In your search for the best wireless audio device, you may be forced to compare the merits of WiFi speakers vs. Bluetooth speakers.
Here’s the truth: there isn’t one perfect product for everyone. Each type of speaker has its own distinct use cases (some of which overlap), and both have the potential to deliver the sound you’re looking for.
To help you choose the perfect product for your needs, we’ve assembled the guide below: a primer on all things Bluetooth vs. WiFi speakers that will help you find your perfect match.
What Is a WiFi Speaker
Before we dive into a comparison, let’s touch on a definition: what is a WiFi speaker, and how does it work?
WiFi speakers wirelessly connect to a device that’s playing audio (like a smartphone or laptop) to project that sound at a higher volume. Your playing device sends signals using radio frequency (RF) waves; the speaker translates these waves and amplifies them.
WiFi speakers need to be on the same WiFi network as your playing device to project consistently. As soon as they’re out of range of WiFi, they’ll stop playing. That’s why WiFi speakers are typically used at home; they’re a great solution for a home office, home gym, or garage workshop.
Pros of WiFi Speakers
WiFi speakers certainly offer a few advantages:
- High-quality sound: Like many wireless speakers today, WiFi speakers offer high-quality, crisp sound.
- Moderate range: As long as your WiFi speaker and your phone (or playing device) remain on the same network, you don’t have to keep your playing device and your speaker in the same room.
- Home device ecosystem connectivity: WiFi speakers can generally integrate into networks of WiFi-powered devices (like smart home assistants) with relative ease.
Simply put, WiFi speakers are exceptional options for home use and some business applications.
Cons of WiFi Speakers
With all of the above in mind, remember that:
- WiFi speakers aren’t highly portable: Looking to host a beach party or take your speaker outside while you do yard work? Your WiFi speaker needs a stable, consistent WiFi connection to keep playing.
- WiFi speakers are generally designed for indoor use: WiFi speakers aren’t as hardy and weatherproof as today’s Bluetooth speakers. Since the latter are designed for increased portability, they’re typically water-resistant and somewhat dirt-proof. However, WiFi speakers often don’t thrive in the elements.
- WiFi speakers aren’t failure-proof: If your ISP pauses your WiFi connection to do system maintenance, your speaker won’t work. If your power goes out (taking your router with it), say goodbye to your tunes, podcast, or audiobook. If your housemates are hogging all of the bandwidth with HD streaming or online gaming, your speaker may fight to wiggle in.
In addition, many WiFi speakers still require a wired power source—not all models are 100% wireless. This can pose limitations for outdoor use, travel, and even some tricky indoor configurations.
What Is a Bluetooth Speaker
We’ve described the basics of the WiFi speaker—let’s turn to its counterpart, the Bluetooth speaker.
Bluetooth speakers use ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio frequencies to connect to audio devices (like smartphones and laptops) and project amplified sound. Like WiFi speakers, this is a wireless connection—no cables required. Bluetooth speakers typically use rechargeable batteries instead of a wired power source.
While not all models will play while charging, some (like the Electrotec Stage One) do. Bluetooth speakers are only getting more rugged as technologies evolve. For instance, many models are impervious to rain, sand, and dirt—they’ll project exceptional sound even in harsh outdoor conditions.
Pros of Bluetooth Speakers
What’s not to love about a Bluetooth speaker? They’re:
- Highly portable: Since Bluetooth speakers don’t require a cabled power source or a WiFi connection, you can use them just about anywhere—on a remote beach, on a mountaintop, or on a chilly winter hike. They’re great for indoor applications, too (and there’s no need to ask for the WiFi password).
- Loud and clear: While old-school Bluetooth speakers were largely designed for convenience, today’s high-quality models are setting a new standard for portable audio. Even the most nitpicky audiophiles (and sound professionals like audio engineers) have favorite Bluetooth speaker models.
- Simple and accessible: Just about every smartphone is Bluetooth-equipped. Friends don’t need your WiFi password or an aux cable to plug into your speaker and play DJ; all they have to do is turn on pairing mode and start jamming.
Cons of Bluetooth Speakers
With all of the above in mind, there are a few quandaries that some Bluetooth speaker manufacturers haven’t quite resolved yet. These mostly relate to:
- Connectivity range (i.e., the distance between your playing device and the speaker)
- Sound quality compared to wired speakers
- Battery life (especially for models that can’t play while they’re charging)
However, some advanced Bluetooth tech (like the Stage One Bluetooth speaker) have made significant strides to overcome these limitations. The Stage One offers connectivity between the playing device and the speaker up to 150 away—one of the widest ranges on the market today.
Additionally, the Stage One was designed by Rikki Farr (one of the most renowned audio engineers in the biz) and a team of bona-fide sound nerds—it was made by picky listeners for picky listeners. No need to tolerate crunchy tracks or muffled bass anymore. And while the Stage One can play while it’s plugged in and charging, users may not ever have to resort to that. With over 100 hours of playtime at 50-60% volume and 24 hours of playtime at 100% volume, this speaker keeps the party alive.
WiFi vs Bluetooth Speaker: What’s Better?
Let’s compare the WiFi speaker vs. Bluetooth speaker with a few characteristics in mind:
- Connection range: While WiFi speakers (in theory) remain connected to your device as long as they remain on the same network, today’s top Bluetooth speakers offer 100+ feet of range.
- Audio quality: At the end of the day, sound quality comes down to built-in speaker components rather than connection type. Look for speakers with high-quality drivers, high amplification wattage, high pass filters, and independent gain controls.
- Setup and usability: WiFi speakers are more tethered than Bluetooth speakers: the former need to remain on a stable WiFi connection and sometimes require an outlet for power. Bluetooth speakers couldn’t be simpler: just pair, play, and party on.
- Interconnection and multiroom use: Since both WiFi and Bluetooth speakers can connect and integrate with other audio devices, they’re both relatively useful for home applications—even if you need to play music simultaneously in different rooms. However, WiFi speakers may be slightly easier to integrate with whole-home tech like smart home assistants.
- Design: While WiFi speakers are generally designed for indoor use (or weatherproof outdoor applications), Bluetooth speakers are slightly more rugged—many of today’s models can tangle with light rain and the occasional sprinkle of beach sand without missing a beat.
When A Bluetooth Speaker Is the Better Choice
In short, Bluetooth speakers are a highly versatile, portable choice for:
- Indoor and outdoor use
- Parties
- Locations without stable WiFi
- Personal use
Bluetooth speakers are available at a wide range of price points, but remember that you get what you pay for—and it’s worth paying for quality and reliability, especially if you’re a professional DJ or party planner.
Bluetooth speakers are also highly compatible with most audio-playing devices, from smartphones to desktop machines. That said, they may be slightly less compatible with some smart home features (like Alexas and Google Home devices).
When WiFi Speaker Is the Better Choice
If you’re looking for a reliable, stationary, and high-quality audio system for your home or back porch, WiFi speakers could be a good match for you.
Like Bluetooth speakers, you can find them at a wide variety of prices. But don’t forget that you may need additional accessories for optimal setup: power strips and extension cords for easier power access, for instance.
A high-tech WiFi speaker should be able to easily integrate into your existing home tech ecosystem; if you’re looking to boost the music output from your Alexa, a WiFi speaker might be the best choice.
Discover Unmatched Audio Quality from Electrotec
While the WiFi vs. Bluetooth speaker debate isn’t as cut-and-dried as some audiophiles would have you believe, there are certainly high-quality options available in both formats.
And if you’re looking for the best Bluetooth speaker on the market, turn to Electrotec: our Stage One speaker was designed by an expert audio engineer (and a team of sound quality pros). From casual beach bonfires to red-hot DJ sets, the Stage One answers the call for superior sound quality in a Bluetooth speaker.
The Stage One is pre-selling fast: join our waitlist and get exclusive access at launch time. You won’t want to hit the stage without a Stage One.