How to Get the Best Cable Modem: Buy or Rent From Your ISP?

You may be able to save money and get faster speeds by buying a cable modem instead of renting one from your ISP. Here's what you need to know.

If you have cable internet, you probably rent your modem from your internet service provider for a monthly fee—usually between $5 and $10 a month—on top of your internet plan. But many ISPs actually allow you to buy your own modem and avoid those …