Internet connectivity is of the utmost importance in today's day and age, especially in gaming. Even offline games like ones with single-player campaigns require an internet connection for storing saves or updates, as well as logging issues and bug fixes. A fast and reliable internet connection can be made possible through an Ethernet cable for a hard-wired connection, even though wireless connections have achieved impressive performance over the years. An Ethernet cable ensures that users are getting the best possible speeds they are paying for.
The best Ethernet cables for gaming are fast and secure. They offer high data transmission speeds and connect more securely and faster to the internet than wireless connections, which are usually slower and less reliable. Whether it is streaming online games or downloading the latest updates, having an Ethernet cable that can transmit data faster is critical as it enables snappy in-game responses. The best Ethernet cable should be able to handle the low latency and high bandwidth demands of 4K or 2K gaming.
Updated on May 5, 2024 by Vineet Washington: The Dacrown Cat 8 RJ45 Ethernet Cable has been given the title of the best premium offering because of its top-tier construction and performance that comes with a relatively higher price tag. A note for real-world internet speeds has been added. A more detailed explanation of the things to consider when choosing an Ethernet cable for gaming has been added at the end.
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What Should Users Look For in a Gaming Ethernet Cable?
Gamers should keep these aspects in mind when shopping for their next Ethernet cable for gaming:
- Cable Category: Ethernet cables are categorized as Cat 6, Cat 7, Cat 8, etc., with higher numbers denoting better-performing cables. For instance, Cat 8 cables can support data transmission speeds of up to 40 Gbps and 2000 MHz.
- Cable length: Shorter cables are the best as they are unlikely to suffer from interference, signal loss, or degradation. For gamers who must use longer cables, the best idea would be to use an active ethernet cable with a higher category number and a built-in amplifier to enhance the signal.
- Cable quality: Good quality Ethernet cables for gaming usually feature a twisted or shielded core, gold-plated contacts, and a sturdy connector with a flexible, thick jacket.
- Certification: Certified cables have been verified and tested by the respective authority bodies, such as the ETL and UL, to meet specific standards.
Looking to upgrade the gaming setup further? Consider adding a gaming router for a complete and immersive gaming experience.
The actual real-world internet speed will be dependent on the plan provided by your ISP. Getting a cable that is Cat8 and supports up to 40 Gbps speeds but having an internet plan that only supports a maximum of 300 Mbps would be a waste of money, but it will definitely future-proof you, in case you plan on upgrading the internet connection down the line.
Game ZXC's Picks for the Best Ethernet Cables For Gaming for 2024
DbillionDa Cat8 Ethernet Cable
The DbillionDa is a reliable Cat 8 Ethernet cable that can be used for both indoor and outdoor gaming. The double-shielded 26AWG Cat8 cable is thicker, stable, and supports speeds of up to 2000 MHz/40 Gbps, which is ideal for gaming. It has a durable, weatherproof architecture, a water-resistant connector, and a UV-resistance PVC jacket. It is 6 ft long, and its RJ45 connector can work with most RJ5 port-compatible devices.
- Brand
- DbillionDa
- Length
- 6 ft
- Cable Type
- Ethernet
- Connector Type
- RJ45
- Category
- 26AWG Cat8
- Speed
- 2000 MHz/40 Gbps
- Durable UV-resistant PVC shield
- Delivers 40Gbps internet speed at 2000MHz.
- Compatible with most gaming devices.
- A bit stiff
This DbillionDa product is Game ZXC's pick for the best Ethernet cable for gaming. It is available in different lengths, ranging from three feet to 150 feet, to cater to the needs of every user. Thanks to its inclusion of two RJ45 endings, the cable is compatible with most gaming devices, including laptops, desktop computers, Nintendo Switch, PS5, PS4, Xbox One, and Xbox S Series.
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The manufacturers paid special attention to using four shielded, foiled, twisted pairs and one wire strand based on the 26AWG standard. Thus, it looks thicker than 32AWG cables but is much faster. Besides gaming, its 40Gbps internet speed and 2000MHz bandwidth are ideal for smart home and high-performance office operations. Having learned from their earlier products, the DbillionDa team improved the quality of wire twisting to reduce signal interference significantly.
Users can play their favorite games incredibly fast and never worry about unwanted lag. This cable can enable snappy response time for the avid gamer, just like playing a game stored on-device. The build quality is out of this world. First off, the Ethernet cable is double-shielded, waterproof, and has anti-corrosion properties. It is not only durable but also flexible. The PVC jacket is UV-resistant, making it the best Ethernet cable for the outdoors.
Snowkids Cat 8 Ethernet Cable 50 FT
This Snowkid product is a robust Cat 8 Ethernet cable for gaming thanks to its high data transmission speeds of up to 40 Gbps and 2000 MHz bandwidth. This ensures a stable network connection for gaming without any stop or lag. Also, it has a sleek and durable design with a metal connector, gold-plated contacts, as well a nylon jacket for durability. It is ideal for users looking for a future-proof cat8 cable.
- Brand
- Snowkid
- Length
- 50 ft
- Cable Type
- Ethernet
- Connector Type
- RJ45
- Category
- Cat 8
- Speed
- 40 Gbps and 2000 MHz
- Color
- Grey
- Available in various lengths
- High internet speeds
- Anti-Interference design
- No choice of color
- Impossible to insert multiple cables in devices where the ports are side by side.
Straight out of the box, the Snowkids Cat8 Ethernet cable is available in different lengths between one foot and one hundred feet. Users are free to choose a size that works for them. Plus, at whichever length one chooses, the cable ably keeps the strength of the connection stable for uninterrupted gaming. The ideal user of this Ethernet Cat8 cable is an avid gamer looking for stable internet that never balks under pressure. At 2000MHz, its bandwidth is astronomical.
It is also a more flat Ethernet cable, making it easier to manage and route under furniture. Even if it requires bending in multiple locations, its toughness has been tested with 15,000 bending tests.
The 40Gbps maximum internet speed can power gaming, online HD video streaming, and other data-heavy applications. Gamers not only get to enjoy seamless transitions from one frame to another but can also make snappy responses. Snowkids made this Ethernet cable compatible with the most popular gaming devices. Users can hook it up with Nintendo Switch, PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox S Series, and other gaming consoles. Once they are through with gaming, they can connect the Ethernet cable to Smart TVs, VoIP phones, Printers, Servers, desktop computers, laptops, etc.
Tesmax Cat 8 Ethernet Cable 6FT
The Tesmax Cat 8 Ethernet cable features a woven mesh shield, an aluminum foil shield, two gold-plated RJ45 connectors, and a UV-resistant PVC outer cover, making it ideal for use in various weather conditions. Also, the 6 ft Cat8 Ethernet cable performs very well when it comes to speed, thanks to its 40Gbps internet speed and 2000Mhz bandwidth capabilities.
- Brand
- Tesmax
- Length
- 6 ft
- Cable Type
- Ethernet
- Connector Type
- RJ45
- Category
- Cat 8
- Speed
- Up to 2000 MHz / 40 Gbps
- Color
- Black
- Can be used in various weather conditions
- High internet speeds
- Priced fairly
- Marginal improvements from the previous versions
This product by TesMax is one of the best Ethernet cables for gaming indoors and outdoors. The pure copper Ethernet Cat8 cable has a woven mesh shield, an aluminum foil shield, two gold-plated RJ45 connectors, and a UV-resistant PVC outer cover. The cable effectively resists extreme weather conditions like cold, sunlight, and humidity.
However, having an Ethernet cable with a solidly built Ethernet cable would not make sense if it cannot perform to user expectations. The Cat8 Ethernet cable performs at the very top with support for a maximum of 40Gbps internet speed and 2000Mhz bandwidth. The cable is highly dependable for gaming or other functions, preventing breakage or interference in the internet signal.
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Because of its RJ45 connector, it is compatible with any gaming device with an RJ45 plug. The TesMax Cat8 Ethernet cable works with PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox S Series, Nintendo Switch, and other gaming consoles. Desktop and laptop gamers can also access their favorite online games. Furthermore, it has also passed the Fluke test, which is a series of industrial tests and measurements for physical links.
The Ethernet cable is available in durable quality. It is 26AWG certified to offer faster, stable data transfer. After past professional cable analysis tests, this TesMax product is suitable for leisurely pursuits like gaming, smart homes, and small or middle enterprises. If a task requires high-speed internet, having a TesMax Ethernet cable is necessary.
Dacrown Cat 8 Ethernet Cable RJ45
The Dacrown Cat 8 Ethernet Cable is a robust pick for lag-free and low-latency gaming. It offers ultra-fast speeds and outstanding bandwidth for more seamless and responsive gameplay with great visuals and smooth action. Its RJ45 connector, UV-resistant and weatherproof materials, and effective shielding make it ideal for both indoor and outdoor gaming.
- Brand
- Dacrown
- Length
- 50 ft
- Cable Type
- Ethernet
- Connector Type
- RJ45
- Category
- Cat 8
- Speed
- 40Gbps/2000Mhz
- Color
- Black
- Its 40Gbps internet speed is exceedingly high
- Easy to manage flexible cable
- Weatherproof & UV Resistant
- The 50 ft length might interfere with signal strength
A few years back, having an internet speed of 100Mbps was a big achievement. But with the increasing use of fiber optic internet, homes and small offices are getting speeds as much as 25Gbps or 40Gbps. Users with such installations need dependable Cat8 Ethernet Cables like this one from Dacrown. Not only will they be able to play their favorite games whenever they want, but they will also seamlessly connect their smart devices. Its 40Gbps internet speed is so high that using it for gaming guarantees an out-of-the-world immersive experience.
Besides being strong, the pure copper core wires can send data more efficiently and entirely lag-free. The cable manufacturers have intricately woven the copper wires and covered them with an aluminum foil shield followed by a mesh shield for ultra durability. Plus, the gold-plated RJ45 connector is corrosion-resistant and will not lose conductivity with prolonged use. But the best attribute of this Ethernet cable is its ability to work with multiple gaming devices. It is suitable for the best gaming laptops, desktops, and gaming consoles. So, PS5, PS4, Xbox One, and Xbox S Series users should find it especially useful.
UGREEN Cat 8 Ethernet Cable 6FT
This entry-level Ethernet cable boosts speeds of up to 40Gbps with a bandwidth of 2,000MHz, making it a cost-effective choice even for playing data-intensive games. Also, it features four shielded foiled twisted pairs with an aluminum foil, which considerably reduces crosstalk and interference with other cables, resulting in a more stable and faster network.
- Brand
- UGREEN
- Length
- 6ft
- Cable Type
- Braided Ethernet Cable
- Connector Type
- RJ45
- Category
- Cat 8
- Speed
- Up to 40Gbps 2000Mhz
- Color
- Black
- The F/FTP design reduces crosstalk and interference
- The braided cotton cover is durable
- Best for laptops, desktops, and gaming consoles.
- Fragile plastic cap
The UGREEN Cat8 Ethernet cable features four foiled twisted pairs (F/FTP) and an aluminum foil shielding cover. With this design, the cable results in little or no crosstalk and interference from adjacent wires. But this industry-conforming design does not just result in more effective performance and makes the cable more durable. The outer covering of the Ethernet cable consists of high-quality braided cotton that protects the cable from damage through over ten thousand bends. So, users who plan to use it for the long term could not make a better choice.
Regardless of the gaming device everyone prefers, this cable is compatible with them all, thanks to the universal RJ45 connector. Besides the best gaming laptops and desktop computers, users can pair them with Xbox One, Xbox 360, Xbox S Series, PS3, PS4, and PS5. Since it belongs to the new-generation Ethernet cables for gaming, it is still suitable for devices with Ethernet Cat5, Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6e, and Cat7 ports.
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Gaming enthusiasts, theoretically, recommend an internet connection with 100Mbps speeds for online gaming. This cable not only supersedes that but goes far and above with its 40Gbps internet speed and 2000MHz bandwidth. Users have every reason to enjoy gaming but also put the cable to other uses.
Orbram Cat 8 Ethernet Cable 50 ft
Orbram Cat 8 Ethernet Cable is 50 ft long and features a nylon braided heavy-duty design to reduce interference and gold-plate RJ45 connectors for durability and secure connections. Its flexible, flat architecture can seamlessly run the carpet or be lined up against the wall. It can deliver up to 2000MHz high-speed data transmission rates, which is ideal for gaming.
- Brand
- Orbram
- Length
- 50 ft
- Cable Type
- Ethernet cable
- Connector Type
- Rj45-rj45
- Category
- Cat 8
- Speed
- Up to 2000 MHz/40 Gbps
- Flat and Interference-resisting STP design.
- Delivers up to 40Gbps in line with the Cat8 Standard.
- Compatible with both new and old-generation devices
- May be incompatible with some Cat 6 or Cat 5 supporting devices
The Orbram Cat8 Ethernet cable features the unique four-shielded twisted pair (STP) design, which aligns the copper wires to resist any outside interference completely. But before one can even consider whether there is interference, they would already have hooked the cable to a device using the gold-plated RJ45 connectors. These connectors are durable and provide a secure connection with time.
Users with an Ethernet cable with a flimsy plastic exterior would appreciate the manufacturer's use of a double-braided nylon exterior. As they use the cable, they will notice it doesn't get unnecessarily entangled and can last through over ten thousand bends.
But what is the use of having a durable Ethernet cable that cannot perform to the user's expectations? Well, with the Orbram Cat8 Ethernet cable, that should not worry anyone. The cable conforms to the Cat8, which is the latest industry standard. Thus, its bandwidth is as much as 2000MHz, and the internet speed is 40Gbps. As a Cat8 Ethernet cable, it has reverse compatibility with all gaming devices with Cat5, Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6e, and Cat7 Ethernet RJ45 ports. Therefore, users of old-generation gaming devices should never worry about this cable being incompatible. They can safely use PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox 360, etc.
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Factors to Consider When Choosing Ethernet Cables for Gaming
Picking the right Ethernet cable for gaming needs can greatly impact a user’s gaming performance and experience. As such, assess the viability of each cable by considering the following factors:
Speed
Ethernet cables transfer data at different speeds. Therefore, users should ensure adequate speed when selecting an Ethernet cable for gaming. They may opt for Cat6a, Cat7, or Cat8 cables, with 100Mbps, 1000Mbps, and 40Gbps, respectively. As mentioned earlier, your ISP's plan will define how fast you can actually access the internet, so make sure the Ethernet cable supports the maximum speed allowed by your plan.
Latency
Latency refers to the time it takes to shut data transmission between two points. Gaming and other data-heavy functions require the lowest latency levels. With that, gamers have quicker reaction times and can be more competitive. Again, Cat6a, Cat7, and Cat8 Ethernet cables tend to have the lowest latency. Especially in competitive shooters, where the one with the fastest reaction time wins, low latency is of the utmost importance.
Length
The length of an Ethernet cable is critical since it determines its ability to connect the gaming device to the router or socket. The shorter the Ethernet cable, the more intense the internet connection. Similarly, longer Ethernet cables water down the signal through increased latency. The further the computer is from the router or wall outlet, the longer the cable needs to be, and the higher the chance of interference and degradation. If it is not possible to physically move either of the ends closer to each other, get a long cable that has a built-in amplifier.
Price
Ethernet cables are available in all budgets and gamers don't necessarily need to purchase the most expensive one for the best performance. A budget-friendly Ethernet cable can also deliver the necessary performance. However, it should be noted that the quality of cheaper cables might not be that good. So, either go with a brand that is popular and well-reviewed or pay a little extra to get a premium spec cable. But also bear in mind that even longer and high-performing Ethernet cables are not that expensive to begin with.
Cable Category
Ethernet cables are in distinct categories based on the technology used to manufacture them. The higher the category, the higher the internet speed and bandwidth. Casual gamers may choose Cat6 or Cat6a cables. For professionals, Cat 7 and Cat 8 cables are the best.
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FAQ
Q: What type of Ethernet cable is best for gaming?
The best Ethernet cable for gaming is a Cat8 with 40Gbps speed and 2000MHz bandwidth. It is perfect for professional gaming, which can be overly demanding regarding in-game response time. Users may also pick a Cat6, Cat6a, or Cat7 Ethernet cable for gaming.
Q: Which Ethernet cable is the fastest?
The fastest Ethernet cable is the category-8 or Cat8. It can deliver a bandwidth of up to 2000MHz or 20 times faster than a Cat5 cable. Besides, a Cat8 cable has a data transmission speed of up to 40Gbps.
Q: What is the best quality Ethernet cable?
The quality of an Ethernet cable depends on the design and build quality. It should not only be able to prevent crosstalk and interference but also last through multiple times of use. For example, Ethernet cables have braided nylon or cotton outer covers that last longer than those with weak plastic covers.