Check your internet bill right now. Look for a line item called "Equipment Rental Fee". It’s likely around $15 per month.
That means you are paying $180 every year to rent a plastic box that is probably 3 years old and slowing down your Wi-Fi.
The biggest secret ISPs (like Xfinity, Cox, or Spectrum) don't want you to know is that you can buy your own modem. It costs less than one year of rental fees, and it makes your internet faster.
Buying Your Own Modem: $160.00
YOU SAVE: $380+ (Cash in Pocket)
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| Stop Paying Comcast $180 a Year! |
Why the ISP Modem is "Trash"
The "Gateway" (Modem + Router combo) your ISP gives you is a jack-of-all-trades, master of none. It overheats, it struggles with multiple devices, and you are paying rent for it forever.
By separating your Modem (which talks to the street) and your Router (which gives you Wi-Fi), you get a more stable connection and lower ping for gaming.
Arris Surfboard S33 vs. Netgear Nighthawk CM2000
If you are buying a modem in 2026, you must get DOCSIS 3.1. This is the new standard that supports Gigabit speeds. Don't buy the old DOCSIS 3.0.
| Feature | Arris Surfboard S33 | Netgear Nighthawk CM2000 |
|---|---|---|
| Speed Cap | 2.5 Gbps | 2.5 Gbps |
| Design | Tiny & White (Hides easily) | Large & Angular (Gamer look) |
| Heat Management | Good | Excellent (Ventilation) |
| Price | ~$150 (Best Value) | ~$180 |
Top 3 Reasons to Switch Today
1. Future Proofing (DOCSIS 3.1)
Old modems cap out at 500Mbps. Even if you pay for a Gigabit plan, your old rental modem might be choking your speed. The S33 supports speeds up to 2.5Gbps, so it’s ready for the next 5 years of internet upgrades.
2. No More Price Hikes
ISPs love to raise rental fees silently. $10 becomes $12, then $15. When you own your equipment, you are immune to these sneaky price hikes.
3. Better Gaming & Streaming
Dedicated modems have better processors. This means they handle traffic spikes (like downloading a game while watching Netflix) without crashing or buffering.
🚀 Activation Guide (It takes 10 mins)
Step 1: Buy a DOCSIS 3.1 Modem (Check "Compatibility" with your ISP on Amazon).
Step 2: Unplug your old rental unit and plug in the new one.
Step 3: Open your browser. It will redirect to the ISP activation page (e.g., xfinity.com/activate). Enter your account details.
Step 4: Return the old rental box to the ISP store and get a receipt. Make sure they stop charging you the monthly fee!
Stop Renting, Start Owning
You wouldn't rent a toaster for $15 a month. Why are you renting a modem?
Take control of your home network. Buy the Arris S33 or Netgear CM2000, and put that $180 a year toward something you actually enjoy.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. Check ISP compatibility before purchasing. This post contains affiliate links.
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