best patch cables

Best Patch Cables For Pedalboards [10 Great Choices]

Last Updated on May 13, 2023 by Justin

I’m reviewing the 10 best patch cables for guitar pedals. This list is based on my personal experiences and preferences. If you are planning on building or upgrading a pedal board then getting together patch cables will definitely be high up on the list of things to do.

In fact, your pedalboard will not be able to work without them! For such a small piece of gear, patch cables are easy to overlook.

And, many guitarists make the mistake of settling for bad quality and cheap cables which results in so many problems that it is hard to mention them all.

When it comes to buying the best patch cables (and instrument cables in general) the rule of thumb is simple. Quality build and quality components of the patch cable are the most important factors.

Whatever the size of your budget, I will help you make the best possible decision for buying the best pedal patch cables for your board.

MXR Flat CablesMogami GoldPlanet Waves DIY KitHosa Low ProfileD'addario Classic Series
Top PickBest Quality
Customizable
Space Saver
Most Popular

Things to Consider When Buying the Best Patch Cables For Effects Pedals

  • Plan your pedalboard
  • Quality cables
  • Distance between pedals
  • Size & Shape of 1/4″ Jack

1) MXR Patch Cables

MXR Flat Patch Cables (6 Pack)

I recently had the chance to try out the MXR patch cables, and I must say, I was thoroughly impressed with their quality and performance. As someone who considers multiple factors before purchasing patch cables. Such as quality, flexibility, components, value for money, and space-saving, these cables ticked all the boxes for me.

MXR has been a household name for decades in the guitar pedals industry for decades now. However now, they’ve brought their expertise and craftsmanship to create these exceptional patch cables. They’ve quickly become a favorite among musicians and are on their way to becoming the industry standard for patch cables.

What I appreciated the most about these cables is that they’re built to last. They’re flexible and durable and come with a protective outer jacket that protects them from kinks. The 90% coverage OFC spiral shield also ensures that unwanted interference is blocked, providing a clean and pure tone.

The flat right-angle ends on these patch cables are perfect for a tight and tidy pedalboard setup. They allow you to place your pedals closer together, which is essential for those of us who are always looking to save space on our pedalboards.

I also appreciate the value for money that these patch cables provide. They come in a pack of 3 cables. Each is 6 inches in length and is priced reasonably. Therefore, making them an excellent investment for any musician.

In conclusion, I highly recommend the MXR patch cables to anyone looking for high-quality and durable cables that offer flexibility, space-saving, and value for money. Trust MXR to patch you through with clean, pure tone, and exceptional craftsmanship. At the time of writing this, these are the best patch cables in my arsenal when taking quality and value for money into consideration.


2) Mogami Gold Patch Cable

Mogami Gold Patch Cables

If you are in pursuit of ultimate tone and sound quality. And the type of guitarist that is concerned about every component of their rig. Then, These Mogami Gold patch cables are for you.

However, any guitarist looking to invest in their rig and pedalboard will definitely benefit from these patch cables. When it comes to guitar cables of all types, there are none more desirable than those made by Mogami.

This includes their patch cables. In fact, you’ll find Mogami cables in almost every studio or engineer’s arsenal around the world. Just watch any rig rundown and a good deal of these will be featured. These are made in Japan from the highest quality materials and components which results in the quietest and clearest patch cables on the market.

It almost seems crazy to think that a cable can have such a big impact on the sound. And, to be honest, when I first heard about the Mogami brand, I was also wary. Because I never thought that a guitar cable could impact the overall sound and tone. But I can say with 100% certainty and confidence that after trying all of Mogami’s cables, I’m convinced of their impact on the sound.

The truth is that once you hear their cables, you’ll find it incredibly difficult to downgrade to any other cable. You might be asking, why then did I not feature this in the number 1 spot? The reason is that they are quite expensive. And because of that, they just missed out. But don’t let the number 2 position fool you, because these are the real deal.

Features:

  • The quietest patch cable
  • An option of:
    • 6″ / 10″ / 18″
  • Made in Japan from the highest quality components
  • 2 x right-angle gold plated connectors
  • Reviewed by many as the “best patch cable”

3) Fender Patch Cable

Fender Pro Angled Cables

These Fender patch cables are designed with the best quality components to keep up with their tradition and reputation. The resilient 95% oxygen-free spiral shielding is flexible and aids in eliminating noise. Along with the 8mm conductive PVC jacket which prevents noise interference.

They come packed with 22-gauge conductors that provide a stronger signal path. Furthermore, the durable nickel-plated connectors ensure that these patch cables will stand the test of time.  All in all, the thick gauge, along with the high-quality components of the Fender Professional Series cables, ensures that you retain your guitar tone without compromise, making them perfect for the stage, studio, and practice

However, there is a slight downside to these cables. They don’t bend as easily as some of the other patch cables on the market. Thus, making it necessary to place your pedals further apart from each other. This means you won’t save as much space as some other options on this list. Despite this, the Fender pro series are quality cables with great sound. Probably better reserved for the studio instead of used on your pedalboard. Unless space is not an issue for you.


4) Planet Waves DIY Patch Cable Kit

Planet Waves by D’addario DIY Patch Cable Kit

If you read my things to consider when buying patch cables at the bottom of this article, you’ll see I mention planning your pedalboard before buying patch cables is important.

The reason for this is that you’ll need to consider how much space you have as well as the distance between your pedals. This will determine the length of patch cable you need.

The problem is that most companies only make patch cables in standard cable lengths. Which leaves you with very limited options when it comes to planning out your pedal board.

With this patch cable kit by Planet Waves, you’re able to cut your patch cables to the ideal size for you and create your very own patch cable in a matter of seconds.

If you’re worried about how you’ll put these cables together, I wouldn’t fret too much about it as they require no soldering and come with all the tools you’ll need to cut and create your very own patch cables. If you need customization, then the Planet Waves set will be for you.

Even if you’ve never seen the inside of a cable in your life before, these have been designed in such a way that any person without an ounce of knowledge can assemble these to their desire.

Features:

  • Anyone with no handyman skills can put these together
  • Comes with 10 right-angle jack connectors
  • An option of 10/40 feet of cable in the pack

mini cable cutter

  • Gold-plated jack connectors

5) Hosa Patch Cable

Hosa Low Profile Patch Cables

The patch cables by Hosa are some of the slimmest and best space-saving on the market. They may not be made from some of the high-quality components like the other patch cables on this list. But, if you are looking to save as much space as possible on your pedalboard, these will do the trick.

They also happen to be the best priced out of all of the bunch so they’re great for those on a budget. You might be wondering what separates these from the MXR at number 1 on this list.

And you’d be right in wondering this because they look very similar. The biggest difference is the price. These Hosa cables are also shorter in length which, depending on your needs, can be viewed as a positive or a negative. I happen to like these Hosa low-profile cables a lot and can’t say anything bad about them at all.

Features:

  • Best space-saving patch cables
  • Very thing 1/4″ jack connectors
  • The option of 6″ or 12″

6) Pedal Couplers

Pedal Coupler Connectors

Coupler Connectors Vs Patch Cables, What’s the difference? Well, both serve exactly the same function and purpose and that’s to connect your pedals.

The major difference is that couplers have zero cables and you can think of them as two jack connectors glued together. Couplers are amazing for saving space as well as minimizing your signal chain.

Although these couplers are great for these reasons we do suggest taking into account the following:  The height of your pedals needs to be close if they are not the same. For this to happen, all your pedals need to be the same brand. It is highly unrealistic that you’ll be using the same pedals as part of your pedal board setup.

However, if you do happen to use only Mooer or Boss pedals, for example, then these could work. But be careful, because they can cause serious damage to the inside of your pedal connectors if there is any disparity in height whatsoever. I don’t really recommend these unless you’re using only the same kind of pedals together.

So connecting a bunch of the same brand of pedals together will make these couplers very useful. if you have a variety of different pedals, these might not be the best option. You might also want to consider the angle of the output and input of each pedal as this will determine which angled couple you’d get. See the features below.

Features:

  • Choice of different angles
    • Straight
    • TZ Type (offset)
    • Z Type (offset)
    • SZ Type (offset)
  • Minimizes signal chain
  • Saves the most space

7) D’addario Patch Cable


D’addario Classic Series

As far as the most popular patch cable goes, it is probably the D’addario classic series. The reason for this is that the price is simply unbeatable for the quality cables you get which come with a lifetime guarantee.

It is almost impossible to find another pedal patch cable producer that offers such a good quality cable at such an affordable price.

Besides maybe the Mogami cables, it is hard to identify an industry standard when it comes to patch cables. However, on second thought, the D’addario cables are probably the closest thing to being industry standard as it gets.

You know you’re getting quality and they just do the job at a very affordable price point. For that reason alone it is exceptionally hard to ignore these. So much so that they made it onto our list.

Features:

  • 3 in a pack
  • 6″ long patch cables
  • Lifetime guarantee (limited)
  • 2 x right-angle connectors
  • A clear and clean signal

8) EBS Premium Gold

EBS Premium Gold-Plated

The EBS guys have a really good space-saving patch cable on the market in the form of this premium gold cable. As we’ve already seen on this list, there are a few patch cable producers that make cables with space-saving, flat jack connectors.

But the problem that some encounter with these patch cables is that whilst the jack connector is flat, the cable itself is still thick. Well, EBS has solved that problem outright by producing a patch cable that has both flat jack connectors as and an exceptionally low-profile cable.

Thus, making them a great addition to any pedalboard where space or a clean look is essential. Also, these get good reviews from the guys over at Premier Guitar. Check out their review here.

Features:

  • Gold-plated patch cables
  • Space-saving cable with:
    • Flat 1/4″ jack connectors
    • Flat/low profile cable
  • Produces a quiet and clean signal

9) Ernie Ball Flat Patch Cable

Ernie Ball Flat Patch Cables

Ernie Ball has been a household name for guitarists everywhere since their establishment as a guitar string producer. They have expanded their product line and have now entered the guitar accessory market, creating their line of patch cables. As a guitar enthusiast, I’m thrilled that they have made the transition, as they have created some excellent accessories for guitar players, which include their patch cables.

One of the things I really appreciate about the Ernie Ball flat patch cables is their attention to detail. They are created with quality and design in mind, which is an essential aspect of playing guitar. On my list of the best Coil guitar cables, the Ernie Ball curly cable ranks high up on the list, which is a testament to their product quality and looks.

What’s more, they are available in a wide range of funky and vibrant colors, including black and white. Which is perfect if you want to add some color and excitement to your pedalboard. With a length of 6″ and their flexible construction, these cables are perfect for pedalboards, making it easy to move them around and keep everything neat and tidy.

Aside from their good looks, the Ernie Ball patch cables are designed to deliver great sound with minimal noise, while still maintaining the true sound of your instrument. This is achieved by using dual shielding and dual conductors, which provide durability and reliable tone. Their tangle-resistant and sturdy construction makes them perfect for roadworthy use, and you can be sure they will last a long time.

In conclusion, the Ernie Ball patch cables are a great addition to any guitarist’s accessory collection. With their superior construction and attention to detail, you can be confident that you’re getting a quality product that will look and sound great.


10) Mogami Wired Patch Cables by Worlds Best Cables

Worlds Best Cables – Mogami Wired

If you’ve read our full list of patch cables up until now then the name of these patch cables will be confusing at first but we’ll explain.

They’re made by a company called “World’s Best Cables” but you’re still probably wondering, didn’t we already feature Mogami patch cables?

Well, these feature the wire from the Mogami factory in Japan. These are really good patch cables and are also very good value for money.

Features: 

  • 6″ long and come as a 6 pack
  • If you can’t find the correct length for you, contact the company and they’ll custom-make a length for you
  • Made from Mogami wire
  • Gold 1/4″ jack connectors (right-angled)
  • Flat jack connectors for space-saving

More Considerations When Buying A Patch Cable

There are numerous factors that come into play when purchasing patch cables. To make this process easier, we’ve compiled an extended list of tips and considerations.

Pre-planning Your Pedalboard

Before making any purchases, it’s crucial to have a well-thought-out plan for your pedalboard. Understand how you want to arrange your pedals. This initial step will streamline the selection process for the appropriate patch cables.

Utilize online tools designed for pedalboard planning. These resources can be beneficial, but nothing beats physically laying out your pedals along with the board you’ll be using. Visualization is important, but sometimes it doesn’t perfectly translate into reality. By arranging your effects in the desired signal chain order, you can more accurately determine the quantity and approximate length of the patch cables you’ll need.

Flexibility of Patch Cable

The flexibility of patch cables is crucial as they will need to adapt to the size and layout of your pedalboard. Despite sounding somewhat extreme, this is a normal requirement, and many manufacturers design their cables to be flexible enough to meet this need.

Remember, not all patch cables offer the same degree of flexibility. Lower-cost options often offer less give, leading to more strain on the connectors. This stress can damage not only the cables but also your valuable effects pedals. Therefore, investing in higher-quality cables is generally a wise move.

Quality – Durability and Ruggedness

Aim for rugged and robust patch cables. A cable failure due to wear and tear during a live performance can cause significant issues. The last thing you want is to troubleshoot faulty cables in the middle of a set. To avoid this, ensure the patch cables you buy are robust enough to withstand constant use and the rigors of the road.

You don’t want to constantly replace your patch cables. As a general rule, pricier cables usually last longer and perform better. When shopping for guitar pedal cables, prioritize quality over quantity.

Consideration of Pedal Distance

To achieve the best tone, the signal distance between the guitar and the amplifier should be as short as possible. Therefore, your patch cables should not be excessively long.

There are two ways to prevent buying wrong-length patch cables. You can plan your pedalboard layout in advance or buy a DIY patch cables kit, which lets you customize cable lengths.

1/4″ Jack Connector Size and Shape

The size and layout of your pedalboard, coupled with the distance between pedals, make the size and shape of your patch cables’ Jack connectors incredibly important.

Flat Jack connectors allow pedals to be closely placed, essential for those with limited board space. On the other hand, some Jack connectors are bulkier. Also, remember that right-angled Jack connectors are typically preferable to straight ones, as they save space. Straight connectors, on the other hand, can increase the distance between pedals.

Key Features of The Best Patch Cables

Oxygen-Free Copper (OFC)

OFC is a type of copper that has been refined to reduce the level of oxygen to .001% or below. Many high-quality instrument cables feature oxygen-free copper cores and conductors. This material offers excellent signal conductivity and can significantly enhance the sound quality.

Shielding

Shielding is a critical aspect of any quality cable. It helps to protect the signal from interference and unwanted noise. There are several types of shielding, including spiral shielding and conductive polymer sub shields. Shielding is crucial in maintaining the purity of the guitar’s signal and preventing handling noise.

Low Capacitance

Capacitance refers to the cable’s ability to store an electrical charge. Low capacitance cables are preferred as they can transmit high frequencies more efficiently, ensuring a clear, accurate sound.

Durable Connectors

Quality patch cables often come with durable, gold-plated plugs. These connectors are resistant to corrosion and provide a reliable, high-quality connection.

The Best Patch Cables

When shopping for patch cables, you may come across various brands and options. Some of the highest quality cables include those from manufacturers like Planet Waves and Mogami. These brands are known for their high-quality components, including oxygen-free copper conductors, low-capacitance designs, and durable connectors.

For those on a tight budget, there are also more affordable yet reliable options available. While these may not offer the same ultra-low capacitance or gold-plated plugs as more expensive cables, they can still provide a reliable connection and good sound quality.

Making the Most of Your Pedalboard Real Estate

When setting up a pedalboard, patch cables are crucial. They not only help connect your pedals, but their design can also impact how much space you have on your board. Cables with standard right-angle jacks and low-profile designs can help save space, allowing you to fit more pedals onto your board.

Pancake jacks, for instance, are a popular choice for tight pedalboard setups. These connectors have a slim, flat design that saves valuable pedalboard real estate. Additionally, cables of various lengths are available to ensure a neat and efficient setup.

Buying Advice

When choosing the best patch cable for your needs, consider the quality of the components, the cable’s durability, and its impact on your sound quality. Also, consider the space you have available on your pedalboard and the cost of the cable. While more expensive cables often provide better quality and durability, there are also many affordable options that offer excellent value for money.

In conclusion, a good patch cable is a small yet significant investment in your guitar gear. It’s an essential component that ensures your guitar’s signal is transmitted with the highest quality and reliability. Whether you’re a beginner buying