Smart TV Wi-Fi Often Beats Ethernet on Speed, but Stability Can Make Wired Better

The bandwidth question matters for streaming. Netflix and Disney+ typically recommend at least 5 Mbps for 1080p playback, and 4K HDR streaming raises that to 25 Mbps or better because 4K resolution is four times that of 1080p. Subscriptions with 4K HDR usually include Dolby Atmos, even in compressed form, Engadget reported.

On paper, Wi-Fi has an advantage. Many TVs ship with at least Wi-Fi 6, which can exceed gigabit speeds with a compatible router under ideal conditions, although real-world speeds are lower and a gigabit internet plan must be shared among all connected devices. Even half a gigabit is more than enough for most households, and older or cheaper TVs with Wi-Fi 5 are still sufficient for streaming, according to the report.

By contrast, many TVs and streaming devices cannot handle gigabit Ethernet. Their jacks are limited to 100 Mbps even though gigabit Ethernet has existed for decades. Engadget described the limitation as a cost-cutting measure, similar to many TVs still shipping with HDMI 2.0 after HDMI 2.1 had been available for much of a decade.

The main advantage of Ethernet is stability. Inside a typical home, an Ethernet cable is effectively immune to range and interference issues as long as it is decently shielded. A Cat 6 cable can deliver 1 Gbps over distances up to 100 meters, while Wi-Fi signals weaken well before that distance unless a mesh system or extender boosts them. Band congestion also does not affect Ethernet because each device gets its own lane, the report said.

Stability affects playback. If a stream is interrupted or loses enough signal quality, an app may have to re-buffer the feed or drop to a lower quality level. A 500 Mbps or 1 Gbps Wi-Fi connection offers little extra for a 4K stream, aside from faster app and software updates, which are uncommon and small on TVs, Engadget reported.

The major downside of Ethernet is practical installation. The equipment is cheap; a 10-foot Cat 6 cable costs less than $10, according to the report. But if the router is not nearby, Ethernet cables can end up snaked around a living room or across hallways, and concealing them can become more trouble than it is worth. Flat Ethernet cables sound useful but often do not work as well.

Engadget recommended using Ethernet only when it is convenient or when a household is experiencing serious reliability problems. If a Wi-Fi connection is already excellent, occasional hiccups are likely offset by faster downloads and one fewer wire, and there is no reason to spend more money and effort than necessary, the report said.

Simple fixes can help unreliable Wi-Fi. Keeping the router off the floor, in the open and away from obstacles can extend its reach. If the TV cannot be connected to Ethernet, connecting other devices such as a laptop by cable can free up wireless bands, according to Engadget.