The Difference Between Banana Plug and Lantern Male Plug

Banana plug vs lantern male plug shape and design
The main difference between a male banana plug and a lantern plug is the shape and design. Banana plugs have a slightly bulging shape, while lantern plugs are round. Both types of plugs are commonly used to interface audio and electronic equipment, but their designs and usage scenarios are different.

Banana male plug:
Shape: Slightly bulging cylindrical shape.
Application: Mainly used for connecting high-power output devices, such as speakers and receivers or amplifiers.
Contact methods: including shrapnel type, needle type, cross recessed type and rolled round type.
Advantages and Disadvantages: Because of its large contact area, the banana plug provides good contact performance when connecting high-power output devices, and is easy and quick to insert.

Lantern male plug:
Shape: Completely round.
Application: Although also suitable for audio and electronic equipment, it may not be as convenient as a banana plug in some situations.
Contact method: mainly direct contact.

In terms of use, banana plugs are considered to be the best choice for connecting to multi-purpose sockets due to their unique shape and contact area, especially in scenarios where frequent plugging and unplugging are required.

The lantern head is round and the banana head is pointed. The biggest advantage is that plugging/unplugging is very convenient and fast. If you need to frequently plug and unplug different speakers, the banana plug is the simplest and easiest option.

Banana plugs are finished by their excellent electrical performance, simple assembly method, and low price. It has been gradually applied to industrial instruments, teaching instruments, electric power testing, radio models, medical equipment, automobile testing, audio equipment and other fields. The contact methods of banana plugs mainly include shrapnel type, pin type, cross groove type, and rolled round type.