Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteTo compare your internet speed over Ethernet and Wi-Fi, test the same computer on the same home network under similar conditions: first connect it to a router’s LAN port with an Ethernet cable, then disconnect the cable and test over Wi-Fi. Record download and upload speeds, plus ping and jitter if shown. Ethernet removes the wireless link from the comparison, but neither result is a pure measurement of your ISP: your device, router, cable, port, test server, and test tool can all affect it.
What the two tests measure
An Ethernet test measures the connection from the router to your computer over a cable, along with the rest of the path to the test server. A Wi-Fi test includes that same internet path plus the wireless link between router and device. Distance, walls, interference, router performance, and the device’s wireless capabilities can therefore affect the Wi-Fi result. Ofcom’s consumer guidance says, “A wired connection is usually faster and more reliable.”
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A Wi-Fi test near the router is useful for a close comparison with Ethernet. Testing in another room answers a different question: how well Wi-Fi performs at that location. Keep those results separate in your notes.
How to run a fair Ethernet and Wi-Fi comparison
- Set a baseline. Note your subscribed plan speed, the device you will use, the test tool, and the time. Treat the plan speed as context, not a promise that every test will match it.
- Reduce other network use. Close network-heavy apps on the test device. If practical, pause large downloads, streaming, and other intensive activity, and ask others in the household to do the same for the tests. Background use can affect results.
- Connect by Ethernet. Plug one end of an Ethernet cable into the computer and the other into a LAN or Ethernet port on the router—not its internet/WAN port. Make sure both ends are seated. Use a cable suitable for your broadband speed; the cable enables a wired test but does not increase your service tier. If the computer has no Ethernet port, a compatible USB-to-Ethernet adapter is an option; check its supported speed.
- Run the wired test. Open a reputable speed-test tool and record the result. Keep the test device and tool the same for the Wi-Fi run.
- Switch to Wi-Fi. Disconnect Ethernet, connect to the same home network over Wi-Fi, and run the test again. Start near the router for a close comparison. If you are investigating a problem room, run another test there and label its location.
- Repeat and record. Run multiple tests rather than relying on one result. Record the time, connection type, location, device, download, upload, and ping and jitter if available. If results vary, repeat at another time; speeds can change during the day.
What to record and how to read it
| Measure | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| Download | How quickly data arrives at the device; useful for downloads and many streaming activities. |
| Upload | How quickly data leaves the device; relevant to sending files, backups, and video calls. |
| Ping or latency | Response delay to the test server. Lower is generally better for responsiveness. |
| Jitter | Variation in timing of data delivery. Lower is generally better for consistency. |
Compare repeated results taken under similar conditions, not a single Wi-Fi number against an Ethernet number taken at a different time or place. There is no universal Wi-Fi percentage or speed threshold that applies to every home; your plan, devices, test location, and intended use matter.
#1 Best Overall
- 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
What a gap between the results can mean
Ethernet is much faster than Wi-Fi
This points toward the wireless path as a likely place to investigate, rather than proving the ISP connection is faulty. Consider the test device’s Wi-Fi capability, its distance from the router, walls or other obstructions, router placement, nearby electrical devices, competing Wi-Fi networks, and other users. Ofcom recommends placing a router in an open, central position and reducing obstacles and interference.
Both results are lower than expected
Check the test conditions and hardware before drawing conclusions. The cable, computer network interface, adapter, router port, test server, browser, or test app may limit a result. Confirm that the computer is connected to a LAN port and try another cable if the wired connection does not work. Then compare with your provider’s plan-specific guidance or contact its support; one low result alone does not establish a provider fault.
Rank #2
- 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
The router app reports a different speed
A router’s built-in test may measure a different segment from a test on your phone or computer. TP-Link says the supported Deco app test measures the main Deco’s speed from the modem, not the speed delivered over Wi-Fi to a client connected to that Deco. Use a client device’s test to assess the speed at that device and location.
When hardware or the test tool is the limit
For ordinary plans, first ensure the test device and connection are working properly. For multi-gigabit service, verify that the device’s network interface, adapter, cable, and router port can support the target speed, and follow your provider’s instructions. As a provider-specific example, IdeaTek’s guidance for its 8 Gig plan calls for a 10 Gbps network interface and connection to an appropriate 2.5G or 10G router port; it also says a browser-based test may not capture the plan’s full speed and recommends its Ookla desktop-app testing path. Those details are for that provider and plan, not a general requirement for all broadband connections.
Rank #3
- Designed for Outdoor & Direct Burial Installations – Heavy-duty double-shielded Cat8 Ethernet cable minimizes EMI/RFI interference and delivers stable long-distance performance. Waterproof, anti-corrosion PVC jacket allows safe direct burial and reliable use in outdoor or indoor environments.
- 26AWG for Stable High-Load Networks – Thicker 26AWG conductors provide faster, more stable data transmission than standard 32AWG cables. Ideal for high-performance home networks, gaming setups, smart homes, and data-intensive applications.
- F/FTP Shielding & Hyper-Speed Performance: Cat8 Ethernet cable constructed with 4 shielded foiled twisted pairs and 26AWG OFC conductors; supports bandwidth up to 2000 MHz and data transmission speeds up to 40 Gbps, effectively reducing signal interference and ensuring stable connections. Ideal for low-latency gaming, 4K/8K streaming, and high-speed internet connections.
- 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-month support.
A new router, mesh system, booster, or powerline adapter is not needed just to run this comparison. Such equipment may be relevant if testing identifies a persistent coverage or equipment problem, but it is not a routine speed-test prerequisite.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 40Gbps 2000Mhz High Speed: UGREEN Cat 8 ethernet cable supports bandwidth up to 2000MHz and 40Gbps data transmission speed, ensuring stable network speed for you to online gaming, surf the Internet, online HD video streaming, upload, download, and more.
- Flexible Flat Design: UGREEN Cat 8 Flat Ethernet cable adopts a unique flat and thin design, which allows for a cleaner and safer installation. Whether you want to install it under the door, through the window, or hidden under the carpet, it can be done very easily. It's very suitable for indoor wiring.
- Wide Compatibility: With the RJ45 Connector, Cat 8 High speed Ethernet cable can be perfectly compatible with computers, laptops, modems, routers, PS5, PS4, PS3, X-Box 360, X-Box One, Switch, networking switches, ADSL, network adapters, hubs, and other networking devices. It can also be fully backward compatible with Cat7, Cat6e, Cat6, Cat5e, Cat5.
- Excellent Anti-interference: UGREEN Gigabit Cat 8 ethernet cable are designed with 4 shielded foiled twisted pairs (U/FTP), 26AWG pure copper core and gold-plated connectors. This design can greatly reduce interference and crosstalk from adjacent pairs and other cables, making network speed faster and more stable.
- Durable Braided Design: UGREEN Cat 8 Flat Ethernet 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.
Rank #4
- 【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
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