Can you tell the difference between aux and bluetooth?

Simply put, an aux features wires, while Bluetooth doesn’t. But aside from being wired and wireless, do you think they also differ when it comes to sound quality, compatibility, and convenience? Which do you think is the better choice? What are their advantages and disadvantages?

Philkotse.com answers these questions and more!!!

Aux

An aux (short term for auxiliary) connection is identified as any secondary wired connection. Most commonly, it is linked with the 3.5mm headphone jack that has been around since the 1950s. It is also called by many names such as audio jack, headphone jack, phone plug, stereo plug,  and other iterations of the said terms.

Technically, the 3.5mm headphone jack is termed as TRRS (Tip Ring Ring Sleeve) and TRS (Tip Ring Sleeve). These terms refer to the physical metal contacts found in the plug head.

Aux cords remain to be very common because they have proven durable over time. Although they have their drawbacks (which will be mentioned later), the convenience stands out

An aux (short term for auxiliary) connection is identified as secondary wired connections

Bluetooth

Bluetooth technology, on the other hand, is wireless connectivity commonly utilized to connect controllers, speakers, headsets, keyboards, and other peripheral devices to a hosted phone, tablet, laptop, or computer. It’s not as universal as aux inputs, but Bluetooth is becoming increasingly common.

The motivation behind the creation of Bluetooth technology was to develop a swifter and wireless alternative to the personal computer's RS-232 serial port connection.

The serial port was largely replaced not by Bluetooth but by USB. Eventually, Bluetooth technology also found its way into the mainstream.

Bluetooth technology is ubiquitous

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Currently, Bluetooth can be utilized when listening to = audio, but it can do more than that. This technology enables the creation of generally secure, local, and wireless networks, which is why it can also be used to connect headsets, printers, keyboards, hard drives, and drawing tablets. Bluetooth technology can also be used to transfer files such as photos, videos, and audio from one device to another.

Each Bluetooth standard has its core use cases. And because media is continuously becoming more digital and wireless, this technology becomes more and more compelling and interesting.

Bluetooth technology can also be used to transfer files such as photos, videos, and audio from one device to another

>>> Relevant article: Bluetooth vs Aux connections: Which is the better one?

Comparison - Convenience

Aux connection

When it comes to convenience, connecting any device to a speaker system using an aux cable is easier and faster. However, the mere fact that its corded limits range.

A digital setup is not required in an aux connection. All you need is a headphone jack that runs from the audio source to a speaker, receiver, or aux input. This type of connection requires a physical card that can get damaged and lost.

Aux connection is analog – which means there's a broader array of compatible sound systems

Aux connection is analog – which means there's a broader array of compatible sound systems. Nearly all audio-playing units have an aux input.

These include record players, portable speakers, head units, CD players, some musical instruments, home theater receivers, and most tablets and smartphones (except all the iPhone produced since 2016).

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Bluetooth connectivity

Bluetooth is a wireless technology that enables more freedom of movement between its host and a connected device. Almost all connections are active within a range of up to 33 feet. Other models that are industrially used can reach up to 300 ft or more.

Bluetooth connections for car stereo enable users to control them hands-free through virtual assistants such as Siri. It also allows users to make a hands-free call – which is something users can't do when using an aux connection.

Bluetooth connections for car stereo enables users to control it hands-free, through virtual assistants such as Siri

More often, Bluetooth connections encounter particular issues, including being finicky. To connect any media-playing device or phone to an audio or speaker system, you need to pair two devices.

Going through this process isn't always as easy as advertised. If these devices don't pair, you have to go through the same process again until it pairs.

Outdated or old devices can be a bit challenging to pair because the software is continuously updating.  More often, to pair two devices a passcode is required to complete the connection. This entire process will only make playing an audio a hassle compared to an aux connection.

>>> Just in case: 4 reasons why your Bluetooth won't connect and what you need to know

Comparison - Sound quality

When it comes to sound quality, most wired connections are superior to Bluetooth audio. The main reason behind this is the way the audio is sent through a wireless Bluetooth connection.

The digital audio will be compressed in an analog signal at one end then decompressed into a digital signal on the other end. The whole conversion process leads to some loss of sound fidelity.

When it comes to sound quality, most wired connections are superior to Bluetooth audio

Most users do not really recognize the difference. But the process in an aux connection is the total opposite to that of the Bluetooth connection.

Aux connections are analog on both ends.  (The phone or computer hosting the audio is the one performing the digital-to-analog conversion).

Although aux connections are theoretically superior in terms of sound quality, this type of connection still has drawbacks. Aux uses a physical connection in the form of aux cords, which tend to get damaged or will eventually wear out with continued use.

Repeatedly plugging and unplugging the cord will slowly erode its metals. It will create poor connections and probably distort the audio or sound quality.

Repeatedly plugging and unplugging the cord will slowly erode its metals

Shorts in the electrical flow make audible noises as well. If you want better sound quality in aux connections, you can opt for a digital USB connection. But again, only a few people notice the difference.

However, those differences will be more noticeable on upmarket sound systems – be it via USB, Bluetooth, or aux connection.

That said, aux or wired connection will provide higher and better-quality audio compared to Bluetooth. On the other hand, a digital connection such as USB will give a more pleasant sound.