SBC codec and AAC codec are Bluetooth audio codecs. These codecs are used when audio is transmitted wirelessly using Bluetooth. When Bluetooth earphones are used, sound is not sent in its original data form. Bluetooth communication has limited bandwidth. Because of this limitation, audio data must be compressed before transmission. The playback device, such as a smartphone or computer, encodes the audio data. Bluetooth earphones receive the data and decode it. This process is repeated continuously during playback.
SBC codec and AAC codec are used during this process. The difference between SBC vs AAC codec is related to the method of compression and transmission. Which codec is used depends on codec support.
Both the playback device and Bluetooth earphones must support the same codec.
What Is SBC Codec
SBC codec is a Bluetooth audio codec. SBC codec is defined as the standard Bluetooth audio codec. SBC codec is supported by almost all Bluetooth audio devices. For this reason, SBC codec is also described as a mandatory Bluetooth codec. Read our Bluetooth codecs guide.
When Bluetooth audio is played and no other codec is supported, SBC codec is used. This applies to many Bluetooth earphones and Bluetooth speakers. SBC codec is used automatically.
Users usually do not select SBC codec manually.
SBC Audio Codec and Bluetooth Transmission
SBC audio codec is used for Bluetooth audio transmission. During Bluetooth transmission, audio data is compressed using SBC audio codec. The compressed data is transmitted over Bluetooth and decoded by Bluetooth earphones.
SBC audio codec is designed to operate within Bluetooth transmission limits. It does not aim to transmit a large amount of audio data. SBC audio codec focuses on compatibility.
It is used across many Bluetooth devices from different manufacturers.
SBC Bluetooth Codec and A2DP Mandatory Codec
SBC Bluetooth codec is defined as the A2DP mandatory codec. Bluetooth A2DP requires support for SBC codec. Because SBC codec is mandatory, Bluetooth audio playback works between different devices.
This includes devices from different brands. Bluetooth A2DP mandatory codec SBC ensures basic Bluetooth audio functionality.
For this reason, SBC codec plays an important role in Bluetooth audio standards.
SBC Codec Bitrate
SBC codec bitrate refers to the amount of audio data transmitted per second. SBC codec operates within a limited bitrate range. The bitrate can vary depending on the playback device and Bluetooth connection. Because the bitrate is limited, SBC codec may transmit less audio data than other codecs.
This can affect sound detail during playback.
SBC codec bitrate behavior depends on Bluetooth conditions.
SBC Codec Latency
SBC codec latency refers to delay during Bluetooth audio playback. Latency can occur between the playback device and Bluetooth earphones. With SBC codec, latency may be noticeable during video playback.
SBC codec latency depends on device processing and Bluetooth connection quality.
Latency may differ between devices.
What Is AAC Codec
AAC codec is an audio codec used for Bluetooth audio transmission. AAC codec is supported by many Apple products. This includes iPhone, iPad, and MacBook. When Bluetooth earphones are connected to Apple devices, AAC codec may be used. AAC codec is selected only when both devices support it.
AAC codec compresses audio data using a different method from SBC codec.
AAC Audio Codec in Bluetooth Earphones
AAC audio codec is used in Bluetooth earphones that support AAC. During Bluetooth transmission, AAC codec encodes and decodes audio data. This process occurs continuously during playback. Compared to SBC codec, AAC audio codec may reproduce sound differently.
Sound quality depends on the playback device and Bluetooth processing. AAC audio codec is not supported by all Bluetooth devices.
AAC Codec Latency
AAC codec latency refers to delay during Bluetooth audio playback. On supported Apple devices, AAC codec latency may be lower than SBC codec latency. Latency depends on device implementation and Bluetooth conditions. AAC codec latency can vary depending on the device.
Bluetooth SBC Codec and AAC Bluetooth Codec Selection
When a Bluetooth connection is established, codec support is checked. If both devices support AAC codec, AAC Bluetooth codec is used.
If AAC codec is not supported, SBC Bluetooth codec is used. Codec selection is automatic.
Users usually do not change codec settings.
The same Bluetooth earphones may use different codecs depending on the playback device.
SBC vs AAC Audio Codec Differences
SBC vs AAC audio codec differences relate to compression, bitrate, and latency. SBC codec focuses on compatibility.
AAC codec focuses on efficient compression on supported devices.
Both SBC codec and AAC codec are Bluetooth audio codecs. Which codec is used depends on device support.
| Item | SBC | AAC |
| Codec type | Standard Bluetooth codec | Advanced audio codec |
| Device support | Supported by almost all Bluetooth devices | Widely supported on Apple devices |
| Sound quality | Basic sound quality | Higher sound quality than SBC |
| Latency | Relatively high | Generally lower than SBC |
| Typical usage | Fallback and general compatibility | Music listening, especially on iPhone |
The table below shows the practical differences between SBC and AAC when used for everyday Bluetooth audio playback.
Which Codec Will You Actually Hear on iPhone and Android?
In everyday use, the question of SBC vs AAC usually comes up not when checking settings, but when you switch between an iPhone and an Android phone and notice that the sound feels slightly different. While both platforms support SBC as the default Bluetooth codec, iPhones rely almost entirely on AAC, meaning that what you actually hear is shaped more by the device than by the headphones themselves.
On Android, things are less straightforward, as the system may fall back to SBC or use AAC depending on compatibility, connection stability, and the specific phone model. Rather than being something users actively choose, the codec you hear on iPhone and Android is often decided automatically in the background, which is why SBC vs AAC is more about real-world behavior than manual control.
Choosing Bluetooth Earphones Based on Codec Support
Bluetooth earphones support different audio codecs, and codec support affects which codec is used during playback. SBC codec support is common across most Bluetooth earphones, while AAC codec support depends on the product and playback device codec support. Because playback device codec support affects which codec is used, codec support should be checked before use. Bluetooth earphones support different audio codecs, but AAC codec support depends on the product, while SBC codec support remains common across most Bluetooth earphones.
For this reason, codec support should be checked before use, as playback device codec support affects which codec is used.
FAQ
Does AAC sound better than SBC on iPhone?
On an iPhone, AAC usually sounds better than SBC because iOS is optimized for AAC and handles the codec automatically in everyday listening.
Can you manually change SBC or AAC?
On most phones, including iPhone, the codec is selected automatically in the background and cannot be manually changed during normal use.
Why do the same earbuds sound different on different phones?
The same earbuds can sound different on different phones because each device handles Bluetooth codecs, processing, and system optimization in its own way.