Top 5 Cat 8 Ethernet Cables: Speed & Performance Review

Is your internet connection slow, even with the fastest plan? You might have the best router, but a slow network cable can still bottleneck your speed. Today’s devices demand lightning-fast data transfer, especially for gaming, streaming 4K video, or running a busy office network.

Choosing the right Ethernet cable can feel like a maze. You see names like Cat 6, Cat 7, and now Cat 8. Which one do you actually need? Many people buy the wrong cable, wasting money and still not getting the performance they paid for. Cat 8 promises incredible speed, but knowing its features and when to use it is key.

This post cuts through the confusion. We will explain exactly what Cat 8 Ethernet cable is, how it beats older versions, and if it is worth the upgrade for your home or business. By the end, you will know exactly which cable to buy for maximum performance.

Top Cat 8 Ethernet Cable Recommendations

SaleBestseller No. 1

UGREEN Cat 8 Ethernet Cable 6FT, High Speed Braided 40Gbps 2000Mhz Network Cord Cat8 RJ45 Shielded Indoor Heavy Duty LAN Cables Compatible for Gaming PC PS5 Xbox Modem Router 6FT

40 Gbps 2000 Mhz High Speed: The Cat 8 Ethernet cable support max.40 Gbps data transfer and 2000 MHz Brandwith, ideal for gaming and streaming, greatly improving upload and download speed, sound, image and resolution quality
Excellent Anti-interference: The Ethernet cable comes with 4 shielded foiled twisted pairs (F/FTP), pure copper core and gold-plated RJ45 connector, reducing interference, noise and crosstalk, making network speed faster and more stable
Marvelous Durability: Internet cable wrapped with quality cotton braided cord, which makes the LAN cable stronger and more durable. The test proves that this internet cable can be bent at least 10000 times without broken, very suitable for long-term use
PoE Supported: All lengths of ethernet cord can support the PoE power supply function except 65ft. You don't need additional power supply when installing a PoE camera, which is very convenient and safe
Wide Compatibility: With the RJ45 Connector, network cable can be perfectly compatible with computers, laptops, modems, routers, PS5, X-Box and other networking devices. It can also be fully backward compatible with Cat7, Cat6e, Cat6, Cat5e, Cat5

SaleBestseller No. 2

Vabogu Cat 8 Ethernet Cable, Heavy Duty High Speed Internet Network Cable, Multiple Size Options, 26AWG, 2000MHz 40Gbps with Gold Plated RJ45 Connectors, Shielded for Indoor & Outdoor Use, 10FT

【Ultra Internet speed】Cat 8 ethernet cable support bandwidth up to 2000MHz and boosts the speed of data transmission up to 40Gbps,26AWG Cables suitable Indoor/Outdoor at hyper speed without worrying about cable mess, Cat8 can reduce any signal interference to the full extent. Allow you to stream HD videos, music, surf the net, play games at Hyper Speed
【RJ45 Connectors & Wide Compatibility】With two shielded RJ45 connectors at both ends, the Cat8 Ethernet cable works perfectly Compatible with all the previous(cat5, cat5e, cat6, cat6a and cat7), And with IP Cam, routers, Nintendo switch, ADSL, Adapters, Modem, PS3, PS4, X-box, Patch panel, Servers, Networking Printers, Netgear, NAS, VoIP phones, laptop, Coupler, Hubs, Keystone jack, Smart TV, Imac and other device with RJ45 connectors
【Durable & Weatherproof & UV Resistant】Cat8 lan cable is uses 100% oxygen-free copper inside, 4 Pairs 100% 26WAG pure & thick shielded twisted pair (STP) of copper wires, Aluminium foil shield, Woven mesh shield, Shielded with high quality UV-resistant PVC jacket, the outdoor rated Cat8 Ethernet cable is anti-aging, It can withstand direct sunlight and extreme cold & humid & hot weather yet still working efficiently. Can be buried directly . Suitable for both outdoor and indoor use
【26AWG & Superior Performance】Comparing with other 32AWG Ethernet cable, 26AWG Cat8 is thicker, a lot faster and stable in data transferring, which is perfectly suitable for AI smart products, like Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri, Google Home, It is suitable for small or middle enterprise LANs, especially for data center switch-to-server interconnections.With sturdy high speed network cable, you will not experience a lag or stop on transferring data
【Customer Care 24-7】You can contact us: we're here for you and we will reply as soon as possible. We believe in our clients' satisfaction and we always do our best to help

SaleBestseller No. 3

DbillionDa Cat8 Ethernet Cable, Outdoor&Indoor, 6FT Heavy Duty High Speed 26AWG, 2000Mhz with Gold Plated RJ45 Connector, Weatherproof F/FTP UV Resistant for Router, Modem, PC, Gaming

Heavy Duty & Direct Burial: Double shielded Cat8 Ethernet cable reduces EMI/RFI interference; provides high fidelity for long distance data transmission; waterproof, anti-corrosion, durable, and flexible with upgraded PVC; suitable for outdoor and indoor use; can be buried directly
26AWG & Superior Performance: Thicker 26AWG Cat8 Ethernet cable offers faster and more stable data transfer compared to 32AWG; ideal for AI smart products like Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri, Google Home, and cloud data servers; supports high speed and high-performance networks
F/FTP & Hyper Speed: Cat8 Ethernet cable made of 4 shielded foiled twisted pairs and single strand OFC wires (26AWG); supports bandwidth up to 2000 MHz and data transmission speeds up to 40 Gbps; reduces signal interference; ideal for streaming HD videos, gaming, and internet surfing at hyper speed
RJ45 Connectors & Wide Compatibility: Cat8 Ethernet cable with two shielded RJ45 connectors; compatible with networking switches, IP cameras, routers, Nintendo Switch, modems, PS3, PS4, Xbox, patch panels, servers, smart TVs, and more; works with Cat7, Cat6, Cat5e, and Cat5 devices
Weatherproof & UV Resistant: Outdoor-rated Cat8 Ethernet cable with UV-resistant PVC jacket; withstands direct sunlight, extreme cold, humidity, and hot weather; anti-aging and durable; includes 18 months support with lifetime customer service

SaleBestseller No. 4

Jadaol Cat 8 Ethernet Cable 25 ft, 40Gbps 2000MHz Flat RJ45 S/FTP LAN Patch Cable, High-Speed Cat8 Network Cable for Router, Modem, Switch, Gaming Consoles, PC, Home Network & Streaming Devices, White

⚡【Up to 40Gbps 2000MHz High Speed】Jadaol Hyper Speed Cat 8 / Cat 7 Ethernet cable supports bandwidth up to 2000MHz and boosts the speed of data transmission up to 40Gbps, making it four times faster than Cat 6. And provide more stable signal. No need to worry about network speed or lagging when working, gaming, and surfing the Internet.
⚡【Wide Application and Compatibility】High performance Cat8 / Cat7 patch cable is also compatible with Cat 5, Cat 5e, Cat 6, and Cat 6a. It is perfect for networking switch, router, ADSL, adapter, modem, PS3/PS4/PS5, X-Box, patch panel, server, networking printer, NETGEAR, TP-Link, NAS, VoIP phones, laptop, coupler, hubs, keystone jack, smart tv, i-Mac, and any other devices with the RJ45 connectors.
⚡【Weatherproof & UV Resistant】Jadaol in wall network cables are made of 4 shielded Foiled Twisted Pair of copper wires and UV-resistant PVC jacket with a 50 micron gold plated contact pins RJ45 connector on each end makes it more durable, flexible, waterproof, anti-corrosion, anti-aging, anti-UV, toughness for both outdoor & indoor use.
⚡【Easy Installation and Maintenance】The unique flat cable shape and waterproof feature allows you install and maintain Jadaol gaming ethernet cable easily. It can run along the walls and follow edges and corners easily and seamlessly and make it invisible while wiring the cable around your home, helping you avoid messy wiring and keep the neat appearance of your room and home.
⚡【Customer Service】We offer 7X24hours intimate customer service. Any questions please feel free to contact us. We're here for you and we will reply as soon as possible. We care about our clients' satisfaction and we always do our best to help.

Bestseller No. 5

Orbram Cat 8 Ethernet Cable 50 ft, Nylon Braided High Speed Heavy Duty Network LAN Patch Cord, 40Gbps 2000Mhz SFTP RJ45 Flat Internet Cable Shielded in Wall, Indoor&Outdoor for Modem/Router/Gaming/PC

🔌【Higher Speed】Cat 8 Shielded Ethernet Cable provides performance of up to 40000 Mbps (or to 40 Gigabit per second); High bandwidth of up to 2000 MHz, high-speed data transfer for server applications, cloud storage, online HD video streaming, and gaming without any lag or stop. With Orbram Cat8 ultra-fast patch cord, you won't worry about waste time for waiting.
🔌【Anti-Interference Design】Orbram professional network cables are made of 4 shielded foiled twisted pair(S/FTP) copper wires with 24K gold-plated RJ45 connectors on each end. Compared to the Cat 7 network Ethernet cable, the additional shielding and improved quality in twisting of the wires provides better protection from crosstalk, noise, and interference that can degrade the signal quality. This will increase the reliability and accuracy of the data transfer.
🔌【More Convenient】Cat 8 rj45 cables are in flat design to avoid tangled cords and save space. Flat Lan cable is super flexible to make it easier to hide or run along any surface. You can easily and immediately install the cable run along walls, follow edges or corners when you receive the durable gigabit ethernet cable.
🔌【More Applications】 50ft flat Cat 8 Computer Cables are widely compatible with Cat5, Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6A Ethernet cables. Provides universal connectivity for Televisions, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Switches, Routers Modems, PS3, PS4, Computer, Laptop, Printers, Network Printers, Network Attached Storage Device and other networking equipment.
🔌【Incredible Durable】 Double braided nylon exterior make Cat8 Ethernet Cable more durable, flexible and tangle-free. And this sturdy cat 8 patch cord can be bended at least 10 thousands times, so that you can reuse it without any concerns.

Bestseller No. 6

UGREEN Cat 8 Ethernet Cable 10FT, High Speed Braided 40Gbps 2000Mhz Network Cord Cat8 RJ45 Shielded Indoor Heavy Duty LAN Cables Compatible for Gaming PC PS5 Xbox Modem Router 10FT

40 Gbps 2000 Mhz High Speed: The Cat 8 Ethernet cable support max.40 Gbps data transfer and 2000 MHz Brandwith, ideal for gaming and streaming, greatly improving upload and download speed, sound, image and resolution quality
Excellent Anti-interference: The Ethernet cable comes with 4 shielded foiled twisted pairs (F/FTP), pure copper core and gold-plated RJ45 connector, reducing interference, noise and crosstalk, making network speed faster and more stable
Marvelous Durability: Internet cable wrapped with quality cotton braided cord, which makes the LAN cable stronger and more durable. The test proves that this internet cable can be bent at least 10000 times without broken, very suitable for long-term use
PoE Supported: All lengths of ethernet cord can support the PoE power supply function except 65ft. You don't need additional power supply when installing a PoE camera, which is very convenient and safe
Wide Compatibility: With the RJ45 Connector, network cable can be perfectly compatible with computers, laptops, modems, routers, PS5, X-Box and other networking devices. It can also be fully backward compatible with Cat7, Cat6e, Cat6, Cat5e, Cat5

SaleBestseller No. 7

Dacrown Cat 8 Ethernet Cable 50 ft Shielded, Indoor&Outdoor, Heavy Duty High Speed Direct Burial 26AWG Network Wire, 40Gbps 2000Mhz SFTP Patch Cord, in Wall&Weatherproof RJ45 Cable for Router/Modem

✅【Ultra Internet speed】Cat8 precision twisted SFTP ethernet cable operates at a frequency of 2 GHz (2000 MHz), which enables higher bandwidth and requires shielding and is regarded as a new option for emerging 25GBASE-T and 40GBASE-T networks.
✅【Universal Compatibility】Cat8 patch cable is fully backward compatible with all the previous(cat5, cat5e, cat6, cat6a and cat7) RJ45 cabling and equipment. And Rj45 network cable is faster than cat5，cat5e,cat6 patch cords, you will have an better experience in using Dacrown cat 8 fast speed ethernet cord.
✅【Faster Data Transmission Rate】 Dacrown UL Rated Cat 8 Cable is designed to support 25GBASE-T and 40GBASE-T applications, it is suitable for small or middle enterprise LANs, especially for data center switch-to-server interconnections.With Dacrown sturdy high speed network cable, you will not experience a lag or stop on transferring data.Dacrown UL Rated Cat 8 Cable is compatible with cat7 cable performance.
✅【Upgraded Structure】Constructed with gold-plated rj45 connector make it perfects and more secure for servers, TV, TV box, laptop, pc, printer, networking switch, routers, ADSL, adapters, hubs,modems, PS3, PS4, X-box, patch panels and other high performance networking applications.Dacrown cat 8 cable is more compatible with more devices than cat7 cable.
✅【Weatherproof & UV Resistant】Dacrown Cat8 lan cable is well constructed with pure copper core，aluminium foil shield, woven mesh shield, PVC outer cover and two gold-plate rj45 connector. With the high quality structure, Dacrown cat8 patch cable is more durable & flexible for heavy duty work. And Cat 8 solid computer internet cable is suitable for both outdoor and indoor use because of good water-resistance & anti-corrosion function.

SaleBestseller No. 8

Vabogu Cat 8 Ethernet Cable, Heavy Duty High Speed Internet Network Cable, Multiple Size Options, 26AWG, 2000MHz 40Gbps with Gold Plated RJ45 Connectors, Shielded for Indoor & Outdoor Use, 3FT

【Ultra Internet speed】Cat 8 ethernet cable support bandwidth up to 2000MHz and boosts the speed of data transmission up to 40Gbps,26AWG Cables suitable Indoor/Outdoor at hyper speed without worrying about cable mess, Cat8 can reduce any signal interference to the full extent. Allow you to stream HD videos, music, surf the net, play games at Hyper Speed
【RJ45 Connectors & Wide Compatibility】With two shielded RJ45 connectors at both ends, the Cat8 Ethernet cable works perfectly Compatible with all the previous(cat5, cat5e, cat6, cat6a and cat7), And with IP Cam, routers, Nintendo switch, ADSL, Adapters, Modem, PS3, PS4, X-box, Patch panel, Servers, Networking Printers, Netgear, NAS, VoIP phones, laptop, Coupler, Hubs, Keystone jack, Smart TV, Imac and other device with RJ45 connectors
【Durable & Weatherproof & UV Resistant】Cat8 lan cable is uses 100% oxygen-free copper inside, 4 Pairs 100% 26WAG pure & thick shielded twisted pair (STP) of copper wires, Aluminium foil shield, Woven mesh shield, Shielded with high quality UV-resistant PVC jacket, the outdoor rated Cat8 Ethernet cable is anti-aging, It can withstand direct sunlight and extreme cold & humid & hot weather yet still working efficiently. Can be buried directly . Suitable for both outdoor and indoor use
【26AWG & Superior Performance】Comparing with other 32AWG Ethernet cable, 26AWG Cat8 is thicker, a lot faster and stable in data transferring, which is perfectly suitable for AI smart products, like Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri, Google Home, It is suitable for small or middle enterprise LANs, especially for data center switch-to-server interconnections.With sturdy high speed network cable, you will not experience a lag or stop on transferring data
【Customer Care 24-7】You can contact us: we're here for you and we will reply as soon as possible. We believe in our clients' satisfaction and we always do our best to help

The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing Your Cat 8 Ethernet Cable

Thinking about upgrading your home or office network? Cat 8 Ethernet cables are the newest and fastest option available. They promise blazing-fast speeds for demanding tasks. But how do you pick the right one? This guide breaks down what you need to know before you buy.

Key Features to Look For

When shopping for a Cat 8 cable, a few features really matter. These determine how well the cable performs.

Speed and Bandwidth: Cat 8 cables are designed for 25 Gigabit Ethernet (25GBASE-T) or even 40 Gigabit Ethernet (40GBASE-T). Make sure the packaging clearly states these speeds.
Frequency Rating: Look for a rating of 2000 MHz (or 2 GHz). This high frequency allows the cable to carry huge amounts of data quickly.
Length Limitations: Cat 8 is officially rated for maximum performance up to 30 meters (about 100 feet). For distances longer than that, you might see speed drops, even though the cable itself is high quality.

Important Materials and Construction

The inside and outside materials greatly affect the cable’s lifespan and performance. Good materials keep signals clean and prevent outside noise from interfering.

Conductor Material

Most high-quality cables use pure copper conductors. Some cheaper cables might use CCA (Copper Clad Aluminum). Avoid CCA! Pure copper provides the best conductivity and signal integrity. Copper is the standard for reliable, fast connections.

Shielding (The Protection Layer)

Shielding is crucial for Cat 8 because these cables run at very high frequencies. You usually see two main types:

S/FTP (Screened/Foiled Twisted Pair): This means each pair of wires is individually wrapped in foil, and then the whole bundle is wrapped in a braided shield. This offers excellent protection against electromagnetic interference (EMI).
F/UTP (Foiled/Unshielded Twisted Pair): This offers less protection than S/FTP. For the best performance, especially near other electronics, choose S/FTP.

Jacket Material

The outer jacket protects the wires inside. For indoor use, look for PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride). If you plan to run the cable outdoors or in industrial areas, you need a tougher jacket like Plenum (CMP) or LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) for fire safety.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Quality isn’t just about the label; it’s about how the cable is built. Good construction improves your connection. Poor construction causes errors and slows you down.

Quality Boosters:

Gold-Plated Connectors: These resist corrosion over time. This keeps the connection solid for many years.
Strain Relief Boots: These plastic pieces where the cable meets the connector prevent bending stress from damaging the internal wires.
Thicker Gauge Wires: Thicker wires (like 24 AWG) handle high power and signal loads better than very thin wires.

Quality Reducers:

Excessive Bending: Always follow the minimum bend radius listed by the manufacturer. Sharply bending a Cat 8 cable can crush the internal twisting and shielding. This immediately reduces performance.
Using CCA: As mentioned, aluminum core wires cause higher resistance and signal loss compared to copper.
Exceeding Length Limits: Running a Cat 8 cable 50 meters will significantly reduce the speed below the rated 40 Gbps.

User Experience and Use Cases

Why spend extra on Cat 8? The user experience shines when you are moving massive files or using high-demand networking gear.

Who Needs Cat 8?

Cat 8 is often overkill for basic web browsing or standard 1 Gbps home networks. It is perfect for professionals and power users:

Data Centers: Connecting high-speed switches and servers where 25G or 40G speeds are necessary.
Prosumers/Gamers: Linking a powerful desktop PC directly to a 10 Gbps network switch for ultra-low latency gaming or transferring very large video files quickly.
Future-Proofing: If you buy new networking hardware (like a 10 Gbps router) today, Cat 8 ensures your cables won’t be the bottleneck later.

Cat 8 Ethernet Cable Buying FAQs

Q: What is the maximum speed Cat 8 supports?

A: Cat 8 cables officially support up to 40 Gbps (Gigabits per second) over short distances, usually up to 30 meters. They also easily handle 10 Gbps and 25 Gbps.

Q: Do I need a Cat 8 router to use a Cat 8 cable?

A: Yes, for the full speed benefits. The cable speed is always limited by the slowest component in the chain. If you plug a Cat 8 cable into a standard 1 Gbps port, you will only get 1 Gbps speed.

Q: Is Cat 8 backward compatible with older devices?

A: Yes. Cat 8 cables work perfectly fine with older equipment like Cat 6 or Cat 5e devices. The connection will simply run at the maximum speed that both devices support.

Q: What is the difference between Cat 6A and Cat 8?

A: Cat 6A supports 10 Gbps up to 100 meters. Cat 8 supports much higher speeds (25G/40G) but only up to 30 meters. Cat 8 also uses a much higher frequency rating (2000 MHz vs. 500 MHz).

Q: Should I buy Shielded (STP) or Unshielded (UTP) Cat 8?

A: For most home users, UTP might be fine. However, because Cat 8 runs at such high speeds, shielded cables (S/FTP) are strongly recommended. Shielding stops outside electrical noise from corrupting your fast data stream.

Q: What does the “AWG” number mean on a cable?

A: AWG stands for American Wire Gauge. This number measures the wire thickness. A lower number means a thicker wire. For example, 24 AWG is thicker and generally better than 28 AWG.

Q: Can I use Cat 8 cable outdoors?

A: Only if the cable jacket is rated for outdoor use (like UV-resistant or direct burial rated). Standard indoor PVC jackets break down in sunlight and weather.

Q: Are Cat 8 cables much thicker than Cat 6 cables?

A: Yes, often they are thicker. This is because they need more insulation, more shielding wraps, and thicker conductors to handle the higher frequencies and maintain signal integrity.

Q: How do I know if my Cat 8 cable is actually working fast?

A: You need specialized network testing equipment to verify the full 40 Gbps rating. For typical users, you can check your device’s network adapter settings or run a high-speed file transfer test between two devices capable of 10 Gbps or more.

Q: Is Cat 8 expensive?

A: Cat 8 cables are usually more expensive than Cat 6A or Cat 7 cables because of the advanced materials and strict manufacturing standards required to achieve the high frequency ratings.