It all depends on your needs. Do you need just a cable modem? Do you need a combo cable modem and router? Do you want wireless, or wired connections, or both?
There isn't a single "best" cable modem on the market, as everyone's opinion of "best" is different. That's like asking "what's the best ball point pen?" -- EVERYone will have a different answer.
I have a Arris CM450 modem I got from the cable company they'll charge to replace it they say it is my router but the power light goes out at times. I also have a Belkin F5D8231-4 router.
Most cable-based ISP's use DOCSIS 2.0 standard modems. Any modem that meets to the DOCSIS 2.0 standard should work fine. You just have to register its MAC address with your ISP.