Best Banana Plugs: Review and Buying Guide 2021 (Updated!)

Few things will improve the connection quality of your audio equipment as much as the best banana plug. So why don’t you try it up instead of using an unreliable and low-quality connector?

Because they attach more firmly to inputs and provide higher quality connections to cables, these plugs improve overall reliability exponentially.

You can expect them to last longer than standard connectors, and you can also expect them to never unplug even after pulling them by mistake.

But there’s a caveat. Not all banana plugs are worth buying. Some of them will be unreliable, others will not last as much as you want, and the rest may not even match your wire size. So, it is vital to know what to go for before making a final choice.

In this article, we want to show you all that. You’re going to learn about the best banana plugs in the market and how to buy the right one. Care to learn more? Then keep scrolling.

Top 12 Best Banana Plugs Reviews

We found hundreds of banana plugs in the market – but few indeed met our quality standards. Among them, we had to chop the list even lower and stick to the best among the best. Then, we reviewed each one and brought them to you. Here are the 12 best banana connectors in the market:

1. Sewell SW-29863-12 Deadbolt Banana Plugs

Highlighted Features:

• Deadbolt design
• 24K gold plating
• Brass casing
• 8 AWG compatibility
• Self-crimping teeth

The first option in the list is a set of Sewell banana plugs. Sewell is one of those brands you should never overlook when it comes to audio equipment. And with their SW-29863-12 Deadbolt connectors, they make it clear why.

It boasts a set of Crimping Teeth that stays extra tightly on the jack. You won’t be able to get them off one they fit in. This goes well with the Fast Lock technology, adding even higher strength to the connection, so they self-crimp after connecting.

Another exciting feature to enjoy is the 24K Gold Plating build. This adds extra resilience to the connector and next-level efficiency. You won’t have to worry about connection capacity or durability with this piece.

Even then, you get a heavy-duty brass casing that increases its lifespan. No need to take much care about the connectors at all.

Despite all that, the banana plug comes with the Deadbolt system, making it a low-profile option for a tidy connection. You will love how your audio equipment will look and feel.

Being compatible with cables as thick as 8 AWG, you can set them up with any system effortlessly. For those who want maximum quality in every aspect, this will come like a perfect addition.

Pros

• Ultra-durable construction
• Fast Lock system ensures maximum security
• Improves conductivity exponentially
• Top-notch size for thick wires

Cons

• Color coding is based on stickers

2. Mediabridge SPC-BP2-12 ULTRA Series Banana Plugs

Highlighted Features:

• 18 to 8 AWG wire size
• Screw-on design
• 24K gold-plated
• Self-crimping teeth
• Color-coded

We couldn’t bring up quality brands without also bringing Mediabridge banana plugs. That’s why the SPC-BP2-12 banana connectors make it into the list.

You get 12 pairs of these plugs that will make the connection between your audio components amazingly reliable. Apart from that, they help with organization thanks to a color-coded design that makes sure you can classify them as needed.

Another excellent feature is the quality build. They boast a heavy-duty 24K gold-plated pin, adding the extra touch of resilience for any of your systems.

This matches well with the self-crimping teeth. They will fit any wire from 8 to 18 AWG as you need. And they will never get off by themselves, ensuring next-level reliability in any system you want to hook up.

You get ensured clarity and a distortion-free experience. Even with the most intricate equipment, these plugs will perform better than expected.

Lastly, you can enjoy their screw-on design. Setting them up will be a piece of cake, so you won’t have any problem making them work in your most demanding jobs.

Whether you’re looking for reliability, ease of use, or convenience – this set of banana plugs will come like a charm.

Pros

• Next-level resilience & durability
• Works with a wide array of components
• Easy to use and secure screw-on design
• Increases accuracy & reduces distortion

Cons

• Thick body can be problematic

3. FosPower Banana Plugs

Highlighted Features:

• 18 to 12 AWG compatible
• Dual-screw installation
• Gold-plated tip
• Closed-screw design
• Insulated cover

Now, we bring a FosPower banana plugs review – yet another brand we couldn’t leave out. And sure enough, we can’t say enough good things about it.

Everything starts with the gold-plated connector. It ensures maximum signal delivery as well as top-notch resilience. You won’t have to worry about the connections wearing out over time.

This matches with the closed-screw design. They are isolated to ensure a shorting-free experience while hooking up your equipment. And what’s even better, you get a dual-screw system – which makes them a piece of cake to set up.

Still, you get a color-coded design. You won’t have any problem setting them apart. And with their ability to fit cables from 12AWG to 18AWG – they are among the most convenient out there. You’ll find them ideal for thinner wires like amplifiers and receivers.

The last thing you’ll notice is the meager cost. Compared to other sets, this one comes at an excellent range, so you won’t have to spend a fortune to set up your audio equipment reliably.

So, are you looking for a quality set of banana plugs to boost up your audio system? Then don’t hesitate and get the Fospower banana connectors.

Pros

• Extra-secure dual-screw body
• Matches wires of different sizes
• Insulated build prevents shorts
• Good-looking and tidy design

Cons

• Color coding is barely noticeable

4. Monoprice 109436 Banana Plugs

Highlighted Features:

• Striped color coding
• Brass body
• 24K gold-plated tip
• Up to 12 AWG wire size
• Positive contact

After going through some of the highest-quality brands in the market, you may think there aren’t more to consider. Well, you’re wrong – you also have the Monoprice banana plugs left to think about.

When it comes to quality construction, the 109436 from Monoprice is among the most resilient you can get. It combines 24K gold-plated plug pins with a brass body construction. Together, they ensure a long-lasting set of banana connectors that you can enjoy for years.

Another exciting feature to consider is their screw-on installing system. You can set them up with spades or wires as needed as well. And you can get them working with speaker wires from 12 to 18 AWG as required. So there’s almost no limit to what you can achieve with this set.

And that’s without even mentioning the color-coded design. One half comes with red stripes and the other with black stripes, so you can set them up following their proper polarity.

It is safe to say this is one of the most reliable sets out there. They’re also among the simplest to use, especially with their regular banana plug design that works like a gem with amplifiers and speakers.

You can get the 5-pair, the 10-pair, the 12-pair, or the 20-pair set as you need. So there’s a Monoprice banana plug set for any purpose.

Pros

• Compatible with a wide array of systems
• Practical screw-on design for easy setup
• Available in different numbers for any need
• Long-lasting and resilient construction

Cons

• The extended design takes a lot of space

5. AmazonBasics Banana Plugs

Highlighted Features:

• Insulated rubber body
• 24K gold coat
• 18 to 12 AWG wire size
• Self-crimping teeth
• Color-coded bodies

Not everyone thinks of AmazonBasics as an audio-equipment manufacturer. But it is still an excellent choice – especially when it comes to delivering quality banana plugs.

At first sight, you’ll notice the gold-plated build. It boasts a 24K plating that ensures corrosion-resistant and promotes a clearer signal delivery.

But it is not their durability that stands out the most, but the reliability they offer. With self-crimping teeth on the ping, the plug can fit in most sockets as firmly as you can imagine. And that’s enough to ensure a next-level experience and reliability, so you can enjoy them to the max in any situation. 

You will give your audio equipment connection a more pristine look. And sure enough, they will help with achieving top-notch results without worrying about disconnections or signal loss. These plugs work like a charm.

The plugs are also compatible with a wide array of speaker wires – going from 12 to 18 AWG sizes. That’s enough to say you won’t have any problem setting them up. And if you add the color-coding system with red & black rings, it will feel a total piece of cake to install them.

Considering how affordable they are, you won’t believe this set is real. And it comes from AmazonBasics – so you get ensured quality.

Pros

• Small and tidy design for a clean look
• Ultra-secure screw-on  design
• Practical wire compatibility
• Delivers extra safety and resilience

Cons

• The short assembly may be tricky to install

6. InstallGear Open Screw Banana Plugs

Highlighted Features:

• Open-screw design
• 18 to 12 AWG wire size
• Color-coded
• Brass construction
• Gold-plated coating

Looking for a set of open-screw banana plugs? Then no other brand will meet your standards as InstallGear does.

You get 12 pairs of banana connectors with an open-screw design. That means you get broad compatibility with wires going from 18 to 12 AWG.

Even when they’re hugely compatible with a wide array of wires, the real advantage comes from their construction. Made of brass entirely and boasting a gold-plated coat – they deliver top-notch durability and conductivity. You won’t have to worry about signal loss or corrosion at all.

The plugs install by just inserting them on the socket. And once they’re in place, they will stay for long. A reliable pin design makes sure they stay firmly once connected.

Apart from that, you won’t have to worry about making polarity mistakes. Thanks to the color-coding system with red and black, you can set them up according to your needs without problems.

On top of all that, the set is still among the most affordable you can find. Without emptying your bank account, it will handle all your audio connection jobs effortlessly.

Pros

• Extremely easy to install
• Highly reliable build for durability
• Improves signal transmission
• Decently priced for the quality

Cons

• Won’t attach as tightly as expected

7. WGGE WG-3334 Open-Screw Banana Plugs

Highlighted Features:

• Open-screw design
• 24K gold coating
• 18 to 12 AWG size
• Color-coded
• Copper construction

One of the most affordable options in the list – the WG-3334 banana plugs from WGGE will not let you down in the slightest.

This is an array of open-screw plugs that can handle wires from 18 to 12 AWG. And if you want to pair them up with spades or bare wire – these plugs will make it easy as well.

You will also love that they come with a copper construction. This ensures a highly durable experience, so no need to worry about wear even after years of use. And when you add the gold-plated design, they become even better, adding a 24K coat that increases conductivity and durability.

Apart from their build and compatibility, you can also find these connectors to be practical. Boasting the color-coded design, you won’t have to worry about setting them incorrectly. They make installation a lot safer.

Combining they’re construction, safety, and excellent compatibility sets them apart from the competition. Especially for such a low cost, you won’t find many better options at such a price range.

Pros

• The practical design fits more wire sizes
• Excellent build ensures maximum resilience
• Secure fit and tightening system
• Ultra-easy to install

Cons

• Does not insulate the wire

8. Sewell Silverback Banana Plugs

Highlighted Features:

• Silverback design
• Anti-vibration O-ring
• Aluminum insulation
• 24K gold coating
• Dual screw-on

If we had to pick the best locking banana plugs, we wouldn’t hesitate to choose the Sewell Silverback set.

There’s almost nothing about this kit to hate. It all starts with a silverback design, boasting an aluminum sleeve with internal brass threading that increases overall resilience and safety. Even in the most intricate wiring systems, this build will perform like a charm.

The tip and the interior build are still made of brass. And with a 24K gold-plating on the pin, you get an even more durable and resilient construction.

If all that wasn’t enough, it matches with an anti-vibration O-ring that prevents anything from loosening the wires once connected into an input.

You can pair this with the dual setscrews design. You won’t have any problem setting them up, mainly because they increase overall firmness exponentially.

Sure enough, you can pair it up with wires going from 12 AWG to 18 AWG without problems. Considering how well-made and secure they are – you shouldn’t have a single problem enjoying them to the max.

Let’s not forget they also come from Sewell. Probably the most popular and quality-oriented brand in the market – making these banana plugs an option you don’t want to dismiss.  

Pros

• Effortless installation and fit
• Prevents vibration & loosening
• Works well with different wire sizes
• Next-level insulation prevents shorts

Cons

• May fit loosely with thin cables

9. Ytuomzi Audio Banana Plugs

Highlighted Features:

• 10 and 14 AWG compatible
• Silverback design
• 24K gold plated
• Screwable and solderable
• Spring-loaded lamellas

Large and easy to use – the Ytuomzi banana connectors are ideal for almost any application.

You get an aluminum case that increases their durability. But below this casing, you still find a brass build, coated in 24K gold that increases overall conductivity. Sure enough, this also prevents wear and makes it way more corrosion-resistant.

The plugs are wide and large. That means you can set them up with a wide array of wires without problems. That includes 10 AWG wires up to 14 AWG if needed. And with their long design, setting them up will be a piece of cake – especially connecting them reliably on your equipment.

This pairs up well with the practical hooking up system. You can screw or solder them as needed. And you will get an excellent experience whatever you are picking.

Despite their excellent build, next-level compatibility, and easy-to-use design, the plugs are among the most affordable you can get. And that’s something you shouldn’t dismiss.

For those who want high quality in almost every way but don’t want to waste their money in overly expensive models, the Ytuomzi banana plugs will not let them down.

Pros

• Straightforward installation
• Brass build for durability
• Excellent size for maximum compatibility
• Aluminum casing for extra insulation

Cons

• Screwing mechanism doesn’t tighten up

10. Sunjoyco Gold Plated Banana Plugs

Highlighted Features:

• Open-screw design
• 24K gold-plated
• Copper build
• 20 to 8 AWG wire size
• Solder-free mechanism

Cheap doesn’t mean low quality. That’s what the Sunjoyco open-screw banana connectors offer.

This 12-pair set is among the most practical and durable you can get. It combines a 24K gold coat with a high-quality copper construction. Together, they deliver the durability and conductivity necessary to get the job done for years.

Such a quality build also translates into a tidier and enticing design. Once they’re hooked up into your wiring, you’ll enjoy a pretty clean result that will make your equipment a lot more organized.

But that’s not everything you’ll love about these plugs. You also get excellent compatibility with wires going from 20 to 8 AWG. Thanks to their small open-screw design, they offer the chance to power up any type of wiring system you may have.

They’re still easy to install thanks to the color-coded system. And when you add the solder-free design, you get the chance to set them up without making much of an effort.

Whether you want to connect them to a wall plate, keystone, or post – these banana plugs will withstand the use, look super tidy, and work well with any wiring you have. There’s almost no limit to how amazing they are.

Pros

• Exceptionally affordable for the quality
• Works with a wide array of wire sizes
• Color-coded design for safety
• Tiny build ensures tidy wiring

Cons

• The small design may be tricky to work with

11. Cmple Dual Speaker Banana Plugs

Highlighted Features:

• Dual connector design
• Multiple color options
• Color-coded polarity
• Brass body
• Self-crimping teeth

A dual banana plug is always worth considering for setting up your old audio equipment. And when it comes from Cmple, you’re sure to enjoy exceptional results.

This set of plugs works well with most wire sizes, going from 12 to 24 AWG as needed. And because you get an open-screw system, you won’t have any problem installing them—no need to solder or do intricate jobs when they fit almost seamlessly with any wire.

They also boast a set of crimps on the tip. That makes it possible for the plugs to stay firmly attached to their input once connected. Your worries about the wires loosening up will go away.

Another exciting feature is their quality build. You get a brass build with a plastic attachment that keeps both plugs together. This pairs up well with the gold plating, ensuring maximum connectivity and top-notch corrosion resistance.

If all that wasn’t enough, they offer a color-coded design, so you don’t mistake their polarities. From the moment you connect them to the wire to the moment they go on the equipment’s socket – these plugs will perform amazingly well for a dual system. There’s nothing to hate about them.

Pros

• Ultra-compatible with old equipment
• Stays firmly attached to the inputs
• Gold-plated tips for durability
• Match well with 24 to 12 AWG wires

Cons

• A bit expensive

12. XWT Banana Plugs

Highlighted Features:

• Silverback design
• 12 to 6 AWG compatibility
• 24K gold plated
• Available in black & silver
• CNC-machined aluminum case

The last set of banana connectors on our list comes from XWT. Despite not being the most known brand in the market, it still manages to deliver next-level results – starting from the silverback design.

Yes, you get a silverback construction that combines an internal brass body with an aluminum casing. That ensures exceptional reliability and safety wherever you install them.

Apart from that, they match well with wires of from 12 AWG to 6 AWG as needed. They are among the most compatible you can get, especially with their CNC-machined case that prevents any kind of interference.

Don’t forget the 24K gold coating you get. This increases signal transmission and prevents the plugs from corroding over time. So you won’t have to worry where to use them.

Another excellent feature is the screw-lock lines. They provide an easy-to-install design that saves you tons of time and effort.

And if all that wasn’t enough, they come at a fantastic cost. Almost half than its competitors and it manages to go the extra mile in durability and compatibility – that’s enough to say it is not a set to overlook.

Pros

• Fits securely and tightly
• Works well with thick wires
• Increased insulation & resilience
• Easy to install and operate

Cons

• Not ideal for thin wires

What to Look For While Buying Banana Plugs?

If you’re trying to get the best banana plugs for speakers, then you’ll have to look for several factors that set them apart. If you don’t know these factors and want to learn them – then don’t hesitate and read our buying guide below:

Types of Banana Plug

The first factor to consider is the type of banana plug you want or need. Here, you’ll find several different options to choose from – such as:

Regular (Closed Screw)

Also called the strike plugs or the closed-screw models – these banana plugs boast an insulated casing that prevents any type of electrical distortion.

You only need to connect them directly to the wire you want to hook up, and that’s it. They’re among the safest and most reliable out there. But they can be limiting with their wire size compatibility.  

Ocelot (Open Screw)

In contrast with regular plugs, Ocelot models boast a small aperture in the casing. This means they offer a broader case for thicker wires to be connected.

You still get decent reliability and excellent signal delivery, but without the complete casing, so they can be a little untidy.

Deadbolt

A deadbolt banana plug refers to the model that can be either ocelot or regular, but come with self-crimping teeth on the pin. This increases the overall safety of the connection.

Apart from that, deadbolt plugs are usually smaller than others (but not immensely small), so they add a low-profile result.

Silverback

They are called silverback banana plugs because they offer a silver-colored casing. This usually matches with a dual-screw design that makes the connection ultra-reliable and ensures a smooth transmission.

Diamondback

These don’t offer a dual-screw system like the silverback plugs but instead work with a spring-locking mechanism. It is usually located on the body of the plug, which secures the wire and delivers continuous signal transmission.

Retractable

The retractable banana plug is not as popular as the previous ones, but still worth mentioning. It usually has a plastic body, which makes them easy to operate and set up. Similarly, they come with an internal spring system that secures them once they’re inserted in a jack.

Stacking

Stackable banana plugs have a hole in the back to connect with other cables of the same size. This makes them ideal for testing applications and intricate audio systems.

Dual

As the name says, you get the two plugs at the same time. They’re ideal for amplifiers and speakers that don’t use a single wire input but a dual one instead. Also, they make it easy to transform one wire into two pins if necessary.

Mini

These are smaller than most banana plugs, doing the same kind of work but in a way smaller size. So you won’t be able to use them with most equipment. But they perform well for components that demand smaller pins like low-power circuits.

Wire Compatibility

Once you have a better idea of the different types of banana connectors available, you should learn about the different sizes you’ll see.

This size is measured in AWG (American Wire Gauge), and it tells you how thick of a wire they can handle. But this AWG system works differently than most measurements. Instead of a higher number meaning a thicker wire, AWG is the other way around. The smaller the number, the thicker the wire it works with.

That’s why we recommend going for banana plugs compatible with at least 12 AWG wires. You’ll find some models that work with 8 AWG wires and even less than that – but they’re not common.

Just be sure you’re getting the size you need before making a final choice. Luckily, most plugs have a range of compatibility (e.g., 12 AWG to 18 AWG). So choose accordingly.

Material & Coating

Even though most banana plugs are made of brass, it is still worth remembering that they can come with a wide array of other materials in their bodies or insulated container.

We usually recommend brass for their body if you want to have a more reliable experience (less wear and breakage over time). But other materials like aluminum, rubber, and plastic may also do the job, just not as durable.

Similarly, consider the covering, coating, or plating of the plug (especially on the pin). For that, gold at a 24K rating will be your best bet in terms of cost and reliability. It will increase the durability of the plug.

Number of Plugs

The set of plugs you get usually comes in pairs. So be sure you’re getting enough for your needs.

You may get 6 pairs (6 males and 6 females), or up to 24 couples (20 males and 20 females). Don’t overlook the number of plugs you may need.

Color Coding

Last but not least, consider the polarity indicator on the plugs. This refers to how the female and male are differentiated. Most models separate them with rings or stripes in blue for the male connector and red for the female one. This will help you prevent polarity issues when setting them up. 

How to Use Banana Plugs?

Even though they seem a little complicated, banana plugs are among the easiest-to-use accessories for your wiring and audio equipment. Setting up will probably take you between 10 to 50 minutes. And if you’re electrical-savvy, 5 minutes will be more than enough.

Here’s how to set them up:

• Start by unscrewing the top or “jacket” of the plug. It is the part that holds the tip. You will be left with the body only.
• Then find the wire you’re going to install on the plug. Be sure it fits inside the connector (diameter).
• Once you have it ready, cut a portion of the wire. Cut about a 3/4-inch section of rubber from the end. You can pass this step if the wired is already reduced.
• Now you can insert the wire directly into the plug body. The end of the wire should come up about 1/4-inch on the other side.
• You’re ready to attach the top of the plug again (where the tip is). If it has a screwing system, then tighten it up as necessary. 
• Make a final check to ensure that the tip is connected correctly. Then you can test it out on your equipment.

After doing this, you should get a reliable and consistent connection. If it does, then you’ve successfully installed the banana plug – so you’re ready to use it as desired.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

You’ve gone through our high-quality banana plugs reviews and learned all about them through our buying guide. But even then, you’re still confused about certain aspects. What should you do? Easy – you read our FAQ section and get rid of your doubts:

Should I use banana plugs?

Yes. If you want to make every connection on your audio equipment much more reliable and secure, then you shouldn’t hesitate to install banana plugs on your wires. If your system depends on how reliable your wiring is, and you’re continually connecting & reconnecting, then a set of banana plugs is probably your best option.

What type of banana plug is best?

It all depends on the user’s needs. But we can safely say that the best type of banana plug is the one that fits more tightly on the input, increases conductivity, and still manages to fit all kinds of wires. In that case, we recommend silverback or diamondback as the best kinds.

Do banana plugs affect sound quality?

Yes, they affect the quality a lot. Because they improve how well the wires fit inside the inputs, they’re more likely to increase the consistency of the audio transmission. This prevents unwanted disconnections and interference that usually damage sound quality exponentially.  

Are banana plugs better than bare wire?

Yes, banana connectors offer many advantages that bare wires do not. Among these benefits, you can find:

• Increased reliability of the connection. Plugs prevent the loss of transmission that bare wires have.
• Higher transfer rate. Bare wires don’t connect consistently, which reduces data capacity.
• More durability. A banana connector withstands years of use and corrosion.
• They hold to the inputs firmly. The crimping teeth of some plugs make them more reliable.
• Easier to install and use. With the polarity color coding on the cases, you can set them up easily.
• Tidier and cuter. A bare wire looks untidy and ugly, which is the opposite of a banana plug.

If you’re still thinking bare wire is better, then there’s nothing to convince you of the opposite.

Do banana plugs make a difference?

Both in sound quality and in overall reliability, banana connectors will make your audio equipment a lot better. On top of that, they change the organization of your system and make the setup a lot tidier. If you depend on your wire connections to be reliable, then you should don’t hesitate to get one.

Conclusion

Setting up your audio equipment shouldn’t be much of a hassle. And now that you know about the highest-quality banana connectors in the market – it’s time to pick the ideal one.

Don’t hesitate to browse through this article to learn everything you need about the best banana plug and pick the ideal option for your needs accordingly.

After reading everything, you should be ready to take a pick and boost up your audio systems to the max.

So, what are you waiting for? Don’t miss the chance to improve your audio connectivity with the ideal banana plug.