How to use this tool
Ethernet cables are cheap and the "Cat" number on the box is the main thing to choose. This guide turns it into plain English.
What you'll realistically get
- Cat5e: plenty for 1 Gb/s (1000 Mbps) over short runs — the everyday default for most homes.
- Cat6: 1 Gb/s over longer runs and can do 2.5–5 Gb/s on shorter ones. The sensible modern choice.
- Cat6a / Cat7: for 10 Gb/s and very long or demanding runs — overkill for most home use.
Length matters
All these cables are rated up to about 100 metres (328 ft). For a home run — router to PC or TV — a 5–15 m cable is plenty. Don't buy a 50 m cable for a 3 m gap; the price is the same for a much longer one.
Do you even need a cable?
A wired (Ethernet) connection is almost always faster and more stable than Wi-Fi, with far less drop-out — the right choice for gaming, video calls, or a TV in a thick wall. If you're happy on Wi-Fi, you may not need a cable at all.
For a typical home, a Cat6, 5–15 m cable is the best value for the most reliable connection. You rarely need anything fancier.