In a world increasingly dependent on stable, high-speed internet connections, the Ercielook CAT8 Ethernet Cable promises professional-grade performance at a remarkably accessible price point. At just £3.99, this 0.5m cable claims to deliver 40Gbps transfer speeds, weatherproof construction, and gaming-ready reliability. But can a budget cable really compete with premium offerings? Let’s find out.
Key Specifications
- Length: 0.5m (also available in 1m, 2m, 3m, 5m)
- Category: CAT8 (Category 8)
- Bandwidth: Up to 2000MHz
- Speed: Up to 40Gbps data transfer
- Construction: S/FTP (Shielded Foiled Twisted Pair)
- Connector: Gold-plated RJ45
- Design: Ultra-thin flat cable
- Wire: 4 pairs of 100% bare copper
- Rating: Weatherproof, UV-resistant
- Compatibility: Backwards compatible with Cat7/Cat6/Cat5e/Cat5
- Price: £3.99 (frequently on sale from £5.99)
Performance Analysis
Speed and Bandwidth
The Ercielook CAT8 cable supports bandwidth up to 2000MHz and data transfer speeds reaching 40 Gbps, making it significantly faster than older standards like Cat7, Cat6, and Cat5e. In real-world testing, users report:
- Gaming: Stable connections for gaming devices with no lag or stuttering
- Streaming: Netflix and YouTube streaming work without stalling
- Downloads: Supporting download rates up to 50MB/s
- File Transfers: Noticeably faster than Cat6 cables in data-intensive applications
The cable’s high bandwidth makes it future-proof, capable of handling 4K and 8K streaming, high-bitrate gaming, and professional data transfer requirements.
Build Quality and Design
The cable features several impressive construction elements:
- Shielding: Four pairs of 100% copper wiring with foil shielding minimise signal loss and interference
- Connectors: Gold-plated RJ45 connectors deliver stable and reliable connections
- Flat Profile: The ultra-thin design prevents cable tangling and allows for discreet installation under carpets or along walls
- Durability: The cable can withstand bending over 10,000 times without breaking
One reviewer noted: “This is the only cord I’ve had that has lasted more than a month, its just amazing, I love that even though it’s flat its very durable”.
Weatherproofing and Outdoor Use
A standout feature for a cable at this price point is its environmental resilience:
- The durable PVC cover makes it weatherproof and UV resistant, able to withstand extreme temperatures and direct sunlight
- Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use
- Maintains performance efficiency in cold, humid, and hot weather conditions
This makes it ideal not just for indoor setups but also for outdoor cameras, garden office networks, and weatherproof installations.
Real-World Usage Scenarios
Gaming Performance
The cable is perfect for online gaming and streaming, with its 40 Gbps speed ensuring low latency and fast data transfer for a seamless gaming experience. Compatible with:
- PlayStation 5, PS4, PS3
- Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One
- Nintendo Switch
- Gaming PCs
Home and Office Networking
The 0.5m length is particularly suited for:
- Connecting routers to modems
- Patch panel connections
- Desktop PC to wall socket
- Network switches and hubs
- Close-proximity devices
Professional Applications
While budget-priced, the CAT8 specification means it can handle:
- Video production and editing workflows
- Server room connections
- NAS (Network Attached Storage) devices
- High-speed data centres
- Professional streaming setups
Pros and Cons
Advantages
✅ Exceptional value – At £3.99, it’s one of the most affordable CAT8 cables available
✅ Future-proof performance – 40Gbps and 2000MHz bandwidth exceed most home networking needs
✅ Weatherproof construction – Rare for budget cables, enables outdoor installation
✅ Universal compatibility – Works with all previous Ethernet standards
✅ Space-saving design – Flat profile fits easily under carpets and through tight spaces
✅ Durable connectors – Gold-plated RJ45 with proper strain relief
✅ Verified reliability – Thousands of positive customer reviews
✅ Plug and play – No configuration required
Disadvantages
❌ Limited length – 0.5m may be too short for some applications (longer versions available)
❌ Flat design trade-off – Some users find flat cables slightly less robust than round alternatives
❌ No cable management accessories – Doesn’t include cable ties or clips (some versions do)
❌ No LED indicators – Unlike some premium cables, no visual connection status
❌ Overkill for basic use – CAT8 performance exceeds most home internet speeds
Compatibility and Installation
The cable is compatible with most routers, including older models, and works seamlessly with:
- Modems and routers
- Network switches
- Patch panels
- Gaming consoles
- Smart TVs
- Computers and laptops
- WiFi extenders
- Security camera systems
Installation is straightforward with its flat design and ultra-thin profile making it easy to manage and store – simply plug it in and you’re ready to go.
Value Proposition
At £3.99, the Ercielook CAT8 cable delivers exceptional value for money. To put this in perspective:
- Premium CAT8 cables typically cost £10-25 for similar lengths
- Even basic CAT6 cables often cost more than this CAT8 option
- The weatherproof rating alone would typically add £5-10 to the price
The cable punches well above its weight class, offering professional-grade specifications at consumer-friendly pricing.
Comparison with Alternatives
| Feature | Ercielook CAT8 | Amazon Basics CAT7 | UGREEN CAT8 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £3.99 | £8.99 | £7.99 |
| Speed | 40Gbps | 10Gbps | 40Gbps |
| Bandwidth | 2000MHz | 600MHz | 2000MHz |
| Weatherproof | Yes | No | Limited |
| Design | Flat | Round | Flat |
| Value | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
Who Should Buy This Cable?
Perfect for:
- Budget-conscious gamers wanting professional performance
- Home office setups requiring reliable connections
- Anyone needing weatherproof outdoor cabling
- Users upgrading from older Cat5e/Cat6 cables
- Smart home enthusiasts with multiple wired devices
- Streamers requiring stable, high-bandwidth connections
Consider alternatives if:
- You need cables longer than 5m (consider longer versions)
- You require industrial-grade certifications
- You prefer traditional round cable design
- You need integrated cable management features
Final Verdict
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
The Ercielook CAT8 Ethernet Cable 0.5m is a remarkable achievement in value engineering. It successfully delivers professional-grade CAT8 performance – complete with 40Gbps speeds, 2000MHz bandwidth, and weatherproof construction – at a price point that undercuts even basic Cat6 cables from established brands.
While the 0.5m length won’t suit every application, it’s perfect for patch cables, router-to-modem connections, and close-proximity devices. The flat design is a practical choice for most installations, though those preferring traditional round cables may want to explore the brand’s alternative offerings.
With a 4.5 out of 5-star rating from over 6,415 customer reviews, the market has spoken: this is a cable that delivers on its promises. The combination of future-proof specifications, weatherproof durability, and aggressive pricing makes it an easy recommendation for anyone seeking a reliable Ethernet solution.
For less than the price of a coffee, you’re getting a cable that could theoretically support internet speeds far beyond what most ISPs currently offer. That’s not just good value – it’s exceptional value.
Bottom Line
Best for: Short-run connections, gaming setups, outdoor installations, budget-conscious users
Skip if: You need very long cables or prefer round designs
Price: £3.99 (outstanding value)
Our Verdict: A budget cable that performs like a premium product
Buy on Amazon : https://amzn.to/3KZFAHJ
Looking for fast, reliable internet connectivity without breaking the bank? The Ercielook CAT8 cable delivers professional performance at a fraction of the cost. Have you tried this cable? Share your experience in the comments!
