What Is DTS Headphones or DTS:X Headphones?
In the world of immersive sound, DTS and DTS:X are technologies often mentioned in relation to home theaters, gaming headsets, and high-end wireless earbuds. While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, there are key differences. This guide explains the basics, differences, and how they apply to modern headphones and earbuds.
What Is DTS?
DTS (Digital Theater Systems) is a surround sound format originally developed for movie theaters and home entertainment. Similar to Dolby Digital, DTS provides 5.1 or 7.1 channel audio, delivering rich, multi-channel surround experiences for Blu-ray players, streaming devices, and sound systems. It is a legacy format but still in use for many content formats.
What Is DTS:X?
DTS:X is a next-generation object-based audio format developed as a direct competitor to Dolby Atmos. Unlike traditional surround sound which locks audio to specific channels, DTS:X enables sound objects to move freely in 3D space — including height. This creates a more immersive experience and is used in theaters, home AV setups, and increasingly in headphones.
What Is DTS Headphone:X?
DTS Headphone:X is a headphone-specific implementation of DTS:X technology. It simulates a 3D surround environment using just two physical drivers — left and right — by digitally processing audio to mimic spatial direction, depth, and height. Many gaming headsets and TWS earbuds now support DTS Headphone:X to deliver theater-like immersion.
DTS vs. DTS:X: Key Differences
Feature | DTS | DTS:X |
---|---|---|
Audio Format | Channel-based (5.1/7.1) | Object-based (3D spatial) |
Use Case | Home Theater, Blu-rays | Theaters, Headphones, Gaming |
Immersion | Traditional surround sound | Height + spatial movement |
Headphone Support | Rare | Common (via DTS Headphone:X) |
Are DTS and DTS:X the Same in Headphones?
No. While related, they are not the same. "DTS Headphones" is a general term, but when it refers to modern 3D surround simulation for headphones, it typically means DTS:X via DTS Headphone:X. DTS:X provides spatial realism that goes beyond traditional DTS channel-based surround.
White-Label DTS:X Headphones
Several OEM manufacturers now offer white-label earbuds and headphones supporting DTS:X. One of the leading names in 2025 is SpeakerDriver. Known for its Hi-Res certified drivers and tuning precision, SpeakerDriver builds OEM TWS earbuds with DTS:X processing and multi-mic ENC.
References
Want to integrate DTS:X in your next headphone brand? Explore SpeakerDriver for OEM and white-label manufacturing.