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The Best Aux Cables For On-Board Tunes
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Cars are basically like second homes for a lot of people, and to really make yourself feel at home, you’ll likely want to play a song or two. Listening to music is very common in cars as it’s a great way to pass the time while on road trips or to make your morning commute a little more interesting. While we now have Bluetooth support for many modern cars, Aux cables are still widely used worldwide.
So unless your car is either too old or too new to have an Aux port, you’ll probably get your money’s worth out of an Aux cable for your car. Whether it be to listen to the latest hits, tune in to podcasts, or follow up on the latest chapter of your audiobook, these quality Aux cables of 2023 are a solid addition to any car.
Buyer’s Guide for Finding an Aux Cable
Not sure what type of Aux cord to buy? This guide will go over the essentials regarding Aux cords.
What Is an Aux Cable?
An Aux cable, or Aux cord as it’s sometimes called, is a type of cable used to send audio signals from one device to another. The cable has identical sides, meaning you can use them interchangeably for input and output. For cars, in particular, Aux cables are used to send audio signals from your smartphone or another device to your car’s dashboard and then to the speaker system.
Types of Aux Cables
Rubber cables
Rubber cables are the default type of cable that you’ll often see for most materials. Rubber cables are the most common because rubber acts as a great insulator for both heat and electricity. This means the currents running through the cable don’t go out, and nothing outside can affect it. Rubber cables are very affordable but aren’t the most aesthetically pleasing, which is why other options exist for those who prefer a more visually appealing cable.
Nylon cables
Nylon cables are covered with a thin layer of nylon on top. This nylon is usually braided, giving the cable a unique and almost premium look. While the nylon does make the cable more durable, it’s also not exactly necessary, as there is usually another insulating layer of material underneath, such as rubber.
Soft cotton cables
Soft cotton cables use cotton wire to cover the insulating layer of the cable in a colorful braid. The braids can vary in color depending on the cotton color, allowing you to customize the look of your cable quite a bit. Some hobby shops even sell custom soft cotton cables due to the demand by enthusiasts.
Things To Consider When Choosing an Aux Cable
Length
Aux cables can vary in length, which can be important in a car as it can determine how far your phone can be from the dashboard. Ideally, you’ll want a long cable to allow people from the back seats to play music while also using their phones. Shorter cables are fine, too, but you’ll be forced to leave the connected phone by the dashboard in order for it to play music.
Material
As outlined earlier, Aux cables can be made from a variety of materials. This affects the look and feel of the cable, and changes how you can wrap the cable and store it. Cables made out of tougher material are generally more stubborn and harder to wrap around in coils. On the other hand, they’re also more durable thanks to their thickness, so you’ll have to figure out what you value more in an Aux cable before buying.
Color/Design
Aux cables are meant to relay audio signals, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t look good. Many Aux cables come in fun colors and designs that can spice up their overall look, and you may want to grab these types of cables if you’re a fan of the aesthetic.
Aux Cable Price Range
Aux cables are fairly simple devices, and you don’t really need to spend too much on them. A typical Aux cable should set you back around $5 or so, with longer cables costing more and shorter cables costing less. You shouldn’t have to spend more than $10 on a decent cable, though some cables may go for as much as $20 or so depending on the materials used, the length, and other factors. Be sure to consider the ideal length for your cable as well as the materials you prefer before chalking up a budget estimate.
Top Picks
Best Overall:
Amazon Basics Aux Cable
Beautiful Cable:
Cablecreation Aux Cable
Best Nylon Braided:
Syncwire Nylon Braided Aux Cable
While they’re commonly used in cars, Aux cables can also be used anywhere at home that has an Aux port, such as your home’s speaker system.
How long should my Aux cable be?
The Aux cable should be as long as you need it to be — too short and you can’t reach further distances, whereas cables that are too long will be a chore to maintain and store.
Should I get an Aux cable for my car?
If your car does not support Bluetooth connectivity, then an Aux cable is the easiest way to play audio and music through your phone.
