Bluetooth vs Wireless Headphones

of recent, wireless headphones have become a major trend. Consumers now prefer to make use of smart devices and that has led to a proliferation of all kinds of wireless gadgets. Gone are the days when only the super-rich could make use of wireless devices, almost anyone can get a wireless product today as far as consumer electronics are concerned. 

 The same trend applies to wireless headphones. Once an exclusive preserve of the celebrities, youths across the globe now make use of these gadgets on a regular basis. With a blend of fashion and consumer electronics technology, many are making use of the products not just for listening to music but also as a fashion statement. Today, wireless headphones come in different forms but can be divided broadly into Bluetooth and Wireless headphones both of which will be analyzed in this piece. 

Importance of Wireless Headphones

An increasing number of people are choosing wireless headphones for a number of reasons. However, the main reason is the freedom that these devices offer. Wireless means you can finally do away with cables and wires. You can truly go hands-free meaning you can enjoy your smartphones and other gadgets while using your headphones.

Differences between Wireless Bluetooth and Wireless Headphones

Even though Bluetooth and wireless are regularly used interchangeably by many people when describing headphones and other similar gadgets, the fact is that they are not even the same at all. The two words can sound the same but as far as the technology is concerned, there are many prominent differences. It is also important to point out that not all wireless headphones or gadgets even make use of Bluetooth technology. 

As there is a great variety of headphones out there in the market, not a few customers are bothered about the best ways for them to make their selections when the time comes to get a new pair. There are various kinds of wireless headphones and you have to be sure that you get the ones that are most appropriate for you when the time comes to pick one. 

Both Bluetooth and Wireless are offshoots of wireless communication but there are main differences. It is good to know of these differences so you can be well guided when you want to choose between any of the two. In the sections below, the number of differences between Bluetooth and Wireless headphones will be discussed extensively. 

Multiple Pairing

Bluetooth Headphones: Bluetooth wireless headphones are usually designed to be able to have just a single direct connection with the device, it means you do have the ability to hook it up with several devices. This has to do with the way Bluetooth network connections work. However, if it is the headphone itself to other devices, then connection with as much as seven devices at a time is possible. 

Wireless Headphones: Based on the way they are designed and their configuration, wireless headphones can accommodate several devices. This is made possible as a result of the Wi-Fi network. This means that several users can make use of the entire network at the same time. This benefit cannot be seen with Bluetooth wireless headphones. 

Nature of Connection

The nature of the connection of both Bluetooth and Wireless headphones here is a reference to how the signals were transmitted. 

Bluetooth Headphones: The transmission of the audio signals in the Bluetooth wireless headphones is done with the aid of radio waves. Infrared rays are not involved. 

Wireless Headphones: As for the transmission of signals, wireless headphones make use of radio or infrared waves. 

Compatibility

This is a reference to how compatible the device is with other gadgets and electronic devices. 

Bluetooth Headphones: Usually, all Bluetooth wireless headsets are designed to be compatible with other devices that are also Bluetooth-enabled. So it is a Bluetooth to Bluetooth connection. 

Wireless Headphones: Unlike the Bluetooth wireless headphones that are compatible with other Bluetooth wireless headphones, wireless headphones are compatible with some devices and are not compatible with some others. 

Security

Bluetooth Headphones: Since Bluetooth headphones are designed to be able to wirelessly connect to other Bluetooth-enabled devices, it means the security is porous. This is because just about anyone with a Bluetooth-enabled device can hook up with the connection thus increasing its vulnerability. In other words, Bluetooth wireless headphones are less secure than wireless headphones. 

Wireless Headphones: As far as security is concerned, the wireless headphones are a lot more secure than Bluetooth wireless headphones. This is because it is harder to break into the Wi-Fi network as compared with a Bluetooth connection network. The wireless security of Wi-Fi headphones can even be improved if the configuration is done properly by experts and IT professionals. 

Ease of Use

Bluetooth Headphones: Bluetooth wireless headphones are designed to be as simple as possible to use. The device can easily be linked to several other devices in the area and users find it stress-free to switch between the devices. 

Wireless Headphones: Compared with the Bluetooth wireless headphones, the wireless headphones are not as easy to use. They can be more complicated and in some instances, there may be requirements for the configuration of software and the hardware too. Not everyone has the skills and may need to get the help of professionals. 

Range

The range is the distance across which the signals of the gadget remain strong. For instance, if the range of a device is 50 feet, it means that within a radius of 50 feet, the product is going to remain functional. If the device is taken beyond this distance, it will malfunction or not even work at all. 

Bluetooth Headphones: Considering the range, Bluetooth headphones have a range that is less than the Wi-Fi versions. For Bluetooth headphones, the range is limited. Depending on the precise model and version of the Bluetooth headphone you are using, the range can be up to 30 feet or it can even be less, can even be as low as five feet. This implies that it is best you make use of Bluetooth headphones in areas that are small or confined.

Wireless Headphones: As for the range, wireless headphones have a considerably bigger range. This can be as much as 300 feet. The presence of other obstacles or structures in the environment can also influence the range but it is typically wider than that of the Bluetooth wireless headphones. There are even some more sophisticated Wi-Fi headphones that have a greater range than 300 feet. wireless headphones that are fitted with antennas can have their range greatly extended. 

Accessories and Other Features

Apart from the main headphone itself, the accessories and other features and some other components or functionalities that either come with the package itself or have to be purchased separately then used with the headphones to make them work. 

Bluetooth Headphones: Bluetooth wireless headphones come with their in-built component so there is not always the need to get an external adaptor again before they can work. 

Wireless Headphones: There is the need to get an adaptor which is then connected to the product itself. Apart from the wireless adaptors, there can also be the need to have a wireless router in place or as it is the case in many instances, the presence of wireless access points. 

Power Consumption

Bluetooth Headphones: The power consumption of Bluetooth wireless headphones is on the low side. 

Wireless Headphones: The power consumption of wireless headphones is on the high side. 

Bandwidth

Bluetooth Headphones:  When it comes to the transfer of data between two or even more devices that are located in the same proximity when speed is not a major consideration, Bluetooth headphones are well suited for the purpose. The bandwidth for Bluetooth wireless headphones is classified as low and it comes to about 800 Kbps. 

Wireless Headphones: On the other hand, wireless headsets are better when swifter connections are considered. They generally have more bandwidth than Bluetooth wireless headphones. The bandwidth for the wireless headphones is classified as high and it clocks in at an impressive 11 Mbps. 

Latency and Bit-Rate

Bluetooth Headphones: The latency of Bluetooth wireless headphones is 200ms and as for the bit-rate, it comes in at 2.1 Mbps. 

Wireless Headphones: The latency of wireless headphones is higher as it comes in at 2.1 Mbps and as for the bit-rate, it comes in at a significantly higher 600 Mbps. 

Conclusion

In this piece, the differences between Bluetooth and wireless headphones have been outlined. As you can see, both devices have their respective advantages and downsides. From the bandwidth to even power consumption, several features have been examined. 

Now, anyone who is interested in choosing between any of the two can make a very good decision. Having a very good understanding of the different features means one will know the ideal wireless headphones that will be most ideal for you and the purposes you want to apply the devices for.