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Best Ethernet Cables for Gaming in 2023

Get the best gaming connection with these top ethernet cables
Last Updated on April 24, 2023
best ethernet cable for gaming

When it comes to finding the best ethernet cables for gaming, we’ve got you covered right here. Now if you’re here, you’ll already know that when it comes to competitive gaming, it’s vital that you have a strong connection. And while Wi-Fi may be okay for most, if you’re trying to guarantee a stable and as fast a connection as possible, you really can’t beat an ethernet cable.

But how do you pick the best? Surely they’re all pretty much the same, right? Well, there’s actually more to it than you’d think…

Picking the best ethernet cable for gaming means you’ll have to go for one with the biggest bandwidth, and that typically means going for a Cat-7 or Cat-8 cable, or above. Cat-8 cables can allow for a max bandwidth of 2000 MHz, making it an excellent choice for most gamers, and even streamers.

We’ve selected a number of these cables for you to choose from and also included some different options based on price so you can build your ultimate PC setup for less. Let’s get straight to it!

Products at a Glance

How we picked the Best Ethernet Cables for Gaming in 2022

In selecting the best ethernet cables for you to pick up, we looked at the Cat number, how durable these cables are, as well as the different lengths on offer – as these certainly separate the top gaming ethernet cables from those that are a little….lackluster.

Our Recommended

Best Ethernet Cables for Gaming in 2023

1
PROS
  • Cat8
  • 2000MHz bandwidth support
  • Variety of cable length options
CONS
  • Only available in black

First up on the list of best gaming ethernet cables is the DbillionDa Cat8. It’s what we think is the creme de la creme when it comes to this category.

Let’s initially talk about that Cat8 rating and what it brings with it, as this is one of the defining factors of why it’s at the top of our list. Cat8 boasts bandwidth support of up to 2000MHz and boosts the speed of data transmission up to 40Gbps. That means no matter what speeds you’re getting off your ISP, you’ll be receiving the full force through this cable. Moreover, it details 26AWG which is not only thick, it’s a lot faster and stable in data transfer, making it perfect for those with a large complex network of devices.

In terms of the build quality and durability of the DbillionDa, it’s pretty fantastic in both aspects. The ethernet cable itself is made of 4 shielded foiled twisted pair(S/FTP) and single-strand OFC wires. This not only makes it robust but also aims to reduce signal interference. Additionally, this ethernet cable is waterproof, has anti-corrosion elements, is extremely durable, and has the flexibility to suit all.

These elements come together to make a wire that is extremely unlikely to break. Plus one well as one that’s able to withstand outdoor weather and being buried underground.

Finally, in terms of length, the DbillionDa has a variety of options ranging from 3ft all the way up to 150ft. So it caters to absolutely everyone who is in the market for an ethernet cable for gaming.

2
PROS
  • Cat7
  • Long
  • Extremely durable
CONS
  • Kimited colour options

The Danyee Cat 7 cable is a great ethernet capable of many different uses, specifically good for gaming setups. It can support bandwidth up to 600MHz & transmit data at speeds of up to 10Gbps, and connect to LAN/WAN segments and networking gear at maximum speeds. The performance is as expected, however make sure you have a system capable of providing those speeds to take advantage of this cable’s full capability; don’t expect it just simply to make your system perfect!

In terms of its build quality, the Danyee Cat 7 is strong, with surface braided nylon as casing. The Danyee Cat 7 also uses an RJ45 universal connector — RJ45 connectors offer universal connectivity to computers and network components, such as Wi-Fi routers, modems, printers, Xbox, PS2, PS3, PS4, and switch boxes. Overall the Danyee Cat 7 is a great ethernet cable that’s versatile particularly well suited for your gaming needs.

3
PROS
  • Flat cable
  • Up to 10Gbps speeds
CONS
  • Durability of flat cables is questionable

If you don’t find it necessary to pick up a Cat8 ethernet cable for your gaming needs – but still want one that provides a little more futureproofing than Cat6 – why not go right in between and get a Cat7 cable. This VANDESAIL offers just that along with other plusses that set this apart from other lackluster choices.

The Cat7 certification boosts the speed limit of Cat6 from 1Gbps to 10Gbps, a ten times improvement. This, in turn, allows it to be much more futureproof. And, as ISPs are increasing speeds at a much faster rate than in previous years, we could see that 10Gbps much more frequently.

Again, compared to a Cat 6 network ethernet cable, there are clear benefits to this cable. The additional shielding and improved quality in twisting of the wires provides better protection from crosstalk, noise, and interference that can degrade the signal quality.

Looking more closely at those wires, they’re in four twisted pair sets, wrapped by aluminum foil and made from Oxygen-free copper cable core, all maximizing durability.

4
PROS
  • Flat cable
  • 8-core twisted structure
CONS
  • Limited to Cat6

This CableGeeker Cat 6 Ethernet Cable, as you can see from the product image, looks a little different from most of the options we’ve listed. It details a more ‘flat’ look than what we’re traditionally used to, which is actually fairly useful.

This design choice enables you to tuck this cable away nice and neatly. Whether that’s in the room of your setup, or if you need to attach it around doorframes and under carpets.

Even though the cable is flat there are a few layers that go into the CableGeeker to make it durable. There’s a combination of PVC and an 8-core twisted structure which makes the cable robust and still flexible. Moreover, the core itself is of 30AWG nature which will withstand a bunch of flexing and bending, protecting your connection.

But just because it looks good and is durable, doesn’t mean that it performs well. So let’s talk specs.

This is a Cat6 ethernet cable which means that it doesn’t offer what a Cat8 cable does but it’s still more than respectable. In terms of speed, it supports gigabit connections and up to 250 MHz bandwidth. So probably more than most would need with the average internet connection. But, with gigabit providers popping up more and more, it’s nice to have if you switch.

5
PROS
  • Value for money
  • Gold plated connectors
CONS
  • Lacks some internal wiring features

Don’t let the name fool you here, the Amazon Basics range is pretty stellar in most categories. And that certainly trickles into their cables, more specifically, their ethernet cables for gaming.

Similar to that of the CableGeeker, it’s a Cat6 cable which again allows for up to a gigabit connection. Fantastic for those high-speed ISPs, and you’ll receive exactly what you’ve paid for. Proven by that is RJ45 connectors which are gold plated, allowing corrosion-free connectivity.

In terms of durability, we’ve mentioned the gold-plated connectors, but there’s more. The durable outer PVC jacket truly bolsters the longevity of this ethernet cable and certainly keeps those internal wires safe. Amazon offers lengths from 3ft to 50ft in this ethernet cable too. So there’s no shortage of options, which is handy, being that you can almost certainly find one that suits your needs.

What ethernet cables are best for gaming?

Beyond consistent speed, the latest standards and their ability to deliver that speed at longer lengths of cable. We’d recommend Cat8 cables because they are future-facing and not so much more expensive. Of course, it also comes down to design and external protection of the cable, depending on where you are routing it and the protection needed.

What is Cat Certification?

As previously mentioned these cables come with a ‘Cat’ number assigned to them. Essentially, the larger the Cat number, the faster and more bandwidth the cable can take, resulting in a better overall connection. Moreover, if you don’t have a cable with a high enough Cat number, you may not receive the speeds you’re paying for. In our eyes, you want to pick up at least a Cat 6 ethernet cable for gaming. Cat 6 allows for speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps, so is useful for those who have a gigabit connection.

What ethernet cable length should I get?

You’ve probably got your modem/router close enough for you to simply slot in a smaller length ethernet cable, such as a 0.5m/1m. But for those that have their setup somewhere else, rather than close to a port, the cable length is a careful consideration.

You might just think that you could pick up as big a length of ethernet cable as possible just in case. But unfortunately, there are drawbacks to this. Once you get past the 15m range the signal starts to degrade, which leads to poorer speeds.

Therefore, we’d certainly recommend never to go larger than 15m. Instead, try and get an ethernet port closer to your devices.

Our Verdict

Overall, if you want the traditional form factor ethernet cable for gaming, there’s really no question that the DbillionDa Cat8 Ethernet Cable is the best ethernet cable for gaming in 2022. It is durable, flexible, and offers up that all-important high Cat number allowing for extremely high data speeds. There’s also a wide variety of cable lengths you can choose from so there’ll surely be one that’ll work for you.

While the DbillionDa should really be the go-to, the CableGeeker Cat 6 Ethernet Cable deserves an honorable mention due to the design of the cable. You can hide this one away in a far neater fashion which could be ideal if you’re far away from your ethernet port/modem/router.

Looking for more information before you make your choice? Check out our best ethernet cables guide.