Introduction
When setting up a wired internet connection, many people get confused by the different categories of ethernet cables. From Cat5e to Cat8, the choices can feel overwhelming. Among these, Cat7 looks impressive on paper with faster speeds and better shielding. But is it really the best choice? A key question people ask is: what are the disadvantages of Cat7? Let’s go through this step by step so it makes sense.
What is Cat7?
Cat7 is an upgraded type of ethernet cable that supports speeds up to 10 Gbps at a distance of 100 meters. It also has a high bandwidth of 600 MHz, which makes it stronger against interference. At first glance, it seems ideal for fast and stable internet. But when you look closer, you’ll see why it’s not always the right option for homes or even small offices.
The Exact Answer
So, what are the disadvantages of Cat7? The main disadvantages are that Cat7 is expensive, often unnecessary for home use, not widely standardized, and is overkill compared to more practical cables like Cat6 or ethernet cable Cat5e. Unless you have very specific needs, Cat7 usually isn’t worth the investment.
Disadvantage 1: Higher Cost
One of the first issues with Cat7 is the price. Cat7 cables cost more than Cat5e or Cat6 but don’t deliver noticeable benefits for average users. For example, if your internet plan only offers 500 Mbps or even 1 Gbps, ethernet cable Cat5e or Cat6 already handle this speed perfectly. Buying Cat7 in this case only means you spend more money without seeing real improvements.
Disadvantage 2: Not Fully Standardized
Cat7 cables are not officially recognized as a standard in the same way Cat6 and Cat6a are. Instead, many companies defined their own versions of Cat7. This means compatibility can sometimes be an issue, especially when pairing it with certain devices or jacks. On the other hand, Cat6 and ethernet cable Cat5e follow widely accepted standards, so they are guaranteed to work smoothly with most equipment.
Disadvantage 3: Overkill for Homes
Another major drawback is that Cat7 is usually overkill for home use. Most households run internet plans under 1 or 2 Gbps. Cat5e cables already support 1 Gbps, and Cat6 supports up to 10 Gbps at shorter distances. Since home networks rarely use the full power of Cat7, buying it offers no real advantage for browsing, gaming, or streaming.
Disadvantage 4: Stiff and Hard to Install
Because of the heavy shielding inside Cat7, the cables are thicker and less flexible. This makes them harder to install, especially in tight spaces or behind walls. Running ethernet cable Cat5e or Cat6 is much easier since they’re lighter and more flexible, making installation simpler for most households.
Disadvantage 5: Doesn’t Improve Internet You Don’t Have
Many people assume that a high‑end cable like Cat7 will make their internet instantly faster. This is not true. Your internet speed depends on what your provider gives you. If your connection is capped at 200 Mbps or 1 Gbps, a Cat7 cable won’t magically increase that. An ethernet cable Cat5e can already handle 1 Gbps, which is plenty for most families today.
Disadvantage 6: Future Proofing Myth
Some people justify Cat7 by calling it “future proof.” While that sounds smart, the truth is Cat8 is already available, offering up to 40 Gbps speeds. By the time home internet requires more than 10 Gbps, Cat8 will likely be cheaper and more standardized. Cat7 sits in the middle—too advanced for homes today but already overshadowed by the newer Cat8.
Cat7 vs Ethernet Cable Cat5e and Cat6
To put things into perspective, ethernet cable Cat5e supports gigabit speeds, which is enough for streaming, browsing, gaming, and working from home. Cat6 improves this and can reach 10 Gbps in shorter distances, making it a fantastic affordable upgrade. Cat7, on the other hand, costs more, is harder to install, and offers almost no real advantage for home networks. That’s why many professionals recommend Cat6 or Cat6a instead of Cat7.
Easy Example to Understand
Think of ethernet cables like cars. An ethernet cable Cat5e is a reliable sedan that gets you everywhere comfortably. A Cat6 is like a sports car—faster and with more performance for heavy use. Cat7 is like buying a race car when all the roads in your city only allow speeds of 60 km/hr. Sure, it’s powerful, but you will never really use its full potential.
Who Might Still Use Cat7?
Although Cat7 is not the best choice for homes, it can have a role in specialized environments. For example, small businesses that require heavy file transfers, or setups in areas with extreme interference, might benefit from Cat7’s shielding. But even then, many such setups prefer Cat6a, which is more cost‑effective and widely supported.
Final Recap Answer
To be clear, the disadvantages of Cat7 are higher costs, lack of standardization, difficulty installing, and being unnecessary for most homes. Cat6 or ethernet cable Cat5e already provide more than enough performance for household use. Cat8 has also replaced Cat7 for cutting‑edge speeds, making Cat7 feel like a forgotten step in between.
Conclusion
Cat7 isn’t completely useless—it’s fast, durable, and works well in specific situations. But for the average household, it’s not the right choice. Ethernet cable Cat5e is still reliable and affordable for gigabit internet, and Cat6 or Cat6a offer the perfect balance of cost, speed, and future readiness. Cat7 may look powerful, but in reality, it’s often overkill, harder to install, and overshadowed by other options.
If you’re wiring a home today, you’ll save more money and still get the performance you need by choosing Cat6 or even sticking with ethernet cable Cat5e. Cat7 won’t harm you, but it also won’t give you the benefits you might expect.
Sources: https://spoxor.com/ethernet-cables-explained-a-comprehensive-overview/
https://www.florevit.com/read-blog/46285
https://www.promoteproject.com/article/198731/can-i-plug-a-cat-8-cable-into-a-cat6-jack
