How to Make the Most of Bluetooth

Nowadays, technology is all around us. Most of it we can see, but some remains undetectable to the eye – and it’s both this visible and invisible technology that shapes how we experience sound.

From smartphones and laptops to headphones and speakers, complex processes happen behind the seamless listening experience we’ve come to expect. And while smartphones and laptops remain some of the most popular ways to access and enjoy music, Bluetooth – and the role it plays in connectivity – is by far the most popular way of accessing your music wirelessly.

Since its early days, Bluetooth has come a long way. Today, it’s an incredibly powerful connection option, offering convenience, widespread compatibility, strong stability, and modern sound quality that, in the right conditions, can rival wired listening.

While many are familiar with Bluetooth and what it does, you may not be entirely clued up on how it works, what it’s actually doing behind the scenes, or how to optimise your Bluetooth devices to get the most out of your listening experience. In this blog, we’ll cover all this and more – so you can make the most of your music. 

What is Bluetooth?

Put simply, Bluetooth is a short-range wireless communication technology used to exchange data between fixed and mobile devices over short distances, typically from 10 to 100 meters. This is perfect for laptops, keyboards, smartphones, smartwatches – and of course, headphones, wireless speakers and more.

Developed by the Scandinavian company Ericsson and later backed by Nokia and others, Bluetooth was founded in 1994 and officially launched in 1999. The technology’s name “Bluetooth” is derived from the 10th-century Danish king Harald Bluetooth, who united Denmark and Norway, spread Christianity across Scandinavia, and reportedly had a blue tooth. The Bluetooth logo’s distinctive appearance also relates to Nordic mythology. It’s a bind rune, combining ᚼ (H) and ᛒ (B), the runic form of Harald Bluetooth’s initials.

How does Bluetooth work?

Bluetooth operates in the 2.4 GHz ISM band – the same space as Wi-Fi, microwaves, baby monitors, and other gadgets, evading the crowded chaos by hopping between 79 different frequency bands. If a channel it’s transmitting through is noisy, it effortlessly hops to another, providing a cleaner signal path with less interference. Devices that use Bluetooth to transmit or receive data must first discover and pair to connect, exchanging IDs and agreeing on an encryption method.

When it comes to sending audio files from your phone or laptop to your headphones, Bluetooth needs to use a specific “profile” and “codec” to ensure the data is transmitted and received the best possible way. Once this is decided, your audio files are repackaged – or ‘compressed’ – by your device, then sent across the airwaves to your other device, decompressed, unpacked and transformed back into an audio signal by a DAC (Digital to Analog Converter).

What is a Bluetooth Codec?

For Bluetooth audio devices, the profile is usually A2DP, aka Advanced Audio Distribution Profile, because it supports high-quality stereo audio streaming and is compatible with most modern headphones. This then supports a range of audio codecs. Codecs compress and decompress data at each end of the signal path, so it can be sent between devices quickly and seamlessly, while minimising data loss.

The most commonly used codecs are SBC (Low Complexity Sub-band Coding), AAC (Advanced Audio Coding), aptX and LDAC, with each directly impacting the quality of the music.

aptX Adaptive vs. aptX Lossless

In the latest generation of Bowers & Wilkins headphones, including the Px7 S3 and Px8 S2, we use aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless to deliver consistently high wireless performance.

aptX Adaptive is designed to intelligently respond to your environment in real time. Rather than operating at a fixed bitrate, it dynamically adjusts audio quality and latency depending on signal strength, interference and device capability. This means it can prioritise stability in busy wireless environments, while still delivering excellent sound quality when conditions allow. For everyday listening – whether commuting, travelling or working – Adaptive ensures a smooth and reliable experience without dropouts or noticeable compression artefacts.

aptX Lossless builds on this foundation. When paired with a compatible Android device and when wireless conditions are strong, the connection can scale up to transmit CD-quality audio at 16-bit / 44.1 kHz, preserving every bit of the original recording. If the connection weakens, it seamlessly returns to Adaptive mode to maintain uninterrupted playback.

This intelligent scaling allows headphones like the Px7 S3 and Px8 S2 to deliver the best possible performance in any scenario – prioritising stability when needed, and unlocking maximum audio fidelity when the environment supports it.

Apple vs. Android

Apple and Android devices both use Bluetooth to communicate with headphones and speakers – but depending on which device you use, there are differences. If you’re an iPhone or Mac user, your smartphone or laptop will typically communicate with your audio products via Apple’s AAC codec or SBC only. Apple smart phones don’t support aptX.

The reasoning behind this is to maximise battery life and efficiency while ensuring high-quality sound across the Apple ecosystem. However, AAC is a lossy codec that prioritises efficiency and stability over maximum bitrate. This means your audio quality will typically peak at around 256 kbps, unless you invest in an external wireless transmitter dongle, which we will explore more below. 

Android users will be pleased to know that many of their devices are compatible with a much more expansive list of codecs, from SBC and AAC, all the way to aptX Lossless, LDAC and others, in some cases. The good news here is that if your headphones, like the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 or Px7 S3, support aptX Adaptive and Lossless, and wireless conditions are right, your music can be streamed at significantly higher quality from an Android device.

How to get the most out of your devices

Whether you are part of the Apple or Android clan, there are ways to get the most out of your device:

- Keep your software updated

Keeping your device’s operating system and firmware up to date ensures codec and connection stability and optimal performance. You can either check for firmware updates regularly or keep automatic updates enabled.

- Select the highest streaming quality available

Before tuning in to your favourite song or album, check what level of quality you’re streaming at. Many streaming platforms are set to a default level which suits moderate mobile data users. If you have access to unlimited data, you can find that your mobile device also offers the option of selecting high-resolution audio from upgraded subscriptions and services. This can also apply when connected to Wi-Fi, so remember to check those settings. 

- Keep devices within close range

Bluetooth works better when the devices that are communicating with one another are within close proximity. If you’re streaming from your phone to your headphones, keep it in your pocket or bag to optimise performance.

How to use aptX with Apple devices

For owners of more recent models of iPhone or other Apple devices, a USB-C Bluetooth dongle can provide an alternative to Apple’s default AAC connection.

Because these dongles contain their own Bluetooth chipset, they manage the wireless link independently and can enable codecs such as aptX Adaptive or aptX Lossless with compatible headphones. Modern USB-C iPhone and iPad models can connect directly, while Macs typically recognise them automatically.

As always, overall sound quality will still depend on your audio source and wireless conditions – but for listeners seeking higher-bitrate Bluetooth performance within the Apple ecosystem, a compatible dongle can be an effective solution.

Bluetooth and Hi-Fi

While we usually associate Bluetooth and streaming with headphones, it’s also important to ensure you’re optimising your experience at home if you’re using your Hi-Fi setup.

Many modern amplifiers and network players now feature built-in Bluetooth, offering a convenient way to stream music directly from your smartphone or tablet. For casual listening, this can be more than sufficient. However, just as with headphones, overall performance depends on codec support, source quality and wireless conditions.

If your amplifier supports higher-quality codecs such as aptX Adaptive or aptX Lossless, and your source device does too, you can achieve impressive results wirelessly. Keeping your device nearby and connected over Wi-Fi for streaming services will also help maintain stability and maximise audio quality.

Don’t forget, some AV receiver and stereo amplifiers also support Bluetooth out, which can be extremely handy for late-night TV, gaming and music listening. 

For more critical listening sessions, using a wired connection – whether via analogue input, USB-C or a dedicated network streamer – can remove wireless limitations altogether. This ensures your system receives the highest-quality signal possible, allowing your Hi-Fi setup to perform at its full potential.

Final thoughts

Bluetooth technology has evolved dramatically since its early beginnings. What was once considered a convenient way to wirelessly connect your keyboard and mouse is now capable of delivering stable, high-quality sound across a wide range of devices.

By understanding how Bluetooth works, recognising the differences between platforms, selecting the right codecs and optimising your settings, you can ensure you’re getting the very best from your wireless setup.

And when the moment calls for it, you can always switch to a wired connection for the last word in performance. With the right approach, Bluetooth doesn’t have to be a compromise – it can be an integral part of a truly exceptional listening experience.