Bluetooth 5.0 vs 4.2 on Soundbars: What Changes

Bluetooth audio uses the Classic radio

When you stream music from your phone to a soundbar over Bluetooth, the connection uses the Bluetooth Classic radio, also known as Basic Rate/Enhanced Data Rate (BR/EDR). The Bluetooth technology overview describes this radio as the standard protocol behind wireless speakers and headphones. It streams data over 79 channels in the 2.4 GHz ISM band. This radio is the same regardless of whether the device advertises Bluetooth 4.2 or Bluetooth 5.0.

Bluetooth also includes a Low Energy (LE) radio that is designed for very low power operation. While LE supports data rates up to 2 Mb/s, it is not typically used for audio streaming. The LE radio is what receives the range and speed enhancements in Bluetooth 5.0, but soundbars rely on the Classic radio for music and TV audio.

The table below summarizes the key differences between the Classic and LE radios from the Bluetooth technology overview.

What the version number changes

The Bluetooth version number indicates which specification the chipset follows. However, since audio relies on the Classic radio, and that radio's specifications are the same regardless of version, you won't hear a difference between a 5.0 and a 4.2 soundbar when streaming the same codec from the same device.

Different versions of the Bluetooth specification have introduced many features, such as improved pairing, but for audio streaming, the Classic radio's parameters remain the core aspect. The Bluetooth technology overview lists a maximum data rate of 3 Mb/s for the Classic radio, and this is the same whether the device uses Bluetooth 4.2 or 5.0.

When comparing soundbars, don't treat a higher Bluetooth version as a sign of better audio. The Classic radio that carries sound has the same data rate limit across all recent versions. Instead, look at the supported codecs and the quality of the built-in digital-to-analog converter, which often matters more.

Range and bandwidth: not the limiting factors

Range and bandwidth are often promoted as benefits of Bluetooth 5.0. For a soundbar, however, the Classic radio's range is sufficient for a typical living room, and the 3 Mb/s data rate is more than enough for compressed audio codecs like SBC. Compressed audio codecs used by Bluetooth streaming fit comfortably within this data rate, so upgrading from 4.2 to 5.0 will not expand the usable audio bandwidth.

The range improvements in Bluetooth 5.0 apply to the LE radio, which is not used for music playback. If you keep your phone on the sofa next to you, you are well within the Classic radio's range. For more on choosing a soundbar that offers reliable wireless performance, see our guide to budget soundbars.

Keep in mind that walls and other electronics can cause dropouts even at moderate distances. If you experience stutters, try moving the phone closer or switching to a wired connection.

Codec support is more important than the Bluetooth version

The sound quality of a Bluetooth connection is determined by the audio codec used to encode and decode the stream. Common codecs include SBC, AAC, aptX, and LDAC. The capability of the soundbar and the source device must both support the same codec to use it. A soundbar with Bluetooth 5.0 but only the basic SBC codec will sound no better than a 4.2 model with aptX.

When you shop, look for the list of supported Bluetooth codecs on the soundbar's spec sheet. If you have a phone that supports aptX or LDAC, pairing it with a soundbar that also supports those codecs can noticeably improve quality. Higher-priced models tend to include a wider range of codecs, so if high-quality wireless audio is a priority, check our selection of premium soundbars.

Also consider how the soundbar handles audio from your TV. For movies, a Bluetooth connection is rarely the best choice; an HDMI connection preserves the original surround format.

For the best audio, use HDMI instead

Bluetooth is convenient for casual listening, but for movies and TV, an HDMI ARC or eARC connection is superior. The HDMI specification provides far more bandwidth than Bluetooth Classic. The HDMI Licensing Administrator page describes the latest HDMI 2.2 specification as offering up to 96 Gbps, which is many times the 3 Mb/s of Bluetooth Classic. This makes HDMI suitable for lossless audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.

If your TV supports HDMI ARC or eARC, connect the soundbar that way for the best fidelity. For a detailed explanation of the differences, see our guide to HDMI ARC and eARC soundbars. That connection also reduces lip-sync issues because the TV can adjust the delay properly.

If you prefer a wireless setup, consider a soundbar with Wi-Fi networking, which can carry higher-quality audio than Bluetooth. For more on wireless options, our guide to Dolby Atmos soundbars includes models that support Wi-Fi streaming.

Listen at safe levels with any Bluetooth soundbar

Because Bluetooth makes it easy to stream for long sessions, keep an eye on volume. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) states that sounds at or below 70 A-weighted decibels (dBA) are unlikely to cause hearing loss, even after long exposure. Long or repeated exposure to 85 dBA or above can be harmful. If you raise the volume to hear dialogue, consider a soundbar with a dialogue enhancement mode. Many models in our best 3.1 soundbars include such features.

Also remember that louder sound does not always mean clearer sound. A well-designed soundbar with a dedicated center channel can improve dialogue intelligibility without needing to crank the volume, which is better for your hearing and your neighbors.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Is Bluetooth 5.0 better than 4.2 for soundbars?

Not for audio quality. Both use the same Bluetooth Classic radio for streaming, which has the same data rate limit. The version number affects the Low Energy radio, which is not used for audio.

Does Bluetooth 5.0 give longer range to my soundbar?

The range improvements in Bluetooth 5.0 apply to the LE radio. For a soundbar placed near your TV, the Classic radio's range is sufficient. Actual range depends on walls and interference.

Do I need to worry about Bluetooth version when buying a soundbar?

Less than codec support. Check that the soundbar supports a codec your phone also supports, such as AAC or aptX. The version number alone won't improve sound.

Can I use Bluetooth for surround sound?

Most soundbars use Bluetooth for stereo music streaming, not for surround channels. For surround sound from TV content, use HDMI ARC or eARC, or consider a soundbar with dedicated wireless rear speakers.

Should I use HDMI instead of Bluetooth?

Yes, for television audio. HDMI ARC/eARC carries higher bandwidth and supports lossless formats. Bluetooth is fine for casual music listening, but HDMI is the better connection for movies.