If you want to make your life easier as a guitarist, investing in the best patch cables is a smart move. I hear you; it isn't incredibly alluring to hand over $50 for cables, but remember the old adage: buy smart, buy once. A high-quality and durable patch cable will minimize signal loss, tidy up your pedal situation, and cut down the number of gut-wrenching scrambles toward your ’board when your signal has gone AWOL during your band’s opener.
The humble patch cable may seem pretty primitive, but don’t be fooled – there are a surprising number of options to choose from. Having been playing for 20 years, I have come across countless options from different jack types, cable length, sleeve material, and profile. Some have worked well for me, others not so much. This amount of choice makes your purchase more nuanced and complex than you might have anticipated.
If you are looking for the best overall patch cable, I’d go for the EBS PG-10 Flat Patch. The slim connectors make them great for packing pedals onto your ‘board, and they’re very keenly priced. If you need something on a budget, the catchily named MXR 3PDCP06 3-pack of patch cables gives you excellent value for money.
Below, I have compiled a list of what I believe are the best patch cables currently on the market. From big-name brands like EBS, MXR, Ernie Ball, Mogami, and more, I've trimmed the fat and selected six solid cables that are guaranteed to make your pedalboard a lot less frantic and much more reliable.
My top picks
Marrying excellent build quality, low-profile connectors, and a nicely flexible cable, the EBS PG-10 Premium Gold flat patch cable is my favorite overall. There are loads of length options, and I found them to be incredibly robust.
If you want a patch cable but don't want to spend loads, the MXR 3PDCP06 patch cable 3-pack is a great way to get more for your money. Being from MXR, you can rest assured that the build quality is great despite the low cost.
Flat patch cables are ideal for players who have a ton of pedals on their 'board, or want to squeeze a lot into a smaller-sized pedalboard. This 3-pack of Ernie Ball Flat Ribbon patch cables is great value, and comes in some awesome colors, too.
Best overall
✅ Buy if you want a low-profile, easy-fitting patch cable for a busy pedalboard: The flat plugs and flexible cable make tight and complex layouts much easier.
❌ Avoid if you don’t like a very flexible cable: Sometimes you might need something stiffer in your pedalboard build, and these cables will flop around.
Overview: I've tested a lot of patch cables in my 20 years of playing, and the EBS PG-10 is right there amongst the very best. They have loads of length options, the connectors are very slim, and the cable is ultra flexible, making it a very versatile choice for pretty much any pedalboard build.
Build Quality: Their malleability makes pedalboard construction a dream and the extra-flat jack plugs allow for a supremely close pedal set-up. Conductive PVC and the twisted copper shielding punch well above the cable's price tag.
Features: The 24K connectors help with managing noise, especially in scenarios with complex routing or if you have pedals that tend to hiss. The only real downside I could find with these is that the cable is very flexible, and in some instances, you might prefer something a little stiffer.
Best budget
✅ Buy if you need a cheap patch cable: These patch cables come in threes and straddle the line between affordable and quality.
❌ Avoid if you need slim connectors: While the pancake style connector is relatively flat, they don't always fit next to each other with stereo pedals or switchers
Overview: There isn’t a lot to dislike about the MXR 3PDCP06 patch cables. When you see the MXR name, you are always guaranteed a durable build, and these patch cables are no exception. The three-pack offers a reasonably affordable solution, allowing you to wire up a medium-sized pedalboard without breaking the bank.
While all the cables in this pack are the same length, MXR also provides longer options if you require additional length for those extended stretches.
Build Quality: With a tough PVC outer jacket, they are built to last rigorous gigging and are flexible enough to bend to your pedals’ input requirements. The only slight negative we can think of here is the cable's profile. The outer jacket is a bit more girthy than others, so bear this in mind if you prefer a thinner cable.
Features: Internally, MXR has implemented a 90% coverage OFC spiral shield to block any unwanted interference, and their clarity is very satisfying. We all know that space on your pedalboard is at a premium, and here the pancake connectors are great for putting pedals close together.
Where they don't hold up so well is with stereo pedals or pedal switchers, where you can sometimes run into issues placing these connectors parallel to one another.
Best flat patch
✅ Buy if things are cramped on your pedalboard: The flat ribbon design allows this cable to operate in very tight spaces.
❌ Avoid if you're on a budget: There are cheaper options if you want to build your 'board on a budget.
Overview: Ernie Ball’s Flat Ribbon cables are ideal for those who appreciate a bit of color and struggle with spacing issues on their pedalboard. The Flat Ribbon cable is exactly what it says it is – flat. This low-profile design has been devised by the cable boffins at Ernie Ball to accommodate those tight bends your patch cables often have to navigate.
Build Quality: For those seeking a vibrant touch, there are bright color options available, although we understand that may not appeal to everyone. In that case, traditional black cables are also offered.
Similar to other high-quality cables, these are shielded to safeguard against interference and noise. What sets them apart is the use of multiple shielding materials for added protection. The durable PVC outer jacket is a reliable choice, and we have no complaints about its performance.
Features: You can also choose from a wide variety of sizes. Ernie Ball offers an extensive range of Flat Ribbon cables, ranging from 3 inches to 24 inches, so you're covered for every scenario. They also feature 3 different color options, which is a nice touch if you're the organized sort who wants to color-code your pedalboard.
Best premium
✅ Buy if you value ultra-rugged durability: Mogami cables are used throughout the pro audio world, so you can rely on them to put up with plenty of abuse.
❌ Avoid if you have a massive pedalboard: Unless you’re absolutely rolling in it, it would be a crazy expensive option to build a mega ‘board with these.
Overview: Now, I understand the prospect of spending $60 on a singular 1-foot patch cable may make you balk, but if you want an ultra-premium option that has a stellar reputation for performance, accept no substitutes. Mogami Platinum cables are a go-to for professional recording studios, and their reputation is squeaky clean.
Build Quality: Just holding this cable in your hand is enough to convince you of its quality, and I was particularly impressed with the G&H copper-core 1/4-inch connectors. The connectors are robust, durable, and provide a satisfyingly solid, clean signal transfer when plugged into a pedal.
While the PVC outer jacket may seem like a standard feature, Mogami has taken it a step further by implementing a carbon-impregnated sleeve that effectively eliminates vibration-induced noise.
Features: The Mogami Platinum Series patch cables use a high-density 100% coverage copper spiral shield. The Neutrik connectors are ultra durable, and you also get a no-questions-asked lifetime warranty. If you think all of those features justify the price tag, try it out for size.
Best solderless
✅ Buy if you want a custom wired pedalboard: Having the exact cable length between pedals will cut down on unnecessary slack, make your 'board neat and tidy, and will help with the dreaded 'tone suck'.
❌ Avoid if you’re not the most patient: It will take you a lot of time to put together a pedalboard using one of these, so it's not for the impatient.
Overview: Patch cables can be frustrating; most of the time, they come just a little short or far too long, leaving you with loads of excess cable meandering around your pedalboard. However, the Boss BCK-6 Pedalboard Cable Kit solves that issue.
Build Quality: This pack comes with 6 feet of cable and six bi-directional connectors, allowing you to solderlessly engineer either straight or right-angle connections at the exact length you require. Pretty handy, right? The 24K gold-plated connectors are great quality and the included cable is low-capacitance oxygen-free copper, which operates very quietly. There is plenty of quality on show here.
Features: If six new patch cables aren’t enough to get you by, there is the option of a 12 or 24-piece kit if you’re in the market for a larger quantity. Although solderless, there is a knack for getting these perfect, so take your time and consult YouTube if everything goes wrong. However, if you’re not the most dexterous person, perhaps give this one a miss.
Best TRS
✅ Buy if you have a volume/expression pedal, additional switches, or certain stereo pedals: This flat patch cable is nice and compact and comes with a good variety of lengths for longer runs
❌ Avoid if you only use standard effects pedals: A mono patch cable will work perfectly well in that situation.
Overview: You don’t need a TRS cable on many occasions, but if you have a volume or expression pedal, then it’s a must. A TRS cable is required for volume and expression pedals to properly transmit both the signal and control voltage, whereas standard mono patch cables can’t do this.
Build Quality: If you’ve found yourself needing a TRS connection, the Ernie Ball Flat Ribbon TRS Patch Cable is perfectly suited for the job. With an incredibly flat cable profile and connector, it maximizes space on your pedalboard. The PVC outer jacket is fairly standard but durable enough, and Ernie Ball offers the cable in a variety of lengths.
Features: As a double-conductor cable, it minimizes noise and interference. The main drawback is its limited versatility. It will work with some standard effects pedals but not all, so you shouldn’t rely on it for your entire pedalboard.
Also consider
How to choose
If you are putting together your first pedalboard or want to better understand what to look out for when shopping, I have put together this section to help you select a suitable patch cable. Having worked in a guitar store for the last 10 years or so, my advice has helped hundreds of players choose the best option for their needs. So, here is what you should consider.
1. Length
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First up, how much cable do you need to run between pedals? This will depend on how many pedals you are hooking up and the layout of your board. For side-by-side pedals, you obviously won’t need much length; around 10cm will do. If your pedalboard splits into two rows, you’ll need a bit more.
For example, the last pedal on the first row of my board has an output that points to the left, and the next pedal on the second row has an input that faces to the right, so I need more length to hook them up. I use a 3-foot cable for that stretch. If you’re unsure, set up your pedals in order to check for any longer runs you may need to account for.
2. Connectors
The next important consideration is the connector type. Typically, this choice will be between a right-angle or straight connector. For tight spacing, side-by-side pedals will benefit from right-angled pancake-style connectors, since their low profile allows for closer placement. Straight connectors stick out a bit more, but might be necessary depending on your pedal’s input and output positioning. When the input and output are placed on the pedal’s top, I prefer a straight connection.
3. Cable profile
Like connectors, the material and profile of the cable itself are important considerations. Flat ribbon-style cables are excellent space savers, but they can tangle easily and, depending on the quality, offer a little less protection for the wiring. Thicker cabling and outer shielding certainly add better protection, but they will take up more space and may not be usable if your pedalboard is packed to the rafters.
FAQs
What are the most reliable patch cable brands?
There are many fantastic patch cable brands on the market. This answer typically depends on experience. I have had only great experiences with MXR and Roland patch cables. Typically, they aren’t the most affordable or expensive on the market, but both brands offer great-quality products that I have gigged with and never had any issues with patch cables going down.
I've also got a lot of love for EBS, Ernie Ball, and Mogami cables, all of which offer excellent durability and a great variety of length options.
Do patch cables affect your tone?
If you are using terrible quality patch cables, then your tone may be compromised, particularly over long runs. Bad cables can degrade your signal by picking up noise interference due to low-quality shielding or by cutting out particular frequencies, which leads to reduced clarity.
Comparing good-quality patch cables is where it gets trickier to hear a difference. Unless you are under extremely accurate studio conditions, the effect of a good-quality patch cable will plateau for most ears.
What's the difference between flat cables and traditional round ones?
The main difference is the profile of the cable. Flat, or ribbon cables, have a much thinner profile that can operate in tighter, more cramped pedalboards. This is useful, since space is often at a premium for guitarists who enjoy adding more and more effects to their setup.
However, because the outer casing is thinner on flat cables, they can be more fragile as there is less material protecting the wiring. Round cables are usually bulkier, take up more space, and can be tricky to fit on a crowded pedalboard. On the other hand, round cables tend to have more casing, which provides better protection for the wires inside.
How do solderless patch cable kits work?
Instead of having to solder the connector and cable together with a soldering iron, solderless patch cables work by tightening a screw from the connector into the cable wire. It is a simple process, but it can be a bit fiddly getting the correct length and making sure the connection between the wire and the connector is strong.
Soldering can be intimidating for some, since it involves high temperatures to fuse metal, so solderless cables are a great option for those who want a specific cut without getting too DIY.
Does patch cable length affect the sound?
The length of a cable can affect your sound, particularly if you are running it over long stretches. Longer cables have more capacitance, which can pick up noise interference and slightly reduce high-end clarity.
However, patch cables are never typically long enough to cause these issues on their own. Since patch cables are used mainly for pedalboards and are only a few inches or feet in length, you won’t run enough total cable for length-related tone loss to become a real problem.
Is a straight or right-angle connector better?
This will depend on the pedals you are using, the location of the inputs and outputs, and how cramped your pedalboard is. Typically, players prefer a right-angle connector, since when stacking pedals side by side, a right-angle plug takes up less room and slots into the input more naturally than a straight one.
Right-angle connectors have less bulk and are popular for pedalboards. However, you may not be able to use one depending on your pedal’s layout. If the inputs and outputs are located on the top of the pedal, a right-angle connector may be too awkward.
Do patch cables cause noise, hum, or interference?
Bad quality, or even broken patch cables can cause noise, hum, or interference. If you’ve bought a cheap cable with poor shielding, it may start to pick up electromagnetic interference, which can result in unwanted noise through your amplifier.
A broken connection somewhere in the cable can also create crackling or popping, further adding to the noise a poor patch cable might elicit. However, if you stick to good-quality patch cables, you shouldn’t have any issues with noise, hum, or interference.
Does the patch cable capacitance matter?
Yes, patch cable capacitance does matter, particularly when it comes to tone. A bad quality, cheap patch cable with high capacitance will suck the high end from your sound, dulling your tone and reducing overall transparency.
This might not be incredibly noticeable with just one poor cable, but if you are running multiple low-quality patch cables, the total capacitance will add up, resulting in a worse tone than you deserve.
How do I make sure my patch cables last?
In my opinion, the best way to keep your patch cables in good condition is to plug them in and leave them. Wear and tear are typically what kill patch cables. Constantly plugging and unplugging can start to wear away fragile connections, and each time you handle a cable is another opportunity for something to break down.
Of course, this isn’t always possible, particularly if you like experimenting with different pedal signal flows, and sometimes you do need to move things around, but if you can, plug in and leave. Also, making sure you select the correct patch cable length is a good preemptive practice. If your cable is stretching to its limits or has too much slack, you’re adding unnecessary strain. So take your time to purchase correctly from the start.
Is there a difference between premium and budget patch cables?
The biggest difference between premium and budget patch cables comes down to build quality and materials. Both will do the same basic job, but a premium patch cable will use higher-grade components, offer better shielding, have lower capacitance, and generally last and sound better.
Budget cables use more affordable materials and may break down more easily. That said, there are decent budget options out there, and if you’re just starting out, you don’t need to spend a lot to get a perfectly usable patch cable.
Key terms
- Capacitance: This refers to the cable’s ability to store an electrical charge between its conductors. Higher capacitance results in loss of treble, whilst lower capacitance sounds more transparent.
- Conductor: This is the metal wiring inside a cable that carries an electrical signal from your guitar. The conductor is typically made from copper.
- Daisy chain: Supplying multiple effects pedals with power from one power source using a single shared power cable. This contrasts with powering each pedal individually using isolated outputs from a power supply.
- Flat patch: A flat patch cable is one with a thin cable profile, as opposed to a round, thicker casing. They are designed to maximise space on a congested pedalboard.
- Ground loop: An unwanted electrical hum caused when two or more pedals or devices share different ground paths, creating a loop of circulating current. This often results in a low, constant buzz through your amp. Ground loops are common when power supplies aren’t isolated or when multiple pedals are daisy-chained.
- Insulation: This is a protective layer that surrounds the metallic conductor wire. Typically made from PVC, it protects from noise interference and short-circuiting.
- Noise floor: This refers to a low-lying background noise that can be inherent to cables or other electrical equipment. Electrical interference, manifesting in hiss or hum, can be generated from the cable’s components. A low noise floor will be cleaner, whilst a higher noise floor can sound muddier.
- Pancake plug: This type of connector has a flat, low-profile casing that can slot back-to-back with each other. It is the best option for stacking pedals side-by-side.
- Real estate: This refers to the amount of space one has on their pedalboard.
- Right-angle connector: Unlike a straight connector, a right-angle connector sticks out at a 90-degree angle from the cable.
- Shielding: Another layer within a guitar cable, the shielding - typically made from copper - blocks electromagnetic frequency from affecting the signal, protecting from hiss or hum.
- Signal chain: This refers to the path your guitar signal will take through your entire setup. Starting from your guitar, through any effects pedals, and finally, to your amplifier.
- Soldered connection: Where the connector has been fused to the metallic conductor cable, providing a secure connection between the two.
- Solderless connection: Where the connector has been attached to the metallic conductor cable by other means, such as a screw attaching the two, providing the necessary contact.
- Tap test: A quick way to check whether a cable is working. By tapping the connector with your finger while the cable is plugged in, you should hear the tapping through your amplifier, confirming the signal path is active.
- Tone suck: When a patch cable reduces the treble frequencies in your guitar’s signal, resulting in a duller tone. This usually happens because of high capacitance in the cable.
- TRS cable: Otherwise known as a stereo cable, a TRS cable carries both signal and control voltage, allowing devices like expression or volume pedals to function properly.
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At Guitar Player, we live and breathe everything guitar related. It's our passion and we certainly hope this passion comes through in our buyer's guides. Everyone at Guitar Player is an expert in their field and we draw on this knowledge and experience when selecting the products for our guides.
When choosing what we believe to be the best patch cables available right now, we combine our hands-on experience, user reviews and testimonies and engage in lengthy discussions with our editorial colleagues to reach a consensus about the top products in any given category.
When making our lists, we pay careful consideration to everything from budget to feature set, playability and durability to come up with an accurate representation of the best patch cables available right now.
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