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How to Choose a Bluetooth Codec? A Full Analysis of AAC vs aptX

What Is a Bluetooth Codec?

A Bluetooth codec is the “translation rule” for audio transmission between headphones and devices (such as smartphones or computers). It determines the following aspects:
1. Audio quality ceiling (the higher the bit rate, the richer the details)
2. Latency performance (for gaming and video, it needs to be below 100ms)
3. Compatibility (both the device and the headphones must support the same protocol)
Key Differences Between AAC and aptX

AAC (Apple’s Mainstream Solution)
- Bit Rate: 250kbps
- Latency: 150-200ms
- Compatibility: iOS full series, Android 8.0+
- Audio Quality Features: Clear vocals, soft high notes
- Typical Use Cases: Listening to podcasts, pop music
aptX (Qualcomm’s Solution)
- Bit Rate: 352kbps (aptX) / 420kbps (aptX HD)
- Latency: 80-120ms (aptX Low Latency version can reach 40ms)
- Compatibility: Android flagship phones (require Snapdragon chips), Windows PCs
- Audio Quality Features: Wide dynamic range, strong bass performance
- Typical Use Cases: Gaming, electronic dance music, movies
How to Choose Based on Your Needs?

When to Choose AAC
- You mainly use iPhone/iPad (Apple prioritizes the AAC protocol).
- You listen to audiobooks, podcasts, or other content that is not sensitive to latency.
- You have a limited budget (AAC chips are cheaper than aptX).
When to Choose aptX
- You are an Android user who prioritizes gaming/video synchronization (e.g., “PUBG” players).
- You prefer music genres like electronic music or rock with strong rhythm.
- Your device supports aptX Adaptive/HD (higher-quality versions).
Other Codec Supplements
- LDAC (Sony): Supports high-resolution audio up to 990kbps, exclusive to Android devices, and needs to be manually enabled.
- SBC: The basic protocol with the poorest audio quality but compatible with all devices (a fallback option).
- LC3 (LE Audio): The next-generation Bluetooth standard, gradually becoming popular since 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can iPhones use aptX?
A: No! Apple’s entire ecosystem is closed, supporting only AAC and SBC.

Q: Does a headphone that claims to support aptX necessarily have good sound quality?
A: Not necessarily. It needs to meet the following conditions simultaneously:
- The audio source must be a lossless format (such as FLAC).
- Both the transmitter (phone) and the receiver (headphones) must have aptX enabled.
Conclusion

When choosing a codec, device compatibility > theoretical audio quality. Apple users need not worry about AAC, while Android flagships can prioritize aptX Adaptive. For those who pursue ultimate audio quality, it is recommended to choose a combination of LDAC headphones and Sony phones.