Using AirPods with a PC for gaming is a convenient way to enjoy wireless audio. However, gamers often worry about potential lag affecting their experience. Let’s dive into whether AirPods suffer from lag on a gaming PC, what causes it, and how you can minimize delays for a smoother gaming experience.
What “lag” actually is (and the real numbers)
Audio lag, or latency, refers to the delay between an action and the corresponding sound you hear. In gaming, even a slight delay can impact your performance, especially in competitive games where audio cues are critical. Bluetooth headphones, like AirPods, are notorious for higher latency compared to wired options.
Independent testing puts AirPods Pro 2 at ~126 ms, much higher than dongle-based gaming headsets, which routinely land around 20–30 ms (example: 27 ms on Logitech G Pro X 2).
Do AirPods Lag on a Gaming PC?
Short answer: yes, because AirPods use Bluetooth audio (AAC/SBC) on Windows, you’ll hear noticeable delay (~126 ms) compared to true gaming headsets on 2.4 GHz dongles (~27 ms). That’s fine for casual games, but you’ll feel it in shooters.
Factors Influencing Lag:
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Bluetooth Version: Older Bluetooth versions on your PC can increase latency. Audio Codec: AirPods use the AAC codec, which may not be optimized for low-latency gaming.
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Distance and Interference: Increased distance from the PC or interference from other devices can worsen lag.
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Game Type: Fast-paced games like FPS or action titles highlight lag more than casual or turn-based games.
Why AirPods lag more on Windows PCs
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Codecs: AirPods use AAC/SBC, not aptX LL/Adaptive or LDAC, so they can’t use those ultra-low-latency Bluetooth modes many adapters promise.
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Profiles & mic use: When Windows detects a mic, it can switch to HFP/HSP (hands-free)-mono, low-bandwidth, and often higher delay - unless you prevent it.
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Windows & Bluetooth stacks: Windows added AAC support in 2021+ builds, but buffer behavior varies and doesn’t make AirPods“gaming-grade.”
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LE Audio news ≠ AirPods on Windows: Windows 11 (24H2) now supports LE Audio “super wideband stereo” during mic use, but you still need LE Audio-capable earbuds -AirPods generally don’t use LE Audio on Windows today.
How to Minimize Lag
While AirPods may not be ideal for gaming on a PC, there are ways to reduce the delay and enhance your experience:
Tips to Reduce Lag:
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Update Bluetooth Drivers: Ensure your PC’s Bluetooth drivers are up-to-date to maximize performance.
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Use a Bluetooth Adapter: A dedicated low-latency Bluetooth adapter can significantly reduce lag.
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Adjust Game Settings: Lower the audio quality settings in games to reduce processing time.
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Stay Close to the PC: Minimize the distance between your AirPods and the PC to avoid interference.
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Opt for Wired Alternatives: For the best gaming experience, consider using wired headphones or a gaming-specific wireless headset.
What to buy if you want “instant” audio
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2.4 GHz USB-dongle gaming headsets (not Bluetooth): typically ~20–30 ms, which feels immediate in shooters (e.g., Logitech G Pro X 2: 27 ms). Audeze Maxwell testing shows around ~18–25 ms effective latency.
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Wired headsets: effectively near-instant for gaming use.
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Bluetooth LE Audio headsets (future-leaning): Windows 11 24H2 improves mic + stereo quality under LE Audio, but verify your earbuds actually support LE Audio -AirPods generally don’t on Windows today.
Alternatives to AirPods for Gaming
If lag continues to be an issue, you might want to explore other options designed specifically for gaming. Popular alternatives include:
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Gaming Headsets: Brands like Logitech, Razer, and SteelSeries offer low-latency options.
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Wireless Earbuds with aptX LL: Some earbuds use aptX Low Latency codecs to reduce delay significantly
Conclusion
While AirPods provide excellent convenience and sound quality, they’re not the best choice for gaming on a PC due to Bluetooth latency. However, by following the tips above, you can minimize the impact of lag and improve your gaming experience. For serious gamers, investing in a dedicated gaming headset may be a more suitable solution.
Interested in more AirPods tips? Check out our article on Are AirPods Max Worth It for troubleshooting advice.
1) Do AirPods support aptX Low Latency?
No. AirPods use AAC/SBC; aptX LL/Adaptive isn’t supported.
2) Will LE Audio on Windows fix my AirPods’ lag?
Not currently. Windows 11’s LE Audio upgrades help LE Audio-capable headsets; AirPods typically connect via Bluetooth Classic (AAC/SBC) on Windows.
3) What’s the measured latency difference?
AirPods Pro 2 ~126 ms vs common 2.4 GHz gaming headsets at ~20–30 ms (Logitech G Pro X 2: 27 ms).
4) Why does my sound get worse when I open Discord?
Windows likely switched to HFP/HSP for the mic. Disable Hands-Free Telephony and use a separate mic so AirPods stay in Stereo (A2DP).
