Bluetooth vs Wi-Fi : Which One Is Best To Choose?

What is Bluetooth?

Bluetooth is a wireless communication technology that pairs or connects nearby devices via short-range radio frequencies. In short, it can transfer data or voice to a host device over a short distance.

For instance, you can connect your computer to a wireless keyboard or pair your phone to a wireless speaker via Bluetooth.

Like Wi-Fi, bluetooth also uses radio signals to transfer data between devices.

Bluetooth actually uses some of the same frequencies as WiFi, which can interfere with WiFi-enabled devices. Nevertheless, Bluetooth does not require a password to connect to a device, unlike WiFi.

Typically, you need to press and hold a button on one device to pair your Bluetooth devices. Then you have to select the button from one device to connect both devices.

Because Bluetooth devices don’t need a password to connect to other devices, the security provided is not as strong as Wi-Fi-connected devices. And Bluetooth also has a shorter connecting range ( usually 30 feet).

Originally, Bluetooth was invented to replace the cables and other devices that were used to connect for data transmission. Now, Bluetooth is found in almost every wireless device that controls home appliances we see. You can find Bluetooth in electronic appliances like laptops, computers, smartphones, tablets, mouse, keyboards, headphones, speakers, smartwatches and many other peripheral devices.

If you see a Bluetooth symbol on a device, you can wirelessly connect it to other Bluetooth-enabled devices.

How Does Bluetooth Work?

Bluetooth-enabled devices use a tiny chip to transmit a signal. And this is how Bluetooth devices detect themselves.

Bluetooth develops a radius wireless network that spans up to 33 feet (10 meters). It is known as PAN or Personal Area Network or Piconet which may support 2 to 8 devices at once. Bluetooth has a very little, 2.5 milliwatt, transmission power.

The majority of laptops, mobiles and computers have Bluetooth radios directly embedded in them. Bluetooth pairing is a process that connects two Bluetooth-enabled devices. Devices can broadcast their existence to other devices, and when the ID or name shows, the user chooses which one they wish to connect to.

Once the device you’ve chosen appears, it’s important to keep track of which one you connect to so you can quickly enter the code that ensures you’re only linked with the appropriate device. The method of pairing might change depending on the device in question.

Pros and Cons of Bluetooth

What is Wi-Fi?

WiFi is a wireless radio signal sent out by a wireless router for local networking, internet access, and other electronic device connections.

In simple terms, Wi-Fi is a wireless technology that can connect your devices to the internet. It creates a network with one another and gives the devices a chance to exchange information.

Nowadays, you will see Wi-Fi receivers in most laptops, desktops, smartphones, tablets, Smart TVs, cameras, refrigerators, audio players, printers, and many other smart home devices.

A device with a Wi-Fi symbol can connect to the internet wirelessly. Also, if you see the symbol at restaurants, hotels, cafés, or airports, they offer wireless internet connectivity for your devices.

Apart from connecting to the internet, WiFi also allows you to connect multiple devices to the same network.

For instance, you can wirelessly transfer data between two computers connected to the same local area network.

How Does Wi-Fi Work?

Wi-Fi utilizes radio waves much as Bluetooth does. Moreover, Wi-Fi links devices that are in close proximity to one another, just like Bluetooth.

But the secret of Wi-Fi is access to the internet. Wi-Fi connects your devices to the inverter by using a router.

To use Wi-Fi, you need to enter a password on your device to connect the device to a local area network, commonly known as LAN, using a router. WiFi enables online browsing without requiring a phone connection or cable plug for your device.

WiFi router converts the internet signal from your modem into a radio signal. After the radio signal is picked up, your WiFi-enable gadgets convert it back into an internet signal. Now you can use your gadget to browse the internet wirelessly.

The router you have has a direct impact on the Wi-Fi signal strength. Nevertheless, you can connect to Wi-Fi from up to 300 feet away, which is a much higher range as compared to Bluetooth.

To connect your devices to the Wi-Fi, you need to enter a password. So, if you have a Wi-Fi-enabled device but don’t know its password, you won’t be able to connect to the internet and use your device to its full potential.

For example, you take your Wi-Fi-enabled smartphone to your friend’s house. Until they provide you with their WI-FI password, you won’t be able to connect your phone to the internet.

Pros and Cons of Wi-Fi

Comparison Between Bluetooth vs Wi-Fi

1. Speed

Bluetooth is slower and offers less bandwidth compared to Wi-Fi. This is why Bluetooth audio quality is considered inferior as compared to WI-Fi. Wi-Fi may be used to broadcast huge data streams, including high-definition music and video.

Bluetooth version 4.0 offers better speeds than its previous generations. However, the speed is capped at 25 Mbps.

Depending on the protocol, Wi-Fi network speeds vary, but even the slowest connections that may be tolerated are quicker than Bluetooth 4.0’s topmost speed.

2. Networking

A modem, which serves as the real gateway to the internet, must be used to transport data between wired and wireless devices. As long as the modem is kept connected to the internet, any Wi-Fi-enabled devices connected to the modem can be connected to the internet.

Bluetooth connections can be generated from  ethernet and  Wi-Fi network. Bluetooth devices can be paid for and used for data transmission for up to 30 feet. However, in most cases, this range becomes even shorter as the Bluetooth range depends on obstacles.

Bluetooth is suitable for a personal area network, or PAN, and consumes comparably less energy.

A Wi-Fi and ethernet network is the local area network or LAN through which devices connect to a modem and then to the internet. And for that reason, it’s possible to create a Wi-Fi networking system without having an internet connection.

This allows devices connected to the networking system to share data with one another, though these devices won’t be able to connect to the internet without having a modem involved. Typically, 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi routers have an indoor range of up to 46 meters and an outdoor range of up to 92 meters.

3. Power Consumption

Bluetooth devices often use less electricity than WiFi does. Bluetooth was created with minimal energy usage in mind. Because WiFi devices can consume up to ten times the amount of electricity than Bluetooth devices, the difference is fairly considerable. So, you must account for additional charges and provide a power supply if you wish to utilize WiFi.

4. Security

In the past, Bluetooth had significant security problems, but the majority of them were resolved with updated standards. The best security measures are still rarely used, but with the right setup, a Bluetooth connection might be safe.

On the other hand, WiFi created the security protocols WEP, WPA, WPA2, and WPA3 since it was previously concerned with safety. The most recent security protocol, WPA3, should be in your preference.

In virtually all situations, properly configured Bluetooth connection security would be sufficient, but if the data you want to transmit is particularly sensitive and you want additional protection, consider utilizing WiFi.

5. Number of Users

Wi-Fi allows more devices to connect with each other and to the internet at the same time.

The number of devices that may connect simultaneously via Bluetooth is limited.

6. Ease of Use

Bluetooth is typically used to establish low-energy connections between two devices across short distances. This makes it perfect for making hands-free calls while driving or streaming audio from a phone or tablet to a speaker system.

Bluetooth, which serves as a wireless auxiliary cord, makes it simple to listen to music while driving.

Wi-FI isn’t useful in this situation since the main objective is to establish a network so that other devices may access the internet. As a result, it is more practical in homes and offices than in automobiles.

Bluetooth Vs Wi-Fi Comparison Table

Bluetooth vs Wi-Fi FAQs

Conclusion

Comparing Bluetooth with Wi-Fi is comparing apples and oranges. When it comes to speed and range, Wi-Fi beats Bluetooth. Wi-Fi lacks Bluetooth’s low energy and restricted RF range, which makes it more popular.

The preferred standard for creating wireless home networks is Wi-Fi. The preferred standard for wirelessly tethering computer accessories is Bluetooth.

A growing number of headphone, speaker, and home theater receiver models now include Bluetooth. Although it is difficult to imagine much competition for either, Wi-Fi Direct comes the closest.