Here’s an overview of the Best Cat 8 that we’ll explore today:
In modern gaming setups, the choice of Ethernet cable can influence latency, stability, and overall network reliability as you push high-speed connections, streaming, and cloud gaming. Cat 8 cables promise up to 40 Gbps and 2000 MHz, with enhanced shielding to reduce interference in busy environments. This review examines five popular Cat 8 options across a price range from budget to premium, evaluating build quality, shielding (S/FTP vs F/FTP), conductor gauge, length, outdoor/indoor suitability, and connector durability to determine which cable suits different gaming scenarios. Methodology: I evaluated each cable based on: build quality and shielding design, conductor gauge and signaling performance, connector quality and durability, versatility (indoor vs outdoor, PoE support), length vs flexibility, real-world stability in gaming loads, ease of installation, and value for money at the listed price points. The products covered are UGREEN, DbillionDa, Snowkids, Dacrown, and VOIETOLT.
1. UGREEN Cat 8 Ethernet Cable 6FT
- Brand: UGREEN
- Manufacturer: UGREEN
Overview: The UGREEN 6FT Cat 8 cable emphasizes braided durability, 40 Gbps throughput, 2000 MHz bandwidth, and F/FTP shielding with a pure copper core and gold-plated RJ45 connectors. It’s designed for indoor use with a compact 6-foot length, making it ideal for gaming rigs close to modems and routers. Pros emphasize the braided exterior, bend durability, and PoE support on most lengths. Cons include shorter length limiting routing options and PoE note excluding 65ft in some cases.
Performance-wise, the 40 Gbps capability aligns with Cat 8 specifications, offering low latency potential in local networks with minimal crosstalk due to four shielded twisted pairs. The F/FTP shielding reduces EMI/RFI, which is beneficial in apartments or home offices with dense cabling. The 6-foot length is practical for tight setups but may require adapters or extensions for large desks. The code-friendly backward compatibility ensures it works with Cat7/6x cables, and PoE support (except at 65ft) adds convenience for PoE cameras or devices.
Pros
- Braided, durable exterior that withstands daily handling
- F/FTP shielding with pure copper core and gold-plated RJ45 for low loss
- 40Gbps / 2000MHz performance suitable for gaming and streaming
- PoE support for most lengths, easing camera installations
- Excellent bend tolerance and long-term reliability
Cons
- Only 6 ft length may limit placement flexibility
- PoE support not guaranteed at very long lengths (65 ft caveat)
- Compared to outdoor-rated models, indoor-only suitability limits versatility
2. DbillionDa Cat8 Ethernet Cable
- Brand: DbillionDa
- Manufacturer: DbillionDa
Overview: DbillionDa offers a 6FT Cat 8 cable with 26 AWG conductors, heavy-duty build, outdoor-ready weatherproofing, and UV resistance. It ships with F/FTP shielding and gold-plated RJ45 connectors. The direct burial capability and 6-foot length make it versatile for both indoor and outdoor installations and for temporary outdoor setups near modems or routers.
In practice, the thicker 26 AWG conductors can deliver slightly better signal integrity at short runs and under challenging environments, albeit at the cost of stiffer flexibility versus finer gauges. The cable’s weatherproof jacket and UV resistance are strong advantages for outdoor installations, including garage setups or exterior network runs. Shielding (F/FTP) reduces crosstalk in multi-cable bundles, and the 2000 MHz bandwidth supports the 40 Gbps target, with typical gaming and streaming performance remaining robust in mixed indoor/outdoor networks.
Pros
- Outdoor/indoor versatility with weatherproof UV-resistant jacket
- Direct burial capability extends installation options
- 26 AWG offers strong signal integrity under load
- F/FTP shielding reduces EMI and crosstalk
- Gold-plated connectors for corrosion resistance
Cons
- 6 ft length limits routing variety in larger setups
- Outdoor use may exceed typical home gaming needs
- Heavier 26 AWG may be less flexible than finer gauges
3. Snowkids Cat 8 Ethernet Cable 50 FT
- Brand: Snowkids
- Manufacturer: Snowkids
Overview: Snowkids’ 50 FT Cat 8 offers a longer indoor option with a flat braided design, S/FTP shielding, and 40 Gbps bandwidth. The flat form factor is designed for easier routing under carpets and around corners, making it visually unobtrusive in a living room or office while delivering high-speed performance.
With 50 feet, this cable targets users who need full-room reach without compromising shielding. The S/FTP configuration, 24K gold-plated connectors, and wear-tested construction (over 15,000 bends) suggest strong durability for frequent rearrangements. While the length is beneficial for living-room setups, potential downsides include reduced flexibility in tight spaces and slightly bulkier management compared to ultra-short cables. Nevertheless, the product is well-suited for enthusiasts who want a single cable to span a larger area.
Pros
- Long 50 ft length ideal for larger rooms
- Flat braided design for easier routing and space savings
- S/FTP shielding with gold-plated RJ45 connectors
- High durability with extensive bending tests
- Backwards compatible with Cat7/6 and other CATs
Cons
- Flat design may make it harder to coil neatly
- 50 ft run may introduce some signal loss under suboptimal conditions
- Indoor use only
4. Dacrown Cat 8 Ethernet Cable 50 ft Shielded
- Brand: Dacrown
- Manufacturer: Dacrown
Overview: Dacrown presents a 50 ft shielded Cat 8 cable with SFTP shielding, 26 AWG conductors, and all-weather, in-wall, direct burial suitability. It’s positioned as a robust option for data-center-like performance across varied environments, including outdoor runs.
In use, this cable’s direct burial capability and weatherproof jacket provide exceptional versatility for setups that blur home and small-office boundaries. The 2 GHz (2000 MHz) bandwidth and 40 Gbps rating align with high-speed LAN deployments and potential 25G/40GBASE-T use cases. The rugged structure with gold-plated connectors improves longevity in harsh environments. Users should consider installation complexity with longer runs and ensure proper termination to preserve shielding effectiveness.
Pros
- 50 ft length offers substantial reach for complex layouts
- Weatherproof and in-wall/direct burial capable
- SFTP shielding with 26 AWG conductors enhances performance
- Gold-plated connectors resist corrosion
- Backward compatible with earlier Cat standards
Cons
- Higher price point within this lineup
- Direct burial requires careful installation and sealing
- Longer runs may experience greater signal loss without proper quality connectors
5. Cat 8 Ethernet Cable 20 FT Flat
- Brand: VOIETOLT
- Manufacturer: VOIETOLT
Overview: VOIETOLT offers a 20 FT flat, braided Cat 8 with SSTP shielding and gold-plated connectors. It’s a compact option with a lower price point than the premium models, designed for dense office or gaming setups where a shorter run is sufficient.
In practice, the 20 ft length is well-suited for desktop enthusiasts with minimal cable clutter. The SSTP shielding and braided exterior improve durability and interference resistance in typical living spaces. Its flat design makes routing under carpets and around furniture straightforward. While not outdoor-rated, it provides solid indoor performance with reliable speeds for gaming and streaming in most households.
Pros
- Flat, braided design for easy routing and discreet install
- 40 Gbps / 2000 MHz support in a compact length
- SSTP shielding with gold-plated connectors
- Budget-friendly within Cat 8 options
- Lightweight and easy to manage
Cons
- Indoor-only use; lacks outdoor or burial suitability
- Shorter length limits placement flexibility in larger rooms
- Limited length variety compared to others
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about cat 8s to help you make an informed decision.
Conclusion
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Final thoughts here.