AirDrop Vs Bluetooth
The following comparison table includes the features of AirDrop and Bluetooth and helps you decide which one is best for transferring files.
Features | AirDrop | Bluetooth |
---|---|---|
Compatible Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Mac | Smartwatches, smartphones, tablets, laptops, thermometers, fitness trackers, and remotes. |
Supported File Formats | Photos, videos, documents, GIFs, audio files, contact cards, notes, and web links. | Videos, photos, music, documents, apps, and more. |
Connectivity Range | 9 meters or 30 feet | 10 meters or 30 feet |
Working Style | Works using WIFI and Bluetooth | Uses radio frequency to share data |
Transfer File Quality | Does not pixelate | Pixelate |
Transfer Speed | Transfer files up to 1GB per second | The transfer rate is up to 24Mbps in BLE (Bluetooth low-energy) |
Unique Feature | NameDrop, Proximity Sharing, SharePlay, and Transfer Over the Internet | Low Energy Power Control and Enhanced Attribute Protocol in Bluetooth 5.2 |
Data Privacy | Yes | No |
When it comes to transferring files, there is a constant battle between AirDrop and Bluetooth. Advancement in the tech industry has provided several ways to share a file with others. Each of these innovations does its work sincerely to make the transferring process easier for their users. While taking the list of technologies for trouble-free transfers, AirDrop and Bluetooth will find their place within the top 5 spots. For the comparison part of AirDrop vs Bluetooth, you must take into account various factors such as transfer speed, supported file formats, compatibility, and much more.
Comparing every essential feature of these technologies, it will become easy for you to make a wise decision. Similar to our AirDrop Vs. Quick Share, we have made this article comparing the prominent and unique aspects of AirDrop and Bluetooth. Both these technologies work to deliver the same purpose. However, there is a significant difference between how they function, which we will discuss in brief in this article and help you conclude which is better for you.
AirDrop Vs. Bluetooth – Compatible Devices
AirDrop
- AirDrop is a built-in feature found on Apple devices like iPhones, iPads, iPod touch, and Mac.
- The AirDrop feature works on iPhone and iPod touch running on iOS 7 or later. When considering Mac, AirDrop is compatible with Mac with macOS X 10.7 Lion or later. Besides these, AirDrop is supported on iPads with iPadOS 13.
- AirDrop is not available on iPhone 3G, 3GS, 2012 Mac Pro, and Gen 1 iPhone since the models did not receive iOS 7 software updates.
- On the other hand, you can get AirDrop on iPhone 5 or later, iPad 4 or later, or fifth-generation iPod touch.
Bluetooth
- Bluetooth is supported on most of the smart devices like smartphones, laptops, tablets, portable media players, and more.
- Apart from gadgets, Bluetooth technology is compatible with smartwatches, sensors, heart rate monitors, and fitness trackers.
- One of the best parts of using Bluetooth is that all its versions are backward compatible. That is, you can pair a device between a newer Bluetooth version and an older one.
- On Apple devices, there are two kinds of Bluetooth support, namely Bluetooth Low Energy or BLE and Bluetooth Classic.
Verdict: When comparing the two features, Bluetooth is one step ahead in terms of compatibility. It works with most of the smart devices.
AirDrop Vs. Bluetooth – Supported File Formats
AirDrop
- AirDrop makes it easier to wirelessly share photos, documents, map locations, web pages, and contacts across Apple devices.
- If you AirDrop photos from one Apple device to another, the transfer will occur in the HEIC file format.
- AirDrop also lets you share any app on your iPhone or Mac with another Apple device.
- Additionally, you can transfer particular content like posts, stories, QR codes, and filters from one Apple device to another.
Bluetooth
- Bluetooth allows the sharing of files, such as videos, photos, documents, music, and more, with nearby devices.
- It is possible to share links to app downloads in the app store through Bluetooth.
- Apart from the standard files, you can easily transfer text, APKs, and HTML files using the technology.
Verdict: Both AirDrop and Bluetooth support various file formats. So, the battle between supported file formats has ended with a result as a draw.
AirDrop Vs. Bluetooth – Connectivity Range
AirDrop
- AirDrop works only with a maximum distance of 30 feet or 9 meters. If you’re exceeding the distance, you will face issues like AirDrop failure or AirDrop not connecting issues.
Bluetooth
- Bluetooth requires the devices to stay within 30 feet. However, the maximum communication range will differ based on the obstacles.
Verdict: AirDrop covers the same distance as Bluetooth to create the connection.
Setup Process of AirDrop and Bluetooth
AirDrop
- You need to turn on AirDrop on your device.
- You should sign in to your Apple account with Apple ID to access the feature on your Apple device. Regardless of iPhone or Mac, signing in to the Apple account will let the AirDrop feature function.
- Once done, you can change your AirDrop name if you do not like the name used for airdropping files.
Bluetooth
- You need to enable the Bluetooth option on your device.
- If your PC lacks the built-in Bluetooth feature, you can use a Bluetooth dongle to bring the support.
Verdict: There is not much setup process for AirDrop and Bluetooth. So, it is right to state they are equal in this aspect.
Working Style of AirDrop and Bluetooth
AirDrop
- AirDrop functions using WIFI and Bluetooth technologies. So, you should enable these features to transfer files via AirDrop. Once enabled, either go to Control Center on an iOS device or the Finder app on a Mac to access the feature.
- Make sure to change the AirDrop settings to Contact Only or Everyone for 10 Minutes for the file transfer to occur.
- Sharing local media files through AirDrop happens when you tap the Share icon, choose the AirDrop option, and select the receiver Apple device.
- The receiving Apple device should approve the request to complete the transfer. You should accept the sharing every time your AirDrop files. Also, check the devices are unlocked till the process is over.
Bluetooth
- Bluetooth uses radio waves to communicate with nearby devices. You should turn on the Bluetooth setting on your smart device.
- Once the feature is enabled, you can put your smart device into pairing mode. Doing this will make your device discoverable for pairing using Bluetooth. Choose the Bluetooth device from the pop-up list and start the file transfer.
- Apart from this, you can pick any file you want to share, tap the sharing option, choose Bluetooth, and select any nearby device.
- You can’t send files from an iPhone to other Apple devices just using Bluetooth.
Verdict: The working style of AirDrop is smarter than Bluetooth.
Transferred Files Quality of AirDrop Vs. Bluetooth
AirDrop
- When you AirDrop files between newer Apple devices, there is no loss of picture quality. You will receive the accurate details as the original picture on the sender’s device using AirDrop.
- The image quality may slightly reduce when you AirDrop images to older models.
Bluetooth
- Bluetooth does not have any impact on the quality of images and videos. If you send the media content without compromising the quality, you can use Bluetooth.
Verdict: AirDrop gives more picture clarity than Bluetooth.
User Interface of AirDrop Vs. Bluetooth
AirDrop
- There is no dedicated user interface for AirDrop on Apple devices. The built-in feature only lets you see the number of files you get in the prompt.
- All you have to do is click the Share icon on a file and select AirDrop to show the page where available receivers are shown.
- When someone transfers files to you via AirDrop, a notification will appear on your device with a preview of the shared file.
Bluetooth
- The user interface of Bluetooth is merged with the Share option on smart devices. Once you choose Bluetooth, you will be shown the nearby devices you can pair with and send files.
Verdict: Considering the user interface, AirDrop is one step ahead of Bluetooth as it offers the preview image of the file being shared.
Transfer Speed And Limitations of AirDrop Vs. Bluetooth
AirDrop
- AirDrop functions well for transferring large files. There is no size limit for AirDrop, making it easier to AirDrop files.
- AirDrop makes use of WIFI to transfer files. So, the transfer speed is appreciable, which can go up to 1GB per second.
- When there is a need to transfer high-resolution photos, AirDrop does the job at remarkable speed. The technology shifts to WiFi Direct to speed up the transfer of files.
Bluetooth
- The transfer speed of Bluetooth Classic is around 1Mbps. However, the Bluetooth LE technology allows a transfer rate of 2Mbps.
- A 2GB file transfer using the fastest Bluetooth speed in real-time will consume about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Verdict: When it comes to transfer speed, AirDrop is superior to Bluetooth. Here, AirDrop becomes a clear winner with its unlimited data size limit and fast data transfer.
Unique Features of AirDrop and Bluetooth
AirDrop
- Newer Apple devices are packed with impressive features on AirDrop, such as Proximity Sharing, NameDrop, Share Play, and Out of Range.
- Share Play – This enables you to share and watch any content on two iPhones.
- Proximity Sharing – Share files with a nearby Apple device that is physically close to your device. It also works on some older iPhones.
- Out of Range – Allows transfer of files even if you move out of range. You can find this new feature in iOS 17.1.
- NameDrop: Quickly sends new contact details with a nearby Apple device.
Bluetooth
- Bluetooth 5.2 is the most recent version that supports sharing files between two devices simultaneously.
- Bluetooth Low Energy is designed to transfer data while reducing power consumption. The feature retains your battery for long hours comparatively.
Verdict: AirDrop has more exclusive features than Bluetooth.
Data Privacy of AirDrop and Bluetooth
AirDrop
- The data transfers happening through AirDrop are encrypted for security. After you AirDrop files, the receiving device can find you through the encrypted process called Apple ID hashing. This prevents the receiver from identifying your personal details.
- AirDrop does not store a record of the data you share and receive except your Apple ID.
Bluetooth
- Bluetooth can be vulnerable to attacks and unauthorized access. So, it is best to avoid sharing sensitive information through Bluetooth.
Verdict: AirDrop beats Bluetooth over security and encryption. It is known for securing privacy better than its competitors.
Final Verdict
Bluetooth has slight cons over AirDrop when you consider compatibility. It also supports plenty of file formats and transfers small amounts of data for a longer duration. But we should agree that AirDrop is the fastest and safest way to transfer files between Apple devices. At the same time, you can transmit large amounts of data in a short time using AirDrop. Moreover, AirDrop sounds like a great choice over Bluetooth due to its unique line-up features.
Bluetooth lags in transfer speeds and keeps your device at risk of security breaches. Taking all these things into account, we suggest you go for AirDrop to transfer files.
FAQ
AirDrop allows you to transfer up to 1GB of files with the fastest time. This is fairly more than the transfer speed of Bluetooth.
AirDrop requires the use of both Bluetooth and WIFI technologies. It uses Bluetooth to make the connection and then transfer files through WIFI initially.
No. AirDrop only works across Apple devices for file transfer. It is not possible to AirDrop to Android devices.