How do Bluetooth headphones work? This wireless technology is certainly the most widespread on the market, and in this guide, we try to explain its operating mechanism concisely.
Bluetooth is ubiquitous in the audio sector. Still, numerous devices use this technology, which has developed a lot with the growth of the latest-generation smartphones and computers.
Bluetooth headphones are not the only type of wireless headset product, but they certainly represent the most widespread technology: let’s see how the headsets that mount this specific technology without the aid of wires work.
What is Bluetooth?
Let’s start with a bit of history: Bluetooth was born in 1994 with the idea of creating a wireless communication standard that diverged from radiofrequency.
Designed by Ericsson, this technology does not require wires but is based on the use of the short wave radio band, frequencies ranging from 2.4 GHz to 2.485 GHz. The great news represented by Bluetooth is that it is possible to connect many devices through this technology, not just headphones.
Connect Bluetooth headphones: Pairing
Technically, pairing is defined as the process of associating Bluetooth headphones to our device, be it a smartphone, a computer, or a hi-fi system that supports this technology, which is now widespread. Net of the slight differences related to the device used, pairing basically works as follows:
- Turn on the headphones.
- The LED flashes after pressing the button: the association can be started.
- Go to the Settings of the source device to find the Bluetooth accessories.
- Click on the name of the headset to complete the pairing.
One of the most interesting aspects of Bluetooth headphones is that once paired later, when we need to use them, turn them on, and they will work immediately, without repeating the pairing operation every time.
The differences between Bluetooth and other wireless standards
All wireless systems appear to be the same at a casual and superficial glance, but this is not the case at all. Bluetooth technology has substantial differences for radiofrequency and other systems, in particular on these aspects:
- The range of Bluetooth headphones does not exceed 10 meters in most cases, whereas other wireless systems can reach up to 100 meters.
- Unlike Bluetooth, other wireless headphones require an independent transmitter, usually contained in the base, and an antenna for reception.
- Bluetooth allows information to be exchanged with the source in both directions, while other standards are for reception only.
- The Bluetooth headphones are equipped with remote management controls and have a built-in microphone.
The compatibility of Bluetooth
The Bluetooth standard is compatible with a whole series of audio devices which thus allows a connection with almost every technological object at our disposal, such as:
- Smartphone
- Tablet
- Computer
- GPS navigators
- Speakers
With Bluetooth headphones, you are not limited to listening to music or watching a movie, as you can also have a conversation on the phone while maybe you are busy or on the move.
The limits of technology
Although technology has made great strides forward since its birth, some critical issues remain on the plate that characterizes the technology of Bluetooth headphones. We have already mentioned the range, which generally does not exceed 10 meters. However, the latest generation headphone models manage to go a little beyond this limit.
The other crucial issue concerns interference in the audio signal transmission, especially in older models, if there are other devices nearby. In general, as for the overall quality of sound reproduction, for a standard listener, the difference compared to headphones with a 3.5 mm jack is practically non-existent, while audio maniacs or those who work in the professional field inevitably encounter a loss of quality on the front. Depth and amplitude of perceived frequencies, so a Bluetooth headset product is lower than professional wired headphones.
How to choose Bluetooth headphones
If you have decided to buy a pair of wireless headphones, Bluetooth is certainly the recommended choice because it is subject to less interference than radiofrequency earphones, and the average cost is very affordable and the value for money.
If you have no idea which brand and product to choose, the ideal could be to rely on online product comparators, specialized sites that allow you to compare headphones based on certain technical parameters.
In this way, you will know the best products of the moment available on the market and select the model that is right for you based on the needs and budget you want to invest.
Product prices and availability are subject to change. Any price and availablility information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of any products.
