Best Ethernet Cable for Gaming
Don’t get caught up in a cable that doesn’t deliver fast enough internet speed! Instead, check out our five recommendations for ethernet cables for gaming.
These days, modern gaming is about being able to log onto your computer and play against friends, opponents, or even complete strangers online. This can add a new challenge to your gaming instead of playing against the computer itself and it can bring out the competitive edge you need to perform better than you ever have before.
Multiplayer online gaming is only possible, however, with a fast, reliable network connection – if you want to avoid lags and buffering during your game, that is. Rather than relying on WiFi, you can connect your PC to a wired network source using an ethernet cable.
While the exact internet speed and quality can vary depending on the size of the ethernet cable, this is usually a more reliable way of connecting to your local area network. The type of ethernet cable you end up using will also determine how fast the internet is, but with so many options to choose from, how do you find the best option for your gaming needs?
This article is here to help you answer that question by first pointing out how we chose, which types of cables are best for what games, and some of the most important features you should consider before making your final decision.
Our Top Picks
Best Ethernet Cable for Gaming
In-depth Review
Jadaol Cat 8 Ethernet Cable
Jadaol Cat 8 Ethernet Cable
For problem-free gaming, the Jadaol Cat8 50 ft. ethernet cable is one of the best options available. It’s available in a range of lengths from 1.5 ft. to 150 ft. so it can suit any space, and the cable’s flat shape makes it much easier and safer to install than some other options.
This Cat8 cable can deliver 40 Gbps data transmission speeds along with 2,000 Mhz bandwidth, making it a faster and superior alternative to previous categories of cable. It’s also backward compatible with the previous Cat7, Cat6a, Cat6, and Cat5e, etc.
You can connect to numerous devices with the 50-micron gold-plated RJ45 connectors which are corrosion resistant and offer accurate data transferring.
There are 4 pairs of 26 AWG twisted conductors, and these boost the signal and therefore improve the overall speed and performance. The bare copper conductors are encased by aluminum shielding which is protected by an outer PVC jacket.
Dual-shielding eliminates electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio-frequency interference (RFI) as well as practically all alien crosstalk (AXT). When it comes to gaming, it’s hard to find an ethernet cable that could perform any better!
DbillionDa Cat8 Ethernet Cable
DbillionDa Cat8 Ethernet Cable
Next, we have the DbillionDa ethernet cable which is another Cat8 option that provides extremely high speeds and super efficiency. Despite this, it’s a relatively affordable option with a reasonable price tag that’s almost at odds with its high-quality performance.
This Cat8 cable’s quadruple shielding consists of 4 foiled twisted pairs (S/FTP) and single-strand OFC wires (16 AWG) improves the overall quality so you can stream videos in high definition, listen to music, and game at Hyper Speed.
The weatherproof and anti-corrosive PVC has been upgraded so that it’s even more flexible and can withstand heavy-duty applications, including being buried directly. Use it indoors or outdoors depending on your needs as this impressive ethernet cable can handle either environment and will last you a long time with an 18-month warranty to back it up.
It’s widely compatible with things like Nintendo Switch, PS3, PS4, X-box, laptops, smart TVs, and numerous other devices using the RJ45 connectors. It’s also backward compatible with the preceding Cat7, Cat6, Cat6a, Cat5e, and Cat5.
Dacrown Cat8 50ft Ethernet Cable
Dacrown Cat8 50ft Ethernet Cable
For those with an already-fast internet connection, the Dacrown Cat8 ethernet cable can deliver a bandwidth of up to 2,000 MHz and a data transmission rate of 40 Gbps. It’s one of the best options for high-speed internet due to the advanced category, so you’ll have no problems playing your favorite games without lag or interruptions.
It’s slightly more expensive than some of the other options on this list, but the 26 AWG double-shielded core offers high performance to match the higher price. The aluminum foil shield and the durable PVC jacket casing enhance the cable’s lifespan for longer-lasting use.
You can use this ethernet cable indoors or outdoors as it’s weatherproof, waterproof, and freezeproof as well as tensile resistant. Wherever you need to install it, this 50 ft. cable can go, although what you gain in length you may lose in terms of stability.
If you’re thinking about future-proofing then the Cat8 Dacrown ethernet cable is a great choice for gamers, especially compared to previous versions of this product which are slower and less reliable.
Mediabridge Ethernet Cable (25 Feet)
Mediabridge Ethernet Cable (25 Feet)
Next up, we have the MediaBridge ethernet cable which is a Cat6/Cat5e supportive cable that’s 25 ft. in length. It’s a happy middle ground between some of the other options we’ve looked at so it’s perfect for slightly larger spaces where the distance between the install and the modem isn’t too great.
The speed this cable has to offer is different from what we’ve already seen, with 10 Gbps and 550 MHz, which is less advanced than the more recent Cat7 and Cat8 cables, yet more in line with the demands of modern-day gaming.
It’s protected by a certified CM grade PVC exterior which is 5.8mm in thickness and it shields the 24 AWG stranded conductors. PE cross insulation is used to separate the 4 twisted pairs and this helps to eliminate crosstalk.
There’s also a free Velcro strap included with the purchase which means you can easily loop the cable and put it away when it’s not in use for neater and more organized storage.
Vandersail Cat7 6.5ft Ethernet Cable
Vandersail Cat7 6.5ft Ethernet Cable
Last on our list is the Cat7 network cable which is another affordable option that’s great for those who want to upgrade their Cat5 or Cat6 ethernet cable without forking out for an advanced yet slightly unnecessary Cat8 cable.
It delivers high-speed transmission rates with a 1,000 Mhz bandwidth that’s more than capable of keeping up with your favorite games and 10 Gbps of transmitting data speed. This is up to 10 faster than your average Cat6 cable, so it’s worth the upgrade.
The premium cable core uses oxygen-free copper and the 4 twisted pair conductors are protected by aluminum shielding and a durable PVC jacket exterior. The snagless design ensures a longer lifespan as it prevents breakages on the clips and there’s also a cable strain relief boot.
You’ll be protected against EMI or RFI interference and you can enjoy accurate data transfer with high levels of reliability with the standard RJ45 Lan cable, and it’s perfect for a number of applications including network adaptors, cable modems, PS3, PS4, X-box, and many others.
Final Word
So, there you have it. Now you’ve seen five of the very best of what’s on offer in ethernet cables, and after reading our ‘features to look out for’ section you should have a good idea of how to determine which ethernet cable you need.
While it can be useful to try and work out the exact speeds that the different categories can deliver, it’s worth remembering that the results can also be influenced by multiple other factors. For example, your modem and network provider can both affect the overall speed.
Ultimately, any one of the above cables would do a brilliant job of keeping you connected to the internet, online games, and competition with your friends. If you’re looking for high-quality performance then we can’t recommend the Jadaol Cat9 50 ft. ethernet cable enough, or alternatively, the Vandesail Cat7 6.5 ft. network cable would be a great choice for the gamer who doesn’t want to spend quite as much on their ethernet connection.
Happy gaming!