Smart TVs have become increasingly common in households worldwide. Due to direct internet access and advanced functionalities, these devices have become a lot more than just a standard TV set. These TVs offer a range of features like streaming content from platforms like Netflix, YouTube, and Hulu, accessing social media apps, browsing the web, and even running various entertainment and productivity applications.
But for all that, you will need a stable internet connection which is only possible if you are using a wired connection instead of a wireless one. And for that, you will have to use a good quality ethernet cable. If you are picking up an ethernet cable for your TV right now, check out the following factors before diving in.
- Cable Type: The cable type or Category for an ethernet cable directly impacts the cable’s performance and capabilities in transmitting data over a network. These categories indicate the cable’s specifications in terms of data transmission speed, bandwidth, and overall quality. Right now, you will find ethernet cables such as CAT 6, CAT 7, CAT8, etc., each offering different performance and results.
- Cable Length: The length of an ethernet cable plays a crucial role in determining the performance and reliability of a network connection. Ethernet cables are designed to transmit data signals over certain distances while maintaining signal integrity and minimizing data loss or degradation. Therefore, the length of the cable you are getting should always be noted before you make a choice. If your router is far from your TV, a shorter cable won’t be of any use. On the other hand, a longer cable will create a mess if the router is near the TV set.
- Bandwidth Capacity: Bandwidth refers to the maximum amount of data that can be transmitted over a network connection. It is often measured in bits per second (bps) and basically tells you the speed at which data can be sent and received. Higher bandwidth enables faster data transmission, reducing latency and facilitating real-time interactions. This is particularly critical for applications such as video streaming, online gaming, video conferencing, and cloud-based services.
Apart from the factors mentioned here, there’s a lot more to know when it comes to buying an ethernet cable. Even though these are simple cables that you need to plug into respective ports, buying the perfect cable is extremely important if you wish for a stable internet connection on your smart TV. Also, buying a versatile option will allow you to use the same cable for different applications. If you want to know more about these cables, check out the “Buying Guide” for the best ethernet cable for smart TVs.
Best Ethernet Cable For Smart TV Table
| Ethernet Cable For Smart TV | Category | Cable Length | Bandwidth Capacity | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AmazonBasics Ethernet Cable | CAT 6 | 3 Feet | 1 Gbps | Check On Amazon |
| Dbillion Ethernet Cable | CAT 8 | 6 Feet | 40 Gbps | Check On Amazon |
| Jadaol Ethernet Cable | CAT 8 and CAT 7 | 25 Feet | 40 Gbps | Check On Amazon |
| Ultra Clarity Ethernet Cable | CAT 8 | 6 Feet | 40 Gbps | Check On Amazon |
| Vabogu Ethernet Cable | CAT 8 | 50 Feet | 40 Gbps | Check On Amazon |
| BUSOHE Ethernet Cable | CAT 8 | 50 Feet | 40 Gbps | Check On Amazon |
| BlueRigger Ethernet Cable | CAT 6 | 3 Feet | 1 Gbps | Check On Amazon |
| Reulin Ethernet Cable | CAT 8 | 3.2 Feet | 40 Gbps | Check On Amazon |
Best Ethernet Cable For Smart TV Reviews
1. AmazonBasics Ethernet Cable
AmazonBasics can be your one and only stop for budget-focused alternatives for tech products and accessories. Even the most basic accessories such as ethernet cables are available from AmazonBasics for very cheap.
In the 1st place, we have a 3-foot RJ45 Cat-6 ethernet patch internet cable from AmazonBasics. It is a versatile networking solution that ensures seamless connectivity for a wide range of devices. The package includes a single 3-foot cable, equipped with RJ45 connectors that provide universal compatibility across various devices and networking components. Compared to other choices, this is more of a budget variant suitable for those who are looking for a basic ethernet cable.
With the ability to transmit data at speeds of 1 Gigabit per second, this ethernet cable makes it possible to stream up to FHD content on a smart TV without any buffers. Compared to previous versions, it is an impressive CAT6 cable which is about 10 times faster than traditional Cat-5 cables, offering speeds of 100 Mbps. Despite being a cheaper option, this highly versatile ethernet cable can be used easily with computers, laptops, tablets, gaming consoles, routers, printers, and other network components.
Best Features:
- This is a CAT 6 ethernet cable
- The cable is about 3 feet long
- It offers 1 Gbps bandwidth capacity
- Perfect choice for HD Ready FHD smart TVs
Pros:
- Most affordable option on the market
- Trusted by hundreds of thousands of buyers
- Nearly 10 times faster than CAT 5 models
Cons:
- Cable length is too short
2. Dbillion Ethernet Cable
There are a lot of budget options available for an ethernet cable, but not all choices are as famous as DbillionDa. You can also find 15 different options for the same from DbillionDa with varying lengths.
In the 2nd position, we are putting yet another highly popular ethernet cable on our list. The DbillionDa CAT8 Ethernet Cable is engineered to outperform, safeguarding data integrity across extensive distances while resisting interference. Its double shielding technology drastically reduces EMI/RFI interference, enabling unmatched fidelity during data transmission over long distances. Upgraded PVC construction renders this Cat8 cable both waterproof and anti-corrosive, delivering exceptional durability even under the demands of heavy-duty usage. An innovative feature allows this cable to be directly buried, accommodating both indoor and outdoor applications seamlessly.
Distinguished by its 26 AWG thickness, the Cat8 Ethernet Cable achieves superior performance in comparison to its 32 AWG counterparts. This thickness translates to enhanced speed and stability during data transfers, making it ideal for cutting-edge AI smart devices like Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri, Google Home, and Cloud data Servers. Its high-speed and high-performance capabilities cater to the demands of smart home and office products, ensuring seamless networking experiences.
Best Features:
- This is a CAT 8 ethernet cable
- The cable is about 6 feet long
- It offers 40 Gbps bandwidth capacity
- Compatible with a wide range of devices
Pros:
- Great choice for the price
- Offering the highest bandwidth capacity
- CAT 8 ethernet cable type brings a lot of benefits
Cons:
- Build quality could have been better
3. Jadaol Ethernet Cable
Aesthetics are a very important factor for a lot of people. Therefore, we have selected a rather premium option for our list today from Jadaol which brings the advantage of better aesthetics.
In the 3rd position, we are offering an excellent choice who prefer to have a visually appealing setup in their homes. The Jadaol Hyper Speed Cat 8 has an astounding bandwidth of up to 2000MHz and a data transmission speed of up to 40Gbps. This cable redefines speed and stability, outpacing Cat 6 by 4 times. Its wide-ranging compatibility extends to networking switches, routers, gaming consoles, modems, servers, smart TVs, laptops, and an array of devices with RJ45 connectors.
Built to withstand the elements, Jadaol’s in-wall network cables boast a shielded Foiled Twisted Pair construction and a UV-resistant PVC jacket. The 50 micron gold plated contact pins RJ45 connectors ensure durability, flexibility, waterproofing, anti-corrosion, and resistance to aging and UV exposure. These attributes render the cable suitable for both outdoor and indoor use. The installation and maintenance is also pretty quick in this case, thanks to the unique flat cable shape and waterproof feature.
Best Features:
- This is a CAT 7 and CAT 8 ethernet cable
- The cable is about 25 feet long
- It offers 40 Gbps bandwidth capacity
- Most aesthetically appealing choice for an ethernet cable
Pros:
- Widely applicable for all types of applications
- Completely waterproof and UV resistant design
- Easy to install and set up
Cons:
- Very expensive choice compared to other ethernet cables
4. Ultra Clarity Ethernet Cable
Joining our lineup as a top choice for those on a budget, this cable is designed to enhance your networking endeavors. Measuring 6 feet in length, our cable is equipped with gold-plated RJ45 connectors, ensuring precise data transfer and corrosion-resistant connectivity.
With an impressive bandwidth of up to 2000MHz and a blazing speed of 40 Gbps, it seamlessly integrates with various devices such as laptops, TVs, servers, modems, and printers. Whether for home IoT systems, gaming setups, or professional environments, this cable delivers top-notch performance.
Come rain or shine, indoors or outdoors, our cable is built to withstand the elements, boasting weatherproof and UV-resistant properties. Its 4 Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) configuration, composed of 26AWG copper wires, guarantees reliable connectivity while minimizing interference.
Best Features:
- CAT 8 ethernet cable
- Length: Approximately 6 feet
- Bandwidth capacity: 40 Gbps
- Weatherproof and UV-resistant
Pros:
- Offers good quality and performance
- Highly budget-friendly
- CAT 7 interface performs well
Cons:
- Limited to wired connections
5. Vabogu Ethernet Cable
When it comes to reliability, there are only a few brands on the market that offer good choices like Vabogu. We can assure you that this is the ethernet cable you can use for the next 4 to 5 years without any complaints.
Up next, we have yet another premium option from Vabogu added to our list. The Vabogu CAT 8 Ethernet Cable offers an ultra-fast internet experience with a bandwidth support of up to 2000 MHz and data transmission speeds of 40 Gbps. Built for hyper-speed connectivity, it minimizes signal interference while enabling seamless HD video streaming, music playback, internet browsing, and gaming.
The cable’s RJ45 connectors ensure compatibility across various devices and previous cable categories like Cat 5, Cat 6, and Cat 7. With robust construction, including oxygen-free copper, thick shielded twisted pairs, and UV-resistant PVC jacket, this cable is built to withstand extreme weather conditions. Its 26 AWG thickness ensures superior performance, making it ideal for AI smart products and small to medium enterprise LANs. A commitment to customer care is evident with Vabogu, offering 24/7 support for your queries and concerns.
Best Features:
- This is a CAT 8 ethernet cable
- The cable is about 50 feet long
- It offers 40 Gbps bandwidth capacity
- It has 26 AWG gauge rating
Pros:
- One of the premium choices for an ethernet cable
- Great bandwidth and data transfer capacity
- Made up of 100% oxygen-free copper
Cons:
- Other options are a lot cheaper
6. BUSOHE Ethernet Cable
BUSOHE is also offering a rather unique option for an ethernet cable compared to other choices on this list. This is also a flat cable that a lot of buyers prefer for their setup.
Here, we have a 50 FT White Cat-8 ethernet cable designed for wired home and office networks seeking hyper-speed performance. The BUSOHE CAT8 Ethernet cable boasts a remarkable bandwidth of up to 2000 MHz and data speeds reaching 40 Gbps. This cable ensures seamless high-speed data transfer for a range of applications such as server usage, cloud computing, and high-definition video streaming. It also has the advantage of backwards compatibility allowing this cable to seamlessly integrate with CAT5, CAT5e, CAT6, CAT6a, and CAT7 equipment.
Built with stability and durability in mind, this cable features four pairs of Stranded Bare Copper Conductors. Screened shielded twisted pair shielding is also present at the helm which brings a robust protection against electromagnetic interference, radio-frequency interference (EMI/RFI), and alien crosstalk (AXT). The Shielded RJ45 connectors are equipped with 50 micron Gold-Plated contacts, molded strain-relief boots, and snagless molds, ensuring a reliable and secure connection.
Best Features:
- This is a CAT 8 ethernet cable
- The cable is about 50 feet long
- It offers 40 Gbps bandwidth capacity
- Works with a wide range of devices
Pros:
- One of the most attractive design aspects for an ethernet cable
- Best option for a minimalist TV setup
- Offering the highest bandwidth capacity
Cons:
- Chances of cable damage are high
7. BlueRigger Ethernet Cable
You might be aware of the brand BlueRigger if you have purchased a TV-related accessory before. BlueRigger deals with HDMI, DVI, and many other types of audio, video, and data cables.
If you are still looking for a budget yet reliable option, check out the BlueRigger CAT6 Ethernet Cable. This cable offers the standard data transfer speed of up to 1Gbps and a bandwidth of 550 MHz. However, universal compatibility is a strong suit of this option. This ethernet cable can be used with an array of devices including game consoles, laptops, routers, smart TVs, modems, network printers, and more.So if you are looking for multiple cables for different applications, this can be a good option.
Crafted with precision, this cable also offers a relatively superior build. It’s constructed with four twisted pairs of 24AWG copper wires, meticulously designed to minimize interference. A snagless mold also safeguards your locking tabs, while molded strain-relief boots and 50 micron gold plated RJ45 connectors ensure interference-free and a secure connection. With the backing of the BlueRigger Lifetime Warranty and customer support, This product certainly comes with peace of mind.
Best Features:
- This is a CAT 6 ethernet cable
- The cable is about 3 feet long
- It offers 1 Gbps bandwidth capacity
- Build quality is very good
Pros:
- One of the budget choices for an ethernet cable
- Best suited for small application
- Reliable option for future use
Cons:
- Length might be problematic in future
8. Reulin Ethernet Cable
We are finishing our picks with yet another CAT 8 ethernet cable from Reulin. This is probably the cheapest CAT 8 ethernet cable you can find right now that also offers a highly durable and secure design.
For the last position, we have reserved yet another budget-focused CAT ethernet cable on our list of the best ethernet cables for smart TV. The Reulin Ethernet Cable has fast data transfer capabilities of up to 40 Gbps at 2000 MHz. With that, it outpaces the previous Cat5, Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, and Cat7 patch cables, this cable ensures seamless connectivity. With extended connector plugs, plugging in and removing the cord from your port device is effortless. This cable also delivers paramount protection with highly safeguarded SSTP shielding, featuring twisted pair 26 AWG copper wire.
Unlike copper-aluminum alternatives, this cable offers exceptional durability and quality. The inclusion of Anti Dust Caps in the wire connectors further enhances its protective features. Designed with gold plated contacts, this cable guarantees outstanding performance across a range of applications including net cloud storage, server usage, online gaming, video streaming, and media playback. It is also ideal for connecting a variety of home and office devices, including laptops, computers, docking stations, gaming consoles, network switches, smart TVs, and more.
Best Features:
- This is a CAT 8 ethernet cable
- The cable is about 3.2 feet long
- It offers 40 Gbps bandwidth capacity
- It has 2000 MHz bandwidth
Pros:
- Budget-focused CAT 8 ethernet cable
- Highly protected SSTP Shielding
- Designed with gold plated contacts
Cons:
- Shorter option compared to other cables
Buying Guide For The Best Ethernet Cable For Smart TV
LAN (Local Area Network) connections are generally considered more reliable than wireless options. LAN connections involve connecting the TV directly to the router using an ethernet cable. This wired connection tends to offer higher and more consistent data transfer speeds compared to wireless connections. This stability is crucial for streaming high-definition content and reducing the chances of interruptions.
LAN connections are also less susceptible to interference from other electronic devices and physical obstacles, which can impact the quality of a wireless signal. But, you only get these benefits if you end up with the perfect LAN cable connected to your TV. To make sure of that, we have prepared this list of the best LAN cables you can buy right now. Since we have mentioned all of the best features of each option alongside the product, you can easily tell which option is perfect for you. You can also refer to our buying guide provided here to check out the most impactful features of an ethernet cable.
1. Category/Type of Cable
There are different categories available for an ethernet cable namely CAT 6, CAT 7, CA 8, etc. HAnd as you may have guessed already, higher-category cables generally offer better performance and are designed to handle more demanding networking requirements. For example, CAT 6 cables are capable of supporting data transmission speeds of up to 10 Gbps over short distances, making them suitable for most home and office networking needs.
On the other hand, CAT 7 cables take this a step further by offering improved shielding and reduced signal interference, enabling them to support higher frequencies and data rates over longer distances. The latest option right now for an ethernet cable is a CAT 8 cable. CAT 8 cables represent a more advanced category, designed for even greater data transmission demands. They can support data rates of up to 25 Gbps or 40 Gbps over shorter distances and are often used in data centers or environments where extremely high-speed networking is crucial.
2. Cable Length
Signal integrity is also a critical concern when it comes to transmitting data over ethernet cables. Electrical signals degrade as they travel along the cable due to factors like resistance, capacitance, and electromagnetic interference. Longer cables inherently introduce more of these factors, leading to signal attenuation, where the strength of the signal diminishes over distance. This attenuation can result in data loss, errors, and reduced connection speeds.
Therefore, it is crucial to factor in your length requirements before you make a decision. If you have the router only a couple of feet away from your TV, you should avoid going with a cable that is longer than 3 or 4 feet to avoid such problems. You should also consider the type of cable while deciding the length. To put it in perspective, CAT 6 cables are often recommended to be kept under 55 meters for optimal performance, while CAT 7 cables can handle longer distances due to their improved shielding.
3. Data Transfer Speed
Right now, almost everyone is going for a high bandwidth internet connection speed and bandwidth plans such as 100 Mbps or 200 Mbps have almost become the new standard. And for what it’s worth, such bandwidth limits are necessary when it comes to entertainment if you wish to experience the best video and audio quality from your streaming services.
Having high bandwidth connections also offers a buffer-free experience which has always been one of the largest drawbacks of streaming platforms. However, you also need to make sure that the data transfer speed offered by the ethernet cable is equal to or higher than what you are getting from your ISP. Otherwise, your connection speed will be limited by your network cable.
Higher bandwidth also enables faster data transmission, reducing latency and facilitating real-time interactions. This is particularly critical for applications such as video streaming, online gaming, video conferencing, and cloud-based services, where delays or buffering can severely impact the quality of the experience.
4. Warranty
While Ethernet cables may seem like simple components, they are vital for data transmission within a network. First and foremost, the warranty period offers a level of assurance regarding the cable’s quality. Reputable cable manufacturers provide warranties as a testament to their confidence in the durability and performance of their products.
A warranty period is basically a promise of quality that the cable has been designed and manufactured to meet certain standards, and any defects or failures that occur within that period will be addressed by the manufacturer. Ethernet cables can encounter problems due to manufacturing defects, environmental conditions, or wear and tear. So if your cable is under warranty period, you can claim free-of-cost replacements from the manufacturer without any problem. Therefore, choosing a LAN cable that has a longer warranty period is usually a better choice.
Ethernet Cable – FAQs
Ans: Yes, using an Ethernet cable can often improve the quality and reliability of your internet connection compared to using a wireless connection. Wireless signals can be affected by interference from other electronic devices, walls, and distance from the router, leading to fluctuations in connection speed and reliability. Wired connections are generally less susceptible to such interference. Ethernet cables also support higher data transfer speeds compared to most wireless connections, which makes it possible to stream higher-quality content with ease.
Ans: Yes, CAT 6 Ethernet cable can be a good choice for connecting a Smart TV to your network. CAT 6 ethernet cables offer reliable and high-speed data transmission capabilities, making them suitable for a variety of applications, including streaming content, online gaming, and accessing smart features on your TV. So if you have an older smart TV such as an FHD TV, using a CAT 6 ethernet cable won’t affect the streaming performance at all. In fact, it would be the ideal choice since you won’t need an exceptionally high bandwidth capacity anyway to stream FHD content.
Ans: CAT 7 and CAT 8 are both Ethernet cable categories designed to provide high-speed data transmission and improved performance compared to earlier cable categories like CAT 5e and CAT 6. However, there are notable differences between CAT 7 and CAT 8 cables in terms of their specifications, capabilities, and recommended applications. CAT 7 cables feature extensive shielding, including both individual pair shielding and an overall cable shield, to minimize electromagnetic interference and signal leakage. CAT 8 cables improve on top of that by using a unique design with individual shielding for each pair and an overall braid or foil shield, providing exceptional resistance to external interference and signal degradation.
Ans: Ethernet cables can last for many years, often exceeding a decade with proper care and usage. Their lifespan is influenced by factors like cable quality, environmental conditions, and how frequently they are moved or bent. Regular inspections and replacements might be necessary if cables show signs of wear, damage, or degraded performance. With that being said, you still need to invest in a cable that offers a decent build quality so that external factors won’t affect the performance of the cable.
Conclusion
Ethernet cables have become crucial for modern networking, particularly when it comes to smart TVs. These cables offer stable internet access, transforming TVs into high-speed multimedia hubs. A reliable internet connection is essential for seamless streaming, app usage, and web browsing on smart TVs which can only be ensured with a similarly reliable ethernet cable. Therefore, LAN connections are being preferred for their reliability, especially for demanding tasks like 4K UHD streaming. To help you experience the same on your smart TV, we have prepared this list of the best ethernet cables available out there for smart TVs. On this guide, you can find the best ethernet cables on the market along with an apt description to help you understand the product in detail. You can also check out our buying guide for the best ethernet cable and see which cable can be perfect for you based on the information available there. We have also picked out a handful of choices that are highly preferred by a lot of users.
- For a lot of people, buying a simple and cheaper ethernet cable seems to be the perfect choice since the general bandwidth requirements for a smart TV aren’t that high. If the same goes for you as well, we will recommend going with the AmazonBasics Ethernet Cable. Like most other AmazonBasics products, this is also a budget variant for an ethernet cable that offers 1 Gbps bandwidth capacity. This cable is around 3 feet long and falls under category 6 which is good enough for basic operation. Despite being the cheaper option, this cable still offers gold-plated connectors to avoid external interference.
- On the other hand, if your Smart TV is part of your productivity or gaming setup and you are probably going to stream high-quality content on the device, we recommend going with the Vabogu Ethernet Cable. This is a heavy-duty ethernet cable that falls under category 8 and has a 26 AWG gauge rating. Since it’s a premium option, you still get shielded RJ45 connectors at both ends and it is also backward compatible with all previous categories such as Cat 5, CAT 5e, CAT 6, etc. As for its durability, the cable itself is made up of 100% pure and thick copper wires with an aluminum foil shield for protection.
- Lastly, we will recommend the BUSOHE Ethernet Cable as this is also one of the longest and most aesthetic options we have on our list today. Unlike most other ethernet cables, this is a flat cable that basically disappears once installed and matches up with almost all setup themes. Since the cable is about 50 feet long, it is also suitable for office installation apart from domestic use. The cable itself is composed of standard bare copper conductors, screened shielded twisted pair shielding, and gold-plated connectors to avoid external interference at any point. One of the greater advantages of the flat design is that the cable cannot get entangled despite being excessively large for smaller applications.
