If you have handled speaker pole and stereo wirings, you know how tedious the task is. Alongside that, unplugging the wires from the port and installing them back after moving the devices is another tedious work. Well, you know what can make the process feel effortless? Banana plugs!
Now that you know that banana plugs will let you install wiring in your music devices securely, you might want to sort out the best banana plugs. And that is another tedious task as well.
But as you have found us, you will not have to worry anymore. We will not only introduce with the best ones that are out there but also will provide you a short buying guide too.
Best Overall |
|---|
 |
Honorable Mention |
|---|
 |
10 Best Banana Plugs Review
There are a plethora of options in the market that will be from different manufacturers, but not all of them will be worth your time and money. Well, we went through the most popular ones that are out there and made a shortlist.
Suggested: Hydraulic Crimping Tools Review
1. Sewell SW-29863-12 Deadbolt
Low profile plugs always come in handy. The will allow you to install the wiring to devices and keep them as close to the walls as possible. Sewell understood that, and that is why they implemented a low profile for this banana plugs.
Let us talk about the highlighting feature first. The units come with a deadbolt design which makes the plugs achieve a low profile body. Because of that, you will be able to install them on your device and keep them flush with the wall. That means you will not have to worry about not having enough space on your desk with this.
Alongside that, these come with high-quality body components as well. The connectors that these feature come with 24k hold coating on the surface that will ensure a steady connection. Because of this coating, it will be able to transfer the signals at a constant rate for an extended amount of time.
Other than that, the installation process is quite easy too. It comes integrated with the patented Quick-lock technology that will allow you to install this with your audio wires within just 30 seconds. You will not have to wait that long to listen to your favorite songs.
Unlike most of the plugs, it does not rely on any screws or soldering to keep hold of the cables. Instead, it comes withs self-crimping teeth that will ensure a secure installation. You will not have to bring out your soldering iron for installing wires in these.
Pros
Cons
2. Mediabridge 24K Gold-Plated Connectors (Part# SPC-BP2-12)
Even though most of the plugs that are out there will come with a sturdy body, what most manufacturers skimp on is the coating. But that is not the case with these ones that Mediabridge is offering.
To begin with, it comes in a 12 pair package. That means you will be receiving 24 plugs in the box. There are 12 positive ones and 12 negatives. With that amount of connectors, you might never need to opt for any other ones for an extended amount of time.
As the units come with color-coding, you will not have to worry about mixing up the polarity. You will be able to match it easily and get a hassle-free plug and play experience out of these accessories.
To make the installation process much easier for you, it comes with self-crimping teeth. These teeth will eliminate the need for screwing and soldering. You will be able to get your audio wires installed in them without any issues at all.
Other than that, both the teeth come with an adequate coating to resist rust and corrosion. You will not have to worry about these catching rust or corroding over time. Alongside that, the 24k gold coating that the connector features will be able to provide you with uninterrupted signal transfers.
The overall body design is quite low-profile as well. It only sticks an inch out of the posts, which means you will be able to keep your audio devices flushed with the walls.
Pros
Cons
3. FosPower Banana Plugs Closed Screw 24K Gold Plated
Most of the units will come with exposed sidewalls that will make the signals short out if they come in contact with other wires. FosPower acknowledged that and implemented a closed connection design for their product.
As we mentioned, these come with an isolated wiring design. The closed body design will ensure that no other signal wires come in contact with the body and short out the signals. It keeps the cables isolated and offers you a lossless sound from the device.
You will get options for the number of connectors that you require. These come in a box of 4 pieces, 12 pieces, and 24 pieces. Each of the pairs comes with two color-coded connectors. Because of this, you will not have to worry about mismatching the polarity. You will be able to enjoy a plug-and-play music experience.
Alongside that, the units are compatible with a plethora of speaker wires. These are compatible with the cables that are from 12 AWG to 18 AWG. That means you will not have to worry about the compatibility that much for these.
The connector that these units feature has gold plating. This 24k gold plating will ensure a consistent transfer of signals. The installation process is quite simple too. It comes with a set of screws that will keep the wire secure with the plug. You will not have to worry about the cables falling off over time.
Pros
Cons
4. AmazonBasics Speaker Connector
Among all the plugs, the ones that come with self-crimping teeth are the easiest ones to install. If you were looking for such units, then a good option would be this one that AmazonBasics is offering.
While most of the units will require screwing and soldering, this one will not require any of those. You will be able to get your wires secure within just a couple of minutes. It comes with self-crimping teeth that will hold onto the cables without the need for screws and solder joints.
Just like most of the units out there, these also come with 24k gold plating. This coating on the exterior will make sure that it can transfer audio signals without any interruptions. You will not have to worry about the transmission getting interfered with and being distorted.
You will be able to choose between two different boxes. There is one that comes with six pairs, and the other one that comes with twelve pairs. Each of them is color-coded, which will eliminate the chances of getting them mismatched. Overall, you will get you a smooth plug and play audio experience.
There is also a female connection option for each of the units. This connection will allow you to utilize one single speaker output and connect it with multiple other speakers.
Other than that, these are compatible with most of the speaker wires. You will be able to install from 12 AWG to 18 AWG speaker cables in these.
Pros
Cons
5. Monoprice 109436 Gold Plated
Even though most of the units will be able to accept bare wires, not all are compatible with spades. However, this one that is from Monoprice is compatible with both of them.
Like we mentioned, these can accept both the bare wire and spades, which makes them extremely versatile. You will not have to get another set of plugs if you have devices that have different wirings. You will be able to install any cable that is between 12 AWG and 18 AWG.
Other than that, the unit comes in four different package options. You will be able to choose among 5 pairs, 10 pairs, 12 pairs, and 20 pairs packages. Each of the units in that package will be color-coded, which means you will not have to worry about getting the polarity mixed up.
The connectors on each of the units are gold plated. This 24k gold plating will not only ensure a stable and consistent connection but also will make them resistant to rust and corrosions. You can expect these to last for an extended amount of time.
The body of the units is of brass, which will increase make them look good in your expensive speaker system. Besides that, the screwing mechanism will make sure that the wires are held on to the posts appropriately. You will not have to worry about them falling off.
Pros
Cons
6. KabelDirekt Banana Plug
There are a lot of hi-fi speaker systems out there that use an 11 AWG wire. And, for brands such as KabelDirekt, you will not have to go through the hassle of finding a decent banana plug for those wires.
To begin with, it is compatible with most of the speaker wires that are out there. Starting from 11 AWG, it can accept wires that are all the way up at 16 AWG. Because of such wide compatibility, they will be compatible with most of the hi-fi speakers that are out there.
Keeping the tabs up with all the other plugs, it also comes with a fully gold-plated connector. It has 24k gold plating on both the inside and the outside. Because of this, it will be able to resist corrosion, and alongside that, it will also be able to transmit signals efficiently.
2 Person Dining Tables for Small Space Reviews
The installation process is quite straightforward too. It has two screws on the body that will let you secure the wire adequately. After screwing them on properly, you will not have to worry about the cables falling off the body. They also have gold plating on them, which will ensure a stable connection.
Lastly, you will be able to select between the five pairs and ten pairs box. Each of the units in the package has color coding, which will allow you to enjoy a hassle-free plug and play experience.
Pros
Cons
7. WGGE WG-009 Banana Plugs Audio Jack Connector
When it comes to being compatible with a wide number of wires, there are hardly a few units that will be able to match what WGGE is offering here.
Unlike most of the available units, this one is compatible with a plethora of speaker wires. It can accept even 8 AWG wires, which is very uncommon.
Starting from that, it works with cables that are within the 20 AWG wire diameter range. That means you will not have to get a different set for all the hi-fi sound systems that you have installed in your home.
The manufacturer also offers three different package options. You will be able to choose from 5-pair, 6-pair, and 12-pair box. Each of the units inside the boxes are color-coded, which will eliminate the hassle of getting the polarity mixed up.
Just like most of the units, these also come with a gold plated connector which can offer an efficient transmission of signals. That means you will be able to enjoy lossless audio without having to worry about distorted sounds. Other than that, the gold plating also ensures a longer lifespan.
It also has an easy installation process. All you have to do is insert the wires and screw them in. You will not have to deal with any soldering. Besides that, the body isolates the cables and the connector properly, which will eliminate the possibilities of interference in signals.
Pros
Cons
8. Sewell Direct Strike Banana Plugs
Securing the wires with clamping teeth might not always ensure a proper connection all the time. Well, to mitigate that, Sewell came up with these plugs that have a unique securing mechanism.
While most of the units will come with a clamping teeth or a screwing mechanism, this one comes packed with the proprietary V-lock technology. This patent-pending V-cone design will make sure that the wire has adequate contact with the connector. Other than that, it will also eliminate the need for soldering or screwing.
The units come in a pack of 14 pairs. Each of them is color-coded because of which you will not have to worry about reverse polarity issues anymore. They also feature gold plating on the connector, which will ensure efficient transmission of audio data. You will be able to get a crisp sound out of your speakers with these.
These go with most of the wired audio devices and speakers covering between 10 AWG and 18 AWG. That means you will not have to worry about the compatibility that much.
They also come with a low-profile body. Because of this design, you will be able to plug these inside your audio output devices and keep them flush with the walls.
Pros
Cons
9. GHWL Banana Plugs, 24k Gold Plated
In your search for one of the best banana plugs for speakers, you are going to stumble upon a plethora of units. But not all of them will offer you multiple installation options like this one from GHWL does.
First of all, you will get two different installation options with these. You can choose the self-crimping teeth locking mechanism for a permanent setup, or you can opt for the two-piece screwing mechanism for a temporary installation.
These options will let you set the audio devices that way you want to. The casing unscrews from the top, which makes the installation process easy.
Other than that, as the connector comes with a 24k gold plating, you will not have to worry about them corroding over time. Alongside that, this coating will also ensure a consistent transmission of signal to the speakers. You will have a crystal clear, crisp, and distortion-free audio listening experience.
You will also have four different options in the case of quantity. There are 4 pairs, 6 pairs, 8 pairs, and 12 pairs boxes available. Each of the units inside the boxes will be color-coded. This color-coding will let you match the polarity without any issues at all.
These are compatible with a plethora of speaker cables too. They accept any wires that are in between 8 AWG and 20 AWG diameter range. That means you will be able to use them for most of the speaker and audio devices that are out there.
Pros
Cons
10. Devinal Banana Plugs Open Screw
We are going to finish off our review section with this unit from Devial. If you were in the lookout for a low-profile screwing banana plug, then you should have a look into this one.
To begin with, it has quite a straightforward installation process. All you have to do is strip the wires and loosen the strands, then insert the cable into the plug and tighten the screw that is on the body. You will not have to worry about any soldering for this one.
The package comes in a pair of twelve. Each of the units has a color-coding that will let you differentiate the positive and negative polarity. Overall, you will be able to get a smooth plug and play experience out of them.
Both the body and the connector comes with 24k gold plating. This plating will not only increase the overall durability but also will make the units resistant to corrosion. Alongside that, it will also make sure that these can transfer the signals efficiently. You will not have to worry about distortion anymore.
They are compatible with most of the speaker wires that are out there. You will be able to set them up with cables that are anywhere between 12 AWG and 18 AWG. That means you will be able to connect them with most of the speaker and audio output devices that are out there.
Also Read: Digital Ballasts Recommended By Experts.
Pros
Cons
Things to Consider Before Buying
You might already have a general idea about what you can expect from decent banana plugs after going through our review section. To solidify that even further and to let you scrutinize more efficiently, you should keep these points into mind before you invest money in a unit:
Body Design
The first thing that you should consider is the body design. While most of the units will come standard-sized, some might come with a low-profile one. You should opt for these if you are planning to set your speakers flush to the wall. Other than that, if the ports are on the front, then you can choose either of the two.
Installation Process
Besides the body design, you should also factor in the installation process. The ones that we have included in our review section will either have self-crimping teeth or a screw or both.
If you are looking for a temporary setup solution, then you should opt for the screw ones. For the permanent installation, you should opt for the self-crimping ones. The self-crimping mechanism is also the easiest one.
Gold Plating
While most of the units that you are going to stumble in the market will come with gold plated connectors, many might not have that.
With these, you are not going to have that clear sound out of your audio output device. The audio might get distorted too. That is why you should opt for the ones that have gold plating on the connector.
Compatibility
The last thing that you have to factor in while looking for the best banana plugs for speakers is the compatibility. Not all of the units may be fit for the wiring that you have.
To be on the safe side, we would recommend you to opt for the ones that are compatible with most of the speaker wires that are out there if you do not know what gauge your cable is.
Also Read: Best C Clamps
Frequently Asked Questions
1. For which devices are banana plugs used?
Banana plugs are mostly used to install speaker wires securely. After that, they can be installed in most of the audio devices that have a binding port on the back for audio input and output.
2. What can banana plugs offer over the other plugs that are available?
These plugs are known to offer a crisp, vibrant, and hassle-free audio listening experience. They are pretty easy to install wires in, and they are also compatible with most of the speaker cables that are out there. You will have a redefined plug and play experience out of most of these.
3. Will banana plugs degrade the sound quality?
The ones that come with appropriate gold coating and can maintain proper contact with the wiring will not degrade the overall sound quality. Instead, those will enhance the quality to a certain extent.
4. Are all the banana plugs the same?
Not really, the thing that will differentiate these plugs is the body design and the installation process.
5. Are low-profile banana plugs worth it?
Yes, the low-profile banana plugs will allow you to install them on the back of the speakers and set them as close to the walls as possible. You will be able to keep your audio devices flush to the walls with those. So we would say that they are very much worth it.
6. Why are these called banana plugs?
If you take a closer look at the connector of the plugs, you will notice that the metal leaves are bulging out, which resembles the shape of a banana. For these curved leaves, they are called banana plugs.
7. Can I install banana plugs in an RCA?
While most of the older systems might not accept these plugs for audio input and output, you will be able to find adapters in the market that will allow you to use these plugs for an RCA system.
Final Words
The best banana plugs will let you connect the wires to your audio speakers and amplifiers without having to worry about sound degradation and distortions. And we hope that we were able to make the choosing process much easier for you.
With that, we would like to end it here by wishing you good luck and hoping that you can enjoy a hassle-free audio listening experience.
Also, if you are looking for a good quality speaker stand for more pleasant audio experiences, you might read this article.
