In today’s digital age, a high-speed and reliable internet connection is an essential requirement for households. Choosing the right modem and router for your home network can make all the difference in ensuring optimal internet speeds and coverage.
Netgear is a well-known brand in the networking industry and has been offering top-quality networking devices for years. In this article, we will compare two of its latest cable modems – the Netgear CAX80 and CAX30.
Quick Comparison Table
Last update on 2024-12-03 at 12:59 / Paid links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
| Features | Netgear CAX80 | Netgear CAX30 |
|---|---|---|
| Cable Providers | Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox | Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox |
| Internet Speed | Up to 6Gbps (with 2-port aggregation) | Up to 2Gbps (Up to 800Mbps with Xfinity) |
| Wi-Fi Coverage | Up to 3,000 sq. ft. | Up to 2,500 sq. ft. |
| Wi-Fi Speed | Dual-band WiFi 6 (AX6000) speed (up to 6Gbps) | Dual-band WiFi 6 (AX2700) speed (up to 2.7Gbps) |
| Ethernet Ports | One 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port, 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports, and 1 USB 3.0 port | Four (4) Gigabit Ethernet ports and 1 USB 3.0 port |
| Modem Technology | DOCSIS 3.1 and 32×8 channel bonding | DOCSIS 3.1 and 32×8 channel bonding |
| Security | WPA/WPA2 wireless security protocols and NETGEAR Armor powered by Bitdefender with a 30-day free trial | WPA/WPA2 wireless security protocols and NETGEAR Armor powered by Bitdefender with a 30-day free trial |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
Compatibility
One of the critical factors to consider when purchasing a modem is its compatibility with your service provider. Both the Netgear CAX80 and CAX30 are compatible with major cable internet providers such as Xfinity, Spectrum, and Cox. However, they are not compatible with Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, DSL providers, DirecTV, DISH, and any bundled voice service.
Speed and Coverage
When it comes to internet speed and coverage, the Netgear CAX30 offers faster speeds and better coverage than the CAX80. The CAX30 is built for ultimate speed and best for cable provider plans up to 6Gbps, while the CAX80 supports internet speeds up to 2Gbps.
The CAX30 also provides up to 3,000 sq. ft. wireless coverage with dual-band WiFi 6 (AX6000) speed (up to 6Gbps), while the CAX80 offers up to 2,500 sq. ft. wireless coverage with dual-band WiFi 6 (AX2700) speed (up to 2.7Gbps).
Ports and Connectivity
Both the Netgear CAX80 and CAX30 offer versatile connections, including gigabit Ethernet ports and USB ports. However, the CAX30 offers more ports than the CAX80, with one 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port, four Gigabit Ethernet ports, and one USB 3.0 port. The CAX80, on the other hand, has four Gigabit Ethernet ports and one USB 3.0 port.
Modem Technology
The Netgear CAX80 and CAX30 both use DOCSIS 3.1 modem technology and 32×8 channel bonding. DOCSIS 3.1 is the latest modem technology, and it provides a higher level of speed and reliability. The 32×8 channel bonding feature also enhances the speed and performance of the modem.
Security Features
Both the Netgear CAX80 and CAX30 come with built-in security features to protect your home network. The CAX80 offers NETGEAR Armor powered by Bitdefender, which protects all your home devices from virus, malware, and data theft with a 30-day free trial.
The CAX30, on the other hand, offers NETGEAR Armor, which protects your family’s WiFi with an automatic shield of security across all your connected devices with a 30-day free trial.
Price
The Netgear CAX30 is more affordable than the CAX80, making it an excellent option for those on a budget. However, if you need faster internet speeds and better coverage, the CAX80 is a better option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the Netgear CAX80 and CAX30?
The Netgear CAX80 is built for faster internet plans with speeds up to 6Gbps (with 2-port aggregation) and provides a larger Wi-Fi coverage of up to 3,000 sq. ft. On the other hand, the Netgear CAX30 is best suited for internet plans up to 2Gbps (up to 800Mbps with Xfinity) and provides a Wi-Fi coverage of up to 2,500 sq. ft.
Are both Netgear CAX80 and CAX30 compatible with the same cable providers?
Yes, both the Netgear CAX80 and CAX30 are compatible with major cable internet providers such as Xfinity, Spectrum, and Cox.
Can I save on equipment rental fees by using the Netgear CAX80 or CAX30?
Yes, you can save on equipment rental fees as both devices can replace your cable modem and Wi-Fi router. The Netgear CAX80 and CAX30 can save you up to $168/yr in equipment rental fees.
Which device offers faster Wi-Fi speed?
The Netgear CAX80 offers faster Wi-Fi speed with dual-band WiFi 6 (AX6000) speed (up to 6Gbps) compared to the Netgear CAX30, which offers dual-band WiFi 6 (AX2700) speed (up to 2.7Gbps).
What is the warranty period for the Netgear CAX80 and CAX30?
Both devices are backed by a 1-year limited hardware warranty.
Can I use the Netgear CAX80 or CAX30 with Verizon or AT&T internet service providers?
No, the Netgear CAX80 and CAX30 are not compatible with Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, DSL providers, DirecTV, DISH, and any bundled voice service.
Final Verdict
Both the Netgear CAX80 and CAX30 are excellent options for those who want to enjoy high-speed internet with a reliable cable modem and router combo. While the CAX80 is built for ultimate speed and offers faster WiFi coverage, the CAX30 is a more affordable option with a lower maximum speed but still provides excellent coverage for most homes.
Both devices are compatible with major cable internet providers and support advanced security features like WPA/WPA2 wireless security protocols and NETGEAR Armor powered by Bitdefender. Additionally, they both offer versatile connections with multiple Gigabit Ethernet ports and USB ports for fast wired connections to multiple devices.
Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for the fastest speeds and maximum coverage, the CAX80 may be the better choice for you. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option with still great coverage, the CAX30 is an excellent choice. Regardless of which one you choose, both devices offer high-quality performance and value for your money.