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The best patch cables

Before diving into technical specs, are you looking for a patch cable for a home, office, or gaming network? Then, identify the essential features, for example, performance, robustness, and reliability. You want to ensure you land a high-quality patch cable. Cable length and shielding are vital parameters too. Keep these in mind as we walk you through our top picks.

DbillionDa Cat8 Ethernet Cable

Best Overall

It's among the Cat8 patch cables, which are the fastest Ethernet cable to date. Some see Cat8 as overkill because it's ideal for very high-speed-run data centers and server rooms. However, you can also use Cat8 cords either for home, office, or gaming networks. DbillionDa Cat8 Ethernet Cable comprises four twisted pairs of single-strand 26AWG copper wires that support 2000mHz and transfer data as quickly as 40Gbps. It's also shielded with Mylar-backed aluminum foil, enabling a crosstalk-free and minimal to no signal interference. With gold-plated double shielded RJ45 connectors, this patch cable is compatible with routers, ADSL, modem, networking printers, VoIP phones, laptops, smart TVs, and gaming platforms such as Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 3 to 5, and XBox. This patch cable is also shielded with a high-quality PVC jacket, making it UV-resistant, waterproof, and anti-rust. Thus, it's the choice for both indoor and outdoor uses and underground installation.

Why We Love It:
– Cat8 cables are the highest category for the fastest data transmission by far
– The twisted pairs with a quadruple aluminum shield and the PVC jacket both serve for the reduction of signal interference
– Compatible for a wide range of devices

Mediabridge Patch Cable

Best Value

This 25-feet long Cat6 Patch Cable comes with universally compatible RJ45 connectors and a transmission speed of up to 10Gbps. Such is 10 times faster than typical Cat6 cables. It's also corrosion-free through its gold-plated connectors and high-grade PVC jacket. All these come at an affordable price, making it relatively cheaper than other cables yet providing durability, reliability, and optimal performance both for wired home and office networks.

Why We Love It:
– Performance is better than its Cat6 counterparts
– An inside foam insulation makes transmission free from crosstalk
– Affordable price for reliable and durable quality and performance

Amazon Basics Cat6 Patch Cable

Best for Home Network

Amazon Basics Cat6 Patch Cable outpaces lower Cat cables with a transmission speed of up to 1Gbps. Such is 10 times faster than its predecessor Cat5 and Cat5e cables. It ranges from 3 to 50 feet and is protected by gold-plated RJ45 connectors and a durable outer PVC jacket, reducing signal interference. The median of such length is best for your home network. Its connectors are also compatible with a wide range of home devices, such as personal computers, smart TVs, and gaming platforms.

Why We Love It:
– Optimal performance good for home networks
– The optimal speed is maintained up to 50 meters with minimal signal interference
– Corrosion-free connectivity with its gold-plated RJ45 connectors

Jadaol Cat6 Flat Patch Cable

Best Flat Cord

This flat cable provides the same performance as its Cat6 round cable counterparts. With 0.06-inch thin and 0.24-inch wide cable, Jadaol Cat6 Flat Patch Cable has four Unshielded Twisted Pair of 30AWG size wires that are 100% bare copper covered with HDPE Insulation Jacket. These wires are laid out in a row to ensure protection from crosstalk. These features make this flat cable safe from electromagnetic interference. It's ultra-fast with 250 MHz capability that fits Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, and 10-Gigabit Ethernet. It also provides universal connectivity with its RJ45 connectors, which are compatible with a wide range of LAN network components. Its flat design and the 15 cable clips that come with it allow easy and safe installation even for long distances.

Why We Love It:
– Easy and safe installation is possible with the cable's flat design and the 15 cable clips that come with it
– Bare copper wires instead of copper clad aluminum provide superior performance in terms of connectivity
– The bare copper wires are covered with an HDPE jacket that minimizes interference that might disturb connectivity

Keep in mind that patch cables are categorized according to their construction and performance. Thus, every "Cat" label (short for the word category) is best for a specific use. A Cat8 cable is the best option for complex office networks and data centers. You don't need to spend a ton if you are looking for a home network or small-to-medium office network, however; the Cat6 or Cat6a cables are just fine.

About the Author

Rusty Davis has been a tech lover for as long as he can remember. From the early days of gaming consoles to the introduction of the smartphone, portable computers, and more, he's always wanted to get his hands on the latest and greatest. He has years upon years of experience reviewing and testing everything from phone cases to smartwatches, the latest phones and tablets to gaming computers, and even desks. If it's a piece of tech or tech-adjacent, he's interested in how it works and who it works best for. He's now here sharing all of his knowledge with you to help you make the best decision for yourself.

Why You Should Trust Us

The Digital Trends team prides itself in offering expert product recommendations in ways that everyone can understand. Our team of experts is constantly using and reviewing the latest and greatest consumer tech, smart home gadgets, televisions, and so much more to offer insights to help guide your purchasing decision. We have vigorously tested thousands of different products across these categories, and we've distilled our lists to bring you the best of the best. If we feel a product does not live up to our expectations, it doesn't make the list. We are humans though, and realize that not every recommended product will be perfect for everyone, so we do our best to call out important features that may impact your choices. Below our top picks we've included additional product information to ensure that you are making the right choice for your unique needs. The products in this guide have been carefully curated by our team of experts and enthusiasts who understand the value and quality needed for the best options.

Rusty Davis
Rusty Davis has been a tech lover for as long as he can remember. From the early days of gaming consoles to the introduction…