The Pros and Cons of a Wi-Fi vs. Ethernet Connection

MakeUseOf

By Dan Price

Published Dec 9, 2020

Should you use a Wi-Fi or Ethernet internet connection? MakeUseOf takes a look.

It's an age-old debate among internet users: what type of connection should you use, Wi-Fi or Ethernet?

Both approaches have pros and cons. Let's take a closer look.

1. Mobility

Wi-Fi connections have one major advantage over Ethernet connections—you're not fixed to a single spot. If you work in an office where you're constantly jumping in and out of different meeting rooms, or you work from home and sit in different rooms every day, you need to opt for Wi-Fi.

2. Stability

Wi-Fi connections are less stable than wired ethernet connections. You'll frequently encounter dead spots around your home where the signal is not strong enough, and you might find your connection is affected by other nearby routers, especially if you live in an apartment block.

One solution is to get a better router. A model with a better aerial and more channel options will help to improve signal strength and connection stability.

3. Speed

A knock-on effect of poor Wi-Fi signal is inconsistent speed. Ethernet connections do not have to deal with such issues. You'll always be able to get 100 percent of the speed offered by your ISP.

If you live in the UK, you can compare the best broadband deals on BroadbandGenie.co.uk to check which providers offer the best speeds in your area.

4. Aesthetics

Routers aren't the prettiest tech devices out there, but they are still considerably better than running loose Ethernet wires around your home.

Of course, if you want to use an Ethernet connection but don't want to spend all day dealing with wires, you could bury the cables in the wall. There's obviously an expense to doing so (and it's going to create some mess!), but it's the most effective way of ensuring you have the best speeds possible in every room in your home.

5. Latency

Latency (also known as "ping") refers to the time it takes traffic to get from your device to its destination.

For gamers, latency can make or break your performance. Ethernet connections have much lower latency than Wi-Fi connections and are, therefore, the best option for anyone who is serious about online competition.