If you want to play, chances are you’ll want to do something over a wired internet connection at some point, and that means using an ethernet cable. Wired Ethernet connections provide fast service directly from your computer’s high-speed modem or router. These ethernet cables come in lots of numbers, speeds, lengths, and outer dimensions, the speeds are getting better every year and every manufacturer claims to have made the best cable the earth has ever seen. On the one hand, it’s good. It means that things are evolving and you can get a better quality connection for your gaming session today than you could a few years ago. On the other hand, there is now a degree of stress associated with picking out even an Ethernet cable. He won’t do anything.
Fortunately, the situation is much simpler than the manufacturers would have you believe, and choosing the best ethernet cable for gaming is not too difficult. It just depends on your preferences, style, and how important it is to you to feel that the things you buy today will still be relevant in 5 or 6 years.
The best ethernet cables to explore gaming in 2024
For an even wider selection, chosen for a wider audience than just gamers, check out our in-depth look at the best ethernet cables overall.
Cat6A monopole
Best overall ethernet cable for gaming
| Pros | Disadvantages |
| Unbelievable price | Stock issues |
| Durable, protected head | Simple exterior |
| Fun colors for gamers | |
| Lifetime Warranty |
While Monoprice has its hands in everything from the best subwoofers to the best 3D printers, is undoubtedly a wire and cable company. Monoprice Cat6a is a highly affordable cable that features a protective cover over the tip of the connector head to protect it from snagging. These cables are available in nine colors, ensuring there’s one to match your style. When purchasing your cable, be sure to check each color for the size you choose, as you’ll often find one of the colors heavily discounted. Unfortunately, you’ll also likely find that some colors and sizes are out of stock, as this cable has some stock issues that likely stem from its combination of affordability and high overall user experience.
| Key specifications | |
| Cat | 6a |
| Available lengths | 0.5 – 100 feet |
| Shielding | Double shielded |
Creating a 90-degree Cat6 cable
Best for tight spaces
| Pros | Disadvantages |
| It joins at narrow angles | Somewhat basic |
| Affordable prices |
If you put your consoles in a cabinet, you know that horrible feeling when the rear cable sticks out into the cabinet, forcing you to pull inches. Getting an angled ethernet cable like this one can alleviate this problem without messing up your setup. This cable is rather basic, without braiding or advanced shielding, and uses the Cat6 standard. The upside, however, is that you can get one to 10 feet in length, which is a rarity in the world of angled Ethernet cables. If you can manage 3 feet or less, give it a try
as a solid upgrade.
| Key specifications | |
| CAT | 6 |
| Available lengths | 3.3, 6 and 10 feet |
| Shielding | ON |
Green cat 8
The best future
| Pros | Disadvantages |
| Protected tips | Overpowered |
| Nice knitting | |
| Still affordable on Cat 8 |
Cat 8 Ethernet cables are a future-proof option that should be good for many years to come. This one from Ugreen features a well-designed protective braid at its head and equally essential protected connector tips. Of course, it’s hard to find bad things about this cable. As a Cat 8, it’s somewhat overpowered, but it’s not like it’s an overpriced gaming ethernet cable that you’re paying extra for. Instead, it just confirms that Ugreen Cat 8 is the best future Ethernet cable for gaming.
| Key specifications | |
| CAT | 8 |
| Available lengths | 1.5 – 65 feet |
| Shielding | Double shielded |
Snowkids cat 8
Best for long connections
| Pros | Disadvantages |
| Affordable quality type cable | Solid |
| Protected tips | |
| Suitable under carpets and floors | |
| Nice braid of silver color |
If you’re an end-of-the-hall player, try the Snowkids Cat 8 to get something where you are. These cables are some of the longest reliable Ethernet cables out there, made to run under carpet if needed, and have the strong anti-interference design that comes with being a Cat 8 Ethernet cable. Additionally, the parts shown have a beautifully shiny silvery color which will burst in a way that other Ethernet cables simply don’t.
| Key specifications | |
| CAT | 8 |
| Available lengths | Up to 100 feet |
| Shielding | Double shielded |
How we chose these ethernet cables for gaming
Choosing the best ethernet cables for gaming is a bit like going to an art store from a technical standpoint. First, you need to choose your medium and then you get to the colors. Here is the step-by-step process we took to arrive at the above.
Cat 6 and Cat 8
Ethernet cables are categorized by “Cat”, which is the internet shorthand for “category”. These are standardized categories that provide specific speeds. Our exhausting excellent ethernet cable explainer for those interested, we’ll focus on the ends and outputs of each spec, but our discussion here will focus on Cat 6 and Cat 8 Ethernet cables, both of which are the best idea for gaming. There is also Cat 7, but for complex reasons, we do not recommend you buy a new one at this time (see explanation). It is Dark Souls 2 ethernet categories — if you have one, try using it, but don’t buy a new one. The same goes for Cat 5e.
Within these two broad categories, you’ll see Cat 6, Cat 6a, and Cat 8 cables most recommended as gaming Ethernet cables. Cat 6 cables can handle 10 Gbps (that’s over a gigabyte) for cables up to 55 meters. Cat 6a cables are better for longer distances, shielded, and somewhat thicker. Cat 8 cables can handle up to 40 Gb/s over 30 meters, which is a super performance. Cat 6 and Cat 6a cables will be fine speed-wise for most gamers today but Cat 8 will help you in the long run if you get a new gaming system, internet plan, and modem that can use 40 Gbps (that’s 5 gigabytes per second).
Price
Knowing that the applicability of Cat 8 compared to Cat 6 is still somewhat of a pipe dream for the average consumer, why are they so highly recommended? Part of it really is the flamboyance. It’s easy to recommend something as the best when it’s technically the best. Cat 8s are also pretty future proof so that’s a high value.
But the main reason is that today Cat 8 Ethernet cables are not expensive in reasonable lengths. Actually, most ethernet cables are not too expensive, including the best ethernet cables for gaming.
Shielding, durability, and braiding
To go back to the art store analogy, you’ve chosen a medium between 6, 6a, and 8. Now it’s time to get color. Sometimes literally. Shielding, durability and braiding are often what really set Ethernet gaming cables apart.
Shielding protects the cable from the negative effects of electromagnetic interference (EMI) but makes the cable stronger. All Cat 8 cables are shielded, often quite heavily, which can actually make Cat 8 cables worse for tight gaming cases. On an Ethernet cable, you’ll want durable heads with durable components that won’t break when removed. This is especially true if that cable isn’t the plug-in-and-leave-it type. Finally, braiding on the outside can increase the resistance of the cable, especially if it moves. It’s perfectly fine to look for a cable with a colored braid that matches your aesthetic.
This article is managed and created separately from the iFreshBriefs editorial team.
