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

3.5 mm TRS vs. RCA

Comparing 2 standards across 10 specifications. 10 key differences identified.

Comparing:
3.5 mm TRS
RCA
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 →
RCA →

The RCA connector, introduced by RCA Corporation around 1937, is a de facto industry-standard connector for consumer audio and composite video -- there is no formal mechanical specification for the connector itself, though the composite video signal it typically carries targets a nominal 75-ohm impedance.

View full RCA spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

10 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
3.5 mm TRS
RCA
Connector Family
Phone Jack (Mini-Jack) Coaxial Phono Connector
Conductors / Contacts
3 (Tip, Ring, Sleeve) 2 (Center Pin, Outer Shield Ring)
Signal Format
Unbalanced Stereo / Balanced Mono Unbalanced Line-Level Audio / Composite Video / S/PDIF
Primary Applications
Standard headphones, PC audio line-out, auxiliary inputs, portable media players Home theater receivers, DJ turntables/mixers, composite/component video, S/PDIF digital
Shaft / Plug Diameter
3.5 mm (1/8") —
Standard Stereo Pinout
Tip: Left | Ring: Right | Sleeve: Ground —
Balanced Mono Pinout
Tip: Hot (+) | Ring: Cold (-) | Sleeve: Ground —
Outer Shell / Contact Diameter
— 8.3–8.5 mm (Outer) | 3.175 mm (Center Pin)
Standard Pinout
— Center Pin: Positive Signal (+) | Outer Ring: Ground / Shield (-)
Characteristic Impedance
— 75 Ω (Video / S/PDIF) | ~50 Ω (Audio)

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. 6.35mm TS → Compare 3.5 mm TRS vs. Coaxial Cable Types (RG Series) → 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 →