Glossary · Hardware

Bluetooth

Bluetooth is a short-range wireless standard for connecting devices such as headphones, keyboards and phones, using the 2.4 GHz band.

Updated October 6, 2026

Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology for exchanging data between nearby devices. It operates in the 2.4 GHz radio band and is used for audio, input devices, wearables and sensors.

Why it matters

Typical range is around 10 meters, and varies with the class of device and obstacles. Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) uses very little power and powers fitness trackers, beacons and smart home sensors.

Versions such as 5.x improve range and speed, but both devices must support a feature to use it.

Example

classic Bluetooth audio: streams audio via a codec such as SBC or AAC
BLE sensor:  sends a few bytes every second on a coin cell for months

The two share a name but behave quite differently.

Common misconceptions

  • Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are the same radio. They share the 2.4 GHz band but are different protocols, and can interfere.
  • A newer Bluetooth version improves audio quality by itself. The codec matters.
  • Pairing is a secure guarantee. Old devices may use weak pairing methods.

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