WiFi vs ethernet for gaming – which is better?

You’re not alone if you’re considering Wi-Fi vs ethernet and wondering which is better for gaming.

WiFi is the newer kid on the block, but by no means does that mean an ethernet connection has been outlawed for gaming. If you’re a gamer, there’s no skirting round the fact that you need a strong, stable and fast connection. Indeed, in case you’re looking for the best ethernet cables for gaming, we’ve got you covered.

The bottom line is that while Wi-Fi 6 is pretty fast, but an ethernet connection is still faster at 10 gigabits per second (gbps). There’s no denying WiFi’s convenience, particularly for portable devices. However, whether you’re gaming on PC or console, an ethernet connection boasts a fraction of the latency which should be a top priority if you’re playing fps games.

That’s not to bash WiFi too much – there are still several advantages to discuss. If you’re worried about latency, it’s worth knowing that there are ways to reduce it on your WiFi or ethernet too.

WiFi vs ethernet – which is better for gaming?

Ultimately, an ethernet connection is definitely better for gaming since it offers a faster and more direct connection with minimal amounts of interference.

WiFi is advantageous for those who need flexibility and freedom while gaming. If you’re gaming on a laptop, it might not be convenient to be tethered to your house’s modem. And it goes without saying that WiFi is essential if you’re into mobile gaming.

However, if you have a desktop PC, then an ethernet is probably better for gaming. Since gaming is sensitive to network latency, an ethernet connection is preferable to reduce or eliminate latency fluctuations that are more common with a WiFi connection. In short, an ethernet connection is definitely better for gaming if you’re in need of a more reliable internet connection.

Is WiFi good enough for PC gaming?

WiFi can be good enough for PC gaming, but it adds an extra step between your gaming devices and your internet connection, meaning there’s a greater latency.

This can be a significant tactical disadvantage in fps games, especially when you throw in additional challenges like network congestion and factor in the distance between you and your household’s router.

If you do need to use WiFi for PC gaming, we recommend playing close to your WiFi router with as few obstructions as possible. It also might be worth investing in a gaming router that can help stabilize your internet connection. If you’re tossing between upgrading your router or modem, we might be able to help.

We also recommend avoiding peak hours when gaming via WiFi since a router is limited to how many wireless devices are connected to it.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good internet speed for gaming?

For gaming, you ideally want over 20 Mbps for gaming, especially for multiplayer titles. Gaming at anything lower and you’ll be falling into what we like to call the danger zone where you can experience lag and stuttering.

Which WiFi mode is best for gaming?

While an ethernet is preferable for gaming, using Wi-Fi 6 will provide a pretty speedy connection via 5Ghz bandwidth.