Which Material Is the Best Conductor of Electricity?

Silver has the lowest electrical resistivity of any metal at 1.59 × 10⁻⁸ ohm-meters at 20°C, making it the best natural conductor of electricity. Copper is a close second at 1.68 × 10⁻⁸ Ω·m, which is why copper — being far cheaper — is the standard material for electrical wiring worldwide. Gold ranks third at 2.44 × 10⁻⁸ Ω·m but is valued in electronics for its corrosion resistance, which maintains reliable connections over time. At extremely low temperatures, superconductors conduct electricity with zero resistance; the current highest-temperature superconductor operates at about −23°C under extreme pressure. Room-temperature superconductivity remains one of physics' most sought-after goals.