There’s a charge on my monthly internet bill that used to drive me crazy. It wasn’t the biggest line item, but it was the most frustrating: the “Equipment Rental Fee.” Ten, twelve, sometimes fifteen dollars a month, every single month, for a generic black box that just sits there blinking. Over a year, that’s over $140 down the drain for a piece of hardware I don’t even own. I knew there had to be a better way. The idea of buying my own equipment was appealing, a one-time purchase to eliminate that recurring cost forever. That’s the exact problem the Amazon Renewed NETGEAR N600 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem Router aims to solve. It promises freedom from rental fees at an entry-level price point. But as we discovered, cutting that cord comes with its own set of potential complications, especially when you venture into the “renewed” marketplace.
- ELIMINATE MONTHLY CABLE MODEM RENTAL FEES - Up to $120 per year
- Two-in One DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem + WiFi Router with 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports and 1 USB 2.0 port
What to Consider Before Buying a Modem Router Combo
A Modem Router Combo is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for streamlining your home network and saving money. By integrating the functionality of a cable modem (which connects to your internet service provider) and a WiFi router (which creates your local wireless network) into a single device, you eliminate clutter, reduce the number of power outlets needed, and simplify your setup. The primary benefit is financial: by owning your own equipment, you can return your ISP’s rented unit and immediately stop paying that monthly fee, often saving you over a hundred dollars per year. Furthermore, you gain more control over your network settings and features, something often locked down on ISP-provided hardware.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone with a basic to moderate internet plan (typically under 300 Mbps) who is looking for a straightforward, cost-effective solution for their apartment, dorm, or small-to-medium-sized home. They value simplicity and are tired of rental fees. However, this type of all-in-one device might not be suitable for those who are power users with gigabit internet plans, serious online gamers who need ultra-low latency and advanced features like QoS (Quality of Service), or people living in very large homes that require the expansive coverage of a mesh WiFi system. For those users, purchasing a separate, high-performance modem and a dedicated gaming or mesh router would be a more appropriate, albeit more expensive, alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- ISP Compatibility: This is the most important factor. Not every modem works with every Internet Service Provider (ISP). Before you buy anything, you must check your ISP’s approved modem list (usually found on their website) to ensure the specific model, like the NETGEAR C3700, is supported on their network. Failure to do this will result in a device that simply cannot connect to the internet.
- Speed & Performance: Look at the DOCSIS standard (e.g., DOCSIS 3.0 vs. 3.1) and the channel bonding (e.g., 8×4, 16×4, 32×8). The Amazon Renewed NETGEAR N600 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem Router uses DOCSIS 3.0 with 8×4 channel bonding, making it suitable for plans up to about 340 Mbps. If your internet plan is faster, you’ll need a more advanced DOCSIS 3.1 model to get the speeds you’re paying for. Similarly, the “N600” WiFi rating is older technology (WiFi 4); modern devices use WiFi 5 (AC) or WiFi 6 (AX) for much faster wireless speeds.
- Renewed vs. New Condition: A “renewed” or “refurbished” product can offer incredible savings, but it comes with inherent risks. While they are tested to work “like new,” the quality of the refurbishment process can vary. You might encounter cosmetic blemishes, or in more severe cases, critical information needed for activation could be missing or damaged, a crucial point we’ll explore in-depth with this specific product. Always check the warranty period; renewed products typically have a much shorter warranty (90 days in this case) than new ones.
- Connectivity & Ports: Consider how many devices you need to connect via an Ethernet cable. This model comes with only two Gigabit Ethernet ports. If you have a desktop PC, a gaming console, a smart TV hub, and a network-attached storage drive, you’ll run out of ports quickly and will need to purchase an additional network switch. Also, consider other ports like USB for connecting printers or storage drives.
Making the right choice means balancing your current internet needs and budget against potential future upgrades and the inherent risks of buying a renewed device.
While the Amazon Renewed NETGEAR N600 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem Router is a compelling budget choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition, especially for more demanding tasks. For a broader look at all the top models designed for high-performance networking, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Compatible with major cable internet providers including Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox and more. NOT compatible with Verizon, AT and T, CenturyLink, DSL...
- Fast, Reliable Connection: Enjoy high-speed streaming, gaming, and browsing with a trusted brand used in over 260 million homes.
First Impressions and Unboxing a “Renewed” Experience
Our unit arrived in a plain brown box, the standard for renewed electronics, foregoing the flashy retail packaging. Inside, the Amazon Renewed NETGEAR N600 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem Router itself was nestled securely alongside its essential companions: a power adapter, an Ethernet cable, and a quick install guide. Physically, the device lived up to the “looks like new” promise. The glossy black plastic casing was free of any significant scuffs or scratches, and it felt solid enough for a networking device. Its vertical orientation is a smart design choice, minimizing its footprint on a desk or shelf.
The front panel is clean, with a series of familiar LED status lights for power, upstream/downstream connection, internet status, and WiFi activity. The back panel is spartan but functional, housing the coaxial input for the ISP line, two Gigabit Ethernet ports, a single USB 2.0 port, the power jack, and a reset button. Compared to modern, high-end routers that can bristle with four or more Ethernet ports and faster USB 3.0 connections, the C3700’s design is clearly from a slightly older, more basic generation of hardware. The initial impression was positive—a clean, compact unit that promised a simple path to rental fee freedom. However, a closer inspection of the label on the back revealed a potential problem that would soon become the defining aspect of our testing experience.
Key Benefits
- Excellent potential for cost savings by eliminating monthly modem rental fees.
- Combines two devices into one, saving space and simplifying setup.
- Dual-band WiFi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) provides flexibility for different devices.
- Adequate DOCSIS 3.0 speeds for internet plans up to 300 Mbps.
Critical Drawbacks
- Significant risk of receiving a unit with a defaced or missing serial number, making activation impossible.
- Older technology (DOCSIS 3.0, N600 WiFi) is not future-proof for faster internet plans.
- Limited to only two Gigabit Ethernet ports.
A Deep Dive into the NETGEAR C3700’s Performance and Pitfalls
On paper, the Amazon Renewed NETGEAR N600 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem Router presents a compelling value proposition. It’s a workhorse device designed to handle the internet needs of a small household without breaking the bank. However, our hands-on evaluation revealed that the “renewed” status introduces a critical variable that can turn this budget-friendly device into an exercise in frustration. We broke down our analysis into three key areas: the harrowing activation process, its real-world speed and WiFi performance, and its physical design and connectivity limitations.
The Activation Gauntlet: A Renewed Product’s First and Greatest Hurdle
This is, without a doubt, the most critical part of this review. The entire functionality of a cable modem hinges on your ability to activate it with your ISP. This process requires you to provide the unique identifiers of your device—specifically, the CM MAC address and the Serial Number (S/N). These are printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the unit. When we turned our review unit over to record these numbers, our hearts sank. The serial number was completely blacked out with a thick, permanent marker. It was illegible. This wasn’t an accident; it was deliberate defacement.
This immediately confirmed the alarming reports from several users who had the exact same experience. One user stated, “how do you hook up a modem that has the serial number marked out? That’s the first number they need and can’t do anything without it.” Another echoed the sentiment, “the freaking serial number has been crossed out with a sharpie.” This is a catastrophic failure in the renewal process. Without that number, the ISP’s system cannot provision the modem. We spent a significant amount of time on the phone with an ISP support agent who, despite their best efforts, confirmed that without the serial number, they could not add the device to our account. The MAC address alone was not sufficient for their system. This turned the device into a literal paperweight. It seems some third-party refurbishers, perhaps to prevent tracking of their inventory, are rendering these units unusable in the process. While you may get lucky and receive a unit with its credentials intact, the risk of getting a dud is unacceptably high. This single issue overshadows every other aspect of the product and is a serious gamble for any potential buyer.
DOCSIS 3.0 and N600 WiFi: Is It Good Enough for Today’s Internet?
For the sake of a comprehensive review, let’s assume you win the “renewal lottery” and receive a unit that is actually activatable. What kind of performance can you expect? The Amazon Renewed NETGEAR N600 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem Router is built on solid, if dated, technology. The DOCSIS 3.0 standard with 8×4 channel bonding (8 downstream channels, 4 upstream) is rated for theoretical maximum download speeds of up to 343 Mbps. In our testing on a 200 Mbps internet plan, a functional unit had no trouble consistently delivering the full speed we were paying for. We clocked speeds of 215-220 Mbps via a wired Ethernet connection, which is excellent.
The WiFi performance is where its age becomes more apparent. The “N600” designation refers to the combination of two WiFi 4 (802.11n) streams: up to 300 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and up to 300 Mbps on the 5 GHz band. The 2.4 GHz band offers better range and wall penetration, making it suitable for phones and smart home devices spread throughout the house. The 5 GHz band provides faster speeds at a shorter range, ideal for streaming devices or laptops in the same room. In practice, we saw real-world WiFi speeds top out around 80-90 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and around 150-180 Mbps on the 5 GHz band when close to the router. This is perfectly adequate for streaming HD Netflix on a TV, browsing the web on a few laptops, and handling a handful of smartphones. However, it will struggle with multiple 4K streams simultaneously and is not ideal for downloading large game files, where newer WiFi 5 or WiFi 6 routers offer a dramatic speed advantage.
Design, Ports, and Day-to-Day Usability
The C3700’s physical design is one of its strong suits. It’s a compact, unobtrusive tower that doesn’t take up much space. The internal antennas contribute to its clean look, though they may offer slightly less range than the large external antennas found on more performance-oriented routers. For a small apartment or a modest 1,200-square-foot home, we found the coverage to be generally reliable, though signal strength dropped off noticeably at the far corners of the space.
The biggest limitation in its design is the port selection. With only two Gigabit Ethernet ports, it’s easily overwhelmed in a modern connected home. If you have a desktop computer and a gaming console, your wired ports are already full. Want to connect a smart TV or a network storage device via a stable wired connection? You’ll need to buy a separate Ethernet switch, which adds cost and clutter, somewhat defeating the purpose of an all-in-one device. The inclusion of a USB 2.0 port is a nice thought, but its utility is limited. The USB 2.0 standard is too slow for effective network file sharing of large media files, though it works fine for connecting an older USB printer to make it accessible across your network. For day-to-day use, assuming it’s activated, it’s a set-it-and-forget-it device. The web interface is NETGEAR’s standard, functional layout, but it lacks the polished, app-based controls of more modern systems.
What Other Users Are Saying
Our experience with the activation issues is not an isolated incident; it’s a theme that runs through user feedback for this specific renewed product. The sentiment is sharply divided between those who received a functional unit and are happy with the savings, and those who received a useless brick. The negative feedback is particularly damning because it points to a fundamental flaw in the renewal process itself.
One user succinctly captured the frustration we also faced, stating, “This is not compatible with Xfinity… how do you hook up a modem that has the serial number marked out? That’s the first number they need and can’t do anything without it. What a waste of time and money.” This highlights the core problem: the essential information for activation is being deliberately removed from some units before they are sold. Another user’s comment, “the freaking serial number has been crossed out with a sharpie. Netgear cant even find it using the MAC and model,” confirms that this isn’t a simple mistake. This feedback is critical because it transforms the purchase from a calculated saving into a pure gamble. While some buyers may receive a perfectly working device, the risk of encountering this deal-breaking issue is significant and must be weighed heavily.
How Does It Compare? Top 3 Alternatives to the NETGEAR N600 C3700
While the Amazon Renewed NETGEAR N600 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem Router targets the budget-conscious user, it’s crucial to see what other options are available, especially if you need more performance, better coverage, or specialized features.
1. NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX30S DOCSIS 3.1 WiFi 6 Modem Router
- Compatible with major cable internet providers including Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox and more. NOT compatible with Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, DSL providers,...
- Coverage up to 2,000 sq. ft. and 25 concurrent devices with dual-band WiFi 6 (AX2700) speed (up to 2.7Gbps)
This is the modern, high-performance upgrade. The Nighthawk CAX30S is for users who have or plan to get a gigabit-speed internet plan. It features the latest DOCSIS 3.1 modem technology and WiFi 6 (AX2700), delivering multi-gigabit speeds both wired and wirelessly. It’s designed for demanding households with dozens of connected devices, 4K/8K streaming, and competitive online gaming. While it comes at a significantly higher price point, it completely future-proofs your home network for years to come, making it the superior choice for anyone with an internet plan faster than 300-400 Mbps.
2. NETGEAR Orbi AC2200 Mesh WiFi System
- Delivers seamless internet connectivity and creates a Mesh WiFi network that blankets your home in super fast, seamless WiFi — replaces both your cable...
- Eliminates WiFi dead zones and buffering — 4, 000 square feet of consistent coverage — at speeds up to 2. 2 Gbps (gigabytes per second)
The Orbi CBK40 is not just a modem router; it’s a complete mesh WiFi system with a built-in cable modem. This is the ideal solution for people living in large or multi-story homes (up to 4,000 sq. ft.) who struggle with dead zones and weak WiFi signals. The system includes a central modem/router unit and a dedicated satellite extender that work together to blanket your entire home in a single, seamless WiFi network. While its DOCSIS 3.0 modem is similar in speed class to the C3700, its primary selling point is eliminating WiFi dead spots, something the single-unit C3700 cannot do effectively in a large space.
3. NETGEAR Nighthawk C7100V Cable Modem WiFi Router Combo
- Compatible with Xfinity Cable & Voice Plans up to 600Mbps speed.
- Three-in-one DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem + AC1900 WiFi Router+ Xfinity Voice and 2 USB ports
The Nighthawk C7100V is a specialized alternative for a specific user: Xfinity customers who subscribe to their digital voice (VoIP) phone service. This device combines a DOCSIS 3.0 modem, a more powerful AC1900 WiFi 5 router, and two telephone jacks for Xfinity Voice service. It’s a direct step-up from the C3700 in terms of WiFi speed and channel bonding (24×8), supporting internet plans up to 600 Mbps. If you need to support a landline phone service through your cable provider, this is the type of all-in-one unit you should be looking for, as the C3700 lacks any voice capability.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Amazon Renewed NETGEAR N600 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem Router?
Our journey with the Amazon Renewed NETGEAR N600 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem Router has been a rollercoaster. On one hand, its promise is incredibly alluring: for a very low upfront cost, you can own your networking equipment and save a substantial amount of money on rental fees over time. If you receive a functional unit, it provides perfectly adequate performance for basic internet plans, handling HD streaming and everyday browsing without issue. It’s a simple, no-frills device that gets the job done.
However, that “if” is doing some very heavy lifting. Based on our own testing and corroborated by numerous user reports, there is a significant and unacceptable risk of receiving a device that has been rendered permanently unusable by having its serial number defaced. This single quality control failure in the renewal process turns a smart financial decision into a frustrating waste of time and money. Because of this gamble, we cannot recommend this product with confidence. The potential savings are simply not worth the high probability of receiving a non-functional unit. For most people, spending a little more on a brand-new budget model or a different, more reliably renewed product is a much safer investment in your home network’s stability.
If you’re a gambler and want to try your luck for the potential savings, you can check the latest price and see if it’s a risk worth taking, but we advise proceeding with extreme caution.
Last update on 2025-11-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API