The 8 Best Cat8 Ethernet Cable Choices for 2023

By Grit Daily Staff Grit Daily Staff has been verified by Muck Rack's editorial team
Published on January 20, 2023

Ethernet cable offers a hardwired connection for devices ranging from PCs and laptops to gaming consoles and much more. While it won’t replace Wi-Fi for smartphone connectivity or using tablet computers, it is vital for home and business networks. Ethernet connectivity offers better data security, reduces latency, and provides better reliability for critical connections.

However, not all ethernet options are equal. Entrepreneurs can find a wide range of ethernet cable types on the market, including outdated choices like Cat5 and ultra-fast choices like Cat8 ethernet cable. How do you tell which is right for your needs?

While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, Cat8 ethernet cable offers the ultra-fast speeds today’s users demand. From gamers and streamers to business needs, Cat8 cable ensures you have the connectivity that you desire. How does it differ from other options out there, though?

In this guide, we’ll explore what Cat8 ethernet cabling is, how it differs from other types in use, and what it offers users. Then we’ll touch on the best Cat8 ethernet cables on the market today, complete with ratings.


If you’re in a hurry, here are our top picks for the best Cat8 Ethernet Cables:

  1. Best for Multiple Connections – GLANICS Cat8 Ethernet Cable 2 Pack
  2. Best All-Around – Dacrown Cat8 Ethernet Cable
  3. Great for Outdoor Applications – Dbillion Cat8 Ethernet Cable

Considerations When Shopping for Cat8 Ethernet Cable

In addition to considering the shielding and speed offered, it is also important to consider several other factors in your ultimate buying decision.

Connector Material: All ethernet cables use the same type of connector. However, they are not all the same. Plastic is the most common material on the market – it’s cost-effective and lightweight. However, it is not particularly durable, as anyone who has managed to crack a connector when routing cable knows. It also doesn’t support the best connectivity.

Instead of plastic, consider a material like gold-plated metal. Durable and strong, these connectors also offer better speeds and connectivity. The gold plating also helps prevent rust and corrosion from forming, which can be a problem with lower-quality metals like steel.

Length: All ethernet cable types of a length-to-speed capacity. For instance, with Cat6, users can enjoy up to 10 Gbps in terms of speed, but only with cable lengths under 55 meters. Now, that might be more than ample for situations where the console or other device is only a room away from the router or modem, but what if it is downstairs? The longer the cable, the more impedance and resistance, and the lower your actual speeds will be.

So, when shopping for ethernet cable, consider the length needed to reach from the switch, modem, or router to the device being connected. Is it under 50 meters in a location where there’s little interference from other devices? If so, an older style of cable like Cat6 or Cat6e might suffice. However, that’s not going to be the case for most modern users.

High-speed connectivity is important today for gamers, business users, cryptocurrency miners, and many others. Even those who just want to ensure the highest quality streaming TV experience on an ultra-high-definition TV will want to make sure they have the best speed possible.

That means going with Cat8 ethernet cable, as it offers the highest speeds, is fully shielded, and maintains high speeds even over longer distances. With that being said, not all Cat8 ethernet cable options are the same, and it is important to make an informed decision. We’ll cover the top Cat8 ethernet cable options below.


The Best Cat8 Ethernet Cable Choices for 2023

Finding the best Cat8 ethernet cable can be challenging. There are tons of competitors out there, and what seems like a worthy contender can end up being a waste of time and money. Here are our recommendations.


Available in different lengths to suit different needs, this Cat8 ethernet cable offers ease of use and lots of performance. It is capable of delivering up to 40 Gbps in speed and works well with home IoT systems, gaming systems, and business user needs. The connector is gold plated to resist corrosion and ensure the best possible performance, and the snag-free connector design means no-hassle routing and use.

With that being said, the manufacturer only offers a two-pack in lengths of 10 or 15 feet. Customers can purchase lengths from one to 100 feet, but only in single packs.

PROS
  • Gold-plate connector
  • Snag-free design
  • 2-pack
CONS
  • Pricey
  • 2-pack only available in 10 and 15-ft lengths

Dacrown’s offering ranks high on our list of recommended Cat8 ethernet cables. Available in lengths ranging from 1.5 to 150 feet, it also features gold-plated connectors for corrosion resistance and performance. The connectors feature the same snag-free design as the previous ethernet cable we discussed, and this option is also fully weatherproof, so it can be run outdoors without worrying about degradation due to exposure.

PROS
  • Gold-plate connector
  • Available in multiple lengths
  • Snag-free connector design
  • Weatherproof
CONS
  • Some customers have reported dead/poor connections

Rated for both indoor and outdoor usage, the Dbillion Cat8 ethernet cable also comes in a wide range of lengths. 20 feet seems to be the most cost-effective, but you can also choose lengths ranging from three to 150 feet. Like the other options discussed so far, this one comes with gold-plated connectors and a snag-free connector design. With UV shielding and robust construction, it can be routed through walls or even buried in the ground with no ill effects.

PROS
  • Gold-plated connectors
  • Fully shielded
  • Indoor/outdoor use
CONS
  • Some lengths are expensive

Looking for something a bit more robust than a standard plastic Cat8 ethernet cable? If so, enter Orbram and the company’s Cat8 offering. Made with braided nylon, the cable is designed to withstand wear and tear, while offering a unique aesthetic if you are forced to leave your cabling visible.

It is also flat cable, rather than round like the other options we’ve covered thus far. It’s also available in a two-pack, and you can purchase a range of lengths, from just three feet all the way up to 150 feet. The gold-plated, snag-free connectors also offer ease of use and good performance.

PROS
  • Durable
  • 2-pack
  • Flat cable design
  • Outdoor rated
CONS
  • Some customers have noted that the connector tabs break easily

One of the most affordable options on our list (when purchased in bulk), the Zosion Cat8 ethernet cable offers lots of benefits. Choose from black or white and get gold-plated connectors with either option. The connectors also feature an anti-snag design, as well as a long tail to make installation easier (although this may actually be a hindrance when installed in tight spaces). Note that, unlike some Cat8 ethernet cable manufacturers, Zosion does not include cable clips with the purchase.

PROS
  • Multiped lengths
  • Affordable in bulk
  • Gold-plated connectors
  • Snag-free connector design
CONS
  • Does not come with cable clips
  • Costly when not ordered in bulk
  • Not suitable for outdoor/in-ground use

This option from QIFGUO is one of the longer yet more affordable choices available. You’ll find that the company’s per-foot pricing is also quite good. For the price, you get gold-plated connectors with a snag-free design. It also comes with plenty of cable clips to help secure the cable out of the way, and there are two Velcro strips to help with travel or portability needs. However, note that this cable is not designed for outdoor or in-ground use. The plastic coating may also not be as durable as some other options already covered.

PROS
  • Affordable per-foot pricing
  • Gold-plated connectors
  • Includes cable clips
  • Includes Velcro strips
CONS
  • Not suitable for outdoor/in-ground use

Available in multiple sizes, it is the perfect choice for short and long connections. It also has multi-layer shielding for a strong connection to a number of devices. The orange color is great for visibility, making it a great choice if you want to avoid tripping. You can purchase a single cable or one of the multi-packs, all of which come at a great price.

PROS
  • Gold-plated connectors
  • Multiple lengths
  • Single cable or multi-pack
CONS
  • Not available in other colors

Love options when it comes to length? Smolink delivers. This authentic Cat8 ethernet cable is available in lengths ranging from three feet to 100 feet. You can also choose a limited number of two-packs (6 ft. + 6 ft. or 10 ft. + 10 ft., for instance). The bright orange ends are highly visible, and the gold-plated connectors ensure better performance while resisting corrosion or rust. The FM-PE coating is suitable for indoor, in-wall, and outdoor use, as well.

PROS
  • Indoor/outdoor use
  • Range of lengths
  • Gold-plated connectors
CONS
  • Some customers have reported random disconnections

Cat8 Ethernet Cable Buy Guide

Ethernet Cable: Understanding “Cats”

A quick Internet search for “ethernet cable” will deliver a very wide range of results. The first thing you’ll notice is that there are different types, or “cats” (short for category). Once upon a time, the standard for both residential and business use was Cat5. Today, that’s not the case. This standard has long been outdated, although you’ll still find Cat5 ethernet cables on offer from some retailers.

In place of Cat5, newer options include:

  • Cat5e
  • Cat6
  • Cat6ae
  • Cat7
  • Cat8

What Are the Differences?

Since all the cats touched on above are still ethernet cables, and they all use the same standard connectors, it’s difficult to really understand how they differ from one another. What really sets a Cat5 ethernet cable apart from a Cat8 ethernet cable?

It’s all about speed and shielding.

The Speed Issue

When it comes to Internet connectivity, speed is everything. However, your connection speed (at the modem) may have nothing to do with the speed each device sees. For instance, it is possible that your smart TV might see a speed of 50 Mbps, while your smartphone could see 100 Mbps.

Many factors are responsible for those differences, including:

  • Connection type (Wi-Fi, ethernet cable, type of ethernet cable, etc.)
  • Distance from the modem
  • Interference from other devices

The type of ethernet cable in use also has a role to play when it comes to speed. For instance, Cat5 ethernet cable was capable of delivering around 100 Mbps. That sounds substantial until you realize that modern Wi-Fi can manage around 3,000 Mbps (3 Gbps).

Contrast that with Cat5e cable, which could manage a full gigabit in terms of speed. Cat6 and Cat6e kicked that capability up to 10 Gbps (10x what Cat5e could deliver 100x what old Cat5 could manage). What about higher-end, new ethernet cable types? Cat8 ethernet cable can deliver up to 40 Gbps speeds, or 4x what users with Cat6e enjoyed.

Don’t Forget the Shielding

Newer ethernet cable designs don’t just offer higher speeds. They also deliver better shielding. Why does that matter?

It’s all about dealing with cross-talk and interference from other devices. From your microwave to your baby monitor and everything in between, signals crisscross our homes, our places of business, and the planet as a whole. Those signals affect cabling – signals from your baby monitor may create interference with your ethernet cable, for instance.

That interference creates something akin to turbulence within a river – it degrades signal, slows down the flow, and causes other problems. So, the heavier/fuller the shielding, the more resistant to cross-talk and interference an ethernet cable will be. Better shielding equals better performance.

As you might imagine, older cable types (such as Cat5) have minimal shielding. Cat8 ethernet cable, on the other hand, has full shielding. Note that Cat6, Cat6a, and Cat7 ethernet cables have better shielding than Cat5 but poorer shielding than Cat8.


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By Grit Daily Staff Grit Daily Staff has been verified by Muck Rack's editorial team

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