Best Ethernet Cable For Gaming And How To Choose one

In today’s competitive online gaming world, a stable internet connection is crucial. This is especially true for games where fast reactions are key or multiplayer online gamers are involved. Although the latest gaming devices have faster and more reliable Wi-Fi technology, it still cannot compare to a wired connection via Ethernet cable.

With Wi-Fi you are at the mercy of experiencing signal loss, especially if the equipment isn’t up to par with the rest of your system. A wired connection will offer you superior stability and optimal data transmission speeds that you can’t replicate with a wireless connection. Check our article Wifi vs Ethernet . But how do you determine which Ethernet cable is best for your gaming set-up. Here we will discuss what the best options are to enhance your gaming experience.

Why Do Ethernet Cables Matter For Gaming?

While Wi-Fi is more convenient, Ethernet cables are by far the best choice for serious gamers. Using an Ethernet cable will guarantee you get the best experience and ensures your gaming sessions will go seamlessly and competitively as possible. Here are some reasons why it’s best to use Ethernet Cables.

Stability and Reliability: Ethernet cable connections provide a stable and reliable link directly to your router. This unlocks faster internet speeds with fewer issues like drops and data loss. With a Wi-Fi connection you can encounter signal interference and fluctuations from walls, distance and electronic devices.
Lower Latency: Latency, or ping, refers to the time it takes to process data from your gaming device to the game server and back. A lower latency means minimal delay or quicker response times. Connecting via Ethernet cable significantly reduces latency compared to Wi-Fi making it great for online gaming especially for fast paced games.
Security: Ethernet cables are typically considered more secure than Wi-Fi. Ethernet cables have a direct connection and data transmission is less likely to be intercepted or become vulnerable to hackers compared to Wi-Fi. With Wi-Fi, data is broadcasted wirelessly and requires end to end encryption to ensure its security therefore putting it at risk for unauthorized access.
Enhanced Gaming Experience: There are several factors that are key when it comes to choosing the right Ethernet cable for your gaming experience. Considering there are many categories of Ethernet cables available (such as Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6A Cat7 and Cat8), those with higher bandwidth and better shielding are highly recommended as they provide uninterrupted, high-quality audio and visual transmission. Learn more about - Different Types of Ethernet Cables

These traits are typically found with higher category cables. Also, choosing a cable that will work best with your gaming setup ensures a stable and low-latency connection that gives you optimal speed potential. Serious gamers who want to get the most out of their online experience will want to opt for the best Ethernet cable.

Features To Consider When Choosing an Ethernet Cable

There are a number of features to consider when choosing an Ethernet cable that will give you the best performance for your gaming setup.

Speed and Bandwidth: Bandwidth is a measurement indicating the maximum rate of data transmitted across a network during any given period. The higher the bandwidth, the more data can be transferred, giving you faster internet speed and exceptional resolutions. This is crucial for games with high-resolution graphics and large updates or downloads. When you have the right Ethernet cable, you can maximize the speed provided by your internet service, ensuring that your gaming experience isn’t bogged down by your connection.
Shielding: Shielded cables (STP - Shielded Twisted Pair) are typically recommended as they minimize electromagnetic interference (EMI) and maintain better signal quality. These cables are preferred over Unshielded (UTP – Unshielded Twisted Pair). Unshielded cables are more susceptible to strong electromagnetic interference (EMI).
Cable Length: Ethernet cable length plays a crucial role in the performance and reliability. Since Ethernet cables transmit data signals over specific distances, you need to ensure the cable will maintain signal integrity and minimize any data loss. The longer the cable length, the more you may experience signal degradation.
We recommend measuring the distance between your router and your gaming set-up in order to choose the correct length. Check What Is the Minimum and Maximum Ethernet Cable Length for more details
Cable Color: Although color doesn’t have any effect on performance, it is used for cable management especially if you have multiple cables.
Flat vs Round Cables: Flat cables are much easier to run under carpets, along baseboards, or doorways. They are generally easier to hide and can prevent tripping hazards thereby being much safer. Round cables are not as flexible or safe.
Future-Proofing: For more advanced needs such as faster data speeds, we would recommend using CAT6a, Cat 7 or Cat8 to achieve greater performance and to future proof your setup. As gaming technology advances at record speed, investing in a higher category Ethernet cable is recommended as it will more likely be compatible with next-generation gaming equipment.

Other Things Too Consider

While the Ethernet cable offers exceptional benefits, there are other things too consider that can influence your gaming performance.

Router and Modem Quality: Utilizing a high-quality router and modem is key to having an optimized network. Look for network equipment that supports the latest standards and offers Quality of Service (QoS) prioritization for gaming traffic.
Internet Service Provider (ISP): Having a fast reliable internet connection plays a substantial role in your gaming performance. If you don’t have a fast internet plan, consider upgrading to the fastest connection possible with low latency, less lag and faster upload and download speeds.
Gaming Equipment and Settings: Having the right equipment is another factor to consider. Things like your PC/console hardware, graphics settings and in-game optimization are vitally important. Ensure that your settings to your gaming rig are fine-tuned and up to par to achieve optimal gaming performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Cable length matter?

The answer is Yes. Shorter cable is better when it comes to bandwidth, but with higher category Ethernet cables you can go with longer cable and still get higher speed supported. That being said, if you need a long run of 55 meter or more, it’s best to go with copper cable and Cat6 or higher. Remember that maximum length of Ethernet cable is 100 meters or 328 feet.

Does the brand of cable matter?

Quite considerably, yes. All of SatMaximum cables are built to a high standard and will give you the best quality experience every time. If you’re buying an Ethernet cable for your gaming setup, SatMaximum is the way to go.

Is there a limit to Ethernet speed?

It depends on the type of Ethernet cable that is used. For instance, Cat5 has a maximum speed transmission of 100 Mbps, Cat5e and Cat6 have a maximum speed transmission of 1,000 Mbps, and Cat6a and above have a maximum speed transmission of 10,000 Mbps and higher.

Which Cable should i choose for my gaming setup?

Most players of PS4 , PS5 or Xbox will do well with Cat6 cable. If you have specific requirements for high data transfer rates or are concerned about potential interference, you might consider Cat6a, Cat7 or Cat8 . We also recommend Cat6a or higher for players who have a long distance between their router and gaming setup.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, when it comes to choosing the best Ethernet cable for gaming, the higher the Category the better the performance. Cat6, Cat6a, Cat7 and Cat8 cables can provide low latency, better performance and greater reliability. You will find that higher Categories offers higher performance. This makes Category 7 and Category 8 cables an excellent choice for gaming.

The choice of an Ethernet cable for gaming depend on specific factors in your gaming setup. If you have specific requirements for high data transfer rates or are concerned about potential interference, you might consider Cat6a or higher. Cat6 should provide excellent performance for standard gaming systems, and it is the more common and cost-effective choice for most users.