Difference Between Bluetooth Transmitter and Receiver

Back in the day, the invention of Bluetooth was the very first step from wired device connectivity to wireless. Over time, the technology improved to the point where it became irreplaceable for various wireless solutions, including connection between source devices and audio systems, including speakers and headphones. And BT capabilities are still improving, placing it on top in everything that is related to audio, including professional hardware.

At the core of the Bluetooth technology, including sound transmission, there are two irreplaceable pieces of hardware: a pair of transmitter and receiver. The former gets an audio signal from a source, transforms it via on-board codecs and sends it to the latter. The latter, in turn, obviously receives the signal, transforms it back in the same manner into analogue or digital audio and sends it to play.

Sadly, not all devices have wireless capabilities. Therefore, there could be times when you will need an external adapter to make a connection work without wires. And in such situations you need to know which one to pick between the transmitter, receiver or 2-in-1 combo device, and how to choose it properly. And this guide will be very helpful if you want to know about picking the best possible solution to fit your needs.

What Is a Bluetooth Transmitter?

A BT transmitter is, essentially, an external accessory that allows connectivity to the legacy audio source using specific interfaces like 3.5mm AUX, RCA or optical port, etc. Then such a device encodes the audio stream and transmits it to a Bluetooth-paired output device. Such accessories, just like their built-in counterparts, usually work under a variety of protocols (SBC, AAC, aptX and others) to maximize compatibility and quality, as well as to minimize latency.

You can use a BT transmitting accessory in a lot of ways. For instance, such an adapter will allow you to send game audio or voice chat without wires from your gaming console or PC to BT headset. Also, legacy audio systems can be modernized with a Bluetooth transmitter by simply connecting it to the other end of an audio cable. You can literally connect a cable into any wired audio device, including amplifiers, recorders, TVs, home theaters or old players, including cassette ones, and plug its output into the adapter.

What Is a Bluetooth Receiver?

A BT receiver is a direct counterpart to a transmitter, specifically existing to get an encoded Bluetooth signal on the receiving end of the pairing. It gets the BT signal from the suitable source, decodes via codecs it into playable digital or analog output. And, just like its counterpart, it can be linked to any supported cable (e.g. 3.5mm AUX, RCA, optics).

Taking into account that its purpose is to receive and decode the signal, there will be literally opposite cases to use BT-receiving accessories. For instance, if you have high-quality wired speakers or headsets, a BT receiver can be attached to it, thus allowing it to get and decode a signal from any Bluetooth-enabled source. Such adapters can work with all non-Bluetooth legacy car or home sound systems, speakers, headsets, microphones, even professional sound hardware – you name it.

Key Differences Between Bluetooth Transmitter and Receiver

While both Bluetooth transmitting and receiving accessories are designed to provide wireless capabilities for legacy devices, they have different functionalities and are suitable for different purposes.

What Is a 2-in-1 Bluetooth Transmitter and Receiver?

A 2-in-1 combo Bluetooth adapters are versatile accessories that essentially combine functionalities from both transmitter and receiver into a single unit with a switch. And you can easily toggle between two modes. Basically, these dual-function adapters allow switching between transmitting and receiving encoded Bluetooth signals for flexibility of usage. Whatever device you want to modernize with wireless technology, source or output, you can just attach it to the other end of a compatible cable and use it in a corresponding mode.

How to Choose Between a Bluetooth Transmitter and Receiver

To pick a proper BT adapter, you need to specify to what legacy system you will be connecting it and what functionality you might need. And here are the key factors you need to think about:

• Purpose. If you want to upgrade an old player or TV, you should pick a BT transmitter. And if it’s the other way around, and you want to use an old headset or a pair of legacy speakers, a BT receiver is what you need.
• Compatibility. As soon as you know where you want to link the adapter, you need to check what connector it has, and then choose a transmitter or receiver with the compatible port on board.
• Sound Quality. Basically, it is all about supported codecs, and you need to check what codecs are supported by the device that will be connected to a transmitter or receiver. And if it supports aptX, AAC, LDAC or other high-end codecs, you should look for an adapter which will support them, too.
• Functionality. Most of the time you will need only BT pairing. But some adapters are capable of using NFC to establish a connection. If you want versatility, you can look for models with several different interfaces for maximum compatibility, or even a 2-in-1 combo transmitter/receiver accessories.

Depending on a purpose, there will be different ideal or near-ideal solutions that will suit your needs:

• Car. If your car has an old sound system, a BT transmitter will be a good upgrade that will allow you to pair it with your smartphone to play music or take calls through your car’s speakers.
• Office. A 2-in-1 transmitter/receiver combo adapter will give you the flexibility with its ability to switch between transmitting audio or receiving it, depending on the hardware or situation.
• Home. BT transmitter/receiver will be an ideal choice for TV, consoles, legacy speakers and all other systems without an on-board Bluetooth. You will be able to stream audio to modern BT headsets or sound systems. Some models even support multi-connectivity features, making it possible to use two, three, or more separate output devices simultaneously.

Taking into account all that was said above, Esinkin transmitters, receivers, and 2-in-1 Bluetooth combo adapters will certainly fit the bill. They are highly affordable, easy to use, versatile, compatible with most legacy interfaces, and support high-end codecs like aptX and AAC. By considering your specific needs and the factors outlined above, you can confidently choose between a Bluetooth transmitter, receiver, or a 2-in-1 device. Esinkin’s reliable and high-quality products make them an excellent choice for enhancing your wireless audio experience in any setup.

FAQs about Bluetooth Transmitter vs Receiver

Can a device be both a Bluetooth transmitter and a receiver?

There are 2-in-1 adapters that can work as both transmitters and receivers, changing roles on the go. They have a switch or a button allowing them to easily toggle between two modes.

Does using a Bluetooth transmitter/receiver affect audio quality?

It can, but the impact is often minimal with high-quality devices. Audio quality depends on the supported codecs, and advanced codecs provide near-CD-quality audio with lower latency. However, lower-quality codecs or poor signal strength may result in compressed or slightly degraded audio.

How far can a Bluetooth transmitter/receiver work?

The typical range is up to 10 meters in an open space. Some high-end devices may offer extended ranges of up to 30 meters in optimal conditions. However, walls, furniture, and other obstacles can reduce this range.

Do Bluetooth transmitters introduce latency in audio?

Yes, but the latency varies. It can introduce negligible delays (100-300 milliseconds) due to the time it takes to encode, transmit, and decode the audio signal. The higher the codec quality is, the lower the latency will be.

Final Words

To properly select between the Bluetooth-enabling accessories like transmitters and receivers, you should first understand what you need it for. Whenever you want to upgrade a legacy source device, no matter if it is a TV or cassette recorder, your pick is the BT transmitter. If you need to modernize an old output device like a speaker system or pro headphones, you should get yourself a BT receiver. And if there’s a case when you need both, with an option to switch between modes, you should get a 2-in-1 combo adapter.

In addition, when you’re choosing a Bluetooth-enabling adapter, you also should understand what you need according to four criteria. First is the initial purpose for which you need this accessory – for input, for output or for both. Second is the compatibility you want to get from it, or, in other words, to what cable you want to link it to and what interface it should have. Third is quality – high-level codec support is needed whenever you want to have high-quality audio. Last, but not least, criteria is what functions do you want from an adapter – deriving from the previous points, it is all about how you want to use it.

Concluding all that was said above, for a seamless and enhanced wireless audio experience, Esinkin Bluetooth transmitters, receivers, and 2-in-1 devices are a trusted choice. Whether you’re upgrading your home entertainment, car audio, or retrofitting older equipment, Esinkin has the perfect Bluetooth-enabling accessory to meet your needs.