The Best Auxiliary Audio Cable | Reviews, Ratings, Comparisons

If you grew up in an era before smartphones and mp3 players, you’re probably all too familiar with auxiliary audio cables. They connected to a jack on your stereo system, then plugged into your headphones so that you could listen to your favorite albums, cassette tapes and, later, CDs. But auxiliary cables didn’t disappear as consumers moved from stereo systems to mobile music devices. In fact, in many ways, we need them now more than ever.

Yes, many over-ear headphones come with a cable that plugs right into a jack, but chances are, you won’t get the highest-quality cable in that format. A dedicated auxiliary cable will be built with the best components to ensure as sound travels to your ears, you experience minimal quality loss. That protects the audio so it comes through crisp and clear, whether you’re listening to your favorite music or a great new podcast.

Headphones aren’t the only use for auxiliary cables, though. You can actually use them to connect your smartphone directly to your car’s audio jack. You’ll get much better sound this way than you would through Bluetooth, but some people don’t have Bluetooth as an option. It’s important to check your car to make sure you have the necessary jack before you invest in an auxiliary cable.