When you want to connect your PC setup to the internet, you must choose a Wi-Fi or Ethernet via a cable. We're all very familiar with Wi-Fi and the convenience that a wireless connection provides. However, are you better off choosing wired Ethernet for a seated PC?
Wired connections are far from a thing of the past. Wireless Wi-Fi is fantastic, but the steady consistency of a cable can't be understated. Running it from a router can be difficult, depending on how far away it is, but it's well worth the effort.
If you're a PC gamer, using Ethernet can prevent lag and disconnections from ruining your experience. You'll appreciate not worrying about Wi-Fi disruptions or the bane of any FPS or fighting game player.
Unsure if you should commit to adding another cable to your desk setup? We're here to discuss the benefits of using Ethernet while also noting which cases you should stick with Wi-Fi.
Stable and speedy
We've all experienced dips in connection quality when using Wi-Fi; going wireless is an unfortunate downside. However, since Ethernet is a wired connection, that's much less likely to occur. The internet connection should be as stable as your router can and will stay like that as long as the cable isn't disturbed.
Ethernet is also great for video and audio calls, as a lot of the quality comes through how solid your connection is. Your webcam, microphone, and speakers are the main features that affect your call quality, but a good internet connection keeps it all running well.
Since your internet connection is going directly through an Ethernet cable, it will also be faster than regular Wi-Fi. It should run at peak performance, downloading large files, streaming, or when on video and audio calls. An Ethernet connection is also a gem for downloading games and playing online multiplayer games – you can say goodbye to lag spikes and annoying disconnections.
No more blocking
Wi-Fi connection quality is easy to disrupt, with only a few thick walls, a couple of corners, and furniture. Since a wireless connection is invisible, it can be difficult to tell at a glance what the problem is.
This isn't as much an issue with Ethernet. A cable is easy to visualise, so navigating it around obstacles isn't difficult. Besides, the cable ensures that the connection quality doesn't dip as you get further away from the router. If thick walls have caused you some connection quality grief before, a wired connection is the way to go.
Another benefit of Ethernet is the range. The strength of your Wi-Fi connection is based on how close you are to the router, so it can seem great when near it but quickly fall off once you're a few rooms away. Ethernet cables are long, allowing you to carry that peak connection quality as far away as possible.
Finding a path
It's not all upsides with Ethernet, unfortunately. Wi-Fi is wireless, and for all the benefits of a wired connection, not having to think about a cable is convenient.
You might have clocked already that you need to connect your Ethernet to your router. This is fine if you're only a room away, but if it's on the other side of the house, you'll need to make a path for it. That means ensuring the cable is long enough, that nothing will be in the way, that the cable isn't a tripping hazard, and so forth.
If you want to avoid an untidy setup, finding a way to hide the cable is also a concern. We run ours beneath the carpet and right next to the skirting board so that no one will step on it, but if that's not an option, it can be a tricky nightmare to figure out a path. You may even need to run it up and along a door frame. There are a few ways to keep cables organised that are worth considering.
Wi-Fi doesn't have this concern. Even if the stability of the connection is a bit worse, it saves you the struggle of setting Ethernet up. It's much easier to settle for Wi-Fi than figure out how to route a cable upstairs without creating a tripping hazard.
Ethernet is a fantastic connection that we love to use, but Wi-Fi is often a more practical choice. If your layout allows you to get the cable set up without much bother, Ethernet is worthwhile. But, if your PC is on the other side of your house or upstairs, you might be better off sticking with Wi-Fi.
Kyle Purves is a Commercial Content Writer for What’s The Best, with an avid interest in all things gaming and tech.
They’re well-versed in reviewing a variety of tech products, with a soft spot for speakers and earphones. They’re also no stranger to hunting down the best savings, always wanting to get the best deal possible. Outside of work, they can often be found playing through an RPG, listening to Japanese noise rock, or trying to catch up with their ever-expanding list of shows and anime to watch. If possible, they try to play Dungeons and Dragons a couple of times a week, but getting six adults to be free at the same time is easier said than done.
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