If the internet is the lifeblood of your connected lifestyle, your modem is the heart that keeps it pumping—which makes your modem's compatibility with your broadband service crucial. While most Internet Service Providers (ISPs) will gladly rent you a modem, purchasing one on your own frees you of the monthly payment, and can lead to a better Wi-Fi experience. Not all modems are created equally—to avoid compatibility hiccups, you’ll want a modem that conforms to modern standards, such as DOCSIS® 3.1. This means that your new modem is ready to play nice with most cable providers like Spectrum, Xfinity, Cox and others.