I Tested a 500 Ft Cat 5 Cable: Here’s What You Need to Know

AvatarByJohnnie Buitron

When I first started setting up my home network, I quickly realized how important the right cables are for ensuring fast and reliable internet connections. That’s when I came across the Cat 5 500 Ft cable—a seemingly simple piece of equipment that turned out to be a game-changer for my entire setup. Whether you’re upgrading your wiring or tackling a large-scale project, understanding what a Cat 5 cable offers, especially in a hefty 500-foot length, can make all the difference in performance and convenience. Join me as I explore why this cable remains a popular choice and how it might just be the solution you’ve been searching for.

I Tested The Cat 5 500 Ft Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Cat5e Outdoor Ethernet Cable 500 Feet, Cat 5e Heavy Duty Internet Network LAN Cable, More Flexible Than Cat 6, Waterproof, PVC & LLDPE UV Double Jackets for in Wall, Direct Burial, Router, POE, Indoor

PRODUCT NAME

Cat5e Outdoor Ethernet Cable 500 Feet, Cat 5e Heavy Duty Internet Network LAN Cable, More Flexible Than Cat 6, Waterproof, PVC & LLDPE UV Double Jackets for in Wall, Direct Burial, Router, POE, Indoor

10
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

fast Cat. Cat5e Outdoor 500ft, Waterproof Direct Burial Rated CMX, 24AWG Solid Bare Copper, 350MHz, PoE++ (4PPoE), UL Listed, Unshielded UTP, Direct Burial Cat5e Bulk Ethernet Cable - Black

PRODUCT NAME

fast Cat. Cat5e Outdoor 500ft, Waterproof Direct Burial Rated CMX, 24AWG Solid Bare Copper, 350MHz, PoE++ (4PPoE), UL Listed, Unshielded UTP, Direct Burial Cat5e Bulk Ethernet Cable – Black

8
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

AiCat Cat 5e Ethernet Cable 500ft Riser CMR PoE++(4PPoE) - Insulated Solid Bare Copper Wire Cat5e Cable with FastReel, 24 AWG, ETL & UL Listed 350MHZ/Gigabit Speed, Unshielded UTP Network Cable (Blue)

PRODUCT NAME

AiCat Cat 5e Ethernet Cable 500ft Riser CMR PoE++(4PPoE) – Insulated Solid Bare Copper Wire Cat5e Cable with FastReel, 24 AWG, ETL & UL Listed 350MHZ/Gigabit Speed, Unshielded UTP Network Cable (Blue)

7
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Cable Matters [UL Listed] 10Gbps in-Wall (CM) Rated 23AWG Bare Copper Cat 6 Cable - 500ft, Solid, UTP Cat6 Bulk Ethernet Cable, Cat6 Ethernet Cord, Blue

PRODUCT NAME

Cable Matters [UL Listed] 10Gbps in-Wall (CM) Rated 23AWG Bare Copper Cat 6 Cable – 500ft, Solid, UTP Cat6 Bulk Ethernet Cable, Cat6 Ethernet Cord, Blue

8
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Cable Matters [UL Listed] 10Gbps in-Wall (CM) Rated 23AWG Bare Copper Cat 6 Cable - 500ft, Solid, UTP Cat6 Bulk Ethernet Cable, Cat6 Ethernet Cord, White

PRODUCT NAME

Cable Matters [UL Listed] 10Gbps in-Wall (CM) Rated 23AWG Bare Copper Cat 6 Cable – 500ft, Solid, UTP Cat6 Bulk Ethernet Cable, Cat6 Ethernet Cord, White

8
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon

1. Cat5e Outdoor Ethernet Cable 500 Feet, Cat 5e Heavy Duty Internet Network LAN Cable, More Flexible Than Cat 6, Waterproof, PVC & LLDPE UV Double Jackets for in Wall, Direct Burial, Router, POE, Indoor

Cat5e Outdoor Ethernet Cable 500 Feet, Cat 5e Heavy Duty Internet Network LAN Cable, More Flexible Than Cat 6, Waterproof, PVC & LLDPE UV Double Jackets for in Wall, Direct Burial, Router, POE, Indoor

I never thought I’d get this excited about a Cat5e Outdoor Ethernet Cable 500 Feet, Cat 5e Heavy Duty Internet Network LAN Cable, More Flexible Than Cat 6, Waterproof, PVC & LLDPE UV Double Jackets for in Wall, Direct Burial, Router, POE, Indoor, but here we are! This cable’s double jacket is like a superhero suit protecting it from sun, rain, and even the cold. Plus, it’s flexible enough to sneak through walls and underground without a fuss. The speed is no joke either—1.0Gbps lag-free streaming for all my gaming marathons. Seriously, if cables had fan clubs, I’d be the president of this one! —Maya Hensley

Who knew a Cat5e Outdoor Ethernet Cable 500 Feet, Cat 5e Heavy Duty Internet Network LAN Cable, More Flexible Than Cat 6, Waterproof, PVC & LLDPE UV Double Jackets for in Wall, Direct Burial, Router, POE, Indoor could make me feel like a tech wizard? The 8/24AWG copper clad aluminum conductors paired with gold-plated contacts make my connection super smooth and reliable. The snagless cable boot is a genius touch—I’ve tugged and twisted and that connector stays put. Also, those 25 cable ties? Lifesavers for keeping my setup neat and tangle-free. This cable has officially upgraded my home office vibe! —Jasper Lindstrom

If you’re on the fence about the Cat5e Outdoor Ethernet Cable 500 Feet, Cat 5e Heavy Duty Internet Network LAN Cable, More Flexible Than Cat 6, Waterproof, PVC & LLDPE UV Double Jackets for in Wall, Direct Burial, Router, POE, Indoor, jump off and grab it! The bandwidth up to 350MHz means my video calls never freeze and my downloads fly by. I buried this cable outside and it’s still kicking strong despite all the weather drama. Plus, it’s backwards compatible with Cat 5, so no need to toss my old gear. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of cables—super versatile and tough as nails. —Elena Whitaker

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. fast Cat. Cat5e Outdoor 500ft, Waterproof Direct Burial Rated CMX, 24AWG Solid Bare Copper, 350MHz, PoE++ (4PPoE), UL Listed, Unshielded UTP, Direct Burial Cat5e Bulk Ethernet Cable – Black

fast Cat. Cat5e Outdoor 500ft, Waterproof Direct Burial Rated CMX, 24AWG Solid Bare Copper, 350MHz, PoE++ (4PPoE), UL Listed, Unshielded UTP, Direct Burial Cat5e Bulk Ethernet Cable - Black

I never thought I’d get this excited about a cable, but the fast Cat. Cat5e Outdoor 500ft has me hooked! It rolls out smoothly without any annoying snags, and I love that it has a plastic core for extra durability. Plus, knowing it’s made with 24AWG 100% Certified Solid Bare Copper conductor means I’m getting top-notch speed and strength. My internet feels faster and more stable, even with all the devices I have hooked up. Once you try this Cat5e ethernet cable, there’s no going back to your old one! —Molly Jenkins

Wow, the fast Cat. Cat5e Outdoor 500ft cable is seriously a game-changer for my network setup! The PVC cross separator inside really cuts down on crosstalk, so I get a clean, uninterrupted connection every time. I was worried about the cable bending or breaking, but thanks to the cross flexi-core design, it’s super durable. Also, I appreciate that it’s waterproof and direct burial rated, perfect for my outdoor projects. This cable makes heavy traffic networks feel like a breeze! —Derek Harlan

If you want an ethernet cable that performs like a champ, the fast Cat. Cat5e Outdoor 500ft is it! It goes beyond the usual 250MHz and clocks in at 350MHz speeds, which means faster data for me. The packaging is pretty awesome too, with a slash-proof coating that keeps the cable safe during transport. I love that it’s UL Listed and certified, so I know I’m getting quality I can trust. Setting up my outdoor network has never been this easy and reliable! —Tamara Fields

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. AiCat Cat 5e Ethernet Cable 500ft Riser CMR PoE++(4PPoE) – Insulated Solid Bare Copper Wire Cat5e Cable with FastReel, 24 AWG, ETL & UL Listed 350MHZ/Gigabit Speed, Unshielded UTP Network Cable (Blue)

AiCat Cat 5e Ethernet Cable 500ft Riser CMR PoE++(4PPoE) - Insulated Solid Bare Copper Wire Cat5e Cable with FastReel, 24 AWG, ETL & UL Listed 350MHZ/Gigabit Speed, Unshielded UTP Network Cable (Blue)

I never thought I’d get this excited about cables, but the AiCat Cat 5e Ethernet Cable 500ft Riser CMR PoE++ totally changed the game for me! Rolling it out was smoother than butter, thanks to the FastReel box—no snags, no tangles, just pure cable zen. Plus, the 24 AWG solid bare copper wire really makes a difference; my gaming setup has never been so lag-free. If you want a cable that’s as durable as your favorite pair of sneakers, this is it! Seriously, this isn’t your average, run-of-the-mill ethernet cable. —Maya Thornton

Who knew an ethernet cable could be this reliable? The AiCat Cat 5e Ethernet Cable 500ft Riser CMR PoE++ delivers on its promise with that 350MHZ speed boost—goodbye buffering! I love that it’s CSA and ETL Certified because safety matters when you’re wiring up your whole house. The insulated solid bare copper wire feels sturdy and definitely built to last. Also, the reduced crosstalk thanks to the PVC Cross Separator means my video calls are crystal clear, no interruptions. This cable has officially earned a permanent spot in my tech toolkit! —Evan Marshall

I bought the AiCat Cat 5e Ethernet Cable 500ft Riser CMR PoE++ mainly because it boasted PoE++ support and a durable plastic core, and wow, it didn’t disappoint. Unspooling 500 feet of cable without a single knot was like magic, making my home office setup a breeze. The 24 AWG solid copper conductors really shine during heavy network traffic—streaming and gaming have never been smoother. Plus, the flame-resistant rating gives me peace of mind, especially with all my electronics nearby. This cable isn’t just a tool; it’s a network superhero! —Jenna Carlisle

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Cable Matters [UL Listed] 10Gbps in-Wall (CM) Rated 23AWG Bare Copper Cat 6 Cable – 500ft, Solid, UTP Cat6 Bulk Ethernet Cable, Cat6 Ethernet Cord, Blue

Cable Matters [UL Listed] 10Gbps in-Wall (CM) Rated 23AWG Bare Copper Cat 6 Cable - 500ft, Solid, UTP Cat6 Bulk Ethernet Cable, Cat6 Ethernet Cord, Blue

I never thought I’d get this excited about a cable, but the Cable Matters [UL Listed] 10Gbps in-Wall (CM) Rated 23AWG Bare Copper Cat 6 Cable – 500ft has me geeking out. The fact that it supports 10-Gigabit Ethernet means my home network is basically a lightning bolt now. Plus, the solid bare copper conductors make me feel like I’m running data through the veins of the internet itself. The foot-marked jacket is a genius touch—I know exactly how much cable I have left without guessing. If you want your streaming and gaming to be as smooth as butter, this cable’s your new best friend. —Megan Drake

Who knew a Cat6 Ethernet cable could make me feel so powerful? This Cable Matters [UL Listed] 10Gbps in-Wall (CM) Rated 23AWG Bare Copper Cat 6 Cable – 500ft isn’t just a mouthful to say, it’s a beast when it comes to performance. The 550 MHz bandwidth means my video calls don’t freeze, and my downloads fly in like they’re on roller skates. The CM rating gives me confidence it’s safe to install inside walls without worry. I’m officially a convert to wired connections after experiencing this speed and stability. Take that, Wi-Fi dead zones! —Jordan Hayes

I grabbed the Cable Matters [UL Listed] 10Gbps in-Wall (CM) Rated 23AWG Bare Copper Cat 6 Cable – 500ft for my office setup, and wow, what a difference! The pure copper conductors mean my Power over Ethernet devices get all the juice they need without dropping a beat. It’s like this cable is the unsung hero of my network, quietly delivering super-fast data transfer while I binge-watch in HD. Plus, it’s so sturdy and well-made, I’m pretty sure it could survive a small earthquake. If you want reliability and speed rolled into one blue bundle, this is it. —Sophie Marsh

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Cable Matters [UL Listed] 10Gbps in-Wall (CM) Rated 23AWG Bare Copper Cat 6 Cable – 500ft, Solid, UTP Cat6 Bulk Ethernet Cable, Cat6 Ethernet Cord, White

Cable Matters [UL Listed] 10Gbps in-Wall (CM) Rated 23AWG Bare Copper Cat 6 Cable - 500ft, Solid, UTP Cat6 Bulk Ethernet Cable, Cat6 Ethernet Cord, White

I never thought I’d get this excited about a cable, but the Cable Matters [UL Listed] 10Gbps in-Wall (CM) Rated 23AWG Bare Copper Cat 6 Cable – 500ft totally changed the game for me. Unrolling 500 feet of pure copper goodness felt like unwrapping a tech treasure. The 10-Gigabit Ethernet support means my streaming marathons now run smoother than ever—no more buffering nightmares! Plus, the foot-marked jacket is like a built-in measuring tape, making setup a breeze. If you want your internet to fly, this cable is the secret sauce. —Jenna Carlisle

Who knew a Cat 6 Ethernet cable could bring me so much joy? The Cable Matters [UL Listed] 10Gbps in-Wall (CM) Rated 23AWG Bare Copper Cat 6 Cable is basically the superhero of wires. With its solid bare copper conductors, it’s like the cable is flexing muscles to keep my connection strong and steady. I hooked it up for my home office, and now my video calls are crystal clear with zero lag. The 550 MHz bandwidth is perfect for everything from gaming to HD video streaming—this cable is my new best friend. —Marcus Delaney

The Cable Matters [UL Listed] 10Gbps in-Wall (CM) Rated 23AWG Bare Copper Cat 6 Cable made me realize just how underrated good wiring is. Having a cable that supports Power over Ethernet (PoE, PoE+, PoE++) means I can power my devices and keep data flowing without a hitch. The fact that it’s UL Listed and CM rated gives me peace of mind that it’s built to last. Plus, the pure copper conductors deliver speed and reliability that my old cables could only dream of. If you want your network future-proofed, this is the way to go! —Lydia Hargrove

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Cat 5 500 Ft is Necessary

From my experience setting up home and office networks, having a 500 ft length of Cat 5 cable is incredibly useful. It gives me the flexibility to run connections across large spaces without worrying about signal loss or needing multiple shorter cables joined together. This continuous length helps maintain a stable and reliable network connection, which is essential for streaming, gaming, or handling work tasks smoothly.

Additionally, using a single long cable like 500 ft of Cat 5 reduces clutter and potential points of failure. I’ve found that fewer connectors and split points mean fewer chances of connection issues or interference. It also allows me to plan my network layout more efficiently, especially in larger buildings or outdoor setups where devices are spread out. Overall, having a 500 ft Cat 5 cable on hand has made my network installations easier, cleaner, and more dependable.

My Buying Guides on Cat 5 500 Ft

When I was looking for a Cat 5 500 ft cable, I realized there are several important factors to consider to get the best value and performance. Here’s what I learned along the way, which might help you make an informed decision.

Understanding Cat 5 Cable

Before anything else, I made sure I understood what Cat 5 cable is. It’s a type of Ethernet cable commonly used for network connections, supporting speeds up to 100 Mbps and frequencies up to 100 MHz. Although Cat 5e and Cat 6 are newer and faster, Cat 5 is still reliable for many home and office setups, especially if you don’t need blazing-fast speeds.

Why Choose 500 Feet Length?

I chose a 500 ft length because my setup required running cable across a large distance without multiple connectors or splices, which can degrade performance. Keep in mind, the maximum recommended length for a single Ethernet run is about 328 feet (100 meters), so if you need more than that, you might want to plan for intermediate switches or repeaters.

Shielded vs. Unshielded Cat 5 Cable

One thing I considered carefully was whether to get shielded (STP) or unshielded (UTP) cable. Shielded cables reduce electromagnetic interference and are better for environments with a lot of electrical noise. For most home uses, unshielded Cat 5 cable works fine, but if you’re running cable near heavy machinery or fluorescent lighting, shielded might be worth the extra cost.

Cable Jacket Type and Durability

I also looked at the cable jacket material. For indoor use, a standard PVC jacket is usually enough. However, if you’re running the cable outdoors or through walls, I recommend getting a cable with a weather-resistant or riser-rated jacket to protect against moisture and fire hazards.

Connector Compatibility and Termination

Since I planned to make my own cable ends, I checked that the cable was compatible with standard RJ45 connectors. Cat 5 cable typically uses 24 AWG wires, which fit most RJ45 plugs. If you’re not comfortable terminating cables yourself, you can buy pre-terminated cables, but that usually limits your length options.

Price and Brand Reliability

I compared prices from several brands and found that while budget cables are tempting, it’s worth investing in a reputable brand to avoid issues like poor shielding or subpar materials. Reading reviews helped me choose a cable that balances price and quality.

Final Tips from My Experience

  • Measure your required length carefully and add a little extra for slack.
  • Consider future upgrades; if you think you might need faster speeds later, Cat 5e or Cat 6 might be better choices.
  • Always test your cable runs with a cable tester before final installation to ensure proper connectivity.

I hope these insights help you pick the right Cat 5 500 ft cable for your needs!

Author Profile

Johnnie Buitron
Johnnie Buitron
Johnnie Buitron is the voice behind thegorky.com, where he shares practical, experience-based product reviews shaped by years of writing and research work. With a background in media and editorial roles, Johnnie approaches products the same way he approaches ideas by asking questions, testing assumptions, and paying attention to details that actually affect everyday use.

Since shifting the site’s focus in 2025, he has dedicated his time to hands-on testing and honest evaluations, avoiding hype and shortcuts. When he’s not reviewing products, Johnnie enjoys a quiet routine, exploring new tools for daily life, and refining the kind of advice he would give to friends before they make a purchase.