How to choose between Wifi & Bluetooth

What is WiFi?

WiFi refers to a wireless technology which is mainly used to connect your devices to the internet. To use WiFi, you have to enter a WiFi password on your device so you can connect to a local area network (LAN) via a router.

Theoretically, your WiFi router takes an internet signal from modem and transform it into a radio signal. Then, your WiFi-enabled devices receive that radio signal and transform it back into an internet signal. This allows you to access the internet on your device over the air. The theoretical Wifi signal range is up to 300 feet. However, the WiFi signal strength depends on many factors like the router performance, surrounding WiFi devices, and barrier.

 wifi

What is Bluetooth?

Bluetooth is used to transfer data between your electronic devices over short distances. For example, you can use Bluetooth to connect your computer or tablet to a wireless keyboard or pair your phone with a Bluetooth earphone.

Normally, Bluetooth pairing is easy and stable than WiFi, you just need to make your device in paring mode(press a button and hold it for seconds) . Then you’ll find it in your Bluetooth list and click to connect. The traditional Bluetooth method allows 6-7 devices to one terminal but now the new Bluetooth method like Bluetooth mesh has resolved this issue.

What Is the Difference?

Both WiFi and Bluetooth are easy-to-use wireless technologies for our daily life. In order to understand the differences between them, it is important to figure out their pros and cons.

Although both are wireless forms of communication, Bluetooth and WiFi differ in terms of their purpose, capabilities, and other factors. Bluetooth allows for short-range data transfer between devices. As an example, it is commonly employed in headsets for mobile phones, enabling hands-free phone use. WiFi, on the other hand, allows devices to connect to the Internet. Traditional Bluetooth limits the number of devices that can connect at any one time (7 devices), whereas WiFi is open to more devices and more users(20 devices). In addition, Bluetooth, because it requires only an adapter on each connecting device, tends to be simpler to use and needs less power than WiFi, although this is achieved at the expense of range and speed of data transfer, in which WiFi typically exceeds Bluetooth’s capabilities.

Here I use a table to show the main difference of this 2 methods.

 

WiFi Bluetooth
Frequency 2.4GHz
Price High Medium
Range 100-300M 2-30M
Transmission 300Mbps 3Mbps
Power Consumption High Low
Security Low High
Stability Medium High
Devices Limit Medium(20-30) Low (7, but Bluetooth Mesh is super High, hundreds or thousands)
Networking Ability Weak Strong

 

In a word, the WiFi device could provide better performance for SINGLE device because of it’s strong data transmission ability, but it’s expensive and costs more power. But if you have a requirement on security, stability, Battery duration or networking ability(using many wireless devices in a group), you can choose Bluetooth or Bluetooth Mesh(support more devices).

 house with lights on

How to Choose a Smart Light Method, WiFi or Bluetooth?

OK, now let’s move on to something practical, how to choose a smart light method, WiFi or Bluetooth? We’ll continue using our old way - List the requirement.

Budget  

This is the most important thing, choose a proper light under budget.

Where to use

Normally if you want to use the light inside home, we would recommend WiFi or WiFI+Bluetooth because now many WiFi light supports Amazon alexa and google assistance. If you need a voice control feature, choose WiFi light.

But if you want to use the light outdoor, we would recommend Bluetooth or Bluetooth Mesh, because we all know that the Wifi signal will become weak through walls.

How many lights to use

If you want to use many smart lighting in a group(more than 7), WiFi or Bluetooth mesh is a good choice. And Bluetooth mesh are recommended.

Security and stability

If you have a requirement on security or stability, choose Bluetooth. WiFi performs not well as bluetooth, especially for outdoor using.

Conclusion

WiFi and Bluetooth are all good wireless choice, the proper one is the better one. So just check out the advantage of them and list your requirement before you purchase it. Hope you find a desired smart light.

Now SOLLA has released a RGBCW light that uses Bluetooth mesh methods. You can use SOLLA APP to control the light. Our light is mainly for outdoor using so stability and security is our first priority. If you have an interest, check it on amazon or see SOLLA RGBCW Light.


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