Pursuit of Perfection: Premium Network Choices for Gaming

Despite how much progress Wi-Fi has made, you have a much cleaner, more consistent gaming experience using a wired connection. Everyone needs something different, though. One person might stream while another plays casually. Both wind up using different Ethernet cables.

Regardless of where you fall on the scale, here are the best Ethernet cables for gaming for any situation.

Dacrown Cat 8 Ethernet Cable RJ45

Best Overall
$20 at Amazon

Amazon Basics Snagless RJ45 Cat-6 Ethernet Cable

Best Value
See at Amazon

Orbram Cat8 Ethernet Cable

Best Indoor
$15 at Amazon

Cable Matters Cat6 Ethernet Cable Combo Pack

Best Bundle
$13 at Amazon

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  Source:Amazon

Shinekee Heavy Duty Cat7 Ethernet Cable

Best Outdoor
$16 at Amazon

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Jadaol Cat 8 Ethernet Cable

Most Length Options
See at Amazon

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  Source:Amazon

CableGeeker Cat6 Flat Ethernet Cable

Best Cat6
$10 at Amazon

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  Source:Amazon

Vandesail Ethernet Cable

Best Cat7
$7 at Walmart

Our Favorite Ethernet Cables For Gaming in 2023

Dacrown Cat 8 Ethernet Cable RJ45

Best Overall

High-speed performance, future-proofing, and durability wrapped into one

With a combination of shielding and maximum bandwidth, the Dacrown Cat 8 Ethernet Cable has all the workings to handle large data transfers for several years to come. Its resistance and thicker gauge also means you won’t be replacing it any time soon.

Pros

• 40GB per second data transfer rate
• Excellent data transfer capabilities
• UV-resistant PVC outer covering
• Length options range between 1.5 feet to 150 feet
• Very thick gauge

Cons

• A bit overkill for gaming

$20 at Amazon

If you’re planning on doing some heavy data transfers, you can’t go wrong with the Dacrown Cat 8 RJ45 Ethernet Cable. The main reasons are simple: 2GHz frequency with a 40Gbps transfer cap. Yes, it is a bit of an overkill for gaming, but picking the Dacrown Cat 8 RJ45 Ethernet Cable now means you’ll be future-proofing your home. Internet speeds are only getting faster, and this ensures you’ll be the first to experience them when it does.

What’s also great are the length options. What’s the point of using a 6-foot Ethernet cable to connect your PC to a modem that’s two feet away? The Dacrown Cat 8 Ethernet Cable has size options as small as 1.5 feet. Alternatively, if you need something exponentially longer, you can go with a 150-foot cable.

Lastly, the Dacrown Cat 8 Ethernet Cable is no slouch in the durability department. It features a gold-plated RJ45, meaning it’s quite resistant to oxidation. Additionally, its thicker gauge is a godsend for protecting the PVC and UV-resistant wires inside.

Amazon Basics Snagless RJ45 Cat-6 Ethernet Cable

Best Value

Solid performance at a killer price

The Amazon Basics Snagless RJ45 Cat-6 Ethernet Cable Pack is a great choice for setting up several devices in the home with one purchase. It comes in multiple colors and lengths between three and 15 feet.

Pros

• 10GB per second transfer rate
• 5-cable combo pack
• 26 AWG conductor gauge
• Multi-color options available

Cons

• The longest length is only 15 feet
• Limited to 250MHz frequency
• Unshielded

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There’s fast, and then there’s really fast, and not everyone needs the latter. When you need a quick, value-packed solution that’s still fast, the Amazon Basics Cat-6 Ethernet Cable lines up perfectly with your needs.

While the Amazon Basics Cat-6 Ethernet Cable has a thinner bandwidth—up to 250MHz—it’s still plenty good if all you ever do is use social media and stream media. In fact, the gold-plated RJ45 connectors keep the signal strong and even resist corrosion.

The Amazon Basics Snagless RJ45 Cat-6 Ethernet Cable Pack also comes in multiple colors. If you opt for the multi-colored package, it’s actually really helpful for color-coding devices. However, its most underrated feature is the snagless design, which prevents the connector from getting damaged whenever you have to unplug the cable for maintenance.

Orbram Cat8 Ethernet Cable

Best Indoor

A mixture of style, design, and performance

$15$40 Save $25

The Orbram Cat8 Ethernet Cable not only helps future-proof your devices, but its flat design makes it incredibly easy to hide. The nylon braid also adds a touch of style and durability.

Pros

• Nylon braiding adds great durability
• The flat design makes it easy to conceal
• 40GB per second data transfer speed
• Anti-corrosion properties

Cons

• Overkill for the average user

$15 at Amazon $20 at Newegg

If you’re looking for an incredibly long Ethernet cable with impressive features, the Orbram Cat8 Ethernet Cable presents an interesting solution. Sure, a Cat 8 Ethernet cable might be overkill, but who doesn’t like preparing for the future?

At 40Gbps and a 2GHz bandwidth, the Orbram Cat8 Ethernet Cable transfers data effectively and blazingly fast. The speed isn’t surprising given that Cat 8 cables are pretty useful if you run small-scale data centers and want a cost-saving option. Best of all, its 50-micron gold-plated RJ45 connector ensures a more consistent connection.

Lastly, the Orbram Cat8 Ethernet Cable wraps its STP-shielded wires with nylon braiding, adding a layer of style and durability. The icing on the cake is the flat design, which is really helpful for routing the cable under rugs and around corners.

Cable Matters Cat6 Ethernet Cable Combo Pack

Best Bundle

For connecting multiple devices to the internet

$13$19 Save $6

The Cable Matters Cat6 Ethernet Cable makes connecting multiple devices to the internet a cinch. You get five in a single pack, ranging from 1 to 14 feet!

Pros

• 10GB per second data transfer speeds
• Great for connecting multiple devices in one area
• The separator inside reduces crosstalk
• A 5-combo pack of Ethernet cables

Cons

• The longest length is only 14 feet
• Lacks shielding

$13 at Amazon

Those looking to connect several devices at once should get the Cable Matters Cat6 Ethernet Cable Combo Pack instead of buying separate cables. It comes with five Ethernet cables, perfectly measured for personal use. And as a bonus, their performance is solid for regular use.

This is because the Cable Matters Cat6 Ethernet Cable Combo Pack aren’t just average Ethernet cables, but Cat 6, which are a big step up from Cat 5 in terms of performance and well above what competitive gamers need. It can transfer data at 10Gbps, with a 550MHz bandwidth.

The gold-plated contacts are attached to five different colored Ethernet cables, which makes it incredibly convenient for color-coding your devices. Speaking of which, Cable Matters also added a separator inside to reduce crosstalk and keep the connection as clean as possible.

Shinekee Heavy Duty Cat7 Ethernet Cable

Best Outdoor

Strong, heavy-duty cable for routing outdoors

The Shinekee Heavy Duty Cat7 Ethernet Cable blends performance and durability, and its specialty is the outdoors. Its extra-strength PVC coat has no qualms with being underground or even in water.

Pros

• Waterproof and can be buried
• Shielding, copper cables, and gold RJ45 connectors
• Has a clip protector

Cons

• Can only choose between three awkward sizes (25, 66, and 100 feet)
• Lacks shielding

$16 at Amazon $24 at Newegg

Your average Ethernet cable works perfectly fine inside, where it’s warm and cozy. Take one outside, and suddenly it croaks. Luckily, the Shinekee Heavy Duty Cat7 Ethernet Cable doesn’t mind the weather or being buried underground.

The Shinekee Heavy Duty Cat7 Ethernet Cable’s secret is its PVC jacket. Not only is it extra durable, it’s waterproof, which comes in handy if or when you need to route the cable underground. You even get clip protectors to prevent snags along the way!

Despite the extra durability, the Shinekee Heavy Duty Cat7 Ethernet Cable doesn’t skimp on performance. It’s fully capable of transferring data up to 10GBps and utilizes a 600MHz bandwidth.

Jadaol Cat 8 Ethernet Cable

Most Length Options

So many sizes to choose from!

The Jadaol Cat 8 Ethernet Cable comes in a wide variety of sizes. Along with a flat design and weatherproofing, it blends in seamlessly with the contours of your home.

Pros

• 40GB per second data transfer speed
• 2000MHz bandwidth
• Flat cable design
• Includes cable clips
• Sizes range from 1.5 feet to 200 feet

Cons

• Average quality

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Need to connect devices at opposite ends of the house? The Jadaol Cat 8 Ethernet Cable could be your next purchase. It isn’t just the length of the Ethernet cables but also its mix of design and performance, wrapped into one perfect option.

You’ll get a maximum transfer speed of 40Gbps, with a 2000MHz bandwidth, meaning multiple devices can surf the way without causing a bottleneck (assuming your ISP is fast enough). Its 50-micron gold-plated RJ45 connector further helps keep the stream of data strong and secure. Its design opens up a world of versatility and possibility.

For starters, there’s a 200-foot option, which is especially helpful for routing a Jadaol Cat 8 Ethernet Cable from one part of the house to another. And you have smaller length options going all the way down to 1.5ft. Additionally, the flat design helps hide away underneath rugs or run along with corners of the house.

CableGeeker Cat6 Flat Ethernet Cable

Best Cat6

Perfect for a small setup

When it’s just you using the internet, the CableGeeker Cat6 Flat Ethernet Cable is all the cable you ever need. It offers 1000Mbps data transfer speeds, 250Mhz bandwidth, and a flat design that easily sits flush against walls and corners.

Pros

• 1000Mbps data transfer speed & 250Mhz bandwidth
• Flat, durable cable
• Comes with cable clips & straps
• The ideal choice if you only own a few devices

Cons

• Not for internet speeds exceeding 1Gbps

$10 at Amazon $31 at Walmart

When you don’t have to share your bandwidth with a lot of people, a Cat6 cable offers plenty of performance, especially if it’s just you. For that reason, along with a convenient design, the CableGeeker Cat6 Flat Ethernet Cable comes out on top.

As the name suggests, the CableGeeker Cat6 Ethernet Cable features a flat PVC jacket. While it may be thin, it’s quite tough. You can curl it, bend it, and tie it into knots without causing damage, which comes in handy for routing around door seams, under carpets, and around corners. You even get a set of cable clips and straps for tidying up loose cables.

In terms of performance, the CableGeeker Cat6 Flat Ethernet Cable has a 250Mhz bandwidth and can transfer data at 1000Mbps. Whether you work from home, game, or stream, that’s plenty for everyday use.

Vandesail Ethernet Cable

Best Cat7

When you’re ready to leave Cat6 behind

Not only does the Vandesail Cat7 Ethernet Cable consistently hit its performance marks, but it also falls right in that sweet spot between Cat6 and Cat8. If your internet speeds exceed a gigabyte, you’ll be able to take full advantage of your ISP.

Pros

• Exponentially better than Cat6
• The flat design makes it easy to conceal
• Wide bandwidth
• Excellent choice for streamers

Cons

• Too few sizes available

$14 at Amazon $7 at Walmart

With faster-than-gigabit internet speeds being far more accessible than before, you’ll want to take full advantage of it with the Vandesail Cat7 Ethernet Cable.

For starters, the Vandesail Cat7 Ethernet Cable can handle up to 10Gbps of data, with a bandwidth of 1000MHz. What that means for you is that multiple devices will be able to maintain a consistent, high-speed connection. If you stream, it’s especially helpful to have a lot of wiggle room to keep your stream’s quality intact.

What the Vandesail Cat7 Ethernet Cable features on the outside s just as important as what it offers on the inside. Due to its flatter design, it’s much easier to tuck under rugs and along corners. Additionally, the wear-resistant PVC material gives the cable a great deal of toughness against bending and twisting.

Choosing the Best Ethernet Cable For Gaming

The good news is that picking the best Ethernet for gaming really comes down to performance and what the cable can handle in terms of data transfer and bandwidth. Durability is certainly a concern, too, but anything beyond that is dressing.

If you want to eke out as much performance as possible or you like to stream, the Dacrown Cat 8 Ethernet Cable is an all-around fantastic option. As a Cat 8 cable, you’re getting some of the fastest data transfers and the widest bandwidth. It’s also quite durable and can take a beating.

Of course, if your internet speeds are nowhere near what a Cat 8 cable can handle, the Amazon Basics Cat-6 Ethernet Cable is the next best thing. The performance is reigned in, and the bandwidth is much more narrow, but if your internet speeds don’t exceed 1Gbps, then you have nothing to worry about. You also gain the benefit of multiple cables in a single pack.

Dacrown Cat 8 Ethernet Cable RJ45

Best Overall

High-speed performance, future-proofing, and durability wrapped into one

With a combination of shielding and maximum bandwidth, the Dacrown Cat 8 Ethernet Cable has all the workings to handle large data transfers now and for several years to come. Its resistance and thicker gauge also means you won’t be replacing it any time soon.

Pros

• 40GB per second data transfer rate
• Excellent data transfer capabilities
• UV-resistant PVC outer covering
• Length options range between 1.5 feet to 150 feet
• Very thick gauge

Cons

• A bit overkill for gaming

$20 at Amazon $12 at Walmart