The best patch cables aren’t flashy, but they’re one of the smartest upgrades I’ve made to my rig. Funny enough, it only took replacing a few cheap patch cables to clean up my entire signal chain, it got quieter, tighter, and way more reliable during gigs. That small fix saved me from chasing phantom hums and dropouts that I used to blame on everything else.
Guitar Patch Cables | Product Image Guitar Patch Cables | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
 | 97 | 1200+ | |||
 | 98 | 4300+ |
Guitar Pedal Coupler Connectors - Straight | Guitar Pedal Coupler Connectors - Straight Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
 | 91 | 700+ |
Guitar Pedal Coupler Connectors - Offset | Guitar Pedal Coupler Connectors - Offset Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
 | 92 | 700+ |
DIY Solderless Patch Cable Kits | DIY Solderless Patch Cable Kits Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
 | 93 | 350+ |
*Gearank = Rating score out of 100.
**Sources = Number of gear owner and user opinions analyzed for these product Gearank Ratings.
Research Process: How Gearank Works
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best guitar patch cables I’ve come across, especially if you want a clean, quiet, and dependable pedalboard setup. I’ve handpicked these based on real-world performance, backed by deep research and rankings from our Gearank system. Whether you’re building your first board or refining a touring rig, the best patch cables for pedalboard setups can make a surprising difference.
Low-quality couplers and cables can quietly ruin your tone with signal loss, unwanted noise, or clunky layout issues. To truly get the most out of your pedals, it’s worth investing in the best pedalboard patch cables you can find, ones that won’t let you down when it matters.
I’ve done the digging, so you don’t have to. Here’s a curated list of trusted, road-ready patch cables that’ll keep your sound strong and your board clean.
Guitar Patch Cables
EBS PG-10 Premium Gold Flat Patch Cable
The EBS PG-10 offers exceptional sound quality and durability, making it the best choice for premium setups
Pros:
- Extremely compact
- Cuts down set up time and cable checking/maintenance
- None worth noting
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The PG-10 Premium Gold is a highly rated patch cable from EBS Sweden.
The name itself is an easy giveaway of its main feature, which is the use of premium 24-karat gold plating on the contact housing and 1/4″ plugs. Both add to its overall look and performance (the gold helps prevent corrosion – it does not improve your signal).
More importantly, even with its gold plated contacts, this patch cable retains a very reasonable price point. The EBS PG-10 also comes with a flat profile cable and flat right angle plugs, which makes this patch cable easier to position, and if implemented properly, saves you a lot of precious pedalboard space.
I appreciate is the EBS PG-10’s compact profile which is a dream to setup, almost giving me space for 2 extra pedals on my board. The flat cable design is very easy to work with, cutting down pedal substitution time and cable checking/maintenance by a considerable margin.
It also works with a lot of asymmetrical layouts that might be harder to wire with regular round guitar pedal cables due to the flat cable’s unique flex characteristics.
If you need some flat patch cables and having 24 Karat gold-plated connectors is something that excites you, I recommend the highly rated EBS PG-10’s.
- Plug: Flat Right Angle 24-Karat Gold Plated Plugs
- Conductor: 20 x 0.12 mm copper conductor
- Cover: PVC
- Shield: Double Copper Shielding
- Length: 3.9″
- Variant: 18, 28 and 58 cm
Rating Source Highlight
*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm’s adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.
Ernie Ball Flat Ribbon Patch Cable
Ideal for compact pedalboards, the Ernie Ball 3″ Flat Ribbon Patch Cable is both reliable and space-efficient.
Pros:
- Solidly built
- Low profile jack plugs and short, flat cable works with well with most simple pedal configurations and saves space
- Relatively transparent sounding and noise-free operation
- 3″ Not long enough for complex setups
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These feel great in the hands. They have a good weight to them – not heavy but substantial enough to exude reassuring quality, premium-feeling patch cables indeed.
The flexibility is quite alright for a set of flat guitar patch cables. They are not the softest feeling wires I’ve tried, but since these are fresh from the mail, I expect them to soften up after some use.
Also, being 3-inch cables, they’ll most probably be relegated to simple right-to-left setups that aren’t too reliant on extreme flexibility.
This certainly is a fine piece of guitar cable.
Being flat cables, they quite prefer being flexed up and down than side to side. Twisting okay too but not as natural feeling as your regular rounded cables so this will definitely work better with some layouts over others.
Based on my experience with patch cables, no one type is best for all layouts but flat cables are a space-saving good bet for many of your typical configurations.
The cable texture reminds me somewhat of a stick of gum. The slightly textured matte white has a tinge of cream – I feel like due to the color, these could get dirty quite quickly and easily.
I’m very pleased with these short patch cords. Little flat ribbon patch cables are easy to work with and result in less cable clutter. Approximately 3 inches might be enough for most simple setups, but if you’re serious about building complex boards I suggest buying an assortment of lengths, optimally of different colors to signify the lengths at a glance.
These Ernie Ball 3″ Flat Ribbon Patch Cables don’t take up a lot of space, sound transparent enough, and feel robust and high quality.
These are ideal guitar effect pedal cables for minimalists and for those who are running out of pedalboard real estate.
- Plug: Low-Profile Right Angle
- Conductor: 99.95% OFC (Oxygen Free Copper)
- Cover: PVC Jacket
- Shield: Dual Shielding
- Length: 3″
- Variants: 3″, 6″, 12″, 24″
Rating Source Highlight
*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm’s adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.
Guitar Pedal Coupler Connectors – Straight
OTraki Pedal Coupler Straight
For straightforward connections, the OTraki Pedal Coupler Straight provides a sturdy and reliable link between pedals
Pros:
- Sturdy and solid build quality
- Holds pedals in position when connected
- A great value for money set
- Only works with pedals that have their input and output jacks aligned perfectly with each other in height and position
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The OTraki Pedal Coupler features two gold-plated 1/4″ copper plugs, each one facing opposite sides for cable-less side-by-side positioning of pedals.
The use of gold tip contacts is a feature that you won’t normally find in affordable couplers and patch cables.
This ups the value of this 6-pack bundle, which should be more than enough for most small to medium sized pedalboard setups. These work great if your pedalboard configuration will allow it.
I would describe the feel of these couplers as sturdy and solid and they have the added bonus of holding your pedals in position when connected. Value for money is another thing the OTraki Straight Couplers have going for them.
Like other straight couplers, they only work with pedals that have their input and output jacks aligned exactly with each other in height and position. Not properly aligning the pedals can damage the output/input jacks.
This style connector is a bit controversial amongst guitar players due to there being no points of flexibility designed into it. That makes sense to me but I haven’t encountered any major issues yet, I suggest taking extra care when positioning your pedals.
I would describe the feel of these couplers as sturdy and solid and they have the added bonus of holding your pedals in position when connected.
If you feel like the couplers are applying force to your jacks, make sure that your pedals are not moving up and down which can be the case if you are using hoop and loop fasteners to attach them to your pedal board. Also, make sure that your pedals are perfectly leveled to each other.
If you’re looking for an affordable set of straight couplers to try out this unique aesthetic, then try these highly recommended OTraki Pedal Couplers.
- Pack: 6
- Plug: Straight Coupler
- Conductor: Copper wire with Gold Plated Contact Points
- Length: Not Specified
Guitar Pedal Coupler Connectors – Offset
OTraki 0021 – 4 Pack Pedal Coupler 1/4 inch Z Type
“Perfect for maximizing pedalboard space, the OTraki 0021 Z Type Offset Couplers are versatile and efficient.
Pros:
- Z-profile design, allows for more flexibility to connect different pedal types
- Quality connectors
- Reduces overall cable length of your
- The pack of 4 is great value
- Never going to be as versatile as patch cables
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The OTraki 0021 is a Z type pedal coupler that features gold-plated copper connectors. It has a round middle section where the two plugs join for easier handling.
Being a Z-type coupler means that there’s a bit more leeway in positioning compared to straight couplers, but it is still quite limited compared to regular patch cables.
This is great for a member of the neat-freaks club, and for those who have giant 10+ pedal boards. It’s a novel way to reduce the length of wire used in your signal chain thereby improving your signal quality.
And in contrast to straight couplers, these won’t work well if all your pedals have the same jack input and output placement – lest you make your pedalboard resemble a flight of stairs. Maybe have both types on hand for more options.
I appreciate the OTraki 0021’s offset design, which allows for a bit more flexibility to connect different pedal types. Also, I’m satisfied with how solid the plugs are, and with a bit of smart placement, I’m able to shorten the runway on my pedalboard with this coupler.
These work especially great for mini pedals.
Even with its Z-profile, this coupler is never going to be as versatile as patch cables. There’s definitely a limit to the jack placement variations this can accommodate. It still won’t solve your problems if the position and height of the 2 pedals is extremely pronounced.
With its combination of great value and solid build, the OTraki 0021 is the z-type coupler you should go for.
- Plug: Z-type Coupler
- Conductor: Gold-Plated Copper
- Length: 2.9″
The Highest Rated DIY Solderless Patch Cable Kits
Evidence Audio SIS/Monorail Solderless Patch Cable Kit – 10 Feet
The Evidence Audio SIS/Monorail Kit is best for those seeking high-quality, solderless customization with superior audio fidelity.
Pros:
- Reliable noiseless operation
- Easy to use and assemble
- A bit expensive compared to other solutions
- No warranty due to DIY assembly
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This SIS/Monorail Solderless Patch Cable kit from Evidence Audio features a small diameter cable of only 0.155 inches to help save space on your pedalboard.
The plugs can be unscrewed and reused on new cables when re-organizing your pedal layout.
While this Evidence Audio kit might seem a bit on the pricey side, their cables are used by notable musicians such as David Gilmour, Ed O’Brien, Noel Gallagher, Guthrie Govan, and Andy Timmons – this demonstrates that Evidence Audio really knows what they’re doing when it comes to cabling.
Add to that, they are a respected OEM wiring provider for some famous and boutique brands such as Fender Custom Shop, OktavaMod, and Black Lion Audio.
Although not a fault of evidence audio something to consider is that these kits don’t come with a warranty due to their do-it-yourself nature.
There are just too many factors when built by the end consumer that could go wrong. But if it’s good enough for the likes of David Gilmour, Noel Gallagher, and Guthrie Govan, they should be reliable enough for mere mortals like us.
I consider this the best patch cable kit for its quality, both in terms of build and noiseless operation. Also, being solderless, this kit is easy to use and assemble, even for someone who’s not especially handy like me.
Given the customization and control you have over a cable kit, this is the best patch cables for pedalboard use. I recommend this kit to guitarists who want to go the DIY, custom route without sacrificing build quality.
You invest a lot in your pedals and the rest of your rig, so if you want to find out why so many top guitarists use Evidence Audio then consider buying this top-of-the-line patch cable kit.
- Pack: 10″ Cable, 10 Solderless Plugs
- Plugs: Right Angle Solderless
- Conductor: 20 awg IGL
- Length: 10′
Rating Source Highlight
*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm’s adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.
Things to Consider When Buying Patch Cables
Cable Length
Patch cables usually come in lengths from about 3 to 18 inches, and while that sounds simple, getting the right sizes can make or break your pedalboard layout. I’ve learned the hard way that planning ahead saves a lot of frustration later. Measure out where your pedals will go before buying, so you don’t end up with excess cable loops cluttering your board or cables that barely reach.
If you’re after a clean, dialed-in layout, patch cable kits are a great way to go. They let you cut cables to size, which is especially handy if you’re working with tight space. These kits are easily some of the best pedalboard patch cables I’ve used when I want full control over how everything fits together.
I’ve also thrown in a few pedal couplers in this guide, they work great when you’re connecting pedals with the same profile or brand. They can save space, but they do require everything to line up just right.
Keep in mind, even though these cables are short, the total length can add up if you’re running a larger board. That extra cable can lead to subtle signal loss or tone changes, especially in the high frequencies. That’s why custom-fit cables or kits with flexible lengths are often the best patch cables for pedalboard use.
Bundles
Just like regular instrument cables, patch cables are often sold in bundles. It’s usually more cost-effective, and you’ll appreciate having a few extras on hand.
When I’m setting up a board, I like to grab a bundle that gets me close to what I need, then throw in a couple of spares just in case. Patch cables can and do go bad, especially the cheaper ones, so it’s a good idea to have backups for quick swaps when you’re troubleshooting a weird buzz mid-rehearsal. I’d rather be over-prepared than scrambling during a set.
Plug Type
Most guitar patch cables use TS connector plugs, which are standard for guitars and pedals. You don’t want to confuse them with TRS plugs, XLR, or other audio connectors that aren’t designed for instrument-level signals.
I usually go for right-angle TS plugs for pedalboards, they connect neatly to the side of pedals and help save space. Even better are low-profile or pancake plugs, which are great if you want your pedals really close together. Just watch out, some right-angle plugs can block nearby jacks, depending on how your pedals are laid out. A little planning can help avoid that kind of hassle.
You’ll also come across gold-plated plugs, which are standard for many quality cables. Gold resists corrosion better than nickel or chrome, especially if you’re playing in humid conditions or transporting your board a lot. If you’ve ever heard scratchy noise when moving cables around, corroded plugs are often to blame.
You can find my full guide to the best guitar cables if you’re also upgrading your main instrument cable.
Jacket and Shield
The outer jacket protects the cable, usually with flexible PVC, while inside there’s a shield around the conductor to reduce interference.
In my experience, cheaper patch cables often use foil shielding, which can work, but it’s not ideal for noisy environments. I prefer cables with braided shielding. They’re a bit more expensive but much better at rejecting electromagnetic and radio frequency interference, especially since patch cables sit right between all your power supplies and signal sources. A little shielding goes a long way in keeping things quiet.
Reliability and Aesthetics
Patch cables don’t take the same beating as your main instrument cable, but that doesn’t mean you should skimp on quality. They still need to handle the occasional stomp, tug, or pedalboard shift during transport. I’ve had cheap ones fail just from light pressure or a pedal getting nudged in a case.
Function comes first, but looks do matter to some folks. I’ve seen some slick boards with color-coded patch cables that actually helped keep things organized. If matching your board’s style inspires you to play more, go for it. Just make sure the cables work as good as they look.
Pedal Coupler Alignment
Pedal couplers don’t have cable slack, so your pedals’ input and output jacks need to line up perfectly. Even a small misalignment can stress the coupler or damage your pedal’s jack. I’ve seen this happen more than once, especially when mixing pedals from different brands like MXR, Boss, EHX, and TC Electronic. They don’t always line up the same, so double-check spacing before you commit.
If you stomp hard or tend to get aggressive onstage, couplers might not be your best bet. A little movement can throw things out of alignment, which is why I usually stick with short patch cables when I need some flexibility. Once you’ve dialed in your setup, securing everything on your pedalboard helps a lot.
Proper layout and secure connections are key to building a solid guitar pedal signal chain. A good patch cable won’t just pass signal, it’ll help your whole setup feel tighter, cleaner, and more reliable.
Best Patch Cables Selection Methodology
The first edition was published in 2017. The current edition was published in 2025.
We first looked at the top options available in the USA and short-listed 33 patch cables, kits and couplers to publish ratings for – you can view the entire list in the Music Gear Database. Then we collected relevant reviews, ratings and forum comments about each one. For this edition, we ended up with over 21,400 sources (10.3% more than the previous edition) and processed them with the Gearank Algorithm to produce rating scores out of 100 for each item. The resulting Gearank Ratings were then used to narrow down the list to just the cream of the crop in each category. For more information about our methods, see How Gearank Works.
About the Author and Contributors
Here are the key people and sources involved in this guide’s production – click on linked names for information about their music industry backgrounds.
Lead Author & Researcher
I’ve had over 17 years of electric guitar playing experience. My setup is ever-changing and evolving in search for the perfect balance between convenience, fun, reliability and sound quality. Currently, I use custom-made patch cables along with Ernie Ball Flat Ribbons.
Contributors
Raphael Pulgar: Supplemental writing.
Jerry Borillo: Research.
Alexander Briones: Supplemental writing and editing.
Jason Horton: Editing and Illustrating.
Media / Image Credit
Main/Top Image: Compiled using photographs of the OTraki Pedal Coupler Straight, OTraki 0021, EBS PG-10, Ernie Ball Flat Ribbon and Evidence Audio SIS/Monorail.
The individual product images were sourced from websites, promotional materials or supporting documentation provided by the respective cable manufacturers except for the Ernie Ball 3″ Flat Ribbon Patch Cable in hand photo which was taken by the author.
Related Gear & Advice
Comments:
10 responses
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Great job on the article buddy!
I have been using EBS PG-10 for quite some time now.
Quick question, how well does the Evidence Audio SIS/Monorail hold up?-
Thanks for the compliment!
We haven’t done a long duration test on the Evidence Audio SIS/Monorail yet, but I also haven’t seen reports of anything going wrong with the connection to the plugs from others either, and I’ve looked at quite a few hands on reviews by others.
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The following items came off the recommended list when we published our September 2022 Edition:
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Publication of our October 2021 Edition resulted in the following items coming off the recommended list above:
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Our November 2020 update resulted in the following coming off our recommended list above, but you can still read our analysis of them:
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As a result of the November 2019 update the following items came off our recommended list above but you can still see our analysis of them:
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Because there were higher rated options for us to recommend when we published the new edition.
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As a result of the July 2018 update of this guide the following items were removed from our recommended list above:
Planet Waves Classic Series Guitar Patch Cable 6″ 3-Pack
Donner Guitar Pedal Coupler 4-Pack
D’Addario DIY Solderless Pedalboard Guitar Patch Cable Kit -
Should really add a disclaimer about the couplers. Those are terrible for pedals, even of the same brand. Avoid using them at all costs
Disclosure
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