The Best Speaker Wires
So you've invested in a sweet new speaker system, you've arranged everything for the perfect stereoscopic experience, and then at the last minute, you realized that you forgot the copper wire. Or maybe it's just time to upgrade. Whatever the case may be, you're going to need some high-quality speaker wire to achieve sonic bliss. There are tons of great options out there and some not-so-great ones, so we've whittled down the options to the best of the best.
What to Look For
We take our sound systems seriously, so we scanned the market for the best speaker wires with three guiding questions: Does it have a quality jacket that can be stripped if needed? What metal is the wire made out of? Is the price fair for the quality? Our favorite came from InstallGear since their 14-gauge speaker wire uses copper-clad aluminum to transmit astonishingly clear audio. And for those that want something simpler, thinner, and more affordable, we also recommend checking out Amazon Basics’ 16-gauge wire, which comes in 100 feet for a bargain price. There’s a lot to consider, so let’s dive in to the reviews.
InstallGear 14 Gauge AWG 30ft Speaker Wire
Consistently clear
There are really only a few features that are important to consider when shopping for speaker wire. InstallGear scores top marks in all of them. Their copper-clad aluminum wires are encased in a two-color jacket that lets you quickly identify the polarity of the wire in hand. The two wires are also easy to strip apart, so you can complete the installation in just minutes. Through these wires, bass tones sound dynamic, and interference isn’t an issue.
Pros:
- The PVC jacket is easy to strip, yet it still provides ample protection and the right amount of flexibility.
- The price-per-foot is extremely affordable.
- The 14-gauge size is ideal for most audio systems.
Cons:
- They’re copper-clad aluminum, not pure copper.
Amazon Basics 16-Gauge Speaker Wire, 100 ft
Simple and sufficient
This option from Amazon Basics might be basic, but it offers everything we look for in speaker wires. For starters, the thick 16-gauge wire is wrapped in a plastic jacket that helps eliminate distortion and interference. And thanks to a white polarity line, you’ll never get confused with the direction of the signal. It makes for a lightning-fast setup when arranging even the most complex of audio systems. Of course, this budget-friendly option isn’t going to win the loyalty of the audiophile community. But considering the price and the high-quality construction, these wires are a deal that we just can’t pass up.
Pros:
- These wires deliver clear, crisp signals on low-voltage applications, like small- to medium-sized sound systems.
- The 16-gauge wire is thin and flexible, so it’s super easy to work with.
- The plastic jacket can help reduce distortion from outside signals like WiFi and cellphones.
Cons:
- Audiophiles and gear heads that want to optimize their system for impedance-matching and frequency may require a different size.
Amazon Basics 16AWG Speaker Cable Wire
Eliminate the extras
Sometimes a couple of feet of wire just won’t cut it. With this option, you get to choose between a variety of lengths and bundles to make sure you don’t fall short of your audio goals. Especially effective for stringing up outdoor audio systems, these spools are available with banana-tip plugs. They’re a high-quality piece of audio gear as well, with thick semi-flexible jackets and premium wires.
Pros:
- The banana-tip plugs are gold-plated, so they transmit audio signals cleanly.
- These premium cable wires resist corrosion, so they can be used in humid environments for years without degrading.
Cons:
- The thick jacket may not fit through small apertures.
InstallGear 14 Gauge Speaker Wire
Thick means durable
If you’re looking to raise the roof with a powerful sound system, you’re going to need some heavy-duty gear. That’s why we recommend InstallGear to anyone that’s planning on cranking up the juice. Their 14-gauge wire offers the best in ruggedness and performance. Encased in a thick black-and-red PVC jacket, this option is easy to set up and easy to maintain. The wires themselves are comprised of thick copper-clad aluminum, which is appropriate for low-impedance systems and big booming subwoofers. The best part of all? Normally, wire this thick comes with a price tag to match its jumbo size, but InstallGear offers this awesome wire for just a couple of bucks more than the lighter-gauge options.
Pros:
- It’s a great value for the price, especially considering the thickness and ruggedness.
- This option is ideal for low-impedance, high-voltage sound systems.
- It’s easy to identify the current direction thanks to the red-and-black jacket.
Cons:
- If you don’t have a wire cutter, you may have a really hard time stripping the jacket off.
GearIT 12AWG Speaker Wire
For those looking for thick, heavy-duty 12-gauge speaker wire, this option is a no-brainer. The spooled design marks each foot of wire, letting you measure out the perfect length without having to struggle with a tape measurer. Better yet, the copper-clad aluminum wire delivers clear audio, free of impedance and noise. Considering the premium quality of this thick speaker wire, the price is a bargain.
Pros:
- Several different lengths and color options are available.
- It’s easy to pull the wires apart and strip the jacket off as needed.
- The wire itself doesn’t feel too flimsy, though it’s still flexible and easy to work with.
Cons:
- The thick jackets may prove to be too thick to pass through small apertures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different “gauges” of wire, and which should I use?
The first thing to learn about wire gauges is that the higher the number, the thinner the diameter. Thus, 12-gauge wire is thicker than 14-gauge wire. Obviously, we can’t give a comprehensive guide to electrical engineering here without writing a textbook on the subject. That being said, some general rules of thumb can get you started on your journey to hi-fi sound.
Generally speaking, higher-amperage circuits require thicker wires. This is because if a wire is too thin, it can overheat and melt or start a fire. Thus, if you know the amperage rating of your system, you can conduct a quick Google search to find the appropriate size wire. If you don’t know the output of the system, don’t worry. Most speaker systems will perform perfectly fine with 16-gauge wire. If you’re going to run the wire more than 50 feet, however, you should consider going thicker, such as 14-gauge or even 12-gauge.
Okay, I’ve done a little research and know which gauge to use. What else should I look for in speaker wires?
Well, for starters, make sure you get enough. We don’t recommend splicing two wires together, so opt for extra length rather than trying to save a couple of bucks. Also, a quality jacket is essential for reducing interference and protecting the copper wires from corrosion. Finally, if you’re an audiophile that takes audio quality seriously, make sure that the wire is 100% copper and not copper wire wrapped around an aluminum core.
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.