With more and more video games requiring a strong Internet connection to fully enjoy the interactive online multiplayer experience, an ethernet cable has become an essential accessory for dedicated gamers.
While swapping Wi-Fi for an ethernet cable may feel old-fashioned, cables remain unbeatable for lower latency and fewer lag spikes, which are critical factors for competitive multiplayer and Twitch gameplay. However, not all ethernet cables are created equal.
As games require moving more data faster than ever across your home network, you need the right ethernet cable to keep up. The good news is ethernet cable technology has come a long way in recent years and gone are the days of bulky, inflexible cords. Modern gaming ethernet cables are designed for speed, flexibility, and durability.
In this article, we evaluated a range of top-rated gaming ethernet cables across key metrics like cat speed, shielding, and overall construction quality to determine the very best cables catered specifically for online gaming domination across popular platforms – from PC to Xbox to PlayStation. Read on to find out the best ethernet cable for gaming for 2024.
Top 5 ethernet cables for gaming - shortlist
- Monoprice Cat6A – best ethernet cable for gaming in 2024 overall
- Amazon Basics Cat6 – best Cat6 ethernet gaming cable
- Cable Creation Cat6 90 degree – best ethernet gaming cable for tight spaces
- Dacrown Cat8 – best Cat8 ethernet cable for gaming
- Snowkids Cat8 – best Cat8 ethernet gaming cable for long connections
How to choose ethernet cable for gaming
Choosing the best Ethernet cable for gaming isn't as simple as grabbing any old cord off the shelf. To build a lag-free connection that can handle even the most intense multiplayer shootouts, you need to carefully match a cable's specs and features to your specific devices and gaming room setup.
Here are some key features to consider when shopping for your gaming ethernet cable.
- Cable category. You'll see ethernet cords labeled with Cat5, Cat6, Cat7, Cat8 ranking. Each tier boosts your speeds and bandwidth ceiling. Basic Cat5 taps out at 100 Mbps – that might cut it for casual gaming, but you'll want Cat6 or above to get 1000+ Mbps speeds for high-quality streaming and multiplayer madness. Cat7 and 8 are the top-shelf options, built for Gbps bandwidth even on congested networks.
- Compatibility. Ensure any cable you select works with your gaming rig, console, router, or switch setup. While most support typical ethernet connections, taking a quick peek at specs never hurts to save future headaches.
- Cable length. Shorter cable lengths win for reliability since signals can weaken down longer cords. But you can't always position your gaming gear close together. So, if you need more length, upgrading to an active ethernet cable with higher Cat number and a built-in signal booster is your best bet.
- Quality of materials. The best ethernet cables for gamers are built with a twist or shielded core for added protection, gold-plated ends for better connectivity, and a solid yet flexible outer layer to withstand the rigors of intense gaming sessions.
- Connector type. When it comes to connectors, RJ45 is standard. Ensure they're high quality and compatible with your gear for a hassle-free connection.
- Pricing. When shopping for the best ethernet cable for gaming, remember you often get what you pay for. Cat5 is budget-friendly but maxes out before Gigabit speeds, while Cat6 and Cat7 offer a sweet spot for gamers with Gigabit or faster internet, providing great performance at a moderate price. Cat8 on the other hand offers even higher speeds, but is pricier and mostly an overkill for gaming needs.
7 best gaming ethernet cables – our detailed list
For the absolute smoothest online gaming sessions with minimal frustrating lag or disconnects, you need the right ethernet cable for your specific gaming setup.
We tested seven top contenders with popular games like Fortnite and Apex Legends—through countless headshots and adrenaline-filled finishing moves—to reveal the best gaming ethernet cables on the market.
We focused on key metrics like speed and bandwidth, durability, compatibility, and value for money. That said, here are the 7 best gaming ethernet cables of 2024:
1. Monoprice Cat6A – best ethernet cable for gaming in 2024 overall
| Brand: | Monoprice |
| Length: | 0.5ft – 100 ft |
| Category: | Cat6 |
| Connector type: | RJ45 |
Affordable yet uncompromising in quality, the Monoprice Cat6A ethernet cable promises dependable connectivity and consistent performance for all your gaming needs.
Speed and bandwidth. The Monoprice Cat6A ethernet cable delivers blazing-fast speeds up to 10Gbps and a bandwidth of 550Mhz, ensuring your internet runs at peak performance. Its design features 24AWG stranded, pure bare copper conductors for high-speed data transmission with minimal interference.
Durability. The Monoprice Cat6 Patch Cable is built to last thanks to a snag-less design that protects the RJ45 connectors from damage during handling. It also features molded strain relief on the connectors to prevent the cable from excessive bending or twisting at the plug.
Cable length. The Monoprice Cat6 ethernet cable is available in a variety of lengths from 0.5 to 100 feet and a range of different colors to match your needs and preferences – though color availability varies by length. Still, with more color options than most Cat6 cables, you can likely find one to coordinate with your space.
Compatibility. The Monoprice Cat6 ethernet cable's RJ45 connector ensures compatibility with any gaming device that has an RJ45 port, including PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox Nintendo Switch, and PC.
2. Amazon Basics Cat6 - best Cat6 gaming ethernet cable
| Brand: | Amazon Basics |
| Length: | Up to 50ft |
| Category: | Cat6 |
| Connector type: | RJ45 |
For gamers seeking reliable gigabit internet at an unbeatable price, the Amazon Basics Cat6 ethernet cable is a top choice.
Speed and bandwidth. The Amazon Basics Cat6 ethernet cable guarantees a steadfast connection with its 1Gbps internet speed and 250 MHz bandwidth. Its performance is further enhanced by UTP shielding, which helps minimize connection disruptions.
Durability. The Amazon Basics Cat6 ethernet cable features gold-plated connectors and a robust PVC jacket, ensuring both high performance and longevity. It’s also flexible and easy to handle, allowing for easy routing around corners or behind furniture without sacrificing durability or performance.
Cable length. This cable is available in various lengths, offering the flexibility needed to connect devices that aren't closely situated. Its sleek black color also ensures it blends seamlessly with most environments, adding a visually appealing touch.
Compatibility. One of the standout features of this ethernet cable is its universal compatibility with various gaming devices, courtesy of the RJ45 connectors. As such, it works well with top gaming laptops, desktops, and consoles – including the PS4, PS5, and Xbox.
3. Cable Creation Cat6 90 degree – best ethernet cable for tight spaces and neat setup
| Brand: | CableCreation |
| Length: | Up to 10ft |
| Category: | Cat6 |
| Connector type: | RJ45 |
The CableCreation CAT6 Ethernet Patch Cable stands out for its 90-degree downward angled connector that offers a practical solution for tight spaces and neat setup enthusiasts.
Speed and bandwidth. The CableCreation Cat6 ethernet cable delivers data transmission speeds up to 1Gbps and supports a bandwidth of up to 250MHz, ensuring swift and efficient performance. Its design, featuring insulated 26 AWG bare copper conductors and gold-plated contacts, further enhances its data transmission capabilities – making it a high-quality choice for any network.
Durability. The CableCreation Cat6 ethernet cable boasts considerable durability thanks to its flexible PVC sheathing, a pair separator spine to mitigate bending, and molded RJ45 connectors with strain relief for extra resilience. Additionally, its 90-degree angled connector design effectively prevents the cable from bending, enhancing its longevity and performance.
Cable length. While it might seem basic, a notable advantage of this cable is its availability in lengths up to 10 feet, a feature that's quite uncommon among angled ethernet cables. This offering uniquely combines convenience with the practicality needed for varied setups.
Compatibility. The CableCreation Cat6 ethernet cable is designed for universal compatibility, making it suitable for a wide range of gaming devices that utilize an RJ45 connection. These include PCs, laptops and gaming consoles such as PlayStation (PS5, PS4), Xbox (Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X), and Nintendo Switch.
4. Dacrown Cat8 – best Cat8 ethernet cable for gaming
| Brand: | Dacrown |
| Length: | 1.5ft – 150ft |
| Category: | Cat8 |
| Connector type: | RJ45 |
The Dacrown Cat8 ethernet cable stands out as a premium choice for gamers seeking lag-free, low-latency experiences. It provides ultra-fast speeds alongside impressive bandwidth, enabling smoother, more responsive gameplay filled with crisp visuals and fluid action.
Speed and bandwidth. The Dacrown Cat8 ethernet cable surpasses its predecessors like Cat7, Cat6, and Cat5 by offering a phenomenal networking speed of up to 40Gbps and supporting bandwidth up to 2000MHz. It's also designed with 4 shielded foiled twisted pairs and 26 AWG single-strand wires which minimize signal interference to the fullest – ensuring an unparalleled gaming experience.
Durability. The Dacrown Cat8 Ethernet cable features a high-quality UV-resistant PVC jacket and sturdy build for enhanced durability, waterproofing, and longevity. As such, it can tolerate harsh elements such as pets biting and other challenges while maintaining efficient performance. What’s more, its RJ45 connector is gold-plated to prevent corrosion and loss of connectivity with prolonged use.
Cable length. Dacrown Cat8 ethernet cables come in sizes from 1.5 to 150 feet, ensuring they reach wherever you need them. These true-to-size cables offer flexibility and convenience in connectivity.
Compatibility. The Dacrown Cat8 Ethernet cable is compatible with top gaming laptops, desktops, and consoles, making it ideal for PS5, PS4, Xbox One, and Xbox S Series gamers seeking enhanced connectivity.
5. Snowkids Cat8 – best ethernet gaming cable for long connections
| Brand: | Snowkids |
| Length: | Up to 15ft |
| Category: | Cat8 |
| Connector type: | RJ45 |
The Snowkids Cat8 ethernet cable excels in gaming with its swift data speeds and sturdy build, offering a future-proof solution for users seeking durability and performance.
Speed and bandwidth. Designed for gamers who demand unwavering internet stability, the Snowkids Cat8 ethernet cable boasts a monumental 2000MHz bandwidth and 40Gbps speed, ensuring seamless gaming, HD video streaming, and data-intensive activities without any interruptions or lag.
Durability. The Snowkids Cat8 ethernet cable is equipped with metal connectors and gold-plated contacts to enhance data transmission and prevent corrosion. It also has a flat nylon braid design, enhancing flexibility, wear resistance, and the ability to fit snugly around corners.
Cable length. The Snowkids Cat8 Ethernet cable allows users to select the perfect size for their needs – offering a range of lengths from 1 to 100 feet. No matter the length, it maintains consistent connection strength for interruption-free gaming.
Compatibility. The Snowkids Ethernet cable supports widely-used gaming platforms, including PS4, PS5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. This ensures seamless connectivity for a broad range of gaming experiences.
6. UGREEN Cat8 – best entry-level ethernet cable for gaming
| Brand: | UGREEN |
| Length: | 1.5ft – 65ft |
| Category: | Cat8 |
| Connector type: | RJ45 |
The UGREEN Cat8 braided ethernet cable stands out for providing fast, reliable connectivity, making it an excellent choice for gamers seeking a high-performance, futureproof ethernet solution.
Speed and bandwidth. With data speeds up to 40Gbps, a 2000MHz bandwidth, and shielded twisted pairs to minimize interference, the UGREEN Cat8 ethernet cable delivers robust yet affordable performance ideal for high bandwidth gaming, streaming, and networking needs.
Durability. The UGREEN Cat8 cable is engineered for longevity. It features a premium braided cotton jacket that can withstand over 10,000 bends and equally protected gold-plated connector tips. The jacket also offers ideal flexibility for long-lasting performance without cable clutter.
Cable length. Though not as extensive as some competitors, the UGREEN Cat8 Ethernet cable still provides versatile 1.5 to 65-foot length options to suit most gaming setups.
Compatibility. The UGREEN Cat8 Ethernet cable is compatible with top gaming laptops, desktops, and consoles, including Xbox One, Xbox 360, Xbox Series X/S, PS3, PS4, and PS5, thanks to the universal RJ45 connector. It can also connect to any device with Cat5 through Cat7 Ethernet ports, providing extensive cross-platform gaming support.
7. ShineKee Outdoor Cat7 – best outdoor ethernet gaming cable
| Brand: | ShineKee |
| Length: | 25ft – 100ft |
| Category: | Cat7 |
| Connector type: | RJ45 |
The Shinekee Outdoor Cat7 ethernet cable excels in both performance and toughness. Its robust PVC coating is built to withstand underground placement or exposure to water – making it an ideal choice for outdoor use.
Speed and bandwidth. The Shinekee Outdoor Cat7 Ethernet cable boasts up to 600MHz bandwidth and data transfer speeds up to 10Gbps. This provides a reliably fast and stable network connection for seamless online gaming.
Durability. The Shinekee Outdoor Cat7 Ethernet Cable’s durability lies in its waterproof PVC jacket which not only offers supreme toughness but also waterproofing for underground routing. Complete with clip protectors to avoid snags, its construction includes OFC copper wiring and 24k gold-plated connectors to stave off corrosion. Additionally, its extra shielding layer wards off interference and crosstalk, making it a highly durable and reliable choice.
Cable length. Available in various lengths, the Shinekee Outdoor Cat7 Ethernet gaming cable consistently delivers its full Cat7 speed performance, regardless of the chosen cable length.
Compatibility. Equipped with two RJ45 connectors, this cable ensures wide-ranging compatibility with the majority of gaming devices and consoles.
Comparison of top 3 ethernet cables for gaming
Using an Ethernet cable can significantly enhance your home internet performance for both gaming and streaming activities. Below, we've outlined the key features of our top three recommended Ethernet cables.
| Model | Monoprice Cat6A | Amazon Basics Cat6 | Cable Creation Cat6 90 degree |
| Length | 0.5ft – 100 ft | Up to 50ft | Up to 10ft |
| Category | Cat6 | Cat6 | Cat6 |
| Connector type | RJ45 | RJ45 | RJ45 |
| Main features |
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| Price | Check price | Check price | Check price |
How we selected these ethernet cables for gaming
In selecting the best ethernet cables for gaming, we meticulously assessed several critical criteria to cater to gamers' diverse needs and preferences. Here are the factors we evaluated:
- Cable category. This was paramount, as it reflects the cable's capabilities in speed and bandwidth, ensuring gamers can enjoy high-speed, lag-free gaming crucial for both casual and competitive play.
- Price. We considered price to provide options for every budget, recognizing the importance of balancing cost with performance.
- Material quality. This addressed the need for cables that offer longevity and minimal interference, using high-quality construction to withstand intensive gaming sessions.
- Compatibility. We looked into compatibility to ensure that the selected cables could support a broad range of gaming setups, acknowledging the diversity in gamers' equipment.
- Specifications. Lastly, specifications like speed, latency, and cable length were evaluated for their direct impact on the gaming experience. Optimal speed and low latency are essential for real-time reactions, while appropriate length offers setup flexibility without compromising signal quality.
Types of Ethernet Cables for Gaming
Ethernet cables are an essential component for a stable and fast gaming experience. These cables come in various categories – each offering different levels of performance. Here are the different ethernet cable categories.
- Cat5. Cat5 cables, now largely outdated for gaming, support up to 100 Mbps speed, suffering from higher latency and less reliability compared to newer standards, making them less ideal for demanding gaming requirements.
- Cat6. Cat6 cables mark a significant improvement from Cat5. This ethernet cable is capable of speeds up to 1 Gbps for lengths up to 100 meters, and are designed to reduce crosstalk – offering better latency and reliability for gaming. They are a solid choice for casual to moderate gamers.
- Cat7. A further upgrade, Cat7 cables, are designed for speeds up to 10 Gbps over 100 meters, with even lower latency due to enhanced shielding that minimizes interference. This makes Cat7 a great option for professional gamers and streamers who need high performance and reliability.
- Cat8. As the latest and most advanced, Cat8 pushes the boundaries with speeds up to 40 Gbps over short distances (up to 30 meters), and boasts the lowest latency among these categories. Its superior shielding ensures unparalleled reliability and performance, ideal for high-speed gaming and intense multiplayer sessions.
Technical specifications of ethernet cables that affect gaming
Some of the key technical aspects that affect an ethernet cable's performance include bandwidth, data transfer rate, and shielding.
Bandwidth, for instance, determines how much data can be transferred at once. Higher bandwidth means more game data and updates can flow without congestion which is crucial for multiplayer games.
Data transfer rate, or speed, on the other hand, affects how quickly data moves from your gaming device to the network, impacting game load times and real-time interactions. Lastly, shielding reduces interference from other electronic devices, ensuring a stable and consistent connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cat6 or Cat8 better for gaming?
Cat8 is the superior choice for gaming, providing up to 40Gbps speeds versus Cat6's 1Gbps. Cat8's increased bandwidth capacity and interference protection also result in lower latency and more reliable connections, delivering smoother gameplay.
Is Cat8 overkill for gaming?
Cat8 ethernet cabling outpaces the competition in speed and performance, making it ideal for high-level gaming and futureproofing networks. However, its capabilities likely exceed requirements for everyday home networking use cases, making it an overkill. For most household needs, less pricey options like Cat6 or Cat7 should suffice.
Is Cat5 or Cat6 ethernet cable better for gaming?
Cat6 ethernet cable is far superior to Cat5 for gaming purposes. With its 1000Mbps speed and lower latency, Cat6 allows fast rendering, smooth online multiplayer gameplay, and consistent performance that Cat5's mere 100Mbps speeds cannot match.
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