Computer cable serves its users in varying contexts. But the interesting thing is that most of these cables are rarely the same. In the case that you have figured out the type you want, reading through the best computer cable reviews like this one will prove very helpful.
Even when you are looking for a particular one among the best computer cable brands, there is a chance you’ll find some differences between one product and the other.
Besides the distinction between one computer cable brand and the other, some other important points are worth considering before you place your order. Through this computer cable buying guide, we’ll be highlighting most of those points. If you read through to the end, understanding these points will help you to do a simplified computer cable comparison. But first, let’s look into the major types of computer cable in the market.
Types of Computer Cable
Many different types of computer cable abound in the market. For a certain percentage of potential buyers, understanding these differences is very important. Eventually, this will help them and you if you are one them, to make the right purchase decision. Let’s check them out.
Video Graphics Array (VGA) Cable
This particular type, VGA cables are used mainly to connect a computer to monitor from one end to the other. In most cases, it comes with 15 pins which correspond to the colors used in a visual display.
Digital Visual Interface (DVI) Cable
The key differentiator in this one is that it transmits both digital and analog signals depending on your preferred usage or device. You can use this to connect DVI to VGA and vice versa. But it has to be between compatible devices.
High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) Cable
In modern computing space, HDMI cables are used to transmit high-resolution content between compatible devices. This is the type of cable that is used mainly for gaming and online streaming.
Universal Serial Bus (USB) Cable
This type of computer has wider use cases. With this one, you can connect your computer to any other compatible device like a flash drive, smartphone, television and many others.
Ethernet Cable
Ethernet cables are used mainly in networking environments. You can use it to connect routers and modems to a computer.
Best Computer Cable Reviews
Rankie VGA To VGA Cable
- 6 Feet. Screw-in VGA cable with 15-pin male input and output
If you observe very well in the preceding paragraphs, there is an indication that some cables are used to connect DVI to VGA while others are used for connecting VGA to VGA. Now, if you have been looking for the best VGA to VGA cables in the market, here is one of the top sellers.
Besides making cheap VGA cables, Rankie occupies a distinct position among the best computer cable brands you’ll find in the market.
Expectedly, it comes with 15 pins meant for male input and output connection of any device you like. According to the manufacturer, this one supports resolutions of at 800×600, 1024×769,1600×1200, 1080p.
Pros
- Good for LED monitors
- Works well for all devices with VGA port
Cons
- Has rough edges in terms of design
Belkins F2N028b05M Pro Series VGA Cable
- Molded strain relief and PVC overmolding to ensure an error-free data transmission
Whether you want to connect SVGA or simple VGA ports, this cable has been proven to work well for that. Depending on your personal choice, you can buy a pack with the HDMI cable as well as monitor splitter cable. The main VGA cable itself is about 5m only.
Looking at it from the start, you’ll notice the sturdy and durables construction which help to provide tight connection without interference. If for any reason you want to connect a laptop to a monitor, this cable works well for that.
Pros
- Provides tight connection for all use cases
- You can find useful bundle offers
Cons
- It is slightly pricey
CSL 3M DVI To DVI Monitor Cable
- 3m (Metres) DVI-D to DVI-D cable | DVI-D cable dual link / 24+1 pins
In contexts where DVI to DVI connection is what you are looking for, this particular cable will get you what you want. Concerning the distance that needs to reached when connecting your devices, you’ll find 1m, 1.5m, 2m, 3m and 5m options available. Based on my findings from other computer cable reviews, the price for these DVI cables with different length options is pretty much the same.
Another thing worth mentioning is that this CSL DVI to DVI cable supports resolution of up 2560×1600 (QXGA). This feature makes it powerful enough to transmit data for high definition television viewing and content streaming.
Just like other cables in this buying guide, you can find this DVI computer cable on Amazon. For a complete list of compatible devices that this cable works for, consider visiting the manufacturer’s website or asking questions on their Amazon sales page.
Pros
- Provides great connection for high-resolution content display
- Compatible with a wide range of devices
- Offers impressive value for money
Cons
- Low quality them screws
AmazonBasics DVI To DVI Cable
As noted earlier, computer cables can be used for a different purpose. Depending on the type you buy, some cables are meant for multiple use cases. Based on this fact, some potential buyers come into the market with a specific interest in the best DVI cable for a projector. If you are one of the people, here is one great option you should consider.
Some other devices that this cable works for include digital CRT displays, HDTV and all flat panel displays. In other words, this can be used for medical-related displays, entertainment and other work-related use cases.
On the cable itself, you’ll get 24 gold-plated connectors that match most DVI ports. When you are ready to make your purchase, you can choose between 0.9m and 4m cables.
Pros
- Supports a wide range of digital devices
- Tight-fitting gold-plated connectors
Cons
- Produces poor quality output for Mac Mini
CPO 1.5524 1M DVI Cable
- DVI-D (24+1 pin) Male to DVI-D Dual Link (24+1 pin) Male
One thing that most buyers of this product admire so much is the dual-link signal transmission which makes it possible to enjoys data transmission of up to 9.9 Gbps. It has a clean braided foil. And that that provides great protection against signal interference.
For an interesting number of reasons, it is always important to confirm the compatibility of the cable you are buying and some specific devices. Concerning this, it is worth mentioning that this is a PC and Mac compatible DVI cable. Hence, there is no need to search exclusively for Mac compatible cables on Amazon or any other retailing site.
A certain percentage of the current and past users also confirmed that this cable supports 1080p resolution. The important thing is to make sure that the ports are compatible.
However, you have to test everything immediately after arrival. This will give you sufficient time for return and replacement if there is any defect.
Pros
- Very study design
- Dual-link transmission
Cons
- Not the best for relatively distant connections
Rankie High-Speed HDMI Cable With Audio Return
- The HDMI cable (male to male) connects Blu-ray players, PS4, PS3, XBox one, Xbox 360, computers and other HDMI-enabled devices to TVs, displays, A/V...
Here is one of the best HDMI cables that are very popular among gamers. Based on its compatibility with Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS3 and PS4, you can use it for high-resolution gaming. Besides gaming, this HDMI computer cable can also be used to connect other devices like television and CRT display monitor.
With the aid of ethernet cables, you can also use Rankie HDMI cable to share internet connection between other compatible devices in your home or office.
Another interesting fact is that it works well with a range of Apple devices including the iPhone 6 and up. For a complete list of the compatible devices you can use this cable to connect, please follow the appropriate link in this HDMI cable review to ask more questions on Amazon.
One thing that I always remind potential buyers about is to test everything completely after it arrives in your home or office.
Pros
- Stable high-speed connection
- Good for gamers with different consoles
Cons
- Slightly more expensive
UGREEN RJ45 Ethernet Cable
- High-Speed Cat 7 Ethernet Cable: The UGREEN Cat 7 Ethernet cable supports bandwidth up to 600MHz and transmits data at speed up to 10Gbps, ensure...
Here is another type of computer cable that is very unique both in terms of design and its function. As indicated in the earlier definitions, high-speed Cat7 ethernet cables are used mainly for network connectivity and data transmission.
In terms of compatibility, this cable supports and works well with a very wide range of devices. Based on a simple broad categorization, you can use Ugreen RJ45 Ethernet cable for gaming consoles, routers, modem and other POW devices. Regarding some of the best computer cables we have reviewed so far, this one is very flexible and easy to manage. If you choose to buy this Ethernet cable on Amazon, you can choose between 1m and 20m options.
Pros
- Outstanding level of wider compatibility with many devices
- Very flexible and easy to install
- Good for gaming, networking and entertainment
Cons
- It is considered expensive
Computer Cable Buying Questions And Answers
What are the types of computer cable?
The major types of computer cable include the following –
- VGA Cable
- DVI Cable
- USB Cable
- HDMI Cable
- Ethernet Cable
Please refer to the beginning section of this computer cable buying for a clear definition of each cable. You’ll also find the specific use cases for each one of them.
What is a VGA cable used for?
This term VGA stands for video graphics cable. It is used mainly to transmit video signals between a computer and a monitor. Within this particular category, you’ll find both male and female connectors.
Is it better to VGA or HDMI cable?
The very first thing to note is that VGA is analog while HDMI is used mainly for digital transmission of data. However, DVI cables can transmit both analog and digital data. Most times, deciding which one is better than the other will depend on your intended use cases.
How much does computer cable cost?
In simple terms, it is mostly dependent on the type of cable you want. However, you can buy almost any of the cables reviewed here between $3 and $10.
Where can I buy computer cable online?
Follow the links around these reviews to find the one you want on Amazon.
Conclusion
It is not enough to just start typing the best computer cables into Google. First thing is to narrow down the exact type of cable you want. This will make it possible to identify the best option that will suit your current needs. Look into the major categories of the best computer cable reviews above and you’ll find one or two options that will work very well for you.
For you to make a proper comparison that will aid your final purchase decision, you may want to start with the question of what you want to do with it. And then go from there.
At this point, it is worth noting that all the products reviewed here can be found on Amazon. But please don’t buy and keep for future use. Test everything immediately after arrival.
