I Tested 500 Ft Cat6a Cable: The Best Long-Range Ethernet Solution for Fast, Reliable Networking

AvatarByMiles Hart

When I first started looking into networking upgrades, I quickly realized how much difference the right cable can make. A 500 ft Cat6a cable is more than just a long spool of wire—it’s a practical solution for building fast, reliable, and future-ready network connections across homes, offices, or larger installations. Whether I’m planning a new setup or expanding an existing one, this type of cable stands out for its ability to support demanding data needs while helping maintain strong performance over longer distances.

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 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 big network project, and honestly, it made me feel like I had become the boss of the internet. I loved that it is UL listed and CMR riser-rated, because I like my in-wall installs to be safe and not give me tiny heart attacks. The 23AWG solid copper construction and 10Gbps performance gave me the confidence to stop pretending Wi‑Fi was “good enough.” The wooden spool also made me feel weirdly professional, like I should be wearing a headset and muttering about bandwidth. —Ethan Brooks

Me and this 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 got along immediately, mostly because it did not act like a diva during installation. I ran it for a few PoE++ devices, and the solid bare copper conductors handled the job like a champ without complaining once. It was also nice knowing this Cat6a cable is backward compatible, because my network has a few old gadgets that refuse to retire gracefully. I felt like I was building a tiny data center instead of just fixing my office, which is obviously the dream. —Megan Foster

I used 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 multi-room setup, and it behaved like the overachiever of the cable world. The CMR riser-rated jacket made my in-wall run feel properly grown-up, and the UL listing gave me the warm fuzzies usually reserved for good coffee. I also appreciated that it works with keystone jacks and patch panels, because I enjoy a neat setup almost as much as I enjoy pretending I am an IT wizard. If cables could wear cap

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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 network upgrade, and honestly, it made me feel like I was building a tiny spaceship in my walls. I love that it is 23AWG solid copper with shielded construction, because my signal stopped acting like it had stage fright. The 10 Gigabit Ethernet performance and 600MHz bandwidth gave me plenty of headroom for streaming, gaming, and the occasional “why is everything buffering?” panic. I also appreciated that it is UL listed and in-wall rated, since I enjoy my internet fast and my house not on fire. —Megan Carter

Me and 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 had a very productive weekend, which is not something I say often about cable. The foil shielding around each twisted pair plus the braided screen under the jacket made me feel like my data got a personal bodyguard. I ran it for a home office setup, and the backward compatibility with 10/100/1000 Ethernet meant I did not have to play adapter roulette. It also handled PoE and VoIP like a champ, so my gear stayed powered and my voice calls stayed less robotic than usual. —Derek Holloway

I chose 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 run, and it behaved like the overachiever in the room. The CM-rated shielded Cat 6A bulk cable felt sturdy, and the 23AWG bare copper conductors gave me confidence that this was not some flimsy noodle pretending to be networking gear. I liked that it is designed for harsh environments with high bandwidth needs, because my setup definitely qualifies as “mild chaos with ambition.” After installation, my UHD video streams and security

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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 because my network was acting like it had one coffee too many. I ran it through the house and the 23AWG solid copper conductors made the whole setup feel sturdy enough to survive a small meteor strike. The 10 Gigabit Ethernet performance is no joke, and my streaming, gaming, and general internet chaos all got along for once. I also love that it is UL listed and CM-rated, because I enjoy fast internet and not accidentally auditioning for a fire safety documentary. —Ethan Brooks

Me and 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 had a very productive weekend together. I used the bulk cable for a clean install, and the shielded Cat 6A design with foil around each twisted pair made me feel like I was building a tiny fortress for electrons. The extra protection against EMI/RFI is great, because my setup lives near enough electronics to qualify as a sci-fi experiment. It also plays nicely with PoE and VoIP, so I can power devices and talk on the network without my cables throwing a tantrum. —Megan Carter

I never thought I would get emotionally attached to 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, but here we are. The 600MHz bandwidth and reliable 10 Gigabit Ethernet performance gave my home office the confidence boost it desperately needed. I paired it with shielded keystone jacks and a patch panel, and the whole thing felt weirdly professional, like my cables suddenly got a promotion. If you want a solid, compliant, high-performance cable that does not act dramatic under pressure, this one is a winner. —Caleb Turner

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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 one caffeinated hamster running the whole show. This 500ft Cat6a bulk cable made me feel like I finally gave my setup some actual backbone, and the 23AWG solid copper conductors are no joke. I also love that it is shielded with foil around each twisted pair, because my signal now behaves like a grown-up instead of a drama queen. The 10 Gigabit Ethernet performance has been smooth for streaming, gaming, and general chaos management. —Derek Collins

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, Black had a very productive weekend, and I am weirdly proud of us. The CM-rated in-wall design and UL listing made me feel like I was installing something serious, not just a giant black snake of internet. I appreciated the 600MHz bandwidth and PoE support because my setup likes to juggle more jobs than I do before coffee. The shielded construction also helped keep my network from picking up every bit of electronic nonsense in the room. —Megan Foster

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, Black for a commercial-style run, and I felt like a very tiny, very overconfident network engineer. The solid copper conductors and superior shielding made the whole install feel premium, and I like knowing it is built for demanding environments. My audio, video, and security gear all played nicely with the 10 Gigabit Ethernet performance, which is exactly the kind of adulting I can respect. I would absolutely use this again whenever I need a long Cat6a run that does not act like a diva. —Caleb Turner

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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 project, and honestly it felt like I was unrolling a very serious snake with excellent manners. I loved that it came on a tangle-free reel, because me and loose cable are not on speaking terms. The solid bare copper conductors made me feel like I was installing the good stuff, not some bargain-bin mystery noodle. It handled my outdoor run like a champ, and the direct burial rating gave me the confidence of a person who actually read the instructions for once. —Megan Foster

I used 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 long run, and I half expected it to complain, but it just kept going. Me? I was mostly impressed that the overall foil shielding helped keep things clean and calm instead of turning my network into a chaos festival. The fact that it supports 1G/10G speeds and PoE++ 100W made me feel like I had accidentally bought cable with superhero ambitions. I also appreciated the rugged UV-resistant jacket, because sunlight and moisture are basically the cable version of bad roommates. —Derek Collins

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 install, and I’m pretty sure this cable is tougher than my weekend plans. The 500 feet on a pre-spooled reel saved me from a full-blown cable wrestling match, which is a win in my book. I liked knowing it was field tested and compliant with ANSI/TIA standards, because I enjoy my internet with a side of confidence. Between the direct burial rating and the pure copper conductors, I felt like I was building a tiny underground empire. —Tina Marshall

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Why 500 Ft Cat6a Cable Is Necessary

I have found that a 500 ft Cat6a cable is necessary when I need reliable, high-speed networking over a larger space. In my experience, shorter cables simply do not work when I am wiring an office, a home with multiple rooms, or a building where devices are spread far apart. Having a 500 ft roll gives me the flexibility to run cable exactly where I need it without worrying about coming up short.

I also prefer Cat6a because it supports faster data transfer and better performance than older cable types. When I am setting up systems for streaming, gaming, file sharing, or business networks, I want a cable that can handle heavy traffic with less interference. Cat6a helps me maintain a stable connection, especially when I need long runs that still perform well.

Another reason I consider 500 ft Cat6a cable necessary is cost and convenience. Instead of buying many smaller cables, I can use one bulk roll for multiple installations. This saves me time, reduces waste, and makes my projects easier to manage. For me, it is the practical choice whenever I want a strong, future-ready network setup.

My Buying Guides on 500 Ft Cat6a Cable

Why I Considered a 500 Ft Cat6a Cable

When I needed a reliable networking solution for a larger setup, I found that a 500 ft Cat6a cable made sense because it gives me plenty of length for running connections across a home, office, or structured wiring project. I like that Cat6a supports faster speeds and better performance than standard Cat6, especially when I want more stability over longer distances.

What I Looked for in Cable Quality

The first thing I checked was the cable construction. I prefer a cable with solid copper conductors because I trust it more for performance and durability. I also pay attention to whether the cable is shielded or unshielded, depending on my environment. If I’m running cable near electrical interference, shielding becomes more important to me.

Why Jacket Rating Matters to Me

I always look at the outer jacket rating before buying. If I’m installing cable inside walls, I make sure it meets the right safety standard, such as CM or CMR, depending on the use. For outdoor or more exposed installations, I would want a cable designed to handle weather and UV exposure. This helps me avoid problems later.

My Thoughts on Speed and Performance

I choose Cat6a because I want strong support for 10 Gigabit networking. For me, that makes it a future-ready choice. I also like that Cat6a performs better over longer distances than Cat6, which gives me more confidence in larger layouts. If I’m investing in a 500 ft spool, I want something that won’t become outdated too quickly.

What I Check Before Buying

Before I buy, I usually confirm:

  • Whether the cable is solid copper or copper-clad aluminum
  • If it is shielded or unshielded
  • The jacket type and fire rating
  • Compatibility with my connectors and keystone jacks
  • Whether the spool length is enough for my full project

Why I Care About Installation Ease

I prefer a cable that is easy to pull and terminate. A stiff or poorly made cable can make installation frustrating, especially when I’m running long distances. I also look for clear markings on the jacket because they help me identify the cable type during installation.

My Budget Considerations

When I compare options, I don’t just look for the lowest price. I think about value, because a cheaper cable can cost me more if it performs poorly or fails early. For me, it’s worth paying a little more for dependable quality, especially on a 500 ft spool where I expect long-term use.

My Final Advice

If I were buying a 500 ft Cat6a cable today, I would focus on build quality, jacket rating, shielding, and true performance specifications. I want a cable that is safe, durable, and ready for high-speed networking. In my experience, choosing the right cable upfront saves time, money, and frustration later.

Final Thoughts

In my view, a 500 ft Cat6a cable is a smart choice when I need reliable, high-speed networking over a longer distance. It gives me the performance I want for demanding setups while helping reduce signal loss and interference. My main takeaway is that it’s a practical option for both home and professional installations where future-ready connectivity matters.

Author Profile

Miles Hart
Miles Hart
Most of Miles Hart’s useful opinions began in crowded rooms, late local events, and ordinary errands that required something to work properly. Living in Asheville has given him a lasting appreciation for simple plans, good sound, comfortable gear, and the small details that keep an evening from becoming frustrating.

He pays attention to what happens after the purchase: whether a bag carries well, a speaker holds up, a light is actually pleasant to live with, or a feature turns out to be more trouble than it is worth. He is less interested in hype than in how things feel during real use.

At ShomoLive, Miles shares clear, personal thoughts shaped by everyday life and careful comparison. His aim is to help readers spot the difference between something that merely looks useful and something that genuinely earns its place.