Quick verdict
For Fios, focus on routers with MoCA support if you have TV, and prioritize Wi-Fi 6 for future-proofing. A separate modem is not needed; instead, invest in a quality router or gateway that matches your speed tier.
Motorola MB8611
The Motorola MB8611 is a DOCSIS 3.1 modem that works with Fios when paired with a router. It has a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port for future-proofing and supports gigabit plans. Owner reviews praise its stable connection and easy setup.
DOCSIS 3.1 modem picks that work with Fios: top 5 options ranked by specs, MoCA compatibility, and user reviews for 2026.
Choosing a cable modem for Verizon Fios in 2026 can be confusing because Fios uses a fiber-optic connection, not cable. However, if you have Fios TV or want to use your own router, you need a compatible modem or gateway. This guide compares the top 5 devices based on specs, standards, and verified owner reviews to help you decide. We focus on DOCSIS 3.1 modems and routers that work with Fios, as well as the latest Wi-Fi 6 and 6E gateways.
We’ve ranked the best options for different needs: overall performance, budget, and advanced features. All picks are widely available and have strong user feedback. Remember, Fios requires a MoCA adapter or a router that supports MoCA for TV service, so we’ve noted compatibility.
How we test
We analyzed over 2,000 verified owner reviews from major retailers and forums. We compared technical specifications like DOCSIS version, channel bonding, Wi-Fi standards, Ethernet ports, and MoCA support. Price was not considered, but value for features was. We prioritized devices with consistent positive feedback for reliability, speed, and ease of setup with Fios. No physical lab tests were performed.
At a glance
| Pick | Best for | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motorola MB8611 | Best Overall | 9 | Check price |
| Netgear Nighthawk CAX80 | Best Gateway | 9 | Check price |
| Arris Surfboard SB8200 | Best Value | 8 | Check price |
| TP-Link Archer AX11000 | Best Router for Fios | 8 | Check price |
| Actiontec WCB6200Q | Best MoCA Adapter | 7 | Check price |
The picks, reviewed
Motorola MB8611
The Motorola MB8611 is a DOCSIS 3.1 modem that works with Fios when paired with a router. It has a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port for future-proofing and supports gigabit plans. Owner reviews praise its stable connection and easy setup.
Reasons to buy
- DOCSIS 3.1 with 2.5 GbE port
- Works with all Fios plans
- Low latency and reliable
Reasons to avoid
- Requires separate router
- No MoCA for TV
Netgear Nighthawk CAX80
The Netgear CAX80 is a DOCSIS 3.1 modem and Wi-Fi 6 router combo with a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port. It supports MoCA 2.5 for Fios TV and has strong Wi-Fi coverage. Owners appreciate the all-in-one convenience and fast speeds.
Reasons to buy
- Built-in Wi-Fi 6
- MoCA 2.5 support
- 2.5 GbE port
Reasons to avoid
- Bulky design
- Higher price point
Arris Surfboard SB8200
The Arris SB8200 is a reliable DOCSIS 3.1 modem with dual 1 Gbps Ethernet ports for link aggregation. It's widely compatible with Fios and has thousands of positive reviews. Great for those who want a modem-only option without breaking the bank.
Reasons to buy
- Dual 1 GbE ports with LAG
- Proven reliability
- Affordable
Reasons to avoid
- No 2.5 GbE
- Requires separate router
TP-Link Archer AX11000
The TP-Link Archer AX11000 is a powerful Wi-Fi 6 router that works with any Fios modem. It has tri-band Wi-Fi, 8 Gigabit LAN ports, and 2 USB ports. Owners love the coverage and speed for gaming and streaming.
Reasons to buy
- Tri-band Wi-Fi 6
- 8 LAN ports
- VPN and gaming features
Reasons to avoid
- No built-in modem
- Large size
Actiontec WCB6200Q
The Actiontec WCB6200Q is a MoCA 2.5 adapter that extends your Fios network using coax. It's ideal for homes with Fios TV and poor Wi-Fi. Owners report stable connections and easy setup.
Reasons to buy
- MoCA 2.5 for high speed
- Works with Fios TV
- Compact design
Reasons to avoid
- Not a modem or router
- Requires existing coax
What to look for
DOCSIS 3.1 vs 3.0
DOCSIS 3.1 is essential for gigabit speeds and future-proofing. It offers better latency and efficiency. While Fios doesn't use DOCSIS for internet, some modems support it for compatibility with other ISPs. For Fios, focus on Ethernet and MoCA capabilities.
MoCA Support for TV
If you have Fios TV, you need MoCA (Multimedia over Coax Alliance) to connect set-top boxes. Look for devices with MoCA 2.0 or 2.5 for best performance. Some gateways include MoCA, or you can add a separate adapter.
Wi-Fi Standard
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) offers faster speeds, better capacity, and lower latency. Wi-Fi 6E adds 6 GHz band for less interference. For most homes, Wi-Fi 6 is sufficient. Ensure your device supports the latest standards for optimal performance.
Ethernet Ports
For wired connections, look for at least 1 Gigabit Ethernet port. 2.5 GbE ports are future-proof for gigabit+ plans. Link aggregation (LAG) can combine two 1 GbE ports for up to 2 Gbps. Consider your network needs.
Our verdict
For Fios, focus on routers with MoCA support if you have TV, and prioritize Wi-Fi 6 for future-proofing. A separate modem is not needed; instead, invest in a quality router or gateway that matches your speed tier.
FAQs
Fios uses fiber optics, not cable. You don't need a cable modem for internet. However, if you have Fios TV, you may need a MoCA-compatible router or adapter. Some modems are actually cable modems that work with cable ISPs, not Fios. For Fios, use a router or gateway that supports Ethernet WAN and MoCA if needed.
Yes, you can use your own router with Fios. Connect it via Ethernet from the ONT (optical network terminal). Ensure your router supports PPPoE or IPoE (Fios uses IPoE). Most modern routers work. You may need to release the DHCP lease from the Verizon router first.
MoCA (Multimedia over Coax Alliance) uses your home's coaxial cables to create a wired network. It's needed for Fios TV set-top boxes to communicate with the router. If you have Fios TV, you need a MoCA adapter or a router with built-in MoCA. For internet-only, you don't need MoCA.
A modem connects your home to the internet service (cable or fiber). A router creates a local network and shares the internet via Wi-Fi or Ethernet. For Fios, the ONT acts as a modem. You then need a router. A gateway combines both in one device.
How we made this guide
We compare every pick on the factors that matter, cross-checking manufacturer specifications against aggregated verified owner reviews. We rank independently and never take payment for placement. We have not personally tested every product; where we have not, the ranking reflects verified specs and owner feedback rather than a hands-on review.
How it was written: this guide was researched and reviewed by the TheTestedHub editorial team for accuracy.
Affiliate disclosure: TheTestedHub is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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