Key Points
Our choice for the #1 Best Overall Ethernet cable for gaming is DbillionDa Cat 8.
Ethernet cables that support high bandwidth and fast data transmission speeds are surprisingly affordable.
An Ethernet cable for gaming will offer faster, more stable internet speeds with less lag and reduced interference.
When shopping for the best Ethernet cable for gaming, consider its compatibility with your internet speeds, the length of cable you will need, and the materials it is made of.
When it comes to gaming, having a fast and reliable internet connection is crucial. Whether you play esports professionally or are a casual Mario Kart player, investing in a high-quality Ethernet cable is one way to ensure you get the best possible lag-free connection. Of course, there are many different Ethernet options on the market. However, some of the best cables for gaming include those that offer fast speeds and low latency, making them ideal for gamers who demand the best performance from their setup.
And because the best equipment can make all the difference when it comes to improving your overall gaming experience, this article explores the best Ethernet cables for gaming on earth today based on their features, available lengths, and pricing.
After reviewing dozens of options, our ranking for the best Ethernet cables for gaming are:
Best Overall: DbillionDa Cat 8 Ethernet Cable
Best on a Budget: Jadaol Cat 6 Ethernet Cable
Best for Long Reaches: Zosion Cat 8 Ethernet Cable
Best Flat Cable: UGreen Cat 7 Ethernet Cable
Best Braided Cable: Danyee Cat 8 Ethernet Cable
Best Overall: DbillionDa Cat 8 Ethernet Cable
Our pick for the best overall ethernet cable for gaming is the DbillionDa Cat 8 Ethernet Cable. We chose this cable because this is the best Cat 8 that offers the fastest speed combined with the most sturdy, snag-free Ethernet cable design.
The DbillionDa comprises four shielded Foil Twisted Pair or F/FTP and 26AWG signal strand OFC wires. This type of wiring means the transmission speed is up to 40Gbps (or 40000 Mbps) and it supports bandwidth up to 2000MHz.
Some people may consider Cat 8 overkill for home applications. However, we find that the DbillionDa Cat 8 Ethernet cable will give you the confidence you need in both casual and competitive gaming, where you‘ll need the best internet speed to perform your best
Additionally, the DbillionDa Cat 8 comes shielded, which gives it extra protection and also makes it suitable for running inside walls or outdoors.
Pros:
- The cable has excellent quality and speed.
Cons:
- Some of the longer lengths are very expensive, especially because Cat 8 may be overkill for most gamers.
Check out the DbillionDa Cat 8 Ethernet Cable on Amazon.
Best on a Budget: Jadaol Cat 6 Ethernet Cable
Our pick for the best budget Ethernet cable is the Jadaol Cat 6 Ethernet Cable. This budget Ethernet cable comes in lengths of up to 200 feet that consists of 4 shielded Twisted Pairs of copper wires that support speeds of up to 250MHz and 10Gbps (or 10000Mbps.)
These speeds are quite ample for any gaming system. In addition, because the Jadaol is stranded, it‘s flexible and can easily be moved around if need be.
We also like the Jadaol because it comes with plenty of clips, which eliminates the need for you to buy your own. However, what gave us pause was Jadaol itself saying that their cable may not always have a good connection.
Pros:
- The Jadaol is inexpensive.
Cons:
- The company states that it may be hard to get a good connection if your connector doesn‘t have enough gold in the contacts.
Check out the Jadaol Cat 6 Ethernet Cable on Amazon.
Best for Long Reaches: Zosion Cat 8 Ethernet Cable
Our pick for the best ethernet cable for long distances is the Zosion Cat 8 Ethernet Cable. We chose the Zosion because it can reach up to 100 feet and is weatherproof and UV resistant due to its shielding. It is also suitable for both indoor our outdoor use.
The Zosion comes in both flat or round cable and, like the DbillionDa, supports 2000MHz bandwidth and data transmission speeds up to 40Gbps. The Zosion consists of 4 Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) of copper wires and an upgraded PVC outer cover, which adds to its sturdiness.
Unfortunately, this cable doesn‘t include clips to secure it down, which can be an issue if you‘re stretching it across a long distance.
Pros:
- You have a choice between multiple lengths for every space.
Cons:
- Cable clips aren‘t included.
Check out the Zosion Cat 8 Ethernet Cable on Amazon.
Best Flat Ethernet Cable: UGreen Cat 7 Ethernet Cable
Our pick for the best flat ethernet cable is the UGreen Cat 7 Ethernet Cable. The UGreen Cat 7 comes in lengths up to 50 feet. The cable transmits data at speeds of up to 10Gbps and bandwidth of up to 600MHz, which works well for gaming consoles and computers. The flat design makes installing the Ethernet cable under doors or a rug reasonably painless.
Even though the UGreen Cat 7 is shielded, try to avoid using the UGreen outside or where it may get wet, as it‘s rated for indoor wiring only. Additionally, the UGreen isn‘t rated for use inside the wall.
Pros:
- The cable is thin, making it easy to fit in tight spots.
Cons:
- It is not rated for wall or outdoor use.
- Sometimes flat cables can suffer from electrical interference.
Check out the UGreen Cat 7 Ethernet Cable on Amazon.
Best Braided Ethernet Cable: Danyee Cat 8 Ethernet Cable
The Danyee Cat 8 Ethernet Cable gets our pick for the best braided ethernet cable. The Danyee is well-shielded, and even though it‘s braided, the cable is thin enough to install under the carpet. Like most cables on this list, the Danyee Cat 8 supports bandwidth speeds up to 2000MHz and data transmissions up to 40Gbps.
Braided cables tend to be more robust and last longer, so you can feel confident buying the 100-foot length if you need to.
However, it should be noted that flat cables have been known to suffer from electrical interference, which causes a buzzing sound.
Pros:
- Thin braiding makes it perfect for hiding in small spaces.
Cons:
- Sometimes flat cables can suffer from electrical interference.
- The most extended length the cable comes in is 100 feet.
Check out the Danyee Cat 8 Ethernet Cable on Amazon.
How to Pick the Best Ethernet Cables: Step-By-Step
While shopping for the best Ethernet cables, most people find it helps to keep three main factors in mind. These factors are:
Compatibility
You should make sure the ethernet cable you pick works with the speed of your internet service. You can test your internet speed by searching for an internet testing site on your computer.
If you use Google, you can type “test internet speed” into the search bar. A text bar will appear, and you can select the button that says “RUN SPEED TEST.” This should help clear up what you need as far as internet speed.
For gaming, you typically need a bandwidth of around 4Mbps, but you‘ll never need more than 10Mbps. However, again, most Ethernet cables can handle this without issue.
Length
Before you spend money on an Ethernet cable, it helps to know how far it will need to reach. You don’t want to waste money on a cable that’s too short. On the other hand, make the mistake of getting one that’s too long, and you’ll have to deal with storing extra cable in an out-of-sight place to keep things tidy.
Material
A shielded Ethernet cable means that they‘re more suited for use inside the wall or outside your house or building. However, if you don’t anticipate the need to route your cable outside, an unshielded cable works just fine.
Finally, you may want to pick a color of Ethernet material that is different from the other cables nearby so you can quickly identify it.
What to Know Before Buying Ethernet Cables
Before buying an Ethernet cable, it helps to consider a few things. First, think about how long you need the cable line to be. Most people recommend using at most 300 feet to reduce the risk of losing performance. In addition, gamers can stick to Ethernet cables that can handle network speeds of 40Gbps, or 10Mbps.
Also, it’s helpful to remember that Ethernet cables come in different categories, with Cat 6 or higher being the most common for home gaming use. So if you need a high-speed internet gaming cable, choose at least a Cat 6. However, the best Ethernet cables for gaming tend to be Cat 7 or Cat 8.
Using Ethernet Cables: What It‘s Like
Using the best Ethernet cables for gaming can notably improve your online gaming experience. While Ethernet cables can support up to 10Gbps, WiFi can only support 2.4 Gbps. Therefore, it‘s easy to see that you‘ll experience faster, more stable internet speeds with a wired connection, resulting in less lag and better overall gameplay. Less lag is significant for competitive gaming, where split-second decisions can make or break your game.
Additionally, connecting your gaming rig to an Ethernet cable can help reduce interference from wireless devices in your home, which may also improve your connection. So if you‘re serious about gaming, investing in the best cable is definitely worth it.
Summary Table
| Ethernet Cable | Pros | Cons |
| DbillionDa Cat 8 | Fastest speed, sturdy design, shielded | Longer lengths can be expensive |
| Jadaol Cat 6 | Inexpensive, flexible, includes clips | Possible connection issues |
| Zosion Cat 8 | Weatherproof, UV resistant, indoor/outdoor use | No cable clips included |
| UGreen Cat 7 | Thin design, good length for price | Not for wall/outdoor use, possible interference |
| Danyee Cat 8 | Thin braiding, additional shielding | Electrical interference, max length 100 feet |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the lifespan of an ethernet cable?
Most ethernet cables last five to seven years.
Does Cat 9 exist?
Cat 9 cables are not yet available.
How long can an Ethernet cable be without losing speed?
You do risk connectivity issues the further you extend cables. Most pros recommend a max distance of 328 feet. After that, the ethernet cables still work but may have connectivity issues.
Can I use a Cat 8 cable on a Cat 6 jack?
Yes, Cat 8 is backward compatible with other Cat jack sizes such as Cat 7, Cat 6, Cat 5, etc.
Is Cat8 worth it for gaming?
While Cat 8 cables are great for online gaming, they may also be overkill as data centers can only operate at 40Gbps, which is more than home internet provides.
