TS is the two-conductor wiring of a phone plug, with a tip and a sleeve; TRS is the three-conductor version, with a tip, ring, and sleeve. TS is common for mono instrument cables, TRS for stereo and balanced connections.
The basic idea
You can tell them apart by the black insulating rings on the plug: one means TS, two means TRS. Using the wrong one causes problems such as sound coming out of only one side.
Before you use one
Check the labeling on the device and its manual, and choose a cable that matches the signal type you need.
TRS does not always mean stereo and TS does not always mean guitar; the role is determined by the wiring and the device’s specification.
