Most people settle for audio systems that could be very noisy. But not anymore. You can get an optical cable. An optical cable is capable of eliminating any interference. Hence, providing a superior sound quality.
Optical cables were also known as Toslink, named after Toshiba, which first released these cables in 1983. These are still used prominently because not only do they deliver crystal clear and distortion-free audio, but they can last as long as 25 years!
But it can be tricky to purchase an optical cable online. There are just one too many options to select from. Of course, you do want to purchase just any optical cable, and you have to make sure that the product you are choosing is high-grade and provides the performance you want. This means that you have to browse through hundreds of products trying to find the one for you, which is very time-taking.
But if you continue reading this article, you can get an excellent optical fiber for you easily. We have reviewed the best optical cables on the market and also provided a buying guide so that every reader can find a great product for themselves.
Table of Contents
7 Best Optical Cable Reviews
1. KabelDirekt – 10 feet – Optical Digital Audio Cable (Fiber Optic, TOSLINK, Male to Male, Home Theater, Gold Plated, for PlayStation/PS4 & Xbox – Pro Series) – Best Choice
This cable from KabelDirekt is one of the best toslink cables available in the market. They are affordable and made of high-quality materials.
These cables allow you to provide a strong connection to your DVDs, home theater receivers, satellites, Blue-ray, PlayStation, streaming services, and Xbox. It is a Male connector type of cable.
The connectors are plated with 24k Gold that is resistant to corrosion. It does not receive signals from RFI and EMI as the cables are fiber optic. These cables are highly flexible and can last for a long time. You can buy this cable for a reasonable price from Amazon.
Why is it unique?
This fiber optic cable can work with multi-channel surround sound and offers high-quality audio which is uncompressed along with images with high resolution. The line has a warranty of 36 months. This cable is compatible with almost all the devices available.
Buyer’s Experience
Most of the buyers are highly satisfied with their buy. This cable offers a lot of impressive features, thereby making it a preferred choice among people. It has all the features that are considered important in a cable.
Best Fit For
This cable from KabelDirekt is an ideal choice for your house. You can use it to connect your gaming and streaming devices to your home theater. It is durable, making it perfect for your house.
Pros
Cons
- Optical digital audio cable: Perfect for equipment with a TOSLINK interface (OPT In / OPT Out or S/PDIF In / S/PDIF...
- Versatile: Ideal for transmitting crystal-clear digital audio from your TV, video game console (PS3/PS4/Xbox One),...
- High-End: This metal-free fiber optic audio cable, featuring a fully flexible PVC jacket, is entirely immune to...
- 24K gold-plated connectors: Corrosion resistant gold plating keeps connectors clean. And because these cables are fiber...
2. Amazon Basics Digital Audio RCA Compatible Coaxial Cable – 4 Feet – Best Performance
This coaxial cable is manufactured by Amazon. Their motto is to provide high-quality products at lower prices. It can be used to connect digital audio components that are compatible with RCA along with digital, composite video interfaces and S/Pdif.
This cable ensures that there is less loss of energy and offers protection from RF and EM interferences. It is easy to hold and comes with color-coded molds. The cable is flexible, durable and the exterior is made of PVC. Amazon offers a warranty lasting for a year.
Why is it unique?
This 4 ft coaxial cable has RCA connectors that are gold plated that are resistant to corrosion, and have split-tip center pins for increased contact pressure and better conductivity.
Buyer’s Experience
The buyers have found this product worth the money spent and are pleased with the performance of this cable. Some of the customers have complained about the plugs being loose and receiving defective products.
Best Fit For
This coaxial cable is the solution for anyone who wants to buy cables of good quality at a lower price. The cable is flexible and can last longer as well. If you are a careful person, you can buy this cable.
Pros
Cons
- IN THE BOX: 4-foot digital audio RCA-compatible high-purity coaxial cable
- CONVENIENT: Connects RCA-compatible digital audio components; can also be used with S/Pdif, digital, and composite video...
- DEVICE COMPATIBILITY: Ideal for compatible HDTVs, DVRs, cable/satellite boxes, Blu-Ray/DVD players, game consoles,...
- GOLD PLATED CONNECTORS: Corrosion-resistant gold plated RCA connectors and split-tip center pins for enhanced contact...
3. iVANKY Digital Optical Audio Cable 6ft/1.8M, Slim Nylon Braided Audio Optical Cord Toslink Cable for Sound Bar, TV, PS4, Xbox, Samsung, Vizio, 24K Gold-Plated – CL3 Rated, Grey – Easy To Install
This cable from iVanky is 6ft long and is made using Japan Toray Core. You can use this cable to connect the home theater and soundbars to your television, PS4, Blue-rays, and Xbox.
The optic cable provides clearer images and good audio during gaming and watching videos. Connectors are plated with Gold and wouldn’t get tarnished and lose conduction with time.
The connectors are in the shape of a cuboid, thereby making it easier to understand the angle from which to install. Removable runner caps available that prevents dust from settling on the connectors when not in use.
Why is it unique?
This optic cable is suitable with both compressed and uncompressed PCM audios along with Dolby Digital Plus, high resolution, and LPCM.
The cable is extra flexible and is braided with nylon, and loops of 5cm can be made without damaging the wire. This cable is ideal for wiring systems and setups that can be difficult.
Buyer’s Experience
Most of the buyers are highly satisfied with their purchases. They have given good ratings as well. The customers were pleased with the value and the durability of this cable.
Best Fit For
It is suitable if you have devices with cuboid ports. As the connectors are in the shape of cuboids, it is not a fit for everyone. If you are keen on enjoying your gaming and viewing experience, then this is the right choice for you.
Pros
Cons
- 🎵【Unparalleled Sound Quality】iVANKY digital optical audio cable adopts Japan Toray Original Fiber Core for zero...
- 🎁【For Immersive Sound Experience】iVANKY optical audio cable allows you to connect soundbars and home theatres to...
- 👍【Ultra Durability】Unlike conventional PVC jackets, the optical cord for soundbar with quality nylon braided...
- ✨【Considerate Design】Precisely designed cuboid connectors make this digital audio optical cable easier to identify...
4. FosPower (6 Feet) Digital Audio Coaxial Cable [24K Gold Plated Connectors] Premium S/PDIF RCA Male to RCA Male for Home Theater, HDTV, Subwoofer, Hi-Fi Systems – Best Overall
![FosPower Digital Audio Coaxial Cable [24K Gold Plated Connectors] Premium S/PDIF RCA Male to RCA...](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31HGPqpn8CL.jpg)
This 6ft cable from FosPower is among the best optic cable you can buy. You can connect this cable to your DVDs, home theater receivers, satellites, Blue-ray, PlayStation, streaming services, Xbox, and any audio devices.
The connectors of this cable are plated with 24k Gold. The connectors are resistant to corrosion and can reduce tarnish.
These connectors are orange color-coded at both ends of the cable. The cable is compatible with all digital coaxial audio ports.
Polyethylene foam is used as an insulator to reduce loss of signal. The cable is flexible and durable. This cable is of Male connector type. It can reduce EMI and RFI unwanted signals.
Why is it unique?
This cable ensures that the connection between devices is stable and there is no disturbance. Inside the PVC jacket, the cable has a shielding of copper braiding along with aluminum mylar. It provides flexibility to the cable.
Buyer’s Experience
Most of the customers are quite pleased with their buy. They like the quality of the materials and the price of the material. Meanwhile, some customers have found the cable to be a little too thin for their liking.
Best Fit For
This cable can be a perfect accessory to your house. It allows you to connect your favorite devices to your television. You can use it to connect your gaming devices to your home theater. It has impressive features, thereby making it a perfect buy for you.
Pros
Cons
![FosPower Digital Audio Coaxial Cable [24K Gold Plated Connectors] Premium S/PDIF RCA Male to RCA...](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31HGPqpn8CL._SL160_.jpg)
- [MALE TO MALE] Connectors: 1 Digital Coaxial Audio male to Digital Coaxial Audio male 6ft cable.
- [COMPATIBILITY] Works on all types of digital coaxial audio ports, including hard to access recessed ports.
- [COLOR CODED CONNECTORS] Orange color-coded connectors on both ends of the connectors makes connecting your devices...
- [STABLE SIGNALS] Polyethylene Foam (PF) dielectric insulator greatly minimizes signal loss.
5. AmazonBasics CL3 Rated (in-Wall Installation) Digital Audio Toslink Cable – 15 Feet – Best Featured
This cable from AmazonBasics is one of the most rated cables you can buy. There are a lot of customers happy with this product. The cable can be set up easily and offers high-quality audio.
It can be used to connect your soundbar or other audio components you have to your television, preamplifier, audio processor, or to a receiver.
This cable provides secure connections and is reliable. The cable comes with Gold Plated connectors that are resistant to corrosion, and they ensure that there is no loss of signal and the connection is secure and stable. It provides buffer tubing as well.
To protect the connectors when they are not in use, attach the rubber tips. The cable is 15ft long and provides fiber-optic digital audio output. It does not require any configuration. This cable offers smooth flowing, clear audio of superior quality.
Why is it unique?
This cable had received certification from CL3 stating that it is safe to use it inside the wall. The outer layer of this cable is made using PVC. This layer protects the cable and increases the strength it along with providing a flexible design that can be placed anywhere. It is built using materials with low-smoke ability that can resist wire.
Buyer’s Experience
The majority of the customers are pleased with their purchase. The sound quality and the in-wall installation features are quite impressive. This cable does not support Dolby sound, thereby making it less impressive to users.
Best Fit For
It is a perfect fit for your house as it can be used for installation in the wall. This cable makes the area look neater without having all the wires lying around. The cable provides good features to the user. If you are looking for a cable, you should definitely check this cable out.
Pros
Cons
- Please REMOVE the end protective caps before using the cable.
- Toslink cable for connecting an audio component (like a sound bar) to a TV, receiver, preamplifier, audio processor, or...
- Provides multi-channel, fiber-optic digital audio output; buffer tubing and gold-plated corrosion-resistant connectors...
- CL3 rated for safe in-wall installations; made with low-smoke materials for fire resistance.
6. 90 Degree Optical Audio Cable(6.6ft/2m) Nylon Braided Digital SPDIF Audio Optical Cable[360 Degree Rotatable,Super Practical] EMK Toslink Cable for Sound Bar, TV, PS4, Xbox – Blue Series – Most Durable
This cable from EMK comes with a lot of impressive features. It is one of the best optical audio cables available in the market.
The cable supports both compressed and uncompressed PCM audios along with Dolby Digital Plus, LPCM, and DTS-high resolution. It is made using nylon of high quality, making it durable.
The nylon protects the cable from any external damage such as kinks as well provides a strain relief construction. It is 6.62 ft long with a diameter of 2m.
This blue-colored cable has universal compatibility with all Toslink devices like computers, Blue-rays, projectors, Roku, PS4, and other gaming devices. The cable has a warranty for 18 months.
Why is it unique?
You can rotate this cable at an angle of 90 degrees and thereby making it ideal for wall mounting devices and for devices in compact places. This cable uses light to transmit audio signals and prevents distortion, interferences that are seen in traditional cables.
Buyer’s Experience
Most of the buyers are impressed with the features offered by this cable. The rotation at an angle of 90 degrees is the unique feature that distinguishes this cable from others.
Best Fit For
This is a good choice for your house. The cable is flexible and can be rotated, thereby allowing you to use it in compact areas. The good quality and thickness make it reliable.
Pros
Cons
- ♩90 Degree Right Angle Toslink Optical Audio Cable: 360 degree right angle design makes the cable better fits for...
- ♩Super Sound Quality:EMK toslink optical cable transfers audio signal using light,gets rid of distortion and...
- ♩Incredible Durability:High quality nylon jacket contributes to the (OD6.0mm) strain-relief construction that not only...
- ♩Universal Compatibility:Compatible with all TOSLINK devices, such as Blu-ray player, computer, AV receiver, Roku, PS...
7. Cable Matters Toslink Cable (Toslink Optical Cable, Digital Optical Audio Cable) 25 Feet with Metal Connectors and Braided Jacket – Best Sound Quality
This cable is an essential part of your house if you have a home theater. You can use this cable to connect any device such as an Xbox or a soundbar to your home theater. The connectors are made of robust metal with a gold plating to prevent corrosion and to have good conduction.
This cable comes with digital optical cable ports that are compatible with S/PDIF ports. The red LED light indicates the working of the cable.
This cable is around 25ft long. You can use it to connect your music device to your television while doing household chores.
Why is it unique?
This cable comes with protective caps to prevent dust from settling on the connectors when not in use. The cable is made using a low-jitter synthetic fiber and comes with a sturdy braided jacket to provide high-quality sound.
Buyer’s Experience
For most of the buyers, this cable has worked well. The built and the materials used are strong and of good quality. It is an ideal choice for your house. This cable is worth investing in.
Best Fit For
This cable provides high-quality sound that is authentic. If you are a music lover or a person who likes to have a good viewing experience, this is an ideal cable for you. It is durable as well.
Pros
Cons
- Heavy duty Toslink audio cable connects Blu-ray players, satellite DVRs, computers, DAT recorders, game consoles, or...
- Premium digital optical cable engineered with durable PVC layers and braided jacket increases durability and protects...
- Polished heavy duty metal connectors and gold plated tips provide a secure and corrosion free connection with this heavy...
- 360 degree grip treads on the fiber optic audio cable help easy plugging and unplugging. Fiber optical cable eliminates...
Factors To Know Before Buying An Optical Cable
Now, we are going to discuss the features that one should look for in an optical cable. As promised, this buying guide will help the readers identify the optical cable that is suitable for them.
1. Length
The great virtue of optical cables is that they are available in a wide range of lengths. You can get a cable that is as small as 3 feet or as big as 50 feet. So, ensure that you are getting a cable of a length that is apt according to your setup.
Note that a cable longer than 30 feet is not ideal as its efficiency to transmit signals decreases with an increase in length. But if you have the kind of setup that requires a cable longer than 30 feet, then you might need a signal booster to the desired performance from the cable.
2. Bandwidth
The next significant feature to look for is bandwidth. Bandwidth in the range of 9 to 11 Hz is regarded as the standard bandwidth for optical cables, but you can go higher or lower based on your requirements. The type of bandwidth you need depends on the kind of audio system you own.
For instance, if you need the cable for bigger audio systems such as for a home theater, then having a higher bandwidth than Hz is good. It will provide more clarity in the sound and improve your overall movie experience. Conversely, a cable with a bandwidth lower than 9 Hz will work if you have a smaller audio system.
3. Durability
Durability is always an essential factor. Optical fiber is known to be durable. If you are buying it from a trustworthy brand, then good durability is assured. But there is no harm in double-checking its quality.
Some features that are the signs of longevity and reliability are a PVC or a nylon jacket. It protects from dust, dirt, etc. A gold-plated connector will be more resistant to corrosion. All in all, you have to ensure that the cable is made from high-grade materials.
4. Price
Optical cables are usually very inexpensive. So, you do not have to worry about the budget. All you need to do is to make sure that you are buying it from a reliable brand. Also, the warranty and customer support should be excellent. This way, you can be sure that the product you are buying is worth its value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What are the perks of using an optical cable?
A1. If you still doubt whether or not you should buy an optical cable, then reading about its benefits will surely help you make a decision.
The first advantage of an optical cable over other traditional cables is that it can provide better audio transmission even over a long distance. This is because power loss with distance is much less in optical cables compared to copper cables.
The second reason why copper cables cannot match the performance of an optical cable is that the latter can support very high bandwidths than the former. Through an optical cable, you can transmit more quantity of data than a copper cable.
Third, these cables are very compact and lightweight. Their diameter is much less, and they also have high flexibility, which implies that installing them is a breeze.
Fourth, these have higher resistance to interference. We live in such an environment that interference is unavoidable. Traditional cables are not very effective at blocking out interferences, but optical cables are. This can efficiently block both electromagnetic resistance and interference from radio frequencies.
Lastly, optical cables offer more security. You might not consider your audio systems as an online device that someone can hack into, but it can be tapped into. Since optical cable uses light for transmission, hence the name optical, these are not vulnerable to tapping by anyone.
Q2. How are male and female connectors different from each other?
A2. A connector is of two types, male and female. Normally, most cords come with both types. A male connector has a pin like a plug. It can be inserted into the system. On the other hand, a female connector has a jack which is a conducting hole.
Q3. Does the thickness of the optical cable make a difference?
A3. As long as the cable is thick enough to keep the light from escaping the cable and blocking interferences, thickness is not that much of a concern. Optical cables come in different thicknesses, but thin cables can provide as good sound quality as thick ones.
Manufacturers sometimes reduce the thickness to decrease the production cost. But in most cases, it will not affect its performance. However, in terms of durability, thick cables might be better than thin cables but not to a great extent as there are other features as well which affect their durability, such as the quality of the material. So, in simple terms, no, the thickness does not make a notable difference.
Q4. What is the role of gold plating on the connectors?
A4. As mentioned earlier in the buying guide, gold plating on the connectors improves its immunity against corrosion. It does not affect the sound quality directly, but it does generate suitable conditions for better data transmission.
Also, under high temperatures and humidity, these contribute to increasing the connectors’ life. However, some people believe that it is not as effective as brands deem it to be but is rather a symbol of high quality to attract customers.
Conclusion
Optical cables have been present in the market for a long time, yet many people understand how useful they can be. Using an optical cable will provide a premium quality sound for your home theater so that you can enjoy your favorite movie at its best.
After getting an optical cable, you will no longer have to hear the constant distortion but only clear and perfect audio. We hope that the above information will help you finalize an optical cable for yourself. If you follow the buying guidelines, then you can certainly find the best optical cable that matches your needs.
Last update on 2024-07-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API