Bluetooth is an integral part of our digital everyday life. Whether it's wireless headphones, smartwatches, or speakers – many devices communicate using this practical wireless standard.
But not all Bluetooth is the same: different versions bring new functions and improvements. In this article, you will learn which Bluetooth versions exist, how they differ, and what you should look out for when buying a new smartphone or headphones.
What is Bluetooth?
Bluetooth is an established wireless standard for short-range data transmission. It was developed to easily connect devices such as phones, computers, speakers, and headphones. Typical applications include audio transmission, file sharing, or controlling smart devices. Unlike classic connections such as a 3.5mm jack cable, Bluetooth does not require a physical connection between devices, which is particularly advantageous for mobile use.
Overview of Bluetooth Versions
Since the introduction of Bluetooth in 1999, the standard has continuously evolved. Here is a compact overview of the most important Bluetooth versions and their features:
- Bluetooth 1.0/1.1 (1999/2001): First marketable versions with basic functions, but slow and prone to interference.
- Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR (2004): Introduction of Enhanced Data Rate (EDR) for higher data rates up to 3 Mbit/s.
- Bluetooth 3.0 + HS (2009): High-speed transmission using Wi-Fi technology, theoretically up to 24 Mbit/s, but rarely used in practice.
- Bluetooth 4.0 (2010): Introduction of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for energy-saving connections, e.g., in fitness trackers.
- Bluetooth 4.1 (2013): Better coordination with LTE networks and more stable connections.
- Bluetooth 4.2 (2014): Larger data packets, faster connections, and improved security.
- Bluetooth 5.0 (2016): Significantly increased range (up to 200 meters) and double the speed (2 Mbit/s).
- Bluetooth 5.1 (2019): Introduction of direction finding and improved position tracking.
- Bluetooth 5.2 (2020): Introduction of LE Audio for improved sound quality with lower energy consumption.
- Bluetooth 5.3 (2021): Further optimizations for low power consumption and more stable connections.
- Bluetooth 5.4 (2023): Improvements for IoT and industrial applications as well as Bluetooth mesh networks.
Important Terms Related to Bluetooth
The world of Bluetooth technology is full of technical terms that may seem complicated at first glance. However, they represent practical functions that are crucial for the performance and usability of your wireless devices:
- Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE): BLE is an energy-efficient variant of Bluetooth developed specifically for devices that require long operating times with small batteries. Application areas include fitness bands, smartwatches, or smart sensors.
- LE Audio: This newer standard revolutionizes Bluetooth audio transmission. It uses the LC3 codec, which enables better audio quality with lower bandwidth. This not only optimizes sound but also energy efficiency.
- Multi-Stream Audio: With this innovative technology, multiple audio signals can be transmitted simultaneously. This makes it possible, for example, to receive separate audio data with each earbud, improving synchronization and thus the listening experience. It also optimizes the use of multiple speakers at the same time.
- Direction Finding: Available from Bluetooth 5.1 onwards, this technique allows for more precise localization of Bluetooth signals, which is particularly useful for indoor navigation or smart home applications.
- Bluetooth Mesh: A network protocol that allows many devices to form a large, interconnected system. Signals are forwarded from device to device – ideal for smart home solutions.
What Your Smartphone or Headphones Should Be Able to Do
When buying new Bluetooth devices, it's worth taking a look at the technical details. Modern devices should meet these minimum requirements to ensure optimal connection quality:
- Smartphone: A modern smartphone should support at least Bluetooth 5.0. This gives you higher transmission speed, a more stable connection, and significantly greater range. This is especially important when using multiple Bluetooth devices simultaneously, such as headphones and a smartwatch.
- Headphones or Speakers: High-quality audio devices should support at least Bluetooth 5.2 to fully leverage the benefits of LE Audio and Multi-Stream Audio. Also, make sure the devices support high-quality codecs such as aptX Adaptive, AAC, or LDAC to ensure premium sound quality.
- Special Features: Some headphones offer features such as latency reduction, multipoint (simultaneous connection to two devices), or extended range modes. Look out for these features if specific applications are particularly important to you.
Compatibility Between Bluetooth Versions
Bluetooth is designed so that devices with different versions can communicate with each other. The following applies:
- Backward Compatibility: A device with a newer Bluetooth version can easily connect to a device using an older version. However, only the features of the older version will be available.
- Feature Limitations: Newer features like LE Audio, Multi-Stream Audio, or direction finding can only be used if both devices support these features and the required Bluetooth version.
- Practical Example: Connecting Bluetooth 5.2 headphones to a smartphone that only supports Bluetooth 4.2 will give you a stable connection, but you won’t benefit from LE Audio features.
- Tip: Make sure both devices support the same and preferably the latest Bluetooth version to utilize all advantages and achieve the best results.
Questions and Answers About Bluetooth
How Does a Bluetooth Connection Work?
Bluetooth connections are established when two devices communicate via radio frequencies in the 2.4 GHz band. The connection setup happens in several steps: one device sends a signal (becomes "visible") while the other actively searches for connections (scanning). After the so-called pairing, often involving entering or confirming a PIN, the devices store the connection information, allowing them to connect automatically in the future.
What Is the Best Bluetooth Transmission?
The most powerful Bluetooth transmission is currently provided by devices with Bluetooth 5.2 or higher that support the LE Audio standard. Premium codecs such as aptX Adaptive and LDAC, which allow nearly lossless transmission at high bitrates, are crucial for top audio quality. Optimal sound results are also ensured by minimal latency, stable connections, and an extended frequency range. For audiophiles who prioritize absolute sound quality over mobility, a premium 3.5mm jack cable remains a superior alternative even to the most advanced Bluetooth connections.
How Does Bluetooth Audio Transmission Work?
In Bluetooth audio transmission, the original audio signal is first compressed by a codec (coder/decoder) to enable efficient transmission over limited bandwidth. The compression rate, and thus the quality, varies depending on the codec used. The compressed signal is then transmitted via radio waves in the 2.4 GHz band and decoded by the receiving device.
Conclusion
Bluetooth has evolved significantly over the years and is now indispensable in our everyday lives. Especially the introduction of Bluetooth Low Energy, the range extension, and the optimizations for audio transmissions make new Bluetooth versions attractive and versatile. Therefore, when buying a smartphone, headphones, or speakers, it is worthwhile to pay attention to the supported Bluetooth version. Ideally, the device should support at least Bluetooth 5.0, preferably 5.2 or 5.3, to be future-proof and to utilize all new functions. This way you benefit from more stable connections, better sound quality, and longer battery life.