There was a time before HDMI 2.1 dominated the digital-decoding world, when the digital optical cable was the only option. The optical audio cable, often known as a TOSLINK cable in some A/V circles, was invented by Toshiba in 1983. An optical cable is a one-and-done purchase that may carry uncompressed audio signals from stand-alone components to an AV receiver, soundbar, and other forms of home theater hardware. We’ve sifted through a slew of various wire brands as audiophiles to compile this list of the best optical audio cables.
Table of Contents
BlueRigger Digital Optical Audio Toslink Cable
- ➤Universal Compatibilty: BlueRigger optical audio cable is compatible...
- ➤Solid Construction: Precision-polished 24K Gold plated optical...
- ➤Durable and Secure Connection: Lightweight, flexible high quality PVC...
These BlueRigger Toslink cables make it easier to share and listen to your favorite audio songs. This cable will be able to give any length you require, regardless of what audio system you use it for. Seven distinct lengths are available in their extensive selection of sizes. This rope is available in lengths of 3 feet, 6 feet, 10 feet, 15 feet, 25 feet, 35 feet, and 50 feet. Considering the length, their individual costs are quite affordable. Although they are reasonably priced, the accompanying quality they provide is not. The top-of-the-line technologies built into these optical cables will benefit you.
They’re made with gold-plated connectors to prevent corrosion. Furthermore, their exterior layer is comprised of a tough PVC jacket, which decreases the risk of fire. This combination ensures long-term durability. The fire-resistant PVC, on the other hand, is only available for the four longest wires. The gold-plated connectors also aid in signal transfer optimization. They are precision-polished, allowing for the highest level of accuracy possible in this regard. Its optical fiber has been carefully designed for increased fidelity.
You’ll be able to utilize them to install various audio components for a long period. With this CL3-rated cable, you can effortlessly set up your home theater or audio system. The fiber optic cable in-wall installation rating indicates that it can withstand up to 300 volts! The Slim Shell shape of these Toslink cables allows them to fit into any tight location. While most other cable length struggle to fit into outlets or retain a secure hardware connection, the BlueRigger wires operate admirably. The ends are always protected by their replaceable rubber tips.
It’s compatible with a variety of audio interfaces, including Dolby Digital, ADAT, S/PDIF, and DTS. Both uncompressed PCM audio and compressed digital noises are supported by these wires. This is the Best Toslink Cable in 2023.
Amazon Basics Digital Optical Audio Toslink Cable
- IN THE BOX: 9.8-foot digital optical audio Toslink cable (5-pack)
- CLEAR AUDIO: Multi-channel, fiber-optic digital audio output; corrosion...
- DURABLE: Lightweight, flexible cable with a rugged PVC exterior and...
AmazonBasics is a well-known brand among consumers who place a high value on affordability. If you’re on a limited budget, this optical cable from AmazonBasics is a great option. This one, like the last one, is available in a variety of sizes. It comes in three different sizes: 3.3 feet, 6 feet, and 9.8 feet. That should be enough for any typical home audio system.
You can also get these Toslink cables in metric measures if you aren’t used to imperial quantities like feet and inches. They come in 1 meter, 1.8 meter, and 3 meter metric sizes. This wire is incredibly inexpensive when compared to most of its competitors on the market for high quality sound. These cables come in a five-pack to take the conveniences a step further. You can save even more money by purchasing many things at once this way.
Use this cord to connect an audio component to a sound receiver system, such as a TV, DACs, or audio processors, at any time. For all of these systems, it is capable of producing crisp digital audio. The cable is flexible and lightweight, yet it is built to last. As a result, its outer layer is made of tough PVC. Its internal construction, on the other hand, is made up of gold-plated connectors that resist corrosion and enable optimal signal passage via buffer tubing. This is the Best Toslink Cables in 2023.
KabelDirekt Optical Digital Audio Cable
- Optical digital audio cable: Perfect for equipment with a TOSLINK interface...
- Versatile: Ideal for transmitting crystal-clear digital audio from your TV,...
- High-End: This metal-free fiber optic audio cable, featuring a fully...
The German-based cable company called KabelDirekt has been delivering many top-notch products to US citizens over the years. Although they specialize in HDMI cables, their optical category is also quite rich and reliable. This cord can be used to establish connections with a multitude of systems. From your cozy home theater receivers to online streaming game channels to satellites – the KabelDirect optical audio cable can work with any system. Every time, it claims to produce crystal clear sounds on the other end.
Especially in the case of home theaters, this cable shows its true magic. Utilizing the audio channels of multiple speakers, it provides a professional level of surround sound experience. Both compressed 5.1 to 7.1 sound and uncompressed PCM audio work with this cable. Some popular sound systems compatible with the KabelDirekt Toslink wire include Dolby Digital Plus, LPCM and DTS-HD High Resolution. Because of implementing so many technologies simultaneously, these cables come at a little higher price than others. At the same time, they also guarantee long-term use with their highly durable design and construction quality.
The outer layer of PVC jacket ensures full flexibility, as well as precision. On the other hand, connectors inside keep corrosion away with 24k gold plating. These fiber optic wires produce clean sound by removing RFI and EMI signal interferences. It is a strong contender in our race to be the best Toslink cable. You can get these Toslink cables in eight different sizes. They come in 3 feet, 6 feet, 10 feet, 15 feet, 20 feet, 25 feet, 35 feet and 50 feet variations. This gives you the freedom to spend on only the cord length your system requires. This is the Best Optical Cable in 2023.
EMK Digital Optical Audio Cable Toslink Cable
- Optical audio cable feature a fully [OD4.0 Cotton braided jacket] and...
- Perfect digital optical audio cable for Home Theater, Sound Bar, TV, PS4,...
- Digital audio cable works with multi-channel surround sound,[High fidelity...
EMK is a well-known cable company since it creates the most affordable goods accessible. As a result, the majority of its items are perfect for people on a tight budget, which adds to the company’s vast popularity.
The second-placed item on this list, the EMK Digital Optical Audio Cable Toslink Cable, is the least expensive option, making it a great option for customers on a tight budget. You still get cable lengths between 3 feet and 49 feet, which most people consider above average, despite the lower price.
The included rubber cable is rather flexible and easy to use, however it is not the longest-lasting one. And this is a reflection of the reasonable amount EMK charges for it. Nonetheless, given how much it costs, the fact that this optical has a three-year warranty is unquestionably a blessing.
The EMK Digital Optical Audio Cable is a conclusion. Toslink Cable is a top-notch audio cable with a variety of lengths to pick from. Even though it lacks connectors with gold plating, it does its function flawlessly. This optical audio cable is among the best overall and is second on our list for a reason.
Syncwire Digital Optical Audio Cable Toslink Cable
- Perfect compatibility - Syncwire Optical Audio cable is compatible with...
- Unparalleled sound quality - features Corrosion-Resistant, gold-plated...
- Incredible durability - Syncwire Digital optical Audio cable Features a...
Syncwire is continually striving to give the highest level of quality, whether it’s through new products or excellent customer service. Syncwire’s Toslink cable successfully maintains that level of proficiency. All common sound systems that can offer high-definition audio are entirely compatible with Syncwire’s optical wire. Before purchasing this cable, make sure your sound system has an optical or S/PDIF Toslink port.
If you’ve been having trouble making your gaming experience perfect due to bad audio, there’s finally a solution! This cord may connect sound bars to a variety of receivers, including popular gaming systems like the PS4, Xbox, and Playstation. It also works with other common systems such as televisions, DACs, and audio processors. In every case, the cable succeeds in delivering unrivaled sound quality.
It is a one-time investment that will pay off for many years. Because the gold-plated connectors resist corrosion, this optical cable is extremely long-lasting. Buffer tubing, on the other hand, ensures that the signal is sent as efficiently as possible. The thick cord is flexible, yet not easily broken. Its exterior layer is made of tough PVC, which makes it even more durable!
They come in 5 foot and 10 foot lengths to fit your specific interior and audio system. They can process uncompressed PCM audio as well as compressed 5.1 to 7.1 surround sound. With the replaceable rubber tips, you can be safe when they’re unplugged.
iVANKY Digital Optical Audio Cable
- 🎵【Unparalleled Sound Quality】iVANKY digital optical audio cable...
- 🎁【For Immersive Sound Experience】iVANKY optical audio cable allows...
- 👍【Ultra Durability】Unlike conventional PVC jackets, the optical cord...
iVanky is a brand dedicated to supplying high-quality audio and video equipment. This optical cable from them appears to be a little different from the others we’ve seen so far. This is due to the fact that instead of the conventional solid black PVC jacket, this cable has a fabric braided nylon coat. The wire can be extremely flexible thanks to this construction. It may be made into the tiniest 5 cm loops without inflicting any internal damage. As a result, keeping your wire system clean and tidy will be much easier.
It also has a unique set of connectors. They’re shaped like cuboids, which makes installation a lot easier. Its exact shape allows you to easily slot it into the proper angle and complete the installation with ease. If your current wire system appears to be overly convoluted, consider replacing it with these cables to keep things neat and easy to reach. Furthermore, the small design leaves nearby ports free for other cables.
They offer stunning sound quality in addition to a compact structure. Its optical fiber core is from Japan, and it produces hypnotic audio with a wide dynamic range. Both compressed surround sound and uncompressed PCM audio systems can be used with this fiber. You might wonder what makes it the best Toslink cable. Each cable is encased in an aluminum alloy housing for protection. Inside, there are tarnishing-free gold-plated connectors.
Their conductivity will not deteriorate over time. So acquiring a few of these will last a long time in your home theater, TV, or other audio systems.
FosPower 24K Gold Plated Toslink Digital Optical Audio Cable
- [PROTECT YOUR TOSLINK CABLE WITH BUILT-IN END CAPS] FosPowerâ€s toslink...
- [INTERFERENCE FREE TOSLINK CABLE] No more Interference! Constructed from a...
- [PREMIUM QUALITY DESIGN] Unlike others, FosPowerâ€s Toslink cable is...
Pure metal connectors and a fiber-optic core are included in the FosPower 24K Gold Plated Toslink Digital Optical Audio Cable. This cable was made by FosPower to ensure that dependability wouldn’t be an issue. This cable is a great option to take into consideration if you plan to establish a sound system in your home. The cable’s high degree of compatibility with a wide range of electrical devices serves as proof. Consequently, whether it’s a soundbar, Blu-ray player, or even a gaming console, you should expect nothing less than great and seamless sound transmission from the gadget.
The product was also created by FosPower to be corrosion-free and damage-resistant. The conductors, ferrules, and connector points of the cable are all 24k gold-plated. The cable’s gold plating allows for some of its components to operate independently and without interference.
The FosPower 24K Gold Plated Toslink Digital Optical Audio Cable is an excellent optical cable, to sum up. It might be used to link your TV and sound system. For instance, the OD6.0mm heavy-duty construction of the cable is enhanced with an outer nylon mesh jacket. This protects the wire from nicks, kinks, and unintentional bends, keeping it secure.
Things to Consider When Buying an Optical Audio Cables Buying Guide
Length
Any length greater than ten meters is not recommended since it reduces the reliability of the transmission. For instance, optical audio cables frequently have a maximum length of 5 meters and require an additional signal booster. For instance, let’s say you need lengths of more than 100 feet.
An optical cable composed of molten quartz would be your ideal choice in that situation because it will produce outcomes of a higher caliber. Hence, let’s say you only require a short wire as an example. In that situation, an optical fiber cable composed of plastic may be used.
Width
The performance of the 5 mm and 8 mm cables is identical. This is due to the fact that the connections are unaffected by the width, which is simply the cable’s outer diameter. There is therefore no distinction between the two sizes. But you should be aware that thicker cables endure longer and frequently include a protective nylon mesh covering on the outside. It is something that you might want to think about.
The difference in quality between several types of optical audio cable is not particularly noticeable. For instance, let’s say you have a very advanced system but average hearing. If so, it is unlikely that using a less expensive brand in place of a more expensive one will result in any changes being heard. Even if you have a very good system, this is the fact.
Cost
Due to their greater bandwidth needs, optical audio connections frequently cost more than digital coaxial cables. They don’t interact with other surrounding electrical devices, but as a trade-off, they perform better when replicating digital signals.
As a result, the type of optical cable you decide to buy will have a big impact on the price you charge. Quartz fiber cables are substantially more expensive than plastic fiber cables of the same standard length of 5 meters.
Moreover, some cables have connectors that are 24k gold-plated to enhance signal transmission and lessen corrosion. The cost of the cable, however, can potentially increase dramatically as a result of this.
Damage
Optical audio cables should always be inspected to make sure there are no sharp kinks, as this will inhibit proper operation. The cable cannot properly transmit light along its entire length if it is bent, which is acceptable but unavoidable.
Bandwidth
For the best performance, your optical audio connection must have a bandwidth that falls between 9 MHz and 11 MHz. This connection will perform more efficiently the more bandwidth it has. It is crucial to remember, though, that smaller consumer goods, like CD players, would not suffer a quality loss as a result of constrained bandwidth in the same way that a home theater system would.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is an Optical Audio Cable Used For?
To transport digital audio from speakers or AV receivers, we employ optical audio cables. These resemble the common HDMI cables that consumers use almost exactly. As much as possible, try to use HDMI cables in place of optical audio connections. If you’re curious why, you can read the justification here:
Higher-quality audio, including Blu-ray codecs like Dolby True HD and DTS HD Master Audio, can be sent via HDMI cables. Nevertheless, optical audio cables do not have this feature.
Use an optical audio cable in this scenario if you have older equipment that does not support HDMI. To get the audio to your AV receiver or soundbar, you must do this, though. Here is a succinct description of how optical audio cables are used.
Is an optical audio cable better than HDMI?
The optical audio cable is inferior to an HDMI cable. In comparison to more conventional analog audio interfaces, optical connections and HDMI cables may transmit clear, multi-channel sound with a number of advantages. On the other hand, HDMI can broadcast DTS HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD. Nevertheless, using optical cables for this purpose is not an option. Less analog signaling is employed. Although HDMI is substantially more common, many modern devices still have optical cable connectors. It’s possible that older HDMI-capable devices don’t have the same audio capabilities as more recent ones. While HDMI 1.3 contained the audio return channel, Dolby TrueHD DTS-HD Master audio was introduced in HDMI 1.3. (ARC). As payment, eARC capability is added to HDMI 2.1.
Is an optical audio cable better than RCA?
While many modern systems only require an analog connection, optical media-based digital connections are increasingly ubiquitous in modern systems (RCA). RCA cables transmit both audio and video via a single connection. Optic cables are frequently more expensive than RCA cables. The type of connection you use will ultimately be your decision. For instance, depending on the parts of your home theater system and whether you desire stereo sound, your needs can change. The RCA cable can be the best option if money is a factor. Yet, the optical cable would be a preferable option if it were more important to be compatible with contemporary systems that require digital connectivity.
Does optical audio cable quality matter?
The majority of the data you transmit over optical connections will be digital, including audio in the PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) or Dolby Digital formats. All Dolby Digital audio codecs are set up to completely shut down if they do not receive a perfect signal. The decoder will send out silence if any bits are missing or off rather than take the chance of delivering something that could potentially damage your speakers. Consider a Dolby Digital signal, for instance, that is not skipping. In that situation, your optical link is in good working order.