7 Top Picks
4 Reviewers
70+ Hours of Research
31 Options Considered
If you are working with computers and the internet then you are almost certainly familiar with ethernet cables also known as networking cables. In fact, there is a good chance you already have one - maybe an out dated CAT-5 that was considered the top option a few years ago, but now you need a more modern option.
Buying an ethernet cable isn't as easy as it used to be, with more brands competing and with them getting more advanced. Rather than CAT-5e being top of the line you now have other options such as Cat-5, Cat-6A, CAT-7 and now even CAT-8. In addition, there are ethernet cable accessories you can use such as getting the best ethernet splitter and connect several devices at the same time to make the most of the top internet provider service you are paying for.
Whatever your purpose, perhaps some at home networking or possibly work-related computer setup, if you are working with physical machines then you probably want to know what the best ethernet cable for your particular situation is. If that is the case, then relax, I’ve got you covered. Even for console gaming or top laptops under 2000 bucks, these ethernet cables will be perfect as long as you also pick the best ethernet adapter for Switch or other consoles.
7 Top Ethernet Cables
[Best Overall]
These ethernet cables from DBillionDa Direct use the new Cat 8 standard which is extremely high speed. They come in a large variety of lengths from 6 feet to 100 feet and are even weatherproofed for use outdoors.
4.9/5
[Best for the Money]
This Cat 7 ethernet cable from Jadaol is a cheaper alternative to the previous entry. It should perform equally as well with the added benefit of having a very unique design.
4.8/5
[Best for Max Bandwidth]
The AmazonBasics RJ45 Cat6 Ethernet Patch Internet cable is a Cat 6 type which means that it supports up to 1 Gigabit per second and high-bandwidth broadband communications which will be very noticeable when comparing cat5 vs cat6 cable types.
4.7/5
This cable appears to come in only a 15-foot variety though I know that Mediabridge does sell Cat 6 ethernet cables of different lengths.
It supports both Cat6 and Cat5e applications.
4.7/5
This 24-inch monitor from BenQ is a flat LED with an IPS panel type. It uses a proprietary eye care technology that is supposed to reduce blue light and flickering.
4.6/5
Being a really excellent cable, the Cat 6 Cable Matters comes in a variety of lengths from 1 foot to 150 feet and is both flexible and durable. It has everything you could need in a Cat 6 Ethernet cable, but the longer you get the less reliable it is.
4.5/5
These ethernet cables come with a Velcro strap attached to help with cable management and the packaging is extremely convenient. It keeps the cables rolled and snuggly secured while also providing a transparent window on the outside so that you can see your cable.
4.4/5
What to Look for When Buying an Ethernet Cable (AKA Internet Cord AKA Networking Cable)
To know what the best ethernet cable for you is you will have to know the specifics of what the cable is intended for. The type of network cable you will need is mostly determined by the speed of the internet you are using.
There isn't much point in paying for high-speed internet if all you have to work with are Cat 3 cables. On the other hand, it would most likely be a waste to purchase a high-speed ethernet cord if you aren't going to use a higher speed of internet to match it and take advantage of its full potential.
Category and Compatibility
The more common kind of best ethernet cable is Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cables because they are less expensive and easier to work with than their shielded counterparts. UTP cables come in a variety of types but the ones you will most likely be seeing are Cat 5 through 8.
One of the more important things to remember is that a UTP cable can be substituted for a category below it but a lower one cannot be substituted for a higher one. For instance, you could use a Cat 6 in place of a Cat 5 but you could not use a Cat 5 or 6 in place of a Cat 8.
Best Ethernet Cable Reviews
[Fastest Ethernet Cable Overall - Must Have for Gaming]
1. DBillionDa Direct CAT8 Gaming Ethernet Cable
4.9/5
These gigabit ethernet cables from DBillionDa Direct use the new Cat 8 is the fastest ethernet cable available. It come in a large variety of lengths from 6 feet to 100 feet and are even weatherproofed for use outdoors. Cat 8 type cables are very powerful with a bandwidth of 2,000 MHz and the ability to transmit data up to 40 Gigabits per second, letting you take full advantage of the max bandwidth given to you by your internet provider with this high speed ethernet cable. Most people don't need the raw speed & power of this ethernet cable, but gamers, content producers, and anyone who uploads large amounts of data will be amazed by this ethernet cable.
It uses RJ45 connectors like the ones that have come before it. The connectors are plated in gold which, while not affecting performance in any way, is very stylish and will help differentiate it from other cables you may have.
The entire cable is very resistant to EMI and, because it is Cat 8, the cable is very versatile, being capable of replacing any of the other Ethernet cables for whatever purpose you see fit which means you will no longer have to worry about things like cat6 vs cat7 or any other cable comparisons.
Overall, these ethernet cables are extremely versatile and perform at the highest of quality so they should suit any needs that you could have for an ethernet cable.
The only downside to these ethernet cables is their price, which is higher than the others on this list, but it is too be expected when looking at such a large jump in quality and is well worth the price if you can afford it. It's the top one for gaming, and also the #1 option for PS4.
DBillionDa Direct CAT8 Gaming Ethernet Cable Pros
DBillionDa Direct CAT8 Gaming Ethernet Cable Cons
[Best for the Money]
2. Jadaol Cat 7 Flat Ethernet Cable
4.8/5
As for cheaper alternative to the previous choice this Cat 7 Ethernet Cable from Jadaol is a great, more stable alternative to wi-fi. It should perform equally as well with the added benefit of having a very unique design. These are flat ethernet cables, which means that they can be made flush with a wall or even be hidden under a carpet, making this design very convenient and it should make your ethernet cable wiring much easier.
Our chief reviewer Lawrence loved it so much he filmed a video for it:
Jadaol has clearly thought of user convenience with this cable as they also provide 15 cable clips to go with each cable.
The clips are provided to help you with cable management and are excellent to use when running this cable along a wall or around corners like doorways, which some ethernet cables have issues with.
This networking cable from Jadaol is durable despite being extremely thin and has no performance issues.
It comes at 50 ft with no variability so it may be too much for your purpose but it is well within the 100-meter limit so there should not be much if any delay and it uses RJ45 connectors with the usual 250 MHz bandwidth.
The only problem I’ve ever had with these is that they come in a roll which causes the center to be stuck in that shape. Fortunately, it is possible to straighten it out with minimal stress on the cable and after that, there should be no further problems.
Jadaol Cat 7 Flat Ethernet Cable Pros
Jadaol Cat 7 Flat Ethernet Cable Cons
[Best for Max Bandwidth]
3. AmazonBasics Ethernet Patch Cable
4.7/5
As one of the best ethernet cables the AmazonBasics RJ45 Cat6 Ethernet Patch Internet cable is a great option . It is a Cat 6 type which means that it supports up to 1 Gigabit per second and high-bandwidth broadband communications which will be very noticeable when comparing cat 5 vs cat 6 cable types. It also uses RJ45 connectors which support a 250 MHz bandwidth and are the most common ethernet cable connectors which means that it shouldn’t have any compatibility issues. For faster options go with CAT 6A, CAT 6E, CAT 7, or CAT 8.
Most Cat 6 ethernet cables come with a plastic core to keep them from bending too tightly which increases durability and extends the life of your cable. It also comes in a variety of lengths ranging from 3 to 50 feet which are all well within the 100-meter limit so you should be able to get the length best suited for your purpose and eliminate as much chance for delay as possible.
This ethernet cable should support most in-home uses with high speed without needing to be replaced for a long time. In the unlikely scenario that it is damaged and does need to be replaced within the first year of you owning it there is a one-year warranty that comes with the cable. It even comes at a low price despite being a high-quality cable that provides a solid internet connection, capable of letting you take advantage of max bandwidth.
The only problem you should face with this cable is due to the plastic covering on the connectors. They occasionally interfere with the clips that lock the cable into place when interfacing with a machine. Thankfully, there is a very quick and simple solution to this which is to carefully, manually remove a bit of the excess plastic. Not a very difficult task and one that is well worth it to avoid having to pay double the price for the same cable from another vendor.
AmazonBasics Ethernet Patch Cable Pros
AmazonBasics Ethernet Patch Cable Cons
4.7/5
Standard for Cat 6 cables is also met in these Cat 6 cables from Mediabridge, which means they should be fully capable of up to 1 gigabit per second speed and can exceed it up to 10 gigabits per second in the right circumstances. They should serve as a cheap alternative if you would prefer a traditional cable over the flat design of the previous Cat 6 entry.
This cable appears to come in only a 15-foot variety though I know that Mediabridge does sell Cat 6 ethernet cables of different lengths.
For this particular one 15 foot might not be enough for your purposes, but if it is then this should perform as well as any other Cat 6 type cable for you.
There have been cases of Mediabridge delivering counterfeit cables when ordering from them, though they are usually quick to respond and replace these ethernet cables when they are brought up.
I have never had this problem happen to me but it is something to consider and one of the prices you pay when getting equipment for as low a cost as you do these.
Mediabridge Ethernet Cable (15 Feet) Pros
Mediabridge Ethernet Cable (15 Feet) Cons
As another reliable product for a fast and steady internet connection you can pick Tera Grand Ultra Flat Ethernet Cables.
You won't have the same problem of the middle being bent into a circular shape, but if you do, this sturdy networking cable can be straightened out easily.
This particular cable is rated for much higher bandwidth and speed as it is a Cat 7 instead of the previous generation of Cat 6 so if your old cable wasn't fast enough for your purposes, then this is a cheap upgrade that should serve you well.
Because it is a Cat 7 cable it is compatible with almost every situation you would need an ethernet cable for and the only comparison you will have to make is cat7 vs cat8 which shouldn’t come up very often.
Tera Grand Ultra Flat Ethernet Cable Pros
Tera Grand Ultra Flat Ethernet Cables Cons
Being a really excellent cable, the Cat 6 Cable Matters comes in a variety of lengths from 1 foot to 150 feet and is both flexible and durable.
At shorter lengths, this cable is everything you could need in a Cat 6 Ethernet cable, but the longer you get the less reliable it is.
Cable Matters Cat6 Ethernet Cable Pros
Cable Matters Cat6 Ethernet Cable Cons
This is the same Mediabridge Ethernet Cable Cat 6 rated as the previous Mediabridge ethernet solution but this one comes in variable lengths from 10 feet to 100 feet.
It has the same problems originally mentioned in the other Mediabridge entry but it is certified for use at 100 feet while maintaining its 10 gigabits per second speed which is not always guaranteed with network cables this inexpensive.
These ethernet cables come with a Velcro strap attached to help with cable management and the packaging is extremely convenient. It keeps the cables rolled and snuggly secured while also providing a transparent window on the outside so that you can see your cable.
This makes the packaging from Mediabridge an excellent storage solution for ethernet cables that are not in use.
Mediabridge Ethernet Cable (100 Feet) Pros
Mediabridge Ethernet Cable (100 Feet) Cons
What features should an Ethernet cable have?
The most important factor to consider when choosing an Ethernet cable is speed. If you have a 400 Mbps internet connection, you don't need to purchase a 100 Mbps Ethernet cable. The quickest cable available right now, for instance, is a CAT 8, whereas the slowest is a CAT 5.
The shielding of an Ethernet cable is also necessary. The protective layer reduces crosstalk and electromagnetic interference (EMI), which can impair a cable's overall performance and slow down data transmission. Shielding is a feature of all CAT 7 and CAT 8 cables, but not all CAT 6 cables or older cables.
In addition, gold-plated connections on Ethernet cables are highly conductive and will not corrode.
Cable Lengths
The length of each category of cable is variable though for the categories we will be looking at you won’t find a cable length exceeding 100 meters. The length of the cable you are using shouldn’t have any sort of appreciable effect on the speed of the cable as long as you stay within that 100-meter limit.
It should be mentioned that the longer the cable is there is a small delay but even at the max of 100 meters the delay is about 0.00035 milliseconds. If you start to extend past this limit you could experience greater delays and worse problems such as data loss so don't go too long on your data lengths.
Durability and Style
While looking for a best ethernet cable you may notice a letter next to the category of the cable, such as Cat 5e or Cat 6a. These are technically their own cable categories separate from Cat 5 and Cat 6 specifically.
In the case of Cat 5e, it operates at the same internet speeds but with better Electro-Magnetic Interference (EMI) protection. Cat 6a also provides better EMI protection and it provides better performance than Cat 6 which is more noticeable at higher speeds.
These types of cables will be especially important if you are working in an area with a lot of EMI, but if not then they can simply be considered for their speed.
FAQs
1. What is the best ethernet cables?
The Top 3 Ethernet Cables that we recommend.
1. DBillionDa Direct CAT8 Gaming Ethernet Cable - These cables from DBillionDa Direct use the new Cat 8 standard which is extremely high speed. They come in a large variety of lengths from 6 feet to 100 feet and are even weatherproofed for use outdoors.
2. Jadaol Best Cat 7 Flat Ethernet Cables - This Cat 6 ethernet cable from Jadaol is a cheaper alternative to the previous entry. It should perform equally as well with the added benefit of having a very unique design.
3. AmazonBasics Ethernet Patch Cable - Best Cat 6 - The AmazonBasics RJ45 Cat6 Ethernet Patch Internet cable is a Cat 6 type which means that it supports up to 1 Gigabit per second and high-bandwidth broadband communications which will be very noticeable when comparing cat5 vs cat6 cable types.
2. What is CAT 7 cable used for?
A Category 7 cable, more commonly referred to as a CAT 7 or Cat-7 cable, is used to construct the Gigabit Ethernet cabling infrastructure. A CAT 7 cable is capable of transmitting data at speeds of up to 600MHz.
3. Does it matter what Ethernet cable I use?
Yes, it is important. While some Cat5 cables are theoretically capable of gigabit speeds, the small cost of upgrading to the more reliable Cat5e or Cat6 is likely justified. In reality, your Ethernet speed is determined by a variety of factors, and it is possible that you will never experience gigabit speeds regardless of the hardware and cables you use.
4. Does a good Ethernet cable make a difference?
Yes. The wires used in Ethernet cabling are copper, which is an excellent conductor of electricity. So when the cables are transferring large amounts of data at once, there will be a lot of resistance. This will slow Ethernet connections down. Good quality Ethernet cables are shielded, which keeps the data signals from being affected by the signals from other ethernet cables running through the same wire. This will make the connection quicker, and is worth the extra few dollars to ensure a good, reliable connection.
5. What is the fastest Ethernet cable?
The fastest ethernet cable is the DBillionDa Direct CAT8 Gaming Ethernet Cable and it's not a coincidence it's a Cat 8 ethernet cable. Most Cat 8 ethernet cables are not widely available, and Cat 7a (Cat 7 augmented) is the next highest-performing Ethernet cable that is more publicly available. As with Cat 6a and Cat 7, the Cat 7a cable supports data transfer rates of up to 10,000 Mbps, but the maximum bandwidth is significantly higher at 1,000 MHz.
