Best Ethernet Cable for Streaming: Top Notch Speed

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Best Ethernet Cables For Streaming
Best Ethernet Cables For Streaming

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Streamers know that having a stable internet connection is highly important. In order to get the strongest internet connection, it’s highly important to use a wired connection rather than a wireless one.

Wi-Fi is notoriously weaker and less reliable than wired connections. Anyone who wants to make a profession out of streaming or stream regularly will likely want their streams to be as dependable as possible. Cultivating a regular audience depends on having a quality stream, which in turn depends on having a strong wired connection.

Choosing the correct best ethernet cable for streaming can elevate your stream quality to the next level.

Top 10 Options for the Best Ethernet Cable for Streaming

1. DBILLIONDA Cat 8 26AWG(F/FTP) 6ft Ethernet Cable

Cat8 Ethernet Cable

Pros
  • Quadruple shielded cord
  • Cat8 speeds
Cons
  • None

 

This ethernet cord tops the list for its high-speeds and no-nonsense design. With a round cord and RJ45 connector, this Cat8 cord is about as fast as an ethernet cord can get. What’s more, the round design makes your cord nearly interference-proof, while the connector makes it universal and secure.

Available in a multitude of sizes ranging from 6 feet to 100 feet, it is likely you will easily find the right cord for your space with little to no excess or ground left uncovered.

Transfer data and perform streams faster than ever with this heavy-duty ethernet cable.

2. DanYee Cat 7 10ft Ethernet Cable

Danyee Cat 7 Ethernet Cable

Pros
  • Great design
  • Strong connection
Cons
  • Stylish insulation means this cable is best suited for indoor use only

 

This professional-grade ethernet cord stands out among the rest as one to look this sleek. With a braided nylon cord and sleek gold-plated plugs, this is one ethernet cord you likely won’t even want to hide.

Even better, while reaching Cat7 speeds, this ethernet cord comes in a variety of colors and lengths, making sure to adapt itself to better fit your own space than vice versa.

Equipped with strong cables to shield your internet connection from interference, this is one of the best-looking and best-performing cables out there.

3. MATEIN Cat7 50ft Ethernet Cable

Matein Cat7 Ethernet Cable

Pros
  • Professional quality
  • Comes withe everything you may need for an easy setup
Cons
  • None

 

This cable is complete with nearly everything you’ll need in order to upgrade your setup. The cable itself runs at fast, Cat7 speeds, improving your stream quality vastly. However, this kit also comes with a Wi-Fi extender kit as well as easy installation clips, making it one of the best ways to upgrade your entire setup easily.

What’s more, unlike many other high-grade ethernet cables, this cable is easily compatible with many different Ethernet switches, modems and setups without having to upgrade everything to a professional level.

Simple to use, you’ll likely not see yourself downgrading back down to anything else anytime soon.

4. VANDESAIL Cat 7 6.5ft Ethernet Cable

Vandesail Ethernet Cable 2 Pack 6.5ft Cat7

Pros
  • Boost any setup
  • Great signal quality
Cons
  • Similar specs to other Cat7 cables, drastic upgrade only from Cat6 and below

 

These cables come highly recommended to anyone experiencing laggy streams – and for good reason. Those upgrading from typical, run-of-the-mill connections may find themselves experiencing up to a whopping 400% increase in overall internet speeds, especially when upgrading from Cat5 cables.

Professional-grade and made with streamers in mind, anyone looking to upgrade their setup to a more professional one will likely not be disappointed by the VANDESAIL variety. Even those looking for more casual internet usage will likely see a huge difference in their internet speeds when upgrading to the VANDESAIL cable.

5. Jadaol Cat 7 100ft Shielded Ethernet Cable

Jadaol Cat 7 Ethernet Cable

Pros
  • Clip bundle makes for easy installation
  • Reaches up to 10 GB/second
Cons
  • Flat cable makes it more ideal for smaller area

 

Easy installation and great utility can sometimes make all the difference when it comes time to commit to an ethernet cord. Such is true in the case of this Cat7 ethernet cord.

Flat and easily installed so as to stay out of your way, this ethernet cord bundle comes equipped with 25 cable clips to easily install the cord efficiently and out of your way.

What’s more, this cable is extremely fast and easy to use. Users will be able to easily build a network that is speedy and reliable, reaching up to 10 GB per second.

6. KabelDirekt Cat 6 25ft Network Cable and Ethernet Network LAN Cable

Kabeldirekt 25 Feet Ethernet Cable

Pros
  • Universal connectivity
  • Fast & simple to use
Cons
  • Stiff and difficult to uninstall at times

 

While some high-speed ethernet cables are only able to be connected via specific ports, the KabelDirekt ethernet cord provides users with the exact opposite experience. Instead, this cord offers users universal connectivity.

Utilizing a cable such as this frees users from having to upgrade all of their equipment at once or purchase specialized modems. Rather, this ethernet cord is perfectly designed to get you streaming now and get you streaming faster than ever before.

Capable of streaming at 1 GB per second and simple to install, users will finally be able to experience the maximum power of their internet thanks to KabelDirekt.

7. CableGeeker Cat 7 100 ft Shielded Ethernet Cable

Cablegeeker Cat7 Shielded Ethernet Cable 100ft

Pros
  • Durable cable
  • Able to handle multiple devices

Cons
  • Best for indoor setups only

 

Professional streamers know that their internet connections need to support multiple pieces of technology at one time. Streaming of any kind can put some major strain on your internet connection. It is likely that as a professional streamer, you’ll be straining your internet connection now more than ever.

Luckily, strong ethernet cables such as these are designed to support multiple devices at once, keeping you connected to the internet seamlessly with each device. What’s more, this cord is extra durable, having been constructed from 4 shield and twisted pairs of copper wire.

8. UGREEN Cat 7 3ft Ethernet Cable Gigabit LAN Network

Ugreen Ethernet Cable

Pros
  • User-friendly
  • Utilizes RJ45 security

Cons
  • Occasional difficulty uninstalling

 

Those looking for a simple and easy way to drastically increase their internet speed should look no further than this Cat7 cable. Whether you’re interested in casual or more serious usage, this is likely one of the easiest beginner’s cords.

Those who are as of yet unsure of whether they’ll want to commit to fully using Cat7 cords throughout their home can purchase this ethernet cord as an entry point and will likely find themselves convinced. The simple installation process makes the fact that this cord can increase one’s internet speeds by nearly 25% makes this cord truly impressive.

9. Amazon Basics RJ45 Cat 7 10ft Network Ethernet Patch Internet Cable

Rj45 Cat7 Network Ethernet Patch Internet Cable

Pros
  • Easily stream in 4K
  • Simple installation

Cons
  • Thick cable makes cord durable but clunky

 

This ethernet cord offering from Amazon provides the perfect solution for those looking to stream in 4K. Thanks to this ethernet cord’s high speeds, users should be able to both download and output video easily.

Whether you’re looking to stream Netflix or broadcast your own streams, it is likely you’ll want to be sure your internet speeds are up to handling 4K. The RJ45 has users covered in that it helps to maximize your speeds with minimal hassle. Installation is simple and easy, and users will likely be pleased with the sturdiness of this model.

10. Ultra Clarity Cables Store Cat 7 15ft Ethernet Cable

Cat7 Ethernet Cable 15 Ft Rj45 Connector

Pros
  • Double-Shielded STP for maximum security
  • Data speeds that reach up to 10 GB/second

Cons
  • Only 15ft long; may require multiple cords to reach desired length

 

This Cat7 Ethernet Cable is designed to provide maximum streaming output. While your Internet provider will likely provide you with a range of possible speeds, a quality ethernet cord such as this will help you to reach that maximum speed.

Users report drastically increased internet speed with the help of this ethernet cable. What’s more, this ethernet cord has been shown to help keep EM pulses out, helping users to stay safe while browsing the web and avoid any possible attempted hacking. Sturdy and high-quality, this ethernet cord is equal parts safe and fast.

How to Choose an Ethernet Cable

One of the most significant human achievements is the advancement of technology. It has made life easier and more enjoyable for the majority. The internet has played a pivotal role in enhancing human interactions and carrying out various tasks.

Ethernet cables are primarily used to connect a Wi-Fi router or modem to an internet port on a computer or telephone line. When Ethernet is appropriately installed and configured, data and information sharing will be fast and convenient. This will lead to improved productivity in an organization.

In today’s market, these cables come in different features and functionalities, and choosing the best that suits you could be challenging. That said, in this article, we will talk about what to look for when purchasing an Ethernet cable.

Depending on your requirements, these are the factors that you need to look at when choosing the best Ethernet cable:

Length

This is wholly dependent on your room’s size, whereby you can get an Ethernet cable measuring anywhere between 75 and 500ft long. However, we advise you to go for a longer cable than you require because you might need to reroute or move it to a different position within the room.

UTP or STP Cable?

Sometimes, your cables may run through electromagnetic interference (EMI) or crosstalk zones. STP (Shielded Twisted Pairs) cables come with a foil wrapping that significantly minimizes the EMI and crosstalk for better performance and data transmission between different devices. If crosstalk and EMI are not your main concerns, then a UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) cable is the best and less expensive choice.

The wrapping on STP cables covers all the twisted pairs, and it is made of copper tape and a layer of copper/aluminum conducting polymer or braid.

Your Preferred Speed

This is most important if you move huge files between computers, play high-quality games or stream videos with very high bandwidth. Such users may require newer versions of Ethernet cables to handle such workload. On the other hand, if you only intend to surf the internet, you do not need a high-speed cable.

Your Network’s Speed

How fast is your internet connection? Older Ethernet cable versions can work correctly with gigabyte internet (1Gbps). However, if the network’s speed is slower, for instance, 10 or 20Mbps, you can go for Cat 5 or newer versions of Ethernet cables.

Plenum-rated Cables

The Plenum-rating on Ethernet cables shows the low-flame and low-smoke insulation procedure conducted on all cables that run through air-handling spaces. This coating essentially prevents fire outbreaks by inhibiting air (oxygen) from coming into contact and lighting up the cable’s heated interior parts. Ensure that the word “PLENUM” is printed on an Ethernet cable before you buy it.

UL Markings

UL (Underwriters Laboratory) is a company that focuses on safety science globally and independently. The company inspects, certifies, audits, and validates various products for the public’s safety. The UL marks that indicate the product has gone through and passed the appropriate tests should appear on the box and the cable.

Be Sure about the Seller

Always consider the manufacturer’s identity to reduce the risk of purchasing hazardous Ethernet cables. The thumb rule to remember is ‘if the deal seems dicey or too good to be real, it probably is’. It is wise to pay more for quality cables instead of spending less and incurring other future costs due to fire accidents.

Different Types of Ethernet Cables

You might have seen the letters ‘CAT’ followed by a number, say 5, 5e, or 6, printed on an Ethernet cable. The letters simply mean ‘category’, and the number that follows shows the cable version. These are the different versions of Ethernet cables:

CAT 3 and 5 – These two types of Ethernet cables are no longer in use. However, you might find some Cat 5 cables in use today, but they are slow and discontinued. Therefore, you should avoid them.

Cat 5e – The letter “e” stands for ‘enhanced’. Besides using more stringent testing standards to minimize crosstalk, Cat 5e cables are not so different from Cat 5 cables. Low production cost and supporting speeds higher than Cat 5 has made Cat 5e the most common Ethernet cables. Cat 5e cables conveniently convey data at speeds of 1Gbps compared to 100Mbps for Cat 5.

Cat 6 – This category is much faster, with speeds of up to 250MHz. Most Cat 6 cables are equipped with a foil or braided shielding to inhibit EMI and crosstalk interference. They can move 10Gbps of data for about 55 meters.

Cat 6A – The ‘A’ stands for ‘augmented’. These cables can handle double the bandwidth handled by Cat 6 cables. With a bandwidth of 500MHz, these cables can transmit 10Gbps of data up to a length of 55 meters.

Cat 7 – This category has higher bandwidth of 600MHz and can conveniently convey 100Gbps of data over a distance of about 15 meters. Cat 7 Ethernet cables are ideal where high speeds are a priority.

Cat 7a – This category comes with skyrocketed speeds of 1GHz. Cat 7 cables can comfortably transfer 100Gps over a distance of 15 meters.

Cat 8 – Being the most recent Ethernet cables version, category 8 has the highest speeds of 2GHz. Moreover, the cables can move 40Gbps of data over a distance of 30 meters. Such high performance means that all Cat 8 cables are shielded to prevent interferences. They cost more than other cables, but they have become affordable nowadays.

How to Run Ethernet Cable Through Exterior Wall

Running your Ethernet through the wall is a safety measure to prevent the cables from entanglement and overexposure. The tools needed for this activity vary from user to user, but the most useful ones are:

  • A drilling machine to make holes on the wall
  • A drill bit or hole saw
  • A pointed handsaw to make holes for the gang boxes

Now that you have the necessary equipment, the process is very simple, and it involves two significant steps:

Drill the necessary hole

Mount the drill bit on the drill machine and make a hole on the wall. This should only be done if your wall does not have extra holes where you can put your cable through. It would be best if you took precautions when drilling the holes. First, ensure that you have mapped out the ideal place where you want your Ethernet cables to run.

Secondly, be very careful not to drill into water lines or electrical wiring. If your wall has a wooden board, make a hole on it, or line it carefully, cut it and take it out. Use the sharp handsaw to cut the hold where you will fix the new box. Put the box into the hole and screw the clamps to hold it in place.

Insert the cable

Put the cable into the home that you drilled and keep feeding it in until it comes out on the other end. In this step, you need to have the actual measurements for the required cables. Remember not to twist the cable as you feed it into the whole.

One of the methods that work perfectly here is by using a sturdy and stiff wire. Tightly tie one end of the cable to the wire and pull it from the opposite side. This procedure ensures that your cable does not twist or tangle as it runs through the hole on the wall.

Once the cable(s) comes out from the other side, you can now conveniently connect it to the jacks and patch panel.      

Streaming Accessories Buyers Guide

Although extremely important, obtaining a quality ethernet cable is just one part of the streaming puzzle. In order to pull off professional-grade streams without a hitch, there is a variety of additional technology you’ll likely want to look into before you start streaming.

Second Monitor

As with many professional computer setups, most streamers deck out their space with at least two monitors. This isn’t just for appearances; as a streamer, you’ll likely need the utility of both screens.

While everyone’s setup differs slightly, you’ll likely want to have your gameplay on one monitor and your streaming program as well as stream chat open on the other.

Lighting

Lighting is extremely important, as you’re going to want your stream to standout amidst those of already-established professionals. However, getting a cool LED lighting situation happening in your streaming space doesn’t have to be expensive. All you need are a few lights, most of which easily change color and can be controlled via a phone app, in order to create the ambiance you’re going for.

Stream Deck

Popular stream decks such as the Elgato make professional streaming easier than ever. Decks such as these function as a much smaller, tiny keyboard that can be used in conjunction with the rest of your setup.

Streamers can easily program hotkeys that make it simple to jump between switching between screens, activating graphics, etc. The added bonus of utilizing a stream deck is that, when used correctly, it will barely distract you from your game – or your chat.

Green Screen

While many streamers opt to just show their room in the background of their stream, others take a more high-tech approach to their stream background. Utilizing a green screen can elevate your stream in a number of easy ways.

One of the most popular ways streamers use their green screen is to effectively get rid of the background of their room, meaning only themselves and their gaming chair are visible against the background of the game. This can offer a much more pleasant viewing experience for your viewers and eliminate any clunky background issues.

Others enjoy creating cool effects for their green screens that can easily play out behind them, offering their viewers an even more professional looking setup.

Capture Card

This is a huge piece of technology that many do not immediately consider when looking to start streaming. However, your computer’s capture card can help you stream from consoles like your Nintendo Switch, PS4 and Xbox, capturing your gameplay on your PC. This allows players the added bonus of playing popular console-exclusive games on their streams, opening up a whole new realm of possibility when it comes to streaming content.

Gaming Chair

In addition to looking great, gaming chairs help players keep their posture upright at all times, helping them avoid future serious gaming-related back problems.

Recap: The 10 best Ethernet cables for streaming at a glance.

  1. DbillionDa Cat8 6ft Ethernet Cable Weatherproof S/FTP UV Resistant for Router/Gaming
  2. DanYee Cat 7 Ethernet Cable Nylon Braided
  3. MATEIN Cat7 Ethernet Cable, 50 Ft Network Cable for Xbox PS4
  4. Ethernet Cable, VANDESAIL 2 Pack 6.5ft CAT7 RJ45 LAN Cable
  5. Jadaol Cat 7 Ethernet Cable 100 ft Shielded
  6. KabelDirekt – 25 feet Ethernet, Network, Lan Patch Cable
  7. CableGeeker Cat7 Shielded Ethernet Cable 100ft
  8. UGREEN Ethernet Cable, Cat 7
  9. RJ45 Cat7 Network Ethernet Patch Internet Cable
  10. Cat7 Ethernet Cable -15 ft – RJ45 Connector
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