The complete 2025 guide to finding the best cables and patches for your pedalboard

Who hasn’t had the experience of plugging in and not getting any sound out of the pedalboard, or spending 3 hours dismantling and testing each cable to find the faulty one?… The cables and patches used to connect pedals are essential if you want a pedalboard you can trust in all circumstances.

This comprehensive guide will help you understand the different types of cable on the market, their specific features, and present you with a selection of 10 brands/models to help you find the best choice for your pedalboard.

Selection criteria for pedalboard cables

Before presenting our selection of cables for your pedalboard, let’s start by analyzing the criteria for choosing them. There are several important factors to choose from:

• Material quality: oxygen-free copper conductors and gold-plated connectors are renowned for their superior conductivity and corrosion resistance.
• Shielding: a good shield (protective layer around the cable) protects against electromagnetic interference, reducing unwanted noise and disturbance.
• Flexibility: flexible cables, i.e. easy to bend and twist, facilitate organization on the pedalboard and reduce “stress” on connectors.
• Durability: on the other hand, robust cables are more resistant to daily wear and tear, ensuring a long service life.
• Connector size and footprint: compact connectors enable a tighter pedal layout, optimizing space on the pedalboard.

The best pedalboard cables by type

Before diving into the selection of brands, it’s important to understand the different types of patch, i.e. those very short cables (usually between 10 and 30 cm) used solely to connect your pedalboard’s effects pedals.

TS (Tip-Sleeve) VS TRS (Tip-Ring-Sleeve) patch cables

TS cables, also known as mono cables, are most commonly used to connect pedals to each other. TRS cables, or stereo/balanced cables, are used for a variety of applications, including carrying MIDI messages to modern effects or connecting expression pedals. They can also be used to carry stereo audio signals or resistance values.

In this article we’ll concentrate on TS cables, and we’ll be doing a dedicated article on TRS cables soon !)

Round patch cables VS flat cables

Most patch cables are round, offering great strength and flexibility. There are, however, flat patch cables designed to save space on the pedalboard. This allows you to maximize the space between your pedals.

Solderless cables and self-assembly cables

For those who like to do-it-yourself, it’s possible to make your own cables, which can be an economical and customized solution. This requires soldering skills and an understanding of the components involved, but allows you to tailor cables to your specific needs. There are even solderless cables, which are easy to assemble and convenient for customizing the length of your cables, but less reliable and durable overall.

The best pedalboard cables by type

Below you’ll find a list of pedalboard patch cables sorted by major category, according to your needs. Of course, this line is not exhaustive and could be greatly expanded and enriched. Some brands also offer different qualities or options. Don’t hesitate to tell us in the comments about your preferences and habits when it comes to patches!

High-end patch cables

Sommer Cable Spirit XXL
Sommer Cable is renowned for its oxygen-free copper conductors and excellent shielding. The Spirit XXL range offers ultra-precise signal transmission without loss of dynamics.
Average price: €11
Just so you know, these are the ones we use at GuitarEffect!

Vovox Sonorus Patch
Made from VERY VERY high-quality materials, these ready-to-use cables ensure optimum sound transparency and excellent resistance to interference. We’re clearly dealing here with professional equipment, the Rolls-Royce of cables (the price bears witness to this)!
Average price: €77

Fender Performance Series Patch Cables
A reliable, affordable cable with good sound quality and a robust jacket. Perfect for beginner guitarists who want quality gear without breaking the bank (and with Fender on it!).
Average price: €10.50

Patch cables for beginners and small budgets (with good value for money)

Harley Benton FPC-18 Flat Patch Cable
This 18 cm flat cable is designed to optimize space on your pedalboard. It offers appreciable flexibility and satisfactory signal quality at a very affordable price.
Average price: €3.88

EBS PCF-DL10G DLX Flat Patch Cable
This 10 cm flat cable features improved plugs and gold-plated tips, offering a stable connection and superior sound quality. Its compact design is ideal for pedalboards requiring efficient space management.
Average price: €5.90

Cordial CFI 0.15
Made in Germany, this cable offers well-protected conductors and solid connectors at a competitive price. It offers a good balance between signal clarity and flexibility. Cordial also has a higher-quality range with the Cordial CRI 0.15 RR.
Average price: €4.19

DAddario PW
A complete, affordable range with good shielding against interference. Molded connectors ensure durability for standard pedalboard configurations. Note also that Daddario has a wide range of products, with many different quality/price points.
Average price: €21.5 (for the pair)

Flat, ultra-compact patch cables

EBS Flat Patch Cables
Designed for space-conscious musicians, these flat cables offer great flexibility and low electrical resistance. Their compact design allows efficient organization of the pedalboard, and their quality construction ensures increased durability.
Average price: €7.4

RockBoard Flat Patch Cable
These flat cables are ideal for saving space on your pedalboard. Their flexible design facilitates cable routing, while the compact connectors allow pedals to be positioned close together. Efficient shielding ensures clean signal transmission, suitable for demanding configurations.
Average price: €3.9

Ernie Ball Flat Ribbon Patch Cables
Offering an economical solution, these space-saving flat cables are designed to optimize pedalboard layout. Their robust, multi-shielded design ensures clear signal transmission, while minimizing handling noise. The durable PVC outer jacket guarantees reliable long-term performance.
Average price: €22.9 (for 3 cables)

DIY (solderless) patch cables

Evidence Audio SIS Kit
This kit offers solid-core cables with solderless connectors, enabling precise customization and exceptional sound quality. The solid-core cable offers the purest signal transmission. Combined with solderless SIS connectors (relatively easy do-it-yourself assembly), it enables precise pedalboard customization.
Average price: 93€.

EBS Solder-Free Flat Patch Kit-10
This solder-free patch cable kit is designed for quick and easy assembly, allowing you to create cables to the exact length needed for your pedalboard. It includes 2.5 meters of high-quality flat cable and 10 extra-flat gold-plated angled jack plugs.
Average price: €63

Harley Benton Solder-Free Patch Cable KIT
This kit includes 3 meters of high-quality audio cable and 10 extra-flat angled jack plugs. Solder-free connectors allow precise assembly in seconds, to the exact length required for customized wiring of your pedalboard. The cable features copper conductors and a semi-conductive PVC shield combined with copper/aluminium braiding, providing excellent protection against interference.
Average price: €17.90

FAQ: some answers to your questions about choosing the right pedal cables and patches

What length of cable should I use to connect my pedals?

The ideal length depends on your configuration. In general, we recommend using the shortest possible cables to minimize signal loss and noise. Specifically for patches between pedals, a length of 10 to 30 cm is often recommended .

Are flat cables a quality option?

Flat cables are a good option if you’re looking to optimize space on your pedalboard. They allow pedals to be placed closer together, for a cleaner installation. However, some models may be less robust and offer slightly lower conductivity than high-end round cables.

Should I choose cables with straight or angled connectors?

• Angled connectors are perfect for saving space, especially on pedals with side jacks close together.
• Straight connectors may be necessary for some pedals with top-mounted jacks, or if your pedalboard has a specific design.

What’s the difference between a standard cable and a high-end cable?

High-end cables generally have :

• Better shielding to reduce interference and noise.
• Higher-quality conductors (oxygen-free copper, gold-plated connectors).
• Greater durability, with reinforced sheaths and stronger welds.

A good cable can make a real difference, especially if you’re using high-quality pedals and an amp sensitive to signal variations.

Are solderless cables reliable?

Solderless cable kits allow you to create customized lengths, which is a big advantage. However, their reliability depends on the quality of their manufacture and the care taken during assembly. They may be less robust than soldered cables, but are a good solution for musicians who like to optimize their setup.

Can TRS cables be used instead of TS cables?

No, TRS (Tip-Ring-Sleeve) cables are designed for stereo signals or specific connections (MIDI, expression pedals). A TRS cable can sometimes work on a mono circuit, but it’s better to use TS cables for connections between effects pedals.

Is there a loss of signal if I use a lot of cables?

Yes, the more cables you add, the greater the signal loss. To avoid this, you can :

• Use short, good-quality cables.
• Add a buffer at the beginning of a chain (or in an effects loop) to preserve the signal.
• Avoid low-end cables, which increase “capacitance” and weaken high frequencies.

Does an expensive cable really make a difference?

Not always. An entry-level cable may suffice for a small pedalboard, but for complex setups or intensive use, a high-end cable can improve sound clarity and hardware durability. The most important thing is to choose a well-shielded, sturdy cable suited to your needs.

How do you maintain your cables to extend their life?

• Store them in a dry place to prevent oxidation of the connectors.
• Avoid excessive bending of cables.
• Roll them up correctly (using the “over-under” technique to avoid twisting).
• Never pull on the connectors to disconnect them.

Any other questions? Don’t hesitate to ask in the comments! 🙂