iFi and Questyle launch USB-C Bluetooth dongles to boost audio quality

iFi and Questyle have launched new USB-C Bluetooth dongles aimed at improving audio quality for smartphones and gaming devices. The products, priced between $59 and $99, promise better sound detail, lower latency, and support for advanced codecs like LDAC and aptX.

New USB-C dongles from iFi and Questyle

iFi and Questyle have introduced new USB-C Bluetooth dongles designed to enhance audio quality for smartphones, tablets, and gaming consoles. According to TechRadar, the products target users seeking better sound without upgrading their devices.

iFi’s offerings include the UP Play, priced at $59 (£59), and the UP Play Max, which costs $89 (£89). Both dongles are marketed primarily for iPhone users but also work with Android devices. They support advanced features like Auracast, which allows streaming to multiple devices, and codecs such as aptX and LDAC.

Questyle’s Dongle Pro 2, priced at $99 (£129), is positioned as a high-performance option. It uses Bluetooth 6.1 and supports a range of codecs, including LDAC, aptX, LHDC, LC3, and Snapdragon Sound. The device is designed to enable higher-resolution music streaming and reduce latency for gaming and calls.

Features and use cases

The new dongles aim to address limitations in existing Bluetooth capabilities, particularly for iPhone users. iFi claims that its UP Play dongle triples the audio detail sent from Apple devices, while the UP Play Max quadruples it. Both devices also include noise suppression for calls, making them useful for phone conversations and gaming.

Questyle’s Dongle Pro 2 includes an app that lets users switch between audio codecs and manage connected devices. TechRadar reports that the dongle can improve bandwidth and reduce latency, expanding the Bluetooth capabilities of source devices.

Auracast support in both brands’ dongles allows users to connect multiple devices simultaneously, a feature that could appeal to users of wireless earbuds and headphones in shared environments.

What this means

Lazyfounder analysis — our interpretation, not reported fact.

For founders and operators in consumer electronics or audio technology, this launch signals a growing market for affordable, high-performance accessories. These dongles address a specific pain point—improving audio quality without upgrading hardware—by leveraging USB-C and advanced Bluetooth codecs. The focus on compatibility (iOS, Android, Auracast) and use cases like gaming and calls suggests a strategic push to capture both casual users and audiophiles. If successful, this could encourage more startups to explore niche hardware solutions that enhance existing devices rather than replace them.

Key takeaways

• iFi and Questyle released new USB-C Bluetooth dongles to improve audio quality for smartphones and gaming consoles.
• iFi’s UP Play and UP Play Max are priced at $59/£59 and $89/£89, respectively, targeting iPhone users but compatible with Android.
• Questyle’s Dongle Pro 2 ($99/£129) supports Bluetooth 6.1, LDAC, aptX, LHDC, LC3, and Snapdragon Sound.
• Both brands emphasize reduced latency, better call quality, and hi-res music streaming as key features.
• The products reflect a trend toward affordable, accessory-driven upgrades in consumer electronics.

FAQ

What are the key differences between iFi’s UP Play and UP Play Max?

The UP Play triples the audio detail for Apple devices, while the UP Play Max quadruples it. The UP Play Max is also priced higher at $89 (£89), compared to the UP Play’s $59 (£59). Both support Auracast and advanced codecs, but the UP Play Max offers a more significant improvement in audio performance.

What codecs does Questyle’s Dongle Pro 2 support?

The Dongle Pro 2 supports LDAC, aptX, LHDC, LC3, and Snapdragon Sound, along with Bluetooth 6.1 for improved connectivity and reduced latency.

Are these dongles compatible with Android devices?

Yes, while iFi’s dongles are pitched primarily for iPhone users, they are also compatible with Android devices. Questyle’s Dongle Pro 2 works with both iOS and Android.

How do these dongles improve call quality?

Both iFi and Questyle’s dongles include noise suppression features. iFi’s UP Play and UP Play Max are designed to enhance call clarity, making them useful for phone conversations and gaming.

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