Is LDAC actually lossless?

No. LDAC is a lossy codec. Even at its highest setting of 990 kbps it compresses the audio, and CD-quality sound needs about 1,411 kbps uncompressed. Hi-res files need more.

LDAC throws away less information than SBC or AAC, which is how it qualifies for the Hi-Res Audio Wireless logo, but that logo doesn’t mean bit-perfect playback. LDAC drops to 660 or 330 kbps when the connection gets crowded, and at 330 kbps it has little edge over AAC.

If you want lossless audio from your phone, you still need wired headphones, ideally through a USB DAC. Some newer Bluetooth codecs claim lossless CD-quality playback, but they need a matching phone and headphones, and few budget pairs support them.

By Marius · Updated

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Marius

Written by Marius

Audio enthusiast. I've worn a lot of headphones, and I tell you which pair is worth your money and which one isn't.

I check every verdict against lab measurements and long-term owner feedback, and I update pages when prices or models change. How I judge headphones.