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Best Ethernet Cable for Gaming
Why should you buy the best ethernet cable for gaming?
Are you a severe online gamer who needs a seamless internet connection without interruption or a content creator who frequently works with large files? Then it would help if you had a fast and stable internet connection that only quality network devices and ethernet cables can offer.
Anyway, if you are a gamer, I recommend relying on a wired connection to a router because Wireless isn’t an option. However, consider purchasing a good WiFi gaming router if you cannot establish a wired connection for some reason.
As for the wired connection, today, you can find a rich offer of quality and reliable ethernet cables. It’s not easy to choose a suitable ethernet cable if you don’t have experience. First, familiarize yourself with the basic Ethernet terms in this guide.
Let’s take a look at the five best Ethernet cables for gaming:
Picture | Name | Details | Price |
Mediabridge Ethernet Cable | CAT 610 Gbps / 550 MHzGold Plated ContactsVelcro Strap Included3ft, 5ft, 7ft, 10ft, 15ft, 25ft, 50ft, 100ft | Check Price | |
Cable Matters 5-Color Combo | CAT 610 Gbps / 550 MHzGold Plated Contacts5-Color Combo Short1ft, 3ft, 5ft, 7ft, 10ft, 14ft | Check Price | |
Jadaol Ethernet Cable | CAT 710 Gbps / 600 MHzGold Plated ContactsFlat cable shape 25ft, 50ft, 100ft | Check Price | |
Vandesail Ethernet Cable | CAT 710 Gbps / 1000 MHzGold Plated ContactsFlat cable shape 3ft, 6.5ft, 10ft, 15ft, 33ft, 50ft | Check Price | |
Dacrown Ethernet Cable | CAT 840 Gbps / 2000 MHzGold Plated ContactsPets friendly1.5ft, 3ft, 5ft, 10ft, 15ft, 20ft, 30 ft, 50 ft, 75 ft, 100ft, 150 ft | Check Price |
Prerequisites for buying the best Ethernet gaming cable
Before you start shopping, look at the following requirements at home: internet speed and your ethernet device’s maximum speed.
Answer this question:
- What’s the maximum speed of the router on its ports output to LAN?
- What’s the top speed of the switch ports, if you have one, between the router and network card (NIC)?
- And last but not least, what’s the maximum speed of the NIC on your computer?
Examine all of the above to get an idea of the speed of the Ethernet cable. Also, read the FAQ at the end of this text to find helpful information.
What should you look for when purchasing an Ethernet gaming cable?
Cable length plays a vital role because it does matter if the cable is 100 ft, 50 ft, or 15 ft long. If you are closer to your router, you need a shorter cable that will not break or bend and achieve maximum projected performance. If you are further from the router, you need to take a longer cable or set the switch as an intermediary.
Bandwidth and speed are also essential features of an Ethernet cable. The cable must be at least Cat 6 to support speeds greater than 1 Gbps. The quality of the cable is also essential; it must be solid and wear-resistant. Last but not least are the connectors RJ45 at the ends of the Ethernet cable. They must withstand frequent removal and insertion with minimum wear and tear.
1. Mediabridge Ethernet Cable Cat 6 (50ft)
Pros
- Can support up to 10 Gbps
- Adjustable velcro strap
- Gold plated connectors
- The bandwidth is 550 MHz
- Price
Cons
- Material quality can be better
At the top of the list is a good and affordable MediaBridge Ethernet cable that will provide you with uninterrupted gaming sessions. It’s well made and supports Cat 5, 5e, and 6 standards. Thanks to the length of 50 ft (15.2 m), it will not be a problem to connect a computer to a router or a switch. The accessory is a cable strip with which you can easily organize the excess cable.
This cable supports speeds of up to 10 Gbps at frequencies up to 550 Mhz, so the limit can only be on your network devices. Of course, the cable is backward compatible to work without problems at lower speeds of 1 Gbps.
The RJ45 connector has gold-plated contacts, which ensures excellent conductivity and the elimination of corrosion in wet conditions. Around the RJ45 connector is a PVC jacket that reduces wear and tear. The MediaBridge Ethernet cable is more durable and reliable, so choosing it will keep you quiet for a long time.
2. Cable Matters 5-Color Combo Short Cat 6 Ethernet Cable
Pros
- Cat 6
- 10 Gbps / 550 MHz
- Gold plated connectors
- 5-Color Combo Short
- Price
Cons
- Connector pins are sensitive to bending
Behind this name lies an exciting offer that includes five shorter-length ethernet cables in different colors. Cable Matters come in red, black, blue, green, and white, and since they are relatively short, they are ideal if you have a gaming server at home or work. You can also use them for other purposes, depending on your needs.
Different colors come in handy to allow you to manage and identify cables quickly. When buying, you can choose the following five same lengths: 1 ft (0.3 m), 3ft (0.9 m), 5ft (1.5 m), 7ft (2.1 m), 10ft (3 m), and 14ft (4.2 m). Cable Matters are Cat 6 cables and come with RJ45 gold-plated contacts. There are no problems when connecting or disconnecting.
I point out that the pins on the connectors are prone to bending, so be careful if you remove these cables often. If you need a pair of short Ethernet cables, you won’t go wrong with the Cable Matters. Multicolored Ethernet cables are of excellent quality, and the only limitation may be that you can’t get them in a longer length (max 14 ft).
3. Jadaol Cat 7 Ethernet Cable
Pros
- Cat 7
- 10 Gbps / 600 MHz
- Gold plated connectors
- Flat cable shape
- Little to no wear and tear
Cons
- The release mechanism of RJ45 is not seamless
- A bit pricey
If you are a gamer with style, definitely have this Jadaol Ethernet cable on your radar. The Cat 7 standard supports high data rates of 10 Gbps with a frequency of 600 MHz.
The cable itself is excellent, with a design impervious to external interference. At the same time, its flat construction allows for a small risk that you can physically damage it. You can choose the length from 25 ft (7.6 m), 50 ft (15 m.2), and 100 ft (30.5 m), which means that the router doesn’t have to be close to you, and thanks to its flat design, it is easy to slip under carpets and doors.
So, choose a longer cable of this type if your router or switch is in another room. If you don’t like elegant white, you can also select black. And this cable comes with gold-plated contacts on RJ45 connectors, so there will be no problems with contact reliability and corrosion resistance. In terms of connectivity and signal quality, everything is according to the specifications for this type of cable.
The only thing that can deter you from buying is a slightly higher price than competitors with Cat 6 cables. Still, I think the advantage is on the side of this sleek cable.
4. Vandesail Cat 7 Ethernet Cable
Pros
- Cat 7
- 10 Gbps / 1000 MHz
- Gold plated connectors
- Flat cable shape
- Little to no wear and tear
Cons
- They aren’t the most extended cables
The second Cat 7 Ethernet cable on this list comes from Vandesail. Like Jadaol, the cable is thin and flat, making it highly suitable for easy installation. Thanks to its design, you can place it under the carpet so it’s not visible and under the door where it will not deform. It’s adorned with all the features of quality Cat 7 cables with 10 Gbps data speed and a significant bandwidth of 1000 MHz.
Inside the cable are four sets of twisted pairs of wires protected with foil to eliminate any external interference. At the ends are shielded RJ45 connectors coated with copper. The contacts on the connector are also gold-plated, so that you won’t have corrosion problems in high humidity conditions.
The cable is high quality, you can buy it in black or white, and the manufacturer gives a lifetime warranty which means you are safe in the long run. You can choose the following lengths: 3 ft (0.9 m), 6.5 ft (2 m), 10 ft (3 m), 15 ft (4.5 m), 33 ft (10 m), and 50 ft (15.2 m). The Vandesail Cat 7 is affordable for high-quality Ethernet cables.
The only drawback I see is the offer of lengths up to 50 feet. This cable backward is compatible with older standards Cat 5, Cat 5e, Cat 6, and Cat 6a. The Vandesail Cat 7 Ethernet cable, due to its shape and relatively good length, is ideal for gaming by connecting directly to a router, modem, and other devices that can reach its full potential.
You won’t go wrong with a Vandesail Cat 7 Ethernet cable but look at the other cables on the list if you need more than 50ft (15.2 m).
5. Dacrown Cat 8 Ethernet Cable
Pros
- Cat 8
- 40 Gbps / 2000 MHz
- Gold plated connectors
- Pets friendly
- It comes in multiple lengths
- High-quality cable
Cons
- Price
The Dacrown brand offers the last word when it comes to Ethernet cables. Category 8 cables are the latest cables you can find on the market and provide exceptional speeds from 25 Gbps to 40 Gbps with a frequency of 2000 MHz.
Dacrown Cat 8 Ethernet cable has strict regulations regarding; protection against interference, corrosion, water resistance, and aging. The cable can withstand pets’ bites, but it will also be buried underground to continue to work efficiently. Therefore, they are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. The gold-plated contacts on the RJ45 connector resist oxidation and will not start to rust even after a long time.
Dacrown Cat 8 Ethernet cables are available in various lengths ranging from 1.5 ft (0.45 m) to 150 ft (45.7 m). Of course, like the previous cables from the list, this one is backward compatible with previous standards (Cat5, Cat5e, Cat6, Cat 6a, and Cat 7).
Great cable, but you have to match other devices for their full potential, especially the router and the NIC. In addition, only the price can deter you from buying because the cheaper cables from this list also offer excellent performance.
Best Ethernet Cables for gaming FAQ
Which Ethernet cable should I choose for gaming?
Any cable from the list will satisfy the appetites of serious players or demanding users, but keep in mind that it’s not just about excellent cable. Other network devices at home or work must keep up with speed you expect from an Ethernet cable. Choose a longer cable because it’s easier to manipulate. Also, choose a cable design to fit your home or business environment so you have no problems installing and maintaining it.
Is Wireless better for gaming?
You can use Wireless in a home variant for light entertainment. Serious gamers will not allow themselves to disconnect, delay, and slow down but choose a wired connection with a quality Ethernet cable.
Should I choose only the Cat 8 cable?
A suitable Ethernet cable will allow you to game fluently without stopping or delaying. The Cat 8 cable is a great cable that supports speeds of up to 40 Gbps with a fantastic bandwidth of 2000 MHz. So for gaming, there’s no faster than this. The problem is whether your other network devices are ready to parry this cable or there will be a bottleneck. Check the speed of your network devices (router, modem, switch, network card) before purchasing a Cat 8 Ethernet cable.
Will it work on my slower network if I buy a Cat 7 or Cat 8 cable?
Of course, it will work in all networks because these speedy Ethernet cables are backward compatible with all older network standards. For example, if you have a Cat 5e cable and replace it with a Cat 8, the network will generally work but at a slower cable speed. However, your connection will be more reliable, stable, and even faster than the Cat 5 because the Cat 8 cable is better insulated against external interference.
Conclusion
As you can see from the guide, it will not be difficult for you to find the best Ethernet gaming cable if you are ignorant or undecided on what to choose. You need to consider five options and decide which cable works best for you according to your needs and network devices.
You can choose Ethernet gaming cables from the list according to the speed, bandwidth, cable shape, color, length, and, last but not least – the price. These Ethernet cables are backward compatible, so they will work on your old network if you replace old Cat 5 or Cat 5e cables.
You can even feel the speed shift in your existing network because a quality Cat 7 or Cat 8 Ethernet cable reduces signal loss due to the elimination of interference. Fast ethernet cables are suitable for gaming computers and PS4, Xbox consoles, TVs, etc.
Anyway, if you have any additional questions or suggestions, don’t hesitate to leave a comment.