Gaming on Ethernet vs WiFi: Which is better?

When it comes to online gaming, a reliable internet connection is everything. Whether you’re a casual player or competitive gamer, the choice between gaming on WiFi or gaming on Ethernet can make a huge difference. But should it? And which option is better?

In this article we’ll tackle that age-old argument of Ethernet vs WiFi, looking at the strengths and weaknesses of each connection type. We’ll focus on factors like speed, low latency gaming, and stability to help you make the right decision for your gaming setup.

Speed and latency: Why they matter

Speed is crucial in gaming. Whether you’re downloading large updates or competing in fast-paced matches, slow speeds can ruin your experience. When choosing between gaming on WiFi and gaming on Ethernet, speed and latency are key considerations.

With Ethernet you enjoy a more stable and direct connection to your router, meaning fewer disruptions and more time focused on the game. There’s no interference or distance issues with an Ethernet connection, ensuring that your gaming rig gets the best possible speeds. If you’re on a high-speed connection like Zen’s Zen’s full fibre broadbandfull fibre broadband, Ethernet gives you an advantage, especially in competitive gaming. That’s why gaming on Ethernet is often preferred by serious gamers looking for low latency gaming and ultrafast data transfers.

But modern WiFi technology has improved leaps and bounds. With WiFi 6 gaming performance and the best gaming WiFi setups making use of the latest technology, the gap between Ethernet and WiFi has narrowed. While WiFi is still prone to interference (from walls, devices, or other networks), a high-quality router and home setup can drastically reduce this problem. Zen’s eero devices, provided with our gigabit-plus connections, offer excellent speeds and range, making gaming on WiFi better than ever, especially for casual gamers who value flexibility.

Stability and reliability: the Ethernet advantage

For gaming network stability, Ethernet is unmatched. A wired connection is less likely to suffer from drops or disruptions, which is vital for competitive gaming or games that require split-second reactions. WiFi, in contrast, is less stable due to factors like physical obstacles, distance, and interference.

But WiFi can still be good enough for most gamers, especially if you optimise your WiFi gaming setup. Zen’s EveryRoom, mesh WiFi service, designed for homes with broadband speeds up to 900Mbps, eliminates WiFi dead zones, providing a strong, reliable wireless signal throughout the house. For gamers on gigabit-plus connections, Zen’s eero devices can create a powerful whole-home mesh WiFi system that ensures consistent performance even at higher speeds. With the WiFi 6 gaming performance (and even WiFi 7 on some devices) offered by eero, gamers can expect lower latency, or ping, and improved speeds – often rivalling Ethernet.

Equipment and setup: Getting the best from your connection

For the best gaming experience, the equipment you use can be just as important as your connection type. A good router can make or break your WiFi experience, especially when you want to reduce lag in gaming. With Zen’s eero devices, you’ll get some of the fastest WiFi available, ideal for handling the demands of modern gaming. If you’re on an up to 900Mbps connection, Zen’s EveryRoom ensures your gaming experience remains seamless across your home.

When it comes to Ethernet, it’s not just about plugging in any old cable. Hight-quality Ethernet cables (Cat6 or Cat7) support higher speeds and lower interference, maximising your connection’s speed and reliability and providing the optimal environment for low latency gaming.

If you’re gaming on WiFi, a gaming router for low ping can make all the difference. Thankfully, Zen’s FRITZ!Box and eero devices excel here, offering fast, reliable connections and mesh WiFi technology that helps keep latency low. Pair your state-of-the-art setup with Zen’s award-winning broadband, and you’re equipped with one of the best setups for fast internet for gaming.

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When should you choose Ethernet?

For gamers looking to minimise lag, gaming on Ethernet is almost always the best choice. This is especially true for competitive gamers, streamers, or for games that require fast reaction times. Pairing Ethernet with Zen’s full fibre full fibre broadband, recognised by Which? and PC Pro for its excellence, ensures your connection is fast and stable.

Ethernet also makes sense for households with multiple devices connected to the same network. In busy homes, WiFi traffic can quickly become congested, leading to laggy or even dropped connections. By gaming on Ethernet, you’re giving your gaming setup a dedicated, uninterrupted lane for data transfer, ensuring peak performance even when lots of devices are using your wireless network.

When should you choose WiFi?

Gaming on WiFi is ideal for gamers who value flexibility over the best possible performance. If you enjoy gaming in different rooms or simply don’t want the hassle of dealing with cables, a well-optimised WiFi gaming setup can offer a fantastic experience. Zen’s EveryRoom mesh service is an excellent solution for gamers using broadband speeds up to 900Mbps, offering seamless coverage throughout your home.

If you’re on a gigabit-plus broadband connection, Zen’s eero system provides the very best gaming WiFi experience. With rapid speeds and cutting-edge mesh WiFi technology, eero devices ensure you have the coverage and performance you need, even if you prefer gaming wirelessly. Combined with WiFi 6 gaming performance and low ping gaming routers, this setup provides the kind of performance that most WiFi systems simply can’t match. It’s a great alternative to Ethernet.

Ethernet vs WiFi: The choice is yours

When it comes to the Ethernet vs WiFi for gaming debate, the right choice depends on your specific gaming needs and setup. If you’re a competitive gamer or someone who prioritises speed and stability above all else, gaming on Ethernet with Zen’s award-winning full fibre broadband is the clear winner. But if you’d rather have the flexibility of gaming anywhere in your home, and you care more about convenience, a high-quality WiFi gaming setup using Zen’s EveryRoom or eero systems can still deliver top notch performance.

Ready to upgrade your gaming experience? Discover how Zen’s Zen’s award-winning broadband broadband can keep you connected and in control, whether you’re on WiFi or Ethernet.