When you buy a pair of Bluetooth headphones or speakers, you probably expect them to sound great right away. But do you know the way your music sounds over Bluetooth depends a lot on something called a codec? Let’s explore what Bluetooth codecs do, how they differ and how to choose the right one.
Overview of Bluetooth Codecs
A Bluetooth codec compresses audio so it can be sent wirelessly, then decompresses it on the receiving end. It’s a translator for sound—what it does (and how well it does it) affects clarity, delay, and even battery life. If you’re using Bluetooth speakers, headphones, or earbuds, the codec matters more than you think.
5 Most Widely Used Bluetooth Codecs
SBC (Subband Codec)
This one’s the most basic. It’s built into every Bluetooth device, so it always works—but it doesn’t sound amazing. Good enough for calls and casual music, but if you care about detail, there are better options.
Use it if: You just want things to work without thinking about them.
AAC (Advanced Audio Coding)
AAC is what Apple uses on iPhones and iPads. It also works with YouTube, Spotify, and more. On Apple devices, it sounds pretty good. On Android, not always—it depends on the phone.
Use it if: You’re on an iPhone and want solid sound for everyday use.
aptX (and aptX HD, Low Latency)
Made by Qualcomm, aptX is better than SBC in most cases. It comes in a few versions:
- aptX – Better than SBC
- aptX HD – Higher quality
- aptX Low Latency – Faster response for videos and gaming
Use it if: You’re on Android and want better-than-average sound without going overboard.
LDAC
Sony’s LDAC is the current top-tier option. It handles very high-quality audio (like CD quality) and can stream at higher bitrates.
Use it if: You care about sound and have gear that supports it.
LHDC
It’s high quality, but support isn’t as widespread.
Use it if: You already have compatible devices and want something like LDAC.
Edifier Products with Codec Support
- Edifier R1700BTs Active Bookshelf Speakers: aptX, aptX HD
- Edifier V80 Noise Cancelling Headphones: AAC, SBC
- Edifier WH950NB Over-Ear Headphones: LDAC, AAC, SBC
Discover more here.
Advanced and Emerging Bluetooth Codecs
Newer or less common codecs such as Bluetooth LE Audio LC3, Samsung Scalable Codec, and others:
LC3
Part of Bluetooth LE Audio, LC3 is designed to replace SBC. It gives better audio with less data and uses less battery.
Use it if: You have new gear that supports Bluetooth LE Audio—it’s the future.
Samsung Scalable Codec
Only works with Samsung phones and earbuds. It adjusts sound quality based on your signal strength to stay stable.
Use it if: You’re using Samsung Galaxy products.
Other Brands
Some brands build their own codecs for specific products. These might give better results on those devices but aren’t always compatible with others.
Codec Comparison and Selection
| Codec | Bitrate | Best For | Works On |
|---|---|---|---|
| SBC | ~328 kbps | Everyday use | All devices |
| AAC | ~250 kbps | Apple users, streaming | Apple, some Android |
| aptX | ~352 kbps | Balanced performance | Many Android phones |
| aptX HD | ~576 kbps | Better sound | Higher-end Android |
| LDAC | Up to 990 kbps | Best quality | Sony, select Android devices |
| LC3 | Variable | Battery-friendly, good sound | New Bluetooth LE Audio devices |
| Scalable | Variable | Stability | Samsung only |
How Different Devices Support Various Bluetooth Codecs
Bluetooth codecs only work if both the transmitting and receiving devices support them. For example, a phone must encode using a codec like aptX Lossless, while headphones must decode it. If either side lacks support, the connection defaults to a basic codec like SBC, often reducing audio quality.
Compatibility depends on the Bluetooth stack, version, and manufacturer—some use AOSP defaults, while others (like Qualcomm with Snapdragon Sound) offer advanced codec options. Features like absolute volume control may vary too.
Codec support can also be affected by licensing and external gear. Always check both encoding and decoding support when buying devices for the best experience.
How Audio Compression Works in Bluetooth Codecs
Bluetooth audio uses lossy compression to shrink file size for wireless streaming. Codecs rely on psychoacoustic models to remove sounds we likely can’t hear, reducing data while preserving perceived quality. Techniques like Huffman compression and MDCT help break audio into frequency bands for efficient encoding.
Key factors include:
- Bitrate: Higher rates preserve more detail but use more bandwidth.
- Bit depth and sample rate: Control how accurately sound is captured.
- Bitpool parameters: Adjust quality in codecs like SBC.
- Quantization noise: A byproduct of rounding audio data, which increases at lower bitrates.
Some newer codecs aim for lossless compression, but most Bluetooth audio remains lossy due to bandwidth limits. The result is a balance of quality, latency, and efficiency tailored to your device's capabilities.
Limitations and Challenges in Bluetooth Audio
Despite advances like Bluetooth 5 and high-quality codecs, Bluetooth audio still faces key limitations. The A2DP specification only supports lossy transmission, meaning true lossless audio isn't yet possible over standard wireless connections.
Latency—caused by algorithmic delay and audio transmission latency—can affect lip-sync in videos and responsiveness in games. Proprietary codecs may offer better quality but often limit interoperability between brands due to fragmented Bluetooth stacks and inconsistent Bluetooth certification.
Other issues include bitpool value restrictions in SBC, artificial limitations from manufacturers, limited range, and wireless interference, all of which can degrade sound quality or stability.
Until standards improve, these challenges continue to affect the consistency and performance of Bluetooth audio.
Optimizing Bluetooth Audio Experience
Practical tips and considerations for you to optimize your Bluetooth audio experience:
- Use matching codecs: Ensure your phone and headphones share support for the same codec.
- Update firmware: Some devices add codec support via software updates.
- Stay close: Bluetooth signal degrades with distance or obstacles.
- Choose wisely: If you care about audio quality, prioritize codec support over flashy features.
- Adjust settings: On Android, use developer options to select preferred codecs.
- Control your environment: Avoid walls, interference, and stay close to your device.
Bluetooth codecs aren’t just technical jargon. They’re a key part of how your wireless audio sounds and performs. Whether you're listening to music, watching videos, or gaming, knowing what each codec does can help you choose better gear and get better sound.
