Ethernet cable ultimate buying guide: How to Choose the Right Ethernet Cable (Cat5e, Cat6, Cat7)

In a world where seamless connectivity is non-negotiable — whether at home, in the office, or at a data center — your choice of Ethernet cable plays a crucial role in how reliable and fast your network really is. It’s not just a wire. It’s the backbone of your digital experience.

From streaming 4K videos without buffering to handling large data transfers in an enterprise network, the right Ethernet cable ensures you get the performance you’re paying for. But with terms like Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat7 floating around, how do you know which one is best?

This Ethernet cable buying guide breaks it all down for you — so you can make a smart, future-proof decision without the guesswork.

What Are Ethernet Cables, Really?

Ethernet cables are physical network cables that connect devices to routers, modems, or switches. Unlike Wi-Fi, which can suffer from interference and signal drops, Ethernet cables provide a stable, high-speed, and low-latency connection — especially important for gamers, streamers, and businesses relying on real-time performance.

Cat5e vs Cat6 vs Cat7: What Do These Categories Mean?

The “Cat” in Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat7 stands for “Category.” Each category represents a specific standard of performance in terms of:

Speed (Bandwidth)
Frequency (MHz)
Shielding
Maximum Cable Length for Performance

Here’s a quick comparison:

Category	Max Speed	Bandwidth	Shielding	Use Case
Cat5e	Up to 1 Gbps	100 MHz	Unshielded	Homes and basic office setups
Cat6	Up to 10 Gbps (for short runs	250 MHz	Usually shielded	Gaming, 4K streaming, medium business
Cat7	Up to 10 Gbps	600 MHz	Fully shielded (S/STP)	Data centers, high-speed business networks

Factors to Consider Before Buying an Ethernet Cable

Let’s break down the things you should consider before choosing your Ethernet cable:

1. Speed and Bandwidth Requirements

If your internet plan is below 1 Gbps and you’re just doing general browsing or streaming, a Cat5e cable will serve you well. However, if you’re gaming, streaming in 4K, or have a gigabit+ plan, Cat6 or Cat7 makes more sense.

2. Cable Shielding

Shielding protects against interference (EMI). For environments with multiple electronic devices (like office settings or industrial zones), you should go for shielded cables (Cat6 or Cat7) to avoid connection drops or speed degradation.

3. Cable Length

Longer cables can experience more signal loss. For home setups, shorter runs (under 50m) are ideal. But if you’re wiring an office or building, consider a high-quality bulk cable like the one we recommend below.

When Should You Upgrade to Cat6 or Cat7?

Choosing between Ethernet cable categories comes down to your current and future needs. While Cat5e still holds up for basic tasks, there are clear signs it’s time to move up to Cat6 or even Cat7:

Streaming and Gaming Issues
If you’re experiencing buffering during 4K video playback or lag in online gaming, your current cable might be limiting your speed and stability.
Faster Internet Plans
Planning to upgrade to 1Gbps or 10Gbps internet? Older cables like Cat5e can bottleneck performance. Cat6 handles up to 10Gbps at short distances, while Cat7 offers even more bandwidth with extra shielding.
Smart Homes and Office Setups
More devices mean more traffic on your network. If your setup includes multiple smart TVs, security cameras, smart assistants, or office devices, upgrading helps reduce congestion and ensures smoother connections.
Permanent Installations
If you’re running cables through walls, ceilings, or floors, it makes sense to future-proof with Cat6 or Cat7. You don’t want to rip out and replace cables just a few years down the line.

Common Ethernet Cable Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the right intentions, a few missteps can ruin your network setup. Avoid these common mistakes when choosing or installing Ethernet cables:

Buying Longer Than Necessary

Longer cables introduce more resistance and can slightly reduce performance, especially over 100 meters. Measure your space properly and choose the shortest cable that gets the job done.

Mixing Cable Categories

Combining Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat7 cables in the same network can create bottlenecks. Your speed is only as fast as the weakest link — keep your setup consistent.

Choosing Flat Cables for Critical Connections

Flat cables are flexible and easy to route, but they often lack proper shielding and durability. For critical or long-term setups, stick with high-quality round cables.

Ignoring Shielding in Noisy Environments

If your cables run near electrical equipment, fluorescent lighting, or walls with wiring, unshielded cables can suffer from interference. Choose shielded (STP) cables in these scenarios for a stable connection.

Conclusion: Choose Smart, Connect Better

Your network is only as fast and reliable as the cable running through it. Whether you’re streaming, gaming, managing smart devices, or setting up a high-performance workspace, the right Ethernet cable makes a noticeable difference.

By understanding what Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat7 bring to the table — including differences in shielding, bandwidth, speed, and installation use — you’re now in a better position to make a smart, future-ready decision.

Don’t let your cable be the bottleneck. Upgrade wisely, and enjoy faster, more stable connections across all your devices.