Whether you're setting up a home network, upgrading your office, or optimizing your gaming setup, choosing the right Ethernet cable is crucial for fast and reliable internet. This 800-word guide covers everything you need to know about buying Ethernet cables online in the UK, including types, top brands, price ranges, and where to buy.
1. Types of Ethernet Cables – Which One Should You Buy?
Before purchasing, understand the different categories (Cat) of Ethernet cables and their uses:
| Cable Type | Max Speed | Bandwidth | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cat5e | 1 Gbps | 100 MHz | Basic browsing, HD streaming |
| Cat6 | 10 Gbps (up to 55m) | 250 MHz | Gaming, 4K streaming, home offices |
| Cat6a | 10 Gbps (up to 100m) | 500 MHz | Large homes, business networks |
| Cat7 | 10 Gbps | 600 MHz | Future-proofing, high interference areas |
| Cat8 | 25-40 Gbps | 2000 MHz | Data centers, ultra-high-speed needs |
Key Takeaway:
Most UK households need Cat6 or Cat6a for optimal performance.
Cat7/Cat8 are overkill unless you have multi-gigabit internet.
2. Best Ethernet Cable Brands in the UK (2024)
Here are the top-rated brands available online in the UK:
1. Amazon Basics Cat6 Ethernet Cable
✅ Best for: Budget buyers, home users
✅ Pros: Affordable, reliable, multiple lengths (0.5m – 15m)
✅ Price: £5 – £20
2. UGREEN Cat7 Flat Ethernet Cable
✅ Best for: Running under carpets/along walls
✅ Pros: Slim design, high-speed, shielded
✅ Price: £10 – £30
3. Cable Matters Cat8 Ethernet Cable
✅ Best for: Future-proofing, professional setups
✅ Pros: 40Gbps speed, heavy-duty shielding
✅ Price: £15 – £50
4. Belkin Cat6a Braided Cable
✅ Best for: Durability, office/gaming setups
✅ Pros: Reinforced connectors, tangle-free
✅ Price: £12 – £35
3. Where to Buy Ethernet Cables Online in the UK?
1. Amazon UK
✔ Widest variety (Cat5e to Cat8)
✔ Fast delivery (Prime next-day available)
✔ Customer reviews help decide
2. eBay UK
✔ Good for bulk purchases
✔ Check seller ratings before buying
3. Currys PC World
✔ Reliable for same-day pickup
✔ Limited but trusted brands
4. Scan Computers
✔ Best for high-performance cables
✔ Good for businesses
5. Cable Monkey
✔ Specializes in networking cables
✔ Bulk discounts available
4. How to Choose the Right Ethernet Cable?
A. Match Cable to Your Internet Speed
Under 500 Mbps? → Cat5e
500 Mbps – 1 Gbps? → Cat6
1 Gbps – 10 Gbps? → Cat6a/Cat7
B. Consider Cable Length
Short runs (1-10m): Cat6 is sufficient
Long runs (50m+): Use Cat6a for stable speeds
C. Shielding Matters
UTP (Unshielded): Good for most homes
STP (Shielded): Better for offices with interference
D. Connector Quality
✔ Gold-plated RJ45 connectors = Better signal & durability
5. Installation Tips for Ethernet Cables
✔ Avoid running near power cables (causes interference)
✔ Use cable clips for neat organization
✔ Test speed after setup (use Speedtest.net)
✔ For long runs, consider a patch panel
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is Cat8 worth it for home use?
A: Only if you have 10Gbps+ internet (most UK homes don’t need it yet).
Q: Can I mix Cat6 and Cat7 cables?
A: Yes, but speeds will match the slowest cable.
Q: How long do Ethernet cables last?
A: Properly installed, they can work for 10+ years.
7. Final Recommendations
| Use Case | Best Cable Choice |
|---|---|
| Basic browsing | Cat5e |
| Gaming/4K streaming | Cat6 |
| Home office | Cat6a |
| Future-proofing | Cat7 |
| Data centers | Cat8 |
Best Overall Value: Cat6 or Cat6a (balances speed & cost)
