Ethernet vs. Wi-Fi: Which is Better for Gaming?

While gaming, every fraction of a second can create a difference between victory and defeat. Gamers connect with others through online multiplayer platforms and need a reliable and factual internet connection.

A common debate among gamers is whether an Ethernet connection or Wi-Fi is more suitable for gaming. Both options have their pros and cons, and the choice usually depends upon the gaming setup and needs.

If you also want to make an informed decision for an improved gaming experience, keep reading this article and the difference between Ethernet and Wi-Fi.

Latency and Ping

Latency is the time it takes for your device to send data to the server and receive a response. In gaming, low latency is essential to ensure that your actions register in real-time. It is especially important in fast-paced competitive games like Call of Duty, Fortnite, or Valorant, where milliseconds matter.

Using an Ethernet connection means you will get minimal delays. As the data travels directly through a cable, singles don’t drop and result in a ping as low as 1-5 milliseconds.

Wi-Fi technology has improved with new standards like Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E, but it is still prone to fluctuations and interference. Walls, furniture, and other electronic devices can also slow down the signals, leading to higher ping times. The time is usually between 20 and 50 milliseconds or even more under congested networks. 

For competitive gaming, Ethernet is a clear winner as it provides low latency speed.

Connection Stability

A stable connection ensures the gameplay is smooth and there are no random lag spikes; distortion in the network can ruin your gaming experience. A wired connection provides uninterrupted access to the internet. As it is not affected by physical obstruction or network congestion, Ethernet provides consistent performance.

Wireless connections are vulnerable to interference from other devices like microwaves, Bluetooth gadgets, and even your neighbors’ Wi-Fi networks. It can result in lag spikes and make the gameplay unstable at times.

When it comes to connection stability, Ethernet is a more stable and reliable option. WiFi works fine for casual gaming, but if stability is required, a wired connection is preferred.

Speed

Speed is not everything in gaming, as online games don’t need massive bandwidth. However, it is still important for downloading game files, updates, and patches. Wired connections usually offer full access to your internet speed, with the most Ethernet cables supporting up to 1 Gbps. If you get the latest Cat 6 and Cat 7 cables from reliable suppliers like Monk Cables, you can enjoy speeds up to 10 Gbps, which is more than enough for modern gaming. 

Speed on Wi-Fi depends on the router and Wi-Fi standard. Usually, Wi-Fi 5 can provide up to 1 Gbps of speed. Similarly, Wi-Fi 6 can offer speeds up to 9.6 Gbps. However, in real-world scenarios, Wi-Fi rarely reaches this speed due to signal interference and distance from the router.

Ethernet offers consistent and reliable speed, especially over long periods of use. If you want to use Wi-Fi, you will have to place it near the interference. However, Ethernet is still the better option for guaranteed fast speed.

Convenience

While Ethernet might offer superior performance, it also has certain limitations in terms of convenience and setup.

Ethernet requires wiring your gaming setup directly to the router or modem. It can be inconvenient for you if the router is far from your gaming station. Moreover, you may need long cables or Ethernet switches to connect to multiple devices.

When you use Wi-Fi, it offers wireless freedom and allows you to game from any room without worrying about cables. It is especially useful if you are using laptops, tablets, or mobile devices.

When it comes to convenience, Wi-Fi is a clear winner, as it provides you with ease and you don’t have to deal with long cables. 

Conclusion

In the end, the choice between Ethernet and Wi-Fi comes down to your gaming priorities. If you play games that require precise timing and low ping (e.g., FPS or MOBA games), Ethernet is the better choice. Its low latency, stability, and consistent speeds make it ideal for serious gaming.

If you are a casual gamer or value convenience over performance, Wi-Fi may suffice, especially with a good router and minimal interference.