Wireless vs. Bluetooth technology: What’s the difference?

When used to describe headphones or speakers, the terms "wireless" and "Bluetooth®" are often used interchangeably, and while related, the two technologies aren’t exactly the same. Bluetooth is a popular type of wireless connectivity that’s often used for headphones or portable speakers, but not every wireless device uses Bluetooth.

When comparing audio devices, here’s what you need to know about wireless vs. Bluetooth technology and how to choose the right option for your audio needs.

If you’ve ever wondered how do wireless earbuds work, the answer is generally Bluetooth.  

There are dozens of Bluetooth headphones (and speakers) out there today that use this short-range wireless technology standard to transmit audio data. With Bluetooth, you can pair devices like headphones or a portable speaker with an audio source, such as a smartphone or computer, to enable wireless streaming.

Bluetooth is unique among wireless technologies, as it doesn’t require any supporting infrastructure like a transmitter or internet router to operate. Instead, the two devices communicate directly with each other using ultra high-frequency radio waves. This allows you to use Bluetooth earbuds or speakers anywhere — no internet connection or cables required.

It’s important to note that Bluetooth has a range of around 30 feet, so you need to keep the source device fairly close to your Bluetooth headphones or Bluetooth speaker. If the devices are too far apart or have too many obstacles in between them, the connection may experience interference or disconnect.

Bluetooth is arguably the most well-known wireless technology standard for headphones, but other technologies can be used for wireless speakers and other audio devices. 

For instance, wireless speakers for home can connect to source devices over your home’s Wi-Fi network. As long as both devices are connected to the internet network, you can remotely control the speaker from anywhere in your home, eliminating the range of issues often associated with Bluetooth. However, this type of connectivity only works if Wi-Fi is available, so it’s not the best option for portable devices that you may want to use on your commute, for example. 

Additional types of wireless technology that are less common than Bluetooth and Wi-Fi can also be used in audio devices. Some headphones use a different radio frequency to transmit audio data. Although the radio signals can travel through walls and other obstacles, they often require a transmitter. Infrared wireless headphones are another option that use LEDs to send and receive data, but they have a much shorter range that’s typically limited to one room. 

Once you know the difference between wireless vs. Bluetooth technology, it’s easier to figure out which option fits your needs. If you want to be able to use earbuds or a portable speaker anywhere without having to connect to the internet (like in the car, on the train, or walking around), Bluetooth is the way to go. This wireless technology can be used virtually anywhere, from a remote beach to a plane 30,000 feet above the ground, if your smartphone (or another source device) is nearby. In fact, because this technology is so convenient to use, virtually all headphones and portable speakers available today are Bluetooth-enabled.

On the other hand, if you’re setting up wireless speakers in your home or office with a Wi-Fi network, an internet-based wireless connection may be more convenient. As long as the speaker and connecting device are on the Wi-Fi network, you’ll be able to control your audio from anywhere in the building. This type of technology works best for speakers that stay in one place rather than portable ones, as it allows multiple users to control the speakers without switching between different Bluetooth connections.

There are benefits to both Bluetooth and other wireless technologies, and no matter which option you choose, you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite audio without the hassle of wires.