Audio Cables Play An Integral Part In Your Outdoor Setup And Can Even Influence Sound Quality – Here’s The Best Ones.
So, you’ve decided to set up some outdoor speakers. Whether it’s for blasting your favorite tunes by the pool, setting the vibe for a BBQ, or creating that perfect garden party atmosphere, outdoor audio is a game-changer. But here’s the thing: a lot of people forget that the quality of your audio cables is just as important as the speakers themselves. Yep, those little wires you barely think about can make a huge difference. So, let’s talk about how to pick the best outdoor audio cables to make sure your music sounds crisp and clear—no matter how wild your backyard parties get.
Key Takeaways:
- Choose cables with weather-resistant coatings to handle rain, sun, and harsh conditions.
- Measure your space and avoid going overboard—extra-long cables can create a mess.
- For shorter distances (under 50ft), use 16-gauge; for longer distances, opt for 14 or 12-gauge.
- Go for gold-plated connectors for better corrosion resistance and durability.
- Use direct burial cables for underground installations to prevent moisture damage.
- Don’t buy the cheapest option—invest in quality for better sound and longevity.
- Research and choose trusted brands with positive reviews for reliable performance.
- Ensure your cables match your speaker impedance for optimal sound quality.
Best Pick
GEARit Pro Series
Durable, high-quality outdoor audio cables with thousands of 5-star reviews.
1. Weather Resistance is a Must
First thing first: outdoor audio cables need to be tough. We’re talking about heat, cold, rain, UV rays, and all sorts of weather conditions that can really mess with your gear. Make sure the cables you pick are built to handle it. Look for ones specifically labeled as “weather-resistant” or “outdoor-rated.” These cables usually have special coatings that protect them from the elements—something you definitely need if you’re not about to run inside every time the weather changes.
Also, check the insulation. You’ll want cables with a solid, durable outer layer that can withstand exposure to UV rays (sunlight does a number on regular cables). PVC and polyethylene are solid materials to look out for—they’re resistant to cracking and fading, even after a few summers in the sun.
2. Cable Length: How Much Is Enough?
Ah, the classic “how long should the cable be?” question. It’s tempting to just get a huge spool and call it a day, but you want to avoid unnecessary mess. Measure your space before buying anything, and give yourself a little extra slack—just in case you need to reposition your speakers later. But don’t go overboard—extra long cables can get tangled and messy, and who wants that?
A quick tip: most cables come in standard lengths, so you’ll probably find something that fits your setup just right. If not, you can always get a cable that’s a little longer and use cable ties or clips to keep things neat.
3. The Right Gauge
Now, let’s talk about the gauge. In simple terms, this is how thick the wire is. A lower gauge means a thicker wire, which is great for longer distances. Think of it like this: if you’re running a cable a long way, a thinner wire won’t carry the signal as effectively, and you’ll lose sound quality over distance. For short distances (under 50 feet), 16-gauge cables should do the trick. But if you’ve got speakers spread out over a big area, you’ll want to bump it up to 14 or even 12 gauge.
Remember, the longer the cable, the thicker it should be. No shortcuts here if you want to avoid that dreaded “loss of signal” thing.
| Wire Gauge | 2 Ohms | 4 Ohms | 8 Ohms |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22 AWG | 3 ft. | 6 ft. | 12 ft. |
| 20 AWG | 5 ft. | 10 ft. | 20 ft. |
| 18 AWG | 8 ft. | 16 ft. | 32 ft. |
| 16 AWG | 12 ft. | 24 ft. | 48 ft. |
| 14 AWG | 20 ft. | 40 ft. | 80 ft. |
| 12 AWG | 30 ft. | 60 ft. | 120 ft. |
4. Consider the Connectors
When it comes to outdoor audio cables, you don’t want to skimp on connectors. Look for gold-plated connectors. Why? They’re more resistant to corrosion and will ensure a solid connection, which is key to preserving sound quality. Rust and corrosion are your enemies, especially in an outdoor environment, so avoid those cheap, nickel-plated options—they’ll just let you down in the long run.
Additionally, make sure the connectors are compatible with your speaker setup. Some outdoor systems use banana plugs, while others rely on spade connectors or bare wire. Figure out what you need before you buy, or grab a cable that’s adaptable to different connector types.
5. Buried or Above Ground?
This one’s a bit of a personal choice, depending on your setup. If you want the cleanest look, burying the cables is an option. But—big but here—you’ll need cables that are rated for direct burial. These cables are specially insulated to protect against moisture and dirt. Don’t just grab any old wire and bury it in the ground; it’ll short out faster than you can say “reinstall.”
If you’re not digging trenches or running cables under the deck, then regular outdoor cables for above-ground use should be fine. Just make sure they’re rated for outdoor use, and you’ll be good.
6. Budgeting Without Cutting Corners
Yes, I get it—cost is always a factor. But listen, when it comes to audio cables, you don’t want to go for the absolute cheapest option. Cheap cables often skimp on quality materials, and you’ll hear the difference—trust me. That said, you don’t have to break the bank either. Look for a good balance between price and performance. Generally, you’ll get what you pay for, so it’s worth investing a little more to ensure durability and sound quality.
Pro tip: Sometimes, you don’t need the most expensive cables on the market. There are plenty of mid-range options that deliver excellent performance without costing you an arm and a leg.
7. Top Brands and Reviews Matter
Like any product, some brands do outdoor cables better than others. Do your homework before buying, and check out reviews. Hearing from other people who have already installed the cables you’re considering is a great way to avoid any nasty surprises. Brands like Monoprice, AudioQuest, and BlueJeans Cable are known for making reliable, high-quality outdoor audio cables. If you see a brand that has a ton of good feedback, that’s usually a good sign.
8. Don’t Forget About Speaker Impedance
If you’ve already got your outdoor speakers picked out (and I’m guessing you do, since you’re reading this), make sure your cables match the impedance of those speakers. Most outdoor speakers are 8 ohms, but it’s always a good idea to double-check. Matching impedance between the speakers and the cables helps preserve the sound quality and prevents any weird distortion issues down the line.
Final Thoughts
Picking the best outdoor audio cables is all about getting the right balance of durability, performance, and quality. Make sure they’re weather-resistant, the right length and gauge, and equipped with high-quality connectors. And, for the love of music, don’t skimp on the basics—good cables make all the difference in the long run.
If you’re still trying to figure out which outdoor speakers to pair with your new cables, check out our list of the best outdoor speakers. We’ve got your back!
If you need a cable longer than 80 feet, a 14-gauge or thicker wire is recommended to prevent signal loss and maintain sound quality. For runs over 200 feet, a 12-gauge wire would be ideal.
