Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz WiFi are the two most popular wireless technologies that changed how we enjoy sound. Wireless audio has become the new norm, whether listening to music at the gym or picking up a phone call while driving. Though both technologies are based on high-frequency radio waves, some key differences affect their performance. Here is a quick rundown of Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz WiFi differences.
Both 2.4 GHz WiFi and Bluetooth are ways to transmit data wirelessly. 2.4 GHz wireless audio devices tend to have better sound quality and reduced latency, while Bluetooth devices need less power. Bluetooth is also more portable and compatible with a wide range of listening devices.
Both technologies are prevalent and used by millions of people worldwide. But, ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what you value most in a wireless audio experience. So, let’s take a closer look at how each technology works and how one might be better suited for your needs.
Is 2.4GHz Better Than Bluetooth for Audio?
2.4 GHz is essentially a communication method to transfer audio signals wirelessly; it’s not a type of audio file format. So, the audio quality will depend on the method of transmission, its bitrate, and other factors.
Apart from Bluetooth, WiFi is the most popular technology that uses the 2.4 GHz radio frequency to transfer data wirelessly. In addition, several Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz radio-frequency wireless speakers, stereos, headphones, and other audio devices are available.
Here are a few factors that make each technology unique and ideal for different situations:
- Audio transmission over Bluetooth devices doesn’t need an external receiver. However, the same transmission over 2.4 GHz WiFi will need an external dongle directly plugged into the receiver/speaker in most cases.
- Sound quality is another critical factor, and it depends on the bitrate. Bluetooth 5.0 with the best aptX codecs has a theoretical bit rate of 2 Mbps. On the other hand, 2.4 GHz gives 54 Mbps uncompressed signal over WiFi, providing better sound quality than the best Bluetooth codecs.
- 2.4 GHz transmission also takes the lead in terms of reducing latency. Bluetooth 5.0 has a latency of 20 ms, which is fine for listening to music but still too high for gaming or watching TV. With WiFi, it can be brought down to 16 ms, unnoticeable for most people.
- Bluetooth needs pairing between devices, which can be both an advantage and a disadvantage. It adds an extra layer of security, but it’s also a hassle. On the other hand, 2.4 GHz doesn’t need any pairing and can connect to multiple devices simultaneously.
- The latest Bluetooth 5.0 compensates for the 2.4 GHz advantages in range, being able to reach up to 800 ft in open space, while 2.4 GHz WiFi’s range is only 300 ft. Both technologies suffer from obstacles in practical.
- Lastly, Bluetooth is a low power consumption technology ideal for portable devices like headphones and fitness trackers. 2.4 GHz, on the other hand, is used in devices that need to transmit a lot of data, like audio and video streaming.
If you’re looking for a great sound experience with low latency, 2.4 GHz WiFi is the way to go. But if you need portability and ease of use, Bluetooth is the best choice. Bluetooth also has lower power consumption and a more extended range and is compatible with almost all listening devices.
What is Bluetooth?
Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard for exchanging data from fixed and mobile devices over short distances. Initially developed for wireless voice communication, Bluetooth has become ubiquitous in consumer electronics and is adopted in everything from smartphones and PC peripherals to wireless speakers and gaming controllers.
Bluetooth technology is based on high-frequency radio waves, and it operates in the 2.40 to 2.48 GHz band, also used by other common technologies such as WiFi and Zigbee.
For data exchange over Bluetooth, two devices must be within range, have compatible Bluetooth hardware and software, and be paired with each other.
Over the years, Bluetooth has developed and improved to allow greater data transfer speeds and increased range. There are three different types of Bluetooth:
- Enhanced Data Rate/Bluetooth Classic
- Low Energy (LE)
- Dual-Mode
EDR was developed for Bluetooth 1.0 and 2.0; it supports data transfer rates up to 3 Mbps. Then version 3.0 added another High-Speed layer to the EDR and increased the range to 100ft, creating Bluetooth Classic.
Bluetooth Classic is power-hungry, so it’s typically used for devices plugged into a power source, such as laptops or desktop computers.
Bluetooth LE was introduced in version 4.0 with power-saving features that make it ideal for use in small devices such as fitness trackers, heart rate monitors, and beacons. In addition, BLE supports data transfer rates of 3 Mbps and has a range of 200ft.
The most recent version, Bluetooth 5.0, introduced more improvements such as increased data throughput, higher data packet capacity, and the ability to connect to multiple devices simultaneously.
It’s now possible to achieve data transfer rates of up to 3 Mbps with a (theoretical) range of 800 ft. Version 5.0 has also maximized the compatibility; now, it can be used with different operating systems.
One significant limitation of Bluetooth 5.0 is its closed system, which means only devices that use the same protocol can communicate through it.
What is 2.4GHz Audio?
Several wireless technologies transfer audio signals over the 2.4 GHz frequency band, including Bluetooth speakers, WiFi, cordless phones, etc.
The route may be different, but the method of transmission is the same in each technology: an audio signal is converted into a 2.4 GHz frequency radio wave and then sent wirelessly to a receiver, where it is converted back into an audio signal.
The 2.4 GHz band is a great choice for many applications because it doesn’t require a lot of power to transmit over long distances, making it ideal for portable devices such as headphones and speakers. Long-range and obstacle penetration are other benefits of this frequency band.
One big drawback is that 2.4 GHz is becoming increasingly congested as more and more devices compete for space on the spectrum. This leads to interference and signal degradation, especially in densely populated areas.