What’s better: Ethernet cable, wireless or powerline adapter

Hal of Gamer Attitude helps readers decide which connectivity is best for them.

[GarrusVakarian]

I have a powerline adapter running into an ethernet splitter and then an ethernet cable into each of my consoles and PC. Works great.

[tanookisuit]

I have a black Belkin brand powerline adapter, which works great! Only problem is, it gets hot really fast so I usually unplug it after I completely finish using the Internet (i.e. shutting down PC for the night).

Also, too bad the adapter is oversized, but understandable.

[lonewolfjedi]

I use wifi on my ps3 and it has 30-40ms ping and good downlaod and upload speed around 18mbs download and 9mb upload. and I also have other things connected to wifi like laptops,360, phones and a tablet.

[Grave]

I love the powerline adapter. I stopped using wireless on my consoles when I found out this existed. Download speeds are much, much faster.

[KwietStorm_BLM]

Wireless is for the peasants.

I kid.

Or do I?

[Sy_Wolf]

Best choice is an Ethernet cable plugged directly in to your modem. End of story demons be gone double stamp it no erasies.

[LexHazard79]

Lol...good one!

[Double_O_Revan]

I moved into a new house last July and I ran 1000ft of Cat6 cable with 22 ports around the house. I despise WiFi. I know WiFi is getting better, but it is still Leagues being a direct connection.

[Geobros]

I have never used a powerline adapter but between ethernet and wifi I preder the first for my home computer...

[Many-hat5]

Must admit to not having read the article,so excuse me if my comment is off topic, however, heading suggests contrast between the different methods of connection. Whatever you choose and are happy with, but it may be noting the technical differences for comparison. I believe you will find both powerline adapters and WI-FI use the same method, that is, collision avoidance techniques. While wired Ethernet obviously, uses Ethernet standards. Clearly, from a technical standpoint, wired Ethernet is superior. Assuming of course, the infrastructure is set up correctly, ie switches -not hubs etc. Don't think it would be a major concern for general browsing, but for twitch games, it has to be wired Ethernet, all other things being equal. Just my opinion of course.

[hkgamer]

It depends how the set up in your house is like.

How many PC's do you use for gaming.
Does wireless reach all your devices.
Do you mind using wireless?
Does your PC have wireless?

Probably a few more, but for most people they could probably just use ethernet cables/wireless and save the mney instead of buying those powerline adapter. Last time I checked it was reallly expensive.

[Holeran]

I just had RC Willey run cat 6 cable through my walls from my office / computer room to my master bedroom and downstairs into my living room. 2 Ethernet ports each, 1 for PS3, now ps4 and 1 for a computer hooked up to each tv, 51 inch plasma downstairs and 42 inch lcd in master bedroom. I didn't know about the powerline adaptors at the time but I really like the set up I have now anyways and probably wouldn't want it any other way if I had the chance. 75 mbs download 12 upload and 12 ping to each computer, the PS3 only registers like 30 mbs for some reason though.

[kingPoS]

I'd use power line, but my PS3 & modem are on two different circuits, dito for cat5 or 6, I'd rather not drill a hole through concrete just for an ethernet cable.

Gateway MT6706 2008