5 of the Best Ethernet Cables To Use for Gaming

As a gamer, you’re always looking for ways to upgrade your PC setups. Speed is everything, especially when it comes to competitive games like Fortnite, Apex, COD, and more. If you have a faster console, you’ll have a slight leg up against the competition. Not to mention, it makes your gaming experience much more enjoyable.

There are many ways to make your PC faster, from upgrading your monitor to getting a new, high-quality graphics card. But one very basic and important way to ensure you’re getting the speed you need without breaking the bank is by investing in an Ethernet cable.

Today, we’re walking through the best Ethernet cables on the market. Using one of these, you can rely on quality internet speeds that translate to a much better gaming experience.

Why Use Ethernet?

As you may know, Ethernet is an optional upgrade to your PC setup. Your PC can function just fine without it. But if you want to get the most out of your computer, an Ethernet cable is the way to go.

In short, Ethernet offers a wired connection to the internet rather than a wireless one. An Ethernet cable attaches to your Wi-Fi router on one end and your PC on the other. It gives you a faster and more reliable connection to the internet, which can benefit you when you game.

In the Ethernet vs. WiFi debate, here’s why Ethernet wins without a doubt:

Faster Download and Upload Speeds

One of the best benefits of using an Ethernet connection is the boost in download and upload speeds. Every gamer has been in a situation where you’re on Discord with your friends, and you decide to load into a game together — only to be stopped in your tracks by an unexpected software update for your game of choice.

With WiFi, it’s another 20 to 30 minutes before you can play. Your friends have to go on without you, and you miss out on the fun. But if you’re connected to Ethernet, your wait time will drop dramatically.

The brand-new, top-of-the-line WiFi 6 can offer an impressive 2-3 Gbps download speed. However, CAT 8 Ethernet connections can get up to a whopping 40 Gbps, and even the CAT 6e can offer 10 Gbps. WiFi can’t come close.

With Ethernet connections, updates and downloading new games will take just a few minutes. If you’re after speed, Ethernet is the clear choice.

Lower Latency, Higher Reliability

On top of that, Ethernet offers a far lower latency than WiFi. In online games, where your ping is everything, that can make a big difference.

Ethernet connections will only add one to two milliseconds of latency to your ping. However, even the top-line WiFi 6 routers can add 30-50 milliseconds. In a fast-paced game, that can cause a problem.

Additionally, a wired connection is far more reliable than a wireless one. It won’t be hindered by walls or other interferences, while wireless connections can be affected by a whole host of interferences.

What Are the Best Ethernet Cables for Gaming?

Now that you know that Ethernet is the best internet connection choice for gaming, let’s share the best Ethernet cables on the market. Now, you can find one that fits your needs and can upgrade your PC speeds in the blink of an eye.

Best High-End Ethernet | Dacrown Cat 8

If you’re looking for the best Ethernet cable on the market, you’ve got to go with a Cat 8 option. This one from Dacrown is as good as they get. Cat 8 is the newest type of Ethernet cable, with speeds up to 40 Gbps and a frequency of 2000 MHz. It’s as fast as any cable out there, with extremely low latency.

Cat 8 cables also have fantastic shielding. If you live somewhere with high electromagnetic interference, these cables are well-insulated to keep that noise out. If you’re willing and able to meet their higher price point, they’re the best option.

The Dacrown Cat 8 retails for $16 for a five-foot cable. The price goes up for longer lengths, so if you need it to stretch across your house, it could cost much more. But those speeds might be worth it.

Best Flat Ethernet | BUSOHE Cat 8

One of the biggest pitfalls of Ethernet cables is that they can be a tripping hazard. If you need to stretch the Ethernet cable across the house or a large room to get from your router to your computer, a normal cable can be cumbersome and difficult to manage.

That’s where flat Ethernet comes in. This white, flat cable from BUSOHE is a great option for a high-speed Cat 8 connection in a low-profile way. The flat cable is still shielded and offers excellent speeds, but it can slide under a rug without making a bump or run along a baseboard or ceiling without drawing attention.

It even comes with 30 clips and nails so you can mount the cable against the wall, far away from where it can be tripped over. The 40-foot version costs just $23, so it’s a very affordable option.

The only downfall is that it’s not as sturdy as other options. However, if you pin it on the wall, that disadvantage can be managed.

Best Braided Ethernet | Danyee Cat 7

Braided cables are all the rage for multiple reasons. One, they look great. The cool braided textures come in various colors, offering your space a unique look. Two, they’re more durable than traditional cables, thanks to the extra protection the lattice braided threads provide.

While this cable isn’t as fast as its Cat 8 counterparts, it’s still faster than you’ll ever need. Cat 7 cables can get up to 10 Gbps speeds, which is more than fast enough to keep up with your modem and router for the next several years.

If protection and style are important to you, go with a Danyee Cat 7 cable. This particular cable is also flat, allowing it to slide easily beneath rugs or snugly up against a wall. It’s on the expensive side at $31 for a 50-footer, but if it meets your needs, it can be worth it.

Best Durable Ethernet | ShineKee Outdoor Cat 7

Some situations may require you to run an Ethernet cable outdoors to an exterior office or outdoor appliance. If that sounds familiar, the ShineKee Outdoor Cat 7 cable is an amazing option.

This Ethernet cable offers 10 Gbps speeds with serious protection on the cable itself. It has extra shielding and improved wire twisting, representing an incredibly tough product. Not to mention, this cable is weatherproof and perfect for outside use.

It’s designed to be buried and run beneath the ground, so it can handle the wear and tear better than other cables on the market. The 60-foot version is priced at just $16, so it’s a great deal if you need a durable cable.

Best Budget Ethernet | Smolink Cat 8 Braided

If you’re in a pinch and need an Ethernet to get the job done for a low price, this one is your guy. It’s difficult to get Cat 8 connection speeds at this price point, but somehow, Smolink has done it.

What’s more, affordability isn’t the only advantage of this cable. It’s also flat, making it easy to manage, and it’s even braided for extra protection.

However, this cable cuts a couple of corners on connectors. They’re small and might be more prone to damage than other brands. But if you take care of them, they’ll do just fine.

A 50-foot Smolink Cat 8 braided Ethernet cable costs only $14, making it an ideal option for those trying to save a few bucks.

Upgrade Your Speeds With Ethernet

Ethernet is a simple yet highly effective method of upgrading your PC or console’s performance in-game. With a faster and more reliable internet connection, you’ll be gaming better than you ever have before.

Now, you have a great selection of some of the best cables on the market. Pick whichever suits you and your setup, and get to gaming!

For more information about upgrading your setup and helpful tools for streamers and content creators, visit the Powder blog and see what we have to offer.

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