A wired connection can also help ensure a stable connection and provides higher internet speeds.
A stable connection is essential if you are gaming. When planning a gaming setup, the ethernet cable can just like the thermal paste, be overlooked.
They all look the same and you might think that they perform the same as well.
Even though these cables might look the same and have the same basic function, there are different types of ethernet cables on the market and here we are going to look into the best ethernet cables for gaming. These cables are meant for gamers and will provide higher speeds and a stable connection as compared to traditional cables that are available on the market.
Top Rated Gaming Ethernet Cables Comparison Table
You’ll find a more in-depth review of every ethernet cable further down this article. This comparison table consists of our absolute top-rated picks after having a look at the most cables available.
These are all the cables that we are going to look into and some of their specifications that you might be interested in.
Without further ado, let’s have a look!
The Best Ethernet Cables for Gaming in 2020
1. Mediabridge – Best Gaming Ethernet Cable
The Mediabridge ethernet cable is one of the best-selling cables on the market and is at the top of our list. It supports CAT6 and CAT5e standards and offers up to 10 Gigabits per second internet speed. The cable is also backward compatible so it should work fine with older hardware as well.
Our Pick
Mediabridge Ethernet Cable
If you are looking for a blend of value and performance then this is the cable that you should get. The Mediabridge ethernet cable offers high speed at a reasonable price.
The cable is made up of 24AWG Stranded conductors. Each of the 4 twisted pairs is separated by PE cross insulation which prevents cross-chatter. The 8P8C RJ45 connector comes with gold-plated contacts to prevent any kind of performance loss.
All things considered, here is what you need to know about the Mediabridge ethernet cable.
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Pros
- CAT6/CAT5e
- 10 Gigabits per second speed
- Backward compatible
Cons
- Connector can break
2. Tera Grand – Premium CAT7 Ethernet Cable
The Tera Grand is the next cable on our list and it complies with the CAT7 standard. It is also backward compatible and supports CAT5e, CAT6 and CAT6a, so compatibility should not be an issue.
This cable is a bit expensive as compared to others on this list but that is because it offers Aluminum-Mylar Foil shielding for each twisted pair and also comes with 85% Tinned Copper braid shield.
Our Premium Pick
If you are willing to pay more for a durable cable that comes with all sorts of protective features then this is a great option to consider. While the cable is a bit expensive as compared to other options on this list, that is the price that you need to pay for the additional features.
The cable is capable of delivering 10 Gigabits per second speed and complies with ANSI, TIA and EIA 568-B. The Shielded RJ45 connector protects against EMI and RFI interferences to ensure stable connections and higher performance.
Here is what you need to know about the Tera Grand ethernet cable.
Pros
- CAT7
- 10 Gigabits per second speed
- Backward compatible
- Excellent customer service
Cons
- Can have issues after a year
3. DanYee CAT7 Ethernet Cable – Budget Ethernet Cable for Gaming
These cables come with nylon braids which not only look great but protect the insides from damage as well. You can rest assured that these cables will last you are while. They comply with the CAT7 standard so you won’t need to change them any time soon. It is capable of providing up to 10Gbps which matches the rest of the cables on this list.
Most Fancy Looking
If you need an ethernet cable that not only works well but looks good too then this is an option worth considering. The braid not only looks great but provides an extra layer of durability as well. This does make the cables stiffer but that should not be an issue for most people.
The universal RJ45 connector is compatible with all kinds of devices such as Wi-Fi routers, modems, printers, Xbox, PS4 and PC. DanYee provides a 1-year hassle-free warranty and lifetime customer support which is a major plus point.
All things considered, here is what you need to know about the DanYee CAT7 ethernet cable.
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Pros
- CAT7
- 10 Gigabits per second speed
- 1-year hassle-free warranty
- Lifetime customer support
Cons
- Added protection makes it stiff
4. Jadaol Cat 6 Ethernet Cable
The Jadaol CAT6 cable has a flat design which makes it easier to hide. The flat design also keeps the cable from bending and twisting. It also comes bundled with 15 cable clips, so cable management is very easy. The cable supports CAT6 standard so it is able to provide up to 10 Gigabits per second speed.
If what you are looking for is an ethernet cable that has a flat design then look no further. The flat design keeps it from tying into a knot and it is also easier to hide. These cables are very thin and can easily be routed.
The universal connector plugs into all kinds of devices and the company also offers free replacement and lifetime warranty, which is a major plus point.
Here is what you need to know about the Jadaol CAT6 cable.
Pros
- CAT6
- 10 Gigabits per second speed
- Free replacement/refund
- Flat design
Cons
- None
5. AmazonBasics Ethernet Cable
These might not be the best-looking cables in the world and they are surely not the thinnest but they are inexpensive and will get the job done. The Black color might be an issue for some people but chances are that you are going to hide the wire anyway so it doesn’t really matter.
If you are not interested in anything fancy and just need a relatively inexpensive cable that will do a decent job then this is an option that is worth looking into. These cables are good enough to do the job and are reasonably priced as well.
These cables are very durable and support up to 1,000 Mbps or 1 Gigabit per second speeds. CAT6 standard ensures high performance and stability. These cables are a bit bulky as compared to other options on this list.
All things considered, here is what you need to know about the AmazonBasics ethernet cable.
Pros
- CAT6
- 1 Gigabits per second speed
- Durable
Cons
- Bulky
Conclusion
These are all the ethernet cables that are available on the market right now that we can recommend. If you are still not sure regarding which one is right for you then you can go with the Mediabridge ethernet cable. The cable is durable and can provide great performance. For the price, it is great value for money especially if you need to cover a lot of ground.
Gaming Ethernet Cables – Buyer’s Guide
There are so many different types of cables on the market that you might get confused regarding which one is right for you. The all might look the same but that is not the case and looks can be deceiving.
Different Types Of Ethernet cable
Although all Ethernet cables look the same, there are different types and here is what you need to know about them.
CAT3 Ethernet Cables
These cables used to be good for wired networks in the past and were able to support 10 Mbps connections but are now obsolete. You most likely won’t be able to find one now. If you use modern hardware then you should not get one of these cables.
CAT5 Ethernet Cables
CAT 5 cables use the 5th generation of Twisted-pair technology. They are currently the most popular cables when It comes to worldwide usage. The cables are also backward compatible with Cat 3 applications and can support 10/100 Mbps internet connections.
Even though better cables are available on the market, these are very common due to the price to performance ratio that they offer. CAT5e cables are even better versions that offer 1000 Mbps speed and are known as Gigabit Ethernet cables. The universal connector can be plugged into almost all modern devices and these cables are compatible with modern modems, routers, consoles, and even TVs.
CAT6 Ethernet Cables
CAT6 ethernet cables can provide speeds up to 10 Gbps but these are not enhanced versions of CAT5. CAT6 is a new standard. CAT6 is not as common as other cables mentioned on this list but as the internet is getting faster and people consume mode data, this standard will become more common.
These cables also come in an enhanced version called CAT6a which offers better speeds at twice the distance. You can expect to see these cables being adopted in the near future but if you are using CAT5 then you should be fine for a while and do not really need an upgrade unless there is some kind of major breakthrough.
CAT7 Ethernet Cables
This is the latest standard and the least used one. While the speed is the same as CAT6a the frequency is 100 MHz higher. These types of cables are meant for big organizations and cannot be recommended for use at home.
Things you should look for in an Ethernet Cable
Speed
Different cables offer different internet speeds. CAT5 is the most commonly used standard. These cables can do 10 Gbps which should be more than enough for general purposes. You should not get cables that use the CAT3 standard is you use modern hardware and devices.
Durability
Durability is very important when in the market for a new ethernet cable. You do not want to change the wiring every year or every few months. A durable ethernet cable can last you a long time and won’t need to be changed for years.
Shields help cables last longer. You will find cables without shields and you could use them for short connections at home but it is not something that we can recommend. Shielded cables are always better and they will last longer.
Design
While the design of an ethernet cable might not be something that people consider but this is something that you should look into. A flat cable is easier to manage because it does not bend easily. It can also be hidden away easily because it is thin. Usually, cables are round and bulky but there are lighter options on the market as well.
Some cables come with braids which make the cables stiff. Braids also offer an extra layer of protection and in some cases provide a better aesthetic compared to bland colors that the ethernet cables usually come in.
Last Words
There are plenty of cables on the market that you can choose from but we have narrowed the options down to the ones on this list. All of the cables on this list will get the job done and will deliver impressive performance at a reasonable price. It all comes down to the special features that you are most interested in.
This was our guide to buying the best ethernet cable for gaming on the market right now and which one you should get. I hope that this guide provides you with all the information that you need to make an informed decision.
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