If you read a lot of articles about Bluetooth headphones, you’ll see a lot of praise for products that include LDAC. This is a high-quality CODEC developed by Sony but appears in non-Sony products as well. By “high quality,” what it really means is better than your standard SBC, and AAC CODECs that feature standard lossy compression in most Bluetooth headphones. LDAC is still a lossy compression algorithm, but it can handle 990kbps transmission speeds compared to the 328kbps speeds you get from SBC and AAC. That’s what gets it that “Hi-Res” sticker for headphones that use it.
So what are some wireless headphones that use LDAC? There’s a lot out there, but they all contain different levels of sound quality and value through the features they offer. Not all LDAC headphones are the same, so here’s what I think you should look out for.
Sony WH-1000XM5
One of the most well-known Bluetooth headphones to use LDAC is also one of the most well-known Bluetooth headphones in general. Most Sony products that use Bluetooth will feature LDAC in some capacity, so giving a spot to the XM5 is a no-brainer. Sony headphones come with many other special features like 360 Reality Audio, DSEE, and of course, some of the best ANC on the market. It’s easy to recommend without LDAC, but if you have an Android phone you can enjoy some nice enhancements in your sound through it.
Shure Aonic 50
While they don’t get mentioned all that much, the Shure AONIC 50 happens to be a good choice that also uses LDAC. The Gen 2 version of these headphones helped make it more of a competitor to the other top brands, adding spatial audio and a better battery life. Why I don’t think I see the AONIC 50 being brought up in conversations as one of the best Bluetooth headphones is its EQ-reliant sound. The Shure PlayPlus app has one of the best EQs for a headphone app, but if you don’t use it the sound might not be as good as other choices. Using the Gen 2 and messing around with EQ can surely make it sound like one of the best though.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2
It’s very generous that the Bluetooth version of one of the most recognizable over-ear headphones supports LDAC. This makes it super easy to recommend, and the sound of the BT2 isn’t far off from what you already get from the wired version of these popular studio headphones. Of course, the wireless version isn’t going to be quite what you’re familiar with, but using LDAC might get you closer to that level of quality.
Edifier WH950NB
It might be surprising to see an Edifier headphone on this list, but I find it to be one of the best and most inexpensive options out there with LDAC. The WH950NB will surprise you in a lot of areas, including its great build quality and battery life. Although there are some trade-offs, like weaker noise-canceling, the WH950NB excels where it needs to. This includes its sound signature, where you can expect a decent soundstage and expressive treble. Using LDAC here definitely compliments its sound here.
Mark Levinson No.5909
Going from one of the least expensive LDAC options to the most expensive is quite a jump. However, if you have the money to spend it’s well worth it. The No.5909 is one of the best wireless headphones around, offering a more premium experience compared to what you’re used to hearing from your common consumer Bluetooth products. Although they’re very bass-heavy, the 5909 has some of the best detail and separation over Bluetooth. They’re extremely comfortable, feeling as premium as their price suggests. With the 5909 using LDAC, there’s no doubt it takes the top spot on this list.
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