10 The Best Coaxial Cable For 4K [2021 Buying Guide]

Binge-watching your favorite Netflix series is fun. Do you know what’s not? Viewing it in anything other than 4K. A grainy, pixelated resolution just won’t cut it – and yes, we are TV snobs when it comes to viewing quality, and you should as well.

If this is the issue you’re currently facing, the solution could lie in something as simple as switching from the current coaxial cable your TV is hooked up to, to one that’s designed for things like high-resolution videos and DTS HD Master Audio. It’s not always the HDMI cable to blame for signal loss.

With that in mind, we tested the top-rated cables on the market to bring you our topics for the best coaxial cable for 4K.

	Cable Matters Coax Cable	KabelDirekt Coax Cable	G-Plug Coax Cable
	Best Overall	Best for High-Resolution Video Transmission	Best Value
Connector type	F-type	F-type	F-type
Color	Black with chrome connectors	Black with gold-plated connectors	White with nickel-plated connectors
Compatible devices	Router, modem, TV	Router, modem, TV, satellite receiver, radio, DTT tuner, cable box	Router, modem, digital RV TV, satellite receiver
Available cable length	1.5 ft., 3 ft., 6 ft., 10 ft.	1.5 ft., 3 ft., 6 ft., 10 ft., 20 ft., 25 ft., 50 ft., 75 ft., 100 ft.	3 ft., 6 ft., 10 ft., 15 ft., 30 ft., 50 ft
	View on Amazon	View on Amazon	View on Amazon

How We Tested and Compared These Products

When testing the various coaxial cables for 4K on the market, there were specific things we were looking for.

Right off the bat, we were interested in whether the cable in question could transmit signals for 4K viewing. Any cable that could not live up to this resolution requirement was automatically eliminated.

Next, we were interested in the amount of shielding the coaxial cable had. The higher the number of insulation layers, the lower the level of TV signal interference it would have. This translated to better signal quality overall.

The final thing we were interested in was the number of compatible devices it could connect to in addition to digital TV. We’re talking satellite TV, high speed internet, broadband, cable modems, and routers.

We also gave preference to top brands like Cable Matters, KabelDirekt, G-Plug, Postta, Cimple Co., and Phat Satellite. These manufacturers have a proven track record for making durable, high-quality cables.

Our Pick: Cable Matters Coaxial Cable – Best Overall

 

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Features:

• Connector type: F-type
• Color: Black with chrome connectors
• Compatible devices: Router, modem, TV
• Available lengths: 5 ft., 3 ft., 6 ft., 10 ft.

When it comes to high-performance RG6 coaxial cables, we haven’t come across any other quite like the Cable Matters coaxial cable. From the moment we switched out our old TV cable for this one, the difference was immediate. Up until that time, we didn’t even know that our TV could stream content in 4K, so we were pretty stoked about that.

The pack comes with three cables, each of which has a copper-clad-steel (CCS) conductor core and is quad-shielded as well, making it the go-to option for connecting Dish Network, DirectTV, and other HD TV systems that operate at frequencies of up to 3 GHz. This was quite impressive for a coaxial cable in its class.

The chrome-colored metallic connectors are low profile. This increases their durability and guarantees a secure connection throughout.

The quad-shielding is made up of four layers of aluminum foil (Mylar) and braided insulation to shield against radio frequency interference (RFI) and electromagnetic interference (EMI). These are all wrapped in a PVC jacket that is compliant with the CM and CL2 fire safety standards.

Cable Matters coax cable is compatible with all devices with an RG6 F-type coaxial port. It will work with a TV antenna, modem, digital router, cable box, satellite receiver, VCR, cable television, and any CCTV installation.

All in all, as far as performance and quality go, this cable is a pretty solid option to consider.

Best Alternatives

KabelDirekt Coaxial Cable – Best for High-Resolution Video Transmission

 

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Features:

• Connector type: F-type
• Color: Black with gold connectors
• Compatible devices: Router, modem, TV, satellite receiver, radio, DTT tuner, cable box
• Available lengths: 5 ft., 3 ft., 6 ft., 10 ft., 20 ft., 25 ft., 50 ft., 75 ft., 100 ft.

First impressions – the digital coaxial cable from KabelDirekt is an absolute beauty. The glimmering gold plated connector against the jet-black cable jacket is simply stunning. Its beauty isn’t just surface-deep, though. The folks at KabelDirekt don’t play when it comes to the digital accessories they make, and this coax cable is no exception.

For starters, it has a pure copper conductor core that offers maximum signal output and efficiency. It reduces the strain that conventional coaxial cables are exposed to, making it one of the longer-lasting ones on the market.

This copper core is shielded with thick aluminum braiding and insulation to block out noise interference that could get in the way of the signal quality. The foil-covered Mylar also works to ensure that the cable provides a reliable AV connection to the router, modem, TV, or any other RG6 device it is linked to.

It has F type connector pins on both ends, making it ideal for male-to-male TV antenna connectors, digital routers, cable modems, cable splitters, cable boxes, VCRs, satellite TV receivers, and cable TV. The 24K gold-plated connectors are corrosion-resistant and shielded with a copper plate, which reduces interference dramatically.

All in all, if you’re looking for a coaxial cable that can transmit signals for a 4K high-resolution display, KabelDirekt will do just that.

 

G-Plug Coaxial Cable – Best Value Option

 

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Features:

• Connector type: F-type
• Color: White with nickel-plated connectors
• Compatible devices: Router, modem, digital RV TV, satellite receiver
• Available lengths: 3 ft., 6 ft., 10 ft., 15 ft., 30 ft., 50 ft.

If your living room decor is all white, you should definitely get the G-Plug RG6 coaxial cables to match the aesthetics. They look sleek and elegant – a far cry from the traditional black coax cables you’re more accustomed to.

It comes with 75-Ohm standard shielding and nickel-plated brass F-type connectors that keep unwanted noise at bay. You don’t have to worry about EMI and RFI causing spotty and inconsistent signal transmission, especially when streaming 4K videos.

The G-Plug coaxial cable is built with a proprietary weatherproof O-ring that makes it safe for both indoor and outdoor connections. The cable is compatible with all RG6-wired devices, including digital TV, satellite TV, high speed internet, broadband, modems, routers, security camera systems, etc. It has a copper-clad-steel core, which has almost the same high-conductivity performance as copper.

Unlike most of the other coaxial cables on the market, this particular one features a lead-free PVC jacket, which shields the internal components to extend their longevity and minimizes signal interference from external noise.

The cable comes with an easy-rotate nut for a convenient connection to your device and an additional extension coupler that allows you to extend the cable length by connecting to additional cords if you need to.

All in all, we were pleased with the performance of the G-plug. It certainly delivers great value for the price.

 

Postta Coaxial Cable – Best Pure Copper Conductor Coax

 

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Features:

• Connector type: F-type
• Color: Black with chrome connectors
• Compatible devices: Router, modem, TV, satellite receiver
• Available lengths: 10 ft., 15 ft., 20 ft., 25 ft., 30 ft., 40 ft., 50 ft., 75 ft., 100 ft.

The Postta Digital coax cable is another favorite. It has a pure copper core, which provides outstanding conductivity with no risk of oxidation.

The core is quad-shielded with aluminum foil and braid-insulation to minimize noise, suppress crosstalk, and prevent radio frequency and electromagnetic signal interference. These are enclosed in a flexible PVC jacket infused with eco-friendly, wear-resistant aesthetic features for secure and reliable signal transmission.

The Postta coaxial cable is compatible with all RG6 devices, including a digital router, cable TV, a TV antenna, cable modem, satellite receiver, an analog CCTV, high speed internet, and more. Installation is pretty straightforward. All you have to do is – mount the F-type pin to the male port on the device. Then, tighten the bolt until the cable’s connection to the device feels sturdy.

The quality of the transmitted signal is phenomenal. We were able to stream high-definition videos in 4K with no “spottiness” whatsoever.

All in all, if you’re in the market for a durable, high-quality coaxial cable with a pure copper core conductor, this would be a solid option to consider. Its performance is comparable to a Mediabridge coaxial cable or one from Cimple Co.

 

How to Choose the Best Coaxial Cable for 4K – Buying Guide

 

Coaxial cables may look the same, but they are not. Before you go off and buy the first coax cable you come across, the first thing you need to ask yourself is this: Is the cable I’m getting capable of streaming video content in 4k? To answer this question, you need to consider a couple of things beforehand.

Usage

First, you’ll need to check that the coax cable you buy is compatible with the device you want to connect it to. Coax cables are not universal. They vary based on gauge and impedance. Keep in mind that to use a coaxial cable for HDMI, you need to use it with an HDMI converter to connect it to the TV ports.

Gauge

A cable’s gauge refers to how thick it is. This unit is denoted by its RG number. The higher up the RG scale you go, the thinner the core conductor will be. The most common sizes that exist are RG6, RG59, and RG11 cable variants.

An RG6 coaxial cable generally has a larger core conductor in order to transmit higher-quality signals. More often than not, they will usually have thick dielectric insulation surrounding a pure copper or copper-clad steel core to handle the high operating frequency signals (GHz) more effectively. If you’re looking for the best coax cable for 4K, it would be an RG6 cable with quad shielding, in other words, four layers of insulation.

Impedance

Impedance is a term that denotes the amount of resistance a cable offers against the flow of electric energy. There’s really no such thing as “bad” or “good” impedance, but rather the right impedance for your specific application.

Coaxial cables use two primary types of cable impedances: 50 Ohm and 75 Ohm. Since you’re essentially looking for a coaxial cable to stream 4K videos in high definition, you need to get a cable with a 75-Ohm impedance rating. The 50-Ohm variety is often used for wireless and data applications, although they may cross over in some cases.

Shielding

Shielding refers to a cable’s insulation that reduces signal interference from noise, crosstalk, radio frequency interference, and electromagnetic interference. The higher the amount of shielding a coaxial cable has, the better the signal quality will be since signal interruptions will be reduced dramatically.

Keep an eye out for coaxial cables that offer four layers of shielding, also known as quad shielding. These are the most likely to provide the best signal transmission.

Signal Transmission Capacity

It also helps to be aware of the capacity and speed of your coaxial cable when it comes to the transmission of signals. Ideally, you want a cable with a 3 GHz transmission capacity or higher. That way, you’ll be able to stream DirectTV and Dish Network systems.

Distance

You also need to think about the length of the cable. Always get a coax cable that’s long enough for your intended application. While you could always use a BNC connector to join multiple cables together, this will almost always result in signal loss or attenuation. Get a long enough cable to connect to your device without having to link it to another one.

Location

Last but certainly not least, you need to think about where you intend to use your coax cable. Will it be indoors or outdoors? Not all cables are designed to be weatherproof. As a result, they may deteriorate under UV and moisture exposure. The Coaxial cables for 4K, like the G-plug, are designed for both indoor and outdoor use.

FAQ

What type of coaxial cable do I need for 4K TV?

To achieve a 4K resolution with no signal loss, you need to get a cable with a transmission capacity to handle large bandwidths. For the most part, a standard RG6 cable would be compatible with most home TV setups. These are capable of faster and more efficient signal transmission from the source to your device. If the transmission source is far, you’re better off with an RG11 coaxial cable.

Which is better between an RG59 cable and an RG6 coax cable?

For lower frequency, short-distance transmission, an RG59 coax cable will suffice. On the other hand, RG6 cables are most suited to carrying high-frequency signals over longer distances while still retaining high-quality signals compared to RG59 cables. If you need a cable to achieve a 4K resolution, you’re better off with an RG6.

Is a quad shield RG6 better than a regular RG6 cable?

The short answer is – yes, it is. A quad shielded coaxial cable has four layers of insulation, whereas a regular RG6 does not. Wire shielding translates to lower signal interference from noise crosstalk electromagnetic interference and radio frequency interference. Less interference means better signal quality, which is what you want when streaming in 4k. Brands like Cable Matters, KabelDirekt, G-Plug, Postta, and Cimple Co would be great options to consider.

Conclusion

There you have it – the best coaxial cable for 4K. If we had to pick one winner, it would undoubtedly be the Cable Matters Quad shielded RG6 coaxial cable. The signal quality we got from it when streaming in 4k was the best overall. That said, any of the other three options we’ve reviewed in this guide would be a solid alternative as well.