Which audio codec is better for Android, SBC or AAC?
SBC and AAC are two names you've probably heard of if you use Bluetooth headphones. These are two of the most widely used audio codecs, and they are in competition with LDAC and AptX.
These days, almost every good TWS headset has Android compatibility in addition to SBC and AAC support. You might be curious about which one provides higher sound quality, though. Any questions regarding the distinctions between SBC and AAC on Android will be answered in this article, along with an explanation of which is superior.
- What is an audio codec for Bluetooth?
The Bluetooth protocol uses a codec, to put it simply, as a compression and decompression algorithm when sending audio between two or more devices. Its objective? It aims to provide faster transmission over a protocol with a very limited bandwidth (though it is improving) by reducing the data size as much as possible without significantly sacrificing quality.
When it comes to high-quality audio, watching videos, and playing games (all with Bluetooth headphones), data transmission and compression are particularly crucial. Why? Easy: Images and sound will be delayed by slow transmission; additionally, excessive compression may result in noise or hearing loss.
Knowing that, let's proceed to the next step: determining which is SBC and which is AAC. This is because every codec, even the most widely used and well-liked ones, is unique and has pros and cons of its own.
distinctions, benefits, and drawbacks between SBC and SBC.
Every device has SBC (Subband Codec) installed since it is the default audio codec for Bluetooth streaming. Although its latency is constrained for some applications, its bitrate spans from 240 to 328 kbps and its quality reaches 16 bits at 48 kHz.
Features: Excellent sound quality and compatibility for casual listening.
Cons: It's outdated, doesn't utilize contemporary hardware, has flat sound, doesn't support lossless high-resolution audio, and has a slow response time, particularly when playing games or watching videos.
The current standard for internet audio streaming is AAC (Advanced Audio Coding), a more recent compression codec that outperforms SBC. Actually, all Apple products use it by default, including YouTube and Apple Music. Its bitrate is variable (VBR), depending on the need of the moment, but it ranges between 160 and 448 kbps. Finally, its quality hovers around 16 bits @ 48 kHz, like SBC, but can reach up to 96 kHz.
- Advantages: Better sound quality and volume, with clearer, more defined treble, as well as better instrument separation. More efficient audio compression, resulting in smaller files with very little loss of quality.
- Disadvantages: It is still a lossy codec (although minimal), has a higher power demand due to the complexity of its algorithm, and its latency is not the best either (especially on Android).
- SBC and AAC, which is better on the system?
As you'll see, AAC is a codec that outperforms the older SBC in almost every way, and the latter's only strength is its high compatibility. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind that you probably already know.
The first is the Bluetooth devices you're using to listen to audio. When using an old or cheap cell phone, speaker, or headset, you won't notice any difference between SBC and AAC. The reason? The hardware limitations you're using. So, don't expect much of a difference unless you're using high-quality devices.