When we listen to downloaded music, we often hear our music in a "compressed" form like an MP3. These are files that have been adjusted to take up a minimal amount of storage space on your phone or computer. They compact files are "lossy" which result in tracks that might be missing some of the high-end details present in the original records. Lossless audio still compresses the files but utilizes a specific algorithm that can minimize size without sacrificing detail. Lossless file types include FLAC, AIFF, and ALAC (Apple Lossless Audio Codec). This is a fairly simple explanation, and there is certainly more to learn but, at the end of the day, lossless audio is more desirable than the alternative.

Apple pioneered lossless audio with the aforementioned file type which, once released, spurned other services to adopt the trend across services like Apple Music, Amazon Music, and Tidal. However, it's worth noting that lossless audio over Bluetooth isn't common; Qualcomm has demonstrated that its new aptX Lossless Bluetooth codec for smartphones can deliver Hi-Fi audio to output devices like wireless earbuds. However, the tech is still in its infancy and has yet to roll out to any consumer devices. There are easy ways to experience lossless audio on your smartphone or computer. Just a heads-up, it might end up being a slightly expensive affair if you want the best experience.

For now, you'll need a pair of wired earphones or headphones to listen to lossless versions of your favorite songs. You'll also need a dedicated DAC that plugs into the USB-C or Lightning port of your smartphone since most built-in DACs can't relay the necessary bandwidth. It's worth mentioning that some smartphones — even in 2023 — still include headphones jacks and decent built-in DACs, so there are some exceptions, but not many. In some scenarios, you will also need an amp to ensure gain levels aren't a problem.

How to stream lossless audio on your phone

To get started, you'll need an external DAC to connect your headphones or earphones. An external DAC (or a Digital to Analog Converter) can process audio at a much higher bitrate than the DAC in your phone, which helps drive higher-fidelity audio to supported headphones. Some phones, like the LG V60 ThinQ and Asus ROG Phone 5, have high-fidelity DACs that support up to 32-bit audio at 192KHz, which is more than sufficient for listening to lossless audio. However, most built-in DACs don't support that level of processing, so you'll more than likely need an external DAC.

You'll also need a set of headphones that support Hi-Fi audio. Look for something capable of playing back 32-bit 192KHz audio, giving you plenty of headroom for lossless audio streaming.

In some cases, the headphones you buy will require an external AMP to provide full power. An AMP gives your headphones an extra boost in the power department to mitigate any volume issues you run into when using an external DAC. Most DACs come with an AMP built-in, so if you think you'll need one, keep your eyes peeled.

For more on lossless audio and how it works with DACs and headphones, refer to our complete guide.

Best USB-C DACs for Android phones, Mac, and Windows

For streaming lossless audio on an Android phone, Mac, or Windows machine, check out these DACs.

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  FiiO JadeAudio KA1 32-bit USB-C DAC

  Editor's choice

  This USB-C DAC from FiiO is just like the Lightning version with 32-bit hi-fi audio support, a built-in AMP, and a more reasonable price than some competitors.

  $50 at Amazon

• 

  WKWZY 32-bit USB-C DAC

  Best value

  This is one of the most affordable 32-bit USB-C DACs you can find and should be good enough for most people wanting to experience lossless audio.

  $19 at Amazon

• 

  Spectra X2 Portable DAC/AMP [3.5mm Jack to USB-C]

  Premium pick

  Like the X2 Lightning model, this is a great DAC for high-quality performance that you can easily connect to your MacBook (or your new iPhone15).

  $164 at Amazon

Best lossless DACs for iPhone (Lightning)

If you want to stream lossless audio on your iPhone, we recommend picking up one of these Lightning-equipped DACs.

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  FiiO JadeAudio KA1 Lossless Lightning DAC

  Best value

  This Lightning DAC supports up to 32bit/384kHz PCM and DSD512 high-end decoding at a much lower price than the competition.

  $55 at Amazon

• 

  Spectra X2 32-bit DAC for iPhone

  Premium pick

  This 32-bit DAC is a premium accessory for your iPhone and will give you the best quality audio output. It might be overkill for a lot of people, but if you're an audiophile and want the best, why not?

  $160 at Amazon

• 

  Apple Lightning to 3.5mm headphone adapter

  For when you need a dongle

  For starters, if you want to use your trusty pair of wired headphones with the iPhone 14, you’ll need this Lightning to 3.5mm adapter. 

  $9 at Amazon

Best USB-A DACs for laptops and desktop PCs

You can still listen to high-fidelity audio if your device only supports USB-A connections. However, it'll be slightly downsampled to 96KHz. But hey, that's better than nothing.

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  Xtrem Pro X1 USB-A DAC

  Editor's choice

  The Xtrem Pro X1 DAC connects via USB-A and offers reliable performance at an affordable price. If you just want to get started, this is an ideal option.

  $30 at Amazon

• 

  AudioQuest DragonFly USB DAC

  Premium pick

  If you want to go all-in on a premium audio setup, this is the DAC for you. It's a 32-bit DAC and can play audio files all the way up to 96KHz.

  $130 at Amazon

• 

  Creative Sound Blaster Play 3

  Best value

  This is a 24-bit DAC, which is a good way to enter the world of lossless audio. Paired with a good pair of headphones, this DAC can produce a great quality sound output, even on USB-A.

  $25 at Amazon

Best wired earphones/IEMs for lossless audio

In-ear monitors (IEM) are what your favorite artists use on-stage at concerts to listen to the track they're performing, so they don't lose their place. They also make for great earbuds to use for streaming lossless audio. We haven't included any of the luxury options (over $1,000), but you can certainly get a great pair for under $400

• 

  Shure SE215 PRO

  Editor's choice

  The SE215 Pros are some of Shure's most affordable earphones, yet they still keep up perfectly with the competition. They pack great sound and feature noise isolation. The outside sits over your ear, so you never have to worry about them falling out.

  $99 at Amazon $99 at Shure

• 

  KZ ZSN Pro IEM

  Best Value

  If you need a cheaper pair of wired earbuds, this pair is a great option. It costs a fraction of what our top pick costs, and still offers a degree of noise isolation and bass.

  $25 at Amazon

• 

  FiiO FH3 Triple Driver IEM

  Best for bass

  These earbuds from FiiO are expensive but offer great-quality sound output across the spectrum. If you listen to a lot of hip-hop, electronic, or other bass-heavy music, this is the pair to get.

  $110 at Amazon

• 

  Moondrop Starfield Dynamic IEM

  Best design

  These earbuds are on the expensive side, but they have a beautiful, galaxy-inspired design and a matching, curved copper wire. They're also super lightweight and comfortable to wear.

  $110 at Amazon

• 

  Sennheiser IE 300

  Upgraded pick

  If you’re after premium in-ear audio, it’s hard to look past Sennheiser. The IE 300 have a flexible earpiec, single dynamic driver setup, and plenty of bass and clear upper mids. They also offer brilliant sound isolation thanks to their shape and foam tips.

  $300 at Amazon

• 

  AFUL Acoustics Performer 8

  High-end sound

  The Aful Performer 8 are a very impressive pair of in-ear monitors with really excellent definition and beautiful balance across the frequency range. This is the pair to reach for if you have some extra cash to burn and/or you're already an IEM user. 

  $370 at Amazon

Best wired headphones for lossless audio

If you'd rather stick with over-ear headphones, there are plenty of options available that haven't totally sacrificed their 3.5mm cable. (Note that some of these cans might need an amp to help drive them.)

• 

  Audio-Technica ATH-M50X

  Best overall

  Audio-Technica's ATH-M50X headphones pack in some professional-grade audio quality with a neutral sound profile, making these cans as good a fit for audio production as they can be for gaming. You'll never have to worry about too much bass or piercing highs when blasting away in Call of Duty with these. Plus, they won't break the bank, either.

  $149 at Amazon

• 

  Sony WH-1000XM5

  Premium listening

  The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones offer one of the best ANC experiences. Plus, if you use the included AUX cable, you can stream lossless audio.

  $398 at Amazon $400 at Best Buy

• 

  Philips SHP9500 HiFi Stereo Headphones

  Great value

  The Philips SHP9500 is a good affordable option if you don't want to spend too much to get yourself a lossless audio rig. When paired with a good DAC, they sound really great.

  $80 at Amazon

• 

  AKG Pro K371 Headphones

  Best for creatives

  The AKG Pro K371 are a pair of over-the-ear, closed-back studio headphones that don't cost a lot but work well with lossless audio. They're a good mid-range option, especially if you're a creative.

  $171 at Amazon

• 

  Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro

  Great for beginners

  The Beyerdynamic BT990 Pro is a popular headphone that offers a premium experience. These are open-back stereo headphones and are a great way to enter the world of lossless audio.

  $180 at Amazon

• 

  Hifiman Sundara

  Best open-back

  If you know you like the idea of open-back headphones and are ready to spend a bit more check out the Hifiman Sundara; a great pair of mid-range, open-back headphones that will satisfy most listeners.

  $299 at Amazon

Final thoughts on lossless audio

Until lossless audio over Bluetooth takes off, you'll need to spend a few bucks and pick up this equipment to enjoy your favorite tunes at a higher fidelity. Whether that simply means an adapter or a new pair of headphones, many music listeners say it's worth it to access the file format. If you know you need to go wireless but want the best listening experience possible, check out the best noise-canceling headphones and earbuds for lossy yet satisfying sound.