Tire chains or the cables?

I prefer the cables but I believe some states require actual chains in certain cases. I don't have to worry about it anymore thankfully, it's a royal pain chaining and unchaining and states like Nevada throw the chain law into effect if someone pisses on the highway in the winter. Lost count how many times I had to chain on 80 in NV only to see next to nothing or literally nothing.

You will definitely need them though, been in several situations where there's no way I could have moved without them...

 

you can also look into autosocks an see if they are for you, can find a video on utube. can pick them up at iowa 80 trkstop

 

Chains have better traction and are more durable. Cables give a smoother ride on bare pavement.
If chains break you can repair them, if cables break you throw them out.

 

Chains, and there are substantial differences in chain quality. Anything from $50 per bag for the cheapies to $175 per bag for the good stuff like square link hardened chain.

Watch a few videos on youtube about putting them on, and then practice in a nice warm and dry parking lot somewhere a couple of times.