The Best Banana Plugs
If you're into home sound systems, modular synths, or other hi-fi audio hobbies, you're probably familiar with banana plugs. These industry-standard plugs have been around for decades, and they only get better with age. These days, banana plugs are made with the best material and design to achieve solid hookups every time, with no unwanted artifacts or noise. Of course, there are a plethora of options out there, but we think we've found quite the selection for you.
What to Look For
You might be thinking that a banana plug is a banana plug, right? Well, if you’re looking for top-tier plugs, you may want to read further. For example, InstallGear sells gold banana plugs with color-coded ends, so hooking up speakers is a breeze, and you get a pristine audio signal. If you’re looking to buy great banana plugs in bulk on a budget, FosPower offers the perfect solution with their 24-pack of premium gold-plated banana plugs. Think about it, would you rather spend a little more on top-quality banana plugs now or have to troubleshoot and replace shoddy plugs down the line? If you’re like us, the answer is clear: high-quality, gold-plated banana plugs are the only way to go.
InstallGear Gold Banana Plugs
Get connected
Learning how to wire your new hi-fi sound system can be hard. Many sound systems require loose copper wiring to connect one speaker to the other. The best way to ensure that your connections are locked in, and secure is with banana plugs, like these from InstallGear. InstallGear’s gold-plated banana plugs house bare speaker wiring, providing your system with the durable and reliable connections you need to enjoy an immersive audio experience without worries. These banana plugs from InstallGear unscrew easily and offer plenty of room for bare speaker wiring inside. Not to mention, InstallGear’s helpful color-coding system makes it easy to organize your wiring to maintain proper polarity.
Pros:
- The screwing mechanism can fit thicker wires — perfect for those with longer cables to connect.
- We found that these plugs provide a clean audio signal with no crackling, hissing, or other noises.
Cons:
- They’re not the coolest-looking banana plugs on the market.
Sewell SW-29863-12 Deadbolt Banana Plugs
Boost your audio quality
As all audiophiles know, there’s nothing worse than losing your speaker sound due to loosening speaker wires. Luckily, Sewell’s deadbolt banana plugs offer reliably sturdy screw-on connections that keep your wiring in place and functional. The deadbolts on these banana plugs provide you with more protection from wire failure than the vast majority of banana plugs on the market. Sewell’s thick banana plug casings leave plenty of room for wire distribution and enough space to work with the copper endings without hand fatigue. With a heavy-duty brass casing, Sewell’s banana plugs are not only easy to use, but they’re also highly durable. We can’t recommend these banana plugs enough to audiophiles of all experience levels for ease of use and longevity.
Pros:
- The strong deadbolt screws provide sturdy connections, and the serrated teeth dig into the speaker wire for maximum signal flow.
- They fit very snugly, and you won’t notice any wobbliness.
- We found that these banana plugs are easy to thread speaker wire into and easy to plug into a receiver.
Cons:
- They cannot hold speaker wiring thicker than 10-AWG.
FosPower Banana Plugs
No screws loose
Hi-fi sound systems can seem intimidating to beginners, but these easy-to-use banana pugs from FosPower make the process a whole lot more accessible to laypeople. FosPower’s affordable and durable banana plugs utilize a simple color-coding system that prevents confusion during the wiring process. What’s more, these banana plugs feature attractive gold plating that makes them resistant to both corrosion and rust. One of our favorite things about FosPower’s banana plugs is their versatility. Unlike many comparable products that are only compatible with a few wire sizes, FosPower’s banana plugs can accommodate all speaker wires from 12-AWG to 8-AWG. Not to mention, the closed type design with dual screws keeps wires separated from one another and prevents short-circuiting.
Pros:
- The machined aluminum feels sturdy and professional. Plus, we think it looks great.
- With two screws, you know your wire connection is going to be rock solid.
Cons:
- It’s on the pricier side for banana plugs.
WGGE WG-009 Banana Plugs
Safe circuits
WGGE’s banana plugs are some of the most unique-looking banana plugs on the market, but aesthetics are not the only thing that separates them from the pack. These banana plugs feature 24k gold-plating that provides a seamless connection free of interference and noise. Whether you’re looking to wire a sound system, A/V receiver, or guitar amplifier, WGGE’s top-notch banana plugs can get the job done. What’s more, the silver coating on the connectors of these banana plugs gives them a striking appearance that differentiates them from the rest of the market. If you’re in the market for affordable and reliable banana plugs with a sharp-looking design, WGGE’s banana plugs are the pick for you.
Pros:
- With a unique silver design and 24k gold-plated tips, these plugs look incredible on top of providing a super-clean signal.
- These color-coded plugs make it easy to connect speakers — no more guessing which one is positive and which is negative.
Cons:
- The housings are a bit small, making it somewhat difficult to screw in the wiring.
Monoprice 109436 Gold-Plated Banana Plugs
Compact connectors
If you’re just getting into wiring your own speakers, you’re going to want banana plugs that make the wiring process quick and hassle-free. Monoprice’s gold-plated banana plugs are some of the easiest to use and most reliable banana plugs on the market. With efficient color-coding and durable connectors, Monoprice’s banana plugs make hi-fi speaker wiring accessible to just about everyone. Monoprice’s banana plugs are compatible with both bare wiring and spades, making them a uniquely versatile choice for audiophiles.
Pros:
- For solid, gold-plated banana plugs, we think these come at a great price.
- These are designed to be easy to install and easy to plug in while retaining a secure fit.
Cons:
- These aren’t the greatest choice for thick wiring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of using banana plugs over bare speaker wiring?
Banana plugs make the process of wiring your speakers simpler and more secure. Bare speaker wires take a lot more time to install and provide a much less reliable connection than banana plugs. Banana plugs offer audiophiles the same sturdy connections that PVC-coated speaker cables have with the same versatility that stripped wiring is known for. With banana plugs, your wiring is much less likely to become dislodged and short-circuited. Not to mention, banana plugs offer an additional layer of safety against electrical shocks during assembly.
Why are they called banana plugs?
These connectors are referred to as “banana plugs” because banana plugs are wider in the middle and narrower at both ends, much like the fruit. Additionally, their gold and brass coloration bears a passing resemblance to the yellow color common to bananas.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.