XLR vs TRS: What's the Difference?
Updated Nov 11, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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XLR and TRS are two connector types that both carry balanced audio, and the difference is the connector itself. XLR uses a 3-pin plug with a locking latch and carries microphone signals and 48V phantom power. TRS uses a 1/4-inch jack plug with tip, ring and sleeve contacts and carries balanced line signals or stereo audio.
What XLR is for
XLR is the 3-pin connector used for microphones and balanced audio. The three pins carry the signal and a ground, and the balanced design cancels noise picked up along the cable. XLR connectors lock in place, so the cable stays connected during a session. Microphones, mixing boards, preamps and speaker systems use 3-pin XLR connectors.
What TRS is for
TRS is a 1/4-inch jack plug with three contacts: tip, ring and sleeve. Wired for balanced audio, it carries one mono signal the same way an XLR cable does. Wired for stereo, the same plug carries left and right signals, which is how headphones use it. Check whether the jack on your gear is wired for balanced mono or stereo before you plug in.
Match the cable to the jack
Look at the jack on each piece of gear and use the cable that fits it. A microphone with an XLR output needs an XLR cable, and a line input with a 1/4-inch TRS jack needs a TRS cable. Adapters exist, but a cable with the right plug on each end keeps the signal path simple. The cables below are XLR to XLR cables in 6 ft and 25 ft lengths.
Pick the length and pack size
Short cables suit a mic on a desk stand, while longer cables reach across a room to a mixer or speaker. The Cable Matters pack holds two 6 ft cables, the AuxLink pack holds six 25 ft cables, and the Monoprice and Mogami cables are 6 ft cables. Count the cables you need before you buy, and keep a spare for the next session.
What you need
Cable Matters 2-Pack Premium XLR to XLR
A 2-pack of 6 ft XLR male-to-female cables with 21 AWG oxygen-free copper conductors and copper braided shielding.
- Cables in pack: 2
- Oxygen-free copper
- Shielded
- Length: 6 ft
AuxLink XLR Cables
A 6-pack of 25 ft XLR male-to-female cables with gold-plated 3-pin connectors, oxygen-free copper and copper braided shielding.
- Cables in pack: 6
- Oxygen-free copper
- Shielded
- Length: 25 ft
Monoprice XLR Male to XLR Female Cable
A 6 ft XLR male-to-female cable with 16 AWG wire, gold-plated connectors and a lifetime warranty.
- Shielded
- Length: 6 ft
- Lifetime warranty stated
Mogami Gold Studio 06 XLR to XLR
A 6 ft XLR to XLR quad conductor cable with gold contacts and a lifetime warranty.
- Shielded
- Length: 6 ft
- Lifetime warranty stated
These come from our ranked list Best XLR Cable, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
Can a TRS cable carry a microphone signal?
A TRS cable can carry a balanced mono signal, but microphones with XLR outputs need an XLR cable. Check the jack on the microphone and use the cable that fits it.
Do XLR and TRS cables sound different?
Both carry balanced audio when wired that way, so the connector does not decide the sound. Match the cable to the jacks on your gear instead.
What length XLR cable do I need?
It depends on the distance between the microphone and the mixer or interface. The cables here come in 6 ft and 25 ft lengths, so measure the run before you buy.
Ranked XLR cables lists
More how-to guides
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