TS, TRS, and TRRS refer to different types of audio connectors that vary in their number of contact points:
TS (Tip-Sleeve)
- Two contact points: tip and sleeve
- Also called a mono jack
- Typical uses: Guitar/instrument cables, mono microphones, mono speakers
- Carries one audio signal plus ground
- Easily identified by a single black ring dividing the connector
TRS (Tip-Ring-Sleeve)
- Three contact points: tip, ring, and sleeve
- Also called a stereo jack
- Typical uses: Stereo headphones, balanced audio, insert cables
- Carries two audio signals plus ground
- Easily identified by two black rings dividing the connector
TRRS (Tip-Ring-Ring-Sleeve)
- Four contact points: tip, two rings, and a sleeve
- Typical uses: Smartphone headsets, video/audio connections
- Carries stereo audio, microphone signal, and ground
- Can also be used for composite video and audio
- Easily identified by three black rings dividing the connector
The main difference is in their capability to carry signals. TS carries one signal, TRS carries two (or one balanced signal), and TRRS carries three separate signals, typically stereo audio plus a microphone for headsets.