Cat6 Ethernet Cable 500FT Channel Test Pass
4.5Editor score
Easy pull box design
550MHZ bandwidth support
Cost-effective for temporary use
In this guide
Finding the right long-distance network cable is essential for expanding your home or office infrastructure. A high-quality 500 Foot Ethernet Cable ensures stable connectivity across large spaces without signal loss or interference issues.
We evaluated ten top-rated bulk cables based on conductor material, shielding, and industry certifications. Each product was analyzed for durability, ease of installation, and compatibility with modern networking equipment to help you choose wisely.
Our detailed reviews highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each option to guide your decision. Keep in mind that prices and availability may change over time, so always verify current details before making a final purchase online.
Top 3 Picks for Best 500 Foot Ethernet Cable
Cable Matters 10Gbps Cat 6 Bulk Cable
4.7Editor score
Solid bare copper conductors
UL Listed for safety
Supports up to 10Gbps
TRUE CABLE Cat6 Direct Burial Outdoor Bulk
4.7Editor score
Shielded F/UTP design
Direct burial rated OSP jacket
Supports PoE++ up to 100W
Top 10 Best 500 Foot Ethernet Cable in 2026 Compared
The following table provides a side-by-side comparison of all ten products reviewed in this guide. It highlights key specifications such as conductor type, jacket material, and bandwidth capabilities to help you quickly identify the best fit for your specific networking needs.
ProductsSpecificationsEditor scorePrice
Best Budget
VIVO Gray 500ft Bulk Cat6
Solid CCA 23 AWG
Unshielded Twisted Pair
Indoor use only
Dark gray jacket
4.3Editor score
Editor's Choice
Cat6 Ethernet Cable 500FT Channel Test Pass
Solid CCA 23 AWG
550MHZ bandwidth
No PoE support
Blue jacket
4.5Editor score
Editor's Choice
Cable Matters 10Gbps Cat 6 Bulk Cable
Solid bare copper
UL Listed CM Rated
Foot-marked jacket
Blue jacket
4.7Editor score
Cat 6 Outdoor Ethernet Cable 500 ft
24AWG CCA stranded
LLDPE UV Jacket
Direct burial rated
Includes RJ45 connectors
4.6Editor score
VIVO White 500ft Bulk Cat5e Wire
Solid CCA 24 AWG
Unshielded Twisted Pair
Indoor use only
White jacket
4.4Editor score
celertec CAT6 Outdoor Cable
Solid bare copper
LLDPE jacket
ETL Listed CMX
Wooden spool
4.7Editor score
JAVEX CAT 6A Riser CMR Ethernet Cable
23AWG bare copper
FTP shielded design
UL Riser Rated
Blue jacket
4.8Editor score
Cat 8 Bulk Ethernet Cable
26AWG composite
2000MHz bandwidth
40Gbps speed
F/FTP shielding
4.7Editor score
TRUE CABLE Cat6 Direct Burial Outdoor Bulk
23AWG bare copper
F/UTP shielded
OSP jacket
PoE++ up to 100W
4.7Editor score
trueCABLE Cat6 Riser (CMR)
23AWG bare copper
Unshielded Twisted Pair
CMR rated
ETL Listed
4.7Editor score
1. Cable Matters 10Gbps Cat 6 Bulk Cable – Best Overall for Reliable Home Networking
Cable Matters 10Gbps Cat 6 Bulk Cable
Solid bare copper conductors
UL Listed E485863
550 MHz bandwidth support
Foot-marked jacket for measurement
The Cable Matters 10Gbps Cat 6 Bulk Cable stands out as a top performer for home and office networks. It holds a strong 4.7 rating from users who appreciate its reliability and speed capabilities over long distances.
Pros
- High performance bare copper construction
- UL Listed for safety compliance
- Easy to pull packaging
- Supports 10Gigabit Ethernet
- Excellent for PoE devices
Cons
- Higher price point than CCA
- Blue color may not match all decor
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Crafted with solid bare copper conductors, this cable ensures superior signal quality and supports Power over Ethernet applications up to 100W. The UL Listed certification provides peace of mind for safety and compliance with industry standards.
While it costs more than aluminum alternatives, the investment pays off in longevity and performance. The foot-marked jacket helps you track usage accurately, which is essential for managing large installations efficiently.
This cable is ideal for professionals and serious home users who need stable, high-speed connections. Its ability to handle PoE devices makes it perfect for security cameras and wireless access points throughout your property.
Superior Conductivity with Bare Copper
Solid bare copper conductors provide better electrical conductivity compared to CCA, ensuring stable data transfer rates even over the full 500ft length.
Future-Proof Network Compatibility
With support for 10Gigabit Ethernet and backward compatibility with older networks, this cable prepares your infrastructure for upcoming bandwidth demands.
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2. Cat6 Ethernet Cable 500FT Channel Test Pass – Best Value for Temporary Installations
Cat6 Ethernet Cable 500FT Channel Test Pass
Solid CCA 23 AWG
550MHZ bandwidth
No PoE support
Easy Pull Box
The Cat6 Ethernet Cable 500FT Channel Test Pass offers a compelling option for those on a budget. With a 4.5 rating, it is praised for its ease of use and solid data transfer capabilities for non-power applications.
Pros
- Affordable price for large roll
- Easy pull box prevents tangles
- Passes channel tests up to 300ft
- Compatible with patch panels
- High bandwidth for data transfer
Cons
- CCA conductors have higher resistance
- Not suitable for PoE power
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Its CCA construction makes it significantly cheaper than copper while still supporting up to 10G speed and 550MHZ bandwidth. The easy pull box design ensures smooth deployment without kinks or tangles during installation.
Users should note that it does not support Power over Ethernet due to the higher resistance of aluminum. This makes it best suited for data-only connections where power delivery is not required.
This cable is perfect for temporary setups or office networks where cost savings are a priority. It provides reliable connectivity for standard computing devices without the premium price of pure copper.
Efficient Data Transfer Capabilities
The 550MHZ bandwidth allows for fast data transfers suitable for modern office environments and home entertainment systems.
Practical Packaging for Easy Use
The included easy pull box minimizes setup time by allowing smooth, snag-free unwinding of the full 500ft roll.
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3. TRUE CABLE Cat6 Direct Burial Outdoor Bulk – Best Premium for Outdoor Durability
TRUE CABLE Cat6 Direct Burial Outdoor Bulk
23AWG solid bare copper
Shielded F/UTP design
OSP Jacket for outdoor use
Supports PoE++ up to 100W
The TRUE CABLE Cat6 Direct Burial Outdoor Bulk is engineered for the toughest conditions. It carries a 4.7 rating from users who value its ruggedness and consistent performance in outdoor environments.
Pros
- Direct burial rated OSP jacket
- Superior shielding against interference
- Solid bare copper conductors
- Supports high power PoE++
- Field tested for reliability
Cons
- Expensive compared to indoor cables
- Black jacket may be visible above ground
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Constructed with shielded F/UTP and solid bare copper, this cable eliminates electromagnetic interference and supports PoE++ power delivery. The OSP jacket is specifically rated for direct burial and exposure to harsh weather.
While the price is higher than standard options, the durability justifies the cost for permanent installations. It offers reliable protection against water, UV rays, and physical damage from soil or digging.
This choice is ideal for connecting outdoor security systems or extending networks to distant buildings. It ensures your infrastructure remains operational regardless of environmental challenges or temperature extremes.
Shielded Design for Clean Signals
F/UTP shielding effectively blocks external noise to maintain high signal integrity even in electrically noisy environments.
Outdoor and Burial Rated
The OSP jacket is tested to withstand direct sunlight and moisture, making it safe for long-term outdoor installation.
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4. VIVO Gray 500ft Bulk Cat6 – Reliable Budget Indoor Solution
VIVO Gray 500ft Bulk Cat6
Solid CCA 23 AWG
Unshielded Twisted Pair
Dark gray jacket
Connector-free bulk roll
The VIVO Gray 500ft Bulk Cat6 offers a straightforward solution for indoor wiring needs. It has received a 4.3 rating for its functional design and ease of handling during basic network setups.
Pros
- Affordable bulk option
- Easy spool box included
- Dark gray fits standard walls
- Suitable for indoor patching
Cons
- CCA may degrade faster over time
- No outdoor rating
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Made with solid CCA conductors and a dark gray jacket, it blends well in office or home environments. The connector-free roll allows flexibility to terminate ends exactly where needed for custom lengths.
While not designed for outdoor use, it performs well indoors for standard data transmission. The easy spool box helps manage the cable length without tangling during installation.
This is a solid choice for those needing an economical cable for indoor runs. It provides adequate performance for most standard computing tasks without premium features.
Flexible Termination Options
The connector-free design allows you to cut the cable to exact lengths, reducing waste and customizing your setup.
Indoor Focused Design
Specifically designed for indoor use, this cable is optimized for stable connections within climate controlled environments.
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5. Cat 6 Outdoor Ethernet Cable 500 ft – Complete Kit for Outdoor Projects
Cat 6 Outdoor Ethernet Cable 500 ft
24AWG CCA stranded core
LLDPE UV Jacket
Includes 30 RJ45 connectors
Direct burial rated
This outdoor cable kit includes everything needed for a complete installation project. With a 4.6 rating, it is appreciated for its weather resistant design and convenience of included accessories.
Pros
- Includes connectors and tools
- Weather resistant LLDPE jacket
- Gold plated connectors
- Flexible for trench installation
Cons
- Stranded core may be less stable than solid
- Cable ties included are basic
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The direct burial rated jacket protects against water and UV light while the gold plated connectors ensure good contact points. It is designed for flexible use in trenches or above ground installations.
While the stranded core differs from typical solid home cables, it remains durable enough for most outdoor applications. The inclusion of a cropping tool and ties makes it a ready-to-use solution.
Users looking for a complete package without buying separate accessories will find this valuable. It simplifies the process of extending network access to outdoor areas.
All-in-One Installation Kit
The inclusion of connectors and tools saves time and ensures you have all components needed for a successful outdoor setup.
Weather and UV Resistant
The LLDPE jacket protects the internal wires from sunlight and moisture for lasting outdoor performance.
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6. VIVO White 500ft Bulk Cat5e Wire – Affordable Standard Speed Option
VIVO White 500ft Bulk Cat5e Wire
Solid CCA 24 AWG
Unshielded Twisted Pair
White jacket finish
Indoor use only
The VIVO White 500ft Bulk Cat5e Wire provides a standard solution for basic networking needs. It has a 4.4 rating for its functional simplicity and ease of handling during installation.
Pros
- Cost effective bulk cable
- Easy spool box design
- White finish for visibility
- Suitable for crossover cables
Cons
- Cat5e slower than Cat6
- CCA construction limitations
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Its white jacket makes it easy to identify on walls or floors. The CCA construction keeps costs down for those who do not need gigabit speeds for every connection point.
While slower than Cat6 options, it remains sufficient for many legacy systems or non-critical links. The easy spool box helps manage the long roll without creating knots or tangles.
This product is best for older setups or budget constrained projects. It offers reliable connectivity for standard internet speeds without premium features.
Standard Cat5e Performance
This cable supports standard Gigabit Ethernet speeds suitable for general browsing and office tasks.
Cost Effective Bulk Packaging
A large roll ensures you have plenty of cable for multiple rooms without needing to buy multiple smaller boxes.
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7. celertec CAT6 Outdoor Cable – High Quality Outdoor Solid Copper
celertec CAT6 Outdoor Cable
Solid bare copper conductors
LLDPE outdoor jacket
ETL Listed CMX
Wooden spool packaging
The celertec CAT6 Outdoor Cable delivers superior outdoor performance with solid bare copper. It holds a 4.7 rating for its robust construction and consistent signal quality in exterior environments.
Pros
- Solid copper performance
- Weather and UV resistant
- Durable wooden spool
- Foot markings included
Cons
- Higher cost than CCA
- Wooden spool takes storage space
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Protected by a UV resistant LLDPE jacket, this cable withstands rain and temperature changes effectively. The wooden spool keeps the cable organized and makes installation easier on large projects.
Although it is more expensive than aluminum options, the copper ensures better longevity and PoE support. The sequential foot markings help you track exactly how much cable you have left.
This is an excellent choice for serious outdoor installs where reliability is non-negotiable. It combines premium materials with practical packaging for professional results.
Durable Outdoor Protection
The heavy duty jacket and copper core ensure the cable survives harsh weather conditions without degradation.
Professional Wooden Spool
The sturdy wooden spool prevents tangling and makes it easy to transport and deploy the cable.
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8. JAVEX CAT 6A Riser CMR Ethernet Cable – Premium Shielded Riser Option
JAVEX CAT 6A Riser CMR Ethernet Cable
23AWG bare copper
FTP shielded design
UL Riser Rated CMR
Foot markings included
The JAVEX CAT 6A Riser CMR Ethernet Cable offers higher performance for vertical installations. With a 4.8 rating, it stands out for its shielding and compliance with strict safety standards.
Pros
- Higher Cat6A performance
- Shielded against interference
- UL Riser Rated
- Supports high power PoE
Cons
- Expensive compared to Cat6
- Rigid shielding adds stiffness
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Its FTP shielded design protects against interference while the riser rated jacket allows use between floors. The bare copper conductors ensure signal fidelity over the full length.
The higher cost reflects the premium features suitable for professional data centers or large buildings. It supports high power PoE needs better than standard options.
This is ideal for commercial projects needing certified and safe vertical cable. The blue color helps distinguish it from other cables during complex setups.
Enhanced Shielding Protection
The FTP design minimizes crosstalk and external noise for cleaner data transmission.
Safe Vertical Installation
CMR rating ensures the cable is safe for in-wall and vertical riser runs.
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9. Cat 8 Bulk Ethernet Cable – Ultimate Speed for High Performance
Cat 8 Bulk Ethernet Cable
26AWG composite
2000MHz bandwidth
40Gbps speed
Double shielded F/FTP
The Cat 8 Bulk Ethernet Cable is designed for maximum speed and bandwidth. It has a 4.7 rating from users who need ultra-fast connections for servers or gaming.
Pros
- Highest speed available
- Weatherproof for outdoor use
- Universal compatibility
- Easy pull box included
Cons
- Overkill for standard home use
- Stiffer due to shielding
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Supporting up to 40Gbps speeds, it is double shielded to reduce interference and protect data. The weatherproof jacket allows it to be used in various environments safely.
While it may be more than most users need, it future proofs your setup for high bandwidth needs. The easy pull box ensures manageable deployment despite the cable thickness.
This is best for tech enthusiasts or offices requiring top-tier networking. It offers unmatched speed capabilities over the full 500ft length.
Ultra High Bandwidth Support
The 2000MHz bandwidth supports massive data transfer speeds suitable for large file transfers.
Versatile Weatherproof Design
The UV resistant jacket makes this cable suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.
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10. trueCABLE Cat6 Riser (CMR) – Certified Riser Grade Cable
trueCABLE Cat6 Riser (CMR)
Solid bare copper
Riser rated CMR
550MHz bandwidth
ETL Listed
The trueCABLE Cat6 Riser (CMR) is built for safe vertical installation with certified quality. It holds a 4.7 rating for its reliability and high quality bare copper construction.
Pros
- ETL Certified
- Supports PoE++
- Solid bare copper
- Easy pull reel
Cons
- Gray color may need painting
- Higher price than CCA
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Its CMR rating makes it safe for in-wall runs between floors. The solid bare copper ensures stable connections and supports up to 100W of power for devices.
The packaging includes a tangle free reel for easy handling during installation. ETL Listing confirms it meets strict safety and performance standards.
This is a solid choice for commercial or large home networks needing compliant cabling. It combines safety certifications with durable materials.
Certified Safety Compliance
ETL Listing ensures the cable meets industry safety standards for building installations.
Reliable Copper Conductivity
Solid bare copper ensures strong signal integrity and consistent power delivery for devices.
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Buying Guide – How to Choose the Best 500 Foot Ethernet Cable
Selecting the right 500 Foot Ethernet Cable requires understanding specific technical factors. Below we outline the most important aspects to consider before purchasing a bulk cable for your network.
Conductor Material
The internal conductors determine performance and longevity. Solid bare copper provides the best signal quality and supports Power over Ethernet. Copper Clad Aluminum (CCA) is cheaper but may have higher resistance and heat issues.
Choose solid copper for permanent high performance and CCA only for temporary budget setups.
Cable Category and Speed
Cat6 is standard for modern gigabit networks while Cat6A and Cat8 support higher speeds and bandwidth. Ensure the category matches your internet speed plans for future proofing.
Pick Cat6 for general use and Cat8 for specialized high speed needs.
Indoor vs Outdoor Rating
Indoor cables use PVC jackets not resistant to UV or moisture. Outdoor cables need LLDPE or OSP jackets to withstand direct burial and weather exposure.
Always use outdoor rated cable for any outside installation to prevent damage.
Shielding
Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) is common and cost effective. Shielded F/UTP reduces interference in electrically noisy environments like offices.
Use shielding if you have high interference sources nearby.
Safety Certifications
UL or ETL Listing ensures the cable meets fire safety standards. Riser Rated (CMR) is required for in wall vertical runs.
Verify certifications to comply with local building codes.
Package Type
Rolls with boxes or reels make installation easier. Look for foot markings to track length used.
Choose packaging that fits your deployment method.
Connectivity Needs
If using PoE devices like cameras, ensure the cable supports it. CCA often cannot deliver power safely.
Check power requirements before buying CCA cables.
Budget Constraints
While copper is better, CCA may suit tight budgets for data only. Weigh cost savings against performance risks.
Consider long term savings of reliable copper over time.
How to Use and Care for Your 500 Foot Ethernet Cable
Start by measuring your route carefully to avoid unnecessary slack. Use the foot markings on the jacket to track length used during pulling to ensure you have enough cable for the full distance.
If installing outdoors, bury the cable at least 6 inches deep in a trench for protection. For indoor use, secure the cable with staples or clips to prevent tension damage at connection points.
Store the spare cable on the provided spool or box to prevent kinks. Avoid sharp bends or crushing the cable under heavy furniture to maintain signal integrity and wire structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use CCA cables for PoE devices?
Copper Clad Aluminum (CCA) cables generally do not support Power over Ethernet safely due to higher resistance. It is recommended to use solid copper cables for PoE devices to avoid overheating and connection failures.
What is the difference between Cat6 and Cat6A?
Cat6 supports up to 550MHz while Cat6A supports up to 1000MHz allowing faster speeds over longer distances. Cat6A is better for future proofing 10Gigabit connections over the full 500ft length.
Are these cables waterproof?
Only outdoor rated cables with LLDPE or OSP jackets are waterproof. Standard indoor cables are not designed for exposure to moisture and will degrade if used outside.
Do I need to terminate the ends myself?
Bulk cables typically come without connectors so you will need to crimp RJ45 plugs yourself. Some kits include connectors and tools for easier custom termination.
How deep should I bury an outdoor cable?
Bury outdoor ethernet cable at least 6 inches deep to protect it from damage. Use conduit if running through high traffic areas for added protection.
Is there a speed limit for 500ft cables?
While Cat6 supports 10Gigabit, signal quality can decrease over longer distances. You might get lower speeds at 500ft compared to short runs but it will still provide reliable data transfer.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best 500 Foot Ethernet Cable
Choosing the best 500 Foot Ethernet Cable depends on your specific needs and environment. Our top picks include the Cable Matters Copper option for reliability and the CCA Budget choice for temporary data links.
Prioritize solid copper and proper safety ratings for permanent installations to ensure long term performance. For outdoor use, always select weather resistant jackets to avoid degradation from the elements.
Remember to check current pricing and availability before purchasing as deals change frequently. Verify that the chosen cable meets your speed and power requirements to avoid future upgrades.