So you bought a 4K-ready TV and you’re wondering if you’ll need to buy new coax cables for the new system. Coaxial cables are responsible for the quality of many services you might use, such as cable TV, internet, and satellite.
There are many variations of aerial cables out there and it can be confusing trying to figure out which is the best. For example, extending the reach of cable or satellite TV service boxes such as the Sky and Freesat. As simple cable upgrade could also improve service.
Coaxial cables and 4K is a complicated subject. The truth is to get an HD signal from the cable you will need to buy an HD-capable box from your cable TV provider. In that regard, when it comes to 4K, almost any coaxial cable will support it, as long as you have it connected to an HD ready box. But there are certain cables that are more durable than others.
As for which cable is best, the coaxial cables that use copper shielding and foam dielectrics are the best, which are usually the 100 series. These are perfect for satellite services, such as Freesat. Generally, the cables that offer copper protection, are better and more durable.
In short, whether you want to improve your current cable services, or you simply want to improve the wiring in your home, learning which is the best coaxial cable is important. First, we’ll run through our list of cables, and then we’ll dive deeper into what specifications to look for when buying a coaxial cable.
Best Coaxial Cables:
Webro WF100 50m Coax Cable and Clips – Black
The Webro WF100 is a great high-quality cable. Currently, it’s the most popular coaxial cable and recommended by electricians. The length is 50 meters, so you can easily wire it through cable ducts.
The WF100 is a cable-style designed by Webro which uses 1.00mm copper and foam dielectrics, offering excellent signal protection. The foam helps absorb moisture, making these cables ideal for humid environments. They’re also CAI-approved and come with a pack of black cable clips.
For all intense and purposes, the Webro WF100 50M coax cable is more than enough to get the job done. It’s one of the best coaxial upgrades, and since the material is incredibly durable, you won’t need to replace them for a very long time.
Smedz 50 m WF100 Aerial and Satellite Coaxial Cable – White
The Smedz 50M is actually the same as the previous one, the style is WF-100 and it has all the same specs. The only difference is the colors and sizes. These also ship with a convenient roll, also known as a cardboard drum, for easy installation. You can choose between the other three main cable types: RG6, WF100, and HD100.
DeleyCON HQ 30m Satellite Coaxial Cable 130dB
The DeleyCON HQ satellite coaxial cable is a decent high quality but budget-friendly cable. It doesn’t fit into any of the three main cable-types, it’s more like a new style. The cable has a plastic sheath and aluminum braiding for great protection. The downside is there’s no copper protection, so the signal may degrade after a couple of years.
The problem with aluminum is the material usually corrodes, especially in wet environments. Overall, though, it’s 4K capable, and it’s a budget version for anyone needing to replace old coaxial cables. It’s definitely worth a look.
Coaxial Cable Buyer Guide:
When it comes to buying a coaxial cable, since they look the same, you might assume that any of the many styles will do the trick. While that may be the case, if you want the best service with the least amount of interference and for a longer period of time, then you’ll need to know what to look for.
Some common symptoms of bad coaxial cables could be a loss of signal, audio not carrying over, unstable service, or graphic artifacts. You also probably won’t be receiving the quality that you expect (and are paying for), especially when it comes to 4K. Replacing the coaxial cable with a high-quality one can dramatically improve the quality of your cable services.
So you might be thinking there’s no need to replace a coaxial cable if your original one can already support 4K when combined with an HD-box. If the cable is old and deteriorated, then these services could either not work entirely or offer a poor service. Likewise, if the cable has poor copper shielding then other electronic components can interfere with the signal and that can cause more problems.
WF100 vs RG6 vs NX100
The main differences between coaxial cable styles are signal loss and interior protective design, with some being more durable than others. Bear in mind, the abbreviation before the cable number refers to the manufacturer. We recommend the WF100.
Generally, WF-100 (or copper 100 series) coaxial cables are the recommended choice. They’re the most durable and offer the least signal loss with the best protection. The downside is they can be a bit expensive, especially when you need significant lengths. Overall though, a vast improvement on some other cables that haven’t been replaced in decades.
If you’re on a budget, the RG6 is an entry-level coaxial cable, which is thinner, and made from cheaper materials, although it’s enough for Sky TV and other HD services. It’s the cheapest and most common coaxial cable. There are many variations of the RG6 cable, so it’s hard to recommend a specific model. The downside is the materials are cheaper, usually made from aluminum, which doesn’t have a very long lifespan.
The NX100 cable is a little mysterious, and there isn’t much information about it online. The same goes for the HD-100, which seems to be Webros Grade A cable. As we said, the coaxial cable industry is a little complicated, but what you really need to know is this:
Pure copper is the best material for cables. You want a cable that has good pure copper shielding because not only is it durable but it also protects from signal interference. Since there are so many wireless transmissions nowadays, having extra signal protection can make a huge difference. Although there are other decent copper cables, the WF100 is easy and accessible, it’s the most popular cable for a reason.
What is the Max Length for an Aerial Cable?
Every coaxial cable has different specs and signal loss over distance. If you choose our recommended coaxial cable, the WF-100, then you should stick to a shorter length, at least under 40 meters, for the best performance. There will be almost no signal loss at this distance and you should be able to watch 4K media with no problems.
