Not all audio sounds exactly the same, and it's not just because of the disparities between headphones. The Bluetooth codec also matters, and when you're talking hi-res codecs, like aptX HD, aptX Lossless, and LDAC, you start to see that earbuds are already on board supporting them. Not all wireless earbuds go that far, but this group certainly does.
Best overall
Given that LDAC is a Sony-made codec, it's hardly surprising the WF-1000XM5 would support them. These earbuds are already among the best available for audio quality and active noise cancelation (ANC). Still, with LDAC, you can also get better fidelity when playing audio content from a device that supports it.
Impressive quality
Bowers and Wilkins know how to make good audio products, and the Pi8 are new from the ground up. That includes Snapdragon Sound aptX Lossless for resolutions up to 24-bit/96kHz. Pair them with a phone or device that can play audio at the highest quality and you will feel the difference in no time.
Ultra nice
Bose takes a turn with Bluetooth codecs by finally supporting aptX Adaptive, only adding to what makes the QuietComfort Ultra one of the best available. You can also expect outstanding ANC performance on top of the excellent audio quality when paired with the right device delivering higher fidelity.
Excellent choice
The Technics EAH-AZ80 may not be on everyone's radar, but our review showed they're good enough to compete with every other pair on this list. Not only do you get LDAC support for hi-res playback, but also some of the best audio quality for the price. They're also comfortable and have great app support to boot.
Doing it right
Sennheiser has built a reliable reputation for audio performance, and that stays true with the Momentum True Wireless 4. With a more dependable battery to go with the excellent audio quality you can unleash through the Smart Control app, you should hear the difference from hi-res sources. It's also more personalized when you go through the fit and hearing tests in the app.
Back in action
If you've ever been familiar with NuraTrue, the PerL Pro are reimagined earbuds following Denon's acquisition of that brand. They still have a focus on personalized hearing through the dedicated app, though the fit may vary depending on your ears considering the unique earbud shape. Extensive codec support ensures you'll get hi-res audio on this end.
Ace in the hole
Creative often undercuts the competition on price, and the Aurvana Ace 2 are a prime example as hi-res earbuds for less. Creative's own xMEMS drivers are capable of delivering great sound, especially when you hear what they can do playing aptX Lossless tracks. You sacrifice good ANC but your auditory senses will love the music.
Serving notice
It's easy to find a pair of wireless earbuds that don't break the bank, yet offer features you don't always see in other, more expensive pairs. You get support for LDAC, LHDC, and 192kHz/24-bit audio, so you have real flexibility when listening to hi-res sources. It doesn't hurt that you get ANC to go with all that, too.
Sound only
PSB Speakers is all about sound first, and that's definitely the case with the M4U TWM. You get no noise cancelation or bells and whistles — just great sound quality out of the box tuned for anything in higher resolution that you want to play through these earbuds. Part of the reason are the micro planar dual drivers that deliver the kind of clarity you don't always hear elsewhere.
Why Bluetooth hi-res codecs matter
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If you think of audio the same way you would a screen, you may see it differently. Much like HD, 4K, and HDR have altered how we watch video content — and what we're willing to accept because of it — the same could be said about audio playback as well. Like Qualcomm's aptX Adaptive (which includes aptX HD), aptX Lossless, and LDAC, Bluetooth codecs bring hi-res audio to the masses through support on both the device side (i.e., phones, streaming services, or music files) and the audio side (i.e., earbuds). Not every mobile device supports these codecs, nor does every service streaming music. A few exceptions include Tidal, Qobuz, Deezer, Apple Music, and Amazon Music Unlimited.
The whole purpose behind hi-res audio is to try and get your ears as close to what audio sounded like coming out of the studio — basically, the way producers intended. Lossless audio is defined as being recorded and mastered in better than CD quality at 20-bit/48kHz or higher. These codecs won't always get you way above that, but they are certainly doing better than the more compressed audio streams you often hear from the most popular services.
Sony has tried to do it with LDAC, its own codec that it licenses out to others, including some of the best wireless earbuds. The WF-1000XM5 are only one pair supporting it, with others doing the same, as seen on this list. Qualcomm's aptX Adaptive is already another standard for hi-res, given that it's basically two codecs in one, along with aptX Lossless through Snapdragon Sound setting another standard.
