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Ethernet cables provide the best speeds and solid, reliable connections on a local network. They’re typically not bottlenecked due to range as seen with wireless connectivity. But these speeds come with a price: Draping cables along the floorboards, which may not be pretty. If that’s not an issue, we have a list of the best Ethernet cables you can buy right now.
Our favorite cable for the job is the Vandesail LAN Network Cable. It’s a shielded Cat 7 Ethernet cable operating at extremely high speeds. Its flat, low profile means it’s easy to route under carpets too.
If you don’t need Vandesail cable’s high specifications, however, we have recommendations for Cat 5e and Cat 6 cables too. Read on to find the best Ethernet cable for you and your wireless router.
Other Options
The best Ethernet cables at a glance
- Vandesail LAN Network Cable — Cat 7
- Mediabridge Ethernet Patch Cable — Cat 6a
- AmazonBasics RJ45 Ethernet Patch Cable — Cat 6
- CableGeeker Flat Black 100FT Cable with Sticky Clips — Cat 6
- Cables Direct Online 30FT Patch Cable — Cat 5e
Vandesail Ethernet Patch Cable — Cat 7
- Length: 16 feet
- Max Bandwidth: 1,000 MHz
Cat 7 cables are the latest to hit the networking market and allow for speeds up 10 gigabits per second (Gbps). Vandesail’s 16-foot cable adheres to these standards while supporting older Cat 6 and Cat 5-based devices. It’s perfect for most applications.
Although we list the 16-foot version, sizes range from three feet up to 82 feet. Complementing its high performance is a flat design enabling users to install cabling under carpets or mount flat against baseboards.
You can buy Vandesail’s cable in a 2-pack on Amazon at a reasonable price, so you get double the cable for your money.
Mediabridge Ethernet Patch Cable — Cat 6a
- Length: 50 feet
- Warranty: 1-year warranty
- Max Bandwidth: 550 MHz
While the company lists this cable as Cat 6, the 10 Gbps speed and 550 MHz bandwidth listed in the description indicate it’s a Cat 6a product. That means you’ll need an Ethernet port supporting either Cat 6a, Cat 6, or Cat 5e connectivity.
This cable consists of four twisted pairs separated by cross-linked polyethylene to reduce cross-talk. It also features gold-plated contacts, a free Velcro strap, and a CM-grade PVC jacket. It’s ideal for streaming high-definition video, cloud computing, video surveillance, and more high-traffic applications.
AmazonBasics Ethernet Patch Cable — Cat 6
- Length: 50 feet
- Warranty: 1-year warranty
- Max Bandwidth: 250 MHz
Amazon’s Cat 6 cable doesn’t increase the maximum 1 Gbps speed over Cat 5e and Cat 5 cables. Instead, it features lower crosstalk, meaning signals from one wired pair won’t interfere with another wired pair and create a “traffic jam.” Improved shielding also reduces crosstalk between neighboring Ethernet cables.
Amazon’s Cat 6 cable features a higher 250 MHz bandwidth: The number of times signals change state each second. Bandwidth essentially affects the cable’s maximum data rate, thus the higher the bandwidth, the longer the cable can remain at its maximum speed. Cat 5 and Cat 5e cables have a lower 100 MHz bandwidth.
You can get this cable in lengths ranging from three feet to 50 feet.
CableGeeker Flat Black Cable with Sticky Clips — Cat 6
- Length: 100 feet
- Warranty: Lifetime warranty
- Max Bandwidth: 250MHz
Flat cables are ideal when running Ethernet under the carpet for connectivity between multiple rooms. Thankfully, there are some great offerings of 100 feet of cable, allowing you to easily install Ethernet throughout your home.
This cable consists of unshielded twisted pairs made of 100 percent bare copper wire. It also features a Snagless design, molded strain-relief boots, and gold-plated contacts. You can get this cable in a two-pack (10-foot each) or as a single cable ranging from 25 feet to 150 feet.
Like the Amazon model, this cable offers a maximum speed of 1 Gbps, but improves over Cat 5 and Cat 5e products with better crosstalk protection and a higher bandwidth.
Cables Direct Online 30FT Patch Cable — Cat 5e
- Length: 30 feet
- Max Bandwidth: 350 Mhz
If you simply need wired connectivity without the massive speeds, Cables Direct Online offers a great Cat 5e product. It’s biggest selling point is the 350 MHz bandwidth providing a highly stable 1 Gbps data rate. The typical Cat 5a cable only has a 100 MHz bandwidth.
You can get this Snagless Ethernet cable in lengths ranging from 1.5 feet to 200 feet. It features four, stranded twisted pairs with PVC jackets, 50-micron gold-plated connectors, and copper-clad aluminum conductors. It’s not flat and is only available in gray.
Editors’ Recommendations
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