Introduction
When you set up your internet connection using wires instead of Wi-Fi, you’ll hear a lot about cable types like Cat5e, Cat6, Cat7, and Cat 8. The names sound a bit technical, but all they mean is “Category.” Each new category is supposed to be faster or more advanced than the one before.
But many people get stuck asking: Is Cat7 or Cat 8 better? The easy answer is—they are both good, but what you really need depends on your internet plan and how you use it. Let’s dive in and make it clear so you know which one makes sense for you.
A Quick Look Back: What is Cat5e?
Before comparing Cat7 and Cat 8, it helps to understand where we started. Cat5e stands for “Category 5 Enhanced.” It supports speeds up to 1 Gbps and is still good enough for basic internet use like streaming, browsing, and casual gaming.
Cat5e has been around for many years and still works fine for most houses. But as internet speeds grew, new cables like Cat6, Cat7, and Cat 8 were created to handle faster connections and reduce interference.
What is Cat7?
Cat7 cables are built with heavy shielding, meaning they are better at blocking outside interference. They can handle speeds up to 10 Gbps over 100 meters and support bandwidth up to 600 MHz.
They are stronger than Cat6 and Cat6a, which makes them good for people who want a stable setup for things like gaming, streaming, or even small business networks. However, Cat7 cables also cost more, and many home networks don’t fully use the extra power they provide.
What is Cat 8?
Cat 8 is the newest type of Ethernet cable available to the public. It is extremely powerful, supporting speeds up to 25–40 Gbps but only over shorter distances (about 30 meters).
It also has higher bandwidth of up to 2000 MHz, making it best for servers, data centers, or professional setups where huge amounts of data move quickly. But in normal homes, internet providers almost never offer speeds where Cat 8 makes a noticeable difference.
The Exact Answer: Is Cat7 or Cat 8 Better?
Here’s the clear answer: Cat 8 is technically better than Cat7 because it supports much higher speeds and bandwidth. But for most people, Cat7 is more practical and affordable for home use.
Cat 8 is built for advanced work environments like data centers, not everyday households. While Cat7 already handles more than enough speed for most gamers, streamers, and families, Cat 8 provides a level of performance most homes simply cannot use.
Cat7 vs Cat 8: Side by Side
Speed: Cat7 supports up to 10 Gbps, Cat 8 supports 25–40 Gbps.
Distance: Cat7 works up to 100 meters, while Cat 8 is limited to around 30 meters.
Bandwidth: Cat7 offers 600 MHz, Cat 8 offers 2000 MHz.
Use Case: Cat7 is great for homes and small offices. Cat 8 is best for professional or enterprise networks.
Price: Cat7 is cheaper, Cat 8 is the most expensive consumer option.
Do You Really Need Cat 8?
For most households, the answer is no. Even if you have gigabit internet, Cat5e or Cat6 can handle it easily. Cat7 is a nice choice if you want extra shielding and stability, but Cat 8 won’t magically improve your gaming, streaming, or browsing speed unless your internet plan offers extremely high speeds.
It’s like buying a race car when all the roads in your city only allow you to drive at 60 km/hr. The car is powerful, but you will never use its full potential.
When Does Cat 8 Make Sense?
Cat 8 is worth it only when:
You’re setting up a professional server system.
You need extremely fast data transfers for video production or tech work.
You want to future‑proof a setup where money is no issue.
For everyone else, the cost simply outweighs the benefit.
Why Cat7 is a Smart Middle Ground
Cat7 cables are more affordable than Cat 8, widely available, and still support speeds far higher than what most homes need today. They are also backward compatible, which means they can be used with devices that work with lower categories like Cat6 or Cat5e.
For gamers or streamers who don’t want lag and want a stronger option than Cat6, Cat7 fits perfectly without going overboard.
Ethernet Cables and Real Needs
The most important thing to remember is that your Ethernet cable cannot give you speeds higher than your internet plan. If your provider only gives 1 Gbps, a Cat5e cable already supports it just fine. So upgrading to a Cat 8 won’t give you faster downloads unless you’re already subscribed to a 25–40 Gbps plan, which almost no home has right now.
Cost vs Performance
Another major point is price. Cat5e is the cheapest and still works for basic use. Cat6 and Cat7 balance cost and performance for most homes. Cat 8 is the priciest, and unless you’re running a professional setup, the extra money is wasted.
So if you’re value-driven, Cat7 gives you high performance at a reasonable price, while Cat 8 is mainly for niche users.
Easy Example to Understand
Imagine internet cables as water pipes carrying water (data) to your house.
Cat5e is like a medium pipe, good for a small family’s needs.
Cat6 is a bigger pipe, handling more water easily.
Cat7 is even larger and sturdier, perfect if you want no leaks or pressure drops.
Cat 8 is an industrial pipe, designed to move oceans of water—but most houses never need that much.
Final Answer Recap
So, is Cat7 or Cat 8 better? Cat 8 is technically more powerful, but Cat7 is better for most home and gaming setups. Cat8 is built for professional data centers, while Cat7 gives you more than enough speed and stability for daily internet use.
Conclusion
Choosing between Cat7 and Cat 8 comes down to your needs. If you’re just gaming, streaming, working from home, or running a family network, Cat7 is the smarter and more affordable choice. If you’re part of a business that handles huge amounts of data, Cat 8 might make sense.
At the end of the day, don’t overthink it. Even Cat5e is still useful for many homes. The best cable is the one that matches your internet plan, usage, and budget.
Sources: https://spoxor.com/ethernet-cables-explained-a-comprehensive-overview/
https://www.storeboard.com/blogs/electronics/how-do-i-determine-what-ethernet-cable-i-need/6312023
