2.4GHz vs Bluetooth Audio: Which One is Better?

With wireless connectivity, there are tons of different options. The most common is arguably Wi-Fi, which includes bands such as A, B, G, and N. Smart home devices feature a set of wireless communication protocols such as Z-Wave, Zigbee, and Insteon. Wired connections may deliver top-tier audio quality for audio transmission via a 3.5 mm jack, HDMI cable, or optical audio cable. However, wireless technology offers a convenient means of sending audio data sans cables. Compare Bluetooth vs 2.4GHz and discover which is better for wireless audio!

What is Bluetooth?

Bluetooth is a wireless technology which allows for cable-free communication between different devices. Gadgets running Bluetooth feature multiple profiles, ranging from hands-free for mobile devices to input devices like keyboards and mice, which appear as human interface devices (HIDs). This data exchange method uses short-wavelength UFH radio waves ranging from 2.400 to 2.485GHz.

Integration of Bluetooth into different devices remains widespread. The first phone I ever owned, a flip phone, featured Bluetooth wireless connectivity, and my latest Android handset, laptop, and desktop each include Bluetooth. Further, I’ve got Bluetooth dongles in my car and connected to my stereo receiver, and I’ve got a few pairs of Bluetooth headphones as well.

Advantages of Bluetooth:

• Low power consumption: Bluetooth devices use very little power, making them ideal for portable and battery-powered devices.
• Low cost: Bluetooth technology is relatively inexpensive to implement, making it accessible to a wide range of devices and applications.
• Short-range communication: Bluetooth is designed for short-range communication, typically within 30 feet, which makes it suitable for wireless personal area networks (PANs).
• Easy to use: Bluetooth devices are easy to set up and use, with simple pairing procedures and user-friendly interfaces.
• Widely supported: Bluetooth is a widely-used and well-established technology, with many devices and applications supporting it.

Disadvantages of Bluetooth:

• Limited range: The short range of Bluetooth can be a disadvantage in some situations where a more extended range is required.
• Interference: Bluetooth can be affected by other electronic devices, such as microwaves and cordless phones, which can cause interference and reduce the quality of the connection.
• Security: Bluetooth has a relatively low level of security, making it vulnerable to hacking and other forms of unauthorised access.
• Limited bandwidth: Bluetooth has a limited bandwidth, which can limit its ability to handle large amounts of data.
• Compatibility issues: Not all Bluetooth devices are compatible with each other, which can create issues when trying to connect different devices.

Bluetooth 5, 4, and Different Bluetooth Versions

Like many communication protocols, Bluetooth features versioning. There are multiple iterations of Bluetooth, with Bluetooth 5.0 as a modern spec. While Bluetooth boasts interoperability, iterative improvements are limited to devices carrying the same version. For instance, a Bluetooth 5.0 device is backwards compatible with Bluetooth 4.1 gadgets, but you won’t benefit from enhancements found in Bluetooth 5.0.

With the introduction of Bluetooth 4.0 came Bluetooth Low Energy or BLE. As its name suggests, Bluetooth Low Energy uses less energy than a standard Bluetooth radio. Thus, it’s suitable for Internet of Things (IoT) applications such as wearables and affords longer battery life and makes for less power-hungry devices.

Bluetooth versions:

• Bluetooth 1.0 and 1.0B (1999)
• Bluetooth 1.1 (2001)
• Bluetooth 1.2 (2003)
• Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) (2004)
• Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR (2007)
• Bluetooth 3.0 + HS (High Speed) (2009)
• Bluetooth 4.0 (also known as Bluetooth Low Energy or BLE) (2010)
• Bluetooth 4.1 (2013)
• Bluetooth 4.2 (2014)
• Bluetooth 5.0 (2016)
• Bluetooth 5.1 (2018)
• Bluetooth 5.2 (2021)

Note: These are approximate release dates, and specific versions may have been released at different times in different regions.

Bluetooth Music Handling

For audio transfer, Bluetooth 5.0 debuted dual audio. Now, it’s possible to stream audio on two different devices using Bluetooth. You might connect two pairs of headphones or Bluetooth speakers and enjoy music on both devices to simultaneously listen with a friend or benefit from multi-room music. Additionally, Bluetooth 5.0 provides a more extended range and additional throughput.

Bluetooth 5 delivers up to four times the maximum range of Bluetooth 4.2 LE. Granted, its 800-foot range is a theoretical maximum, so real-world performance will vary. Still, Bluetooth 5 audio quality makes massive strides. Likewise, Bluetooth 5 may double the bandwidth of its predecessors. You can enjoy as high as 2 megabits per second, with +20dB of power. Still, Bluetooth audio quality suffers a bit since it’s compressed. Advancements in Bluetooth technology such as aptX compress audio files less, but you’re not jamming out to lossless tunes.

What is 2.4GHz Audio?

Aside from Bluetooth, there’s also wireless audio transmission with Wi-Fi. Most often, you’ll find this on the 2.4GHz radio frequency. While Bluetooth devices may have Bluetooth baked in, sometimes a dongle is required. However, with 2.4Ghz wireless, a dongle is almost always necessary. For example, my Logitech G933 Artemis headset streams audio from my PC wirelessly with a USB dongle. Where 2.4GHz vs Bluetooth audio differs is sound quality. 2.4GHz audio is noticeably better when compared with Bluetooth wireless audio. Often, there’s no pairing involved, and it’s simply a plug-and-play experience. However, the real advantage is better sound quality. 2.4GHz wireless chipsets boast a long-range and lag-free experience.

There’s a reason that many gaming headphones opt for 2.4GHz wireless connectivity. It’s a technology similar to Bluetooth but with a proprietary radio frequency. Low-latency, high-quality audio comes from these chips, along with better battery life.

Advantages of 2.4GHz Audio:

• Long range: 2.4GHz audio has a more extended range of up to 100 meters, allowing for greater flexibility in terms of audio transmission.
• Good audio quality: 2.4GHz audio devices can deliver high-quality audio, making it suitable for high-fidelity audio transmission.
• Easy to set up: 2.4GHz audio devices are easy to set up and use, with simple pairing procedures and user-friendly interfaces.

Disadvantages of 2.4GHz Audio:

• Interference: 2.4GHz audio is more susceptible to interference from other electronic devices, such as microwaves and cordless phones, compared to Bluetooth audio.
• Power consumption: 2.4GHz audio devices consume more power as compared to Bluetooth audio devices.
• Limited bandwidth: 2.4GHz audio has a limited bandwidth, which can limit its ability to handle large amounts of data.
• Compatibility issues: Not all 2.4GHz audio devices are compatible, which can create issues when connecting different devices.

2.4GHz vs Bluetooth Audio: Sounding Off

Bluetooth boasts a ton of advantages, and with further iterations, such as Bluetooth 5, the wireless communication protocol continues to improve Bluetooth sound quality. With higher throughput, a longer range, and low energy capabilities, there’s the potential for less compression to audio. The likes of aptX and aptX HD don’t remove compression but offer a higher bitrate and lower latency. 

Overall, 2.4GHz wireless for audio provides higher quality. Similarly, there’s little to no lag and a reasonably long range. But it’s not quite as prevalent in chipsets, so you’ll need a separate dongle, unlike a simple pairing method for Bluetooth devices.

Your turn: What wireless audio transmission format do you prefer?