If you‘re a regular Dollar General customer who appreciates a good deal on quality products, you‘ve likely wondered at some point whether the giant discount chain sells Ethernet cables. These handy networking cables are a must-have for anyone looking to set up a fast, reliable wired internet connection at home or the office. But does America‘s quintessential dollar store actually stock them?
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As expert bargain hunters with a passion for consumer electronics, we‘ve thoroughly investigated Dollar General‘s in-store and online selections to get to the bottom of this question. We‘ll share our findings on the Ethernet cable situation at DG, along with a wealth of background info on these essential connectors for the selective shopper. We‘ll also clue you in on the best alternative retailers and e-tailers to pick up an Ethernet cable for a great price. Let‘s get into it!
Ethernet Cables 101: Understanding the Different Types and Specs
Before we dive into the Dollar General angle, let‘s get up to speed on what exactly Ethernet cables are and why they‘re so important. Essentially, an Ethernet cable is a type of networking cable used to connect wired devices like computers, laptops, smart TVs, and gaming consoles to your modem, router, or to each other. They allow for the transmission of high-speed internet and data within a local area network (LAN).
Ethernet has been the standard wired connection for homes and businesses for decades thanks to its superior reliability, speed, and security compared to Wi-Fi. It‘s ideal for bandwidth-heavy and latency-sensitive applications like online gaming, 4K streaming, large file transfers, and video conferencing.
There are several categories of Ethernet cables that support varying speeds and frequencies:
| Category | Max Speed | Max Bandwidth | Max Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cat5 | 100 Mbps | 100 MHz | 100 meters |
| Cat5e | 1000 Mbps | 100 MHz | 100 meters |
| Cat6 | 10 Gbps | 250 MHz | 55 meters |
| Cat6a | 10 Gbps | 500 MHz | 100 meters |
| Cat7 | 10 Gbps | 600 MHz | 100 meters |
| Cat7a | 40 Gbps | 1000 MHz | 50 meters |
| Cat8 | 40 Gbps | 2000 MHz | 30 meters |
For most residential uses, Cat5e and Cat6 cables provide plenty of speed and bandwidth to handle common internet activities and multiple connected devices. Higher-tier Cat6a, Cat7 and Cat8 cables are more often used in data centers, server rooms, and other business settings with intensive networking demands.
According to Global Market Insights, the global Ethernet cable market exceeded $6 billion in 2020 and is projected to see a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 14% from 2021 to 2027. Rapid adoption of high-speed internet globally and the rise of data-heavy applications are expected to fuel demand for faster Ethernet cable categories like Cat6a and Cat8.
Does Dollar General Carry Ethernet Cables in Stores or Online?
So now that we‘ve established what Ethernet cables are and why they‘re in high demand, let‘s return to our original question: Can you find these networking necessities at your neighborhood Dollar General? We scoured the inventory at several DG locations across different states and also checked the electronics section of the retailer‘s website. Our verdict? Dollar General does not sell Ethernet cables as of 2023, either in-store or online.
This may come as a surprise or disappointment to Dollar General loyalists, since the retailer does stock a variety of other electronics and accessories (which we‘ll cover in more detail later). So why the absence of Ethernet cables?
It likely comes down to Dollar General‘s low-cost business model and target customer base. The majority of DG‘s offerings are everyday essentials like food, cleaning supplies, health and beauty products, and home goods. While they‘ve expanded their assortment in recent years to include more tech gadgets, their electronics inventory still focuses on lower-priced, impulse-buy items with mass appeal.
Ethernet cables, while extremely common and useful, are a bit more of a specialized product that doesn‘t necessarily fit Dollar General‘s core customer profile. Since most households only need to buy Ethernet cables occasionally, DG probably doesn‘t see enough demand to guarantee steady turnover of the inventory. The company also has limited shelf space in its small-format stores, so it has to be very selective about which products make the cut.
Where to Buy Ethernet Cables Instead of Dollar General
Although Dollar General isn‘t the place to pick up an Ethernet cable on your next shopping trip, these must-have networking accessories are super simple to find at a slew of other national retailers. Whether you prefer the brick-and-mortar experience of browsing cables in person or the convenience of ordering online, you have a ton of options to choose from.
Big-Box Stores and Electronics Retailers
The following major chains stock Ethernet cables of various categories and lengths at most of their locations:
- Walmart: Wide selection of wallet-friendly Cat5e and Cat6 cables, plus some Cat7 and Cat8 options.
- Best Buy: More premium selection geared toward gamers and hardcore streamers, with high-end brands like AudioQuest.
- Target: Affordable Cat5e and Cat6 cables in different colors from brands like Philips, GE, and Belkin.
- Staples: Solid range of Cat5e to Cat7 cables aimed at home office and business users.
- Micro Center: Extensive assortment for tech enthusiasts, with cables up to 200 ft. long.
- Home Depot and Lowe‘s: Durable, contractor-grade cables suited for wiring projects and outdoor runs.
One big advantage of buying Ethernet cables at a physical store location is that you can examine the build quality and flexibility of different models in person. This lets you choose a cable with sturdy connectors and a jacket type that suits your installation, such as bare copper conductors with a PVC sleeve for indoor use, or gold-plated contacts with a more rugged plenum jacket for in-wall runs.
Most brick-and-mortar retailers also have pretty lenient return policies on unopened electronics, so you can easily get a refund or exchange if you decide a cable isn‘t right for your needs (just be sure to save your receipt). Buying from a physical store also eliminates any worries about shipping delays or damage.
Online Marketplaces and Specialty Stores
If you‘d rather have a vast selection of Ethernet cables at your fingertips and sent straight to your door, e-commerce giants and online electronics shops are the way to go. These are some of the web‘s best destinations for researching and purchasing every type of Ethernet cable under the sun:
- Amazon: The Ethernet cable motherlode, with a dizzying array of options at the lowest prices online. Easy to compare specs and read detailed user reviews.
- Monoprice: One of the top specialty retailers for affordable, high-quality cables. Lifetime warranty on all networking products.
- Newegg: Go-to source for PC builders and networking nerds. Frequent deals and combo discounts when you buy other components.
- Cable Matters: Lesser-known but well-regarded online shop with a deep lineup of Ethernet cables and adapters. Free shipping on $35+.
The beauty of online cable shopping is the power to filter your search by the exact specs and features you need: category, speed, length, color, connector type, price, and more. User reviews also provide valuable insights into real-world performance and durability that you just can‘t get in a physical store. Not to mention, online prices on Ethernet cables tend to be the lowest around, especially if you‘re willing to go with a generic or store brand.
That said, online shopping isn‘t without its drawbacks. Shipping costs can eat into your savings if you don‘t meet the free shipping threshold. There‘s also no way to evaluate a cable‘s flexibility or connector quality before buying. And if you need a cable right away for a critical networking issue, you‘re out of luck.
Ethernet Cable Shopping Tips for Discerning Buyers
With so many varieties and vendors to choose from, picking the perfect Ethernet cable for your home or business network can feel overwhelming. These pointers will help you narrow down your search:
Assess your speed and bandwidth needs. For most residential applications like web browsing, HD streaming, and gaming, Cat5e or Cat6 cables will provide plenty of performance. Only upgrade to higher speeds if you have an internet plan over 1 Gbps or routinely transfer huge files.
Consider your installation location. For runs through walls, ceilings, or outdoors, choose a heavy-duty, fire-retardant plenum or riser-rated cable jacket. But for basic connections between devices in the same room, a flexible PVC cable works just fine.
Don‘t fall for cable marketing hype. Gold-plated connectors, nylon braided jackets, and oxygen-free copper may look and sound cool, but they often don‘t deliver meaningful performance benefits. A well-constructed bare cable with quality shielding and tight connector crimps will do the job perfectly well.
Buy from a reputable brand or store with a great return policy. For peace of mind, it‘s worth sticking to established Ethernet cable brands like Monoprice, Mediabridge, Cable Matters, and AmazonBasics. Lesser-known brands can be hit or miss in terms of quality control and durability. When in doubt, buy from a vendor with a no-hassle return policy and reasonable warranty.
Compare prices and check for discounts. With a little searching, you should never have to pay full retail price for a basic Ethernet cable. Check at least 2-3 options and look for online coupons or volume discounts if you need to buy a longer cable or pack of multiples.
Dollar General Tech Deals: What You Can Snag In Lieu of Ethernet
We‘ve established that Dollar General isn‘t the place to find Ethernet cables for your wired networking needs. But if you‘re hankering for a dose of low-cost tech to complement your newly-cabled setup, DG does have some tempting gadgets and gizmos in stock. Here‘s a sampling of the electronics and accessories you can pick up at most Dollar General stores or online:
Connectors and Cables
- HDMI cables: Connect your laptop, gaming console, or streaming box to your TV.
- Phone chargers and cables: Keep your mobile devices juiced up (Lightning, USB-C, Micro-USB).
- 3.5mm aux cables: Old-school wired headphone connections and playing music from your phone in the car.
Computer Accessories
- Flash drives: Store or transfer files on the go.
- SD cards: Ideal for digital cameras, portable gaming systems, and expandable phone storage.
- Mouse pads: Essential for precise cursor movements during work or play.
- Mousses: Wired and wireless options for desktop and laptop users.
Mobile and Smart Home Gadgets
- Phone cases, screen protectors, and PopSockets: Safeguard your expensive smartphone and add some flair.
- Bluetooth speakers: Affordable wireless audio for indoor and outdoor listening.
- Smart plugs: Control lamps and small appliances with your phone or voice commands.
- Wireless security cameras: DIY monitoring for your home or business.
Home Office and Entertainment Essentials
- Surge protectors and power strips: Guard your valuable electronics against damaging power spikes.
- Headphones: Wired and Bluetooth earbuds and over-ear cans for work and play.
- Streaming sticks: Turn your dumb TV into a smart one with a Roku or Amazon Fire TV.
Exact product selection and pricing will vary by Dollar General location and are subject to change. Still, it‘s always worth a stroll through the electronics aisle to see what cheap and cheerful tech treasures you can score.
The Bottom Line on Dollar General‘s Ethernet Cable Deficit
In summary, Dollar General may be your go-to destination for crazy-good deals on household essentials, but Ethernet cables aren‘t part of their current offerings. The retailer‘s focus on low-cost, high-turnover items means more niche networking products often get left out of the inventory.
But fear not, thrifty shoppers – you have a plethora of alternative places to pick up an Ethernet cable on the cheap. Big-box retailers like Walmart and Target stock Cat5 through Cat8 cables suited for basic home networks to super-fast gaming and streaming setups. For an even larger selection and the lowest prices, online marketplaces like Amazon and specialty stores like Monoprice are your best bet.
While Dollar General may not be a one-stop-shop for all your electronics needs, it‘s still a solid source for impulse-priced mobile accessories, computer peripherals, and smart home gadgets.
So the next time you‘re in the market for an Ethernet cable, you‘ll know to head to the electronics store or your favorite online retailer instead of your local DG. But don‘t write off Dollar General completely for tech – you never know when you might stumble across an unbeatable deal on earbuds or a flash drive to go with your new wired networking setup.
