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The best Bluetooth LDAC headphones
In the world of Bluetooth audio, not all codecs are created equal. The default SBC works everywhere, but it doesn’t offer the audio quality of more specialized formats, like aptX for Android or AAC if you’re using an iPhone, and, if you’re really lucky, LDAC. Marketed by Sony as a true Hi-Res codec, LDAC doesn’t exactly offer comparable audio to a wired connection, but you probably won’t notice the difference. Because Sony makes the codec, support is a little scant outside of the company’s own products, but there are certainly a few Bluetooth headphones with LDAC worth looking at.
Editor’s note: This article was updated on June 14, 2024, to add new top picks and notable mentions.
The best headphones with LDAC support are the Sony WH-1000XM5
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is the top pick for the best Bluetooth LDAC headphones due to its exceptional combination of features and performance. Of course, these headphones support LDAC, Sony’s proprietary high-bitrate codec, which delivers superior sound quality with minimal tradeoffs.
The WH-1000XM5 excels in active noise cancellation (ANC), effectively reducing low-end noise and isolating the listener from external sounds. With a comfortable design, a long battery life of over 30 hours with ANC enabled, and a range of modern features like Find My Device support for Android, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is a versatile and capable choice for various listening scenarios. Although the default sound profile may have slightly overemphasized bass and highs, the companion app allows for customizable EQ settings to fine-tune the audio to personal preferences. Overall, the Sony WH-1000XM5’s LDAC support, coupled with its outstanding ANC, comfort, and feature set, make it the best overall pick for Bluetooth LDAC headphones.
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Like most consumer ANC headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM5 boosts bass probably a little too much, and definitely to the detriment of the midrange. We’re used to seeing this by now, but compared to more “high-end” headphones, you’ll notice the very strong bass emphasis right away. The comparatively subdued midrange (from 300Hz to around 1050Hz) might sound a bit off as it gets drowned out by the much louder highs and lows. Without any equalization, you may find that stringed instruments, horns, woodwinds, and even higher vocals can get dulled in your favorite tunes.
Before you buy any of the best Bluetooth LDAC headphones, study up on Bluetooth codecs
A Bluetooth codec is like a language device that headphones use to exchange audio information. By default, Bluetooth isn’t great at transmitting high-quality audio, so different standards have been developed to improve things. The default SBC codec is available on every Bluetooth device, and it gets the job done, but compressing audio for limited bitrates is extremely difficult. The better codecs for audiophiles are aptX and LDAC, which offer much higher quality audio and respectively make claims at offering “CD quality” and true “Hi-Res” sound.
Though LDAC falls short of Hi-Res claims, it’s still the best-performing Bluetooth codec currently available. We’re still waiting to see if aptX Adaptive is going to be as good as it seems, but luckily any issues are increasingly hard to hear as we age. Sorry to break it to you: our ears aren’t that great when we’re old.
Even if your phone doesn’t currently support it, you should still get headphones that support these codecs anyway. Android 8.0 brought support for these wireless standards to many phones, and assuming your headphones last longer than your smartphone does, your headphones will only sound better as the tech in your phone catches up. Additionally, the AAC codec performs far better when paired with an iPhone than an Android phone, so if you’re in the market for headphones to use with your Samsung Galaxy phone, maybe avoid the AirPods.
The Shure AONIC 50 (Gen 2) is the king of connectivity
The Shure AONIC 50 (Gen 2) is a strong contender for the best Bluetooth LDAC headphones, offering a versatile and feature-rich package. With support for a wide range of Bluetooth codecs, including LDAC, aptX, aptX HD, and aptX Adaptive, these headphones ensure high-quality wireless audio across various devices. The headphones also provide excellent connectivity options, with 3.5mm analog and USB-C ports for wired listening.
While the default sound profile may require some tweaking using the comprehensive Shure PLAY app and its parametric EQ, the AONIC 50 (Gen 2) has the potential to deliver a satisfying listening experience. The headphones offer decent active noise cancellation, effectively reducing low-frequency noise and physically blocking out higher frequencies. With a comfortable design, durable aluminum chassis, and impressive battery life of over 41 hours with ANC enabled, the Shure AONIC 50 (Gen 2) is a compelling choice for those seeking a high-end, LDAC-compatible headphone with extensive customization options.
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The Shure AONIC 50 (Gen 2) ‘s frequency response deviates from our preference curve, with a noticeable dip in the mids that affects the clarity of vocals, guitars, and other melodic instruments. The headphones exhibit emphasized bass and overly loud highs out of the box, which may make vocal-heavy tracks and classic rock challenging to enjoy without EQ adjustments.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 is a versatile yet simple pair of LDAC Bluetooth headphones
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 takes everything about the beloved ATH-M50x and adds Bluetooth functionality, onboard controls, and a solid microphone system. Whether you’re a professional audio engineer or audio enthusiast, the ATH-M50xBT2 has something to offer you with its timeless design and great sound. With the ATH-M50xBT2, you get the same famed, decades-old design chock full of new internal hardware. The onboard controls are easy to operate, though the smart assistant button is uncomfortably close to the volume up control, making it easy to misfire one or the other.
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Sound quality is very good and follows our studio curve closely enough, with some under-emphasized deviation in the midrange and treble. Isolation performance is standard for vinyl ear pads and will block out some high-pitched incidental sounds, but this isn’t the headset to take on an intercontinental flight.
You get software support through the OS-agnostic Audio-Technica Connect app, where you can update the firmware, EQ the sound, and choose your preferred Bluetooth codec. There’s not much else to these Audio-Technica headphones, which is a big part of the appeal.
If you’re a bass head, you’ll like the Sony ULT Wear
The Sony ULT WEAR is a strong candidate for the best Bluetooth LDAC headphones, offering a unique blend of features and comfort. These headphones support LDAC, ensuring high-quality wireless audio, and come with a comfortable design that accommodates a wide range of ear shapes and sizes. The ULT WEAR also boasts impressive active noise cancellation (ANC) performance, effectively reducing external noise for an immersive listening experience.
However, the Sony ULT WEAR’s frequency response may be a point of contention for some users. The headphones exhibit a significantly emphasized bass response, which can overpower other frequencies and lead to a less balanced sound profile. While this may appeal to bass enthusiasts, it might not suit those who prefer a more neutral or accurate representation of their music. The companion app offers EQ settings to mitigate this issue, but the adjustments may not be sufficient for all listeners.
In terms of additional features, the Sony ULT WEAR supports 360 Reality Audio with head-tracking, adding an extra layer of immersion to compatible content. The headphones also offer excellent battery life, lasting over 32 hours with ANC enabled and provide fast charging capabilities for added convenience.
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The Anker Soundcore Space Q45 is are good bang for the buck
If you’re on a budget, the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 headphones offer LDAC at a more reasonable price. The Q45 boasts features like Bluetooth 5.3 support, multipoint connectivity, a wired connection option, and a comfortable design coupled with impressive battery life and efficient, fast charging, making it an attractive choice for a wide range of users, particularly commuters and workers in need of reliable ANC headphones.
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Users might find the app experience finicky, and the sound quality, while adequate for most, doesn’t hit the high marks of more expensive competitors. Despite these minor shortcomings, the Q45’s solid build, complemented by a useful set of controls and the convenience of a foldable design for easy storage, presents a compelling package. Anker’s inclusion of an 18-month warranty offers additional peace of mind concerning the product’s durability. While audiophiles may seek more refined sound quality, the average listener, especially those prioritizing ANC and comfort over audiophile-grade sound, will find the Q45 a solid choice.
The Sony WH-CH720N are lightweight with good battery life
The Sony WH-CH720N is a strong contender for the best budget-friendly Bluetooth LDAC headphones, offering a good balance of features and performance at an attractive price point. These lightweight headphones support the LDAC codec, ensuring high-quality wireless audio playback, and provide decent active noise cancellation (ANC) performance, effectively reducing low-frequency noise for a more immersive listening experience.
While the default sound profile may require some EQ adjustments to achieve a more balanced sound, the companion app allows users to customize the audio to their preferences. The WH-CH720N boasts excellent battery life, lasting over 40 hours with ANC enabled, making them ideal for long listening sessions or travel. The headphones also support fast charging, providing an hour of playback with just a few minutes of charging.
Despite the somewhat plasticky build quality, the Sony WH-CH720N offers a comfortable fit with well-distributed clamping force and ample space for most ear sizes. Overall, these headphones represent an excellent value proposition for those seeking LDAC-compatible headphones with ANC and long battery life without breaking the bank.
If earbuds are more your speed, check out the Sony WF-1000XM5
The Sony WF-1000XM5 is the next iteration of flagship true wireless earbuds from Sony, and it’s among the best products on the market for a number of reasons, including LDAC support. This offers pretty much the best active noise canceling you can find in a pair of earbuds, with fantastic isolation to match.
The earphones use DSEE Extreme to upscale compressed music files, restoring data that may have been lost during compression. In addition to LDAC, these also support AAC and SBC, so Apple users will have access to high-quality streaming, too. In our testing, the WF-1000XM5 lasted over 8 hours on a single charge, and the included charging case (which supports wireless charging) stores enough for two full charges, bringing the overall battery life to over 24 hours.
Using Sony’s Headphones Connect app, you can access all sorts of goodies, like changing your control scheme, updating your virtual assistant, changing the WF-1000XM5 EQ, and more. The app even offers a fit test for its ear tips to help maximize your isolation performance.
The best Bluetooth LDAC headphones: Notable mentions
- Anker Soundcore Life Q35 ($99 at Amazon): The Anker Soundcore Life Q35 get you where you want to go without standing out from the crowd. Not the most premium headset, the Life Q35 will be worthwhile for someone looking for incredible battery life, travel features, and immense customization without breaking the bank.
- Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC ($99.99 at Amazon): These are a contender for some of the best affordable noise canceling earbuds based on performance and value. With an IPX4 rating, long battery life, and good ANC, these are worth a go.
- Audeze Mobius ($279 at Amazon): This is one of the best gaming headsets you can buy, provided you can find it in stock. It’s high priced but worth it. The 3D audio sounds great, though it can feel a little gimmicky.
- Nothing Ear ($149 at Amazon): Anyone looking for wireless earbuds should consider the Nothing Ear. These earbuds are packed full of features that will please casual listeners and audiophiles alike.
- Sony WH-1000XM4 ($278 at Amazon): The previous model of Sony’s flagship headphones is still one of the best on the market, and it supports LDAC just like the WH-1000XM5. The WH-1000XM4 doesn’t offer as good ANC, and it looks a little dated in comparison, but it offers almost identical features to this year’s model—it’s cheaper, too.
- Sony WF-1000XM4 ($278 at Amazon): As the predecessors to the latest XM5, the WF-1000XM4 earbuds still stand out with their exceptional ANC, LDAC support, and commendable battery life. While they might not have all the bells and whistles of the newer model, their now-reduced price point makes them a savvy choice for listeners not fixated on having the latest earbuds.
- Sony WH-XB910N ($148 at Amazon): This pair of headphones has solid ANC and great battery life. If you want to feel the bass rattle your skull, get this headset.
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The best Bluetooth LDAC headphones: FAQs
The Sony WH-1000XM5 steals the spotlight when it comes to LDAC support. But for those watching their wallets, the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 offers LDAC at a friendlier price.
Absolutely! LDAC is Sony’s star player in the Bluetooth audio codec league. While the default SBC is the jack-of-all-trades, LDAC is the specialist, aiming for high-res audio over Bluetooth.
LDAC claims the crown as the best-performing Bluetooth codec currently on the scene. While aptX boasts “CD quality,” LDAC shoots for true “Hi-Res” sound, and it can sometimes fall a tad short of those claims.
LDAC is not a replacement for Bluetooth; it’s a codec that operates within the Bluetooth framework. Think of Bluetooth as the highway and LDAC as the sports car cruising on it, aiming to deliver high-quality audio.
If you’re an iPhone aficionado, AAC might be your jam. But if high-quality streaming is your endgame, LDAC’s got your back. Just remember, AAC plays nicer with iPhones than with Android.
LDAC is marketed as a true Hi-Res codec, while AAC is more of an iPhone’s best buddy. While LDAC aims for the audio stars, the real difference might be subtle to the average ear. But for the audiophiles? They might just pick up on those nuanced notes.