I think many people get confused when choosing LAN cables, but the truth is they differ quite a bit in terms of communication speed, stability, and how easy they are to wire. Recently, I tested LAN cables from various manufacturers, and I realized that you really need to choose differently depending on your use.

If you play online games a lot, communication stability is especially important. The Buffalo BSLS7NUBL series delivers speeds of 9,373 Mbps under normal conditions and maintains 6,325 Mbps even under noise, so you can play without worrying about lag. However, the cable is a bit stiff, which makes wiring slightly difficult.

On the other hand, if you want to keep your desk area neat and tidy, flat cables like UGREEN’s, or slim types like Buffalo’s BSLS6AFU20BK, are a good choice. In particular, UGREEN’s cable is just 2mm, so it doesn’t lift up and keeps your desk really clean. The communication speed is also 9,393 Mbps, which is more than enough for everyday internet tasks.

ELECOM’s Cat8 mesh cable is a recommended product from a manufacturer that takes noise countermeasures seriously. It achieves 9,413 Mbps under normal conditions and 5,695 Mbps even in noisy environments, so it’s for people who prioritize stability. However, it’s stiff, so you’ll need a bit of know-how when wiring.

The connector rotation type from Sanwa Supply is convenient for wiring in tight spaces because it rotates 180 degrees to the left and right. It’s thin with flexibility, so it’s easy to use when connecting a PC or a switching hub. Noise countermeasures are weaker, but for normal use there’s no problem.

That said, LAN cables have totally different features depending on the manufacturer and the shape, so it’s important to choose based on how you’ll use them—whether it’s for gaming, prioritizing desk organization, or a balanced approach. Depending on the points you focus on, the recommended manufacturer can change too.