Seems crazy nowadays, right?
Finding that perfect match for your ears can be a little overwhelming. With all of these tech terms complicating wireless audio devices, how can you know when you’re making the right choice?
By understanding the difference between 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth audio, you’ll never second guess your buying decision again.
What Is 2.4GHz Wireless Audio?
In its purest form, wireless audio is sent from your audio device to compatible headphones through a 2.4GHz wireless signal. The sound is transmitted over radio waves using a similar signal to your home internet Wi-Fi router or wireless telephones (when many of us still had landlines). The great benefit of 2.4GHz wireless is that it can go through walls and stretch a fair distance (150 feet / 45 meters) in your home (or 300 feet / 92 meters outdoors).
The downside to listening to near-perfect audio is that the audio file size can consume roughly ten times the amount of space as compared to the average Spotify or Apple Music single. Additionally, this wireless signal can be very sensitive (due to any similar radio waves nearby interfering).
If you’re going for higher-quality audio, you’ll also want some high-quality audio equipment to make sure it sounds as good as possible.
What Is Bluetooth Audio?
Bluetooth audio is a power-efficient way to send audio from your device to your earbuds (or earphones). This is accomplished by squishing (or compressing) audio into a concentrated wireless audio path from your device to your ears.
The range of Bluetooth audio maxes out at about 30 feet (10 meters) to be received in its best form. In most cases, you’ll find this method of transmitting audio sent between your smartphone and car stereo, earbuds, or gaming console nearby.
Because Bluetooth audio technology favors efficiency over high audio quality, you’ll find that the audio (especially music) is a little better than good enough (in most cases). When you’re gaming and chatting on discord with your crew, you’ll notice the audio quality will drop considerably to allow room for the gaming audio and the audio communication with your friends.
To learn about Bluetooth audio in detail, check out our guide on how Bluetooth audio codecs work.
2.4GHz vs. Bluetooth Audio: Is There a Difference?
Even though 2.4GHz wireless audio and Bluetooth audio both send sounds from your device to your ears in (roughly) the same wireless frequency, you’ll notice a massive difference in audio quality between either choice.
Listening to audio using Bluetooth is effortless due to modern audio devices included without requiring any additional tech. However, with 2.4GHz wireless audio, you typically need a USB dongle to help your audio device send high-quality sounds to your ears.
As Bluetooth technology sends audio in such a narrow path, you can sit beside someone on public transportation without worrying about audio interruption. On the other hand, 2.4GHz wireless audio may experience interruption while listening, though the requirement for a specific USB dongle to connect usually ensures a smooth connection.
What Is Best For You?
If your go-to song for testing your audio equipment is Aja by Steeley Dan, then you will most likely be willing to spend the time to plan out the perfect listening space for your 2.4GHz wireless audio listening experience.
Should you be the type of person who prefers convenience and availability, then go with audio devices that support modern Bluetooth technology out of the box.
