Confused by the dizzying array of ethernet cables? Fear not! This guide unveils the top 10 best ethernet cables, catering to your specific needs, from blazing-fast speeds to budget-friendly options.
Ethernet cables are a very popular type of network cable which are used for wired networks. They are used to connect devices located on local area networks (LANs), such as routers, PCs and switches. This is one of the most common wired networks that use cables that are connected via Ethernet ports on network routers and computers or other devices.
Q: What are the best ethernet cables?
A: The best ethernet cables depend on your needs for speed, interference resistance, and application. Top choices include Cat6 for gigabit speeds, shielded cables for noisy environments, and gaming or high-density cables for specific uses. Consider factors like length and colour when making your final decision.
Key Takeaways:
- Speed Matters: Choose cables that match your desired data transfer rates, like Cat6 for gigabit speeds or Cat8 for the latest cutting-edge applications.
- Consider Interference: Opt for shielded cables in environments prone to electrical noise, ensuring a reliable and stable connection.
- Application-Specific Options: Explore gaming cables for lag-free experiences or high-density cables for data centers.
- Length and Color: Select the right cable length to avoid clutter and choose a colour that complements your setup.
Below we are going to look at the 10 best Ethernet cables on the market for 2024. We’ll be covering cable types such as Cat5e, Cat6 and Cat6a that are best suited for your project. But first, ensure you know all there is to know about Ethernet cables and their types by checking out our guide for Ethernet Cables Explained.
10. PatchSee Cat6 RJ45 Ethernet Cable
PatchSee Cat6 RJ45 Ethernet Cables come with Optical Fibre Identification. Available in 6 lengths from 0.6 m to 4.9 m. Conforms to EIA/TIA 568-B2.2-1 category 6 and comes with a 25-year guarantee for use in category 6 channels inter-operable with any cabling system.
Features:
- Black sheath
- Grey boot to distinguish it from black booted category 5e patch cords
- Part number and length printed on the boot
- Compatible with colour coded PatchClips for the first level of identification
Quality Control:
- 100% testing of electrical and optical properties
- Test results saved onto a database
- Each patch cord is identified by a unique serial number
- Plastic cross-web unshielded (UTP) and individually foil shielded pairs (FTP)
- PVC sheath for UTP cables and zero halogens (LSOH) sheath for FTP cables
Buy PatchSee Cat6 RJ45 Ethernet Cable
9. Cat5e RJ45 Flat Ethernet Cable
The specially designed Cat5e RJ45 LSOH flat Ethernet Cables are suitable for any application. They are particularly useful for laying under carpets and flooring. The cables are available in a variety of lengths and are available in 3 colours – Grey, Blue, and Black.
Features:
- Comes in a variety of lengths to suit any project
- Comes in a range of colours to help colour code your network
- Cost-effective
- Low smoke halogen-free cable
- Suitable for Gigabit Ethernet application
Buy Cat5e RJ45 Flat Ethernet Cable
8. Excel Cat6A Unscreened U/UTP LSOH Booted Ethernet Cable
Each Excel Category 6A patch lead consists of 4 twisted pairs of 26AWG stranded copper wires, with a blade-booted RJ-45 plug fitted to each end. The slimline blade boot makes the patch leads suitable for high-density switches and equipment.
Features:
- Specified to 500MHz
- Suitable for 10GBASE-T, 10 Gigabit Ethernet Applications
- Blade-style moulded strain relief boot with clip protector
- Low Smoke Zero Halogen Outer Sheath
- 25-year system warranty
- LSOH – Available in Grey, Red, Green, Blue & Yellow
7. Cat6 RJ45 SFTP Shielded Ethernet Cable
- Comes in a variety of lengths to suit any project
- Comes in a range of colours to help colour-code your network
- Cost-effective
- Low smoke halogen-free cable
- Suitable for Gigabit Ethernet application
- Comes with strain-relief boots
Buy Cat6 RJ45 SFTP Shielded Ethernet Cable
6. Cat5e RJ45 LSOH Ethernet Cable
These Cat5e RJ45 LSOH Ethernet Cables are manufactured using the highest quality connectors and stranded core 4 pair cable with an LSOH outer sheath. All leads are 100% fully tested to comply with the EIA/TIA Cat5e specification.
- Comes in a variety of lengths to suit any project
- Comes in a range of colours to help colour code your network
- Cost-effective
- Low smoke halogen-free cable
- Comes with strain relief boots
Buy Cat5e RJ45 LSOH Ethernet Cable
5. PatchSee Cat5e RJ45 Ethernet Cable
PatchSee Cat5e RJ45 Ethernet Cables are designed and individually tested for connecting the network equipment to the patch panel and network user outlet. They are warranted for cat5e TIA/EIA-568-B-2.1 June 2002 Channel test on a Permanent Link certified for transmission frequencies of up to 100 MHz.
Features:
- Light identification by plastic optical fibre
- Many lengths 2 feet (0.6 m) up to 16 feet (4.9 m) for patch panel and terminal link
- Colour cable: Black with white marking
- Colour boot: Grey with white marking
- The movable colour clip, 16 colours available
- Packaging: boxes of 12 pieces, depending on the length
- Available in cross patch cord
- Marking on the boot: length and P/N
- Unique serial number marking on the cable
- Individually tested: each patch cord is individually tested
- Electrical performance tests performed on a sampling basis (1000 Base T Warranty) (Return Loss, Attenuation, NEXT, etc…)
Buy PatchSee Cat5e RJ45 Ethernet Cable
4. Cat5e RJ45 Shielded Ethernet Cable
Cat5e RJ45 Shielded Ethernet Cables are manufactured, tested and independently verified to the ISO11801 Category 5 and EIA/TIA 568 standards. Each cable consists of 8 colour-coded stranded conductors twisted together to form 4 pairs with varying lay lengths. The soft PVC outer sheath, coupled with the stranded conductors, results in a highly flexible cable. The heat-resistant UL-rated outer sheath is printed with specification details. A choice of jacket colours enables departmental or application identification, where necessary.
Features:
- Comes in a variety of lengths to suit any project
- Comes in a range of colours to help colour-code your network
- Cost-effective
- Low smoke halogen-free cable
- Suitable for Gigabit Ethernet application
Buy Cat5e RJ45 Shielded Ethernet Cable
3. Cat6a SSTP LSOH Booted Ethernet Cable
LSOH – Available in Grey, Red, Green, Blue, Yellow & Black
Cat6a SSTP LSOH Booted Ethernet Cables take the performance capabilities of copper infrastructure to new levels. Designed to the current ISO and EIA/TIA standards for Class Ea augmented Category 6a performance these products are intended to deliver reliable, high network performance including support of emerging applications such as 10GBase-T, 10 Gigabit Ethernet. Each Category 6a patch lead consists of 4 twisted pairs of 26AWG stranded copper wires, an aluminium/polyester foil tape provides an individual screen for each pair. These pairs are then cabled together, with different lay lengths to ensure optimum performance.
Features:
- Specified to 500MHz
- Suitable for 10 Gigabit, 10GBase-T, Ethernet application
- Individual foil screen over each pair
- Blade style moulded strain relief boot with clip protector
- Choice of Length and Colour
- Low Smoke Zero Halogen Outer Sheath
Buy Cat6a SSTP LSOH Booted Ethernet Cable
2. Cat6 RJ45 Booted Ethernet Cable
Cat6 RJ45 Booted Ethernet Cables are manufactured and tested to conform with all the necessary standards for Cat6 communications. Each lead is made with high-quality Cat6 plugs, a highly flexible PVC sheath and stranded copper conductors. Between the cable and plug is a boot to provide strain relief and protection to the cable. The low-profile design of the boot means it’s ideal for use in high-density installations.
Features:
- Guaranteed performance to 250MHz
- The particular saw-tooth design of the jacket towards the inner can enhance the resistance to alien crosstalk
- The unique design of PE cross reduces the NEXT and RL and provides better transmission.
- Superior cable flexibility from stranded cores
- Boot maintains correct bend radius to ensure maximum performance
- Flame Retardancy is verified according to IEC 60332-1-2.
- RoHS compliant
Buy Cat6 RJ45 Booted Ethernet Cable
1. Cat5e RJ45 Booted Ethernet Cable
This range of Cat5e RJ45 Booted Ethernet Cables are manufactured and tested to conform to the ISO11801 Cat5 1999 and EIA/TIA 568 Addendum 11 draft standards for enhanced performance. Each Cat5e Ethernet cable consists of 4 colour-coded pairs. The PVC outer sheath and the stranded cores result in a highly flexible and resilient cable. The moulded boot offers strain relief to the cable and helps prevent the cable from being pulled free from the RJ45 plug. Its flush design means it can easily be used in high-density installations. Available in a wide choice of colours and lengths up to 30mt.
Features:
- Guaranteed performance to 125MHz
- Superior cable flexibility from stranded cores
- Boot maintains correct bend radius to ensure maximum performance
- Connector: 8P8C, RJ45, 50-inch gold plating
- Flame Retardancy is verified according to IEC 60332-1-2
- RoHS compliant
Buy Cat5e RJ45 Ethernet Cable/Patch Leads – Booted
So there you have it, a brief rundown of the 10 Best Ethernet cables. If you have any questions regarding your wired network, contact Comms Express today.
Types Of Ethernet Cables Explained: All You Need To Know
