Until now, listening to truly lossless wireless music always involved compromise. Even the most advanced Bluetooth solutions, such as LDAC or aptX HD, relied on some form of lossy compression, resulting in unavoidable data loss. With the introduction of aptX Lossless, Qualcomm changes the game: audiophiles can now enjoy bit-perfect wireless audio transmission, with quality equivalent to a CD.
An audio codec built for purists
The aptX Lossless codec can transmit a 16-bit / 44.1 kHz lossless stream over a Bluetooth connection — the exact definition of CD-quality audio. To achieve this, Qualcomm developed an extension of its aptX Adaptive codec, combined with a technology called Bluetooth High Speed Link. The system dynamically adjusts the bitrate to suit the radio environment, with bandwidth reaching up to 1 Mbps (compared to 576 kbps for aptX HD and 990 kbps for LDAC).
Even though the bitrate remains below the CD’s theoretical 1.411 Mbps, Qualcomm claims the compression is mathematically lossless — meaning that the encoded and decoded files are identical. This is delivered with no perceptible latency and increased stability, even in challenging environments.
An experience tailored for high-fidelity enthusiasts
To make the most of this technology, two conditions must be met: a smartphone or audiophile-grade music player compatible with Snapdragon Sound (with at least a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip), and Bluetooth headphones or earbuds featuring Qualcomm S3 or S5 chips. Qualcomm is already working with audio-focused brands like Audio-Technica, Master & Dynamic, Yamaha, and Cambridge Audio.
Early listening impressions, as reported by What Hi-Fi?, mention clearer and more precise sound compared to aptX HD, with noticeable improvement in treble and instrument separation. For audiophiles using good closed-back headphones or well-designed true wireless in-ears, the difference is audible — especially with lossless files (FLAC, ALAC…) from services like Qobuz, Tidal, Amazon Music HD, or Apple Music Lossless.
A real step forward for wireless audio
The arrival of a codec like aptX Lossless marks a major step in Bluetooth audio. Until now, even the best wireless codecs involved lossy compression, inevitably affecting the fidelity of the original signal. With 16-bit / 44.1 kHz bit-perfect transmission, Qualcomm now offers a solution capable of delivering CD-quality audio without a wired connection. This allows audiophiles to enjoy high-quality listening with the convenience of wireless, including with true wireless earbuds.
This advance is also made possible by improvements to the underlying radio layers, particularly through the Bluetooth High Speed Link technology integrated into Snapdragon Sound. It ensures enough bandwidth to carry lossless data, while dynamically adjusting bitrate to handle interference. Where older codec generations would quickly lose stability or quality as the signal weakened, aptX Lossless delivers smooth, uninterrupted playback without compromising sonic detail. It’s a decisive step toward a Bluetooth experience that finally meets the expectations of portable hi-fi fans.
With aptX Lossless, Qualcomm finally offers a Bluetooth codec capable of satisfying trained ears. It doesn’t replace an audiophile DAC or wired listening through a headphone amp, but for mobile or on-the-go use, it drastically narrows the gap. Provided you have good headphones and a lossless source, the improvement in clarity and dynamics is noticeable.
