How to increase the quality of audio on Android?
Many Android users experience issues with poor audio quality from their device’s built-in speakers, headphones, or when connected to external audio systems like cars. Audio can sound muffled, distorted, or too quiet – negatively impacting music listening, phone calls, movies, and more. There are several reasons why Android’s audio quality may be lacking compared to other platforms.
First, the audio hardware on some Android devices is not as high-end compared to flagship iPhones or other audio-focused phones. Second, Android has had inconsistent audio software with bugs or lacking key optimizations over the years. And third, the high level of Android fragmentation across devices makes consistent audio quality tricky.
With audio being such an important part of the smartphone experience for many users, improving Android’s audio quality is desired. This article will provide tips to enhance the audio experience on Android phones using both software tweaks and hardware accessories. Quality audio matters and thankfully there are ways to achieve it on Android.
Use Wired Headphones
One of the easiest ways to improve audio quality on Android phones is to use wired headphones instead of wireless Bluetooth models. Wired headphones connect directly to the phone’s headphone jack or USB-C port using an analog signal, which avoids the audio compression and interference that can occur with Bluetooth transmission. Bluetooth uses lossy audio codecs like SBC and AAC to compress the audio before transmitting it wirelessly. This compression throws out some audio data to save on bandwidth, reducing audio quality. Wired headphones receive the original uncompressed audio signal directly from the phone for the best sound quality and clarity [1].
Wired headphones also avoid potential wireless interference caused by other devices using the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz radio spectrum like WiFi networks, which can introduce pops, clicks, and audio dropouts. The direct wired connection is free from these wireless interference issues. High-end audiophile headphones like the Sennheiser HD 800 S rely on wired connections to deliver studio-quality audio [2]. For Android users who want the highest fidelity listening experience, quality wired headphones are the best choice.
Get a USB DAC
A USB DAC (digital-to-analog converter) is an external device that can improve your Android’s audio quality by bypassing the phone’s internal DAC. Here’s how they work:
All digital audio files like MP3, FLAC, etc. need to be converted to an analog signal before they can be played through headphones. This conversion is done by the phone’s internal DAC, which is usually low quality. A USB DAC takes over this conversion process with higher quality components, resulting in better audio.
To use a USB DAC, simply plug it into your Android’s USB-C or micro USB port. High quality DACs like the DragonFly Black (source) can play high resolution audio up to 24-bit/96kHz, far beyond a phone’s capacity.
USB DACs also have a dedicated headphone amp for driving higher impedance headphones properly. Overall, you’ll get far superior audio quality across the frequency spectrum by adding an external DAC.
Use a High Quality Music App
One of the best ways to improve audio quality on Android is to use a music app that is optimized for high-fidelity playback. Apps like USB Audio Player PRO (UAPP) are designed specifically to bypass Android’s audio processing and output bit-perfect audio.
UAPP supports lossless audio formats like FLAC, ALAC, APE, and WAV. It also includes advanced audio settings like gain control, upsampling, and custom digital filters. By sending the pure digital audio data directly to your phone’s DAC, you can achieve studio-quality playback from your phone.
Other high-end audio apps like Qobuz also focus on delivering maximum audio fidelity. Using one of these specialized apps instead of your phone’s default music player can dramatically improve sound quality.
Adjust Audio Settings
One of the easiest ways to improve audio quality on Android is by adjusting the audio settings. Here are some key settings to check:
Disable audio effects – Android phones often come with audio effects like Dolby Atmos or Samsung’s Adapt Sound enabled by default. While these can enhance the audio in some cases, they can also degrade audio quality. Go to Settings > Sound and disable any audio effects.
Switch Bluetooth audio codec – For wireless audio over Bluetooth, switch to an advanced audio codec like aptX or LDAC which offer higher bitrates. Go to Bluetooth settings, tap the settings icon next to your Bluetooth device, and select the best available audio codec.[1]
Adjust EQ settings – The built-in equalizer allows you to tweak the frequency response to suit your preferences. Under Sound settings, go to Equalizer and adjust the sliders or choose a preset like Bass boost, Treble boost etc.
Enable high quality upsampling – Enable options like Dolby Atmos or UHQ upsampler under Sound settings to upsample audio to higher bitrates/sample rates.
Lower in-call volume – Keep in-call volume around 30% and adjust media volume separately. High in-call volume can reduce audio quality.
Use High Quality Audio Files
Using high quality, uncompressed or lossless compressed audio files can significantly improve audio quality on Android devices. Lossless formats like FLAC, ALAC, WAV, and AIFF preserve all of the original audio data from the recording, providing bit-perfect quality. The higher the bitrate of the audio file, the more accurate the representation of the actual sound wave.
Compressed formats like MP3 and AAC discard audio data in order to shrink file sizes. This “lossy” compression throws out detail and nuance in the music. So using lossless formats, especially with high bitrates like 24-bit/192kHz, gives your Android device the highest quality audio to work with before it gets processed and output through your headphones or speakers.
Services like HDtracks offer high resolution lossless downloads of albums and songs. Focus on building a library of the best quality files you can find for the genres and artists you listen to the most. The improved audio fidelity is worth the investment for critical listening.
Get New Earbuds/Headphones
One of the best ways to increase audio quality on Android is by upgrading to high-end earbuds or headphones. Many premium wireless earbuds offer superior sound reproduction and noise cancellation compared to cheap earbuds included with phones.
According to testing from sources like Rtings, the Sony WF-1000XM5 deliver the best overall audio quality of any wireless earbuds for Android. They feature a refined sound profile with rich bass and crisp treble, along with excellent noise canceling. Other great options cited by sites like CNET and SoundGuys include the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 S2, Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3, and Technics EAH-AZ60.
When shopping for new earbuds or headphones, look for models with large drivers, multiple microphones for noise canceling, and support for high-quality wireless audio codecs like aptX and LDAC. Paying more for premium headphones directly translates to better audio reproduction.
Upgrade Your Phone
One of the best ways to improve audio quality on Android is to upgrade to a newer phone model. Many newer Android phones come with improved digital-to-analog converters (DACs) and other audio components that can enhance sound.
For example, the Sony Xperia 1 V features a high-quality DAC that significantly boosts audio quality through both wired and wireless listening. Other phones like the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra also have upgraded DACs and speakers over previous models.
Upgrading to one of the latest flagship Android phones from brands like Sony, Samsung, LG, and others can provide noticeably better audio reproduction. The improved audio hardware like DACs, amplifiers, and speaker drivers in new phones directly translates to a superior listening experience.
Get a Portable DAC/Amp
One of the best ways to improve audio quality on Android is by getting a portable digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and amplifier that connects via USB-C. These devices take the digital audio signal from your phone and convert and amplify it to drive your headphones. This bypasses the phone’s internal DAC and amp, allowing much better sound quality.
Some top options for portable USB-C DAC/amps include the iFi Hip DAC 2 (https://www.androidpolice.com/best-dacs-for-android/), the Fiio Q3 (https://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/if-iphone-7-ditches-the-audio-jack-these-three-dacs-will-keep-the-music-spinning-1321629), and the Helm Audio Bolt. These portable amp/DAC combos connect seamlessly to Android phones via USB-C and provide cleaner, more powerful sound that can drive audiophile-grade headphones.
The key benefits are bypassing the phone’s weaker built-in DAC and amp, providing much higher quality digital-to-analog conversion, and offering greater power to properly drive headphones. This results in noticeably better clarity, detail, dynamics, and volume. Portable USB-C DAC/amps range from budget models under $100 to premium devices costing several hundred dollars.
Why You Should Improve Your Android Audio Quality
Improving the quality of audio on your Android device is worth the effort. As we’ve discussed, there are several ways to enhance your listening experience.
Using high quality wired headphones or earbuds can make a huge difference compared to cheap earphones that come with phones. Investing in a good pair allows you to hear music the way it was meant to be heard.
Getting an external DAC or amp provides cleaner audio with less distortion and background noise. Dedicated music apps optimize audio quality versus just using basic streaming services.
Adjusting developer and system audio settings directly on your Android lets you customize the sound. Using high bitrate, lossless audio files takes full advantage of improved equipment.
Consider upgrading to a phone model with an excellent built-in DAC and amp if you listen to music a lot. Or get a portable solution to use with multiple devices.
Overall, with a few tweaks and affordable upgrades, you can enjoy stunning audio on your Android smartphone or tablet. Your ears will thank you!