AAC vs SBC: Which is Better?

In the domain of wireless audio, the quality of the listening experience is significantly influenced by a critical yet often overlooked element: the Bluetooth codec. This software component determines how audio is compressed and transmitted from a source device, such as a smartphone, to wireless headphones or speakers. Two of the most prevalent codecs are AAC (Advanced Audio Codec) and SBC (Sub-band Codec). A comparative understanding of these codecs can substantially enhance one’s enjoyment of music.

When discussing audio compression formats utilized in Bluetooth technology, AAC and SBC frequently emerge as prominent options. Both are widely implemented in wireless headphones, earbuds, and speakers. However, evaluating which codec best aligns with specific audio requirements is essential for optimizing the listening experience. This question—“AAC vs SBC, which is better?”—is one that many music lovers and tech enthusiasts often find themselves asking.

So, AAC vs SBC: which is better? Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to understand, even if you’re not a tech whiz.

In this comparison, we’ll break down the key differences between AAC and SBC, their performance, advantages, and disadvantages. So, whether you’re deciding which codec is right for your wireless setup or just want to understand how they impact sound quality, let’s dive in!

What is AAC?

AAC, or Advanced Audio Codec, is a widely-used audio format developed as a successor to MP3. It’s designed to deliver better sound quality at the same bitrates compared to MP3. One of the key areas where AAC is popular is in Bluetooth audio, especially with Apple devices, as it’s the default codec for iPhones and iPads. If you’re using Apple AirPods or Beats headphones, you are most likely hearing your music via AAC.

AAC is known for its higher efficiency in compressing audio without a significant loss in quality. This means that with the same amount of data, AAC can reproduce sound that is clearer and crisper than many other codecs, especially SBC.

What is SBC?

SBC, or Sub-band Codec, is the default Bluetooth codec used in most wireless audio devices. It’s the most basic form of audio compression over Bluetooth, and while it isn’t the highest quality, it works across all devices and is supported by practically every Bluetooth audio product out there.

The SBC codec is designed to balance sound quality and data efficiency. It compresses audio to make it easier to stream over Bluetooth, reducing the amount of data needed. However, because of this compression, SBC can result in a noticeable drop in audio quality, especially when compared to higher-end codecs like AAC.

AAC vs SBC: A Head-to-Head Comparison

Let’s put these two codecs side-by-side to see how they stack up:

Feature	SBC	AAC
Sound Quality	Basic, can sound compressed	Clearer and more detailed
Latency	Higher, noticeable lag possible	Lower, better for video and gaming
Compatibility	Universal	Mostly Apple devices, some Android
Complexity	Low, saves battery	Higher, may use more power
Bitrate	Up to 328 kbps	Up to 320 kbps

Factors Beyond the Codec

Keep in mind that the codec is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to wireless audio quality. Other factors that can influence your listening experience include:

• The quality of your headphones or speakers: Even the best codec can’t make up for poor-quality audio equipment.
• The source material: Listening to high-resolution audio files will generally sound better than compressed MP3s, regardless of the codec.
• The Bluetooth version: Newer Bluetooth versions (like 5.0 and above) offer improved bandwidth and stability, which can enhance audio quality.
• Wireless interference: Other devices and signals can interfere with Bluetooth connections, potentially causing dropouts or degraded sound.

AAC vs SBC: Sound Quality

When comparing AAC vs SBC in terms of sound quality, AAC generally wins. AAC has the ability to retain more detail in the audio while keeping file sizes relatively small. It’s particularly effective at higher bitrates, meaning that AAC can produce high-quality sound with less data loss.

SBC, on the other hand, tends to be more lossy. It was designed to work universally across all Bluetooth devices, but this universality comes with trade-offs. SBC compresses audio into smaller packets, which can lead to reduced sound quality, especially in higher frequencies where sound might come across as more muffled or distorted. If you’re a casual listener, you might not notice it as much, but audiophiles can usually tell the difference right away between AAC and SBC.

Performance on Different Devices

One key factor in the AAC vs SBC debate is device compatibility and performance. AAC performs exceptionally well on Apple devices, as it’s the preferred codec on iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks. If you’re in the Apple ecosystem, AAC is optimized for these products, ensuring smooth performance and better sound quality. Apple has fine-tuned AAC to work seamlessly with their hardware, so if you use Apple headphones, you’re likely to experience better audio with AAC.

However, when using AAC on non-Apple devices, such as Android smartphones or Windows PCs, the performance of AAC might not be as impressive. Android devices don’t always handle AAC as efficiently as Apple products, which can lead to lag or lower audio quality. In such cases, SBC may offer more stable performance, even though the sound quality might not be as good.

SBC, being the default codec for Bluetooth devices, works universally across all platforms—Apple, Android, Windows, etc. While it doesn’t deliver the best sound quality, its strength lies in its compatibility. You can expect SBC to function well across all devices without any special requirements.

AAC vs SBC for Battery Life

Another important consideration is battery life. Both AAC and SBC are compressed audio formats, but they differ in how they impact your device’s battery. Generally speaking, AAC requires more processing power than SBC, especially on non-Apple devices. This increased processing can cause a slight decrease in battery life when using AAC. On Apple devices, this difference is minimized since AAC is optimized for the system.

SBC, being a simpler codec, is less demanding on the device’s processor, which means it typically uses less battery. If you’re someone who values battery efficiency over sound quality, SBC may be a better choice. However, the difference in battery consumption between AAC vs SBC isn’t massive, so for most people, it won’t make a huge impact.

Bitrate and Data Compression

Bitrate is another key area to consider in the AAC vs SBC debate. Bitrate refers to the amount of data transmitted per second during audio streaming, and it affects the sound quality directly. The higher the bitrate, the better the sound quality, but it also requires more data to be transmitted.

AAC supports a wide range of bitrates, which allows it to produce better sound quality at higher bitrates compared to SBC. For example, AAC can stream audio at up to 320 kbps (kilobits per second), while SBC typically tops out around 328 kbps. However, SBC’s efficiency can drop significantly at lower bitrates, resulting in poorer sound quality than AAC at similar bitrates.

SBC uses a simpler compression method that often results in less efficient audio reproduction, especially at lower bitrates. While SBC can stream at up to 328 kbps, it usually doesn’t sound as clear or dynamic as AAC when both codecs are operating at their maximum potential.

AAC vs SBC: Latency

Latency refers to the delay between when audio is sent from your device and when you hear it through your headphones or speaker. This delay is especially noticeable when watching videos or playing games, where audio needs to be in sync with the visuals.

AAC generally offers lower latency compared to SBC, particularly on Apple devices. This means there’s less delay between the video and the sound, which makes for a better viewing or gaming experience. SBC can sometimes suffer from higher latency, resulting in noticeable delays when watching videos or playing games. However, for general music listening, the latency of SBC isn’t as much of an issue.

Here’s the lowdown on SBC:

• Pros:
  • Universal compatibility: Works with virtually any Bluetooth audio device.
  • Low complexity: Less demanding on processing power, which can save battery life.
• Cons:
  • Basic sound quality: Can sound a bit flat or compressed, especially at higher volumes.
  • Higher latency: May experience a slight delay between the audio source and your headphones, which can be noticeable when watching videos or gaming.

AAC: The Apple-Favored Choice

AAC stands for Advanced Audio Coding. It’s a more sophisticated codec that’s often touted for its superior sound quality compared to SBC. AAC is the go-to codec for Apple devices, but it’s also supported by many Android devices.

Here’s what makes AAC stand out:

• Pros:
  • Better sound quality: Generally delivers clearer, richer audio with more detail, even at lower bitrates.
  • Lower latency: Less delay between the source and your headphones, making it better for videos and gaming.
• Cons:
  • Not as universally compatible: While growing in popularity, not all Android devices support AAC.
  • Higher complexity: Can use more processing power, potentially impacting battery life on some devices.

How to Find Out Which Codec You’re Using

Curious about which codec your devices are using? Here’s how to find out:

• On Android: Go to Settings > Connected devices > Bluetooth. Select your connected device, and you might see the active codec listed. (Note: This may vary depending on your Android version and phone manufacturer.)
• On iOS: Apple devices generally default to AAC when available, so if your headphones support it, you’re likely using AAC.

Beyond AAC and SBC: Other Codecs to Consider

While AAC and SBC are the most common, there are other Bluetooth codecs out there that offer even better performance, such as:

• aptX: Developed by Qualcomm, aptX offers higher bitrates and lower latency than SBC, resulting in improved sound quality.
• LDAC: Sony’s proprietary codec boasts even higher bitrates than aptX, allowing for near-lossless audio streaming. However, it requires compatible devices and can be more susceptible to interference.

Which is Better: AAC or SBC?

So, in the battle of AAC vs SBC, which one is better? The answer largely depends on your specific needs and the devices you use.

• For Apple users: If you’re heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem, AAC is the clear winner. It’s optimized for Apple devices, offers superior sound quality, and provides a more seamless experience overall.
• For non-Apple users: If you’re using Android, Windows, or any other non-Apple devices, the choice between AAC vs SBC becomes less straightforward. SBC is more stable and universally supported, but AAC will still provide better sound quality—though it may not be as efficient or reliable on non-Apple devices.
• For sound quality: If your priority is sound quality, AAC takes the crown. It’s a more advanced codec that compresses audio more efficiently, retaining better sound quality at the same bitrates as SBC. Audiophiles or anyone who values crisp, clear sound should lean toward AAC.
• For compatibility: If compatibility and device support are your top concerns, SBC is the way to go. It’s universally supported across all Bluetooth devices and won’t run into performance issues, no matter what platform you’re using.

Compatible Codecs for Phones, Tablets and Computers

Apple’s products use the highest quality codec, AAC. However, they will transmit over SBC if the headphones paired with them do not support this codec. If you have an iPhone or any other Bluetooth-capable Apple device, you’ll want to make sure that your headphones are compatible with AAC. This information is often, but not always, available on the product’s specifications page or the box. We also include it in our reviews. AAC is the most commonly used codec for headphones, aside from SBC.

Android users should pay more attention to the codecs that headphones support. If they have only AAC or SBC, then they will not get the best possible audio quality. But this is just the beginning. If your phone is capable of supporting aptX or LDAC and LHDC then you should look for headphones that use these codecs.

Android phones can play AAC files, but they’re not always efficient. This is because the codecs used are dependent on the processor and the manufacturer. Snapdragon 2 Gen 2 chips are one of few that support the AptX lossless codec. The Samsung Galaxy S23 ultra does not support AptX lossless, even though it ships with 8 Gen 2.

While LHDC and LDAC are technically part AOSP as well, manufacturers can choose to implement them or not on their own devices. LHDC seems to be more widely supported than LDAC.

In the Settings menu on your Android device, you can select the Bluetooth audio codec (System > Developer Options > Bluetooth Codec). You can choose between three streaming preferences with the LDAC codec: Optimized audio quality, Balanced audio and connection quality or Optimized connection. The first option will give you the highest bit rate of 990Kbps.

Some manufacturers equip their headphones and speakers both with AAC, AptX and LDAC. This saves you the trouble of having to choose between a single format for music listening. You may still need to manually change between the codecs depending on whether you are using an app, your phone settings menu or your computer.

If your device does not support a particular codec, there are likely software or hardware solutions. It’s possible to stream using AptX on some Macs instead of AAC. However, you need to manually configure this and it is a more complicated process than we can describe. You can also buy external gear to use with iPhones or iPads in order to force the support of other codecs. However, this is not an Apple-approved solution. Windows 11 supports AAC but other codecs require alternative methods.

Also read: AADT vs ADT: Which One is Better?

Final Verdict

When weighing AAC vs SBC, it’s clear that AAC offers better sound quality and lower latency, especially for Apple users. However, SBC provides broader compatibility and a more stable experience across different devices.

If you’re someone who listens casually and just wants a reliable audio experience, SBC is perfectly fine. But if you’re after the best possible sound quality, and especially if you’re using Apple devices, AAC is the superior choice.