Hi-Res Lossless uses the most data of Apple Music’s audio-quality options. Apple says higher resolutions use more data, and Hi-Res Lossless supports up to 24-bit/192 kHz, compared with up to 24-bit/48 kHz for Lossless. To save cellular data, choose a lower streaming quality in Music’s Audio Quality settings.
How Apple Music’s audio qualities compare
Apple’s current iPhone guide distinguishes standard audio from two lossless tiers. The higher-resolution lossless tier is the most data-intensive option; Apple does not publish a current fixed usage rate for each setting.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
| Setting | Maximum resolution | Relative data use |
|---|---|---|
| Lossless | Up to 24-bit/48 kHz | More than standard AAC; less than Hi-Res Lossless, because Apple says higher resolutions use more data. (Apple Support) |
| Hi-Res Lossless | Up to 24-bit/192 kHz | The most of these options; Apple says higher resolutions use more data. (Apple Support) |
Apple describes Lossless and Hi-Res Lossless as using much more bandwidth and storage than standard AAC files. Actual streamed quality can depend on the song’s availability, network conditions, and connected headphones or speakers. Those factors mean the quality label alone does not establish a precise amount of data for every track or session. (Apple Music; Apple Support)
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Which setting should you use on cellular to save data?
Select a lower quality for cellular streaming. On iPhone or iPad, open Settings > Apps > Music > Audio Quality. There you can turn Lossless Audio on or off and choose quality for streaming and downloads. The available connection-specific choices let you keep cellular streaming lower without necessarily applying the same choice to downloads or other connections. (iPhone User Guide)
#1 Best Overall
- ULTIMATE OVER-EAR LISTENING EXPERIENCE—Powered by the H2 chip, AirPods Max 2 delivers improved high-fidelity audio with deep bass, expansive mids, and crisp highs for an unparalleled listening experience.
- TUNE OUT THE NOISE—Up to 1.5x more Active Noise Cancellation than the previous generation, fully immersing you in every sound.*
- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU—Adaptive Audio automatically adjusts noise cancellation levels to suit your environment. Conversation Awareness lowers the volume of what’s playing to make it easy to talk to those around you.* And Transparency lets outside sounds in so you can interact with your surroundings.
- PERSONALIZED SPATIAL AUDIO—With sound tuned to your unique ear shape and dynamic head tracking, AirPods Max 2 delivers an immersive listening experience that surrounds you with theater-like sound.
- COMMUNICATE ACROSS LANGUAGES—Simply press and hold the listening mode button to activate Live Translation powered by Apple Intelligence,* which automatically translates the language someone is speaking into your preferred language.
For the strongest data-saving choice, turn Lossless Audio off for cellular use. If you want lossless listening at other times, set the quality separately for Wi-Fi or downloads where those controls are available. Apple’s support guidance explains that lossless streaming consumes significantly more data and higher resolutions use more than lower ones, but it does not give a current per-song or per-hour table by setting. Avoid relying on a universal megabytes-per-hour estimate.
Will Hi-Res Lossless sound hi-res on your headphones?
Not necessarily. A high-resolution setting identifies the stream quality, not a guarantee that the entire playback chain reproduces that resolution. Apple says AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, and Beats wireless headphones use Apple’s AAC Bluetooth codec, and Bluetooth connections are not lossless; consult Apple’s model-specific qualifications before assuming a particular device supports lossless playback. (Apple Support)
Rank #2
- SUPERIOR COMFORT — Unlike traditional circular ear buds, the design of EarPods is defined by the geometry of the ear. Which makes them more comfortable for more people than any other ear bud–style headphones.
- HIGH-QUALITY AUDIO — The speakers inside EarPods have been engineered to maximize sound output and minimize sound loss, which means you get high-quality audio.
- BUILT-IN REMOTE — EarPods with USB-C plug also include a built-in remote that lets you adjust the volume, control the playback of music and video, and answer or end calls with a pinch of the cord.
- COMPATIBILITY — Works with all devices that have a USB-C port.
- INTEGRATED MICROPHONE — A built-in microphone precisely captures your voice while you’re on the phone, taking a FaceTime call, or summoning Siri — so you’re always heard loud and clear.
For iPhone playback above 48 kHz, Apple says an external digital-to-analog converter (DAC) is required. That equipment requirement is relevant if you want to hear Hi-Res Lossless above the standard Lossless tier; it does not reduce the data used to stream the setting. (Apple Support)
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Why there is no exact data figure for each setting
Apple’s current guidance establishes the direction of the difference—lossless uses significantly more data, and higher resolutions use more than lower ones—but does not provide a current numeric consumption chart by setting. Track length, available stream quality, and network conditions can also affect an individual listening session. For a reliable way to limit cellular use, choose a lower cellular streaming quality rather than planning around a single per-hour estimate. (Apple Support; iPhone User Guide)
Quick Recap
Best Value
- BREATHTAKING AUDIO QUALITY — Apple-designed dynamic driver provides high-fidelity audio. Computational audio combines custom acoustic design with the Apple H1 chip and software for breakthrough listening experiences.
- FOCUS ON WHAT’S PLAYING — Active Noise Cancellation blocks outside noise so you can immerse yourself in music.
- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU — Transparency mode lets you hear and interact with the world around you.
- PERSONALIZED SPATIAL AUDIO — With sound that suits your unique ear shape along with dynamic head tracking, AirPods Max deliver an immersive listening experience that places sound all around you. You can also listen to select songs, shows, and movies in Dolby Atmos.
- ACOUSTIC-FIRST DESIGN — Designed with a knit-mesh canopy and memory foam ear cushions for an exceptional over-ear fit that perfectly seals in sound.
Rank #4
- SUPERIOR COMFORT — Unlike traditional circular ear buds, the design of EarPods is defined by the geometry of the ear. Which makes them more comfortable for more people than any other ear bud–style headphones.
- HIGH-QUALITY AUDIO — The speakers inside EarPods have been engineered to maximize sound output and minimize sound loss, which means you get high-quality audio.
- BUILT-IN REMOTE — EarPods with 3.5mm Headphone Plug also include a built-in remote that lets you adjust the volume, control the playback of music and video, and answer or end calls with a pinch of the cord.
- COMPATIBILITY — Works with all devices that have a 3.5mm headphone jack.
- INTEGRATED MICROPHONE — A built-in microphone precisely captures your voice while you’re on the phone, taking a FaceTime call, or summoning Siri — so you’re always heard loud and clear.
Rank #3
- SUPERIOR COMFORT — Unlike traditional circular ear buds, the design of EarPods is defined by the geometry of the ear. Which makes them more comfortable for more people than any other ear bud–style headphones.
- HIGH-QUALITY AUDIO — The speakers inside EarPods have been engineered to maximize sound output and minimize sound loss, which means you get high-quality audio.
- BUILT-IN REMOTE — EarPods with Lightning Connector also include a built-in remote that lets you adjust the volume, control the playback of music and video, and answer or end calls with a pinch of the cord.
- COMPATIBILITY — Works with all devices that have a Lightning connector and support iOS 10 or later, including iPod touch, iPad, and iPhone. Also works with iPad models with iPadOS.
- INTEGRATED MICROPHONE — A built-in microphone precisely captures your voice while you’re on the phone, taking a FaceTime call, or summoning Siri — so you’re always heard loud and clear.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
