Wi-Fi has revolutionized the way we connect to the internet, making wired connections almost unnecessary. One might even think that there’s no need for Ethernet cables anymore, as you can connect all your devices to any Wi-Fi network.
However, Ethernet still offers some great benefits, which is why the cables are here to stay. But which of the two is better for your PC?
Let’s look at some of the key factors for determining whether to use Ethernet or Wi-Fi for your PC.
Connection Speed
If you want a faster internet connection, plug an Ethernet cable into your PC. Run a speed test, and you’ll notice your connection speed may have even doubled. Why is that?
It’s because there’s no signal interference when you use Ethernet.
When it comes to Wi-Fi, many things can mess with the signal. The objects in between your router and PC, other electrical devices in your home, and even your neighbor’s Wi-Fi can interfere with the signal.
But when you use an Ethernet cable, your PC can send and receive data without a hitch. There’s nothing to interfere with the signal, and no surrounding objects can block it. You can enjoy a much faster connection, no matter how far your router is.
Speed Consistency
Ethernet delivers a consistent speed, which isn’t the case with Wi-Fi. While your Wi-Fi connection can drop multiple times during the day, an Ethernet connection will remain stable at all times.
That’s because Ethernet doesn’t transmit the signal wirelessly. Thanks to a cable, it works like an electrical circuit, using the flow of electrons to transfer data.
That means you don’t have to worry about the signal dropping or degrading. Unless there’s network congestion and your ISP throttle your connection to ensure stable traffic, you’ll enjoy a solid end-to-end data flow.
Latency
Latency goes hand in hand with speed consistency. If you’re a gamer, you know how latency can make a world of difference to your gameplay. The lower the latency, the faster your reaction time, which means more wins and a better gaming experience.
When you use Wi-Fi, latency can be a big issue. That’s because of all those interferences that mess with the signal. But when you use Ethernet, you can reduce the latency significantly.
If you use your PC for various business purposes or stream videos, you may not notice a big difference in latency. But if you’re an avid gamer, you might be better off with an Ethernet cable.
The same goes if you need to transfer large files between devices. If you share files of your design or dev projects frequently, an Ethernet connection is your best way to go.
Security
When it comes to online security, using Ethernet is a no-brainer.
Ethernet connections are more secure than their Wi-Fi counterparts because no one can intercept data over a wired connection. To do so, they would need access to both the router and the cable.
That’s not the case with Wi-Fi networks. Anyone tech-savvy enough can hack a Wi-Fi network and gain access to all the connected devices. If a potential cybercriminal makes you their phishing target, they could slip malware into your PC and steal your personal and sensitive data.
But what about your smartphone and other mobile devices you use at home? Should you never connect them to your home network’s Wi-Fi to avoid a potential cyberattack? Not necessarily.
You can set your router to provide the safest Wi-Fi connection possible. However, it might not be enough. In such instances, get a PC VPN to ensure that everything you perform via Wi-Fi is properly secured. A VPN encrypts entire internet traffic, meaning that various online entities will no longer be able to see what you are doing. Even your Internet Service Provider will no longer be able to identify your activities. It is an excellent solution for anyone using Wi-Fi regularly.
The Verdict
As you can see, Ethernet is a much better option for your PC than Wi-Fi. It ensures a faster and more stable connection, reduces latency, and strengthens your online security.
If you want to use Ethernet to connect multiple devices to your router, you’ll need a switch box and lots of cables. That’s why Wi-Fi may be more convenient, but it can compromise your online security.