Differences Between Bluetooth and AirPlay

When it comes to streaming music wirelessly, Bluetooth and Apple AirPlay are two popular technologies—but they work very differently. Understanding their key differences can help you choose the right solution for your home audio setup.

Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology that connects devices directly, such as a smartphone to a speaker. It’s easy to use, doesn’t require Wi-Fi, and works with most phones and tablets. However, Bluetooth has limitations. Audio is often compressed, which can reduce sound quality, and you can only connect one device to one speaker at a time. Its range is also limited, typically around 30 feet.

AirPlay, on the other hand, uses your home Wi-Fi network to stream high-quality, uncompressed audio from Apple devices like iPhones, iPads, and Macs. With AirPlay 2, you can stream music to multiple speakers at once, creating a whole-home audio experience. It also offers better range and stability, but it does require a Wi-Fi connection and only works with Apple products.

In short, Bluetooth is best for quick, portable playback, while AirPlay is ideal for higher-quality sound and multi-room audio in Apple-centric homes. If you’re using Sonos, AirPlay 2 is supported on most newer models, enhancing the listening experience even more.

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