Picking the best ethernet cable to hook your gaming rig to your router could be more challenging than you initially think. Some cables come with length differences – which could be a problem if you don’t have the skill to crimp your cables manually.
Table of Contents - Best Ethernet Cables for Gaming - Zosion Cat 8 Ethernet Cable - Orbram Cat 8 Ethernet Cable - Senetem Cat 8 Ethernet Cable - Vandesail Cat 7 Ethernet Cable - Jadaol Cat 7 Ethernet Cable - Buyers Guide on Getting the Best Ethernet Cable for Gaming - Why are Ethernet Cables Better for Gaming? - Wired VS Wireless Internet connection - Ethernet Cable Categories - Speed - Compatibility - Length - Color - Warranty
In this article, we’re going to recommend some of the best ethernet cables that can help you improve your gaming experience.
Let’s dive right in.
Best Ethernet Cables for Gaming
These are the best ethernet cables that can deliver a top-notch gaming performance in 2023.
Zosion Cat 8 Ethernet Cable
View on Zosion Cat 8 on Amazon
Zosion is one of the most well-known brands when it comes to ethernet and networking cables. They’ve been producing top-quality and durable cables for quite a long time.
The Cat 8 Ethernet Cable from Zosion has military-grade durability and unmatched data transfer speed that allows you to get the most out of your internet connection. The cable is a whopping 6.3mm in diameter with a thick and flexible body.
These are the key features of the Zosion Cat 8 Ethernet Cable that you should know:
- 2000MHz max bandwidth.
- Up to 40Gbps transfer speed.
- Waterproof.
- Comes various length up to 100ft.
- Flame retardant.
- 8mm PVC outer layer.
- 3mm thickness.
- Lifetime warranty.
- Gold-plated RJ45 connector.
But as with anything else, you’ll have to reach a little bit deeper into your pocket if you want to get the best product.
Compared to other cable recommendations on this list, the Zosion Cat 8 Ethernet cable is on the pricier side at around $7.59 for the cheapest model (1.6 ft) up to $50.99 (328 ft).
If your cable’s aesthetics matter to you, the Zosion Cat 8 Ethernet cable also comes in black and white – just another consideration.
Orbram Cat 8 Ethernet Cable
If you’re not a fan of thick and bulky cables, the Orbram Cat 8 Ethernet cable may be more into your preference. It’s one of the best flat ethernet cables in the market that comes in with braided sleeve protection at an affordable price.
Since this is also a Cat 8 ethernet cable, it offers a high data transfer speed that could help you get the maximum bandwidth from your internet provider.
Thanks to its tangle-free property, the flat body makes Orbram Cat 8 Ethernet cable very manageable, even in complicated cable setups.
Here are some key features that you should know from the Orbram Cat 8 Ethernet Cable:
- 2000MHz max bandwidth.
- Up to 40Gbps speed.
- Dual-layer nylon braid protection.
- Tangle-free
- 13 inches thickness
- Compatible with most devices with an ethernet port.
The Orbram Cat 8 Ethernet cable comes in various configurations, ranging from 3ft to 200ft. The shortest configuration will cost you around $6.79, while the longest comes in at $67.99 before taxes and shipping.
Unfortunately, Orbram doesn’t provide any type of warranty for their Cat 8 ethernet cable – so you’ll have to keep that in mind.
Senetem Cat 8 Ethernet Cable
Senetem specializes in manufacturing various types of ethernet cables, mainly flat models.
They offer multiple sizes and models of ethernet cable to suit your need, but we’re going to recommend their Cat 8 Heavy-Duty Flat Ethernet Cable.
While they have a Cat 7 variant for the same model, the Cat 8 model will deliver the best internet connection for gaming at an affordable price.
Here are some key features about the Senetem Cat 8 Ethernet cable that you should know:
- Available in both Cat 7 and Cat 8.
- 24k Gold-Plated RJ45 connectors.
- Up to 40Gbps speed.
- 2000 MHz max bandwidth.
- Waterproof.
- 18 months warranty.
- Top-notch durability.
- Ideal for outdoor use.
- Pure copper conductors.
Since Senetem designed this cable with heavy-duty durability in mind, it’s probably a little bit of an overkill for an indoor gaming setup – but it’s always nice to know that your ethernet cable can last for years before you’ll need to buy a new one.
The Senetem Cat 8 Heavy-Duty Flat Ethernet cable has a wide range of pricing, starting at $4.99 for its 1.5ft configuration up to $37.99 for its 100ft cable.
Vandesail Cat 7 Ethernet Cable
View Vandesail Cat 7 on Amazon
The Vandesail Cat 7 Ethernet cable is a solid and budget-friendly option if you don’t care about having the fastest speed but still want a reliable and stable internet connection.
While Cat 8 ethernet cables are generally more acceptable for long-term usage, Cat 7 cables are still an excellent option if you still have a slower internet connection.
There’s no point in having a 40Gbps maximum transfer limit from Cat 8 cables if your internet connection can barely reach 50Mbps, right?
Here are some other things you may want to know about the Vandesail Cat 7 Ethernet cable:
- Up to 10Gbps transfer speed.
- 600MHz max bandwidth.
- Industry-standard anti-tug RJ45 connectors.
- Durable PVC material.
- Fluke-tested.
Vandesail also offers solid build quality at a somewhat affordable price point.
You can get the Vandesail Cat 7 Ethernet cable starting from $3.70 for the 1ft cable up to $37.55 for the 100ft model.
Jadaol Cat 7 Ethernet Cable
Our next recommendation comes from Jabaol with its stunning white Cat 7 Ethernet cable. The Jadaol Cat 7 Ethernet cable offers a combination between clean aesthetics and top-notch quality for its price.
It has four shielded Twisted Pairs of coppers that ensure you get a stable connection that is free of interference.
Since this is a flat cable, you’ll be able to use it for a permanent or temporary setup without worrying about it getting tangled up with other cables.
The gold-plated RJ45 connectors are also compatible with most devices that have the same port like routers, PS3, PS4, X-box, PCs, and laptops.
Here are some other key features you should know about the Jadaol Cat 7 Ethernet cable:
- Up to 10Gbps Speed
- 600 MHz max bandwidth
- Tangle-free
- 50-micron gold-plated connectors
- 3 inches flat design
Jadaol offers an excellent value ethernet cable with this product, but unfortunately, it doesn’t come with any warranty.
You can get the Jadaol Cat 7 Flat Ethernet cable starting from $11.99 for its 25ft model up to $21.99 for its 100ft model – which is an excellent bargain if you’re tight on budget.
Buyers Guide on Getting the Best Ethernet Cable for Gaming
Let’s discuss everything you need to know before you buy an ethernet cable for gaming.
Why are Ethernet Cables Better for Gaming?
It’s true that wireless internet has improved so much and is now steady enough for a smooth gaming experience, but it still has plenty of factors that can prevent maximum results.
Let’s say you’re playing online games or live streaming on YouTube on a Wi-Fi network. Your router broadcasts the signal through its antenna and travels through the air until it reaches the receiver inside your PC, laptop, or game consoles.
During its travel, your internet signal is exposed to risks and interference. It may have to travel around solid furniture or concrete wall, which will result in some type of lag between your inputs and response time.
Wired VS Wireless Internet Connection
If you’re playing fast-paced online games like League of Legends, Dota 2, Overwatch, NBA 2K, or other multi-player games, you probably know that the slightest lag could ruin your entire match.
That’s where ethernet cables can help you.
While having a Wi-Fi connection is exceptionally convenient for mobile devices, a wired connection via ethernet cables guarantees the fastest and most reliable connection quality by reducing input delay to almost zero.
There’s also no risk of your signal being blocked by a concrete wall or other obstacles, which allows you to focus on your game and bring out your best performance.
Ethernet Cable Categories
There are several categories of ethernet cables, but you should stick to either Cat 7 or Cat 8 to get the best and most reliable internet connection for gaming.
Here’s a brief comparison between each category of ethernet cable in terms of shielding, speed, and bandwidth.
Ethernet Cable Performance Summary
Category | Shielding | Max Transmission Speed (at 100 meters) | Max Bandwidth |
---|---|---|---|
Cat 3 | Unshielded | 10 Mbps | 16 MHz |
Cat 5 | Unshielded | 10 / 100 Mbps | 100 MHz |
Cat 5e | Unshielded | 1000 Mbps / 1 Gbps | 100 MHz |
Cat 6 | Shielded or Unshielded | 1000 Mbps / 1 Gbps | >250 MHz |
Cat 6a | Shielded | 10000 Mbps / 10 Gbps | 500 MHz |
Cat 7 | Shielded | 10000 Mbps / 10 Gbps | 600 MHz |
Cat 8 | Shielded | 25 Gbps or 40 Gbps * | 2000 MHz |
The general rule is getting the largest transmission speed and max bandwidth.
The difference between Cat 7 and Cat 8 is significant enough to make a difference in your gaming experience.
Be sure to double-check your internet speed limit so that you won’t end up bottlenecking it with lower-spec ethernet cables.
Speed
As previously mentioned, each category of ethernet cable has its own maximum data transfer feet and bandwidth.
The latest category (Cat 8.2) has the largest transfer speed at 40Gbps, more than enough for an average home internet connection.
However, each cable model may have different performance in terms of its stability and reliability.
Compatibility
While most devices with an ethernet port are compatible with typical RJ45 connectors, it’s always a good idea to consult the cable manufacturer’s guidelines for their product’s compatibility lists.
Some newer products like the MacBook Pro and most other slim laptops don’t have an ethernet port, which means you’ll have to get an external adapter before you can use a wired connection.
Length
Pre-made ethernet cables typically come in various lengths, ranging from 1ft to 200ft.
Be sure to double-check the length of the cable you’re about to buy if you don’t want to end up having 198ft of spare ethernet cable inside your room.
Color
If you’re going to use your ethernet cables in a complex setup (like a server rack), you should get different colors for better and easier cable management.
There are some companies that offer a pack of ethernet cables in different colors.
Most color-coded ethernet cables are also the same as regular ones, which means you can use them for your home setup if you care about the aesthetics.
Warranty
Most cables for home setups are inexpensive enough that you wouldn’t have to worry about the warranty.
You can just get a new one when it breaks, or buy some spares for emergencies.
But if you’re planning to run your ethernet cable outdoor or using them for advanced setups, it’s a good idea to consider products with a manufacturer warranty.
Conclusions
While it may seem like a simple task, picking the best ethernet cable for your gaming setup could be pretty tricky.
There are different categories with stark differences in speed limit and maximum bandwidth – it’s only acceptable if you’re a little overwhelmed by the choices.
The general rule for picking a reliable ethernet cable is choosing one from the latest category (Cat 8 or Cat 8.2) since they have the best quality and speed.
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