Why is my Bluetooth range so short?
Several factors reduce range: obstacles (walls, furniture, your body), interference (WiFi, other Bluetooth devices, microwaves), device quality (antenna design varies), and codec choice (high-bitrate codecs sacrifice range for quality).
What's the difference between Bluetooth 5.0 and older versions?
Bluetooth 5.0+ offers 4x the range and 2x the speed of Bluetooth 4.2. It also has better coexistence with WiFi and other devices. BT 5.2 adds LE Audio with the LC3 codec for better efficiency, and BT 5.3/5.4 improve connection stability further.
Which audio codec should I use for best range?
SBC and LC3 (LE Audio) have the best range because they're less demanding. LDAC and aptX HD prioritize audio quality but may cause dropouts at longer distances. If you experience stuttering, switch to a lower-bitrate codec.
Why do my earbuds disconnect when I put my phone in my back pocket?
Your body absorbs Bluetooth signals (water content blocks radio waves). When the phone is in your back pocket, the signal must travel through your body to reach front-facing earbuds. Try keeping your phone in a front or chest pocket.
Do more expensive earbuds have better range?
Generally yes. Premium earbuds typically have better antenna design, newer Bluetooth chips, and more power for transmission. Budget earbuds often cut costs on antenna quality, resulting in shorter effective range.
Can I improve my Bluetooth range?
A few things help: keep source device closer, use a lower-bitrate codec, reduce WiFi interference (use 5GHz WiFi instead of 2.4GHz), avoid physical obstacles between devices, and keep devices charged (low battery can reduce transmission power).