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Bluetooth technology is constantly evolving. The latest widely available version is Bluetooth 5.0. (Although we should soon expect to see devices based on its new iterations: Bluetooth 5.1 and 5.2.)
But what does it mean for the world of wireless headsets? Does the new version of Bluetooth make any difference—and should you consider getting a Bluetooth 5.0 headset?
Let’s take a look.
The Bluetooth SIG released this last major version of Bluetooth all the way back on December 6, 2016. Its main focus was to prepare Bluetooth tech for the inevitable explosion in the use of The Internet of Things (IoT). (Any day now!)
In terms of its impact on wireless headphones and headsets, it makes sense to compare Bluetooth 5.0 to the previous version, namely Bluetooth 4.2.
While there are plenty of differences, the following stand out as the most impactful advantages of Bluetooth 5.0:
Important: To get the above advantages, all of the devices in question should be running Bluetooth 5.0. Trying to play a track from a Bluetooth 5.0 phone on two Bluetooth 4.2 headphones at the same time? Tough luck. It won’t work.
Short answer: no, not directly. If you’re considering a pair of Bluetooth 5.0 headphones in the hope that they have better audio quality, we’ll have to disappoint: Bluetooth 5.0 does not offer any improvement to the audio quality itself.
Having said that, headsets with Bluetooth 5.0 are definitely a more attractive overall package than those with Bluetooth 4.2 due to the advantages discussed above. We’ll take a look at why in a moment.
Yes!
As we’ve previously discussed, all Bluetooth versions are backwards compatible. This means any Bluetooth headset will work with any phone, regardless of their versions.
But do keep in mind that both devices have to run Bluetooth 5.0 in order to take full advantage of the new features it introduces.
So if it doesn’t offer better audio quality, what’s the benefit of getting a Bluetooth 5.0 headset?
The benefits are linked directly to the main advantages of Bluetooth 5.0 itself:
You bet. A quick Google search will take you to lists upon lists of headsets and headphones with Bluetooth 5.0.
It can get overwhelming to find the right Bluetooth 5.0 headset for your needs. That’s why we’ve narrowed things down to a few of our favorites below.
If you’re on the lookout a Jabra Bluetooth 5.0 headset, we recommend the following: