Are you tired of laggy performance in online multiplayer video games? Do you feel like the download speed on your console is a bit too slow? The problem might not be with your console, but rather the network connection or ethernet cable.
Generally, it’s always best to use a high-speed ethernet cable with your PS4 and Xbox because it guarantees a faster and more reliable connection. Wifi is not usually recommended because the download speed can be slower and it’s also more prone to issues such as wireless interference and whatnot.
If you suspect that your ethernet cable might be causing network issues, you should replace it with a new one. In some cases, a new ethernet cable can dramatically increase your network’s performance!
You might be wondering what is the fastest Ethernet cable for PS4 and Xbox. We’ll cover some of our recommended ethernet cables below. Don’t buy a new ethernet cable until you finish this article!
Best Ethernet Cable for PS4 and Xbox
UGREEN Ethernet Cable, Cat 7
If you’re looking for a very fast and high-quality ethernet cable, you can’t go wrong with Cat 7 ethernet cables. This one, in particular, UGREEN CAT 7, boasts a possible transfer speed of up to 10 Gbps and a bandwidth of 600 MHz.
The cable design is small and slim, designed for easy cable management, and can easily bend around corners or cable sleeves. You can also choose from a wide variety of sizes, from 1 meter, all the way to 20 meters.
I think this ethernet cable is perfect for consoles because it’s thin and cable management is a breeze. Definitely something to look at if you’re experiencing sluggish network speed. Overall, a very practical, durable, and fast ethernet cable.
KASIMO CAT 8 Ethernet Cable 1M
Looking for a bit more speed? The KASIMO CAT 8 ethernet cable boasts a transmission rate of up to 40 Gbps, almost 4x faster than Cat 7 cables. This ethernet cable uses thick wires with gold plated connectors, complete with a shielded foiled twist to prevent interference.
As for the cable design, KASIMO CAT 8 ethernet cables are made from soft PVC material and are full-size, not made for tight spaces or sharp corners. Nevertheless, CAT 8 cables offer incredible speed and are perfect for server rooms, streaming 4K media, and other intensive tasks.
If you have a high-speed router or modem, one of these cables will allow your Xbox or PS4 to make the most out of your internet connection. CAT 8 ethernet cables are also very durable, so you won’t have to replace them for a long time.
CAT8 Ethernet Cable Veetop
Here we have another decent CAT 8 cable that also has a transfer speed of 40 Gbps and the same specs as the earlier model. The main difference is this ethernet cable is white and you can buy bundles at a time, making it a perfect choice for server admins.
The cable is thick and durable, great for permanent fixtures and damage from pets or general wear and tear. One of these will last for a long time, that’s for sure! You also receive a 24-year warranty on each cable.
Let’s move on to some ethernet cable buying tips:
Buyer Guide:
What Type of Ethernet Cable Should I Use?
In my opinion, since ethernet cables are backward compatible, you should use a CAT 8 ethernet cable because they are the best in terms of speed and network performance.
While your network connection may hold you back, at least you’ll get the most out of it, and you’ll future proof your device. The price to upgrade from CAT 5 to CAT8 is only a couple of pounds, so it makes sense to buy the better and newer cable.
The truth is your internet connection and modem will likely limit the speed you can receive from an ethernet cable. According to Speed Test, the average download speed in the United States is 143 Mbps, so a CAT 8 ethernet cable, with a transfer speed of up to 40 Gbps, might be a little overkill. A CAT 5 to CAT 7 ethernet cable is usually good enough for broadband networks between the 100 Mbps to 200 range.
However, since CAT 8 cables are not expensive (almost always under $10) it makes sense to buy one for the additional features. You can also use it for server rooms and other network systems, so it’s not a waste of money.
Differences Between Ethernet Cables Explained | Cat 5, Cat 6a, CAT 8
What you need to know is CAT simply means “Category” and each category comes with various features such as: max transmissions speed, bandwidth, and other specs.
For example, CAT 3 cables have a max transmission speed of 10 Mbps, CAT 5 is capped at 100 Mbps, and whatnot. Currently, the latest version is CAT 8 which has a max transmission speed of 40 Gbs.
Another important point is from CAT 6 ethernet cables are built with a shielding technology, usually called shielded or shield twisted. The shielding protects the cable from outside interference such as other frequencies and also physical damage. Generally, shielded cables are thicker and more durable, with a much longer expected lifespan than their unshielded counterparts. The downside is shielded ethernet cables are a little more expensive, but only a by few pounds.
Are Cat 8 Cables Worth It?
Cat 8 cables are worth it because you can make the most of your current internet connection as well as futureproof your network for when you upgrade. When you do choose to upgrade to a faster internet connection, you won’t need to buy a new ethernet cable.
Conclusion:
Even though there are lots of terms to know, buying an ethernet cable is not a difficult decision. Most modern Ethernet cables have a much higher transmission rate than your current internet connection, you won’t reach that limit any time soon. I recommend looking for a CAT 7 or CAT 8 cable because they offer the most efficient performance. Make sure to buy a cable that is under 1 meter in length because the signal can degrade over distance.
