Best Ethernet Cable for Gaming in 2021
Get the best gaming connection with these top ethernet cables
- Last Updated Feb 3, 2021
Products at a Glance
How We Picked
Ethernet cables for gaming are a little more complex than you might think when it comes to differentiating specs and therefore, choosing the right one is sometimes a bit of a challenge.
In hand-selecting the best cables for you to quickly pick up, we looked at the Cat number, how durable these ethernet cables are, as well as the different lengths on offer as these certainly separate the top gaming ethernet cables from those that come in a little lackluster
Best Ethernet Cable for Gaming in 2021
First up on the list of best gaming ethernet cables is the DbillionDa Cat8 and 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 meaning 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 transferring, 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 which not only makes it robust, it 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 come together to make a wire that is extremely unlikely to break as 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 which caters to absolutely everyone who is in the market for an ethernet cable for gaming.
Next up is the GLANICS Cat 8 Ethernet Cable. Of course, by the name of this one, you’re going to receive a Cat8 variant in the same vein as the DbillionDa which we all know goes above and beyond compared to something like a Cat6 or Cat7 cable and provides you with an upped speed limit of 40Gbps. This is probably overkill but in the long run, you’ll know you won’t need to swap it out.
The internals of the cable are made from 100% bare copper wire with sheath material PVC and insulation material HDPE to keep it safe. Each twisted pair is individually shielded with aluminum foil coupled with tinned copper braid shielding in which protects all conductors just under the jacket, enhancing durability compared to older RJ45 network cables.
This ethernet cable for gaming comes in white rather than black which could be an advantage for some who have a clean, white setup and would rather make their wires blend into the aesthetic. There are also varying lengths of cable you can pick up ranging from 1ft to 100ft so pretty much no matter how far away that ethernet wall socket is, you should be able to reach it with these length options.
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 variant. This VANDESAIL offers just that along with other plusses that set this apart from other lackluster choices.
The Cat7 certification boosts that speed limit of Cat6 from 1Gbps to 10Gbps making it ten times as capable in comparison. 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 the Cat 6 network ethernet 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.
This CableGeeker Cat 6 Ethernet Cable, as you can see from the product image, looks a little different from most of options we’ve listed detailing a more ‘flat’ look than what we’re traditionally used to. 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 carpet.
Even though the cable is flat, there’s 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 to make sure that’s not the case. This is a Cat6 ethernet cable which means that it doesn’t offer quite what a Cat8 cable does but it’s still more than respectable. In terms of speeds, it supports gigabit connections and up to 250 MHz bandwidth, 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.
Don’t let the name fool you here, AmazonBasics 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 in 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. In conjunction with this, the RJ45 connectors are gold plated which allows for accurate data transfer and corrosion-free connectivity.
In terms of durability, we’ve mentioned the gold plated connectors but there’s also the durable outer PVC jacket which 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 which is handy and you should be able to find one that suits your needs.
Things To Consider
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 2021. 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 they’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.