one computer or a few devices. However, if you really want the best performance for serving multiple devices, perhaps including entertainment activities such as movie streaming and gaming, you need a more powerful modem.
Netgear CM700, with 32×8 channel bonding, possesses 32 download channels and 8 upload channels. On paper, the maximum download speed is 1.4 Gbps. However, there will be a bottleneck effect, as the Gigabit Ethernet port only has a maximum bandwidth of 1.0 Gbps. Still, this modem is much faster, and is great for a broadband Internet service. You should choose this model if you need Internet access for more than two or three devices.
Compatibility
Both modems are compatible with most modern computers, including the ones running on Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms. Both modems are compatible with most popular Internet services, such as Xfinity from Comcast, Cox, Spectrum, and CableONE.
However, you need to pay attention to the maximum bandwidth of your Internet plan. Netgear CM500 is recommended for Internet plans of up to 200Mbps. Netgear CM700 is recommended for up to 500Mbps.
Also, note that both modems are not compatible with CenturyLink, AT&T, and Verizon. They are not suitable with bundled voice services.
Netgear CM500 Vs CM700
| Netgear CM500 | Netgear CM700 | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Netgear | Netgear |
| Key features | - NETGEAR CM500 cable modem - Compatible with Xfinity from Comcast, Spectrum, Cox, Cablevision & more - Cable Modem only (no WiFi router).Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0, Firefox 2.0, Safari 1.4, or Google Chrome 11.0 browsers or higher | - Support Cable Internet Service plans up to 500 Mbps. Separate router required for WiFi. 32x8 channel bonding . - DOCSIS 3.0 up to 32x faster download speeds than DOCSIS 2.0 - ELIMINTE MONTHLY CABLE MODEM RENTAL FEES - Up to $120 per year |
| Price | ||
| Customer Rating | 3.7 out of 5.0 stars | 4.2 out of 5.0 stars |
| Best Offer | Save Money Please click here | Save Money Please click here |
NOTE : Product prices, availability, ratings and save money information are accurate as of the date/time indicated on post time (as seen right bellow the tittle) and are subject to change. Any price, ratings, availability and save money information displayed on Amazon Site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Conclusion
In general, Netgear CM700 is more recommended. This modem has the best maximum download and upload speeds. It can deliver the best performance if you are using an Internet plan with a bandwidth above 200Mbps. It is more convenient to use because it has an on/off switch and the DOCSIS QoS feature.