What is Bluetooth codecs?

What is Bluetooth codecs?

Bluetooth codecs are technologies used to encode and decode digital audio signals when transmitting data over a Bluetooth connection. 

Bluetooth is a wireless communication standard that enables the exchange of data between devices over short distances.

In the context of audio streaming, such as when using Bluetooth headphones or speakers, codecs play a crucial role in determining the quality of the audio that is transmitted wirelessly.

Different Bluetooth codecs use various algorithms to compress and decompress audio data. The choice of codec can impact factors such as audio quality, latency, and power consumption. Common Bluetooth codecs include:

SBC (Subband Coding)

SBC is the mandatory and default codec for all Bluetooth audio devices. It provides basic audio quality and is widely supported across devices. However, it may not offer the best performance in terms of sound quality.

AAC (Advanced Audio Codec)

AAC is a codec known for its efficiency in preserving audio quality at lower bit rates. It is commonly used in Apple devices and is supported by many Android devices as well.

AptX and AptX HD

Developed by Qualcomm, AptX is a codec that aims to provide higher audio quality than SBC. AptX HD further improves the audio quality by supporting high-definition audio. However, both the transmitting and receiving devices must support AptX or AptX HD for the benefits to be realized.

LDAC (Low-Latency Audio Codec)

Developed by Sony, LDAC is designed to transmit high-quality audio over Bluetooth with less compression. It supports high-resolution audio and is capable of delivering a better listening experience, but both the sending and receiving devices must support LDAC for optimal performance.

The choice of codec depends on the devices you are using and their compatibility with each other. If both your source (e.g., smartphone) and the audio playback device (e.g., headphones) support a specific codec, they will use that codec for communication. If there's a mismatch, the devices will usually fall back to a common codec, typically SBC, to ensure compatibility.

How to check Bluetooth Codec on device?

Normally, devices are listed in technical specifications.

E.g: Samsung HW-C43M/ZA Specification.