What’s the Difference Between Line Out and Headphone Out? – Avantree Support

AUDIO CONNECTION GUIDE

What's the Difference Between Line Out and Headphone Out?

Both connections send sound from your TV or audio device, but they work differently. Choosing the correct one helps prevent low volume and sound problems.

Important Difference

Line Out sends audio to another device that amplifies the sound. Headphone Out is designed to power wired headphones directly.

1. What Is Line Out?

Line Out sends sound from your TV to another audio device, such as an amplifier or powered speaker.

TV Line Out → Amplifier → Wired Headphones

What you need to know:

The output volume is usually fixed.
The TV remote usually cannot adjust the Line Out volume.
It is designed for amplifiers, powered speakers, and other compatible audio equipment.
It does not provide enough power to drive most wired headphones directly.

Look for these labels: LINE OUT, AUDIO OUT (L/R), or RCA OUT.

2. What Is Headphone Out?

Headphone Out lets you connect wired headphones directly to your TV or audio device.

TV Headphone Out → Wired Headphones

What you need to know:

It is designed to power compatible wired headphones.
The volume can usually be adjusted using the TV remote or device controls.
It is commonly a 3.5 mm headphone jack.

Look for these labels: HEADPHONES, PHONES, or a headphone symbol.

3. Line Out vs. Headphone Out

Feature	Line Out	Headphone Out
Volume	Usually fixed	Usually adjustable
TV Remote	Usually does not control volume	Usually controls volume
Best For	Amplifiers and powered speakers	Wired headphones
Direct Headphone Use	Not recommended	Yes, for compatible headphones

What Happens If I Connect Headphones to Line Out?

Your headphones may produce little or no sound because Line Out is not designed to power headphones directly.

You may experience:

Very low volume
Poor or distorted sound
Volume that cannot be adjusted using the TV remote

My TV Only Has Line Out. How Can I Use Wired Headphones?

You will normally need a separate headphone amplifier.

Connect the TV's Line Out to the headphone amplifier's audio input.
Connect your wired headphones to the headphone amplifier.
Start with the amplifier volume low.
Play TV audio and slowly adjust the headphone amplifier volume.

Need a Headphone Amplifier?

You can view this option on Amazon. Check that its audio connections are compatible with your TV and headphones before purchasing.

View on Amazon →

Tip: Make sure the headphone amplifier supports the TV's output connection and your headphones.

How Do I Know Which Audio Port My TV Has?

Look at the audio ports on the back or side of your TV.
Check the labels next to each port.
Look for LINE OUT, AUDIO OUT, or HEADPHONES.
If you are unsure, check your TV manual or contact Avantree Support with your TV model number.

Important: A 3.5 mm port is not always a headphone output. Check the label before connecting your headphones.

Not Sure Which Connection to Use?

Contact Avantree Support. Send us your TV model number and a clear photo of its audio ports. We can help you identify the correct connection.

Contact Avantree Support