Wireless or Bluetooth Headphones: Which Are Better?

Wireless headphones transmit audio signals through either radio frequency (RF) waves, infrared (IR) signals, or Bluetooth, eliminating the need for wires. They connect to devices like smartphones, televisions, and computers, providing the convenience of movement without being tethered by a physical cable.

• Radio Frequency Headphones: Radio Frequency (RF) headphones transmit audio wirelessly using radio waves, typically offering a longer range up to 100 metres. They are often used for home theatre systems due to their ability to penetrate walls and objects without significant loss of signal.
• Infrared Headphones: Infrared (IR) headphones send audio signals through infrared waves, similar to a television remote control. Their use is limited to line-of-sight range, usually around 10 metres, making them ideal for personal or home use without the risk of interference from other devices.
• Bluetooth Headphones: Bluetooth headphones connect to devices via Bluetooth technology, using short-range radio waves. They are widely used because of their compatibility with many consumer electronics, providing a convenient and flexible wireless listening experience. Standard Bluetooth technology generally offers a range up to 10 metres, but under optimal conditions and with certain technologies, it can extend up to 30 metres. 
• Kleer Headphones: Kleer headphones use Kleer wireless technology, which offers CD-like audio quality and low energy consumption. They are less common than Bluetooth but provide superior sound quality and interference-free reception within a similar range.

Bluetooth headphones use Bluetooth technology to connect wirelessly to various audio sources such as phones, computers, and tablets. They use short-range radio waves to receive audio signals, offering portability and flexibility by removing physical wires, with a typical range of up to 30 metres

Codec — short for compression/decompression — is the term used to describe the complex algorithm that’s used to crunch down audio data so that it can be sent via the internet, wirelessly from a smartphone to a headphone set.

Some of the more popular codecs used today include:

• SBC: This is the default codec found in all Bluetooth devices and it’s the one that’s used if no other codec is supported. It can operate at data rates up to 345 kilobits per second, delivering sound quality comparable to AAC or standard aptX when both devices process audio at high data rates. However, its latency, typically around 200 milliseconds and up to 300 milliseconds with true wireless earphones, can cause lip-sync issues when watching videos.
• AAC: AAC is an upgraded version of MP3, typically providing better sound quality at similar data rates compared to MP3 and SBC. On Bluetooth, AAC operates at a maximum of 250 kbps. Although its latency hasn't been measured, it's expected to be comparable to SBC's due to the more intensive processing demands of AAC's coding techniques. For iPhone or iPad users, AAC support in headphones or wireless speakers offers slight benefits. However, unlike aptX codecs which are standardised by one company, AAC implementation can vary on Android devices, leading to inconsistent performance.
• aptX: The aptX codec encodes the difference between consecutive audio samples rather than the level of each sample. This method reduces processing time and achieves lower latency, typically around 120 ms, lessening lip-sync issues compared to SBC. aptX consistently runs at 352 kbps, ensuring a quality guarantee, although the audible difference from SBC is often minor or unnoticeable. While aptX is not typically supported on Apple devices, it is commonly found on many Android devices.
• MP3: While it’s arguably the most famous codec, the MP3 codec isn’t as commonly supported as it once was. It offers audio quality that is generally between SBC and AAC, though the difference is often negligible. However, if both your phone and audio device support MP3, you might notice a slight improvement in sound quality with MP3 files from downloads or streaming services, like certain internet radio stations.

Bluetooth has been with us for well over a decade now, so it stands to reason that its capabilities have expanded since its first inception. Here's a breif breakdown of Bluetooth's different technology tiers:  

Bluetooth 4.0 Low Energy

Introduced in 2010, Bluetooth 4.0 marked a significant advance in power efficiency over the prior 'High Speed' Bluetooth 3.0, which facilitated rapid data transfers at higher energy costs. Bluetooth 4.0 extended battery life up to three times that of previous versions and supported both single-mode and dual-mode functionalities, ensuring backward compatibility.

Bluetooth 4.1

Bluetooth 4.1, released in 2013, enhanced the range and power efficiency of wireless connections and supported interactive linking of more devices, broadening its utility for IoT and consumer devices. This version introduced proximity pairing and improved data transfer speeds significantly, up to 24 Mb/s.

Bluetooth 4.2

Released in 2014, Bluetooth 4.2 introduced better interoperability, increased encryption, and enhanced power control for reduced energy consumption. It also improved wireless range and security, supporting multiple device connections simultaneously.

Bluetooth 5.0

Bluetooth 5.0 was developed to strengthen connections over longer distances, reaching up to 300 feet under certain conditions, and doubled the data transmission speed of its predecessor, catering effectively to industrial uses.

Bluetooth 5.1

In 2019, Bluetooth 5.1 was released to increase the speed, stability, and range of connections. It introduced new features such as Angle of Arrival (AoA) and Angle of Departure (AoD) to improve directional accuracy and enhance security for location-based services.

Bluetooth 5.2 & 5.3

Bluetooth 5.2 rolled out in 2020, and enhanced the protocol's speed, range, and security, supporting more precise location tracking and multiple simultaneous connections for IoT applications. Boasting a slight upgrade, Bluetooth 5.3 rolled out in 2021, offering improved efficiency, security, and stability, allowing peripheral devices to list preferred channels with a central device, enhancing network flexibility.

Like any other tech, Bluetooth technology is always growing and evolving. Here are some specific ways we can expect Bluetooth to evolve in the future…

Multi-stream Support

Multi-stream functionality in Bluetooth allows you to connect to multiple devices simultaneously. This feature enables easy switching between devices, ideal for multitasking—such as using a phone and laptop concurrently or listening to music on your headphones while catching up on a podcast.

Multi-channel Audio Codec

The LC3 audio codec enhances audio quality by increasing the bitrate, which improves sound quality over previous Bluetooth versions, achieving this at half the bitrate of the older SBC codec. The lower bitrate means that LC3 requires less bandwidth to transmit more data, thus consuming less power. This is particularly advantageous for extending the battery life of devices, enabling manufacturers to design products with smaller batteries and sleeker designs. It also offers improved latency, benefiting users of hearing aids and true wireless (TWS) headphones by ensuring sound is delivered in sync with action, similar to normal hearing levels.

Assistive Listening Devices

Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) are increasingly being used around the world in cars, homes, and offices. These devices help the hearing impaired by transmitting sound directly into the earpiece worn by the user. They ensure that the user can hear clearly without affecting others nearby. This technology largely depends on Bluetooth frequencies to transmit sound efficiently to the user’s headset. ALDs are versatile, and have proven useful in various scenarios such as meetings, presentations, or simply watching movies.

In short: no. It’s a common misconception that Bluetooth and wireless are the one and the same, they are, strictly speaking, quite distinct. While it’s an easy mistake to make, to say that all wireless headphones are Bluetooth is like saying that all reptiles are snakes. While all Bluetooth headphones are wireless, not every wireless headphone is equipped with Bluetooth technology. Understanding the distinction between the two helps consumers get a better fuller understanding of the wireless audio tech landscape, which is very important when buying the right headphones for you.

Every set of headphones each come with their own pros and cons, and the best version for someone else may not always pan out to be the best version for you, as it invariably boils down to personal preferences and what activities you tend to perform while wearing headphones. If you’re trying to make the choice between Bluetooth and wireless, you may wish to consider the following key factors before making your purchase.

• Audio Quality: Wireless headphones, especially RF models, generally offer superior audio quality due to their ability to transmit audio at higher bitrates. However, recent advancements in Bluetooth technology, with codecs like aptX and LDAC, have greatly improved the audio quality of Bluetooth headphones, making them competitive. The choice between the two largely depends on the specific use-case and personal preferences for convenience versus sound fidelity.
• Connection Stability: No current technology offers flawless connection stability. RF signals can penetrate walls and solid objects, but they are susceptible to interference from other devices emitting the same signals. IR technology provides greater stability but is limited by its shorter range. The stability of Bluetooth connections varies depending on the audio source and the headphones used. It's important to note that newer versions like Bluetooth 5.0 and 5.2 are designed to experience less signal interference.
• Range: Bluetooth typically operates effectively within a 30-meter range but can extend up to 200 metres with a Bluetooth 5.0 device. In comparison, other wireless headphones generally offer a shorter connection range.
• Compatability: Most wireless headphones require proprietary transmitters and cannot function without them. Conversely, Bluetooth technology does not have this limitation, allowing these headphones to connect to almost any modern device.
• Ease of Use: Bluetooth headphones are simpler to use compared to other wireless types. They do not require a third-party dongle or transmitter, making pairing straightforward. Many modern Bluetooth headphones also come with companion apps that facilitate automatic pairing with your smartphone.
• Battery Life: Wireless headphones typically have a longer battery life than Bluetooth ones because they rely on a separate device for audio transmission, reducing power consumption on the headphones themselves. Bluetooth headphones, which transmit audio signals directly, tend to drain the battery more quickly. But of course, it can completely depend on the model. If you’d like to discuss specifics with an audio tech expert, don’t be afraid to get in touch with one of our friendly staff members, and they can talk you through the finer points of Bluetooth and wireless technology. 

Besides their premium audio quality, wireless headphones offer a wide range of benefits for the modern audiophile: 

• Wireless Headphones Are Tangle Free

Let’s face it; despite careful storage and best efforts, corded headphones inevitably wind up a big, tangled mess. Keeping them untangled can be a taxing chore at the best of times, made even more frustrating for the time poor, or when the chord re-tangles itself in the middle of exercise, a phone call, or the chorus of an amazing song. It’s not something you need to worry about with wireless headphones. Just put them on and enjoy your audio journey. 

• Wireless Headphones Increase Mobility

An optimal workout performance typically requires a range of movements, and whether you're engaged in a vigorous cardio session, strength training, or a yoga class, maintaining proper form is essential. Wired headphones cords invariably become a nuisance; they tangle, pull, and can easily catch on equipment or even your swinging arms. This not only interrupts your rhythm, but can also pose a significant safety hazard. Wireless headphones provide a much greater freedom of movement; this supports enhanced mobility and focus, which is particularly important with exercises where precise and fluid movements are critical. 

• Wireless Headphones Offer Multi-Device Connectivity

Multi-device connectivity is a significant advantage when it comes to wireless headphones. The EPOS H3 Hybrid gaming headset, for example, offers both wired connectivity via USB/console cables and simultaneous Bluetooth connectivity. This allows you to easily switch from wired gaming to mobile use with the closed acoustic H3 Hybrid headset. It supports USB, console cable, and Bluetooth connections, providing exceptional versatility. Additionally, its audio performance can be customised using the EPOS Gaming Suite for PC. This feature ensures a seamless audio experience, whether you're moving from a workout to a car trip or just switching between devices at home.

• Wireless Headphones Offer Hands Free Calling

In the modern world, the ability to use your headphones to make a hands free phone call is a necessity. Headphones with precise voice pickup technology and sophisticated audio signal processing will ensure your voice can be heard clearly by the person on the other end of the call, even in the noisiest of environments. Take the Sony WH-1000XM5 Premium Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones, which were engineered with a noise reduction algorithm that was developed with AI machine learning, using more than 500 million voice samples to suppress ambient noise and extract your voice clearly in a wide range of environments.  If earphones are more your speed, then consider that the Beyerdynamic Free BYRD True Wireless Earphones use Qualcomm dual 2-mic cVc technologies to enhance speech clarity during phone calls, whether in mono or stereo mode, providing consistently excellent voice intelligibility.

• Wireless Headphones Give You a Secure Fit

A secure fit is essential for headphones used during workouts. Many wireless headphones, such as the Denon AH-GC20, feature an over-the-ear hook to ensure they stay securely in place even during vigorous activities. You may even wish to consider wireless earphones such as the Unique Melody MEXT Bone Conduction Tribrid IEM; these headphones transmit sound through your cheekbones directly to your inner ear, bypassing the ear canal. This not only allows for situational awareness, crucial for safety during outdoor workouts, but also keeps the headphones firmly in place.

• Wireless Headphones Are Water Resistant

 Water resistance headphones are crucial for anyone who spends a lot of time listening to music or podcasts outdoors during the drizzlier months. Although all water-resistant headphones can handle rain and sweat to a certain extent, their effectiveness can differ greatly. The Beoplay EX boasts an IP57-rated build quality, which means not only can it withstand dust and sand, but it can also stay waterproof for up to 30 minutes in up to a metre or water.

You can browse the vast range of Minidisc headphones here. With a wide array of wireless headphones, Bluetooth headphones, we also stock an extensive selection of high quality audio equipment accessories. Got a question? You can get in touch with us directly through the Minidisc contact us page, or by calling us on 1300 666 275.