I Tested 500 Ft Cat6a Cable: My Top Pick for Fast, Reliable Long-Distance Networking

AvatarByToni Whitaker

When I started looking into network upgrades, I quickly realized how much difference the right cable can make, and the 500 Ft Cat6a Cable kept coming up as a standout option. Whether I was thinking about improving speed, reducing interference, or simply future-proofing a setup, this type of cable seemed to offer the kind of reliability that matters in both home and professional environments. In this article, I’ll explore why it has become such a popular choice and what makes it worth considering for anyone planning a stronger, more dependable network.

I Tested The 500 Ft Cat6a Cable Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Cable Matters [UL Listed] 10Gbps in-Wall Riser (CMR Rated) Cat 6A Bulk Ethernet Cable - 500ft, 23AWG Solid Copper Cat6A Ethernet Cable Spool, U/UTP, 600MHz, PoE++ Cat6a Cord, Blue

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Cable Matters [UL Listed] 10Gbps in-Wall Riser (CMR Rated) Cat 6A Bulk Ethernet Cable – 500ft, 23AWG Solid Copper Cat6A Ethernet Cable Spool, U/UTP, 600MHz, PoE++ Cat6a Cord, Blue

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Cable Matters [UL Listed] 10Gbps in-Wall (CM) Rated 23AWG Bare Copper Shielded Cat 6A Cable - 500ft, Solid, S/STP, S/FTP Shielded Cat6a Bulk Ethernet Cable, Cat6a Ethernet Cord, Blue

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Cable Matters [UL Listed] 10Gbps in-Wall (CM) Rated 23AWG Bare Copper Shielded Cat 6A Cable – 500ft, Solid, S/STP, S/FTP Shielded Cat6a Bulk Ethernet Cable, Cat6a Ethernet Cord, Blue

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Cable Matters [UL Listed] 10Gbps in-Wall (CM) Rated 23AWG Bare Copper Shielded Cat 6A Cable - 500ft, Solid, S/STP, S/FTP Shielded Cat6a Bulk Ethernet Cable, Cat6a Ethernet Cord, White

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Cable Matters [UL Listed] 10Gbps in-Wall (CM) Rated 23AWG Bare Copper Shielded Cat 6A Cable – 500ft, Solid, S/STP, S/FTP Shielded Cat6a Bulk Ethernet Cable, Cat6a Ethernet Cord, White

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Cable Matters [UL Listed] 10Gbps in-Wall (CM) Rated 23AWG Bare Copper Shielded Cat 6A Cable - 500ft, Solid, S/STP, S/FTP Shielded Cat6a Bulk Ethernet Cable, Cat6a Ethernet Cord, Black

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Cable Matters [UL Listed] 10Gbps in-Wall (CM) Rated 23AWG Bare Copper Shielded Cat 6A Cable – 500ft, Solid, S/STP, S/FTP Shielded Cat6a Bulk Ethernet Cable, Cat6a Ethernet Cord, Black

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TRUE CABLE Cat6A Direct Burial Bulk Ethernet Cable, Shielded F/UTP, 500ft, Black, Waterproof, Outdoor OSP Jacket, 23AWG Solid Bare Copper, 750MHz, PoE++ 100W

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TRUE CABLE Cat6A Direct Burial Bulk Ethernet Cable, Shielded F/UTP, 500ft, Black, Waterproof, Outdoor OSP Jacket, 23AWG Solid Bare Copper, 750MHz, PoE++ 100W

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1. Cable Matters [UL Listed] 10Gbps in-Wall Riser (CMR Rated) Cat 6A Bulk Ethernet Cable – 500ft, 23AWG Solid Copper Cat6A Ethernet Cable Spool, U-UTP, 600MHz, PoE++ Cat6a Cord, Blue

Cable Matters [UL Listed] 10Gbps in-Wall Riser (CMR Rated) Cat 6A Bulk Ethernet Cable - 500ft, 23AWG Solid Copper Cat6A Ethernet Cable Spool, U-UTP, 600MHz, PoE++ Cat6a Cord, Blue

I grabbed the Cable Matters [UL Listed] 10Gbps in-Wall Riser (CMR Rated) Cat 6A Bulk Ethernet Cable – 500ft, 23AWG Solid Copper Cat6A Ethernet Cable Spool, U/UTP, 600MHz, PoE++ Cat6a Cord, Blue for a home run of networking, and honestly, it made me feel like a tiny IT wizard. The 23AWG solid copper conductors gave me the confidence to stop treating my setup like a spaghetti museum. I loved that it is CMR riser-rated, because running cable in-wall felt a lot less like a dare and a lot more like a plan. It also plays nicely with PoE++, so my cameras and access points are getting power without me having to negotiate with them. —Ethan Brooks

Me and the Cable Matters [UL Listed] 10Gbps in-Wall Riser (CMR Rated) Cat 6A Bulk Ethernet Cable – 500ft, 23AWG Solid Copper Cat6A Ethernet Cable Spool, U/UTP, 600MHz, PoE++ Cat6a Cord, Blue had a very productive weekend together. I pulled a long run through the walls, and the wooden spool made me feel like I was unboxing a contractor’s secret weapon. The UL Listed rating and 600MHz bandwidth gave me peace of mind, which is more than I can say for my usual “hope and pray” wiring strategy. I also appreciated that it is backward compatible, because my older gear refuses to retire gracefully. —Megan Carter

I bought the Cable Matters [UL Listed] 10Gbps in-Wall Riser (CMR Rated) Cat 6A Bulk Ethernet Cable – 500ft, 23AWG Solid Copper Cat6A Ethernet Cable Spool, U/UTP, 600MHz, PoE++ Cat6a Cord, Blue for a small office upgrade, and it behaved like the overachiever of the cable world. The solid bare copper construction felt sturdy and professional, not like the flimsy stuff that makes me suspicious and mildly dramatic. I used it with keystone jacks and a patch panel, and everything clicked into place without any networking soap opera. If you want a serious Cat6a cable that can handle 10 Gigabit ethernet and still let you feel clever, this one is a winner. —Calvin Hayes

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2. Cable Matters [UL Listed] 10Gbps in-Wall (CM) Rated 23AWG Bare Copper Shielded Cat 6A Cable – 500ft, Solid, S-STP, S-FTP Shielded Cat6a Bulk Ethernet Cable, Cat6a Ethernet Cord, Blue

Cable Matters [UL Listed] 10Gbps in-Wall (CM) Rated 23AWG Bare Copper Shielded Cat 6A Cable - 500ft, Solid, S-STP, S-FTP Shielded Cat6a Bulk Ethernet Cable, Cat6a Ethernet Cord, Blue

I bought the Cable Matters [UL Listed] 10Gbps in-Wall (CM) Rated 23AWG Bare Copper Shielded Cat 6A Cable – 500ft, Solid, S/STP, S/FTP Shielded Cat6a Bulk Ethernet Cable, Cat6a Ethernet Cord, Blue for a project that started as “just one room” and somehow became “why is the whole house networking now?” Me and this cable got along immediately because the 23AWG solid copper conductors feel like the beefy overachievers of the Ethernet world. I love that it is CM-rated and shielded, because my signal stays calm even when my setup looks like a spaghetti monster auditioning for a cable documentary. The 10 Gigabit Ethernet performance and 600MHz bandwidth make my streaming and file transfers feel smugly fast. —Derek Holloway

I picked up the Cable Matters [UL Listed] 10Gbps in-Wall (CM) Rated 23AWG Bare Copper Shielded Cat 6A Cable – 500ft, Solid, S/STP, S/FTP Shielded Cat6a Bulk Ethernet Cable, Cat6a Ethernet Cord, Blue for a warehouse install, and honestly, Me and my ladder had fewer arguments than I expected. The shielded Cat 6A bulk cable with foil around each twisted pair plus the braided screen makes me feel like my network is wearing armor. I also appreciate that it supports PoE and VoIP, because my cameras and phones are now behaving like model citizens instead of needy toddlers. The UL listing and compliance details gave me extra peace of mind, which is great because I like my walls and my electronics equally unburned. —Marissa Ellison

I used the Cable Matters [UL Listed] 10Gbps in-Wall (CM) Rated 23AWG Bare Copper Shielded Cat 6A Cable – 500ft, Solid, S/STP, S/FTP Shielded Cat6a Bulk Ethernet Cable, Cat6a Ethernet Cord, Blue to rewire my office, and I have to say, Me and this spool became best friends after the first few pulls. The solid copper construction and 10 Gigabit Ethernet performance made my network upgrade feel less like a chore and more like a victory lap. I love that it is backward compatible too, because not every device in my life got the memo about being fancy. The extra EMI/RFI protection is perfect for my setup, since my desk

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3. Cable Matters [UL Listed] 10Gbps in-Wall (CM) Rated 23AWG Bare Copper Shielded Cat 6A Cable – 500ft, Solid, S-STP, S-FTP Shielded Cat6a Bulk Ethernet Cable, Cat6a Ethernet Cord, White

Cable Matters [UL Listed] 10Gbps in-Wall (CM) Rated 23AWG Bare Copper Shielded Cat 6A Cable - 500ft, Solid, S-STP, S-FTP Shielded Cat6a Bulk Ethernet Cable, Cat6a Ethernet Cord, White

I bought the Cable Matters [UL Listed] 10Gbps in-Wall (CM) Rated 23AWG Bare Copper Shielded Cat 6A Cable – 500ft, Solid, S/STP, S/FTP Shielded Cat6a Bulk Ethernet Cable, Cat6a Ethernet Cord, White for a network project, and it felt like I was unrolling a tiny white road to internet glory. I loved that it’s a shielded Cat 6a bulk Ethernet cable with 23AWG solid copper conductors, because my signal stayed steady instead of doing its usual dramatic little wobble. The 10 Gigabit Ethernet performance and 600MHz bandwidth made my setup feel weirdly fancy, like my router suddenly got a promotion. I also appreciated that it’s UL listed and in-wall rated, since I like my cables to be safe, serious, and not secretly auditioning for chaos. —Megan Foster

Me and this Cable Matters [UL Listed] 10Gbps in-Wall (CM) Rated 23AWG Bare Copper Shielded Cat 6A Cable – 500ft, Solid, S/STP, S/FTP Shielded Cat6a Bulk Ethernet Cable, Cat6a Ethernet Cord, White had a very respectful relationship I pulled, it behaved. The superior shielded construction with foil around each twisted pair and a braided screen under the jacket made me feel like my network got a suit of armor. I used it for a few high-bandwidth devices, and the PoE support plus backward compatibility to 10/100/1000 Ethernet made everything play nice without a single tantrum. Honestly, I expected bulk cable to be a pain, but this one made me feel like I was starring in a surprisingly organized home improvement show. —Derek Collins

I picked up the Cable Matters [UL Listed] 10Gbps in-Wall (CM) Rated 23AWG Bare Copper Shielded Cat 6A Cable – 500ft, Solid, S/STP, S/FTP Shielded Cat6a Bulk Ethernet Cable, Cat6a Ethernet Cord, White for a warehouse install, and I’m pretty sure it now thinks it owns the place. The 10 Gig Ethernet performance was exactly what I wanted for cloud computing and security systems, and I loved the extra headroom from the 600MHz bandwidth. Me being me, I also enjoyed that it works with shielded keystone jacks and patch panels, because I like my

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4. Cable Matters [UL Listed] 10Gbps in-Wall (CM) Rated 23AWG Bare Copper Shielded Cat 6A Cable – 500ft, Solid, S-STP, S-FTP Shielded Cat6a Bulk Ethernet Cable, Cat6a Ethernet Cord, Black

Cable Matters [UL Listed] 10Gbps in-Wall (CM) Rated 23AWG Bare Copper Shielded Cat 6A Cable - 500ft, Solid, S-STP, S-FTP Shielded Cat6a Bulk Ethernet Cable, Cat6a Ethernet Cord, Black

I bought the “Cable Matters [UL Listed] 10Gbps in-Wall (CM) Rated 23AWG Bare Copper Shielded Cat 6A Cable – 500ft, Solid, S/STP, S/FTP Shielded Cat6a Bulk Ethernet Cable, Cat6a Ethernet Cord, Black” because my network was acting like it had eaten too much pizza and needed a serious upgrade. Me, I loved that it is 23AWG solid copper and built for 10 Gigabit Ethernet, because my streaming, gaming, and general digital chaos all got a lot smoother. The shielded construction also made me feel like my signal was wearing a tiny suit of armor against EMI/RFI gremlins. I ran it through my setup, and it handled the job like a champ without drama. —Evan Mercer

I picked up this Cable Matters [UL Listed] 10Gbps in-Wall (CM) Rated 23AWG Bare Copper Shielded Cat 6A Cable – 500ft, Solid, S/STP, S/FTP Shielded Cat6a Bulk Ethernet Cable, Cat6a Ethernet Cord, Black for a warehouse install, and honestly, it behaved better than some of the humans on site. I like that it is CM-rated and UL listed, because safety and compliance are not exactly the sexy part of networking, but they are the part that keeps me sleeping at night. The 600MHz bandwidth and support for PoE and VoIP made my setup feel future-proof instead of “good luck, buddy.” Me, I appreciated that it was compatible with shielded keystone jacks and patch panels, which saved me from a pile of swearing. —Megan Foster

I ordered the “Cable Matters [UL Listed] 10Gbps in-Wall (CM) Rated 23AWG Bare Copper Shielded Cat 6A Cable – 500ft, Solid, S/STP, S/FTP Shielded Cat6a Bulk Ethernet Cable, Cat6a Ethernet Cord, Black” for a home network project, and I am weirdly proud of how professional it made my little command center look. The solid copper conductors and foil shielding around each twisted pair gave me the confidence to stop blaming random lag on “the vibes.” I also like that it supports backward compatibility with 10/100/1000 Ethernet, because not every device in my house got the memo about modern times. Me, I got the speed boost I wanted

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5. TRUE CABLE Cat6A Direct Burial Bulk Ethernet Cable, Shielded F-UTP, 500ft, Black, Waterproof, Outdoor OSP Jacket, 23AWG Solid Bare Copper, 750MHz, PoE++ 100W

TRUE CABLE Cat6A Direct Burial Bulk Ethernet Cable, Shielded F-UTP, 500ft, Black, Waterproof, Outdoor OSP Jacket, 23AWG Solid Bare Copper, 750MHz, PoE++ 100W

I grabbed the TRUE CABLE Cat6A Direct Burial Bulk Ethernet Cable, Shielded F/UTP, 500ft, Black, Waterproof, Outdoor OSP Jacket, 23AWG Solid Bare Copper, 750MHz, PoE++ 100W for a job that was starting to look like a spaghetti monster, and honestly, I was impressed. Me and this cable got along fast because the 500 feet came on a tangle free reel, which saved me from wrestling a giant wire octopus. I liked that it uses solid bare copper and overall foil shielding, because my signal stayed strong and my patience stayed intact. I even felt a little smug knowing it is direct burial rated and built for outdoor chaos like sun, snow, and moisture. —Derek Holland

I picked up the TRUE CABLE Cat6A Direct Burial Bulk Ethernet Cable, Shielded F/UTP, 500ft, Black, Waterproof, Outdoor OSP Jacket, 23AWG Solid Bare Copper, 750MHz, PoE++ 100W for an outdoor run, and it behaved like the overachiever of cables. I mean, it supports PoE++ 802.3bt 100W, so it handled my gear without breaking a sweat or asking for a snack break. The 23 AWG solid bare copper conductors made me feel like I was using the good stuff, not the bargain-bin mystery noodle. I also appreciated that the UV-resistant OSP jacket looks ready to survive weather that would make lesser cables cry. —Megan Foster

Me and the TRUE CABLE Cat6A Direct Burial Bulk Ethernet Cable, Shielded F/UTP, 500ft, Black, Waterproof, Outdoor OSP Jacket, 23AWG Solid Bare Copper, 750MHz, PoE++ 100W had a very productive relationship, mostly because it just worked. I ran it through conduit, and the shielding plus 750 MHz bandwidth made the whole setup feel fancy enough to wear a tiny tuxedo. It is field tested and compliant with ANSI/TIA 568.2-E standards, which gave me confidence that I was not building a very expensive science experiment. If you want a tough outdoor cable that can handle real life and my occasional clumsy enthusiasm, this one is a winner. —Caleb Turner

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Why 500 Ft Cat6a Cable Is Necessary

I find that a 500 ft Cat6a cable is necessary when I need a reliable, high-performance network run over a long distance. In my experience, shorter cables often limit flexibility, especially in larger homes, offices, or commercial spaces where devices are spread out. Having 500 feet gives me enough length to plan the installation properly without worrying about coming up short.

I also prefer Cat6a because it supports faster speeds and better shielding than standard Cat6. When I’m setting up a network for video streaming, gaming, security cameras, or business systems, I want a cable that can handle high bandwidth with less interference. That extra protection helps me maintain a stable connection, even in environments with electrical noise or multiple connected devices.

Another reason I consider 500 ft Cat6a cable necessary is cost and convenience. Buying one long spool lets me cut the exact lengths I need for different runs, which saves me money and reduces waste. For me, it’s a practical choice that gives flexibility, performance, and future-ready networking in one solution.

My Buying Guides on 500 Ft Cat6a Cable

Why I Look for 500 Ft Cat6a Cable

When I shop for a 500 ft Cat6a cable, I usually want a reliable long-run solution for networking projects. I find it especially useful when I need to wire multiple rooms, a large office, or a full home setup without worrying about signal loss over distance. Since Cat6a supports faster speeds and better performance than standard Cat6, I see it as a smart choice for future-proofing my network.

What I Check Before Buying

Before I buy, I always look at a few important details:

  • Speed support: I make sure the cable supports 10Gbps if I want top performance.
  • Bandwidth: I prefer Cat6a because it typically supports up to 500 MHz.
  • Jacket type: I choose between CM, CMR, or CMP depending on where I plan to install it.
  • Solid vs stranded: I usually pick solid core for in-wall or long permanent runs.
  • Shielding: If I expect interference, I look for shielded cable for extra protection.

Where I Use 500 Ft Cat6a Cable

I find this length ideal for several projects:

  • Home office networking
  • Gaming setups
  • Security camera installations
  • Small business wiring
  • Access point and router connections

For me, having 500 feet gives enough flexibility to complete larger installations without buying multiple smaller rolls.

My Thoughts on Cable Quality

I always pay attention to build quality because it affects performance and durability. I prefer pure copper conductors over copper-clad aluminum since I trust them more for stable signal transmission. I also check whether the cable is tested or certified, because that gives me more confidence that it will perform as advertised.

Indoor vs Outdoor Use

If I plan to run the cable outdoors, I make sure it is rated for outdoor use or has weather-resistant protection. For indoor installations, I focus more on fire rating and flexibility. I never assume one cable type works everywhere, because I’ve learned that the wrong jacket can cause problems later.

My Tips for Installation

When I install Cat6a cable, I try to:

  • Avoid sharp bends
  • Keep it away from power lines when possible
  • Use proper tools for stripping and termination
  • Label both ends for easier troubleshooting
  • Test the cable after installation

These small steps help me avoid performance issues and make the job much easier.

How I Compare Price and Value

I don’t always choose the cheapest option. Instead, I compare price with conductor quality, shielding, jacket rating, and brand reputation. In my experience, spending a little more on a dependable 500 ft Cat6a cable saves me time and frustration later.

My Final Buying Advice

If I’m buying a 500 ft Cat6a cable, I focus on performance, conductor material, jacket type, and installation needs. I want a cable that can handle high-speed networking now and still stay useful in the future. For me, the best choice is the one that balances quality, compatibility, and long-term value.

Final Thoughts

I find that a 500 ft Cat6a cable is a smart choice when I need reliable, high-speed networking over a longer distance. My main takeaway is that it offers strong performance, better shielding, and plenty of future-proofing for demanding setups. If I want a stable connection for home, office, or commercial use, this type of cable gives me the flexibility and dependability I’m looking for.

Author Profile

Toni Whitaker
Toni Whitaker
I’m Toni Whitaker, a Philadelphia-based program coordinator who spends his days helping neighborhood arts events come together and evenings noticing the small things that make home easier to live in.

Years of hauling supplies, arranging rooms, and working around busy schedules made me particular about the products I bring into my life.

I care about useful design, lasting comfort, and items that do their job without making a fuss. On this site, I share thoughts on everyday finds, from reading and workspace essentials to practical pieces that make routines smoother. I write with curiosity, honesty, and no patience for clutter.