Choosing the best ethernet cable for your home or business needs can be a complex task. With several categories and lengths of cable available, the ethernet cable world can be a complicated place. As a result, you should always trust a professional team like The Wifi Specialist for the very best recommendations and ethernet cable installation.
What category of ethernet cable do I need?
When selecting the best category of ethernet cable for your needs, there are several factors that need to be considered. If you only use the internet for simple browsing and file transfer, a basic Cat5 cable will probably be enough for your needs. However, if you are regularly streaming or gaming, a more powerful Cat6 or Cat7 cable will be preferable for you.
Additionally, if you plan on expanding your network or adding more devices, it could be beneficial to purchase a higher-capacity cable so you don’t have to buy a second cable when you scale up your network. Category 8 cables are the fastest and most robust cables on the market. However, they come at a high cost and are only required by homes and businesses that are extremely internet-intensive.
You also need to remember that if your broadband subscription does not provide you with these super-fast speeds, you will not be able to make the most out of higher-grade cables. To make your life easier, the expert team at The Wifi Specialist has listed their favourite ethernet cables in each category. Then, with expert network cable installation from our specialist team, you will enjoy flawless internet access.
Our favourite ethernet cables
We know how it is. Even with all the expert advice in the world, there is still a daunting amount of choice when it comes to selecting your new ethernet cable. To make things even easier for you, the expert team at The Wifi Specialist has compiled a list of our favourite ethernet cables for a variety of categories and purposes.
Whether you’re searching for a category 5, 6, 7 or 8 ethernet cable, we are here to ensure you have the very best equipment for your internet needs. We even offer suggestions for the perfect outdoor ethernet cable. Then, with expert network installation services from our WiFi specialist engineers, you can be fully connected in no time at all.
Best Cat5 ethernet cable: Belkin F3X126B05M Cat5e Crossover cable
While being the lowest grade of ethernet cable available, category 5 ethernet cables like the Belkin F3X126B05M UTP Cat 5e RJ35 Crossover Cable still offer enough power to service all your home internet needs. With a 1Gbps speed, we recommend this Belkin cable as a perfect option for those looking for a good value cable that still packs a punch.
Also coming with UTP shielding and a PVC jacket, this is one of the safest and most reliable cables on the market. However, if you have a household that is regularly steaming, gaming or downloading from several concurrent devices, you will probably be better served by a higher category of ethernet cable.
Best Cat6 ethernet cable: Amazon Basics Cat6
The Amazon Basics Cat6 ethernet cable is one of our favourites as it is both extremely cost-effective and very reliable. There are also a variety of cable lengths available up to a maximum length of 50 feet. This makes the Amazon Basics Cat6 cable ideal for all your home internet needs, including gaming, streaming and more.
However, the 50 feet maximum length makes this cable unsuitable for larger properties and many office and business internet connections. Although, by offering internet speeds of 1 Gbps and a 250 MHz frequency, this cable will provide a solid and dependable connection. You also will not have to worry about connection disruptions with built-in UTP shielding.
Best Cat7 ethernet cable: Veetop Flat Cat7
Also offering a maximum length of 50 feet, the Veetop Flat Cat7 ethernet cable is here to take your wired internet usage to a whole new level. With a maximum internet speed of 10 Gbps, this impressive category 7 cable can handle all of your home or business internet needs without stretching your budget too far.
The flat design style is also ideal for storing your cable with ease. It also makes it easier for our WiFi installation experts to hide your cable out of sight. Offering less clutter and faster speeds, this is one of our favourite cables on the market. With gold-plated RJ45 connectors and shielded copper STP, it is both incredibly safe and extremely reliable.
Best Cat8 ethernet cable: Dacrown Cat8
Category 8 ethernet cables are the fastest and most reliable cables available. The speeds of Cat8 cables are so high that many users cannot use them at their maximum potential. However, the Dacrown Cat8 cable is the best-reviewed Cat8 cable on the market and its reasonable price allows this cable to bring 40 Gbps speeds to the general user.
With a 2000 MHz frequency and high-level shielding and weatherproofing, this cable is prepared for everything. If you require the fastest business speeds, or if you’re a home internet user who regularly plays online games, the Dacrown Cat8 cable is here to take your browsing to a whole new level.
Best outdoor ethernet cable: Shineke Outdoor Cat7
If you’re looking to run outdoor ethernet cable on your property, you need to be sure that the cable is durable, weatherproof and long enough to reach its destination. With high-level weather protection that is water-proof and UV-resistant and a maximum length of 200 feet, the Shineke Outdoor Cat7 cable is perfect for outdoor usage.
You will also enjoy category 7 internet speeds of 10 Gbps and a high frequency of 600 MHz. This makes the Shineke Outdoor Cat7 ideal for providing garden office internet, as well as any of your business’s outdoor internet needs. If you want a garden internet connection, the Shineke Outdoor Cat7 is the perfect cable for you.
Have you chosen your ideal ethernet cable but need professional help with the installation? Contact The Wifi Specialist today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an ethernet cable outdoors?
Yes, you can use an ethernet cable to enjoy outdoor internet usage. However, you need to ensure that your ethernet cable can stand up to any adverse weather conditions. If you’re struggling to find a robust outdoor ethernet cable, contact the expert team at The Wifi Specialist. We can recommend and install the ideal cable for your needs.
What category of ethernet cable is the best?
The best category of ethernet cable depends on your internet needs. Category 5 cables are the most basic ethernet cable. However, they are still robust enough for most standard browsing.
However, if you are regularly streaming or gaming, a more powerful Cat6 or Cat7 cable will be preferable for you. Cat8 cables are the most powerful, but they are also the most expensive. To find the best ethernet cable for you, contact The Wifi Specialist today.
How do I install an ethernet cable?
If you’re looking to install ethernet cable for your home or business, you need the help of a professional team like The Wifi Specialist. We will recommend, acquire and install the perfect ethernet cable for your needs. Then, with dedicated aftercare, your new internet connection will always be operating at its very best.
Contact The Wifi Specialist today for a quote or to arrange a no obligation survey
Our Happy Clients
I was struggling to get a decent wifi signal down to the garden office until the Wifi Specialists recommended a Point to Point kit. Now the internet is faster in the office than it is in the house. The guys did a great job installing too, keeping all the cabling very neat and hidden wherever possible. Even sorted out the TV aerial cable while they were doing the P2P cabling! Great service, strongly recommend.
Richard G
Couldn't recommend Indy more highly. They helped us implement an effective corporate wifi solution at very short notice. Communication throughout was excellent and we look forward to working with them again.
Francesca M
Indy and Rakki are first class guys, they did a professional job in record time and I ended up with a better router indoors as well as the Access point outdoors which now covers the whole garden. Definitely recommend the Wifi specialists.
John M
I'm absolute delighted with the service provided by The WiFi Specialist in running an ethernet cable out to my garden office. Indy was extremely helpful in discussion the options available to me, and recommending the right approach, and the work was carried out efficiently and with minimum disruption. I'm thrilled to now have a secure connection, and would definitely recommend The WiFi Specialist to anyone looking to improve connectivity.
Simon M
Excellent, knowledgeable, seamless experience with Indy and team. Not to mention my now perfect wifi!
Sarah K
I had been struggling with my wifi signal around my house for a number of years and the situation only got worse as we moved to remote working. After many attempts to get the issue addressed through the local ISP, I (my wife and kids) decided that I needed a specialist to come in. Indy made the whole process very simple from the initial site visit, design guidance and installation. I had my house refurbished a few years ago so adding new cabling around the house needed knowledge and experience. Indy and Rak did a great job at concealing the cat6 cables and provided a professional finish. I now have full wifi signal all around the house, garden and garage. I would highly recommend The Wi-Fi Specialist. Thank you.
Amarjit K
The IT service from this company was exemplary and resulted in a very good WiFi signal throughout the house. Indy was generous with his time and explained the technology well, without trying to sell equipment that would have been unnecessary for a domestic installation. He is friendly, knowledgeable and very professional. It was a great pleasure to work with him.
Andy A
