Why do my AirPods sound low on Android?
Apple’s AirPods are one of the most popular truly wireless Bluetooth earbuds on the market. Designed originally for iOS devices like iPhones and iPads, AirPods can also be used with Android phones. However, many Android users report issues with low volume when using AirPods.
There are a few key reasons why AirPods may sound quieter when used with Android devices compared to iPhones. This has to do with differences in Bluetooth codec support, audio hardware and software optimization, and certain exclusive Apple features that aren’t available on Android.
AirPods Designed for iOS
AirPods were designed by Apple primarily for use with their own devices and software like iPhones, iPads, and Macs. The headphones use Bluetooth technology to connect wirelessly to devices, but they have been optimized specifically for Apple’s iOS operating system.
A key reason why AirPods may sound lower in volume or quality on Android devices is because AirPods use a Bluetooth audio codec called AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) by default when connecting to iOS devices. The AAC codec allows for improved audio quality and efficiency compared to standard Bluetooth codecs.
However, Apple has not spent as much time optimizing AirPods and their AAC codec for non-Apple devices and operating systems like Android. So while AirPods will still connect and function with Android phones, tablets, and computers, they won’t provide the same seamless and optimized experience you’d get when using AirPods with Apple products.
AAC vs SBC Bluetooth Codecs
AirPods use AAC (Advanced Audio Coding), while most Android devices default to SBC (Subband Coding). AAC is capable of transmitting higher quality audio than SBC, with a maximum bitrate of 250kbps compared to SBC’s 328kbps (Source). However, AAC has limited compatibility and isn’t universally supported on Android devices, while SBC is the mandatory default for all Bluetooth devices.
AAC utilizes psychoacoustic models to discard parts of an audio signal that are less audible to human hearing. This allows it to transmit near CD-quality audio while using less bandwidth than SBC. However, even though AAC is more efficient, Android devices don’t always support the codec. SBC has wider compatibility, but results in lower quality audio compared to AAC due to higher compression and lack of optimization (Source).
Limited Bluetooth Codec Support
Many Android phones don’t fully support the AAC Bluetooth codec that AirPods use, which can lead to lower audio quality. AirPods rely on the AAC codec to deliver high-fidelity audio, while most Android devices only support the lower quality SBC codec by default [1]. When an Android device doesn’t support AAC, it will fallback to using SBC for AirPods, which has a max bitrate of 328kbps compared to 250kbps for AAC [2].
AAC support on Android can vary depending on the phone model. Some popular devices that fully support AAC include:
- Samsung Galaxy S21 and newer
- Google Pixel 3 and newer
- OnePlus 8 and newer
Without AAC, AirPods will sound noticeably lower quality on Android. The SBC codec compresses the audio more, resulting in a flatter sound profile.
Software and Hardware Optimization
One key reason AirPods sound lower on Android devices is that Apple optimizes the hardware and software together for the best experience on iOS and Apple devices (Source). The tight integration between the AirPods firmware, software drivers, and iOS or MacOS allows Apple to tune the audio performance specifically for their ecosystem.
In contrast, the Android ecosystem has much more fragmentation across various manufacturers and software versions. AirPods lack the proper optimization for Android that they receive on iOS (Source). While Apple designs the AirPods hardware and can update the firmware, they do not control the Android OS software side. This missing software optimization leads to lower maximum volumes and lackluster audio performance on Android.
Missing Features
One of the main downsides of using AirPods with Android is that you lose access to key software features that are designed specifically for iOS devices. For example, active noise cancellation is less effective when using AirPods with an Android phone. The noise cancelling performance is optimized when the AirPods are paired with an iPhone that is running the latest iOS software. Additionally, spatial audio is not supported at all on Android. This immersive surround sound experience is an Apple exclusive feature.
You also miss out on other iOS-specific features like automatic device switching, “Hey Siri” voice commands, customizable touch controls, in-ear detection, and Find My integration. While the core functionality of listening to audio works fine, the lack of these bonus software perks on Android makes for an inferior overall experience compared to iPhone users.
Potential Workarounds
There are a few potential workarounds to increase the volume of AirPods on Android devices:
You can try manually changing the Bluetooth codec from AAC to SBC, which sometimes results in louder volume. This can be done through your device’s Developer Options menu (https://www.headphonesty.com/2023/01/increase-volume-on-airpods-on-android/).
Alternatively, you can use an app like Volume Booster GOODEV or Music Volume EQ to unlock more advanced Bluetooth codec support. These apps can override the default AAC codec and allow your AirPods to take advantage of aptX or LDAC for higher audio quality and volume (https://apple.stackexchange.com/questions/414623/airpods-volume-suddenly-too-low-in-android-mobile-device).
If those options don’t work, switching to a different set of wireless earbuds designed for Android may be necessary. You’ll often get better optimization, louder volume, and full feature support from earbuds made specifically for the Android platform.
Apple’s Ecosystem
Apple is well known for its “walled garden” approach, designed to keep users within its ecosystem of products and services. When products like AirPods are designed primarily for Apple devices, it helps drive customer loyalty and retention (Apple’s Solid Financial Performance and Ecosystem Strategy Justify Buy Rating: An Analysis of Michael Walkley’s Recommendation, 2023).
AirPods and other Apple accessories work best when paired with Apple devices due to tight integration and optimization between hardware and software. For example, AirPods take advantage of Apple’s proprietary H1 chip to enable faster connecting, effortless switching between devices, hands-free “Hey Siri” activation, and more (macOS Sonoma: A New Chapter in Apple’s Ecosystem Evolution, 2023).
This seamless experience helps keep users locked into Apple’s ecosystem, since competing products like Android headphones can’t offer the same level of deep integration. As part of its ecosystem approach, Apple has a strategic advantage in being able to tightly control both ends of the experience when it comes to products like AirPods.
The Future
Will Apple optimize AirPods for Android in the future? It seems unlikely given Apple’s history of prioritizing its own iOS ecosystem. However, there is still hope for improved compatibility.
Future versions of Bluetooth could introduce new codecs or extensions that enhance audio quality and reduce latency on Android. The Bluetooth SIG, which oversees development of Bluetooth standards, often focuses on improving interoperability across devices. If new Bluetooth versions include mandatory codec support or profiles that benefit wireless earbuds, then AirPods performance on Android may indirectly improve over time without specific optimization from Apple.
Apple also faces some pressure to improve cross-platform compatibility as AirPods grow increasingly popular globally. As more Android users purchase AirPods for fashion and brand appeal, Apple may choose to improve baseline functionality and narrow the gap in user experience between iOS and Android in order to attract this wider audience.
Summary
AirPods were primarily designed for the iOS ecosystem, with Apple customizing hardware and software features to provide seamless integration and an optimal listening experience on iPhones and other Apple devices. When used with Android devices, limitations in Bluetooth codec support from both the AirPods and Android phones lead to a subpar audio experience, especially reduced maximum volume levels. Android’s lack of support for Apple’s proprietary AAC codec and Apple’s decision not to support the more universal aptX codec on AirPods contribute to this issue.
While some minor improvements can be made through app settings, firmware updates, and using one AirPod at a time, Android users face inherent compatibility issues with AirPods. To get the full intended experience, AirPods are best suited for Apple devices. Android users may want to consider wireless earbuds that are designed for broader compatibility across platforms.