The Best Bluetooth Version for Speakers: Comparing Bluetooth 5.0, 4.2, and Earlier - Wholesale Manufacturer (2024)

When shopping for new Bluetooth speakers, you’ll likely come across various Bluetooth versions like 5.0, 4.2, and more. With each version upgrade come improvements in factors like speed, range, bandwidth, and more. So which Bluetooth version is the best choice for wireless speakers? We’ll compare Bluetooth 5.0, 4.2, previous versions, and what benefits each brings for speaker connectivity.

What to Look for in a Bluetooth Speaker

First, let’s cover what features are most important for Bluetooth speakers and which versions excel in these areas:

Range – How far can you separate the speaker from the source device before losing connectivity? Bluetooth range has vastly improved over the years.

Data transfer rate – Especially key for high quality audio, higher Bluetooth data rates allow more robust streaming without drops, lags or compression.

Battery life – More efficient Bluetooth versions mean longer lasting batteries between charges. Key for portable speakers.

Backwards compatibility – Can the speaker connect with older devices? Important if you own various generations of devices.

Overall audio quality – Beyond just data rates, higher Bluetooth versions include better audio codexes.

Bluetooth 5.0 Speaker Benefits

As of 2023, Bluetooth 5.0 is the most advanced version available. Released in 2016, Bluetooth 5 focuses heavily on wider range, faster speed, bigger bandwidth, better quality, and improved wireless connections compared to older versions.

Some key advantages of Bluetooth 5 speakers include:

• 2x the data transfer rate of Bluetooth 4.2 – up to 2 Mbps. Better for high quality audio streaming with minimal drops.
• 4x the range of Bluetooth 4.2 – over 800 ft compared to 200 ft. Gives greater speaker mobility.
• Backwards compatible to Bluetooth 4.2 and most earlier versions. Will work with any of your devices.
• Improved audio quality and streaming capacity with no lags in playback. Much better for music, video and voice.
• Better quality over a similar wireless range compared to older versions. Still exceptional quality at max range.
• Up to 50% further wireless distance for same power requirement. Better for battery powered speakers.
• Support for more complex wireless setups like sending to two devices simultaneously. Allows wirelessly pairing multiple speakers.

For portable speakers meant for bringing music on the go, Bluetooth 5.0 is easily the best choice currently available.

Bluetooth 4.2 Speaker Pros

Released back in 2014, Bluetooth 4.2 represented a major jump forward from Bluetooth 4.0 and earlier versions at the time. In fact, many Bluetooth speakers still rely on 4.2 connectivity today.

Here are the biggest advantages of Bluetooth 4.2 speakers:

• 3x the speed of Bluetooth 4.0 – up to 1 Mbps. Allows better streaming especially for high def music.
• Data transfer capacity improved to keep up with Wi-Fi level needs. Essential for robust streaming.
• Better quality audio data codec for excellent sound reproduction.
• Noise cancelling and audio transparency for improved voice quality. Crucial for speakerphone use.
• Integrated connectivity management for simplified auto reconnecting to maximize uptime.
• Vastly improved battery life efficiency – up to 2.5x better than 4.0. Much better for portable speakers.

If shopping for speakers on a tighter budget, Bluetooth 4.2 remains an excellent choice, with collective improvements focusing heavily on power, speed and overall streaming robustness.

Do Bluetooth Speakers Work with Older Versions?

When choosing a speaker based primarily on Bluetooth version, it’s also important to confirm backwards compatibility.

Any speaker supporting Bluetooth 4.2 should also work flawlessly with older versions back to Bluetooth 2.0. However, the best connectivity range and bandwidth will come from pairing 4.2 devices together.

Likewise, all certified Bluetooth 5.0 speakers support backwards compatibility as well. They just perform optimally when connecting Bluetooth 5.0 source devices.

So while focusing on the latest Bluetooth version is wise for future-proofing speakers, rest assured nearly any Bluetooth speaker remains compatible with older smartphones, laptops and tablets. Just don’t expect quite as robust of a wireless connection as if paired to the same generation.

Key Considerations When Buying Bluetooth Speakers

While checking that Bluetooth version sticker is crucial, don’t let it dominate the decision making process on a new speaker. Be sure to consider other key factors as well:

• Audio quality elements like speaker driver size, wattage, frequency response range, distortion levels, and overall clarity. These influence sound far more than just Bluetooth version alone. Prioritize audio performance first before wireless tech.
• Battery life estimates before needing a recharge. Key for portable use.
• Physical size and weight depending on mobility needs and where you plan to use the speaker most.
• Extra features like waterproofing, drop resistance, speakerphone use, app connectivity, etc. depending on your must-have requirements.
• Warranties in case of any manufacturing defects down the road.

While battery and wireless connectivity represents just one piece of a Bluetooth speaker’s overall quality, choosing the right Bluetooth version remains crucial. Top contenders like Bluetooth 5.0 offer critical advantages for robustness and portability over earlier versions. Carefully compare specs between any speakers you’re evaluating. In most cases, Bluetooth 5 and 4.2 make for the bestconnectivity match for 2023 and beyond.