We're not going to lie - wireless connections can be very convenient and easy, especially if you're on the move a lot, but an ethernet cable is definitely worth your consideration. Ethernet cables are a secure way of ensuring you have a speedy and reliable internet connection on your PC or even laptop.
Unless you have a mesh setup, Wi-Fi is easily disrupted. As such, if a steady connection is really important for you, then an ethernet cable is a must. Even just a few walls or bits of furniture can tank your wireless connection speed unless you use a booster or range extender, but an ethernet cable is able to maintain high speeds without issue.
The best ethernet cable at a glance:
• Best overall ethernet cable: AmazonBasics Cat6 Cable - View on Amazon
• Best budget ethernet cable: UGREEN Ethernet Cable, Cat7 - View on Amazon
• Best nylon ethernet cable: DanYee Nylon Braided Cat7 - View on Amazon
Ethernet cable specifications can be quite complex and there are a few categories to consider when it comes to choosing one, including length, type and the design of the cable.
Whether speed is your main interest and you're looking for a Cat5e, or you're more concerned with security a Cat7 would be more suitable, our best ethernet cables guide has got them all. We've included a wide range of cables, plus explain their advantages and disadvantages in detail, so it won't matter if you're a pro or a beginner.
The best ethernet cable:
All prices are correct at the time of writing. Prices, stock and deals are subject to change without notice.
Best overall ethernet cable
AmazonAs well as having an excellent price tag, this ethernet cable is incredibly handy. As it's a Cat6, you'll be getting the best of both worlds - you're getting a secure and very fast internet connection, without the added expense of a Cat7. You'll also get quite a few options in terms of length; the cables range from 0.9m to 7.6m.
Pros
- Versatile and reliable for a variety of devices
- Can be bought in bulk
Cons
- Faster options exist
| Max length | 7.6m |
| Transfer speed | 1 Gbps |
| Bandwidth | 250 MHz |
| Category cable | Cat6 |
- Customer review: ""It works well for my fibre router. Since it serves my devices via LAN connection I can't rate the WiFi signal, but it looks like a durable enough cable since it's been put in place it won't be touched for many years. Good price though, so if you want a reliable internet connection this should do the job."
Best budget ethernet cable
AmazonIf you're looking for a secure connection without the expensive price tag, consider the UGREEN cable. As well as having the secure protection of a normal Cat7 cable, it also has a bandwidth of up to 600Mhz - this is faster than several Cat6 cables. It comes in several different lengths - ranging from one to 20 metres.
Pros
- Speedy Cat7 connection
- Fantastic value for money
Cons
- Protective layer is a bit thin
| Max length | 20m |
| Transfer speed | 10 Gbps |
| Bandwidth | 600 Mhz |
| Category cable | Cat7 |
- Customer review: "With 10Gbps, I experienced lightning-fast data transfer and minimal latency, making it ideal for online gaming, streaming, and large file transfers. The 600Mhz/s bandwidth ensures a stable and consistent connection, reducing the risk of data packet loss."
Best nylon ethernet cable
AmazonAnother awesome choice is the DanYee Nylon Braided Cat7. With a bandwidth of up to 600Mhz, the exterior is made out of nylon - an excellent option for anyone working amongst lots of other devices or objects. The nylon prevents the cable from being damaged or broken if it is stepped on or pulled.
Pros
- Flexible yet very durable nylon braiding
- Easy to manuver around objects
Cons
- The head can be finnicky to remove
| Max length | 15M |
| Transfer speed | 10 Gbps |
| Bandwidth | 600 MHz |
| Category cable | Cat7 |
- Customer review: "I used this product to connect my PS4 directly to my Virgin Hub 3 from living room to conservatory. Excellent cable, very well made, sturdy, but not too hard to stop you feeding it round corners etc. No speed loss or anything, would definitely buy another one."
Best durable ethernet cable
AmazonWhen it comes to ethernet cables, the Cat8 may be a bit much for some, however, if you require impossible quick speeds over short distances, then we highly recommend this product. Not only does it have a bandwidth of up to 2,000Mhz, but its flat and sleek design is excellent for getting over and around objects. The only slight downfall is that it's in length.
Pros
- Brilliant bandwidth
- Great set of shielding
Cons
- Even the maximum length comes up quite short
| Max length | 9.1m |
| Transfer speed | 40 Gbps |
| Bandwidth | 2,000 MHz |
| Category cable | Cat8 |
- Customer review: "It does the job very well as fibre broadband connection is such an issue. Excellent shielding and getting very high speeds."
Best ethernet cable for length
AmazonIf you're looking for an ethernet cable with a high internet speed, but you don't want to spend too much, then we recommend the Rhinocables CAT5e. In addition to having a bandwidth of up to 350Mhz, it's available in 11 different colours and lengths up to 50 metres. You're getting all of this for an affordable price too.
Pros
- Colour variety makes it less disruptive to a room's style
- Plenty of lengths to choose from
Cons
- Cat5e is less powerful than other cables
| Max length | 50m |
| Transfer speed | Not specified |
| Bandwidth | 350 Mhz |
| Category cable | Cat5e |
- Customer review: "The build quality is impressive, with durable materials that feel robust and capable of withstanding regular use. Additionally, the length of the cable provides ample flexibility for setting up devices in various locations without compromising on performance."
Best high-speed ethernet cable
AmazonIt's easy to see why the Alaser Cat8 made it onto our best ethernet cables guide. Aside from being excellent value for money, it has a bandwidth of up to 2,000Mhz and it's extremely durable. It has an outer layer made from PVC, which helps prevent it from breaking or snapping, without losing the flexibility of the cable. The Alaser Cat 8 is also gold-plated on both ends, which helps secure the connection. Another plus is how customisable it is, as this product has a wide range of sizes - from 0.61 to thirty metres.
Pros
- Very impressive transfer rate
- Gold-plated ends ensure a stable connection
Cons
- Not as flexible at first
| Max length | 30m |
| Transfer speed | 40 Gbps |
| Bandwidth | 2,000 Mhz |
| Category cable | Cat8 |
- Customer review: "I have a couple of drives linked around the house via ethernet. I was previously using CAT5 cables and I am gobsmacked just how much faster the files move now using CAT8. Plus, these look and feel like premium cables and for the money, you can't really go wrong."
Best ethernet cable extension
AmazonDon't need a new ethernet cable but need a longer one? This UGREEN ethernet extension cable is compatible with most Cat cables and provides an extension of up to three metres. If you find your cable becoming too taught or struggling to reach it's destination, this one has you covered.
Pros
- Compatiable with plenty of Cat cables
- Light and flexible
Cons
- Might bottleneck high speeds slightly
| Max length | 3m |
| Transfer speed | 1 Gbps |
| Bandwidth | 250 MHz |
| Category cable | Cat6 |
- Customer review: "Used to extend the distance between the fibre terminal and my broadband router. No discernable drop in internet speed. Perfectly happy with the purchase."
FAQs:
What should I look for in an ethernet cable?
There are three main categories to consider when choosing one, including design, length and the type of cable.
Firstly, figure out your needs, then select the one that suits you best.
What are the three different types of ethernet cables?
There are four types of ethernet cables - Cat5e, Cat6, Cat7 and Cat8. A Cat5e carries a good internet speed for its price, but has no shielded connection, whereas the Cat7 is significantly slower, but provides a secure connection. A Cat8 is ideal for anyone who requires a fast internet connection over a short distance, but once that distance increases, the speeds slow down significantly.
Isabel Martins is a Commercial Content Writer for What's The Best, specialising in technology.
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