Key Points
- The top pick for the best Ethernet cable is the DbillionDa Cat8 Ethernet cable, which is backward compatible with prior Cat7, Cat6, and Cat5/5e devices and is great for data-intensive activities.
- The BUSOHE 3M Color-Coded Cat8 Ethernet cables are recommended for audio or video engineers due to their color-coded RJ45 connectors and maximum Cat8 speeds of 40Gbps.
- The Amazon Basics RJ45 Cat6 Ethernet cable is a budget-friendly option that offers speeds up to 1 Gbps and gold-plated RJ45 connectors for a stable network connection.
- The Cables Direct Online Snagless Cat5e Ethernet cable is an affordable choice that maintains a steady 350 MHz bandwidth and delivers a 10 Gbps data transfer rate for short stretches.
Ethernet cables are so indistinguishable at first glance that trying to find the best ones can feel like a failing mission. However, the subtle differences in components, bandwidth, and even length can dictate how well they will perform for different use cases.
If you’ve read our article on the different types of Ethernet cables, you will know that when shopping for one, you will presented with two options: twisted-pair Ethernet or fiber optic Ethernet. You will also know that there are several different types of twisted-pair Ethernet cables.
Today’s guide will focus on the twisted pair type, which is more common in home networking. After looking at dozens of options, our top picks for the best Ethernet cables are:
- Best Overall: DbillionDa Cat8 Ethernet cable
- Best Cat8 Cable: BUSOHE Cat8 Ethernet cables
- Best Cat6 Cable: Amazon Basics RJ45 Cat6 Ethernet cable
- Best Cat5e Cable: Cables Direct Online Snagless Cat5e Ethernet cable
#1 Best Overall: DbillionDa Cat8 Ethernet Cable
- Transmission speed up to 40Gbps
- Supports bandwidth up to 2000MHz
- Reduces signal interference to the maximum amount
- Two shielded RJ45 connectors at both ends
This Cat8 Ethernet cable from DbillionDa is a high-performance cable that supports a 40 Gbps data transfer rate. It is backward compatible with prior Cat7, Cat6, and Cat5/5e devices. This makes it great for data-intensive activities such as gaming, streaming, cloud computing, recording video surveillance, and other smart-home features.
The cable is made with 100% pure copper wire wrapped in a durable and fire-resistant PVC jacket. The RJ45 connectors at both ends of the cable are gold-plated — which really doesn’t seem like a huge selling point. But the addition of a tiny bit of gold at the end of a connector means that the plug is less likely to pick up contaminants or wear out from excessive plugging in and removing of the cable.
This is a great cable to pick up for anyone who is looking for a fast and reliable network cable. Whether it’s for gaming, a home office setup, or just to use with a smart TV, this Cat8 cable from DbillionDa is our best overall choice. If you don’t mind paying a bit more to get the best possible quality, then this is the best Ethernet cable for you.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It offers high-speed data transfer of up to 40Gbps. | Its 26AWG wire gauge is smaller than some standard cables. |
| Has wide compatibility with RJ45 devices. | It may not boost internet speed for average home users. |
| It’s weatherproof and UV resistant for outdoor use. | |
| Features effective EMI/RFI shielding. | |
| Comes with an 18-month warranty with lifetime customer service. |
Check out the DbillionDa Cat8 Ethernet cable on Amazon.
Best Cat8 Cable: BUSOHE 3M Color-Coded Cat 8 Ethernet Cables
- Backwards compatible with CAT5, CAT5e, CAT6, CAT6a and CAT7 equipment
- SSTP (Screened Shielded Twisted Pair) shielding
- Supports up to 40Gbps data transmission speed
- 2000MHz bandwidth
If you have ever built a home network, you know how important cable management is. That’s where these BUSOHE Cat8 Ethernet cables come in. These cables feature color-coded RJ45 connectors, while the rest of the cable is black. Their design is very slim, so their footprint won’t take up too much space in your office or home lab. But they’re also 3M cables, so they should be ideal for any networking needs.
These cables are especially useful for any audio or video engineers, as many of those devices require multiple Ethernet plugins, and these color-coded RJ45 tips will help you stay organized and keep your space clean from clutter. They also offer the maximum Cat 8 speeds of 40GBps and are wrapped in durable flame-proof PVC. If you need something a bit stronger than Cat6, then this is the cable for you.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Feature high-speed data of up to 40Gbps and 2000MHz. | They’re pricy compared to other cables. |
| They come with SSTP shielding against EMI/RFI. | You might need longer lengths. |
| They’re backwards compatible with Cat5 to Cat7. | |
| They have multi-color ends for easy identification. | |
| The cables offer 30-day money-back and 18-month repair. |
Check out the BUSOHE Cat8 Ethernet cables on Amazon.
Best Cat6 Cable: Amazon Basics RJ45 Cat6 Ethernet Cable
- Gold-plated RJ45 connectors
- Transmits data at speeds up to 1,000 Mbps
- Connects computers to network components in a wired Local Area Network (LAN)
The Amazon Basics RJ45 Cat6 Ethernet cable is exactly what the name implies: a basic but reliable Ethernet cable. Sometimes, you can get by paying the bare minimum. While this isn’t always the best idea with high-end hardware, Ethernet cables are a different story. This one supports speeds up to 1 Gbps, and the wiring is wrapped in a durable PVC jacket.
This cable will be compatible with most networking devices, ranging from routers to switches to modems, computers, and even gaming consoles or home A/V setups. It’s easy to install and use, and the RJ45 connectors are gold-plated to ensure a stabilized network connection even when tossed around a bit.
Amazon does give you the option to buy the cable in a variety of lengths and colors, so you will be able to choose the one that suits your exact needs and preferences. The Amazon Basics RJ45 Cat6 is a great choice for anyone who needs an Ethernet cable that doesn’t break the bank but still consists of high-quality materials.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It offers data speeds up to 1,000 Mbps. | There are some issues with connectivity. |
| Features gold-plated RJ45 connectors. | The wider tips may not fit all ports. |
| The price is low. | The quality control is questionable. |
Check out the Amazon Basics RJ45 Cat6 Ethernet cable on Amazon.
Best Cat5e Cable: Cables Direct Online Snagless Cat5e Ethernet Cable
- Copper Clad Aluminum (CCA) conductors
- Gold-plated connectors
- Supports bandwidth up to 350MHz
- Transmits data at speeds of up to 10Gbps
When looking for a Cat5e cable, the Cables Direct Online Snagless one is the best choice. While Cat5e is, at this point, getting old, it’s not a bad choice, especially if you are content with your out-of-the-box networking speeds.
Cat5e came first came out in 2001, and it supports Gigabit Ethernet speeds along with a bandwidth of 350 MHz. The longer the cable, the lower your bandwidth will be. But for short stretches, such as from your Wi-Fi router to your PC, Cat5e is more than enough.
We are recommending a Cat5e cable here instead of a Cat5 cable, as Cat5e is faster than Cat5 yet it’s still incredibly affordable. While the networking difference between a standard Cat5 cable and a Cat5e cable might not seem like that much to the home networker, it’s a significant enough difference for anyone who is dealing with incredibly large datasets. In particular, if you are transmitting terabytes of information over a network.
The Cables Direct Online Snagless Cat5E Ethernet cable maintains a steady 350 MHz worth of bandwidth and delivers a steady 10 Gbps data transfer rate as long as you keep the length under 45 meters.
If you don’t need color coding or any of the special features that we’ve listed in the previous Ethernet cables, this one is for you. It still has the same PVC jacket as all the cables we’ve featured have, and it comes with gold-plated connectors. You can buy it in multiple sizes, starting at 30 ft and going all the way up to 200 ft.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It’s affordable. | It’s thin and not rugged. |
| Offers data speeds up to 350MHz. | It’s not suitable for Power over Ethernet (PoE) over long distances. |
| Features gold-plated connectors for clear transmission. | The durability is questionable. |
| Various lengths are available. | It’s not shielded. |
Check out the Cables Direct Online Snagless Cat5e Ethernet cable on Amazon.
The Best Ethernet Cables on Earth: In Review
If you are looking for a reliable and fast network connection, you may have wondered which kind of Ethernet cable you should use. Twisted-pair Ethernet cables are, after all, the most common type of network cables that connect devices such as routers, switches, computers, and servers. But picking out a specific one can be tricky if you don’t know what to look for.
Knowing that Ethernet cables come in different categories, such as Cat5, Cat6, Cat7, and Cat8, will help you determine their performance and specifications. We’ve shown you which of each type is our favorite, and we hope this makes your search for the best Ethernet cables a bit easier.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Eakrin Rasadonyindee/Shutterstock.com.
