Computer Cables
Whether you need to connect two devices to one another, connect a computer or peripheral to a network, or power up and charge your devices, you will need computer cables to accomplish it. Knowing which type of cable serves what purpose is important, although it can be confusing.
A USB Computer Cable Connects Devices to One Another
USB, or universal serial bus, cables are plug-and-play connections between peripherals like a keyboard, external storage drive, digital camera, or printer to a desktop or laptop computer. They provide fast and accurate data transfer by streamlining network connections. Because they draw their working power from the computer to which they are connected, they save energy and help lower electrical costs. They are available in many different lengths, and USB extension cables let you work around a variety of office configurations and furniture layouts.
Connect Apple® Devices With a Lightning® Computer Cable
Lightning computer cables are proprietary connectors used to connect iPhones®, iPads® and iPods® to compatible USB ports on computers, external monitors, battery chargers, peripherals, and power adapters. They allow synchronizing between devices and charging. They are also available in different lengths, including short ones for travel or longer cables that don't clutter desks. Some may be MFi certified, and you can choose between standard USB and USB-C computer cords.
A Monitor Computer Cord Handles Display Functions
Use monitor cables to connect a computer or laptop to a display monitor or television, or connect two monitors to one another. Some older monitors may still use VGA cords, which carry an analog RGB signal between devices. Laptops may also use a mini VGA cable.
Other devices may work with DVI cables, which carry both analog and digital signals. With the proper adapter, they work with older VGA-style monitors, as well.
HDMI cables carry standard, enhanced, and high-definition signals between an audio or video source and the monitor or display device with a single cable.
A Patch or Ethernet® Cable Joins Devices to Networks
Ethernet and patch cables provide universal compatibility for connecting a computer to routers, switch boxes, network-connected storage devices, and other network peripherals, such as shared printers. They carry broadband signals between the routing components. They may be either solid or stranded computer cables. A solid cable is usually more efficient and less vulnerable to electrical interference, while stranded cables are less prone to damage, making them especially well-suited for use while traveling. Some may transfer data at speeds as high as 1,000 megabits per second (Mbps).
Fuel Devices With a Power Computer Cord
Power cables not only connect devices to a grounded power source, like a wall outlet, but they also join mobile devices and rechargeable batteries to chargers. Some also act as separate power sources, and many are compatible across different brands. Other features of some models include temperature controls to prevent overheating or power surges, LED charge status lights, and auto shut-offs for safety. Most include tangle-free cords and are available in a variety of lengths.
What Is the Difference Between USB-A and USB-C Computer Cables?
USB-C cables represent the next generation of technology. They are about one-third the size of USB-A cables and are flatter. A reversible design also makes them easier to use than older styles, as the ends of the cables are the same, eliminating the need to match a specific end to a device.
Is a Patch Computer Cable Different From an Ethernet Cable?
Basically, the difference between these two networking cables is the length. Patch cables are usually short and are used to "patch" connections over short distances, while Ethernet cables are longer and may even connect devices in different rooms.
A USB Computer Cable Connects Devices to One Another
USB, or universal serial bus, cables are plug-and-play connections between peripherals like a keyboard, external storage drive, digital camera, or printer to a desktop or laptop computer. They provide fast and accurate data transfer by streamlining network connections. Because they draw their working power from the computer to which they are connected, they save energy and help lower electrical costs. They are available in many different lengths, and USB extension cables let you work around a variety of office configurations and furniture layouts.
Connect Apple® Devices With a Lightning® Computer Cable
Lightning computer cables are proprietary connectors used to connect iPhones®, iPads® and iPods® to compatible USB ports on computers, external monitors, battery chargers, peripherals, and power adapters. They allow synchronizing between devices and charging. They are also available in different lengths, including short ones for travel or longer cables that don't clutter desks. Some may be MFi certified, and you can choose between standard USB and USB-C computer cords.
A Monitor Computer Cord Handles Display Functions
Use monitor cables to connect a computer or laptop to a display monitor or television, or connect two monitors to one another. Some older monitors may still use VGA cords, which carry an analog RGB signal between devices. Laptops may also use a mini VGA cable.
Other devices may work with DVI cables, which carry both analog and digital signals. With the proper adapter, they work with older VGA-style monitors, as well.
HDMI cables carry standard, enhanced, and high-definition signals between an audio or video source and the monitor or display device with a single cable.
A Patch or Ethernet® Cable Joins Devices to Networks
Ethernet and patch cables provide universal compatibility for connecting a computer to routers, switch boxes, network-connected storage devices, and other network peripherals, such as shared printers. They carry broadband signals between the routing components. They may be either solid or stranded computer cables. A solid cable is usually more efficient and less vulnerable to electrical interference, while stranded cables are less prone to damage, making them especially well-suited for use while traveling. Some may transfer data at speeds as high as 1,000 megabits per second (Mbps).
Fuel Devices With a Power Computer Cord
Power cables not only connect devices to a grounded power source, like a wall outlet, but they also join mobile devices and rechargeable batteries to chargers. Some also act as separate power sources, and many are compatible across different brands. Other features of some models include temperature controls to prevent overheating or power surges, LED charge status lights, and auto shut-offs for safety. Most include tangle-free cords and are available in a variety of lengths.
What Is the Difference Between USB-A and USB-C Computer Cables?
USB-C cables represent the next generation of technology. They are about one-third the size of USB-A cables and are flatter. A reversible design also makes them easier to use than older styles, as the ends of the cables are the same, eliminating the need to match a specific end to a device.
Is a Patch Computer Cable Different From an Ethernet Cable?
Basically, the difference between these two networking cables is the length. Patch cables are usually short and are used to "patch" connections over short distances, while Ethernet cables are longer and may even connect devices in different rooms.
Computer Cables FAQs
Find the best deals on the right Computer Cables at Staples. The FAQs below will help you compare the top rated and most popular Computer Cables, with the best deals. This is the kind of information that can help you find the Computer Cable you’re looking for at the lowest possible prices.
We carry 608 Computer Cables in our inventory with prices starting as low as $1.99. There are many Computer Cables options to choose from and compare, and you can read the latest reviews and ratings to find out about other customer experiences before you add that Computer Cable to your cart. You’re busy enough so let our FAQs help you find the right product so you can get on with your day.
Which Computer Cables have the best ratings on Staples.com?
- Staples 50' CAT5e Ethernet Networking Cable, Gray has a 4.9 star rating from 47 reviews and costs $16.47.
- Staples 50' CAT5e Ethernet Networking Cable, Blue has a 4.9 star rating from 47 reviews and costs $12.72.
- Staples 25' CAT5e Patch Cable - Red has a 4.9 star rating from 41 reviews and costs $6.99.
Which Computer Cables are the most affordable?
- Belkin A3L980-01-PNK-S 1' CAT-6 Cable, Pink is the least expensive Computer Cable at $1.99.
- Axis BNC Adapter is the least expensive Computer Cable at $2.49.
- V7 V7N3C5E-03F-BLUS 3' CAT-5e RJ-45 Snagless Patch Cable, Blue is the least expensive Computer Cable at $2.69.
What Computer Cables are the most popular based on customer reviews?
- Staples CAT5e Inline Coupler is the most popular Computer Cable with 112 reviews and starting at $6.19.
- Staples 7' CAT5e Patch Cable - Red is the most popular Computer Cable with 94 reviews and starting at $4.99.
- Staples 7' CAT5e Ethernet Networking Cable, Blue is the most popular Computer Cable with 76 reviews and starting at $4.76.
What are the top Computer Cables brands available on Staples.com?
- Lenovo has the top rated Computer Cables with an average rating of 4.9 stars and a $31.49 average price.
- Staples has the top rated Computer Cables with an average rating of 4.6 stars and a $17.04 average price.
- NXT Technologies has the top rated Computer Cables with an average rating of 4.6 stars and a $23.71 average price.
Which Computer Cable colors are the best according to past purchasers?
- Blue Computer Cables have an average rating of 4.7 stars with a $15.73 average price.
- Gray/Silver Computer Cables have an average rating of 4.7 stars with a $20.92 average price.
- Purple Computer Cables have an average rating of 4.6 stars with a $10.72 average price.
Which top rated Computer Cables cost the least?
- Staples 25' CAT5e Patch Cable - Red is highly rated Computer Cables with a 4.9 star rating and it starts at $6.99.
- NXT Technologies™ NX56836 50' CAT-6 Cable, Blue is highly rated Computer Cables with a 4.9 star rating and it starts at $12.59.
- Staples 50' CAT5e Ethernet Networking Cable, Blue is highly rated Computer Cables with a 4.9 star rating and it starts at $12.72.