A codec (short for “compression/decompression”) is a complex algorithm that processes audio data to make it smaller so it’s easier to send over the Internet or wirelessly from your phone to your headphones. In audio devices, the key difference in Bluetooth implementation involves which audio codec they use. In other words, you should choose Bluetooth headphones or speakers based on their fundamental sound quality-as reported in reviews or as you’ve determined yourself-and not based primarily or even secondarily on the Bluetooth audio technologies they support. (You can test this yourself using my online Bluetooth blind test.) If you try different Bluetooth codecs, the difference will be small and possibly inaudible. If you try different wireless headphones or speakers, you’ll hear obvious differences. One important thing to note right from the start is that the Bluetooth audio technology you’re hearing has a much smaller effect on sound quality than the design of the device itself. Read on if you’re confused about how (or if) different Bluetooth codecs should factor into your headphone or speaker choice. But those differences are hard to quantify and harder to hear. Audio companies offer numerous variants-or codecs-of Bluetooth, and some people claim that a certain codec will improve Bluetooth sound quality. Yet despite Bluetooth’s ubiquity, it’s still the most misunderstood audio technology. Bluetooth drives wireless headphones and portable speakers and lets you wirelessly connect your stereo system or soundbar to your smartphone and its myriad streaming services.

Better fidelity wifi vs bluetooth