Bluetooth 5.0 headsets: Should you get one? · Jabra Blog (2024)

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  • October 2, 2020

Bluetooth technology is constantly evolving. The latest widely available version is Bluetooth 5.0. (Although we should soon expect to see devices based on its new iterations: Bluetooth 5.1 and 5.2.)

But what does it mean for the world of wireless headsets? Does the new version of Bluetooth make any difference—and should you consider getting a Bluetooth 5.0 headset?

Let’s take a look.

What’s new in Bluetooth 5.0?

The Bluetooth SIG released this last major version of Bluetooth all the way back on December 6, 2016. Its main focus was to prepare Bluetooth tech for the inevitable explosion in the use of The Internet of Things (IoT). (Any day now!)

In terms of its impact on wireless headphones and headsets, it makes sense to compare Bluetooth 5.0 to the previous version, namely Bluetooth 4.2.

What’s the difference between Bluetooth 5.0 and 4.2?

While there are plenty of differences, the following stand out as the most impactful advantages of Bluetooth 5.0:

  • Higher bandwidth: While Bluetooth 4.2 transmits data at 1 Mbps, Bluetooth 5.0 doubles that to 2 Mbps.
  • Longer range: Bluetooth 4.2 can hold connection to another device for a maximum of 60 meters (200 feet). With Bluetooth 5.0, that distance is quadrupled to 240 meters (800 feet).
  • Lower battery use: Despite transferring data faster, Bluetooth 5.0 does so while consuming less power, which improves battery life.
  • Dual audio: Finally, Bluetooth 5.0 allows you to simultaneously connect two separate audio devices like headsets or speakers to a single audio source. Want to listen to the same Spotify playlist on an airplane? Just press play on your smartphone, slip on two pairs of Bluetooth 5.0 headsets, and enjoy.

Important: To get the above advantages, all of the devices in question should be running Bluetooth 5.0. Trying to play a track from a Bluetooth 5.0 phone on two Bluetooth 4.2 headphones at the same time? Tough luck. It won’t work.

Bluetooth 5.0 headsets: Should you get one? · Jabra Blog (1)

Does Bluetooth 5.0 improve audio quality?

Short answer: no, not directly. If you’re considering a pair of Bluetooth 5.0 headphones in the hope that they have better audio quality, we’ll have to disappoint: Bluetooth 5.0 does not offer any improvement to the audio quality itself.

Having said that, headsets with Bluetooth 5.0 are definitely a more attractive overall package than those with Bluetooth 4.2 due to the advantages discussed above. We’ll take a look at why in a moment.

Will Bluetooth 5.0 headphones or headsets work with a 4.2 phone?

Yes!

As we’ve previously discussed, all Bluetooth versions are backwards compatible. This means any Bluetooth headset will work with any phone, regardless of their versions.

But do keep in mind that both devices have to run Bluetooth 5.0 in order to take full advantage of the new features it introduces.

Why should you get a Bluetooth 5.0 headset?

So if it doesn’t offer better audio quality, what’s the benefit of getting a Bluetooth 5.0 headset?

The benefits are linked directly to the main advantages of Bluetooth 5.0 itself:

  • More stable connection: While the audio quality itself may not improve, you should definitely experience much fewer classic Bluetooth issues like audio dropouts and interference. This is thanks to both the higher bandwidth and the longer range.
  • Longer-lasting battery: Because of the lower power consumption, your Bluetooth 5.0 headset will last longer between charges.
  • Dual audio: If you’re lucky enough to have two pairs of Bluetooth 5.0 headphones and a compatible smartphone or computer, you can start sharing your music with others without headphone splitters and wires getting in the way.
Bluetooth 5.0 headsets: Should you get one? · Jabra Blog (2)

Are there many Bluetooth 5.0 headphones available?

You bet. A quick Google search will take you to lists upon lists of headsets and headphones with Bluetooth 5.0.

It can get overwhelming to find the right Bluetooth 5.0 headset for your needs. That’s why we’ve narrowed things down to a few of our favorites below.

Best Bluetooth 5.0 headphones & headsets from Jabra

If you’re on the lookout a Jabra Bluetooth 5.0 headset, we recommend the following:

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Bluetooth 5.0 headsets: Should you get one? · Jabra Blog (2024)

FAQs

Does Bluetooth 5.0 improve audio quality? ›

A pair of wireless headphones that use Bluetooth 5.0 won't sound better than a pair that use Bluetooth 4.2 – or rather they might, but it won't be because of their Bluetooth version. But while the Bluetooth version doesn't affect sound quality, it does make a huge difference to the headphones' feature set.

Does Bluetooth 5.0 support multiple devices? ›

Most smartphones, TVs and computers and tablets manufactured since 2017 have Bluetooth 5.0 technology, which can connect up to seven different Bluetooth devices at once. However, this number can sometimes be limited to less than that depending on the manufacturer.

Can a phone with 5.2 Bluetooth connect to 5.3 earbuds? ›

Yes, a smartphone with Bluetooth 5.1 should be able to connect to headphones with Bluetooth 5.3. Bluetooth is designed to be backwards compatible, which means that a device with a lower Bluetooth version can connect to a device with a higher Bluetooth version.

Which Bluetooth version is best for audio? ›

Bluetooth 5.2, commonly referred to as Bluetooth LE Audio: It is a standard that was released at the beginning of 2020, and it enhances energy efficiency and sound quality in all connected devices used for audio tasks.

Is Bluetooth 5.0 or 5.2 better? ›

While Bluetooth 5 allowed streaming audio to two separate devices, version 5.2 allows one-to-many and many-to-one broadcast. This enables multiple Bluetooth audio devices to play audio from a single source, while also allowing multiple sources to simultaneously serve several audio streams to a single receiver.

Does Bluetooth 5.0 interfere with WIFI? ›

As both wifi and bluetooth operate at 2.4 Ghz ISM band, they will create interference if operated simultaneously in same space.

Does Bluetooth 5.0 work with older devices? ›

Yes, Bluetooth 5.0 is totally backwards-compatible with previously introduced Bluetooth smart technology such as Bluetooth 4.0, Bluetooth 4.1 and Bluetooth 4.2 devices. However, you can continue using your existing Bluetooth 4.2 and older devices.

Does Bluetooth 5.0 have dual audio? ›

In addition, dual-mode Bluetooth 5 capability enables designers to provide simultaneous audio and high data throughput capabilities along with connectivity to multiple BLE and 802.15. 4 devices.

How far can Bluetooth 5.0 reach? ›

Higher bandwidth: While Bluetooth 4.2 transmits data at 1 Mbps, Bluetooth 5.0 doubles that to 2 Mbps. Longer range: Bluetooth 4.2 can hold connection to another device for a maximum of 60 meters (200 feet). With Bluetooth 5.0, that distance is quadrupled to 240 meters (800 feet).

Can Bluetooth 5.0 connect to 5.2 earbuds? ›

Yes, a phone with Bluetooth 5.0 can generally connect to Bluetooth 5.2 earbuds. Bluetooth technology is designed to maintain backward compatibility, which means that devices with older Bluetooth versions can typically connect to devices with newer Bluetooth versions.

Is Bluetooth 5.4 released? ›

Bluetooth 5.4 Officially Released | The Hearing Review.

Which is better Jabra or Bose? ›

The Jabra are more comfortable, and they leak less sound. However, the Bose are more stable, have a better noise isolation performance, and longer continuous battery life.

Which is better, Jabra or JBL? ›

The Jabra have volume control, are better built and more stable, and they last longer on a single charge. On the other hand, the JBL Tune 120 are slightly more comfortable and have an extra additional charge from the case.

Is Jabra better than JLab? ›

The Jabra have a companion app that lets you EQ their sound profile and have a more isolating fit against ambient noise. Their battery life is noticeably better, offering about two more hours of continuous playback than the JLab. They can also connect to two devices and have less latency.

Does Bluetooth 5.0 support lossless audio? ›

However, Bluetooth connections don't support lossless audio.

Does Bluetooth affect audio quality? ›

To enable this data to pass from one device to another, Bluetooth relies on SBC (low complexity subband coding) compression to 'fit' your music through the technology's imaginary 'thin pipes' – once again, resulting in less detail heard in your music. This doesn't sound great for true music lovers.

Is Bluetooth 5.0 better than aux? ›

Bluetooth audio is generally considered inferior to most wired audio connections, including 3.5 mm Aux connections.

What is the difference between Bluetooth 5.2 and 5.3 audio? ›

Bluetooth 5.3 exhibits lower latency, enhanced anti-interference capabilities, and reduced power consumption compared to Bluetooth 5.2. The impact is particularly evident in gaming experiences, as the new version significantly decreases the sound transmission delay for users employing truly wireless headphones.

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