With the Xbox Series X coming soon, a lot of people are upgrading their setups, from their monitors to their headphones, and some are even buying big-screen 4K TVs.
But if you’re playing multiplayer games on your new console, you’d want to upgrade your internet as well to reduce lag. Yet even with the fastest internet, you won’t be able to unlock its full potential without the right Ethernet cable. Check out this list and see what you’ve been missing!
The Best Ethernet Cables for the Xbox Series X at a Glance
| Rank | Preview | Product | Transfer Speed | Bandwidth | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | Dacrown Cat 8 | 40 Gbps | 2000 MHz | |
| 2 |  | 10 Gbps | 600 MHz | ||
| 3 |  | DbillionDa Cat 8 | 40 Gbps | 2000 MHz | |
| 4 |  | DanYee Cat 7 | 10 Gbps | 600 MHz | |
| 5 |  | 10 Gbps | 600 MHz | ||
| 6 |  | Mediabridge Cat 6 | 1 Gbps | 250 MHz | |
| 7 |  | GLANICS Cat 8 | 40 Gbps | 2000 MHz | |
| 8 |  | AmazonBasics Cat 7 | 10 Gbps | 600 MHz | |
| 9 |  | RiteAV Cat 6 | 1 Gbps | 250 MHz |
Dacrown Cat 8
Best Ethernet Cable for Xbox Series X
|
Specifications |
|
| Type | Cat 8 |
| Length | 1.5-150 ft |
| Transfer Speed | 40 Gbps |
| Bandwidth | 2000 MHz |
| Color | Black |
|
Ratings |
|
| Design | 8 |
| Durability | 9 |
| Flexibility | 8 |
The Dacrown Cat 8 complies with the latest standard in copper cable technology for high-speed and future-proof console gaming. It features a weatherproof and heavy-duty design that makes it suitable for indoor and outdoor settings, providing superior versatility.
This cable has gold-plated connectors compatible with almost any device that requires a wired connection to your router. However, the connectors are considerably larger than standard models, so you may have trouble routing this cable through small holes or tight spaces.
CableGeeker Cat 7
Best Flat Ethernet Cable for Xbox Series X
|
Specifications |
|
| Type | Cat 7 |
| Length | 1-150 ft |
| Transfer Speed | 10 Gbps |
| Bandwidth | 600 MHz |
| Colors | Black / White / Red / Yellow / Green / Blue |
|
Ratings |
|
| Design | 8 |
| Durability | 7 |
| Flexibility | 8 |
The CableGeeker Cat 7 comes with gold-plated contact pins in each connector to ensure you get a reliable high-speed connection on your Xbox Series X. It is made of four shielded copper wire pairs to prevent crosstalk and noise for interference-free gaming.
One of the features that sets this option apart from the competition is the flexible flat cable design. This design enables you to run the cable under a carpet or bend it through corners for clean cable management. However, the overall build quality of the connectors is disappointing and requires extra care to last a long time.
DbillionDa Cat 8
Best Heavy-Duty Ethernet Cable for Xbox Series X
|
Specifications |
|
| Type | Cat 8 |
| Length | 3-150 ft |
| Transfer Speed | 40 Gbps |
| Bandwidth | 2000 MHz |
| Color | Black |
|
Ratings |
|
| Design | 9 |
| Durability | 9 |
| Flexibility | 8 |
The DbillionDa Cat 8 is one of the fastest cables on this list. Like our top pick, this cable meets the demands of the latest network standards and is fully backward compatible with older standards to provide a steady connection from your router to your Xbox Series X. It also features adequate shielding to prevent signal interference during gaming marathons.
This cable is built to withstand harsh conditions, boasting a heat-resistant jacket and an anti-aging exterior. The only downside is the flimsy connector clip that can easily break off if you hastily plug it into your devices. Nevertheless, it shouldn’t be a concern if you don’t disconnect it from your console regularly.
DanYee Cat 7
Best Braided Ethernet Cable for Xbox Series X
|
Specifications |
|
| Type | Cat 7 |
| Length | 1.6-100 ft |
| Transfer Speed | 10 Gbps |
| Bandwidth | 600 MHz |
| Colors | Black / Blue / White / Gold |
|
Ratings |
|
| Design | 9 |
| Durability | 9 |
| Flexibility | 7 |
The DanYee Cat 7 is a flat nylon braided network cable built to last. The braided surface prevents dirt accumulation and makes it much more durable than regular cables. It also comes with a strong velcro tie that you can use to manage the cables on your Xbox Series X efficiently.
The only drawback of this cable is the stiffness that can make it hard to maneuver in tight spaces. However, it should loosen up over time and help the cable stay in place after installation.
Vandesail Cat 7
Best Gold-Plated Ethernet Cable for Xbox Series X
|
Specifications |
|
| Type | Cat 7 |
| Length | 1-125 ft |
| Transfer Speed | 10 Gbps |
| Bandwidth | 600 MHz |
| Colors | Black / White / Black & White |
|
Ratings |
|
| Design | 10 |
| Durability | 8 |
| Flexibility | 9 |
The Vandesail Cat 7 features oxygen-free copper and gold-plated connectors to deliver stable high-speed data transfers. It is suitable for streaming in high-definition, downloading games, or playing online matches on your Xbox Series X.
This cable is made of four shielded twisted pairs wrapped in aluminum foil to protect against electromagnetic and radio-frequency interference. These features combine to eliminate lag and give you an edge over the competition.
While this cable is an excellent option for console gaming, some users have reported reliability issues after some time. Nevertheless, it should perform as expected if you take good care of it.
Mediabridge Cat 6
Best Budget Ethernet Cable for Xbox Series X
|
Specifications |
|
| Type | Cat 6 |
| Length | 10-100 ft |
| Transfer Speed | 1000 Mbps |
| Bandwidth | 250 MHz |
| Color | White |
|
Ratings |
|
| Design | 6 |
| Durability | 7 |
| Flexibility | 8 |
The Mediabridge Cat 6 is undoubtedly the best pick for gamers on a tight budget. It is a perfect fit for the network capabilities of the Xbox Series X, supporting speeds of up to 1000 Mbps to prevent bottlenecking your internet connection.
This cable has four twisted pairs separated by cross insulation to prevent crosstalk and interference. It features gold-plated contacts to ensure stability and avoid disconnections during gaming sessions. It also comes with an adjustable velcro strap to keep your wires organized.
The only complaint we have on this cable is the lackluster design and build quality. It doesn’t look or feel as well as it performs, but it gives you your money’s worth.
GLANICS Cat 8
Best Weatherproof Ethernet Cable for Xbox Series X
|
Specifications |
|
| Type | Cat 8 |
| Length | 1-100 ft |
| Transfer Speed | 40 Gbps |
| Bandwidth | 2000 MHz |
| Colors | Black / Blue |
|
Ratings |
|
| Design | 9 |
| Durability | 10 |
| Flexibility | 8 |
The GLANICS Cat 8 is the third and final cable on this list that complies with the latest standard in copper wired network technology. It may be a bit overkill for the Xbox Series X, but it is a future-proof investment that is also fully backward compatible with previous network standards.
This cable is made of four pairs of eight-core copper conductors wrapped in aluminum foil to prevent signal interference. It is perfectly suitable for your gaming console or any other device that requires a high-speed wired internet connection.
AmazonBasics Cat 7
Best Patch Ethernet Cable for Xbox Series X
|
Specifications |
|
| Type | Cat 7 |
| Length | 3-25 ft |
| Transfer Speed | 10 Gbps |
| Bandwidth | 600 MHz |
| Color | White |
|
Ratings |
|
| Design | 7 |
| Durability | 8 |
| Flexibility | 7 |
The AmazonBasics Cat 7 may look like a typical patch cable for wired home and office networks, but it is capable of remarkable transfer speeds. It features gold-plated connectors for reliable data transfer and reinforced with a thick jacket to ensure durability and longevity.
The only knock on this cable is its inherent stiffness. It is quite resistant to straightening out, which could affect its ability to reach the advertised length. However, the stiffness also contributes to the cable’s reliability.
RiteAV Cat 6
Best Cat 6 Ethernet Cable for Xbox Series X
|
Specifications |
|
| Type | Cat 6 |
| Length | 1-300 ft |
| Transfer Speed | 1000 Mbps |
| Bandwidth | 250 MHz |
| Colors | Black / Blue / Gray / Green / Red / White / Yellow / Orange |
|
Ratings |
|
| Design | 6 |
| Durability | 7 |
| Flexibility | 8 |
The RiteAV Cat 6 is another budget option that perfectly caters to the network demands of the Xbox Series X. It can reach transfer speeds of 1000 Mbps and has a 250 MHz bandwidth to deliver a stable connection whether you’re in an online lobby or shopping for a new game.
The build quality is what you would expect from a budget option. It doesn’t have the most durable connectors or exterior, but if all you need is the signal from your router to get to your console, this cable is more than enough. It also has plenty of color options if you want to buy multiple cables for your other devices.
Best Ethernet Cable for Xbox Series X | Frequently Asked Questions
What To Look for in the Best Ethernet Cable for the Xbox Series X
Comparing all these cables can be overwhelming, so here’s a quick guide on what to look for in the best Ethernet cable:
Bandwidth: Make sure that the Ethernet cable you choose can support the bandwidth of your internet connection. Your bandwidth is directly proportional to your internet speed. The higher your internet’s bandwidth, the faster speeds it can support. If you’re gaming with an Xbox Series X, cables that can transmit more than 1 Gbps is the best option.
Connectors: Does your modem and your Xbox Series X use compatible connectors? Always take a look at what connectors your Ethernet cable has. All cables here use an RJ45 medium that is durable and reliable. The Xbox Series X uses an RJ45 connector socket, so all of these Ethernet cables are compatible with the console.
Durability: Not all cables are created equally. Some have better durability than most, and some forego durability altogether to focus more on affordability and speed. But durability isn’t always necessarily an issue, especially if you plan to route your cables through low-traffic areas or along a wall for better cable management. Choose the one that works best for your setup, and figure out if you need your cables to be tougher than others.
What Is the Best Ethernet Cable for the Xbox Series X?
While it is true that Cat 8 Ethernet cables are the fastest ones available, you don’t really need them for your Xbox Series X. Anything above Cat 6 is way too much. Therefore, we think that the best Ethernet cable for the Xbox Series X is the Rite AV Cat 6 LAN cable. It’s more than enough to bring out the speeds your gigabit internet is capable of and at a fraction of the cost of Cat 7 and Cat 8 cords.
But, if you do a lot of networking at home or wherever you’re gaming, especially if you’re streaming, you might benefit from a Cat 7 cord like the DanYee Nylon Braided Cord. You can achieve higher durability and better cable management from its flat, braided cable design.
Is an Ethernet Cable Good for Gaming?
It is a fact among the gaming community that high-speed Ethernet cables are just as important a purchase as a really fast internet connection. Compared to WiFi, Ethernet cables let you experience a faster, more reliable connection, with as little lag and latency as possible.
Regular Ethernet cables can work well enough as long as you have the right category. Gaming Ethernet cables can help you enjoy a consistently smooth gaming experience with as little ping as humanly possible, but they’re also some of the most expensive.
Does a Better Ethernet Cable Increase Speed?
Indeed it does! Wired connections through Ethernet cables are much faster and have lower latency compared to wireless connections. They have advanced just as much as WiFi technology, and today’s Ethernet cables are capable of communicating ever faster.
If you have a fast gigabit internet connection and feel yourself being throttled, picking up an Ethernet cable is the best option to take full advantage of your internet connection’s capabilities.
What Is a Cat 8 Ethernet Cable?
Ethernet cables can come in many different varieties, in lengths, shapes, and types. More important than the shape and length, however, is the cable category. There’s Cat 5e, Cat 6, Cat 6A, Cat 7, and even Cat 8, each with their respective max speed potential. Cat 8 is the fastest category you can get.
In terms of gaming, you won’t really need to go for Cat 8 cables. These cables are designed for data centers and servers and are not what you’d need for gaming. Cat 7 cables are as fast as Cat 6a cables and are also used in more professional scenarios, still overkill as far as gaming is concerned.
For gaming, Cat 5e or Cat 6 is more than enough. If you do a lot of data transfer, such as streaming, Cat 6A is an excellent choice to serve your needs.
What Is an RJ45 Connector?
RJ stands for “registered jack,” which points to it as the standardized networking interface used by many Ethernet-connected devices. “45” refers to the number of the interface standard. RJ45 connectors have eight pins, which means there are eight different wires inside the cable. You can see them if you look closely at an RJ45 connector. There are eight wires, each with a different color: four solid colors and four striped ones.
RJ45 cables are wired in two different schemes, namely T-568A and T-568B. The majority of devices use the T-568B wiring scheme and support Ethernet cables that use it, but many devices, such as the Xbox Series x, will support an Ethernet cable wired in T-568A, as long as it uses an RJ45 connector.
Which Ethernet Cable Do I Need for the Xbox Series X?
As a rule of thumb, anything over Cat 6A is too much for gaming, even if you have gigabit internet. Cat 7 and Cat 8 cables are used for networking and data center functions, while Cat 6 and below are usually preferred for general home use and gaming. Anything above Cat 6 is overkill, but some people need faster internet, not just for gaming, but for other functions as well. If that’s the case for you, consider a Cat 7 cable.
Where Do I Connect the Ethernet Cable?
Connecting an Ethernet cable to your Xbox Series X is actually pretty simple. Take one end of the Ethernet cable and plug it into the rear Ethernet port of your console. Then, with the other end of the cable, connect it to an available Ethernet port on your router. The modem and console will automatically have a connection, taking your Xbox Series X online. Enjoy high-speed gaming!
Which Ethernet Cable Is the Fastest?
Cat 8 Ethernet cables like the Zosion RJ45 Cat 8 are the fastest Ethernet cables you can buy, followed by Cat 7. However, these are used mostly for networking and enterprise and are too much for gaming (but no one’s stopping you, stud.) If you’re only doing gaming, we recommend any Cat 6 cable in this list, or even upgrade to 6A if you want something that can handle high-bandwidth tasks, such as remote access, internal networking, or streaming. These cables are more than enough to give you the speed you need, especially for your Xbox Series X.
Are Ethernet Cables Fiber Optic?
They are not! Ethernet cables are strings of copper wire strung together. In the past, Ethernet cables could only handle a speed of 10 Mbps, but they are now capable of up to 10 Gigabit (1000 Mbps). Data transfer through Ethernet cables occurs through electric impulses.
On the other hand, fiber optic cables are ultra-thin strands of glass or plastic. They transmit data through light, which essentially amounts to lightspeed data transfer. They have a relatively faster speed compared to Ethernet cables and are used to send information over long distances.
Huge bundles of fiber optic cables are being used right now to transmit data between continents. Most gigabit connections also employ fiber optics to deliver internet speeds much faster than traditional phone lines.
Are Ethernet Cables Waterproof?
The short answer is, no, they are not waterproof. Standard RJ45 connectors are not waterproof at all. If water flows into the cable through the connector, it could short and fry the device it is plugged into. The cables themselves repel water well enough, but if the casing is damaged, it exposes the wires and makes them vulnerable to water damage.
Ethernet cables are not usually rated for wet environments, but there are Ethernet cables that are rated for outdoor use and harsh environments, and even connectors that have water-resistant shrouds. These can be used if you’re routing your cable into an outside area, such as a guest house, shed, or an underground gaming bunker.
Will an Ethernet Cable Lower Ping?
Indeed it will! WiFi connections are notorious for increased latency, packet loss, and jitter. It is also prone to interference from cellular connections, physical barriers, and the like since it transmits signals over the air. Therefore, using an Ethernet cable is the best way to make sure that you have the lowest possible ping consistently.
Will an Ethernet Cable Stop Buffering?
WiFi may be nice and convenient, but it may lead to latency issues for the Xbox Series X. While the common solution would be to get a faster internet plan, WiFi would still be inconsistent compared to a wired connection. If you plan to do a lot of multiplayer gaming and media streaming on the Xbox Series X, connecting it to your router through Ethernet is the faster and more practical solution.
Wrap Up: Top 9 Best Ethernet Cables for Xbox Series X
- Dacrown Cat 8
- CableGeeker Cat 7
- DbillionDa Cat 8
- DanYee Cat 7
- Vandesail Cat 7
- Mediabridge Cat 6
- GLANICS Cat 8
- AmazonBasics Cat 7
- RiteAV Cat 6
To wrap this all up, the best Ethernet cables for Xbox Series X are those with categories of Cat 6 and above. However, keep in mind that anything above Cat 6 will be overkill for most home connections. Only consider Cat 7 and Cat 8 if you’re looking to make a lot of heavy data transfers, such as streaming (because that 1080p streaming camera needs a lot of bandwidth!). Let us know in the comments if you found the right Ethernet cable for your Xbox Series X!
