Ethernet vs. Wi-Fi: Which is better for your needs?

Is it worth plugging in an Ethernet cable, or is Wi-Fi good enough for what you do online? Both connect you to the internet, but in very different ways.

Neither option is inherently better than the other, though, as both have their distinct advantages.

Ethernet is a more stable option, but Wi-Fi is far more convenient because you don’t need to rely on a wire for your connection. Ultimately, the better choice depends on what you’re using the internet for.

Understanding the basics

Before discussing which is better for your use case, it helps to understand what Ethernet and Wi-Fi actually are.

What is Ethernet?

Ethernet is a wired networking technology that connects devices to the internet or a local network using physical cables. These cables typically use an RJ45 connector—a standardized plug with eight pins that snaps into Ethernet ports on devices like PCs and routers.

Ethernet cables come in several categories, with each representing a step up in shielding (the protective layer around the wires inside the cable), speed, and noise reduction.

What is Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi is a wireless networking technology that lets devices connect to the internet or a local network without the need for physical cables. It’s what powers internet access on your phone, laptop, and smart TV.

The first official Wi-Fi standard was introduced in 1997, offering modest speeds of up to 2Mbps. Since then, Wi-Fi has evolved rapidly to meet the growing demand for faster and more reliable wireless connections.

Modern versions include Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E, and Wi-Fi 7.

Key differences between Ethernet and Wi-Fi

While the purpose of both is to get you online, the way Ethernet and Wi-Fi operate can result in different user experiences. From speed and security to reliability and cost, here’s how they compare.

Speed comparison

Ethernet typically delivers faster and more consistent speeds than Wi-Fi. Since it uses a direct wired connection, it avoids many of the issues that can slow down wireless signals, such as interference or distance from the router. Depending on the cable type, Ethernet can support speeds of up to 40Gbps.

While Wi-Fi speeds have improved significantly over the years, they still fall short of Ethernet’s speeds. Even with advanced standards like Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E, real-world performance can vary due to signal interference, network congestion, or physical obstacles like walls and furniture.

For example, Wi-Fi 6 can theoretically reach speeds up to 9.5Gbps, but most users will experience far lower speeds depending on their environment and hardware. In contrast, Ethernet connections—especially those using Cat6a or higher cables—offer more consistent performance.

Security comparison

Ethernet is generally more secure than Wi-Fi because it requires a physical connection to access the network. This significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access or interception by outsiders.

Wi-Fi, being wireless, is inherently more vulnerable to security threats such as eavesdropping and interception. Attackers within range of your wireless signal—or on the same network—could potentially monitor your online activity, capture unencrypted data, or carry out man-in-the-middle attacks to steal sensitive information like passwords or financial details.

Proper security practices can greatly improve Wi-Fi safety. Using strong, unique passwords and enabling the latest encryption standard, WPA3, helps protect your network.

Disabling Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) is also recommended. WPS lets you quickly connect devices to your Wi-Fi by pressing a button on your router or entering a short PIN. While the push-button method requires physical access to your router, the PIN method is vulnerable not just to brute-force attacks but also to a known exploit called the Pixie Dust attack. This attack can allow hackers to recover the PIN by observing the access point traffic without brute force.

For additional protection on Wi-Fi networks, using a VPN like ExpressVPN can encrypt all your internet traffic. This encryption keeps your data private and secure, even if someone intercepts your connection.

Still, if we look at what option is more secure by design, Ethernet remains the winner of the comparison.

Reliability

Ethernet is generally more reliable than Wi-Fi. It’s not affected by interference from walls, other devices, or neighboring networks because it uses a physical cable. This results in fewer connection drops, consistent speeds, and lower latency, all of which are important for activities that require stable internet, like online gaming or video conferencing.

Wi-Fi is less reliable because its performance is impacted by various factors. Your distance from the router, signal interference, walls, and many other things can affect your Wi-Fi connection’s performance. While modern routers and mesh systems have improved Wi-Fi reliability, it’s still not as steady as a wired Ethernet connection.

Convenience and mobility

Wi-Fi is much better for convenience and mobility. You can move freely around your home or office without being physically tethered to your network. This makes it ideal for smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart home devices.

In contrast, Ethernet’s requirement to be physically connected via a cable makes it very inconvenient for portable devices, but it usually isn’t an issue for stationary setups like gaming consoles or desktop PCs.

Cost factors

To use Ethernet, you need a router with Ethernet ports, Ethernet cables, and potentially network switches if you’re connecting multiple devices in different rooms. For older buildings or long distances, running cables through walls or across floors can add to installation costs.

Wi-Fi setups typically include just a router, although you could have additional costs from hardware like mesh systems or range extenders to get full coverage in larger homes. It’s also worth noting that higher-end routers cost significantly more than entry-level options.

Gaming and performance considerations

For gaming, Ethernet is the better choice. Even though a high-end router might be able to get you fast connection speeds, you’re still less likely to experience data packet loss while gaming on Ethernet. This advantage is critical to ensuring optimal performance in competitive online play.

Wi-Fi can still be suitable for casual gaming, especially with a strong signal and a modern router. However, it’s more prone to interference, which can cause packet loss and unnecessary lag spikes.

When to use Ethernet vs. Wi-Fi

Are you unsure whether to use Ethernet or Wi-Fi? The answer depends on what you’re doing and whether you value speed and stability or flexibility and ease of use.

Best scenarios for using Ethernet

Ethernet is ideal when performance and stability matter most. Use it when:

• You need fast and stable speeds for gaming or video conferencing.
• You're transferring large files or backing up data to a local server.
• Your device stays in one place, like a desktop computer or gaming console.

Best scenarios for using Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi shines when you need mobility or convenience. It’s best when:

• You’re using smartphones, tablets, or laptops on the go
• You want to connect smart home devices without extra wiring
• You value a clean setup without clutter from cables
• You live in a space where running Ethernet cables isn’t practical

Can you use both Ethernet and Wi-Fi at the same time?

Yes, most devices can connect to Ethernet and Wi-Fi at once, but typical consumer setups will always prioritize one to avoid conflicts and ensure efficient routing. In most cases, that preferred connection is Ethernet.

For instance, Windows manages this through the Automatic Metric feature. Network routes are assigned “metric” values, representing the cost of using them. Faster speeds lead to lower costs, which get prioritized. For example, a fast Ethernet connection (1Gbps or higher) will get a lower metric than a typical Wi-Fi connection, so traffic is routed through Ethernet.

Setup tips and recommendations

Getting the most out of your network isn’t just about choosing Ethernet or Wi-Fi, as it’s also important to choose the right setup from the start.

Choosing the right Ethernet cable

As mentioned, Ethernet cables are of various categories, each with different costs and bandwidth limits. The length of the cable can also impact performance.

The following table highlights the capabilities of each cable and how long they should be:

For most home users, Cat6a offers the best balance of speed, distance, and price. It supports 10Gbps up to 100 meters, making it ideal for high-speed home networks without the added cost of Cat7 or Cat8.

Optimizing your Wi-Fi signal

There are several steps you can take to ensure you have an optimal Wi-Fi signal:

• Place your router in a central, elevated location.
• Keep your router away from metal objects and thick walls that could cause interference.
• Consider a mesh Wi-Fi system or range extender for larger spaces.

Switching between connections

If, in the end, you decide you need both Ethernet and Wi-Fi, it’s worth knowing that switching from Wi-Fi to Ethernet and vice versa is usually seamless. Plug in your Ethernet cable, and your device should automatically prioritize the wired connection if it’s faster. If it doesn’t, you can manually turn off your device’s Wi-Fi. To switch back, just unplug the cable or disable Ethernet in your settings.