Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we get a small commission if you make a purchase through our links, at no cost to you. For more information, please visit our Disclaimer Page.
There are a few tasks that will push a computing system harder than serious gaming. With producers competing for year-round to create the most detailed graphics and realistic experience, a video game can realistically require everything your computer has got.
Gaming computers have come a long way since their inception and arcade-game origins, and continue to grow and advance every day. Whether a dedicated console or an almost comically overpowered PC, these machines are built for all the rigors that big-name game studios can devise.
Even if your gaming terminal is at the very leading edge of the market, though, it can’t stay there on its own. Competitive gaming especially requires a blazing fast internet connection – lag, the time it takes a command to be processed from your computer to the game server and back, is anathema to gamers.
This has put gamers among the most frequent buyers of high-end network accessories. Faster routers and better wireless internet adapters have become practically indispensable to a gamer’s ensemble, jokingly known online as a ‘battle station’.
Some gamers don’t trust wireless connections no matter how good they are, and instead, resort to the security and reliability of a physical Ethernet cable. Such a cable may look the same as those intended for pedestrian use, but has a number of minuscule adjustments to make it suitable for high-speed online gameplay.
You may be a bit confused as to what’s best for your battle station. Here are the five best cables to help you climb the leaderboards.
Related Article: Best DSL Modem in 2020 [Our Reviews & Comparisons]
Table of Contents
Comparison Table
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
EDITOR’S CHOICE  |
1. Mediabridge 299-100B
|
Check Price |
RUNNER UP  |
2. Belkin RJ45
|
Check Price |
  |
3. Importer520
|
Check Price |
  |
4. Vandesail
|
Check Price |
  |
5. Cable Matters
|
Check Price |
Our Best Ethernet Cable for Gaming Reviews and Comparisons
1. Mediabridge 299-100B
Product Highlights
This cable has been thoroughly tested to ensure that it can handle the massive data transfers of serious gameplay.
Features
- CAT6 supported
- Up to 10GB/s transfer speed
- 5.8 mm PVC sheathing
- Available up to 100ft
What We Like About Mediabridge 299-100B
The UL-listed quality of this cable ensures that your games are safe from technical failure.
What We Don’t Like About Mediabridge 299-100B
This cable does not support CAT7 gaming, putting it behind other cables when you want to have the latest gear.
PROS
- Quality controlled product
- FLarge sizes available
- Supports CAT6
- Construction is soft and flexible to reduce tangles and breakage
- High transfer speed
CONS
- CAT 7 not supported
- Connector guards can be troublesome.
2. Belkin RJ45
Product Highlights
This is a Snagless ethernet cable designed to speed up our network for less.
Features
- Gold contact points for firm connection
- Copper wire for minimal impedance
- CAT5 browsing
- Optimized for BASE-T stransfers at any speed
What We Like About Belkin RJ45
This cable is constructed with a Snagless design intended to last through many installations and upgrades.
What We Don’t Like About Belkin RJ45
Because it is only available at three feet long, this cable is unhelpful for someone without their modem close to their desk.
PROS
- Cheaper than most cables1
- Lifetime guarantee
- Snagless construction
- Gold-plated contact points
- Braided copper wiring for strength and speed
CONS
- Only one length available
- Not CAT6 enabled
3. Importer520
Product Highlights
A great choice for someone not always within reach of the nearest Ethernet port.
Features
- 50 ft long
- Strain-relief sheathing
- CAT6 browsing
- Gold-plated contacts
What We Like About Importer520
This cable connects well at long distances and transfers at CAT6 speed, making it a speedy solution to distance restrictions.
What We Don’t Like About Importer520
This cable’s sheathing is relatively flimsy and will not resist much wear.
PROS
- Extra long cable
- Gold contacts ensure full connection
- Connector guard
- Bulk pricing
- Gigabit connection
CONS
- Poor-quality PVC sheathing
- Can be awkward to use around the house
- Feature3
4. Vandesail
Product Highlights
This cable may look a trifle different than you’re used to, but its advanced transfer capabilities make it well worth the switch.
Features
- CAT7 bowsing
- Shielded wiring
- Purified copper conductors
- Gold foil connectors
What We Like About Vandesail
This cable takes your gaming to the cutting edge of the internet by allowing for CAT7 transfer speeds.
What We Don’t Like About Vandesail
The flattened design puts less insulation around any given point in the wire so this will wear out somewhat quicker than round cables.
PROS
- CAT7 enabled
- Gold connector heads resist wear
- Flattened cable turns corners and fits under tables
- Wide range of lengths available
- Noticeable speed improvement
CONS
- Cable may wear out faster than others
- Spotty product quality
5. Cable Matters
Product Highlights
A good battle station can easily have more than one device hooked up. This cable pack has you covered no matter what console you’re on.
Features
- Five separate cables
- Color coding for easy identification
- CAT6 transfer speeds
- Pure copper connectors and wiring
What We Like About Cable Matters
The wire gauge in these cables is thicker than others, allowing them to keep working even if the sheathing is damaged.
What We Don’t Like About Cable Matters
Although the extras are nice, many people will only need a single cable.
PROS
- CAT6 transfer
- Hardened wires
- Different colors allow you to easily find connected devices
- Strain-relief sheathing
- Plastic connector heads built to hold firmly to the socket
CONS
- More cables than some users need or want
- Non-metal components are not as durable as they could be
Final Verdict
Online gaming, especially in any kind of competitive format, is an occupation where split-second timing and coordination are indispensable. Pick up one of these cables to make sure your game stays quick and connected from start to scores.
Although a quality cable is important, it is not the only factor in a gaming-speed internet setup. If you continue to experience lag, inspect your modem and contact your service provider before switching cables yet again.
If you employ a modem that includes wireless capabilities, you may find it beneficial to switch lower load devices to a wireless band and save your physical connection for demanding gaming needs. Smart home devices, in particular, should be moved to a slower bandwidth to make sure your fast channels are clear for your gaming needs.
Check Article: Best Router Under 100 in 2020 [Our Reviews & Comparisons]