What type of ethernet cable is the best?
While there are a number of advantages to using your Wi-Fi router to enjoy a more widespread internet connection, nothing beats a direct, cabled connection between your favorite console, PC or Smart TV. If you want the best of the best when it comes to ethernet cables, you should ideally be using a Cat8-certified cable, although the capabilities of both Cat7 and Cat6 cables are nothing to sneer at. However, using a model like the Cat8 6-Foot Heavy-Duty Outdoor & Indoor Ethernet Cable will ensure that your data is delivered at the best possible speed and quality.
What to know before you buy an ethernet cable
Since Cat6 was introduced, all ethernet cables come with shielding
For those who are unfamiliar with the Cat destination as it relates to the world of ethernet cables, it is simply an abbreviation for category. Each new generation of Cat represents a subsequent increase in both maximum deliverable bandwidth and the greatest cable distance said speed can be achieved at.
Beginning with the introduction of Cat6, ethernet cables began to come with braided or foil shielding to prevent transmission issues like noise interference and crosstalk. In fact, you won’t be able to find a single Cat8 or Cat7 now that doesn’t have such shielding already preinstalled.
Cat8 and Cat7 are suitable for a range of both indoor and outdoor projects
Are you interested in installing a brand new outdoor theater with internet-enabled streaming and projector, only to discover that your Wi-Fi router doesn’t cut the mustard when it comes to providing a stable connection? Have no fear, as Cat8 and Cat7 ethernet cables are certified for both indoor and outdoor usage and can be easily installed and even buried without adversely affecting the quality of your bandwidth.
Should you not feel comfortable with burying cable in your backyard, the PVC jacket surrounding the ethernet cable is highly resistant to damage from UV rays as well as extreme cold, heat and humidity without failure. Furthermore, Cat8 and Cat7 cables are both resistant to corrosion and fully waterproofed to prevent damage from errant liquids while remaining sturdier and more flexible than their predecessors.
Ethernet cable features
Make sure you know the maximum Cat capabilities before you buy
While Cat8 ethernet cables are undoubtedly the best option currently available, both Cat7 and Cat6 offer impressive capabilities when it comes to maximum bandwidth and maximum data transmission speeds. To clarify, Cat6 cables can achieve a max transmission speed of 100Gbps up to 15 meters away at 600MHz, while Cat7 cables can achieve a max transmission speed of 100Gbps up to 15 meters away at 1,000MHz. However, Only Cat8 cables are capable of achieving the current Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers standards of 40Gbps up to 30 meters away at 2,000MHz.
Ethernet cables with RJ45 connectors
In addition to being backwards compatible with every generation from Cat7 to Cat5, Cat8 ethernet cables are compatible with a truly staggering number of internet-enabled devices for your home and business needs. Just to name a few, Cat8 cables can be connected to devices including several generations of both PlayStation and Xbox consoles, servers, printers, routers, Smart TVs, AI-enabled smart assistants, PCs, modems and so much more. While the same range of devices can also be used with both Cat7 and Cat6 ethernet cables, only Cat8 cables offer such excellent backwards compatibility.
Durability of ethernet cables
If you need to have a stable wired connection that provides long-distance data transmission at the highest possible fidelity, anything from Cat6 to Cat8 will likely meet or exceed any non-commercial bandwidth requirements you encounter. However, it is worth noting that Cat8 cables are currently the toughest and most damage-resistant type of ethernet cable and are not only capable of boosting speed and reducing interference, but also offer greater cable thickness and flexibility than ever before.
Ethernet cable cost
Depending on the length of ethernet cable and the desired category, a quality ethernet cable can cost anywhere from $5-$50, and sometimes more.
Ethernet cable FAQ
Is having an ethernet connection that much better than using Wi-Fi?
A. The short answer is yes, but the speed of a connection made via ethernet cable is generally at least double that of a wireless connection.
What are ethernet cables?
A. They are network cables that resemble larger versions of phone cables but are used to physically connect devices to the internet, improving connection fidelity considerably.
Which ethernet cable should I get?
Best of the best ethernet cable
DBillionDa Cat8 Ethernet Cable: available at Amazon
Our take: The cream of the crop when it comes to ethernet cables.
What we like: Full backwards compatibility with previous Cats and connects a wide range of devices with the best capabilities on the market.
What we dislike: Some users have reported missing cable shielding and issues with connection speeds.
Best bang for your buck ethernet cable
UGREEN Cat7 Ethernet Cable: available at Amazon
Our take: An excellent and affordable option for high-quality ethernet connections.
What we like: Slim, flattened design for low-profile cable connections with improved shielding and transfer rates than Cat6.
What we dislike: Issues have been reported with actually attaching and detaching the cable plugs from ethernet ports.
Honorable mention ethernet cable
Jadaol Cat6 Ethernet Cable: available at Amazon
Our take: A universally compatible option for those who don’t need the latest version.
What we like: Comes with 25 table clips, features 100% copper wiring and four shielded twisted-pair conductors.
What we dislike: Users have reported poor data transmission rates, especially with longer models of ethernet cable.
Daniel Martin is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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