Cat6 Ethernet cables vs. Cat7 Ethernet cables

by: Chris Thomas, BestReviews Staff

Posted: Feb 10, 2022 / 03:23 PM CST

Updated: Feb 10, 2022 / 03:23 PM CST

Ethernet cables have been the gold standard of local wired networks for many years due to how robust, reliable and capable they are. If you’ve ever set up your own modem or router or even plugged your laptop or desktop PC into a wired network, you’ve encountered an Ethernet cable. Like most parts of computing technology, Ethernet cables have evolved over time to be faster and more consistent.

While newer and more advanced is often better, Category 7, or Cat7 Ethernet cables don't offer a significantly improved experience over certain types of Category 6 (Cat6) cables, specifically Cat6a cables. Furthermore, because Cat7 cables aren't officially recognized by the telecommunications industry, most users will be better off with Cat6, Cat6A or even Cat8 Ethernet cables.

It's likely that most Ethernet cables you’ve used in the last few years fall under the Cat6 designation. Cat6 cables are easily fast enough for most home internet plans and they’re backward compatible with previous standards. They consist of four pairs of wires twisted together with no extra shielding, which gives them respectable speed and makes them easy to use.

There are also quite a few brands to choose from. With a bit of care, though, you shouldn't have much difficulty finding a reasonably priced Cat6 cable from a dependable manufacturer.

Monoprice Flexboot Cat6 Patch Cable

For connecting your PC directly to a nearby router, it's hard to get better or more economical than this. It's especially flexible, which makes it easier to install and organize, and it actually far exceeds the normal Cat6 protocol.

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Ultra Clarity Cat6 Cable

Lengths up to 100 feet and a smooth outer insulation layer that resists snagging make Ultra Clarity cables ideal for routing through walls to install direct LAN connections to various rooms.

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InstallerParts Flat Ethernet Cable

If you’re not fond of the traditional round Ethernet cable design and need something that won't protrude from a wall, ceiling or baseboard as much, consider this premium flat cable. Not only is it convenient to work with and available in various lengths, it's actually rated to accommodate 10 Gbps speeds.

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Cat7 cables aren't entirely dissimilar to Cat6 cables. In fact, they’re basically just Cat6 cables with an extra layer of foil shielding that reduces crosstalk (a type of electromagnetic interference that limits cable bandwidth). Unlike Cat6 cables, however, Cat7 cables are not officially recognized by the current Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) or transimpedence amplifier standards. While they do work, there are many Cat6 and similar cables that perform every bit as well; it's recommended that most consumers avoid Cat7 Ethernet cables.

Since you almost certainly don't need a Cat7 Ethernet cable, here are some great options if you need something that outperforms the Cat6 standard.

Monoprice Cat6A Patch Cable

This Cat6A cable is essentially what Cat7 cables wish they were. It's definitely suited for 10-gigabit connection speeds over long distances and comes from a highly reliable manufacturer.

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Cable Matters Cat8 Ethernet Cable

Forget Cat6, Cat6A and Cat7 – this advanced cable adheres to the next-generation IEEE Ethernet protocols and will deliver top-of-the-line speeds at essentially unmatched distances for years to come.

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Monoprice Cat8 Entegrade Cable

Short for "enterprise grade," this bulk Entegrade offering is UL-certified and intended for contractors and business owners in the process of designing and installing a premium wired telecommunications network for commercial use.

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If all you need is a patch cable or 100 to 200 feet of gigabit Ethernet connectivity, a Cat6 cable will work fine. For that matter, many Cat6 cables can even accommodate 10 gigabits of throughput at that distance. If you need an absolute guarantee of 10Gbps bandwidth or want to future-proof your installation with high-end, ultra-fast wiring, a Cat6A or even Cat8 cable is a better choice than Cat7. The vast majority of users should not bother with Cat7 cables.

Chris Thomas writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

They’re fast. They’re usually flexible. They don't cost much. They’re certified. They can go the distance. They’re not ideal for large-scale commercial installations. There are some issues with counterfeit cables. They can't accommodate ultra-high speeds. Sold by: Sold by: Sold by: They’re at least as fast as Cat6 cables. They can theoretically accommodate longer distances. They’re more expensive than Cat6 cables, They’re far less flexible than Cat6 cables. They aren't necessary. Sold by: Sold by: Sold by: