Bluetooth & codecs
Choose a connection your devices can use
A codec option is useful when both the earbuds and your source device support the same mode. The presence of a codec name does not guarantee better listening in every setup.
Check the operating arrangement as a whole. LE Audio, a Bluetooth Classic codec and a USB gaming transmitter can be different paths on the same product. Device switching and battery claims may have different conditions for each path.
The examples below keep those arrangements separate. Open the individual review for supported modes and host requirements before making a codec essential in the finder.
Choose SBC only for a real SBC requirement
Choose SBC only when your source device and intended Classic Audio route must support this codec; it is a compatibility filter, not a sound ranking.
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Read the model-specific features and tradeoffs:
- Sony WF-1000XM6 (Black)
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen), Black
- Sennheiser ACCENTUM True Wireless (Black)
More reviewed examples for this requirement
Choose AAC for a compatible AAC host route
Choose AAC only when your host and chosen Classic Audio route will use AAC; the match means support is documented, not that the host will negotiate it automatically.
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Read the model-specific features and tradeoffs:
More reviewed examples for this requirement
Choose LDAC with its host and runtime conditions
Choose LDAC only if the source can transmit LDAC and you can enable it in the documented mode; the matching Sony plans report shorter ANC-on time than SBC/AAC.
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Read the model-specific features and tradeoffs:
Choose LC3 only for a supported LE Audio link
Choose LC3 when you need a documented LE Audio route and your host supports LE Audio; Classic Audio SBC/AAC availability does not imply LC3.
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Read the model-specific features and tradeoffs:
More reviewed examples for this requirement
Open-fit ANC plus AAC
Open-ear ANC plus AAC returns Samsung Galaxy Buds4 here; Apple's open ANC configuration does not pass an undocumented AAC requirement.
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Read the model-specific features and tradeoffs:
Earlier models with AAC: the first MOMENTUM True Wireless
58 configurations document an AAC Classic Audio plan, including Galaxy Buds2 Graphite SM-R177NZKAXAR.
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Read the model-specific features and tradeoffs:
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) + AirFly Pro 2 Set (Deep Plum / White)
- Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, Black (first generation)
- Bose Ultra Open Earbuds + Wireless Charging Case Cover Set (Desert Gold / Black)
More reviewed examples for this requirement
- Samsung Galaxy Buds Live (Mystic Red)
- Samsung Galaxy Buds+ (Cosmic Black)
- Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro (Phantom Black)
- Samsung Galaxy Buds2 (Graphite)
- Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro (Graphite)
- Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 2 (Black 508674)
- Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 Black
- Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless (Black 508524, first generation)
- Sennheiser SPORT True Wireless
Earlier models with LC3: Classic Audio is not LE Audio
With earlier models allowed and LE Audio LC3 required, fourteen configurations match, including MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 Black Graphite 700365 on a separate LC3 plan; its numeric ANC runtime and two-device behavior are unspecified for LC3.
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Read the model-specific features and tradeoffs:
Earlier models with SBC: keep battery claims on their own plan
With earlier models allowed and SBC over Classic Audio required, 63 assessed configurations match; the Gear IconX 2018 SM-R140N is included, but the 2016 SM-R150's Bluetooth codec remains unknown and does not match.
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Read the model-specific features and tradeoffs:
More reviewed examples for this requirement
Earlier sealed, no-ANC SBC with a wireless case
With earlier models allowed, sealed fit, no ANC, SBC and a wireless-charging case, three configurations match: the original TV Clear Set, TV Clear Set II and Galaxy Buds+ Cosmic Black SM-R175NZKAXAR. The Samsung model has a Qi case but no ANC and no IPX4 component claim.
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Read the model-specific features and tradeoffs: