Latency is the short delay between when a sound leaves your device and when you actually hear it. It’s measured in milliseconds, but those milliseconds matter more than you’d think — especially when sound and visuals need to line up.
Most of the time, you won’t even notice it. But in certain situations, it can throw things off just enough to be annoying or even unusable. So let’s unpack where latency shows up, why it happens, and what you can do to keep it under control.
What Latency Actually Means
When you hit play on a track or video, your device compresses the audio and sends it to your speaker or headphones via Bluetooth. The speaker then decompresses that data and plays it back. Every step takes time. That total delay — from button press to audible sound — is latency.
The delay can be as short as 30 milliseconds (barely noticeable) or as long as 300 milliseconds (definitely noticeable). The exact number depends on the codec used, the Bluetooth version, and how efficient each device is at processing the signal.
Where You’ll Notice It Most
Latency is always there, but it’s not always a problem. It depends entirely on what you’re doing.
You’ll notice it most in:
- Watching TV (with a Bluetooth speaker): One of the most common scenarios where lip-sync drift becomes obvious.
- Video playback: Lip-sync issues give everything that slight “dubbed” feel.
- Gaming: Action sounds lag behind what you see on screen.
- Live audio monitoring: Musicians, podcasters, and DJs can’t work with delayed feedback.
- Video calls: Delayed speech creates awkward conversational overlaps.
When you’re simply listening to music, your brain compensates automatically. That’s why even a noticeable latency number doesn’t necessarily sound like a problem when you’re not matching sound to visuals.
Why It Happens
Bluetooth audio relies on digital encoding and wireless transmission. The sound is compressed, sent through the air, and decoded again before reaching your ears. That chain takes time — and every link in it adds a little more delay.
The main factors include:
- Codec choice: SBC, AAC, aptX, or LC3 all process data differently, which affects delay.
- Device compatibility: If your phone supports a faster codec but your speaker doesn’t, you’ll default to the slower one.
- Distance and interference: Longer range or obstacles increase signal processing and buffering.
- Software handling: Some devices or apps add extra buffering to avoid dropouts, which increases latency.
Common Bluetooth Codecs and Average Latency
| Codec | Average Latency (ms) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| SBC | 200–250 | Universal default; high delay |
| AAC | 120–150 | Common on Apple devices |
| aptX | 100–150 | Android and Windows standard |
| aptX Adaptive / LL | 40–80 | Designed for gaming and video |
| LC3 (Bluetooth 5.2+) | <30 | Emerging low-latency standard |
How to Reduce Latency
You can’t eliminate latency completely, but you can get it low enough that it’s practically invisible.
Here’s how:
- Match codecs: Both your source and speaker need to support the same low-latency format (aptX LL, aptX Adaptive, or LC3).
- Keep it close: Stay within a few meters and avoid walls or furniture between devices.
- Update firmware: Manufacturers often refine latency performance through software updates.
- Skip multipoint or group connections: Each additional device adds delay.
- Go wired when precision matters: For recording, editing, or pro-level gaming, cables still win.
The Bottom Line
Latency is the small trade-off that comes with cutting the cord. For everyday listening, it’s hardly worth thinking about. But for synced activities — gaming, movies, or TV audio — it’s something you’ll want to manage carefully.
Knowing which codecs perform best and how to set up your gear helps you avoid the frustration of out-of-sync audio and enjoy your Bluetooth setup the way it was meant to be — smooth, responsive, and lag-free.
