aptX FAQs

Qualcomm aptX

Qualcomm® aptX™ technology makes Bluetooth® wireless audio sound better. It works behind the scenes to deliver rich, clear audio without the lag or drop in quality you often get with standard Bluetooth. Whether you’re listening on headphones, speakers, or your favorite device, aptX ensures your music, video and calls sound closer to the way they were meant to be heard—smooth, detailed, and in sync
Bluetooth has limited bandwidth, so audio must be compressed before it can travel wirelessly. The default codec (SBC) does this in a basic way, often sacrificing detail and introducing latency. aptX solves this by using a smarter way of compressing the audio which helps maintain sound quality and reduce latency.

aptX HD

aptX HD is high-quality audio technology that delivers 24-bit wireless HD sound via Bluetooth. This aptX technology also generates high signal output which reduces background noise and uses THD (Tonal Harmonic Distortion) to minimise inference when listening to music or making phone calls.

The difference between aptX and aptX HD is that aptX HD supports a higher band of audio frequencies, with the ability to support up to 24-bit compared to the 16-bit range that aptX is limited to reaching. 

aptX Adaptive

aptX Adaptive is an adaptable wireless Bluetooth codec technology developed to eliminate the need for wired alternatives without compromising on premium, uninterrupted sound. This next-generation of aptX audio technology dynamically adjusts bit rates depending on the type of audio users are listening to, such as music, videos and gaming, ensuring the audio remains uninterrupted and eliminating any problems with connectivity.

aptX Adaptive Audio is compatible with low latency and has a specific low-latency mode included within the aptX Adaptive codec technology.  

This innovative feature ensures the sound delivered is of the highest quality, scaling between low or high latency rates, matching the sound quality output of other aptX products such as aptX and aptX HD. 

aptX Adaptive is integrated into a wide range of devices, from headphones and mobile phones to wireless speakers and digital audio players. It offers studio-quality sound output due to the aptX technology’s dynamic bit-rate adjustment capabilities.  

Discover a range of products enabled with aptX Adaptive technology through our website.

aptX HD and aptX Adaptive both deliver premium audio, establishing a robust connection between devices to ensure your listening experience is immersive and uninterrupted. These technologies both offer different advantages depending on the application and environment. For example, aptX HD offers a fixed bit rate of 48hz and is designed for high-quality audio setups. Whereas aptX Adaptive exceeds in the ability to dynamically adjust bit-rates, adapting to the audio setup and reducing dropouts.
aptX Lossless is an audio codec and a feature of Snapdragon Sound™ Technology Suite designed to deliver true CD-quality sound (16-bit/44.1 kHz) over wireless connections—bit-for-bit exact, with no quality loss. It’s part of Snapdragon Sound.
Snapdragon Sound is a suite of technologies thar are designed to deliver premium wireless audio experiences across music, calls, and gaming. It’s not just a codec—it’s a certification and technology suite that integrates our best audio, connectivity, and mobile innovations to ensure devices work seamlessly together to deliver high-quality audio, ultra-low latency, and robust connectivity between compatible smartphones, earbuds, headphones, and PCs and more. Discover more about aptX and the benefits of this premium audio technology and view the expansive suit of aptX products for all applications.