Want to read more answers from other tech-savvy Stack Exchange users? Check out the full discussion thread here. Have something to add to the explanation? Sound off in the comments. Not even vaguely close.īluetooth version 3 and version 4 have higher data rates, but the actual data transfer in those implementations happens over Wi-Fi Bluetooth is only used to set up and negotiate the connection. So no, Bluetooth is not faster than Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi on the other hand, maxes out anywhere from 54 to 1300+ Mbps depending on whether you have “g”, “n”, or “ac” Wi-Fi plus any enhancements in the adaptors and router support. The Bluetooth standard’s maximum data rate is, at best, 3 Mbps or about 2.1 after protocol overheads take their cut. SuperUser contributor Mokubai has the answer for us:

So I am wondering…is Bluetooth faster than Wi-Fi?

I notice that on my iPhone, when I use my personal hot-spot to distribute Wi-Fi and I have Bluetooth enabled, the phone will make a Bluetooth connection to my laptop instead of a Wi-Fi connection. SuperUser reader jt0dd wants to know if Bluetooth is faster than Wi-Fi: Answer (1 of 5): Both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth use portions of the ISM (industrial, scientific and medical) radio bands.

Bandwidth wifi vs bluetooth