How to tell if your headphones are compatible with Bluetooth LE Audio: a complete guide

¿How do I know if my headphones are compatible with Bluetooth LE Audio? If you're wondering how to check if your headphones, speakers, or mobile phone are compatible with Bluetooth LE Audio, you've come to the right place. This standard brings powerful improvements in quality, latency, and energy consumption.However, not all devices support it out of the box, even if they boast the latest Bluetooth technology.

Bluetooth technology has been evolving for more than two decades and today is far ahead of that first version we knew. From mini Bluetooth speakers to giant models, there's something for everyone.But LE Audio introduces new features that change how we listen to music, how we share sound, and even how we connect to public broadcasts. In the following sections, you'll see what LE Audio is, why it's different, and how to practically check if your headphones, mobile phone, PC, or tablet support it.

What is Bluetooth LE Audio and how does it differ?

Bluetooth LE Audio is a modern standard for sending sound using the Bluetooth Low Energy layer, with clear improvements in efficiency, quality, and stability. It is available from Bluetooth 5.2 and later versions (5.3, 5.4 and 6.0)But be aware: it doesn't come "activated" simply by having that version; it's an additional feature that the manufacturer must implement.

It is important not to confuse Bluetooth LE Audio with simply “Bluetooth LE” (the one from 2013). That original LE was designed for short, very low data throughput connections (sensors, accessories), not for real-time music. LE Audio is, in practice, the arrival of “LE” to audio streaming, with new profiles and codecs designed precisely for that purpose.

The technical heart of LE Audio is the LC3 codec. LC3 compresses better than SBC at lower bit rates (approximately 345 to 160 Kbps) and bit depths of 32 to 16 bitsMaintaining or even improving the perceived quality. According to tests published by the Bluetooth SIG, listeners perceive fidelity as superior when comparing SBC at the same bit rate.

In addition to the codec, LE Audio enables key features that you'll notice in your day-to-day use: Lower latency, more stable and synchronized connection between the two headphones (Multi-Stream) and support for Auracast, a technology for broadcasting audio to multiple listeners simultaneously from a single source.

Practical advantages: battery life, quality, latency, and Auracast

Thanks to LC3 and the new profiling approach, LE Audio allows for reduced power consumption in both the transmitter and receiver. This translates into greater autonomy for the mobile phone and headphonesThis is something you notice when you listen to music for hours or simply don't want to charge it so often.

In terms of fidelity, LC3 makes better use of every kilobit per second than SBC. Compression is more efficient and preserves more detailresulting in a listening experience that, at the same bitrate, is usually perceived as cleaner and more pleasant.

There are also benefits in audio response. Latency decreases, improving audio-video synchronization. (TV series, movies) and offering advantages in games where every millisecond counts. These differences may be subtle, but they are noticeable for latency-sensitive uses.

Multi-Stream is another important advantage: The mobile device can maintain independent and synchronized flows to each earpiece.preventing one from "bridging" the other. This helps with stability, stereo imaging, and source switching (for example, when switching between phone and laptop).

Finally, Auracast opens the door to new experiences. It allows you to share audio with multiple people at once and even tune into public broadcasts From your compatible Android phone, connect your LE Audio headphones as a listener. Ideal for events, museums, or simply for listening to a playlist with friends, each using their own headphones.

How to tell if your Android phone has Bluetooth LE Audio

Although LE Audio appears from Bluetooth 5.2 onwards, not all mobile phones with that version support it. Compatibility depends on the manufacturer having activated the standard. at the hardware, firmware, and software levels. That's why it's a good idea to check it.

The first option is to consult the manufacturer's website and technical specifications. If you prefer a direct method on Android, you can use the DevCheck app from Google Play. This trick is quick and will clear up your doubts in a minute..

Steps with DevCheck (Android): 1) Install DevCheck from the Play Store5) Open the app, 2) go to the Hardware tab, 3) scroll down to the Bluetooth section, and 4) look at “LE Audio Support”. If it has a green checkmark, your phone supports it; if it shows a gray X, your phone does not have LE Audio enabled.

Remember that LE Audio is a separate capability from classic Bluetooth; Simply reading “Bluetooth 5.x” is not enough to be sureEach brand decides which features to enable, and it's not yet available on many recent models. In any case, if you're thinking about upgrading your phone, here's an article you might find interesting: The new POCO F8 Pro and POCO F8 Ultra are aiming for an imminent global launch..

How to check if your headphones are compatible with LE Audio

For headphones and headsets, there is currently no universal application that detects LE Audio from the accessory itself. The reliable way is to check the manufacturer's official specifications. and explicitly look for “Bluetooth LE Audio”, “LC3” or compatibility with the TMAP profile (modern telephony and multimedia audio profile associated with the LE Audio ecosystem).

Some brands clearly explain the standard and codec they integrate, and when they include LE Audio they usually highlight it. If you don't see any mention of LC3, LE Audio, or TMAPIt is very likely that the model does not support it yet.

An additional method, useful for finding out the Bluetooth version of your headphones (not to be confused with LE Audio), is to consult the instruction manual. Panasonic, for example, recommends using its Manual Finder and follow these steps: 1) access https://support-es.panasonic.eu/app/products/find, 2) enter the model number (for example, RB-M700), 3) go to “Manuals and Guides”, 4) open “Usage Instructions” and 5) locate the “Specifications” section, where there is usually a “Bluetooth” section with the compatible version.

In the manual you can see if, for example, it indicates “Bluetooth 4.2”. That tells you the general Bluetooth version of the headset, not necessarily whether it supports LE AudioEven so, the data is useful for positioning the product and ruling out impossible compatibilities.

Share audio on Android: Pixel and compatible devices

With an Android phone that supports LE Audio and LE Audio headphones, you can share sound with multiple people at once. Each person uses their own LE Audio headset connected to the same phoneand everyone listens in sync.

On Pixel phones, the process is simple: 1) Pair your LE Audio headphones2) Open Quick Settings, 3) tap Bluetooth, and 4) in the bottom left corner, tap “Share Audio.” If you don’t see the option, make sure your LE Audio headphones are connected and turned on.

If you already have another pair of LE Audio headphones paired, share them directly. If you don't have another pair matchedYou can: a) tap “Pair new device” and link other LE Audio headphones; b) connect via QR code, using another LE Audio-compatible Android phone that is connected to LE Audio headphones.

To join a broadcast using a QR code: 1) Open the Camera app2) Scan the QR code on the device that is sharing audio, 3) tap the “Playlist” button, and 4) tap “Listen” to enter the broadcast.

If you have multiple headphones connected, you can adjust the experience in two ways: Phone settings > Connected devices > Connection preferences > Audio sharingor from Quick Settings > Bluetooth > “Audio Sharing”.

Within “Share audio” you can: activate/deactivate the function, adjust the individual volume per earphone, choose which headphones to use for calls when you tap “Call Audio”, play a “test sound” that all participants hear, and modify broadcast settings.

Join or start broadcasts with Samsung LE Audio

On Samsung devices with LE Audio, there are also specific options available for tuning or outputting sound. To join a broadcast: 1) Open Quick Settings, 2) Tap Bluetooth, 3) Next to the LE Audio accessory, tap the gear icon and enter “Search for a broadcast”, 4) Choose the broadcast from the list.

If you want to start a broadcast from a Samsung device with LE Audio: 1) Quick settings > Bluetooth > Details2) In the upper right corner, tap More, and 3) select “Broadcast sound with Auracast.” This will make your broadcast visible so others can join.

LE Audio on Windows 11: Requirements and testing

LE Audio is not exclusive to mobile; it is also advancing on desktop. For use on Windows 11, version 22H2 or laterYou need the equipment to support Bluetooth LE, have a compatible audio codec, and have the manufacturer's drivers for the Bluetooth LE radio and codec.

Not all PCs with "Bluetooth LE" in the specifications sheet support LE audio. The key lies in the system and manufacturer supportSome devices may gain compatibility later through driver updates.

To check this in Windows 11: 1) Open Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices; or use the shortcut to the same section. In that window, within Device SettingsVerify that "Use LE Audio when available" appears and is enabled. If this option is not present, your device does not currently support LE Audio.

Profiles and architecture: TMAP, classic audio vs LE

Classic Bluetooth audio uses profiles such as A2DP (music) and HFP (hands-free). LE Audio, on the other hand, uses modern profiles, including TMAP (telephony and multimedia profile) that articulates the new LE stack for calls and music playback.

This change in profiles is not merely nominal: It allows you to enable features that did not exist in classic audio., such as streaming to LE-enabled headphones and Auracast broadcasts, in addition to taking advantage of the greater efficiency of the LE channel and the LC3 codec.

Multi-Stream Audio Explained

Multi-Stream is a built-in feature in LE Audio that enables multiple independent and synchronized audio streams between the source and one or more destinations. For you, it means a more stable connection with your true wireless earbuds., better stereo image and smoother switching between source devices (e.g., from mobile to laptop).

By managing each earbud with its own workflow, Cuts, desynchronizations and delays are reduced typical of configurations where one of the helmets "commands" and the other simply follows.

Auracast and public broadcasting from Android

With a compatible Android mobile phone, you can scan and tune into broadcasts Auracast with your LE Audio headphones or earphones. The phone acts as a bridge so that the LE Audio headphones can join that broadcast.whether in a public setting or in a room where someone is sharing their audio.

This function is not limited to two people: It allows multiple listeners to connect simultaneously.Each person uses their own headphones, provided the source and accessories are LE Audio. It's a very practical way to listen in sync as a group.

Popular models with LE Audio: mobile phones and headphones

The compatible ecosystem is growing and there are already well-known options on the market. In the range of mobile phones, tablets and foldable devices Highlights: Samsung Galaxy S23 / S23+ / S23 Ultra, S24 / S24+ / S24 Ultra, S25 / S25+ / S25 Ultra; Galaxy Tab S9 / S9+ / S9 Ultra, Tab S10+ / S10 Ultra; and the foldable Z Fold 5 / Z Fold 6, Flip 5 / Z Flip 6.

With other manufacturers, It also supports models such as the Google Pixel 8 / 8 Pro and the Pixel 9 / 9 Pro / 9 Pro XL / 9 Pro Fold, as well as OnePlus 11, OnePlus 12 and OnePlus 13.

If we look at headphones, there are various options: Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro and Buds 3 Pro; Sony WF-1000XM5, LinkBuds S, LinkBuds Open, LinkBuds Fit and Inzone Buds; Google Pixel Buds Pro 2; OnePlus Buds Pro 2 and Buds Pro 3.

Other known options include Earfun Air Pro 3, JLab Epic Lab Edition Earbuds, Huawei FreeBuds 5 and several Creative lines (Aurvana Ace, Ace 2, Air Pro, Air Plus), in addition to Moondrop Golden Ages.

Bluetooth speakers and the leap to LE Audio

Bluetooth speakers come in all sizes: from mini portable speakers to high-powered modelsAlthough many use classic Bluetooth audio, we will gradually see more speakers adopting LE Audio, especially to take advantage of LC3 and Auracast broadcasts in shared spaces.

If you're interested in a speaker with these features, always check the specifications sheet. Explicitly search for “Bluetooth LE Audio”, LC3 or Auracast compatibilityIf they don't mention it, it will normally only work with the classic profile (A2DP/HFP).

Use an Easy LE adapter with your hearing aids

If your hearing aids or medical headphones support LE Audio, you can use an Easy LE adapter. Once paired, you'll be able to stream audio instantly.And the adapter will remain linked even if you disconnect it from your PC, tablet, or smartphone and connect it to another device.

The idea is simple: You use the USB-C port of the device you want to get sound from.and you can move the adapter between devices as needed. Just keep one limitation in mind: the headphones can only be connected to one Easy LE adapter at a time.

During playback or calls, The physical buttons on your headphones control the volume. of the transmission. However, accepting, ending, or rejecting calls using these buttons will not work while you are using the adapter.

Compatibility tips and quick checks

Let's recap the essentials so you don't get lost: LE Audio requires compatibility at both ends.That is, on the sender (mobile phone, PC, tablet) and on the receiver (headphones, earphones, speaker). If either of them does not support LE Audio, you will not be able to use LC3, Multi-Stream, or Auracast.

On Android, use DevCheck or consult the manufacturer's support; In Windows 11 (22H2 or later), check the "Use LE Audio when available" option. In Settings, and keep your drivers up to date in case your computer receives compatibility through an update.

For headphones, check the technical specifications and look for “LE Audio”, “LC3” or “TMAP”. If you need to know the Bluetooth version, refer to the user manual. (as Panasonic proposes with its search engine) to identify connectivity data that will guide you.

LE Audio has arrived to improve quality, latency and battery life, as well as unlock features like Multi-Stream and Auracast that were not in classic audio. If you verify the compatibility of your mobile phone, computer, and headphones using the steps aboveYou can take advantage of these benefits without any hassle, whether sharing audio with friends, tuning in to public broadcasts, or enjoying more stable and efficient listening in your daily life.