As of 2021, there are two different types of Bluetooth technology available for consumer use. The first is Bluetooth Basic Rate/Enhanced Data Rate, and the second is Low Energy. The former (BR/EDR) must always be paired. On the other hand, Low Energy devices can require a trusted relationship, but it is not always a requirement. Introduced with Bluetooth 4.0, Low Energy is great for electronics such as wearables, headphones or other low power devices where battery life is at a premium. As of today, there are five different versions of Bluetooth available:
Bluetooth Classic: This includes versions 1.0 – 3.0.
• When Bluetooth 1.0 first launched, it was capped at data speeds of less than 1 Mbps with a range no greater than 10 meters.
• Bluetooth 2.0 took things up a notch by increasing speeds upwards of 2 to 3 Mbps.
• Bluetooth 3.0 included the use of 802.11 tech, which helped increase data transfers up to 24 Mbps.
Bluetooth 4.0 is the most common type of Bluetooth available today. Data speeds are limited to 1 Mbps.
Bluetooth 5.0 is an improvement on the Low Energy side by increasing data rate and range. It can work in a variety of transmission ranges including 125 Kbps, 500 Kbps, 1 Mbps and 2 Mbps. The reduction in data rate had the positive effect of being able to increase data range to a whopping 240 meters. Conversely, the faster transmission of 2 Mbps is significantly more limited and is best suited for short range use.
The latest version Bluetooth 5.1 introduces better transmission technology and range
