Apple Music is among the few streaming providers that gives high-resolution audio (aka “lossless”) at no additional cost. However having fun with that additional high quality in your cellphone normally requires some additional {hardware}. That’s the objective of this information, — that will help you discover precisely what you want relying on how you like to pay attention. Each product listed under will assist you to squeeze extra audio high quality out of your Apple Music subscription. Actually, no matter music service you utilize, your listening expertise might be enhanced. Better of all, most of those suggestions are appropriate with Android, Mac and Home windows units, too.
Thankfully, as knowledge plans grow to be extra beneficiant and expertise advances, listening to those larger-files of their full glory is much less of a problem. There are nonetheless some {hardware} hurdles although, particularly for those who use AirPods (or any wi-fi headphones) as Bluetooth expertise is theoretically able to delivering some higher-resolution audio, and Apple merchandise don’t help the required expertise (codecs reminiscent of Aptx, LDAC and many others.). Confusingly, there are additionally completely different ranges of “lossless” on Apple Music, with normal “CD high quality” audio after which “Hello-Res Lossless” information which can be recorded at even larger knowledge charges. However don’t fear, we now have an answer for you under, regardless of how you like to hearken to your music.
In fact, a DAC or dongle is just a part of the equation — your headphones or audio system are additionally simply as necessary. So for those who’re on the lookout for the best possible audio expertise you should definitely try our information to the finest headphones. Though these choices are wi-fi, many can be utilized with a cable, too, making them the right pairing for our suggestions under.
Greatest DACs for 2025
James Trew for Engadget
Fiio’s reasonably priced KA11 dongle accommodates a DAC with a most decision of 32bit/384kHz — which is effectively above Apple Music’s top-tier “Hello-Res” lossless format (24bit/192kHz) — so you may make sure that you’re getting each final little bit of high quality out of no matter you’re listening to. Better of all, the KA11 is highly effective, too, with a better quantity output than Apple’s on headphone adapter (extra on this under). At round $30, this dongle is the perfect bang in your buck on the subject of upgrading the audio expertise in your iPhone, Android, PC or Mac. There’s even a Lightning model out there for these with older iPhones and iPads.
We notably just like the simplicity of Fiio’s KA11 because it’s plug-and-play without having to cost it. It’s solely barely larger than a typical headphone adapter and it comes with a rugged, woven cable, so it could possibly deal with a whole lot of put on and tear. There’s even a small LED on the entrance that allows you to know for those who’re listening to straightforward, excessive, or higher-resolution information so that you could be assured you’re getting essentially the most out of your music in actual time.
Apple
Sure, it’s the Apple headphone adapter and (perhaps) love, but it surely’s value contemplating if you would like one thing tremendous light-weight and much more reasonably priced. Apple’s dongle doesn’t help the bigger, Hello-Res information out there on its music service, however it could possibly deal with the usual lossless (24bit/48kHz) format no downside. As you’d anticipate, it’s out there in Lightning and USB-C variations relying on which Apple system you’re connecting it to.
Certain, essentially the most demanding listeners would possibly lament the shortage of help for the upper resolutions, and it may be a bit quiet with some headphones which can be excessive impedance (usually costlier “audiophile” fashions). For the overwhelming majority of customers, although, Apple’s dongle will do the job. In case you’re unsure, verify the guide in your headphones and search for Impedance (typically listed as Ohms) — something under round 150Ohms and you need to be high-quality. Something above that, and also you would possibly wish to take into account Fiio’s dongle as a substitute.
iFi
Whereas this information is primarily centered on Apple Music, many of the gear right here will unlock lossless audio regardless of the place you pay attention. If Tidal is your platform of selection, you is perhaps conversant in the MQA codec, which the corporate used for its high-resolution audio till ultimately switching to FLAC in 2024. MQA may not be as widespread in streaming anymore, however for those who nonetheless wish to be sure to can hearken to music from shops or providers that present it, the iFi GO Hyperlink can have you lined, together with the usual Apple Music excessive decision audio codecs, and the rest, as much as 32-bit/384kHz.
James Trew for Engadget
Sennheiser’s BTD700 is a wi-fi adapter that plugs into your cellphone, upgrading its Bluetooth capabilities with the newest high-resolution codecs reminiscent of Aptx Adaptive and Aptx Lossless. iPhones don’t help any of those natively, however with this small dongle, you may unlock the total potential of Bluetooth audio and the upper bitrates (and in idea audio high quality) Aptx Lossless affords. There’s a small caveat, although: you’ll need Bluetooth headphones that additionally help considered one of these codecs reminiscent of these or these (or verify the product web page of the set you personal or are contemplating).
The BTD700 is straightforward to make use of, simply plug it in to your cellphone’s (or different system’s) USB-C port, pair your headphones to it and off you go. An LED on the dongle lets which of the six completely different Bluetooth “qualities” (codecs) you’re having fun with so you’ll know once you’re listening to lossless audio. The useful half? When you’ve paired your headphones with the dongle, you received’t have to re-pair for those who join the BTD700 to a PC or Mac. This little adapter successfully offers something with a USB-C port an audio improve, and there’s even a low-latency mode for gaming. Be aware, there’s no Lightning choice right here, so for those who’re on an older cellphone you might need to stay with utilizing an adapter.
James Trew for Engadget
In case you’re trying to take issues to the following stage with out spending “high-end” cash, there’s lots to like in regards to the Melody DAC from Snowsky. In contrast to a easy dongle, the Melody has onboard controls and two headphone jacks. A kind of is for normal 3.5mm headphones, however the different is for 4.4mm “balanced” headphones, which suggests the Melody can develop with you in case your audio journey takes you deeper into the world of audiophilia.
The wooden end offers it a cultured really feel and though it’s gentle, it nonetheless delivers that high quality “Hello-Fi” really feel. As for sound high quality, there’s help for 384K/32bit pattern charges, which covers the whole lot Apple Music can ship. The built-in amplifier can simply go louder than you must in all probability ever pay attention and there are different luxuries, too, reminiscent of help for inline microphones — so you may nonetheless deal with calls and take conferences in your cellphone. We additionally love you can tailor the sound to your choice through the Fiio Management companion app.
Fanmusic
When you can squeeze a formidable quantity of audio tech right into a headphone adapter, a barely larger system affords a good step up in each specs and options. Moondrop’s Moonriver T2i DAC is barely bigger than a pack of gum, and it has a classy design that doesn’t appear like a boring, generic dongle.
Importantly, the Moonriver T2i builds on the success of the corporate’s Moonriver 2 DAC. The “2” partly refers to the usage of twin DAC chips right here, which delivers a “balanced” sign. Every channel can deal with as much as 32bit/384KHz decision and there are two headphone ports. One for normal 3.5mm headphones and one other for 4.4mm connections — making use of that balanced output. If that is your first step into the world of Hello-Fi DACs, you’re completely high-quality with 3.5mm headphones, however some desire the 4.4mm connector because it supplies extra energy and potential sign advantages, particularly for those who’re utilizing a headphone amp.
With the Moonriver T2i you’ve gotten a pair extra sensible benefits. For one, there are bodily quantity controls on the system itself. In case you ever felt that the 16 ranges of loudness on the iPhone (I simply counted) weren’t sufficient, then the 100 steps of adjustment on the Moonriver T2i (through companion software program) remove any worries about setting the music to the right stage. In case your headphones have an in-line microphone, the excellent news is that this dongle will go that via to your cellphone or PC so that you received’t want a separate system for calls.
Most significantly, the sound that comes out of the Moonriver T2i is shiny and daring. You’ll hear audiophiles speak about sound stage, element and width, all it’s essential know is that this DAC ticks off all of the buzzwords and serves up shiny, strong sound that’s going to make any lossless/hi-res music actually shine.
FiiO
Who stated a DAC must be a dongle? In case you’re on the lookout for one thing a bit extra all-in-one then the SP3 BT energetic audio system from Fiio are an ideal choice. We like that, for a similar worth as many standalone DACs, you’ve gotten the whole lot it’s essential decode high-resolution music from virtually any supply with USB-C and Aux inputs for telephones together with normal Hello-Fi connections reminiscent of optical, RCA and coaxial.
These audio system didn’t make it to our testing bench, however the SP3 BTs commonly obtain reward for his or her sound and premium construct high quality at an affordable worth. For Bluetooth listening, there’s help for each Aptx Adaptive and HD together with Sony’s rival LDAC making these audio system one thing of an audio swiss-army knife. Whereas these audio system will make an ideal companion to your house workplace or workspace, they’ll simply discover a house in your front room or den connecting to some other music gamers you might need (for vinyl you’ll nonetheless want a pre-amp).
James Trew for Engadget
In case you’ve had some expertise with DACs and want to ratchet issues up a notch or three, then the Mojo 2 from British firm Chord needs to have a phrase. At $650, that is positively within the high-end worth vary, however the expertise and options it affords make it value contemplating for severe audiophiles. However the brains behind the Mojo 2 have been making digital to analog converters just about since there was digital music to even convert. That have is what makes the Mojo 2 a favourite amongst music followers.
Most choices on this information are designed for cellular units first, the Mojo 2 is extra of a hybrid system. The cellular dongles above all take their energy from the participant you join them to, which is handy, however clearly is much less variety to your cellphone’s battery life. The Mojo 2 has an inner cell so received’t tax the one in your cellphone or laptop computer. It’s sufficiently small to be moveable, however substantial sufficient to stay in your desk.
In contrast to most DACs that use off the shelf chips to deal with the digital-to-audio conversion, the Mojo 2 makes use of discipline programmable gate array (FPGA) expertise to create its personal customized “chip.” It’s additionally highly effective sufficient to behave as each a DAC and a preamp, driving even power-hungry headphones with ease. We’ve seen FPGA achieve recognition in gaming circles for its skill to mimic numerous consoles, however that very same flexibility is what makes it attention-grabbing to the audio engineers at Chord.
In case you want one thing that’s capital L loud, then the Mojo 2 is not going to disappoint. Proceed with warning right here. It’s truly highly effective sufficient to drive two pairs of headphones on the similar time and has two 3.5mm ports so you are able to do precisely that. The curious round buttons may also be used to alter sound profiles with an excruciating stage of element.
The Mojo 2 has normal USB-C, microUSB, optical and coax inputs so it’s extra versatile than a whole lot of its competitors on this regard. Though it’s value noting you can solely cost the Mojo 2 through microUSB. In fact, there’s a cable offered for this, however for those who’ve totally made the swap to USB-C, it’ll imply it’s important to guard the charging cable intently.
DAC FAQs
What does DAC stand for?
DAC stands for digital to analogue converter. A digital-to-analog converter takes the digital (D) music out of your cellphone or laptop and converts (C) it into analog (A) sound you may hear. All telephones and PCs have them, however since handsets moved to USB-C, Lightning or Bluetooth for music, the duty of changing that sign was typically outsourced to both your adapter or your wi-fi headphones.
DACs can be utilized with telephones, laptops and desktops however are usually a lot less complicated than an everyday exterior audio interface. One primary distinction is that DACs are normally for listening solely whereas an audio interface might need ports to plug in microphones and devices (however an exterior audio interface can also be technically a DAC). Some high-end DACs even embrace XLR outputs for higher connectivity with skilled audio gear.
The most effective DACs are usually light-weight, making them extra appropriate for cellular use, though it nonetheless will get a bit difficult with the iPhone as you continue to would possibly want so as to add one other dongle to make it play good with Lightning. Additionally, not all DACs help all the upper audio resolutions like DSD. Most standalone DACs require exterior energy or an onboard battery, although some can use the ability from no matter you plug them into — wherein case anticipate a success to your battery life.
Why do I would like new {hardware} to hearken to music?
The quick reply is, you don’t. You’ll be able to play “hi-res” audio information on most telephones and PCs, you simply may not be getting the total expertise. In case your system’s audio interface tops out at 44.1 or 48kHz (which is pretty widespread and covers the overwhelming majority of music on-line) then that’s the expertise you’ll get. If you wish to get pleasure from higher sounding music at a better pattern charge and bit-depth (aka decision), you’ll want an interface that helps it and wired headphones, probably utilizing a headphone amp for an enhanced expertise.
It’s value stating that “lossless” and “hi-res” are associated phrases, however not the identical factor and can fluctuate from service to service. Apple makes use of ALAC encoding which is compressed, however with out “loss” to the standard (in contrast to the ever-present .aac or .mp3 file codecs). CDs have been typically mastered to not less than 16-bit / 44.1kHz which is the benchmark that Apple is utilizing for its definition of lossless. In audio circles, a basic consensus is that hi-res is something with a pattern charge above 44.1kHz. More and more, although, the time period is getting used for something 96kHz and above.
This, after all, isn’t solely about Apple’s new streaming codecs. Exterior DACs and audio interfaces are a good way to get the perfect sound and improve your listening expertise typically. Particularly if you wish to get into the world of extra unique (learn: dear) headphones, as they typically even require a DAC to supply sufficient clear digital sign to drive them. For audiophile headphones, a cellphone or laptop computer’s inner sound chipset typically doesn’t have the oomph wanted to ship a hi-fi expertise, which means a greater DAC might make all of the distinction in sound high quality.
Okay, however can’t I simply use the headphone adapter for my cellphone?
No. Nicely, sure, however see above. A Lightning or USB-C to three.5mm headphone adapter typically is an audio interface and many of the ones you’re shopping for for $7 (or that come free within the field) don’t help hi-res audio past 48kHz / 24-bit. Android is a bit more difficult, as some adapters are “passive” and actually simply join you to the cellphone’s inner DAC like old style headphones. Others (energetic ones) have a DAC built-in and good luck discovering out what your particular cellphone and the in-box adapter delivers. (Trace: join it to a PC and see if it comes up as an audio interface. You would possibly discover some particulars there if it does).
What about Bluetooth headphones?
Likelihood is that over the previous few years you’ve migrated from wired to wi-fi headphones (thanks, Apple). The world of Bluetooth headphones modifications issues a bit on the subject of in search of higher audio efficiency. What issues right here is twofold, the headphones you’re utilizing (as these will technically be the “DAC”) and the codec — the strategy used to ship the musical knowledge over to the headphones.
It’s additionally value checking to see in case your headphones help aptX and which model. Look out for aptX HD, aptX Adaptive and (for the best high quality) aptX Lossless that are all higher than normal and changing into extra widespread, albeit slowly. It’s value noting that each your cellphone or media participant and your headphones have to help the identical aptX codec. At present, no iPhone helps any kind of aptX, although dongles exist that can supply that performance.
Different higher-resolution Bluetooth codecs exist, like Sony’s LDAC, however Qualcomm’s AptX has wider help because of its prevalence in Android units. Some high-end wi-fi headphones would possibly even include a headphone jack for wired connections when higher-quality audio is required.
