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Whether you're going for a run or listening to music at home, your experience can be significantly improved if you don't need to deal with a wire. While the term ‘wireless headphones’ refers to a device that doesn't require a physical connection to your device, several types are available. This includes Bluetooth headphones.
In this guide, we’ll discuss the differences in these technologies and provide expert tips on choosing the right one for your needs.
Are Bluetooth and Wireless Headphones the Same?
The short answer is no. The relationship between wireless headphones and Bluetooth technology is often misunderstood. While all Bluetooth headphones are wireless, not every wireless headphone uses Bluetooth technology. This distinction is crucial in understanding the broader landscape of wireless audio technology.
What are Wireless Headphones?
Wireless headphones are audio devices that don't require a physical connection to the sound source. There are many types of wireless headphones using different technologies including radio frequency, infrared, and the most popular—Bluetooth. Let’s take a look at how each wireless technology works.
Types of Wireless Headphones
Here are the types of wireless headphones that exist in the market today.
Radio Frequency (RF) Headphones
Radio frequency (RF) headphones use a stereo frequency modulation system. This type of headphones usually requires a transmitter or dongle to work. This makes it less convenient than Bluetooth.
However, unlike Bluetooth, RF headphones can transmit audio through solid objects or walls. It can work with minimal audio compression. This means superior sound quality and much shorter latency or delay.
Infrared (IR) Headphones
As the name suggests, these headphones utilize infrared technology through light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to transmit audio signals. Infrared headphones typically have a docking station to help you connect your device to the audio source.
And since infrared headphones use lightwaves, they will require a line-of-sight connection. For them to function properly, there must be a clear path between the audio source and the headphones. One advantage of IR headphones is that they have a lower risk of interference from other wireless devices.
Bluetooth Headphones
These headphones comes with Bluetooth-enabled chips that can transmit audio through a low-powered 2.4 GHz frequency. The newer version, Bluetooth 5.0, offers an extended range of up to 30 meters of open area.
Kleer Headphones
Kleer headphones use a type of wireless connection technology that can operate at 2.4 GHz, 5.2 GHz, and 5.8 GHz. However, they will only work with the dongle or transmitter. The best aspect of using Kleer headphones is that they can provide you with lossless audio, which ensures that the sound doesn't lose any quality even after compression.
What are Bluetooth Headphones?
As briefly described earlier, Bluetooth headphones utilize short radio waves (2.4 GHz frequency) to connect to devices wirelessly. Its popularity is largely due to its convenience and compatibility. They offer users the freedom to move without being tethered to a device.
The technology is also universally adopted. You use a broad spectrum of gadgets as your audio source, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart TVs.
Bone Conduction Bluetooth Headsets
Bone conduction technology is redefining how we listen to audio on the move. Unlike traditional headphones that deliver sound through the air into your ear canals, bone conduction headsets use vibrations. These vibrations travel through your cheekbones directly to the inner ear, bypassing the eardrum. This innovative approach lets you stay aware of your surroundings, making it a safer choice for outdoor activities and sports.
At Shokz, we offer a range of bone-conduction headsets tailored to specific needs. Openrun Pro is a premium choice for serious athletes. With enhanced bass and improved overall sound quality, Openrun Pro offers a more immersive sound experience. Perfect for long runs or intense workouts.
A great all-rounder, the Openrun headphones strike a balance between quality and affordability. They're lightweight, comfortable, and offer a reliable Bluetooth connection. Ideal for daily use, whether you're commuting or hitting the gym.
The Openmove headphones are an excellent entry point for those keen to try bone conduction technology. They're budget-friendly and provide the essential features of bone conduction, offering a safe and comfortable listening experience.
Last but not least, our Openswim headphones are designed with swimmers in mind. They are waterproof and game-changers for swim training or any underwater activity.
Wireless vs Bluetooth Headphone: Which is Better?
All types of wireless and Bluetooth headphones have their pros and cons. The "best" headphone depends on your preference and your activities while wearing the device. Here’s a more in-depth look at which headphones are better for audio quality, connection stability, and other factors.
Audio Quality
When it comes to sound quality, Kleer headphones are at the top of the list. As touched upon previously, Kleer is the only technology that offers lossless audio. However, improvements have been made to RF and Bluetooth sound quality over the past decade. Along with the specific wireless technology you use, audio quality is also determined by how well the speakers, firmware, and drivers are made.
Connection Stability
There isn't a perfect form of technology when it comes to connection stability. While RF signals can work through walls and other solid objects, the connection can have interference from devices that create the same signals. IR technology delivers better stability. However, it has a shorter range. Bluetooth stability depends on the audio source and headphones. Keep in mind that Bluetooth 5.0 and 5.2 offer less signal interference.
Range
Bluetooth is most effective at a range of 30 meters but can work for up to 200 meters if you have a 5.0 device. Other wireless headphones have a shorter connection range.
Compatibility
Most types of wireless headphones are outfitted with proprietary transmitters, which means that they can't be used without this device. bluetooth technology doesn't have this same requirement, which makes it possible to connect these headphones to nearly any modern device.
Ease of Use
Bluetooth is easier to use than other wireless headphones. Since you won't need a third-party dongle or transmitter to use these headphones, pairing them with a device is simple. The latest Bluetooth headphones have companion apps that will automatically pair them to your smartphone.
Battery Life
In most cases, wireless headphones provide a lengthier battery life than Bluetooth ones. Since another device is needed for audio transmission, your headphones won't consume as much power. In comparison, Bluetooth devices transmit audio signals directly, which leads to your battery draining at a faster rate.
While there are some clear differences between wireless and Bluetooth technologies, there are reasons to purchase both types of headphones. The choice you make depends on your individual needs. Check out our range of bone-conduction Bluetooth headphones.
