Everyone wants faster downloads on their PS5, especially given the size of current-generation games and updates. Switching from a wireless connection to a wired ethernet connection is one of the most effective methods of increasing your download speed. With ethernet comes the question of cables. What do I really need for optimal performance, and what is simply a waste of money?
The best ethernet cable for PS5 is any Cat6 ethernet cable manufactured by a reputable brand. Any name-brand Cat6-certified cable will allow you to achieve the maximum speeds on your PS5 and get the lowest latency in online games.
You do not have any reason to use Cat8 cables on PS5. As someone who works in the network engineering space, I can count on one hand the number of times I have used Cat8 cables, even in large enterprise network environments. For PS5, a good quality Cat6 cable is more than adequate and one of the best options for getting max gaming performance.
Best Ethernet Cables for PS5 in 2023
The bottom line when it comes to ethernet cables for connecting the PS5 is don’t over buy. You will never ever see any improvement going with a Cat7 or higher cable.
It is simply not possible. Ethernet cables are tested and certified to the TIA/EIA-568 standard. The TIA/EIA-568 standard is designed for the mission-critical enterprise networking market, where any issues causing data disruption can result in millions of dollars of financial impact.
What Category of Ethernet Cable for PS5
A Cat6 cable is a great option at a price roughly comparable to a Cat5e cable. Cat7 and Cat8 cables are a complete waste of money for connecting a PS5 to any network. Cat7+ cables are specialty cables that are meant to be used with internet connection speeds of 10 Gbps or even 40 Gbps, way more than the 1Gbps that the PS5 console maxes out at.
These levels of speed only apply to the largest of enterprise networks, utilizing equipment that costs tens of thousands of dollars or more. The ethernet port on the PS5 maxes out at 1 Gbps, and your internet service likely maxes out even lower. Cat5e cables are certified by the ANSI/TIA-568 for 1 Gbps for up to 100 meters (328 feet). Cat6 cables are by the ANSI/TIA-568 certified for bandwidths of up to 10 Gbps at lengths of up to 55 meters (180 feet). This is much longer than what would typically be used in any home network environment.
You do not need a plenum cable unless you are running the cable through the walls or ceiling of a space used for air return. The network cable that is used to connect your PS5 to your router does not need to be plenum rated.
You also do not need shielded cables for PS5. Cables with additional shielding on them are designed for use in noisy environments, unlike those found in a typical home. For PS5, you want to look at standard unshielded cable options.
Recommended Ethernet Cable Brands for PS5
Here Are My Top Picks For 2023
Cable Matters Cat6 Ethernet Cable
Reasons to Buy
- Affordable cable with outstanding build quality
- Does not snag or kink under normal use
- ANSI/TIA-568 certified to ensure data integrity under all circumstances
- Corrosion resistant gold plated conductors
StarTech Cat6 Ethernet Cable
Reasons to Buy
- High quality RJ45 connectors for a secure fit
- Does not snag or kink under normal use
- ANSI/TIA-568 certified to ensure data integrity under all circumstances
- Durable construction for years of reliable service
Conclusion: Top Ethernet Network Cables for PS5 in 2023
Selecting the best ethernet cable for your PS5 game console is an easy task as long as you can see clearly through all of the marketing hype that dominates the gaming industry. Simply buy a name-brand Cat5e or Cat6 cable, and you will be all set. Gaming doesn’t require special network cables, despite what some people commonly think. PS5 users will get max internet speeds using a Cat6 cable.
Daniel
Monday 20th of February 2023
Higher bandwidth generally means lower latency. I don't really care about download speed, I care about lag. On paper, a cat 8 wipes the floor with 5e latency wise. I'm curious what the real-life results would be.
Zachary Harper
Tuesday 21st of February 2023
Outside of the 40 Gbps networks used in large data centers, Cat 8 really has no value over Cat 6a. Cat 6a will do 10 Gbps up to 100 meters (328 feet) in length. For most applications that need more than 10 Gbps, you will most likely be using fiber rather than copper anyways. Cat 8 is mostly just marketing hype, especially the short Cat 8 patch cables sold on Amazon. Many of these cables do not even meet the TIA/EIA/ANSI spec for Cat 8. Not that anyone would know anyways. For the 1 Gbps networks that, 99% of people are running, anything Cat 5e or greater will work just fine.