# item.guide
Side-by-Side Comparison Jack Connectors

3.5 mm TRS vs. 6.35mm TS

Comparing 2 standards across 8 specifications. 8 key differences identified.

Comparing:
3.5 mm TRS
6.35mm TS
3.5 mm TRS →

3.5mm TRS is the 3-conductor version of the 3.5mm mini-jack. It's wired either as unbalanced stereo audio (tip: left, ring: right, sleeve: ground) in consumer headphones, or as balanced mono (tip: hot, ring: cold, sleeve: ground) in some professional audio gear -- the same three contacts, different signals depending on the device.

View full 3.5 mm TRS spec sheet →
6.35mm TS →

6.35mm TS (Tip-Sleeve) is the 2-conductor version of the quarter-inch phone connector, carrying a single unbalanced mono signal. It's the standard connector for electric guitar and instrument cables, unchanged in essentials since its telephone-switchboard origins.

View full 6.35mm TS spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

8 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
3.5 mm TRS
6.35mm TS
Connector Family
Phone Jack (Mini-Jack) Phone Jack (Quarter-Inch / Standard Phone)
Shaft / Plug Diameter
3.5 mm (1/8") 6.35 mm (1/4")
Conductors / Contacts
3 (Tip, Ring, Sleeve) 2 (Tip, Sleeve)
Signal Format
Unbalanced Stereo / Balanced Mono Unbalanced Mono Audio
Primary Applications
Standard headphones, PC audio line-out, auxiliary inputs, portable media players Electric guitar/bass cables, instrument patch leads, amplifier inputs, effects pedals
Standard Stereo Pinout
Tip: Left | Ring: Right | Sleeve: Ground —
Balanced Mono Pinout
Tip: Hot (+) | Ring: Cold (-) | Sleeve: Ground —
Standard Mono Pinout
— Tip: Hot Signal (+) | Sleeve: Ground / Shield

Other Alternatives to Compare

Compare 3.5 mm TRS vs. 2.5mm TRRS → Compare 3.5 mm TRS vs. 2.5mm TRS → Compare 3.5 mm TRS vs. 3.5 mm TRRS → Compare 3.5 mm TRS vs. 6.35 mm (1/4") TRS → Compare 3.5 mm TRS vs. Coaxial Cable Types (RG Series) → Compare 3.5 mm TRS vs. RCA → Compare 3.5 mm TRS vs. XLR 3-Pin → Compare 3.5 mm TRS vs. XLR 4-Pin → Compare 3.5 mm TRS vs. XLR 5-Pin →