It’s no secret that a wired ethernet connection can provide a significant boost to your computer or console over what you’d find with traditional wi-fi, and that’s an advantage that’s especially relevant for gamers. Your online experience can be significantly boosted by just a small difference in speed, particularly when you’re in the midst of a high octane online match. But while a gaming ethernet cable can improve your experience, not all of these cables are created equally.
We’ve compiled a list of the best ethernet cables for gaming in 2022. They find the perfect balance between price and value and offer a decent amount of variety for gamers. The guide that follows can help you shop easier.
- The 10 Best Ethernet Cables For Gaming
- Jadaol Cat 6 Ethernet Cable 50 ft
- Mediabridge Ethernet Cable 100 ft Cat6 / Cat5e / Cat5
- AmazonBasics RJ45 Cat-6 Ethernet Internet Cable 3 ft
- VANDESAIL CAT7 RJ45 Ethernet Cable, 2 Pack 6.5ft
- Cable Matters 160021 5 ft Cat6 Snagless Ethernet Cable
- CableGeeker Cat 6 Ethernet Cable 100 ft
- Ultra Clarity Snagless UTP CAT 6 Ethernet Cable 20 ft
- MATEIN Cat6 Ethernet Cable 50 Ft
- DEEGO Cat7 Ethernet Cable 50 FT
- Rankie RJ45 Cat6 Ethernet Cable 5 pack 5ft
- Ethernet Cable For Gaming Buying Guide
- What’s the Best Option For My Machine?
- Does Ethernet Cable Affect Speed?
- What’s the Difference Between Bandwidth and Transfer Speeds?
- What Are Patch Cables?
- Does Length Affect Speed?
The 10 Best Ethernet Cables For Gaming
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Jadaol Cat 6 Ethernet Cable 50 ft
If you’re looking to wire up your whole house and potentially have cabling to spare, this Cat 6 ethernet cable is up for the task. Not only does it represent some of the highest connection speeds you’ll find anywhere, but its flat design is snagless and designed to fit just about any space.
The quality of this white ethernet cable for gaming is solid across the board with this snagless ethernet patch cable. The RJ45 gold plated connectors provide exceptional point of contact with your devices at both ends, while the 100% bare copper wire that makes up the cable itself ensures minimal interference and noise under any conditions.
| Cable Type | CAT6 4-Pair UTP |
| Connector Type | RJ45 |
| Length | 50 feet |
| Network Speed | up to 250 MHz/10 Gbps |
Pros
- Comes with 15 cable clips for easy setup
- Flat design makes it flexible for home/office wiring
- Constructed from 100% bare copper material
- Backed by a confident 100% lifetime warranty
Cons
Mediabridge Ethernet Cable 100 ft Cat6 / Cat5e / Cat5
Flexibility is the name of the game with this network cable from Mediabridge. This is a best buy ethernet cable in large part because it meets Cat6, Cat5, and Cat5e standards. Regardless of the devices you’re looking to hook up, you can count on this Mediabridge ethernet cable to meet your gaming ethernet demands.
Any fast ethernet or gigabit internet will work perfectly fine with this internet cord, and it even comes with a velcro strap for easily securing it under your desk or behind your entertainment center. And this ethernet cable goes a step beyond by actually promising maximum speeds that are up to 10 times faster than what you could expect from a traditional Cat 6 cable.
| Cable Type | CAT6 4-Pair UTP |
| Connector Type | RJ45 |
| Length | 100 feet |
| Network Speed | up to 550 MHz / 10 Gbps |
Pros
- Sturdy enough to be used in in-wall installations
- Four twisted pair strand constructors are built to last
- RJ45 connections support three generations of ethernet
- Available in five different colors
Cons
AmazonBasics RJ45 Cat-6 Ethernet Internet Cable 3 ft
AmazonBasics is a brand that, as you might expect, is all about the basics. This black cable is only three feet in length, and it doesn’t come with anything in the way of special features, but if you want something simple and to the point, it will get the job done. That’s especially true if you’re looking for an ethernet cable for PS4 that can just plug right into your router or modem.
And if the three foot model isn’t quite up to snuff, you can get this black cable in a variety of different sizes or even invest in ten at a time. It’s nothing fancy, but these effectives are some of the most cost effective options you’ll find for improving your online experience.
| Cable Type | CAT6 |
| Connector Type | RJ45 |
| Length | 3 feet (also available in 5, 10, 14, 25, 50 |
| Network Speed | up to 250 MHz / 10 Gbps |
Pros
- Quality construction at an incredibly great value
- Available in a variety of different wire lengths
- Inner wires protected by a durable PVC outer jacket
- Supported by a limited AmazonBasics one year warranty
Cons
VANDESAIL CAT7 RJ45 Ethernet Cable, 2 Pack 6.5ft
Category 6 is going to be enough power for most users, but serious gamers looking for more juice (and with the hardware to support it) may want to step up to the latest Cat7 connections standard. The 6.5 foot cables offered by Vandesail aren’t going to be enough to wire your entire house or thread connectors through your walls, but this two pack should be enough to connect a couple of important devices to a nearby modem or router, and that should be more than enough for most gamers.
The flat cable design makes it easier to manage, and the combination of aluminum foil and copper that goes into its entire design results in a highly durable final product that can withstand some damage.
| Cable Type | CAT7 |
| Connector Type | RJ45 |
| Length | 6.5 feet (per cable) |
| Network Speed | up to 1000 MHz / 10 Gbps |
Pros
- The latest, greatest connectivity speeds for a great price
- Includes two cables in a single pack
- Constructed from high-quality PVC, copper, and aluminum
- Available in black, white, and a range of other colors
Cons
Cable Matters 160021 5 ft Cat6 Snagless Ethernet Cable
Are you a serious gamer with a lot of different devices? If you’re looking to hook up all of your consoles and your PC to a single hub, Cable Matters can provide a solution. They offer a pack of colorful Cat6 cables that can provide a faster connection for all of your devices at the same time. And these patch cables are highly versatile as well.
Their snagless design allows them to be set up in a number of different configurations without having to worry about damage to the cable or surrounding devices, and their molded strain design makes them more durable than the average fly by night models. They also use RJ45 connectors for guaranteed compatibility with practically any device you could imagine.
| Cable Type | CAT6 |
| Connector Type | RJ45 |
| Length | 5 feet (also available in 1, 3, 7, 10, or 14 feet) |
| Network Speed | up to 550 MHz / 10 Gbps |
Pros
- Allows you to connect five different devices at once
- Colorful designs allow you to keep your connections straight
- 50 micron gold-plated connections for higher signal integrity
- Utilizes pure copper rather than copper and aluminum interior design
Cons
CableGeeker Cat 6 Ethernet Cable 100 ft
Five or six foot patch cables may be an eminently practical choice if you have all of your gamer gear and accessories outfitted in a designated room, but sometimes things aren’t that simple. CableGeeker offers the longest ethernet cable on the list, and it doesn’t sacrifice quality for the sake of size. This cat6 cable has the handy advantage of being flat to allow you to manage your space better and avoid tangles.
That’s especially useful if you plan on dragging it all over your house (and if you’re investing in a 100 foot cable, why wouldn’t you?).This black cable packs in four twisted pairs and makes use of micron gold plated sheeting to provide some of the best performance for gamers available on the market today. And the whole spool of cable will only run you about $15.
| Cable Type | CAT6 |
| Connector Type | RJ45 |
| Length | 100 feet |
| Network Speed | up to 250 MHz / 10 Gbps |
Pros
- Incredibly long patch cables for large homes
- Includes four straps and 20 cable clips as accessories
- Flat design lets it stay out of sight and out of mind
- Backed by a lifetime guarantee and 24/7 customer support
Cons
Ultra Clarity Snagless UTP CAT 6 Ethernet Cable 20 ft
This ethernet cable for gaming from Ultra clarity is long enough to cover the length of most rooms, but its length of 20 feet supports Cat6 as well. It splits the difference perfectly between length and quality in a way that few models do, and that makes it one of the best options if you need a mid-length snagless ethernet patch cable that supports high-quality transfer rates with its RJ45 connectors.
Each pack comes with two cables, but they’re subjected to rigorous quality control standards to make sure that they’re cables best suited for the needs of a gamer. Eight solid copper conductors facilitate great transfer speeds with the sort of low impedance modern online games necessitate, and the twisted pairs are separated by a PE cross insulation to prevent cross talk or interference
| Cable Type | CAT6 4-pair UTP |
| Connector Type | RJ45 |
| Length | 20 feet (per cable, also available in 2, 6, 10, 12, and 25 feet) |
| Network Speed | up to 500 MHz / 10 Gbps |
Pros
- Made of some incredibly high-quality components
- Each pack includes two cables
- Snagless design for easier setup and maintenance
- Supported by a limited one year warranty from the manufacturer
Cons
MATEIN Cat6 Ethernet Cable 50 Ft
The best ethernet cable for gaming is one that keeps unsightly wires out of the sight of company, and 50 feet of network cable from Matein can provide you with an unobtrusive design that can stretch an incredibly long way. The flat design of the ethernet cable here is the best choice for making the most of your space and connecting wire underneath carpets, and this kit even comes with accessories in the shape of clips to make the installation experience a painless affair.
This ethernet cable 50 delivers high speed cat6 bandwidth through its RJ45 connectors and is appropriate for any PCs or consoles you can imagine.
| Cable Type | CAT6 4-pair UTP |
| Connector Type | RJ45 |
| Length | 50 feet |
| Network Speed | up to 250 MHz / 10 Gbps |
Pros
- RJ45 connections are gold plated for less interference
- Comes with 20 cable clips free of charge
- Interior made of 100% bare copper wire
- Free replacement or refund in the case of any issues
Cons
DEEGO Cat7 Ethernet Cable 50 FT
Cat7 may be some of the best ethernet cables available today, but they’re also pretty expensive. That’s why it’s surprising to see Deego offering a 50 foot gaming ethernet cable for only $16. If your existing cat5e cable isn’t cutting it for games anymore, this is arguably the best ethernet cable for gaming you’ll find. It’s also incredibly safe.
Deego’s network cable has been rigorously tested to withstand a variety of different environmental hazards, and it’s a category all its own in terms of speed with its gold coating designed explicitly to reduce signal loss. The copper covered connectors further support a higher level of quality in data transfer rates.
| Cable Type | CAT7 |
| Connector Type | RJ45 |
| Length | 50 feet |
| Network Speed | up to 600 MHz / 10 Gbps |
Pros
- Meticulously tested for fire resistance ratings
- Flat design is great for placement under carpeting
- Packed with 20 free cable clips
- Compatible with cat5e and all other earlier generations
Cons
Rankie RJ45 Cat6 Ethernet Cable 5 pack 5ft
Rankie is straightforward and to the point with their cables. Each five pack comes with either five midnight colored cords or five colored options that include a white model. That makes distinguishing all of the components in your wired setup easy, and the support for cat6 connectivity means that you’ll always have quick and peppy speeds when you’re trying to play your favorite titles.
As with all cords in this class, the Rankie models are compatible with all earlier versions as well, and they should work with any internet capable device in your home. They’re a great choice for households with multiple consoles.
| Cable Type | CAT6 |
| Connector Type | RJ45 |
| Length | 5 feet (per cable, also available in 1, 3, 7, 10, and 15 feet)2 |
| Network Speed | up to 250 MHz / 10 Gbps |
Pros
- Five cables in a single pack
- Multiple color options including white
- Future proofed for up to 10G Gbps internet
- Interior made from 100% copper
Cons
Ethernet Cable For Gaming Buying Guide
So what’s the best ethernet cable for gaming? That’s a tough question to answer because”best” is really contingent on your particular situation. The best ethernet cable is the one that’s going to cover the distance you need covered while offering you the highest speeds possible. That makes picking out the best model pretty easy. Simply track down the highest speeds for the length you need. But do you really need the best? and what do those specs mean exactly? We’re here to break down the most commonly asked questions about ethernet cables and help you find a solution that supports your needs.
What’s the Best Option For My Machine?
Some of the most common questions we hear are “What kind of ethernet cable do I need for PS3?” or “What cat ethernet cable for XBox One is most effective?” The answer is going to be the same whether you have a console, a gaming laptop, or a tower. A high speed ethernet cable is going to outperform anything else as long as you have the connection speeds to support it, and the model of your console or the category of your PC shouldn’t play any role in it.
Does Ethernet Cable Affect Speed?
It’s common knowledge that an ethernet cable will provide faster internet speeds, but the category of cable you use is just as important. Fortunately, evaluating whether one model is better than another is pretty easy. Higher number cat cables are generally going to perform better than lower numbers, and having a letter after that number represents a higher level of performance as well. For instance, a cat5e cable will outperform a cat5 but won’t provide the same high speeds for games that you’d find in a cat6. The following are general guidelines for cables, but you should check the individual specs of each model before making a purchase.
- Cat5e cords are the lowest speed model you’ll find today, but they’re also the cheapest and most common. They’re “enhanced” over the now obsolete cat5 models and offer a max bandwidth of 100 MHz.
- If you play seriously competitive online games, you should think of investing in a cat6 cable. They offer the same maximum transfer speed of 1 GB as cat5e models do, but they more than double the bandwidth to 250 MHz.
- Cat6a (standing for “augmented”) offers a dramatic improvement in both bandwidth and transfer speed. The latter is doubled to 500 MHz, while the transfer speed hits 10 GB. They’re also shielded by default.
- The best models on our list are cat7 cables. While they’re fairly rare, they also represent the peak of most consumer ethernet speeds with a maximum speeds of 100 Gbps at 15 meters.
It’s important to recognize that better cords aren’t doing to do you much good if you don’t have internet speeds to match. Before you invest in a cord, be sure to check the speed of your internet plan to make sure that your games will actually benefit from the investment. The best option in the world won’t do you much good if your internet service can only keep pace with a cat5e model.
What’s the Difference Between Bandwidth and Transfer Speeds?
There are really only two technical specs that really matter when evaluating the best cables for games: bandwidth and transfer speeds. But if you’re not well versed in the terminology, those two may seem interchangeable to you. But they aren’t. Fortunately, understanding the difference is pretty easy.
In practical terms, you can think of bandwidth as the maximum amount of data that could be transferred. If we were speaking about a traditional water hose, bandwidth would refer to the width of that hose and measured in how much water could pass through it when turned up to full volume. Following the same metaphor, the transfer speeds of a connection would refer to the power of the spigot. How quickly can it move water from one end of the hose to the other?
Understandably, bandwidth listings are always going to be significantly higher than transfer speeds. The former probably shouldn’t be a major factor in determining whether or not to purchase a particular cord (and it’s largely standardized anyway). Instead, focus your attention on what transfer speeds a company promises. Not only do these have a larger impact on the quality of your internet, but they also vary more significantly from model to model. The same cat5e cables might offer different speeds, but the bandwidth will always be the same.
What Are Patch Cables?
You’ll see the term “patch cable” or “snagless ethernet patch cable” a lot on our list of reviews, so what does the term actually mean? They’re essentially just ethernet cables for your home. An ethernet cable simply refers to the wiring within the cable, while a patch cable refers to the fact that it’s designed to connect a modern device to a modem or router. In any instance, a patch cable is going to be the best option if you’re looking to set up a wired network in your home.
Does Length Affect Speed?
Hypothetically, sure. Practically? Not really. All of the cords on our list are 100 feet or less, and while our longest model may see a little bit of slowdown when compared to a five foot alternative, it’s largely going to be negligible. Once you start looking at 300 foot cords, you may start to perceive noticeable effects, but you should be perfectly fine in the range of models that we’ve highlighted on our list.
Final Thoughts
So is the best ethernet cable really going to improve your gaming performance? It certainly can, and the pricing difference between different categories of cables is modest enough that you should absolutely invest in the best model for your internet speeds. Our list provides a comprehensive variety of options that should cover just about anything you could need, and we hope you find what you’re looking for here.
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