Sound quality bluetooth headphones

Bluetooth 4.2 vs Bluetooth 5 Sound Quality Comparison

In the audiophile world, the question of sound quality between wired headphones and wireless ones used to be a no-brainer: the wire sounds better! And I’m sure there are audiophiles out there who will take that creed to their graves.

But true wireless is here to stay. Headphone jacks are a thing of the past, and companies like Sony and Sennheiser continue to raise the bar for true-wireless with each new release.

This is partially in thanks to the release of Bluetooth 5.0 back in 2016, which has become the new standard for wireless tech. All our best sellers in the true wireless category use 5.0, which can transmit eight times more data, at four times the distance, and twice the speed of the previous version, Bluetooth 4.2.

Bluetooth 5 vs 4.2

Eight times the data at twice the speed sounds like a massive improvement, right? Does this mean Bluetooth 5 headphones sound eight times better than Bluetooth 4.2 headphones? Should you ditch your old pair of earbuds to upgrade to Bluetooth 5.0? The truth is that for the audiophiles, the differences between Bluetooth 4.2 to 5.0 will probably be minor.

What’s the difference?

Most of the improvements of Bluetooth 5.0 are intended for the emerging Internet of Things, which means things like smart cars and smart appliances. For example, the maximum range has been upped from 200 feet to 800 feet. And while that may be cool if you want to connect to a Bluetooth speaker across a yard or something, average headphone usage falls well within the old range of 200 feet. And of course, line-of-sight interference remains unchanged. Bluetooth still can’t pass through walls.

This high range is used at the cost of speed, however. A Bluetooth 5 device can transmit far or fast, but not both at once. But because most people listen to their headphones with a smartphone in their pocket, we can assume low distances and high speeds for the average wireless headphone user.

So keeping that in mind, Bluetooth 5 can transmit at around 6Mbps (megabytes per second), which is roughly twice as fast as Bluetooth 4.2. You’d think that this would result in better sound, right? But it doesn’t, and this is because of Bluetooth codecs.

Bluetooth Codecs

Codecs are a rather vast and confusing topic, and I won’t delve too deeply here. There are a ton of great articles out there that explain the differences between them. But here are the basics.

In layman’s terms, Bluetooth codecs compress (shrink) music files to make them small enough to be sent via Bluetooth. Higher quality music = bigger files. But even with Bluetooth 5, not a whole lot of data can fit in a Bluetooth signal when compared to a wired signal. So maybe those cable die-hards were right after all?

There are several different codecs that are used, like SDC, aptX, AAC and LDAC. Some offer higher quality than others. But here’s the kicker: even the highest quality Bluetooth codec will compress the file down to just 1Mbps. Most of them get the file much smaller than that. This is well within the range of what even older Bluetooth versions can handle.

So what does that mean.

Just to recap, Bluetooth 4.2 can handle 3Mbps, version 5 can handle 6Mbps. So both Bluetooth 4.2 and 5 can handle the highest quality wireless audio available, and with plenty of room to spare. This means that unless a higher-quality codec is developed, it doesn’t matter how much better or faster the Bluetooth versions get: Your music isn’t going to sound any better! The current codecs keep the music files small enough that the extra bandwidth really doesn’t matter.

So no, Bluetooth 5 won’t make your music sound better. Bluetooth 5’s audio quality isn’t any better, because it uses the same codecs as older versions of Bluetooth.

Should I even bother with Bluetooth 5?

What is better with version 5 is the range and speed of connection. And speaking from the personal experience of the Audio46 staff, you can expect fewer dropouts and connection issues from Bluetooth 5 compared to 4.2.

If you are a true audiophile, you’ll probably keep using a wire anyway. But if you’re thinking about picking up your first pair of true wireless buds, the whole Bluetooth experience will run a little smoother with version 5. But if v4.2 works for you, there’s no reason to go crazy and jump for the new version. When a new Bluetooth codec gets announced. that’s when you should jump and go crazy!

If you still have questions about Bluetooth headphones, Call (212) 354-6424, chat now, email us or visit our NYC store . Our team of headphone experts will be glad to answer questions and help find the perfect headphone for your needs and budget.

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The 8 Best Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds — Summer 2023 Reviews

Whether you have a phone with no audio jack or prefer the freedom of going wireless, finding the best in-ear wireless headphones all comes down to what matters most to you. If you’re looking for earphones to use at the office, noise isolation and battery life might be your top priorities; if you need in-ears for the gym, you’ll probably care more about fit and durability. There are specialized models to fit virtually every need; some are even versatile enough to keep up whether you’re running a marathon or sitting on the bus. With so many different models to choose from, where do you start?

We’ve bought and tested over 230 pairs of wireless earbuds and in-ear headphones, and below, you’ll find our recommendations for the best wireless earbuds to buy. If you’re curious about wireless headphones, consider our recommendations for the best Bluetooth headphones. You’ll also want to check our picks for the best wireless Bluetooth earbuds under $50 and $100 if you have a specific budget.

Best Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II Truly Wireless

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II Truly Wireless are the best wireless earbuds we’ve tested. These high-end buds are the best you can get if you care about noise isolation. Like most of Bose’s lineup, they have an outstanding noise cancelling (ANC) system that outperforms their competitors like the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) Truly Wireless. They easily tackle plane engine noise and ambient chatter, making them a solid choice for office use or long trips. With their ANC on, they also continuously last well over six hours, and their carrying case supplies an extra three charges if needed. Although they’re bulky compared to other picks on this list, they’re smaller than their predecessor, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds Truly Wireless, and have a very comfortable fit. They’ve also got stability fins to help keep them in your ear when you’re on the go. Their sound profile is more bass-heavy than what our graph shows. However, this is due to the shape of our rig’s ear canals, and subjectively, there’s extra boom, which muddies vocals and instruments. Luckily, if you prefer a different sound, their companion app’s graphic EQ and presets let you adjust their sound to your liking. That said, although they’re premium buds, they don’t support multi-device pairing, which is surprising at this price point.

Best Upper Mid-Range Bluetooth Earbuds

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) Truly Wireless

The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) Truly Wireless are, as the name states, the next generation of Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless. These earbuds have the same premium build and comfortable design as their successor and the same Apple-exclusive features, like an H2 chip for easy pairing with iOS devices and virtual surround sound via Apple Music. While they don’t come with sound customization features, unlike the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II Truly Wireless, they have a well-balanced sound profile that suits most types of audio. Their active noise cancelling (ANC) feature does a great job of blocking noise in the bass and mid-range. There’s a ‘Transparency’ mode for when you want to hear your surroundings, but otherwise, you can’t adjust the ANC. These earbuds have the same six-hour battery life as the Bose earbuds with ANC on, and their case holds four extra charges, so you can always top it up. If you’re looking for premium earbuds with a longer-lasting battery, the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 last almost nine hours on a single charge. However, they aren’t as comfortable, and their ANC doesn’t perform quite as well.

Best Mid-Range Bluetooth Earbuds

Google Pixel Buds Pro Truly Wireless

If you’re looking for a price that’s not so steep, try the Google Pixel Buds Pro Truly Wireless . These earbuds don’t have the same premium feel as the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) Truly Wireless, but they’re packed with plenty of features you might not expect, considering their lower price. Their ANC has a similarly excellent performance, so it can help reduce noise like rumbling engines or background conversations. They have a continuous battery life of about eight hours and come with a portable charging case that stores extra charges. They even support multi-device pairing, meaning you can stay connected with your phone and computer simultaneously. They have a V-shaped sound profile that adds extra bass to your audio, while vocals and instruments are bright. You can customize their sound with a graphic EQ and presets in the companion app. If you’re using a Google Pixel phone, they offer spatial audio for a more immersive listening experience. Unfortunately, while they have a comfortable fit for most people, they can pop out of your ears over time. This can affect how the earbuds deliver bass, so getting a good fit is important to ensure consistent sound delivery. If you want earbuds with a more comfortable fit overall, the Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless are another great mid-range option. They have a more stable fit but a weaker ANC performance.

Best Lower Mid-Range Bluetooth Earbuds

Anker Soundcore Space A40 Truly Wireless

The Anker Soundcore Space A40 Truly Wireless are a relatively affordable option that don’t sacrifice extra features like ANC or app support. Their noise isolation performance rivals the Google Pixel Buds Pro Truly Wireless’, so they can help reduce noise during your commute or at the office. You can also choose different modes to suit different situations, including an adaptive setting meant to adjust automatically to the amount of noise in your environment. With ANC on, they last about eight hours of continuous use, and their case stores four extra charges. Like the previous pick, they support multi-device pairing. They have a warm default sound profile, with cozy-sounding vocals and lead instruments. The companion app includes a graphic EQ and presets if you prefer a different sound. They also support LDAC, Sony’s proprietary codec for high-res audio, but unlike the Google earbuds, don’t come with any virtual surround sound features. They aren’t the best option for workouts since they don’t have stability fins or a very stable fit and may slip out of place if you move your head around a lot.

Best Budget Wireless Earbuds

Anker Soundcore Life Dot 2 Truly Wireless

The Anker Soundcore Life Dot 2 Truly Wireless are the best wireless earbuds in the budget range that we’ve tested. These earbuds look a lot like the Anker Soundcore Space A40 Truly Wireless, but they have a simpler design, with pared-down controls, no ANC, and no companion app. However, they still have something to help them stand out. They last for around seven hours off a single charge, but their case holds about 12.5 additional charges. Their total battery life of nearly 100 hours means you can take them on weekend trips or use them all week at your desk without recharging the case. They’re lightweight and comfortable enough for all-day listening, and their stability fins will keep them in place during workouts. Their sound profile has a touch of extra bass to make genres like EDM and hip-hop sound more rich and thumpy. While vocals and instruments sound present and clear, they lack some detail due to a dip in the treble range. They don’t have an EQ or mix presets, meaning you’re stuck with their default sound. Since they lack ANC, they don’t do a good job passively isolating you from low-frequency noise, like the rumble of a bus engine. Still, they cut out a good amount of background chit-chat and higher-pitched sounds like a computer fan. However, these earbuds can be difficult to find in stock recently. If you have trouble finding a pair, the TOZO NC7 Truly Wireless are another good option. These budget earbuds have a great ANC feature, a good build quality, and a fairly versatile sound, but don’t have the same long battery life and lack an app.

Best Cheap Wireless Earbuds

JLab Audio GO Air POP True Wireless

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