Cat5 vs. Cat6 Differences | Which One To Choose?

Cat5 is now known as Cat5e

3 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

When it comes to computers, accessories and peripherals are just as important items as the main device itself. Choosing the right accessories, to be compatible with your machine and to serve your needs is essential.

WithEthernetcables, you might have noticed that they come in various numbers and colors. The Cat represents thecategory, while the numbers represent specifications and standards.

It can be confusing to have to choose between aCat5and aCat5ecable,Cat 5e vs Cat 6, or between aCat5and aCat6cable. So keep reading to find out the difference between them and which one might be your best choice.

Is Cat5 or Cat6 better?

What are Cat5 cables?

Cat5cables provided a maximum data transmission speedof 10/100 Mbps over distances of up to 100 meters, at a maximum bandwidth of 100 Mhz. This used to be known as Fast Ethernet.

Right now, the minimum Internet speed should actually be at least 1 Gbps, so using aCat5cable not only slows down the speed, but it’s also less reliable.

SoCat5cables are now obsolete and can’t be found anymore; some older deployments still use it, although they have been replaced byCat5ecables.

Moreover, when referring toCat5Ethernet cables, most people actually mean theCat5e.

What are Cat 6 cables?

In terms of performance,Cat6cables can support up to 10 Gbps and frequencies of up to 250 MHz. They are equippedwith thicker sheaths in comparison toCat5e, which helps increase the Internet speed.

Though standardCat6cables support distances of up to 100 meters, in reality, they only reach 37-55 meters (for no interference at all) when transmitting 10 Gbps speeds. Anything beyond this bandwidth will rapidly decay to only 1 Gbps, the same asCat5e.

Additionally,Cat6cables use a plastic core through the middle of the cable to better insulate the internal wires, which also makes it more resistant in time.

Cat 5 vs Cat 6 – Which is better?

The general opinion is that there’s no good or right Ethernet cable and that the answer depends on what are you using it for.

Generally speaking,Cat5Ethernet cables should be OK just for your home network. ACat5premium cable can be just as good as any successor cable type. But, as mentioned, it is very possible that you won’t find them on the market.

On the other hand,Cat6cables are more suitable for small businesses where there’s ademand for not just fast Internet speeds but fast internal speeds. They reduce crosstalk (interference), butthey are also more expensive.

We also have a dedicated article with a comparison onCat 7 vs Cat 8that you can check out for more info.

Now that you know more about the difference between the two, just go out and buy the best one for you.

Cat5 vs. Cat6 Differences | Which One To Choose?#

Is Cat5 or Cat6 better?#

What are Cat5 cables?#

What are Cat 6 cables?#

Cat 5 vs Cat 6 – Which is better?#

Cat5 vs. Cat6 Differences | Which One To Choose?

Is Cat5 or Cat6 better?

What are Cat5 cables?

What are Cat 6 cables?

Cat 5 vs Cat 6 – Which is better?