As you explore the world of high-quality wireless audio, you may come across various technologies designed to enhance your listening experience—one of the most talked-about being LDAC. You might wonder: What exactly is LDAC? This audio codec promises to elevate BT listening by delivering superior sound quality compared to traditional codecs. In this article, we will break down what LDAC is, how it works, whether it truly sounds better, and what devices support it.

What Is LDAC Audio?

LDAC is a high-resolution BT audio codec developed by Sony. Unlike standard codecs such as SBC or AAC, LDAC is engineered to transmit more audio data over a wireless connection.

Key features of LDAC include:

• Higher bitrate options: 330 kbps, 660 kbps, and up to 990 kbps, allowing more audio information to pass through.

• Support for high-resolution audio: LDAC can transmit audio up to 24-bit/96 kHz, compared to the lower limits of most conventional codecs.

• Variable bitrate technology: Automatically adjusts bitrate based on signal strength to maintain stable connection quality.

• Better compression efficiency: Retains more detail from the original source.

In simple terms, LDAC allows BT audio to carry more detail and clarity, reducing the loss typically caused by wireless compression.

Is LDAC Audio Quality Better?

In most cases, yes—LDAC can deliver noticeably better sound quality than SBC, AAC, or even aptX when used under optimal conditions.

Why LDAC may sound better:

• Higher data transmission means more accurate reproduction of high-resolution audio files.

• Less aggressive compression preserves detail, dynamics, and clarity.

• Supports stereo separation and wider soundstage, making music sound more spacious.

However, LDAC performance depends on several factors:

• Your device must support LDAC.

• The BT environment must be stable enough for high bitrate transmission.

• Your audio source must be of decent quality (e.g., high-bitrate streaming or lossless files).

When conditions are ideal, LDAC can offer one of the best BT audio experiences available today.

How Can You Listen to LDAC Audio?

To enjoy LDAC audio, you need to check three requirements:

1. Phone, tablet, or audio player that supports LDAC

Most Android smartphones (Android 8.0 and above) support LDAC natively. Many Sony devices, high-resolution audio players, and selected tablets are also compatible.

2. Wireless headphones, earbuds, or speakers with LDAC support

Many brands—including Sony, BWOO, and others—offer LDAC-compatible headphones and earbuds. Always check the product specs to confirm LDAC support.

3. Use apps or files that provide high-quality audio

LDAC works with:

• Lossless audio files (FLAC, WAV, ALAC)

• High-bitrate streaming platforms (Tidal, Amazon Music HD, etc.)

• Local high-resolution tracks

To enable LDAC on Android:

1. Go to BT settings

2. Connect to your audio device

3. Tap the gear icon → HD Audio → Turn on LDAC

For the highest quality:

• Enable "Best Effort (Adaptive Bitrate)" or "Playback Quality: High" (varies by device).

FAQs About LDAC

Q1: Does iPhone support LDAC?

No.

Currently, Apple's iPhone does not support LDAC. iPhones primarily use AAC for BT audio. LDAC is supported mostly on Android devices.

Q2: Where is LDAC commonly used?

LDAC is widely used in:

• High-end wireless headphones and earbuds

• Audiophile-grade portable music players

• Android smartphones

• Wireless home audio systems

• Soundbars and home theater equipment

Many brands choose LDAC because it offers significantly higher audio transmission bandwidth compared to traditional BT codecs.

Conclusion

LDAC is one of the most advanced BT audio codecs available today, designed to provide superior sound quality by transmitting more audio data with less compression. While its performance depends on compatible devices and stable connections, LDAC can deliver a richer, more detailed listening experience—especially with high-resolution audio content.

If you're looking to upgrade your wireless audio setup, choosing LDAC-supported devices is a strong step toward better sound quality.

Related readings:

TOP 10 Must-Have Features of Wireless Earbuds

What Is Spatial Audio?

How to Test and Analyze the Sound Quality?