Wi-Fi is convenient, but when streaming lags or buffers, convenience isn’t enough. That’s why I chose Ethernet. It delivers consistent speed, stability, and peace of mind, making every stream as smooth as it should be.
1
Wired Connections Provide Consistently Faster Speeds
The speed advantage of Ethernet is undeniable and forms the backbone of my preference for wired connections in my streaming setup. While Wi-Fi has made significant strides with newer standards like Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7, it still struggles to match Ethernet’s consistent, high-speed performance.
A standard Gigabit Ethernet connection offers speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps (1 Gbps), and newer standards like 2.5 Gigabit and 10 Gigabit Ethernet push those limits even further. In contrast, Wi-Fi speeds often fluctuate due to distance, interference, and network congestion. While Wi-Fi standards from Wi-Fi 6 upwards can theoretically match or even exceed Gigabit speeds in ideal scenarios, real-world conditions rarely allow this.
Plus, Ethernet isn’t as easily affected by signal degradation over distance as Wi-Fi is. If your router is on one side of the house and your streaming setup is on the other, Wi-Fi can struggle to maintain its speed. Ethernet cable’s distance limits are much higher than Wi-Fi’s. You can run an Ethernet cable as long as 100 meters without worrying about speed drops.
2
Ethernet Avoids Wi-Fi Interference From Walls and Devices
Wi-Fi is convenient, but it’s also prone to interference. Walls, furniture, and even appliances like microwaves can disrupt Wi-Fi signals, leading to frustrating drops in speed and connectivity. If you live in an apartment or a house with thick walls, you’ve probably noticed the signal bars drop as you move further from the router.
Ethernet, being a wired connection, completely sidesteps these issues. Connecting your PC device directly to your router via an Ethernet cable eliminates the variables that degrade Wi-Fi performance.
Another often-overlooked source of interference is other Wi-Fi networks. In densely populated areas, your Wi-Fi signal competes with your neighbors, leading to congestion and slower speeds. Ethernet doesn’t care about your neighbor’s Wi-Fi (or Ethernet, for that matter). It provides a dedicated, interference-free connection that’s perfect for streaming.
3
Low Latency for Live Streams and Gaming
If you’re into live streaming or gaming, latency (or lag) is your worst enemy. Even a few milliseconds delay can mean the difference between a flawless headshot and an embarrassing defeat.
Wi-Fi, by its very nature, introduces latency. Data packets travel through the air, which means they can’t match the near-instantaneous response of a wired connection.
Imagine you’re hosting a live Q&A session or participating in a gaming tournament. With Wi-Fi, unexpected hiccups like buffering or lag could disrupt the flow. On Ethernet, those concerns fade away. You get a stable, low-latency connection that lets you focus entirely on the content or the competition without worrying about technical interruptions.
4
Fewer Firmware Issues
If you’ve ever dealt with Wi-Fi connectivity issues, you know how frustrating it can be to troubleshoot firmware problems. Routers and Wi-Fi adapters often require frequent updates to fix bugs, improve performance, or patch security vulnerabilities. Sometimes, these updates can even introduce new issues, leaving you stuck in a troubleshooting cycle.
Ethernet eliminates much of this headache. Its technology is well-established and doesn’t rely on frequent firmware updates for optimal performance. While Ethernet hardware, such as network interface cards (NICs) and switches, can still require occasional updates, these are far less common and disruptive than Wi-Fi’s.
For flawless streaming, Ethernet beats Wi-Fi every time. If you’re tired of dealing with buffering, lag, or dropped connections, it’s time to consider going wired. Ethernet might require a bit more effort to set up, but the payoff in performance and peace of mind is well worth it.
