Amazon Basics Cat 7 Cable Test: Does It Pass or Fail?

This video takes a closer look at an Amazon Basics Cat 7 Ethernet cable to see whether it is truly built like a Cat 7 cable. The cable passes continuity and link speed tests, and the internal construction looks better than expected, but one major issue still raises a red flag: the connector.

Testing the Amazon Basics Cat 7 Ethernet Cable

Amazon Basics products are popular because they are easy to find, affordable, and backed by the Amazon name. But when it comes to Ethernet cable categories, the label on the product is only part of the story. A cable marked as Cat 7 should have the right construction, shielding, conductor quality, and connector type.

In this test, the Amazon Basics Cat 7 cable is inspected visually, tested for continuity and link speed, opened up to examine the internal shielding, and checked for twist rate. Some parts of the cable look surprisingly good, while other parts raise concerns.

What Is Printed on the Cable Jacket?

One helpful detail is that the Amazon Basics cable has the specifications printed directly on the jacket. The cable is labeled as Cat 7 SSTP, which means screen shielded twisted pair. The internal conductors are also listed as 27 AWG.

The printed details are useful because they allow buyers to compare the cable's advertised specifications with what is actually found during a teardown. In this case, the cable does include shielding inside, which is a positive sign.

First Red Flag: The Cable Is Very Flexible

The first warning sign is the flexibility of the cable. True Cat 7 cable is typically thicker, more rigid, and harder to bend because of the shielding and construction required for higher performance. A cable that bends too easily can be a sign that the internal construction may not match what buyers expect from a real Cat 7 cable.

Flexibility alone does not prove a cable is fake, but it is a reason to inspect further. In this case, the cable's flexibility is one of the first clues that it may not fully line up with genuine Cat 7 expectations.

Second Red Flag: RJ45 Instead of GG45

The biggest concern is the connector. This Amazon Basics Cat 7 cable uses a typical RJ45 connector. RJ45 connectors are extremely common and work with most home routers, switches, computers, game consoles, smart TVs, and network equipment.

However, true Cat 7 cabling is commonly associated with GG45 or TERA connectors. That does not mean the cable will not work. It may work perfectly fine for everyday Ethernet connections. The problem is that a standard RJ45 connector can make the Cat 7 claim questionable.

Continuity and Link Speed Testing

After the visual inspection, the cable is tested for continuity and link speed. The good news is that the Amazon Basics Cat 7 cable passes these tests. That means the cable is wired correctly enough to pass a basic cable test and establish a proper link.

This is important, but it should not be confused with full category verification. A continuity test can confirm that the pins are connected correctly from end to end. A link speed test can show whether the cable can establish a network connection at the tested speed. Neither test alone proves that the cable fully meets Cat 7 construction standards.

Inside the Cable: Better Than Expected

When the cable is opened up, the internal construction looks better than many questionable Cat 7 cables. The inside of the Amazon Basics cable does include SSTP shielding, and the cable even includes a ground wire. That is a positive sign.

The twist rate is also checked, and the pairs show about two to three twists per inch. That is another good sign because proper twists help reduce interference and preserve signal quality.

So Is the Amazon Basics Cat 7 Cable Fake?

The final verdict in the video is that the Amazon Basics Cat 7 cable is fake because it uses an RJ45 connector instead of a proper Cat 7-style connector such as GG45. That said, this cable is not a total disaster. Internally, it looks much better than many low-quality cables that are marketed as Cat 7.

The better way to think about this cable is that it may function well as an Ethernet patch cable, but it should not be treated as a fully authentic Cat 7 cable. The RJ45 connector is the dealbreaker for the Cat 7 label.

Who Should Buy This Cable?

If you simply need a basic Ethernet cable for short runs, general networking, streaming devices, desktop computers, gaming consoles, or smart TVs, this cable may work fine. It passed the tests shown in the video and had decent internal shielding.

However, if you are specifically buying Cat 7 because you want true Cat 7 construction, proper Cat 7 connectors, and category-accurate performance claims, this cable is not the right choice. In that case, you should look closely at connector type, shielding, wire gauge, and certification details before buying.

Final Verdict

The Amazon Basics Cat 7 cable passes the continuity and link speed tests, and the internal shielding looks good. It includes SSTP shielding, a ground wire, and a respectable twist rate. However, the cable is very flexible and uses a standard RJ45 connector instead of a GG45 connector.

Because of that connector choice, this Amazon Basics cable does not meet the expectations of true Cat 7 cabling. It may still be useful as a standard Ethernet cable, but the Cat 7 label deserves a skeptical look.