The best Ethernet cables will give you the fastest internet speed and unmatched reliability

Despite faster and better Wi-Fi technologies, nothing can replace the stability, range and, in many cases, performance of an Ethernet connection. If you have a compatible router and network card, you can run the best Ethernet cables over 10 or even hundreds of feet and have the same performance as if you were sitting right next to the router.

Like Wi-Fi, there are a few generations of Ethernet to consider, and while you can get the best performance with the most high-end options, you don’t need to have the best of the best Ethernet cables for you. enjoy a fast and stable connection. link. Whether you’re looking to build a network of tomorrow, just need a short Ethernet cable to quickly connect to your desk, or want to make your own inexpensive Ethernet cables, here are some of the best Ethernet cables. that you can buy today. .

A solid economical Ethernet cable

20ft StarTech Cat5e Ethernet Cable

The absolute minimum Ethernet cable to consider today is a Cat5e. These cables offer Gigabit Ethernet speeds of up to 100m and provide better shielding against noise and crosstalk than older Cat5 cables. Almost any router, network card, or device from the past 15 years will be able to get the most out of a Cat5e cable, and when they can’t, this StarTech cable is backwards compatible with Cat5 as well.

It is available in a range of colors and at a low price. If you want a different length, you can choose between 1ft and 100ft, so there is definitely a Cat5e cable that works for you.

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A quality Cat 6 Ethernet cable

Cable Matters 25ft Snagless Cat6 Ethernet Cable

If you want a faster network experience of up to 10 Gbps, a Cat6 cable is your best option for cables up to 150 feet. They also offer much better shielding against noise and crosstalk, ensuring you get a quality connection. This may be of additional importance if you route your Ethernet cable alongside many other cables or in areas with a lot of EMI from other devices.

Cable Matters is one of the best manufacturers of Ethernet cables, and this Cat6 cable is 25 feet long and has strain relief protectors on each end to prevent fraying, as well as gold-plated contacts that provide additional corrosion protection.

Cat 6 flat Ethernet cable

Jadaol Flat White Cat 6 Ethernet Cable 25ft

If you run your Ethernet cable along a wall, in tight spaces, or under a carpet, a flat Ethernet cable can make all the difference. This means there are no unsightly bulges and helps your network blend into the background so you can enjoy Ethernet performance and stability without sacrificing the look of your home.

This Jadaol Cat 6 flat Ethernet cable is a great choice. It’s white, so it pairs easily with baseboards and lighter rugs and can be 25 or 50 feet, depending on your needs. It’s also very affordable, which makes it one of the best Ethernet cables if you want to sneak one through or around rooms.

Additional shielding for a quality connection

Cable Matters 5 ft Cat6a SFTP Ethernet Cable, 5-Pack

Cat 6 and newer Ethernet cables all offer some measure of shielding, but if you are using an Ethernet cable in an environment that has a lot of electrical interference, then getting an Ethernet cable with additional shielding is a good idea to protect the cable. integrity of your data.

This 5-pack Cat6a cable from Cable Matters offers the enhanced shielding typical of Cat6a cables, but also comes with additional wraps around the internal cabling, providing additional protection against noise and crosstalk. Available in sizes from 1 foot to 14 feet, in a choice of black or blue cables.

Ultra short Ethernet cable

Monoprice Cat6 Ethernet Cable 1ft

Sometimes you just need a short Ethernet connection to connect with the minimum of excess wiring. You can make your own if you want them as small as physically possible, or you can buy a very small one like this Monoprice Cat6 1ft Ethernet cable. It has all the performance and shielding advantages of Cat6 cable in a miniature format.

It’s not even the smallest you can get. This one is available in sizes ranging from 100ft up to just 0.5ft. You can also have it in a range of colors, including a burnt orange and a neon pink. However, none of them are as affordable as this 1 foot black cable.

Affordable Cat8 Ethernet Cable

DbillionDa Cat8 Heavy Duty Ethernet Cable 6ft

Cat8 cables are grossly overkill for most users. It allows bandwidth of up to 40 Gbit / s on your network, which is not only more than what anyone’s internet connection is capable of, it is more than what the hardware almost anyone’s local network can handle it too. Your router definitely doesn’t support it, and your desktop or laptop computer most definitely doesn’t.

Still, if you want the absolute cutting edge Ethernet technology, it’s Cat8. It not only offers more speed than any other class of Ethernet cable ever, but it also has one of the best shields. It is made with premium internal wire and benefits from individual wire insulation and aluminum packaging.

This particular cable also benefits from a more durable PVC coating on the outside, making it waterproof and suitable for outdoor use and outdoor burial, ideal for all outdoor smart devices connected to the network such as cameras. security.

Affordable Bulk Ethernet Cable

Vivo Gray 250ft Bulk Cat5e

While you can get very affordable Ethernet cables, the cheapest way to get a lot, or a few really long cables, is to make your own with bulk Ethernet cables. This box from Vivo offers 250 feet of Cat5e cable that you can crimp yourself to create as many Ethernet cables as you want. With Cat5e you get the full bandwidth of 1 Gbps up to 300 feet, so you can make these cables as short or as long as you want while still getting maximum performance.

If you buy a cable in bulk, remember that you will also need to install the RJ45 ends yourself, and you will need a crimping tool For the job.

A decent Cat7 if you really need it

DanYee Nylon Cat7 10ft Ethernet Cable

Cat7 Ethernet cables are not the same as other categories of Ethernet cables. They don’t use the traditional RJ45 Ethernet header, but a GG45 connector. Technically, there isn’t much of a difference and it’s backward compatible with RJ45 ports, but this has made Cat7 an unpopular cable that has received little official support in mainstream consumer products.

However, if you want or need to purchase a Cat7 cable, this option from DanYee is a good choice. It features a high quality braided cable with aluminum wrapping for each of the individual internal wires. It supports 10 Gbps bandwidth and is available in a variety of colors.