You should choose a technology speaker that uses AirPlay or Bluetooth

If users are interested in listening to music with a Mac device or using an iPhone, they might consider getting a wireless speaker that supports two technology options: AirPlay or Bluetooth. Many Apple devices support audio playback through external speakers using both types of technology, but what makes these two connections different?

The Difference Between AirPlay and Bluetooth

AirPlay and Bluetooth are both wireless technologies that allow users to listen to music from their phones. In this case, the article discusses streaming music from a Mac, iPad, or iPhone to a wireless speaker. AirPlay also allows users to stream movies on Apple TV, while Bluetooth is used for tasks such as creating an internet connection through an Android phone, but it does not allow users to stream video.

AirPlay is a proprietary technology developed by Apple, functioning via a Wi-Fi connection. Therefore, if both the iPad and the speaker that supports AirPlay connect to the home Wi-Fi network, users can stream music without encountering any difficulties. Bluetooth, developed by Ericsson, is a widely used wireless connection technology in all kinds of devices. However, Bluetooth can transmit data between different devices without requiring a Wi-Fi connection.

Performance

When it comes to sound quality, AirPlay holds the advantage because it uses a lossless audio data transmission protocol to maintain quality, while Bluetooth does not. This means that users will experience higher-quality audio without the fear of reduced quality during data transmission when using AirPlay. Another advantage of AirPlay is that it operates via a Wi-Fi connection, allowing users to keep their iPhones in their pockets and move anywhere in the house without degrading the connection quality. Although there is a Class 2 Bluetooth standard that allows devices like the iPhone to connect to other devices within 10 meters, this is not always guaranteed as it depends on antenna quality, home layout, and other factors.

However, Bluetooth works independently of a wireless network, improving the mobility of the connection. This also means that if users want to move outside to enjoy music, AirPlay would not be the suitable choice; instead, they would need to use a wireless speaker that connects via Bluetooth. If users intend to set up a wireless speaker system around their home, using AirPlay would be advantageous as it can easily stream audio to multiple users if they are using iTunes (iOS does not offer this feature), and they can use the iOS Remote app to control iTunes on their computer if they want to customize more complex settings.

Meanwhile, Bluetooth speakers are limited to only connecting to one speaker at a time. If users set up a connection for a desktop speaker system or buy a portable speaker, they can carry it with them everywhere, and using Bluetooth will not be an issue. However, if they want better audio quality in their home, using a speaker that supports AirPlay would be more suitable. Some users have reported that the content buffering with AirPlay seems slow, particularly common on larger but less powerful speakers that often skip tracks or change albums. Fine-tuning options and using more powerful devices can help avoid this situation.

Price

However, users may notice that AirPlay technology is a proprietary standard of Apple, so products equipped with this technology are often more expensive than other products. Currently, there are many price ranges for different speaker devices on the market, but AirPlay speaker systems generally have a higher average price compared to Bluetooth-connected speakers.

It’s challenging to directly compare different types of speakers, but users can gain a broad overview regarding the technology connection used by each type of speaker to identify the differences between them. The article will illustrate with a few speaker examples for user reference.

• First is the Pure Contour 200i, priced at 199 Euros, with 36 watts of power, dimensions of 14.6 inches, and powered through a power socket. It also includes a dock with a 30-pin connector to connect to an iPhone or iPod. The Pure Contour 200i has received a 5-star rating on Amazon, a 5-star review from BBC Music Magazine, and 4 stars from PCWorld with an 80% rating. With such ratings, this is a highly rated speaker.

• The Philips Fidelio P8BLK/37 is priced at $249, a Bluetooth speaker significantly smaller than the Pure speaker. In fact, its rechargeable battery can store enough power for users to listen to music continuously for up to 8 hours, enhancing mobility. This speaker is rated well at 4.5 stars on Amazon and is notably less expensive.

• If users want to spend more money to obtain a speaker for higher sound quality, the Libratone Zipp with AirPlay connectivity, priced at £299, would be an appealing choice. It offers 360-degree sound and can run continuously for up to 4 hours on wireless transmission (or 8 hours when using USB or a 3.5 mm jack), allowing users to use AirPlay to listen to music anytime and anywhere while on the move. On Amazon, this speaker also has a relatively high rating (4 stars) compared to its mobility.

• The price above can be compared with the JBL On Beat Rumble, which provides an output power of 50 watts combined with a subwoofer and Lightning connection for iPhone or iPad mini. This is a very powerful speaker. However, it is less mobile than the Zipp as it does not have a rechargeable battery and needs to be plugged into a power source to use. The Amazon rating for this speaker is 4.5 stars, indicating a large number of users genuinely love the sound quality it provides.

• And of course, there are other options that give users the ability to use either AirPlay or Bluetooth, depending on their needs, such as the Cambridge Audio Minx 100, priced at $449, offering high flexibility, rated 4 stars on Amazon, although its sound quality is not particularly impressive.

Conclusion

Depending on individual usage needs, users can choose the most suitable type of speaker for themselves. If sound quality is a concern, AirPlay will be the perfect choice, while Bluetooth will be prioritized for maximum mobility. If users want to listen to music through their Apple devices while also using an Android phone, a Bluetooth speaker will provide the flexibility they need.

Source: Makeuseof