Cat5e vs Cat6 Ethernet cable: which do you need?
Short answer
For home internet, Cat5e and Cat6 both handle 1 Gbps over normal home distances. Cat6 has extra headroom and can reach 10 Gbps over short runs, and Cat6a reaches 10 Gbps up to 100 metres. Check the category printed on the cable.
Common categories
| Category | Typical top speed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cat5 | 100 Mbps | Old. It can hold back a modern plan. |
| Cat5e | 1 Gbps | Fine for most homes. |
| Cat6 | 1 Gbps, and 10 Gbps over short runs (about 55 m) | More headroom and better shielding from interference. |
| Cat6a | 10 Gbps up to 100 m | For 10 Gbps setups and long runs. |
These are common rule-of-thumb figures. Real results depend on the length, quality and the equipment at both ends.
Which one should you buy?
- Plan up to 1 Gbps: Cat5e or Cat6 is enough. Many people choose Cat6 for a little future headroom.
- Plan above 1 Gbps, or a 10 Gbps home network: Cat6a.
- Do not pay extra for gold plugs or fancy colours. The category matters.
Check what you have
The category is usually printed on the cable jacket, for example "CAT 6". If a cable has no marking and is old, treat it as suspect.
Check the speed you get
- Connect the device with the cable.
- On Windows, open the Ethernet properties and look at the link speed. A 1000 value means 1 Gbps.
- Run the SpeedUp test and compare with your plan.
The router and your device also need ports that support the speed. Many have 1 Gbps ports.
If the speed is low
Try another cable and another port first, because a damaged cable is a common cause. See Wi-Fi vs Ethernet for when a cable is worth it.