The Best RCA Splitters
If you're still rocking gear with RCA outputs or inputs, RCA splitters are great tools for getting the party started. These cables are perfect for connecting a multitude of sound systems and devices with one another, ensuring you can get great sound no matter what you're listening from. But some RCA splitters are better than others when it comes to both versatility and sound quality, which is why we've made this list of the ones we think most belong in your personal audio toolkit. Keep reading and get ready to plug in.
What to Look For
We had three big asks of the RCA cables we looked at: do they transmit great sound quality between devices, can they work well across a variety of products, and are they durable enough to do both those things well for a long time to come? We found a few cables that excelled at most or all of these criteria. The UGreen cable ended up hitting all the spots with its strong-yet-lightweight build, great audio reproduction, and vast repertoire of compatible devices. We also appreciated Worldboyu’s RCA splitters, which excelled at transmitting sound from Apple products in particular. Keep reading to find out which other cables made the cut and why.
Ugreen 3.5mm High Fidelity RCA Splitter
Quality cables for quality vibes
This phenomenal unit from Ugreen has everything we look for in a set of RCA splitters. They work with everything from CD players to smartphones, transmitting great audio quality through their gold-tipped connectors. They’re also durable, boasting a “10,000+ bend lifespan.” You likely won’t yank them around quite that much, but the durability is clear even without counting. These RCA splitters fulfilled all our requirements down to the letter, and we think they’ll do the same for you.
Pros
- They’re available in a wide range of lengths, making them suitable for a variety of setups.
- The grips of the connectors walk a perfect balance of securely staying in their receivers without getting stuck in them.
- Considering their gold connectors, they’re incredibly affordable compared to RCA splitters of similar quality.
Cons
- They may generate a low humming feedback sound when connected with high-powered audio setups, such as a PA system.
Hosongin Stereo RCA Splitter
The smoother the groove
We have to commend Honsongin for making an RCA splitter that performs its task with such smooth efficiency. Gold-plated connectors and a cable with dual-shielding ensure a stable audio transfer with no feedback or hiss. That shielding comes in handy on the cable’s casing as well, which can be bent many times without damaging the interior, and it’s even coated to prevent corrosion. These are great RCA splitters for times when you don’t want to worry about hums, hisses, and the sounds of static.
Pros
- The audio quality makes it great for professional musician gear, like amps and DJ decks.
- Even for items as generally budget-friendly as RCA splitters, these are incredibly affordable.
Cons
- The colored endpoints that surround the connectors are surprisingly fragile.
Worldboyu Lightning to RCA Cable Splitters
Retro plugs for new-age devices
Worldboyu brings us an RCA splitter that focuses on one thing only: adapting iPhone speakers. In fact, it’s compatible with a vast range of Apple products and car stereos. And since the tips are plated with gold and copper, you can rest assured that the connection will be a capable one. These are the ultimate RCA splitters for people who primarily use Apple products for their audio.
Pros
- The braided cotton cord has a satisfyingly thick feel to it that also helps bolster the cable’s durability.
- Its compatibility with iPods means it can be used with many older stereo systems from the same era of technology.
Cons
- It’s somewhat more expensive than many other RCA splitters.
Amazon Basics RCA Splitter Cable
The bigger the bargain
The ever-reliable Amazon Basics put the work in for these reliable and affordable RCA splitters. With gold connectors and a durable jacket, it features all the essentials you need to split your RCA signal. It also features a unique color-coding system in the form of purple, white, and red connectors, ensuring you’ll never get the male and female ends of the cable mixed up. These RCA splitters are reliable resources for when you need to get the job done quickly and efficiently.
Pros
- They’re available in packs of 10, making this an incredible value for audio professionals.
- These RCA splitters are of comparable quality to products many times their price.
Cons
- The sound quality may diminish when combining two audio inputs once.
OUHL Car Audio RCA Splitters
Cruise with confidence
These are some of the only RCA splitters designed specifically to work with your car’s audio system. The cables are capably shielded to avoid feedback while a foil coating keeps the rest of the cord from needless damage. It also comes in a variety of configurations of male and female endpoints, depending on your car’s needs. If you want to bring your car’s stereo system into the 21st century, this might be the perfect solution to play audio off your new-age smart devices.
Pros
- It’s ideal for cars with subwoofers that want their audio to have more clarity.
- These RCA splitters can be used for audio setups aside from cars as well.
Cons
- Though the cables work well, they’re not quite as heavy-duty as the pricier options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sets RCA splitters apart from standard auxiliary cables?
The aux cord you might find at a party is meant mostly for connecting your mobile device to a stereo system, whereas RCA splitters can usually work with a much wider variety of inputs and outputs. They work better with connecting to visual equipment like TVs, and they’re preferred in a professional context due to their hardiness.
How can I tell which RCA splitters will work for my purposes?
Most RCA splitters will have a list of devices they’re compatible with somewhere on the packaging. To find out if it will work with a headphone jack, you can eyeball it fairly easily by checking the width of the connector (smaller and thinner ones tend to be meant for jacks).
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.