Bluetooth LE Audio VS Classic Bluetooth Audio: Introduction and Comparative AnalysisAuthor：Abluetech    Time：2023-11-08

When it comes to Bluetooth technology, we often hear the terms Bluetooth LE Audio and Classic Bluetooth audio. They represent different Bluetooth audio standards, each with unique advantages and application scenarios. In this article, I will segment Bluetooth LE Audio and classic Bluetooth Audio and compare them.

What is Bluetooth LE Audio?

Bluetooth LE Audio is a new generation of Bluetooth audio standards, LE stands for Low Energy (Low Energy). One of the key features of this standard is its low-power performance, which means it is ideal for use in headphones, hearing AIDS, and other low-power audio devices. Bluetooth LE Audio also introduces a new audio Codec technology called LC3 (Low Complexity Communication Codec), which provides higher quality audio transmission and lower power consumption.

What is Classic Bluetooth Audio?

Classic Bluetooth Audio is the Bluetooth audio standard we used to know, commonly used in sound systems, headsets and audio devices. It uses SBC (Subband Coding) codec technology to provide reasonable audio quality, but relatively high power consumption. Classic Bluetooth Audio performs well in connection stability and audio latency, making it suitable for applications that require high audio quality.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of the Two Bluetooth Audio Standards

Advantages of Bluetooth LE Audio:

1. Low power consumption: Bluetooth LE Audio performs well on low-power devices, extending the battery life of the device.

2. High-quality audio: LC3 codec technology is introduced to provide clearer and high-quality audio transmission.

3. Multi-point connection: Bluetooth LE Audio supports multi-point connection, allowing the device to connect multiple audio sources at the same time.

Disadvantages of Bluetooth LE Audio:

1. Compatibility: Bluetooth LE Audio requires a new generation of Bluetooth hardware support, so it is not available on older devices.

2. Transmission distance: Due to the low-power design, its transmission distance is usually short.

Advantages of Classic Bluetooth Audio:

1. Wide compatibility: Classic Bluetooth audio works with most existing Bluetooth devices.

2. Stability: Excellent performance in connection quality and audio delay, suitable for applications requiring real-time audio transmission.

Disadvantages of Classic Bluetooth Audio:

1. Higher power consumption: Compared to Bluetooth LE Audio, classic Bluetooth audio has higher power consumption and may require more frequent charging.

2. Audio quality limitation: Using SBC codec technology, audio quality is not as good as Bluetooth LE Audio.

Application Scenario

Bluetooth LE Audio and Classic Bluetooth Audio have their own uses in different application scenarios. Bluetooth LE Audio is suitable for scenarios that require low power consumption and high audio quality, such as true wireless headphones, hearing AIDS and fitness trackers. Classic Bluetooth audio is better suited to scenarios that require wider compatibility and audio stability, such as car audio systems, home stereos, and traditional headphones.

In short, Bluetooth LE Audio and Classic Bluetooth Audio each have their own advantages, and it is important to choose the right standard for your specific needs and device type. Together, these two standards promote the continuous development of Bluetooth audio technology, providing users with more choice and convenience.