Buying guide for best Ethernet cables
Wi-Fi is the most common way to access the internet since it allows you to do so without a wired connection. However, a wired connection is generally faster and more stable than a wireless signal and is always preferable if the logistics are in place.
The average internet user may not notice the difference between a wired and wireless connection, provided the wireless signal is strong, but those who use a lot of bandwidth will. A wired connection is the way to go if you’re a hardcore gamer, want to stream high-definition content or upload and download large files.
An Ethernet cable is necessary for a wired internet connection and plugs directly into a modem, router, or other internet access point. They’re relatively cheap, but there are several variations and crucial considerations, such as speed capabilities and length. We researched Ethernet cables and found the Orbram Cat 8 Ethernet Cable to be the best. It’s 6 feet long, durable and offers fast internet speeds for HD streaming and gaming. But there a many capable Ethernet cables out there to get the job done for users with varied needs.
Our list: The best Ethernet cables
We love this 6-foot Ethernet cable for its high-quality design, which features four shielded, foiled pairs of copper wires with gold-plated RJ45 connectors on each end. That gives it superior protection from external interference and makes it highly durable. It offers speeds of up to 40 gigabits per second and high bandwidth of up to 2,000 megahertz, and the braided nylon design prevents tangling.
It isn’t the fastest or most durable Ethernet cable, but the Amazon Basics Cat 6 Ethernet Cable is an excellent bargain pick as you’ll get five cables for a low price. Each cable is 5 feet long, has gold-plated connectors for improved corrosion resistance and offers speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second, which is fine for the average internet user.
This is a solid mid-tier Ethernet cable and also one of the cheapest since you can get one for as little as $7. It supports speeds of up to 10 megabits per second and a bandwidth of up to 600 megahertz. The flat, flexible design makes it suitable for threading underneath doors, carpets or windows, and the shielding provides additional protection from signal noise and interference.
Those who need a long Ethernet cable will not be disappointed with this durable cable. It’s 100 feet long, making it perfect for connecting a TV in your backyard or a device on another floor to a router, and it supports a bandwidth of up to 250 megahertz and speeds up to 1 gigabit per second. Plus, the flat design helps prevent tangling.
This cable is considerably more expensive than our other favorites at $20-$26. However, if you don’t mind dishing out the money, you’ll get a high-quality cable built to last thanks to its dual-shielded gold-plated connectors on both ends. It has a water-resistant, heavy-duty construction for superior durability and supports speeds of up to 40 gigabits per second.
Those who want a cheap Cat 8 Ethernet cable with a durable construction will love this cable from SnowKids. You can get this cable for $12, and it’s an absolute steal considering that it supports ultra-high speeds of up to 40 gigabits per second and bandwidth of up to 2,000 megahertz. The braided nylon design gives it increased flexibility, and the 15-foot length makes it one of the most versatile Ethernet cables available.
This is another of our favorite extra-long Ethernet cables. It’s a 100-foot cable offering decent internet speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second, and the shielded design provides increased protection from cross-talk and helps prevent signal loss. Also, the flat design makes it easy to install beneath carpets.
What to consider before buying an Ethernet cable
Usage
Ethernet cables connect devices that handle many tasks, such as transferring data between servers in different locations. In the home, they’re most commonly used to connect Wi-Fi routers to internet routers or gateways, connect a PC to a printer and network multiple devices directly through a wired rather than wireless configuration.
Cat rating
A Cat rating shows the bandwidth and data transmission speed an Ethernet cable is capable of, with a higher number indicating support for faster speeds. It’s worth noting that Ethernet cables below Cat 6 have essentially been phased out.
- Cat 6 can handle data transmission up to 1 gigabit per second, with a bandwidth capacity of 250 megahertz.
- Cat 6a, the current workhorse for office networking, offers speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second and 500 megahertz.
- Cat 7 and 7a were developed with bandwidth in mind. While both 7 and 7a ratings have data transmission speeds of 10 gigabits per second, they boast bandwidth capacities of 600 megahertz and 1,000 megahertz, respectively.
- Cat 8 supports up to 40 gigabits per second and is best for hardcore gaming and streaming 4K content.
Internet speed
Most homes have access to internet speeds of 1 Gbps or less. Internet speed and bandwidth put the largest workload on Ethernet cables, so you want to ensure the cable connecting your gateway and router is equipped to support that speed.
Wired vs. wireless
Users who are reluctant to connect their devices via Wi-Fi can use an Ethernet cable to connect many of them. While USB connectors are rapidly replacing Ethernet cables in direct-connect scenarios, these cables still play a role when building a wired home network. That’s because they provide faster data transmission than USB cables over longer distances.
Cable length
Ethernet cables are available in many lengths, such as 2, 4, 6 and 8 feet. Measure the distance between the devices you plan to connect and choose a cable long enough to meet that distance plus a little slack. For example, if the measured length is 3.6 feet, a 4-foot cord is ideal. If you’re building a network for your home or office, longer cables are available. However, data speeds and performance drop dramatically in Ethernet cables longer than 100 feet.
Ethernet cable features
Backward compatibility
All Ethernet cables can be used interchangeably regardless of their Cat rating. If a Cat 6a cable fails and all you have on hand is a Cat 5e, that should be fine for short-term connectivity. The performance will drop, but you’ll still have a network connection.
Shielded vs. unshielded
Cat 6 and 6a can be found with unshielded or shielded options. For shorter connections, an unshielded Ethernet cable is okay, and it can save you money, but for longer cable runs, shielded or twisted pair cable is recommended because it reduces or prevents electromagnetic interference from affecting the cable’s performance.
RJ45 connectors
Ethernet cables have excellent backward compatibility because they almost all use the same connector at both ends. This RJ45 is an eight-pin plug, and all Ethernet-ready devices have an RJ45 port that the cable can be plugged into. The exceptions are Cat 7 and higher cables, which use a GG45 connector, but this plug is backward compatible with RJ45 jacks.
Tips
- Tuck cables out of sight. Not only does it prevent a tripping hazard, but it also protects the cable from damage from sunlight.
- Stick with the correct Cat rating. Ethernet cables with a rating of Cat 6 or higher can handle today’s gigabit data speeds.
- Replace older cables. When handling high-bandwidth rates, a Cat 5 cable could deteriorate faster due to heat issues.
- Don’t use a frayed Ethernet cable. While electric shock or fire probably isn’t an issue, performance degrades dramatically if the exterior insulation is damaged.
- Change the cable to fix connection issues. If you can’t surf even though the router is working, swap the Ethernet cable for a new one to see if that fixes the problem.
FAQ
Q. How much does an Ethernet cable cost?
A. The price of these cables varies depending on the Cat rating and length. Cat 6 cables are the most economical choice, running between $3 and $10 for sizes up to 8 feet. For $10 to $15, you can find Cat 6a and 7 cables in varying lengths from a few feet of shielded cable to several feet of unshielded. Heavy-duty, high-performance 7a and 8 shielded cables are in the $12 to $30 range.
Q. How do I shorten an Ethernet cable?
A. Crimping and splicing tools are available at electronics supply stores. They’re a good choice if you’re setting up a wired home network with various distances between connection points or devices. Measure the cable length you need, cut it, expose half an inch of internal wiring, and use the splicing tool to attach the wiring to an RJ45 Ethernet plug in the correct order.
Q. Do all Ethernet cables fit the same?
A. all Ethernet cables use RJ45 plugs that fit the corresponding Ethernet ports in devices with Ethernet capability. The distinctive square ports are easy to identify, and unlike USB plugs, you won’t waste time trying to figure out which end is up because there’s a small plastic clip on the bottom of each plug that helps hold the connector in the jack.
Q. How do I know what type of Ethernet cable I have?
A. If you’ve lost the packaging, look at the cable itself, as the Cat rating is printed along the exterior of the cable every few inches. It’s a standard feature on Ethernet cables so that network engineers can quickly identify the type of cable they’re using.
Q. Is Ethernet faster than Wi-Fi?
A. Yes. However, Ethernet cables plugged into a Wi-Fi router will only work at the same speed as the router. They can’t go any faster, but another option is to connect the cable to the internet gateway if it’s a separate component from the router, which might slightly increase the download and upload speeds. Essentially, your speed is limited by the bandwidth you subscribed to from your internet provider and the capabilities of the gateway and router setup you’re using, not the Ethernet cable.
Q. Do Ethernet cables go bad?
A. Yes. Ethernet cables can last several years but can fail for several reasons. Water damage, excessive exposure to sunlight, excessive heat and other extreme conditions will break down the insulation or cause a fault in the cabling.
