What Is LDAC and How It Really Works in Bluetooth Audio

People often see “LDAC” in a spec list and assume it must be something advanced, maybe even essential, because it keeps appearing next to the words “high-resolution audio.” The truth is a little more specific. Bluetooth has always struggled with one thing: not enough room to send everything a music file contains. LDAC tries to open that space a bit wider. LDAC can sound very good, but it’s not compatible with all devices. Whether it succeeds for you depends on the phone you use, the headphones you pair it with, and where you happen to be standing. This guide goes through what is LDAC, and whether it really suits your style and needs.

LDAC Meaning in Bluetooth Audio

To understand LDAC’s role in Bluetooth audio, it helps to see what it is and how it functions.

What Is LDAC

LDAC is a Bluetooth codec developed by Sony for transmitting high-resolution audio over wireless connections. The codec’s purpose is what matters: send more audio information over Bluetooth than the older SBC codec allows.

SBC trims audio heavily so that the connection stays stable on almost any device. LDAC, instead of chopping off big pieces of the sound, tries to keep more of the original recording. This is why people who listen to high-resolution tracks tend to talk about LDAC. It leaves more of the subtle bits intact.

How LDAC Codec Works

LDAC doesn’t stay at one quality level. It moves between three settings, depending on how clean or messy the wireless signal is: 

• 330 kbps – safe mode

• 660 kbps – middle ground

• 990 kbps – best quality, but more fragile

When your phone and wireless headphones agree that the signal looks clear, LDAC uses the higher bitrate. If someone walks between you and your phone or you’re standing in a busy Wi-Fi area, it scales down. This is why LDAC sounds wonderful for some people and unpredictable for others. It isn’t inconsistent by design. It just reacts to the environment minute by minute.

What Are the Pros and Cons of LDAC?

LDAC brings several advantages, but it also comes with trade-offs that aren’t always obvious unless you’ve tried it in many environments.

Pros of LDAC

• High Quality Audio: With more room to send information, LDAC can hold onto parts of the recording that SBC typically removes. This helps when listening to complex, layered tracks.

• Improved Sound Clarity: Small sounds, breath in a vocal, the decay of a cymbal, room echo, tend to survive better. The overall sound can feel a bit “cleaner,” especially at the highest bitrate.

• Enhanced Data Transfer Rate: LDAC’s top bitrate is much higher than what standard Bluetooth codecs use. It’s not lossless, but the gap between the original file and what reaches your ears is noticeably smaller.

Cons of LDAC

• Higher Power Consumption: Processing more data means the phone and headphones work harder. Battery levels drop faster compared to AAC or SBC.

• Potential for Unstable Connection: If you move around a lot, block the signal, or sit in a crowded wireless environment, LDAC may fall back to a lower bitrate, or briefly glitch, more often than simpler codecs.

• Limited Device Compatibility: Some Android phones support LDAC, but not all of them offer the full 990 kbps option. And importantly, iPhones do not support LDAC at all, which rules out a large part of the market.

Key Differences between LDAC and Other Codecs

The easiest way to understand LDAC is to compare it with the codecs people already use without thinking about it.

LDAC vs SBC: The Entry-Level Codec

SBC is the “everyone gets this” codec. It’s the minimum standard for Bluetooth audio, and it works because it simplifies the signal aggressively. Approximate bitrates of SBC are about 200–250 kbps. With that much extra space, LDAC keeps more detail, especially in high-resolution files. SBC isn’t “bad”; it’s just built for compatibility and stability, not fidelity.

LDAC vs AAC: High-Performance Alternatives

AAC is an open-source codec widely adopted across streaming platforms and is the preferred choice on Apple devices. When it comes to sound quality unpacked, AAC focuses on efficiency rather than raw bitrate. On iPhones, AAC is tuned extremely well and sounds surprisingly clean for its size. AAC sits around 256 kbps, but Apple’s optimization makes it consistent.

LDAC offers far more headroom, but its quality depends on signal strength. Unfortunately, iPhones do not support LDAC, so AAC is the best option on all Apple devices. If your daily routine involves commuting, gym workouts, or frequent device switching, AAC simply behaves more consistently.

LDAC vs aptX and aptX HD: High-Performance Alternatives

Qualcomm’s aptX codecs try to improve sound without making the connection too fragile. aptX codecs tend to behave the same whether you’re walking around or sitting still. The approximate bitrates: aptX is about 352 kbps; aptX HD is around 576 kbps.

LDAC can surpass both when it runs at 990 kbps, but it may step down if the environment isn’t ideal. For everyday listening, aptX usually feels more stable. For focused listening sessions, LDAC may sound better.

A comparison table helps you quickly grasp the key difference:

LDAC offers superior sound quality, but it is mainly suitable for high-fidelity audio enthusiasts, and it is not supported by all devices. Many mid-range or entry-level smartphones do not support the LDAC feature. If you want to use it for daily music listening, calls, and exercise, AAC encoding is already sufficient, and Shokz’s products excel in these areas.

Recommend 3 AAC Headphones for Clear and Reliable Sound

Below are three Shokz earbuds designed with real-world listening in mind. Instead of chasing the highest possible bitrate, they focus on connection stability, comfort, and clarity, traits that matter every day.

OpenRun Pro 2

OpenRun Pro 2 was built with outdoor movement in mind. You put it on, start your run, and forget it’s even there. The open-ear design keeps the world around you audible: cars coming up behind you, someone calling your name, the sound of your own footsteps. Nothing plugs your ear, nothing feels heavy, and nothing gets in the way of your rhythm.

Key Features:

• Reliable SBC: The audio sounds clean and consistent on nearly any phone. You can enjoy music and calls without interruptions or setup hassle.

• Stable Connection: Holds the signal far better during movement, so your pace isn’t interrupted by audio drops.

• Comfort You Don’t Notice: The wraparound frame feels secure but not tight, light but not fragile. Long workouts feel more natural when nothing squeezes or overheats your ears.

• Practical Buttons: Real buttons, ones you can feel, make a big difference. You can adjust volume or skip a song without breaking stride or staring at your phone.

• Long Battery life: 12 hours of battery life. It is designed for people who don’t want to recharge constantly, offering dependable Shokz open earbuds battery life for everyday use.

OpenDots ONE

OpenDots ONE takes a surprisingly refreshing approach to everyday audio. Instead of pushing anything into your ear, each unit clips gently around it. The feeling is almost weightless, more like wearing a small accessory. Because nothing presses into the canal, you can keep them on through phone calls, work sessions, or errands without that typical ear fatigue.

Key Features:

• AAC and SBC: There’s no guessing game here. Whether you’re switching between your laptop and phone or juggling different apps, the earbuds keep audio steady without multi-step setup.

• Shokz Bassphere™ Power: Experience powerful, driving bass that truly hits, combined with crystal-clear highs.

• Dolby Audio Immersion: Feel the music come alive. You can sense the vivid life in every note and every beat.

• Personalized Sound Profiles: Easily fine-tune your listening with 4 preset EQ modes and 2 customizable profiles. 

• Extended Playtime: Get 10 hours of use before needing a recharge, and an impressive total of 40 hours with the charging case.

OpenFit 2+

OpenFit 2+ blends soft, flexible earhooks with an airy listening style that doesn’t block your ears. The result is a pair of earbuds that stay secure without feeling wedged in place. You hear your audio, but you also hear the world around you, a balance many people prefer for walking, working, or talking throughout the day.

Key Features:

• Reliable AAC Playback: You get steady, predictable audio whether you’re using an iPhone or an Android device. No tweaks required.

• Natural Sound Experience: Listening experience feels relaxed. Music and voices float in gently instead of pushing inward.

• Physical Controls: Instead of touchpads that act up when your fingers are sweaty, the tactile buttons give you precise control.

• Long Hours of Battery Life: 11 hours of playtime, it's built for people who wear their earbuds through the entire day: morning calls, afternoon walks, evening catch-ups.

• Balanced Sound: The tuning keeps vocals clear and the treble smooth, which works well for conversations, music, and casual streaming.

  Model	Key Features	Best For
  OpenRun Pro 2	Reliable AAC Stable connection Secure yet lightweight fit Physical buttons for easy control 12-hour battery life	Outdoor workouts and running enthusiasts who need stable audio and full environmental awareness
  OpenDots ONE	Supports AAC & SBC Basssphere™ delivers deep, dynamic bass Dolby Audio for immersive listening Customizable EQ profiles 10 hours playtime (40 hours with case)	Everyday users who want rich, customizable sound and all-day comfort
  OpenFit 2+	Reliable AAC playback on any device Natural, open listening experience Tactile physical controls 11-hour battery life Balanced sound tuning	Daily commuters or multitaskers who prefer light, secure earbuds and relaxed, natural audio

  FAQ 

  Can LDAC work with multipoint?

  Some devices disable LDAC when multipoint is active because LDAC requires more bandwidth. Others allow both, but the bitrate may drop to maintain stability. Performance differs widely by brand and model.

  Does LDAC drain battery faster?

  Yes. LDAC processes and transmits more data, especially at 660 kbps or 990 kbps. Phones use more CPU power, and headphones work harder to decode the stream. If battery life matters, AAC or SBC is usually more efficient.

  Can LDAC handle high-resolution audio?

  LDAC can handle more detail than SBC or AAC, but it is still a lossy codec. High-resolution files will sound closer to their original form, but the final result depends on:

  • your phone’s implementation,

  • your Bluetooth environment,

  • the bitrate LDAC is allowed to use.

  LDAC performs best at 990 kbps in stable, interference-free settings.

  Can AAC make audio sound better?

  AAC is highly efficient. On iPhones especially, AAC often sounds cleaner than expected because Apple optimizes both encoding and decoding. For most daily listening, AAC provides a consistent, predictable experience without the instability LDAC sometimes introduces.

  Conclusion

  Now you know what is LDAC. It shines when the setup is just right: good Android phone, steady signal, and music that actually benefits from the extra detail. When all of that lines up, sure, LDAC can sound noticeably clearer than the basic Bluetooth options. So LDAC isn’t useless; it just has a specific audience. If you’re that person, you’ll know the moment you hear it. If not, you’re probably better off with a pair of headphones that stay connected and comfortable, no menu digging required.