Best Cat 5e Ethernet Cables of 2025

Mike Davis Avatar
Mike Davis
Last Updated: Jan 15, 2025

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Cat 5e Ethernet cables are commonly used for networking, particularly in homes and small businesses. These cables are designed to transmit data at speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second, making them ideal for most internet applications. They are also backward compatible with older devices that use Cat 5 cables. Cat 5e cables are affordable and easy to install, with a standard RJ45 connector that fits into most Ethernet ports. They come in various lengths and colors, making it easy to find the right cable for any networking setup.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Kxable Cat5e Ethernet Patch Cable 50 Feet Cover #TOP 1
Kxable Cat5e Ethernet Patch Cable 50 Feet
ftb score rating icon 9.9
VIVO 500ft Cat5e Ethernet Cable, UTP Pull Box, White Cover #TOP 2
VIVO 500ft Cat5e Ethernet Cable, UTP Pull Box, White
ftb score rating icon 9.8
StarTech.com Cat5e Ethernet Cable 6ft Cover #TOP 3
StarTech.com Cat5e Ethernet Cable 6ft
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Cat 5e Ethernet Cables

#TOP 1

Kxable Cat5e Ethernet Patch Cable 50 Feet

KXCAT5E-50F-1P-WH
White
50ft
Kxable Cat5e Ethernet Patch Cable 50 Feet Cover
Cat5e Ethernet Cable 50 FT, Long Cat 5e Internet Cable, White Snagless Patch Cord, UV Resistant, Flexible, Network, LAN, PoE, Standard RJ45 Connector for PC, Server, Router, Modem, PS5 - with 15 Ties

Kxable Cat5e Patch Cable is a high-quality Ethernet cable that ensures lag-free data transmission speed of up to 1.0Gbps and bandwidth of up to 350MHz. With 8 high-quality 24AWG copper-clad aluminum solid wires and gold-plated contacts, this cable guarantees a safe and durable connection. It is extremely cost-effective as it comes with a RJ45 Coupler and 15 cable ties. This cable is compatible with various devices such as computers, servers, printers, routers, and VoIP phones. With a one-year warranty and professional customer service, you can enjoy worry-free usage of this cable.

What We Like
Reliable performance
Great build quality
Fast speeds
No connection drops
Flexible and easy to install
What We Don't Like
Care needed to avoid kinks
#TOP 2

VIVO 500ft Cat5e Ethernet Cable, UTP Pull Box, White

CABLE-V002W
White
500 feet
VIVO 500ft Cat5e Ethernet Cable, UTP Pull Box, White Cover
VIVO 500ft Bulk Cat5e, CCA Ethernet Cable, 24 AWG, UTP Pull Box, Cat-5e Wire, Indoor, Network Installations, White, CABLE-V002W

The VIVO 500ft Cat5e Ethernet Cable is made of CCA (Copper Clad Aluminum) 24 AWG, which is gigabit network ready. The solid UTP wires are ideal for economic use. It comes with an easy spool box, making it perfect for network installation, indoor use, patch cables, and crossover cables. The outside jacket is white in color.

What We Like
High-quality video transmission
Easy installation and handling
Cost-effective solution
Suitable for various applications
Sturdy packaging
What We Don't Like
Not suitable for outdoor burial
Limited performance compared to Cat6
#TOP 3

StarTech.com Cat5e Ethernet Cable 6ft

RJ45PATCH6
Blue
6 ft / 2m
StarTech.com Cat5e Ethernet Cable 6ft Cover
StarTech.com Cat5e Ethernet Cable6 ft - Blue - Patch Cable - Snagless Cat5e Cable - Short Network Cable - Ethernet Cord - Cat 5e Cable - 6ft

The StarTech.com Cat5e Ethernet Cable 6ft, also known as the StarTech Cat5e Cable, is a reliable and high-performance network cable that supports 350MHz/1Gbps Ethernet network connections with PoE. It is compatible with both Category 5 and Category 5e applications, making it versatile for various networking needs. The snagless Cat5e RJ45 connectors prevent cable damage, ensuring a long-lasting and durable connection. With its 24 AWG 100% copper construction and 50-micron gold connectors, this cable offers superior performance and signal quality. Additionally, it comes with a lifetime warranty, providing peace of mind to users. Whether you need to connect devices in your home or office network, the StarTech Cat5e Cable is a reliable choice that delivers fast and stable Ethernet connections.

What We Like
Reliable performance
Good length options
Functional design
High-quality materials
Easy to unplug
What We Don't Like
Limited discussion on features
#TOP 4

Cables Direct Online Cat5e Ethernet Network Patch Cable

Cables Direct Online Cat5e Ethernet Network Patch Cable Cover
Cables Direct Online Cat5e 15FT Network Ethernet Patch Cable, 350Mhz Internet Wire, Compatible with PC, Laptop, Modem, Router, TVs, Printer Cord, Consoles for Home and Office, Black

The Cables Direct Online Ethernet Cable is a high-quality network patch cable that is perfect for connecting your devices such as desktops, laptops, routers, modems, switches, hubs, DSL, xBox, PS4, and PS3. With its compliance standards of EIA/TIA-568B Category 5E, this cable ensures a reliable and fast data transmission. The 4 pairs stranded twisted pair network cable allows for data signals at speeds of up to 350MHz of bandwidth. The CCA - Copper Clad Aluminum (CCA) conductors and gold plated connectors guarantee a clean and clear transmission. With its 15ft length, this cable provides flexibility and convenience in connecting your devices.

What We Like
Fast delivery
Flexible installation
Good value for price
Durable clips
Improved network speed
What We Don't Like
Thin wire
Fragile design
#TOP 5

VIVO CABLE-V001

CABLE-V001
Grey
1000
VIVO CABLE-V001 Cover
VIVO Gray 1,000ft Bulk Cat5e, CCA Ethernet Cable, 24 AWG, UTP Pull Box, Cat-5e Wire, Indoor, Network Installations CABLE-V001

The VIVO Ethernet Cable is a Cat5e bulk ethernet cable that comes in a 1000ft roll. It is made of CCA (Copper Clad Aluminum) 24 AWG, making it Gigabit Network Ready. The solid UTP (4-pair unshielded twisted pair) cables make it a cost-effective solution for network installations. The connector-free design makes it easy to work with. The easy spool box design is ideal for indoor use, patch cables, and crossover cables. The outside jacket comes in a dark grey finish, making it a discreet and professional-looking choice for any setup. With the VIVO Ethernet Cable, you can enjoy fast and reliable network performance without breaking the bank.

What We Like
Good value for the price
Easy to work with
Decent performance for home use
Pulls straight from the box
Thick jacket quality
What We Don't Like
Kinks in the cable reported
Some outer sheath damage
#TOP 6

VIVO Black 500ft Bulk Cat5e Ethernet Cable

CABLE-V011
Black
500ft
VIVO Black 500ft Bulk Cat5e Ethernet Cable Cover
VIVO Black 500ft Bulk Cat5e, CCA Ethernet Cable, UTP Pull Box, Cat-5e Wire, Waterproof, Outdoor, Direct Burial CABLE-V011

The VIVO Black 500ft Bulk Cat5e Ethernet Cable is a solid CCA (Copper Clad Aluminum) 24 AWG cable with a waterproof shielding, available in a black finish. It comes in an easy spool box making it ideal for network installation in direct burial, outdoor, and other environments where a waterproof shield is necessary. This Gigabit Network Ready cable is a 4-pair unshielded twisted pair (UTP) wire for economic use.

What We Like
Easy to run
Thick, durable insulation
Well-marked color stripes
Good signal strength
Quality for the price
What We Don't Like
Slightly fragile for outdoor use
Some issues with kinks
#TOP 7

iMBAPrice Cat5e Network Ethernet Patch Cable, 10 Pack

IMBA-CAT5-10BK-10PK
Black
10 Feet
iMBAPrice Cat5e Network Ethernet Patch Cable, 10 Pack Cover
iMBAPrice 10' Cat5e Network Ethernet Patch Cable, 10 Pack, Black (IMBA-CAT5-10BK-10PK)

The iMBAPrice Cat5e Network Ethernet Patch Cable comes in a 10 pack with black color. This cable features 50 micron gold plated contacts for reliable data transmission and full FCC part 68 compliance. The molded strain relief design helps to ensure a secure connection and allows the cable to stay within Cat5 bending radius. Additionally, the snagless-type moldings of the cable provide convenience for users.

What We Like
Great value for the price
Good build quality
Meets speed specifications
Various lengths available
Fast delivery
What We Don't Like
Stiff cables can be tricky
Hoods may obstruct connection
#TOP 8

Cmple Cat5e Ethernet Cable 1000ft

1020-N
Green
1000 FT
Cmple Cat5e Ethernet Cable 1000ft Cover
Cmple - Cat5e Ethernet Cable 1000ft Gigabit Network Cat 5e Bulk Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP), Solid 24AWG CMR 350 MHz Green

The Cmple Cat5e Cable offers a reliable solution for your networking needs. With its 1000-foot length, this cable is perfect for connecting various devices like routers, printers, and gaming consoles, ensuring a fast internet connection. Its solid 24AWG conductor supports speeds up to 1000 Mbps, making it ideal for high-bandwidth applications. The durable PVC jacket protects against wear and tear, providing peace of mind for long-term use. Plus, the easy-to-use cable box allows for smooth uncoiling, simplifying your installation process while keeping your workspace tidy.

What We Like
Easy to work with
Flexible and inexpensive
Well-constructed quality
Accurate length markings
What We Don't Like
Thin wire jacket
Can snag in boxes
#TOP 9

Conable Cat5e Outdoor Ethernet Cable

ODCAT5E-150FT-1PK
Black
150 Feet
Conable Cat5e Outdoor Ethernet Cable Cover
Cat5e Outdoor Ethernet Cable 150 Feet, Cat 5e Heavy Duty Internet Network LAN Cable, More Flexible Than Cat 6, Waterproof, PVC & LLDPE UV Double Jackets for in Wall, Direct Burial, Router, POE, Indoor

Conable Outdoor Ethernet Cable is a heavy-duty internet network LAN cable designed for outdoor and indoor use. It supports high-speed data transmission of up to 1.0Gpbs, equivalent to Cat6 but more flexible and easy to lay. The cable features double-layer protection with a UV-resistant LLDPE weather jacket and a PVC inner jacket, making it suitable for installation in walls, underground, and direct burial. The cable also has 8/24AWG copper-clad aluminum solid conductors with RJ45 connectors and gold-plated contacts for optimized signal quality. Its snagless cable boot provides strain relief and protects the connector. The cable is compatible with routers, switches, printers, laptops, computers, POE cameras, gaming consoles, modems, scanners, televisions, and POE VoIP Phones. With a one-year warranty, this cable is a reliable choice for your internet network needs.

What We Like
Easy to use
Durable and weather resistant
Great signal strength
Perfect stiffness for installation
Thick insulation
What We Don't Like
Quality concerns with damage
#TOP 10

Monoprice Cat5e Ethernet Patch Cable

109548
Black
5 Feet
Monoprice Cat5e Ethernet Patch Cable Cover
Monoprice Cat5e 5ft Black Flat Patch Cable UTP 30AWG 350MHz Pure Bare Copper Snagless RJ45 Flexboot Series Ethernet Cable

The Monoprice Cat5e Ethernet Patch Cable is a high-quality network internet cord designed to provide reliable and fast connections. With its unshielded twisted pairs (UTP) and 350MHz bandwidth, it ensures minimal interference and maximum data transfer speeds. The cable features 50m gold plated contacts, which enhance conductivity and reduce signal loss. Additionally, the color matched, snagless strain relief boots make installation and removal easy and convenient. Whether you're setting up a home network or connecting devices in the office, the Monoprice Cat5e Cable is an excellent choice for seamless and efficient networking.

What We Like
Thin and flat design
Easy to manage
Good build quality
Variety of lengths available
What We Don't Like
Clip can be difficult to disconnect
Best Cat 5e Ethernet Cables Feature Image

Choose the Best Cat 5e Ethernet Cables for Your Needs

For house users & small offices, CAT5e and Cat 6 Ethernet Cables are commonly used because of their 1Gbps speed. Cat 5e is an advanced version of Cat 5 cables with better speed, low cost & multiple uses. For home stereo speakers, wireless systems, or security systems.

Cat 5e is designed to remove all unwanted singles between crosstalk. Like its wide applications range, the cable is also available at different prices, types, and colors. You can choose the best option according to your preference.

Factors to consider before buying Cat 5e Ethernet Cables

  • Cable length

Before buying the cable, make sure how much cable you need. Cat 5e Ethernet cables are obtainable in a huge length range: 0.5 to 20 meters are very commonly used lengths. Almost 75 meters maximum length is available. Allow a little margin and neatly loop that extra cable to keep it safe.

  • Cost

Cost is an important factor of consideration before buying Cat5e cable. The cost of these cables depends on numerous things. Shielded cables are expensive with a broader deployments range. Both unshielded and shielded cables come in every budget and jacket range. Choose the cable within your budget.

  • Type

Make sure to buy the right type of Cat5e cable according to where it is being used. Outdoor rated Cat5e Ethernet cable is designed for outdoor deployment with a UV-protected PE jacket but has no fire resistance. Riser-rated Cat5e cable is being used between the floors to provide some fire resistance. Plenum-rated Cat5e cable is designed to be used in the building's plenum spaces because it emits less toxic smoke if it burns.

  • Color

While choosing the cable color, make sure to buy a color that is easy to distinguish if a switch has many connections.

Benefits of Cat 5e Ethernet Cables

Cat 5e is mainly used for noise rejection with a huge capacity of enduring information carriage. These cables are the best choice for small offices and homes with 1Gbps interest speed and reasonable price.

CAT5e has been a subtle option as it never falls short of temperament even in electromagnetic radiations, dusty and unclear situations.

Frequently Ask Questions (FAQs)

Does Cat5e cable length affect its speed?

The length of the Ethernet cable doesn't matter. Especially in modern cables like Cat5e, the length will not affect network speed.

Which type of connector is standard for Cat5 cable?

A standard Cat5e cable usually has an RJ45 connector. These are 8P8C modular connectors used in the 5th category cable connections. These cables are terminated in either the T568B or T568A scheme.

Conclusion

This guide will help you select the best Cat5e cables for your internet connections because selecting the right product at the right time will save you from hassle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does Cat5e work for Ethernet?

Yes, Cat5e is an Ethernet cable that is commonly used to support computer networks. It is capable of transmitting video, telephony signals, and standard computer data. Cat5e is considered the minimum requirement for Hosted VoIP.

2. Is Cat5 or 5e better for Ethernet cables?

Cat5e is better than Cat5 for Ethernet cables. The main difference is that Cat5e has a higher throughput speed of 1,000 Mbit/s or Gbit/s, which is 10 times faster than Cat5. If you're unsure which cable to choose, it is recommended to go with Cat5e for better performance.

3. Is Cat5e cable still used?

Yes, Cat5e is still commonly used for network deployments due to its ability to support Gigabit speeds at a cost-effective price. While both Cat5 and Cat5e support a maximum frequency of up to 100MHz, Cat5e has replaced its predecessor in most applications.

4. What is the disadvantage of CAT5e cable?

The main disadvantage of Cat5e cables is their limited data transfer speed, which is up to 100 Mbps. While this is suitable for home or small business networks, it may not meet the requirements of enterprise networking needs. Additionally, more home routers now support Gigabit Ethernet.

5. Is Cat5e faster than WIFI?

Yes, Cat5e provides a faster connection compared to Wi-Fi. Ethernet connections are faster because they are wired directly into the internet, eliminating the need for wireless transmission. This results in a more stable and reliable connection for devices connected via Cat5e Ethernet cables.

6. Can I replace Cat5e with Cat6?

Yes, Cat6 cables are backward compatible with Cat5e and Cat5. This means that you can replace Cat5e cables with Cat6 without any issues. Cat6 offers improved performance and higher data transfer speeds, making it a good choice for future-proofing your network.

Editor's Notes

During our cat 5e ethernet cable research, we found 24 cat 5e ethernet cable products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 74,776 customer reviews through our big data system to write the cat 5e ethernet cables list. We found that most customers choose cat 5e ethernet cables with an average price of $11.80.

The cat 5e ethernet cables are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of cat 5e ethernet cables, including Kxable, VIVO, StarTech.com, Cables Direct Online, iMBAPrice. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 813 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Mike Davis Avatar

Mike Davis is a professionally trained electrician with six years of working experience in the electronics industry. He has written an array of web and mobile-based articles for e-magazines and blogs. He loves trying out some novel and popular gadgets and his expertise is in the areas of electronics and computers which is built over many years of working and personal experiences.

Cat 5e Ethernet Cables Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Kxable VIVO StarTech.com Cables Direct Online VIVO VIVO iMBAPrice Cmple Conable Monoprice
Connector Type RJ45 RJ45 RJ45 RJ45 RJ45 RJ45 RJ45 RJ45 RJ45 RJ45
Cable Type Ethernet Ethernet Ethernet Ethernet Cat5e Ethernet Cable Ethernet Ethernet Cat5e Bare Wire 4 Pair Box Ethernet Ethernet
Compatible Devices Laptop, Scanner, PlayStation, Server, Router - Printer Universal Laptop, PC, Server, Router, Printer Modem Any device with an Ethernet port EZ-Connectors, Keystone Wall Plates, Patch Panel, Extender over Cat5, Cat5 / 6 Boots, Cat 5 Junction Box, Video Baluns, Cat5e Keystones, RJ45 connectors Scanner, PlayStation, Server, Router, Printer Personal Computer
Special Feature Data Transfer, High Speed - Data Transfer Gold plated Easy Spool Box Waterproof High Speed, Gold Plated Flexible, Corrosion Free, Durable, Easy Pull-out Waterproof High Speed
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.7
ftb score rating icon 8.7
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