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10 Best Ethernet Cable For Gaming High Speed

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Buying Guide for the Best Ethernet Cable For Gaming High Speed

Choosing the right Ethernet cable for high-speed gaming is important if you want a stable, fast, and reliable connection. While Wi-Fi can work, a wired Ethernet cable often provides lower latency and fewer interruptions, which gamers usually prefer for smoother gameplay. When picking a cable, you'll want to focus on a few key specs that will impact your gaming experience, such as the category of the cable, shielding, and length. Understanding what these specifications mean and aligning them with your gaming setup will ensure you get the best performance.
Cable Category (Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, Cat7, Cat8)The category of an Ethernet cable, often shown as Cat followed by a number (like Cat6), determines the maximum speed it can handle and how much data it can move at once. Higher numbers usually mean faster speeds and better performance for gaming. Cat5e cables can handle up to 1 Gbps (gigabit per second), which is fine for most gamers, but Cat6 and higher (such as Cat6a or Cat7) support faster speeds and are more 'future-proof.' Cat8 offers extremely high-speed support, but this is often more than most gamers need. To choose the right one, consider the speed of your internet connection and your gaming hardware; for most setups, Cat6 or Cat6a is a solid, reliable choice without being overkill.
Cable Shielding (Unshielded, Shielded)Shielding refers to how well the cable is protected from outside electrical interference, which can sometimes cause lag or dropped connections. Unshielded cables (UTP) are common and fit everyday use, but shielded cables (STP, FTP, or S/FTP) add extra layers to prevent outside interference. This is more important if your cable will run near other electronics or power cords. If you are gaming in a crowded or noisy electronic environment, a shielded cable is a great option for added stability. Otherwise, if your gaming area is free of such interference, an unshielded cable is usually just fine and easier to work with.
Cable LengthThe length of your Ethernet cable affects both convenience and network performance. Very long cables can result in a slight drop in connection quality, though this is usually only noticeable with runs over 100 meters (about 328 feet). You should choose a length that is enough to comfortably reach from your router or modem to your gaming device without being too tight or needing to stretch. For most home setups, lengths between 3 to 15 meters (10 to 50 feet) are common. Go for a cable that's long enough for your room while avoiding unnecessary slack, which can cause tangling and clutter.
Cable Thickness (AWG)Cable thickness is measured in AWG (American Wire Gauge). Lower numbers mean thicker wires, which can better maintain signal quality over longer distances. For general home gaming setups, this matters most if you’re using longer cables, like over 20 meters. Thicker cables (such as 23 or 24 AWG) are better for avoiding signal loss in these cases. If your connection is short, standard thickness (26 or 28 AWG) is more than sufficient and usually more flexible.
Connector Type (RJ45)Most Ethernet cables for gaming use the standard RJ45 connector, which fits into typical gaming consoles, PCs, and routers. This is important to check, especially if your equipment is older or highly specialized. For nearly all gaming setups, a cable with RJ45 connectors on both ends will be the right fit, ensuring it's compatible with your hardware.