The Best Ethernet Cables for Gaming in 2025

Hey gamers! Ever been in the middle of an intense match like Warzone 3.0 or PUBG, and at the last moment, your ping goes high? Your character freezes, and by the time your internet comes back, you are DEATH and spectating in the lobby. Game Over. Almost all gamers at any time have been there, and it sucks.

You might have a good gaming PC or the best Ethernet cable for gaming, but have you thought about the cable connecting you to the internet? That’s right, a high speed Ethernet cable for gaming can make all the difference. It's way better than Wi-Fi, which can drop or slow down. 

Let's find the best gaming Ethernet cable, whether you're looking for wires specifically for your PC, PS5, Xbox, or any other device.

Why is Ethernet better than Wi-Fi for gaming?

People play online games in two ways: either by connecting with Wi-Fi or with a Network cable. Wi-Fi is easy, but it can lag or cut out during intense games like FIFA or Apex Legends. So, the high-speed gaming Ethernet cable ensures smooth gameplay with no interruptions. Here's why they're a must:

• No Lag: Ethernet cables deliver data faster, so your actions in-game happen instantly.
• Stable Connection: Unlike Wi-Fi, cables don't get disrupted by walls or other devices.
• Better Performance: Perfect for competitive gaming where every millisecond counts.

Which Network Cables are good for Gamers

Not all Ethernet cables for gaming are the same. Different types suit different gamers. Finding the correct cable doesn't have to be complicated. Here is the breakdown of each Ethernet type, their usage, speed, and for which type of games the best type of Ethernet cables you need:

Category 5 Enhanced Networking cable:

Category 5e Ethernet Cable is the most basic and oldest standard cable. Is Cat5e suitable for gaming? It’s okay for some.

• Speed: Up to 1 Gbps with 100 MHz
• Best for: Casual gamers who play less demanding games
• Pros: Cheap and easy to find
• Cons: Not great for fast internet or competitive games

If you're a casual gamer and play games like Minecraft, World of Warcraft, or casual Rocket League and don't mind a bit of lag, Cat5e is a good Ethernet cable for gaming in an affordable option.

Cat6 Ethernet Cable:

Cat6 Ethernet cables are the most commonly used cables and are ideal for most gaming setups. “Are Cat6 cables good for gaming?” Absolutely! In fact, Cat6 is widely considered the sweet spot for most gamers. Here is why:

• Speed: Up to 10 Gbps (for longer distances with 250 MHz)
• Best for: Serious gamers who need maximum reliability
• Pros: Low lag, works for most setups
• Cons: Can struggle in areas with lots of electronics

If you're into multiplayer games or any game requiring split-second response times, Cat6 should do the job with minimal latency.

At Smartech Cables, our High-Quality Premium Cat6 cables are ideal for most gaming setups. They feature reinforced connectors that withstand repeated plugging and unplugging without breaking.

Cat7 Networking Cables:

If your gaming setup is located in an area with high electromagnetic interference (EMI), Cat7 could be a good option:

• Speed: Up to 10 Gbps with better shielding
• Best for: Gaming setups near routers, TVs, or streaming gear
• Pros: Blocks interference well
• Cons: Too much for simple setups

Choose Cat7 if your Ethernet cable for a gaming PC is in a busy spot with lots of devices. There is still a limitation, Cat7 is not recommended if you're running a complex setup with:

• Multiple gaming systems
• A high-end streaming rig
• Network-attached storage for game libraries
• Gigabit internet

Advance Cat8 Ethernet Wire: 

At the top of the Ethernet cable hierarchy is Cat8. People opt for Cat8, asking Are Cat8 cables good for gaming? Here is the answer to it:

• Speed: Up to 40 Gbps (2000 MHz)
• Best for: Future-proofing or pro-level setups (like esports)
• Pros: Crazy fast and ready for anything
• Cons: Expensive and overkill for most

Unless you’re setting up a professional data center or have specialized, high-demand gaming needs, Cat8 is likely more than you need and might not justify the price. These speeds for a regular game are too much; it's like using a nuclear bomb to kill a fly. 

Different Cable Types for Different Game Recommendations:

According to Easton Smith from review.org, the average game uses about 50-100 Mbps of internet speed. The truth is, even the slowest cable on this list, Cat5e, gives you 1,000 Mbps (1 Gbps), which is 10 times more than what you actually need for gaming. So, the question is how much speed and future-proofing you want from your high speed ethernet cable for gaming.

What Actually Matters in a Good Ethernet Cable for Gaming

When shopping for an Ethernet cable for gaming, look for one that offers high speed, low latency, and reliability. Let's break these down:

Speed & Latency:

If you or a gamer is setting up from Wi-Fi or upgrading an Ethernet cable, both factors matter. In an Ethernet cable, we define these two words as:

• Speed: How fast data transfers between devices
• Latency: The delay between sending and receiving data (ping)

Online games like Apex Legends or Valorant with high latency or lag can make a significant difference. A fast Ethernet cable, such as Cat6 or Cat6a, for gaming cuts lag with speeds of up to 10 Gbps. These are perfect for both the best Ethernet cable for a gaming PC and the best Ethernet cable for a gaming PS5.

Pro Tip: The best Ethernet cables for gaming, which are Cat6 or Cat6a, offer speeds of up to 10 Gbps, which is more than enough for competitive gaming.

Shielding & Interference Resistance

Ethernet cables come in two primary forms: Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) and Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP). 

• Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP): Ubiquitous type of copper cabling used in telephone wiring and local area networks (LANs). Good for most home setups
• Shielded Twisted Pair (STP): Is a type of copper wiring where each pair of wires is twisted together and then encased in a protective shield. Better for areas with lots of electronics

Sometimes, if your game lags, it's not necessarily due to internet speed issues; it could be caused by interference from other devices. In areas with multiple electronic devices, like routers, computers, and even microwaves, electromagnetic interference (EMI) can cause signal disruptions.

Durability

Durability refers to whether you intend to keep this for the long term, often referred to as future-proofing in Internet cable terminology. If you're investing in the fastest Ethernet cable for gaming, you want it to last. Gamers usually move their cables around, run them along walls, and even tuck them under desks, so durability is a crucial factor. 

Does the length of an Ethernet cable matter for gaming?

Once the cable type has been agreed upon according to the need, it's time to consider another aspect: the length of your long Ethernet cable for gaming. Whether your LAN cable is for a PS5, PS4, Xbox, or PC, and is located right next to your router or across the house, the gaming Ethernet cable length is crucial. So, when shopping for a gaming Ethernet cable, length is a critical factor that many gamers overlook:

Short Cables (3-10 feet)

A cable length of 3 to 10 feet is ideal if your gaming PC or PS5 is right next to the router. Here's why short cables rock:

• Minimal Signal Loss: If the distance is low, this means the ping is low, typically 10- 20ms, which is ideal for a fast Ethernet cable for gaming. 
• No Cable Chaos: Short runs are easy to conceal, and the absence of messy wires ensures a sleek setup.
• Budget-Friendly: These are often the cheapest good Ethernet cables for gaming options.

Medium Cables (15–30 Feet)

This cable length is ideal if your gaming setup is in the living room, but the router is in the next room. A medium Ethernet cable or a high-speed gaming cable (15–30ft) is the way to go. These are the best Ethernet cables for most home gamers. Here's the deal:

• Flexible Yet Fast: It is long enough to snake through a room yet short enough to support a full 10 Gbps with a Cat6 Ethernet cable for gaming.
• Easy to Manage: These are easy to conceal under rugs or along walls, providing a clean, cable-free Ethernet setup for gamers.
• Super Popular: Most gamers opt for this length as the best Ethernet cord for gaming in apartments or small homes.

Long Cables (50–100 Feet): 

When your gaming setup is far from your router, you need a long Ethernet cable, but long runs need quality to avoid performance dips:

• 50ft Ethernet Cable for Gaming: These are great for routing between rooms or even across floors. Cat6 maintains 1 Gbps with ease.
• 100ft Ethernet Cable for Gaming: Ideal for multi-floor setups. Cat6a ensures 10 Gbps without degradation.
• Quality Matters: Cables like Cat5e are poorly shielded and can falter over 50 meters, especially for competitive Valorant or Overwatch 2. 

Table: Cable length vs. performance

Final Thought:

So, whether you're playing Fortnite, Call of Duty, FIFA, Madden, Apex Legends, or any other online game, a reliable Ethernet connection will give you the edge you need to compete at your best.

Ready to level up your connection? Check out our selection of bulk Ethernet cables at Smartech Cables and say goodbye to lag, disconnects, and blame-it-on-the-internet excuses!

FAQs

What is the best ethernet cable for gaming? 

The Cat6 Ethernet Cable is the best ethernet cable for gaming, offering 10 Gbps for PS5 or PC with low lag. For 2.5 Gbps internet plans, consider Cat6a.

What are the best ethernet cables for gaming? 

Cat6 and Cat6a are the best ethernet cables for gaming, delivering 1–10 Gbps for games like Fortnite or Warzone. Cat5e works adequately for casual PS4 play.

What is a good ethernet cable for gaming? 

A good ethernet cable for gaming, like Cat6, offers pure copper construction and 1–10 Gbps speeds, perfect for competitive games like Valorant or Rocket League on PS5.

What ethernet cable is best for gaming with a 50- or 100-foot length? 

Smartech Cat6 for 50 ft ethernet cable for gaming and Cat6a for 100ft ethernet cable for gaming ensure Warzone remains lag-free with consistent 10 Gbps speeds over longer distances.

What is the Best ethernet cable for PS5? 

For the best ethernet cable for PS5, we recommend a Cat6 or Cat6a cable that provides full 10 Gbps speed to take advantage of the console's networking capabilities. A good quality Cat6 cable will ensure your lan cable PS5 connection remains stable during intense online gaming sessions.

What is the best Ethernet cable for PS4?

For ethernet cable for PS4 connectivity, a Cat5e or Cat6 cable will work well. While the PS4 doesn't require the highest speeds, a quality cable ensures you get the most from your console's networking capabilities.