BGR Finds Ethernet Beats Wi-Fi on 200 Mbps Tests as Higher Costs Limit Home Appeal
Updated
Updated · Boy Genius Report · Jun 6
BGR Finds Ethernet Beats Wi-Fi on 200 Mbps Tests as Higher Costs Limit Home Appeal
2 articles · Updated · Boy Genius Report · Jun 6
Summary
On a 200 Mbps plan, BGR's tests showed Wi-Fi at 156 Mbps download and 144 Mbps upload, versus 196/163 Mbps on CAT5e and 197/173 Mbps on CAT6 Ethernet.
Those results reinforced Ethernet's main advantages for home users—lower latency, steadier speeds, less interference and stronger security because data travels over a physical cable.
CAT6 offered little meaningful gain over CAT5e in the tests, suggesting older Ethernet cables are still sufficient for most households seeking faster, more reliable connections.
The tradeoff is cost and convenience: Ethernet requires cabling, possible adapters or docks for laptops without LAN ports, and sometimes switches or professional installation.
BGR concluded Ethernet best suits gaming PCs, consoles and NAS setups, while Wi-Fi remains the better fit for users who value portability, easier setup and lower expense.