Cat5e or Cat6 for a smart TV?
Either works: a 4K stream needs about 15 to 25Mbps, far below the 1,000Mbps Cat5e carries. Cat6 costs about the same and suits faster broadband, so it's the one to buy.
Checked 10th November 2026.
Worth knowing
- Many TVs' network sockets run at 100Mbps anyway, which is still four times what 4K streaming needs.
Cat6 network cable, 3m£2.09 at TV Cables
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Answer checked by Tely. Prices and stock from TV Cables’ product feed, last updated 10th November 2026. Shop links earn Tely a small commission; it never decides what we recommend. How we check.