Before buying aptX low latency headphones:
- Check Codec – It should boast an aptX low latency codec; just aptX or aptX HD won’t suffice.
- Check Bluetooth version – 4.0 or above is great, 5.0 is perfect, anything else isn’t worth considering.
- Comfort – Consider the weight, shape, size, and material of the headphone and keep your comfort above anything else.
- Features – Compare the goodies vs. price, does it has control buttons, app, virtual assistant, noise cancellation, etc.
Is there anything more irritating than listening to the dialogues after the actor’s lips move? Latency can be highly off-putting whether watching a movie, show, music video, or home video.
The great thing is that an excellent quality aptX low latency headphone can erase the issue off your worry list. aptX low latency is a codec specially designed by Qualcomm to enhance the end-to-end speed of audio transmissions, almost killing delays.
The technology lends approx 40ms of latency with compatible Bluetooth devices. So what are you waiting for? Swipe down.
1. Sennheiser HD 450BT: Editor’s choice
- Bluetooth: 5. 0
- Codec: AAC and aptX low latency
- Battery: 30 hours
- App: Sennheiser Smart Control
Following suit with Sennheiser’s signature balanced fidelity, the HD 450BT produces a smooth, balanced and enjoyable sound. And thanks to the Qualcomm aptX low latency codec support, it syncs audio and video with less than 40ms of latency.
So, you can watch your shows, listen to music or podcasts without delay. Add in the intuitive equalizer featured in the Sennheiser App, and you’ll get a listening experience tailored to your taste.
And while the ANC (active noise cancellation) is not the best in the industry, it is pretty decent at the price point. Further, the compact foldable design, carry case, and 30-hour battery life makes it a great travel companion.
Pros
- Superior sound with deep dynamic bass
- Decent ANC
- Compact foldable design
- Intuitive controls from the app
- Value for money
Cons
- Bulky
- Can’t control ANC levels
2. Tribit QuietPlus: Best budgeted aptX low latency headphones
- Bluetooth: 5. 0
- Codec: aptX and aptX low latency
- Battery: 30 hours
- App: No
Tribit QuietPlus packs some fantastic features under its hood. For starters, dual 40mm drivers push out high fidelity sound with rich mids and clear highs. And an exclusive hybrid noise cancellation technology with dual microphones.
The over-head earphones can block noise up to 35dB and low-frequency sound by up to 97%. Another plus point is the built-in microphone and CVC 8.0 that enables cleared hand-free calls.
Moreover, the urethane foam earpads are super soft and don’t exert too much pressure. And both the earmuffs (up to 30°) and metal headpiece are adjustable, so you don’t feel the weight even during long sessions.
Pros
- Clear sound
- Decent mic performance
- Fast charging, up to 3 hours charge in 10 minutes
- Cute carrying case
Cons
- No apps to manage sound output
- Lacks proper notification for low battery
3. HyperX Cloud MIX: Great aptX headphone for gaming
- Bluetooth: 4.2
- Codec: aptX, aptX low latency, SBC, AAC
- Battery: 20 hours
- App: No
HyperX brings the best of both worlds, wired and wireless, to the table. On the one hand, it offers impeccable performance over Bluetooth, whether you are playing movies, songs, games, or taking important calls.
And on the other hand, it comfortably pumps out Hi-Res Audio (10Hz to 40kHz) when wired. Furthermore, it boasts custom-designed 40mm dual-chamber drivers that seamlessly cuts distortion by separating the bass from the mids and highs.
Another brilliant inclusion is a detachable boom mic. While the built-in mic can handle calls efficiently, you can enhance the calling or gaming experience with the Discord and TeamSpeak™ certified mic.
Pros
- Comfortable wear
- Supports Hi-Fi when wired
- Detachable braided cable and boom mic
- Multi-device compatibility
Cons
- Not advanced Bluetooth
- Slightly expensive
4. Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9 3rd Gen: Most luxe aptX low latency headphones
- Bluetooth: 5. 0
- Codec: aptX low latency
- Battery: 25 hours
- App: Bang & Olufsen
Designed to look good and sound amazing, Beoplay H9 3rd Gen is constructed from polished, anodized aluminum, genuine cowhide leather, soft lambskin, and adaptive memory foam.
And you get not only looks but also advanced ANC, Transparency Mode, bass port for deeper bass, and acoustics that deliver rich and powerful listening. In addition, the intuitive touch interface on the right earcup enables swift play/pause or track switches.
A dedicated button for Google Assistant and two-device simultaneous pairing further makes things more comfortable. However, it is a tad bit expensive to have just Qualcomm aptX low latency codec; even aptX adaptive or AAC could have been a great addition.
Pros
- Great audio quality
- Two-device simultaneous pairing
- Effective ANC
- Google Assistant integration
Cons
- Expensive
- Lacks fast charging
- Does not fold down
5. Avantree Aria Pro: Great for ‘better-than-CD’ experience
- Bluetooth: 5.0
- Codec: aptX, aptX HD, aptX low latency, Fast Stream, SBC
- Battery: 20-hour
- App: Avantree Audio
Between aptX low latency and aptX HD support, Avantree Aria Pro has something for everyone. If you are using low latency compatible devices, lip sync delay during audio-visual listening will be negligible.
And the aptX HD codec delivers a well-balanced, better-than-CD experience with dynamic bass. However, the audio latency is quite prominent here, around 250ms. You are also privy to an effective ANC mode to zone out all the surrounding disturbances.
A remarkable feat is its build. The protein earpad offers a skin-like texture, and you can adjust the earmuffs (up to 90°) and headband to suit your comfort level. You also get a detachable and flexible boom mic when you have to attend many meetings or calls.
Pros
- Adapts to your music/work/leisure needs
- Well-balanced sound
- Adjustable earmuff and headband
- Detachable boom mic
Cons
- ANC is average
- Latency is high when using aptX HD
6. MEE audio Matrix Cinema: Best aptX headphones for bingeing
- Bluetooth: 5.0
- Codec: aptX, aptX low latency, AAC, SBC
- Battery: 33 hours
- App: No
MEE brings some cute and aptly name features/technology to the table. The proprietary audio enhancement technology, CinemaEAR, allows you to switch between four modes that suit your ear and the content you are bingeing on.
If it’s music, the Bass Boost or Dynamic Music mode does the trick. And for shows and movies, you can choose between two Clear Voice modes that boost speech (dialogues) clarity. Then, there is NoiseSHIELD ANC that keeps distracting surrounding noises at bay.
And the man of the hour, Qualcomm aptX low latency codec, ensures that lip-sync for video/audio streaming is on point. Add in the 40mm driver, 33-hour battery life (20-hour with noise cancellation), and you get a perfect TV companion.
Pros
- All-day wear comfort
- Binge modes with CinemaEAR
- ANC is fairly good
Cons
- Slow charging (micro USB)
- Default modes, can’t tweak them further
7. Sennheiser CX 350BT: In-ear aptX low latency headphones
- Bluetooth: 5.0
- Codec: AAC, SBC, aptX and aptX low latency
- Battery: 10 hours
- App: Sennheiser Smart Control
If overhead, over-the-ear headphones are not your thing, then Sennheiser’s CX 350BT earbuds are one of the best, budgeted, low latency options. The combination of AAC and aptX codec ensures that you get superior audio clarity and perfect sync.
You can also use the Sennheiser’s app to customize the sound further to match your preference. Plus, if you are into podcasts, the in-app podcast mode for optimized speech will have your heart.
And though a noise isolation mode is MIA (missing in action), you’ll find this lightweight neckband headphone perfect for the gym, commute, and more.
Pros
- Comfortable fit
- Two-device connectivity
- 4-button remote on the neckband
- Awesome features in the app
Cons
- ANC is missing
The aptX low latency codec significantly lowers the streaming latency. Plus, it helps push out more accurate and detailed audio. However, they are better suited for Android devices as the rate/percentage of lag decrease also depends on the smartphone being used.
Designed to offer better-than-CD sound quality, aptX HD boasts high latency, almost the opposite of aptX LL. The former is excellent for listening to music. However, if you are streaming videos, bingeing shows, or playing games, the latter is considered a better option.
Note: Qualcomm has introduced an aptX Adaptive codec that offers the best of both worlds. It switches between low latency and less lossy, depending upon the connection.
Unfortunately, no. In fact, low latency is lossier than its counterpart aptX HD or AAC. However, only a few dedicated audiophiles can observe the difference between lossy and lossless audio, so don’t fret over it a lot.
Finding the right earphones is like finding a needle in the haystack. And I totally understand your frustration and confusion surrounding it. I hope this list of the best aptX low latency headphones eased some burden off your shoulder.
If you have any questions, feel free to share them in the comment section below.
Can’t live without music? Here are some articles you shouldn’t miss:
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- Apple Music lossless streaming: How to play HiFi Audio on iPhone
- Best music player apps for iPhone and iPad
- Best AirPods alternatives to choose
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