What the heck is a codec?
Bluetooth doesn't transmit audio as-is. It first compresses it into a smaller format, sends it to your headphones, and unpacks it back into audio on the other end. A codec is the compression algorithm that handles this job. Different codecs do it differently – some better, some worse.
Think of it like sausages. SBC is your basic hot dog – always works, available at every corner shop. AAC is a bratwurst – a bit fancier, but needs the right grill. aptX is that handmade artisan sausage from your local butcher. They'll all fill you up, but you can taste the difference.
SBC – the basics
SBC (Sub-Band Coding) is the default Bluetooth codec. Every Bluetooth device supports it. It's like standard post – it gets there, but it's not the fastest or the fanciest.
There's nothing inherently wrong with SBC. Most people can't tell SBC and aptX apart if the volume is normal and you're listening to Spotify's standard quality. It's a bit like saying Henri's Alfa Romeo gets you from A to B just as well as a Ferrari. Technically true. In practice... well, at least when the Alfa is working.
AAC – Apple's favourite
AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) is the codec of the Apple ecosystem. If you've got an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, AAC is probably your best bet. Apple doesn't support aptX at all, so on an iPhone your options are AAC or SBC. Easy choice.
AAC sound quality is good – close to aptX and in some situations practically identical. On Android, AAC implementation varies between manufacturers, so aptX is the safer bet there.
One thing to note: AAC requires more processing power than SBC. In practice this doesn't matter, because in 2025 every phone runs AAC without breaking a sweat.
aptX – the audiophile's choice
aptX is a codec developed by Qualcomm, and it's basically the best widely supported Bluetooth codec out there. Lower latency, better sound quality, less compression loss. Jasse's ears – which are insured, by the way – can definitely tell the difference.
There are several versions of aptX:
- aptX – the base version, already clearly better than SBC
- aptX HD – high-quality version, supports 24-bit audio
- aptX Adaptive – the newest version, automatically adjusts quality based on the situation
aptX requires support from both your phone and your headphones. Most Android phones support aptX, but it's worth checking. Valco headphones and speakers include aptX support depending on the model – check the product page for each product for the specifics.
What about LDAC and LC3?
LDAC is a codec developed by Sony that pushes the most data through. Best in theory, but in practice it requires a solid Bluetooth connection and doesn't work with all devices. LC3 is coming with Bluetooth LE Audio and promises better quality with lower power consumption. A future thing, but not quite everyday reality yet.
Which codec should I choose?
You don't have to choose. Your headphones and phone negotiate with each other and automatically use the best shared codec. Your job is to press play and enjoy the music.
If you want to make sure you're getting the best quality: on an Android phone, check your settings to make sure aptX is enabled. On iPhone, AAC handles the job. In neither case do you need to do anything special.
And if someone at the pub claims they can hear the difference between aptX and aptX HD on Spotify's free tier – buy them a coffee and smile politely. Every minute you spend listening on headphones funds our Death Star by roughly 0.000001 percent, so regardless of the codec, you're part of a great cause.