ARRIS
ARRIS SURFboard S33
$169.95
Best Cable Modems · head-to-head
ARRIS SURFboard S33 vs Motorola B12
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Motorola B12 is cheaper at $130.95. Every spec and price links to its source.
Motorola
Motorola B12
$130.95Cheaper
Which is better: the ARRIS SURFboard S33 or Motorola B12?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Motorola B12 is the cheaper at $130.95.
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Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | ARRIS SURFboard S33 | Motorola B12 |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $169.95 | $130.95 |
| Brand | ARRIS | Motorola |
| Released | — | — |
| Docsis version | 3.1 | 3.1 |
| Max download (Gbps) | 2.5 | 2.5 |
| Max upload (Gbps) | — | — |
| Channel bonding | 32x8 | 32x8 |
| Ofdm channels | 2x2 | 2x2 |
| Ethernet ports | 2 | 1 |
| Max ethernet speed (Gbps) | 2.5 | 2.5 |
| Link aggregation | — | No |
| Mid split support | — | Yes |
| Active queue management | — | Yes |
| Weight grams | — | — |
Sources — ARRIS SURFboard S33: surfboard.com (verified 2026-07-11). Motorola B12: en-us.support.motorola.com (verified 2026-07-11).
What's the difference between the ARRIS SURFboard S33 and Motorola B12?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (1 of 11). Matching specs are omitted.
- Ethernet ports: ARRIS SURFboard S33 2 vs Motorola B12 1
What reviewers say
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
ARRIS SURFboard S33
Two whitelisted outlets cover the S33. Wirecutter (research-based, not bench-tested) names it their top cable modem pick as of June 2026, while Tom's Guide (hands-on) calls it an excellent former top pick now succeeded by the newer S34. Both praise its 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port, DOCSIS 3.1 future-proofing, and compact design. Neither published S33-specific benchmark numbers. The two split on price, and Wirecutter alone flags heat. (2 sourced reviews, 1 lab-tested.)
Praised: Recommended as the best (Wirecutter) or former top (Tom's Guide) cable modem pick; 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port suited to gigabit and multi-gig plans up to 2.5 Gbps; Future-proof DOCSIS 3.1 expected to stay usable for years.
Flagged: Runs a little hot; overheating remains a concern per owner reports; Among the more expensive cable modems; Mediacom compatibility not officially listed; call to confirm.
Motorola B12
Only one whitelisted tester, Tom's Guide, covers the Motorola B12, and only as a design-first roundup pick (Best for simplicity), not a benchmarked review; no lab speed numbers were published for this model. It is praised for a uniquely compact, decor-friendly build, a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port, the MotoSync app and a two-year warranty, but flagged for a single status LED and ISP setup friction. (1 sourced review.)
Praised: Uniquely compact, decor-friendly design that hides in plain sight; 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port for multi-gig cable plans; Easy setup and management via the MotoSync app.
Flagged: Only a single status indicator light; Setup issues reported with some ISPs.