Difference Between Bluetooth and WiFi - Definition, Differences | CollegeSearch

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Difference Between Bluetooth and WiFi

Exam

Prachi Bhatia

Updated on 04th April, 2023 , 3 min read

WiFi and Bluetooth are two wireless communication methods. To create a link, both modalities use radio transmissions. However, there is a fundamental distinction between these two in terms of the function they serve.

Bluetooth allows devices to connect within a short distance. By doing this, the linked devices may share data more easily.

WiFi, on the other hand, allows access to the internet.

Bluetooth is confined to devices that are connected within a small distance. However, WiFi users have a better connectivity option.

The bandwidth varies between the two modes as well. WiFi provides faster speeds due to its large bandwidth, whereas Bluetooth operates on a limited bandwidth.

To grasp the differences between the two, it is necessary to first clarify that “What is Bluetooth?” and “What is WiFi?”

Bluetooth 

Bluetooth is a wireless technology that allows you to send data between your electronic devices across short distances. For example, you may use Bluetooth to connect your computer to a wireless keyboard or to link your phone with a Bluetooth speaker.

Bluetooth, like WiFi, uses radio waves to convey data between devices. As a matter of fact, Bluetooth utilizes some of the same frequencies as WiFi, which might interfere with WiFi-enabled devices. In contrast to WiFi, Bluetooth does not require a password to connect to a device. It typically signifies that the connection is not as secure as WiFi. Bluetooth is also slower and has a lesser range than WiFi (usually up to 30 feet).

Bluetooth is currently supported by nearly every wireless device available. Bluetooth is now found in the majority of PCs, laptops, mobile phones, tablets, keyboards, mouse, headphones, console gaming devices, smartwatches, fitness trackers, hearing aids, and a variety of other peripheral devices.

WiFi

WiFi is a wireless technology that allows your devices to connect to the internet. To connect to a local area network (LAN) through a router, you must normally input a WiFi password on your device.

WiFi basically enables you to browse the web without having to connect your gadget to a phone line or a cable outlet. To do this, you'll need a WiFi router to convert an internet signal from your modem into a radio signal. The radio signal is then received by your WiFi-enabled devices and converted back into an internet signal. This enables wireless internet access on your device.

Most PCs, laptops, smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, printers, digital cameras, digital music players, and other smart home gadgets now include WiFi option.

The WiFi icon on a gadget indicates that it can connect to the internet wirelessly. If you notice the emblem at restaurants, cafés, or airports, it implies that they provide wireless internet connectivity for your devices.

The intensity of the WiFi signal is determined by the router. However, a WiFi signal may usually be connected from up to 300 feet away.

In addition to connecting to the internet, one can use WiFi to connect the devices inside the same network. For example, it may link two computers on the same local area network and transfer data between them wirelessly.

Difference between Bluetooth and Wifi

The table below shows the major differences between WiFi and Bluetooth.

Key

Bluetooth

WiFi

Definition

Bluetooth is a wireless technology that connects devices within a short distance.

WiFi stands for Wireless Fidelity. WiFi is a wireless technology that allows devices to connect to the Internet.

Component

All devices using Bluetooth must have a Bluetooth adaptor in order to connect.

WiFi connectivity requires a wireless adapter on all devices as well as a Wireless Router.

Power Consumption

Bluetooth is simpler to operate and uses less power than Wi-Fi because each connecting device simply needs an adapter.

WiFi consumes high power.

Security

Bluetooth security is lower than that of other wireless technologies such as WiFi.

WiFi is more secure than Bluetooth.

Number of Users

Bluetooth limits the number of devices that can connect at the same time.

Wi-Fi enables several devices and users to communicate at the same time.

Bandwidth

Low bandwidth.

High bandwidth.

Coverage

Bluetooth coverage area is about 10 meters.

WiFi coverage area is up to 32 meters.

WiFi and Bluetooth technologies have both enabled users to communicate wirelessly. Multiple devices can communicate with one another and share information. Despite having diverse goals, each connection type has its own benefits.

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