This summary is based on a user prompt:
Does Bluetooth HFP (Hands-Free Profile) audio quality suffer on all systems? Does Windows handle codecs better than Linux? Would using Ubuntu give me access to better codecs for voice transcription?
- HFP/HSP (Hands-Free/Headset Profile): Designed for calls — low bitrate, mono, poor audio quality.
- A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile): High-quality audio, but output-only (no mic support).
- Bluetooth LE Audio (future tech): Promises better bidirectional quality, but requires hardware support.
- Windows offers no manual codec control.
- Headsets may switch between HFP and A2DP automatically, often leading to:
- Poor mic quality during calls or recordings.
- Unpredictable audio behavior.
- No official support for advanced codecs (e.g., LDAC, aptX Adaptive).
- PipeWire and BlueZ add flexibility:
- Ubuntu supports LDAC, AAC, aptX, and mSBC via PipeWire.
- Requires installing
wireplumberand possibly tweaking configs.
- Distributions like openSUSE may require manual enablement or compilation for advanced codecs.
| Goal | Recommended Solution |
|---|---|
| High-quality mic & output | Use USB headset (bypasses Bluetooth) |
| Better mic via Bluetooth | Enable mSBC codec in PipeWire (Linux only) |
| Separate mic and output | Use wired mic + BT headphones (A2DP mode preserved) |
| Long-term fix | Wait for Bluetooth LE Audio hardware and software adoption |
Poor audio with Bluetooth microphones is not just a Linux problem — it's a limitation of the Bluetooth HFP spec itself. However, Linux (especially Ubuntu with PipeWire) gives you more codec control than Windows. You can improve things slightly with mSBC, but true high-quality bidirectional audio will require USB devices or newer Bluetooth standards.
This gist was generated with the help of OpenAI based on a user inquiry into Bluetooth audio quality issues and codec handling across Windows and Linux distributions (May 2025).