Bluetooth is a standard that wirelessly connects computer peripherals to a host device. The most common applications are connecting speakers, head units, keyboards, printers, and headsets to a phone, tablet, or computer. Wi-Fi is a standard that provides wireless Internet access to devices on a local area network (LAN). While they rely on modems, Wi-Fi networks use wireless routers instead of Ethernet cables to connect devices to the Internet. Let’s take a closer look at the similarities and differences between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

Bluetooth is a wireless networking protocol that allows two devices to communicate with each other using radio frequency (RF). With Bluetooth, you can wirelessly control a speaker from an app on your phone or print documents on a printer that is not physically connected to your computer. Bluetooth is also used with hands-free headsets, wireless navigation systems, and external mice and keyboards.

A Wi-Fi network is the wireless extension of a wired modem connection. Wi-Fi is the wireless connectivity protocol used in place of a wired connection such as Ethernet. It requires a wireless router, through which all the Wi-Fi devices are channeled onto the network.

Both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth work using radio frequency, although the range of a Wi-Fi network is typically greater than a Bluetooth connection. While many Wi-Fi networks use the same 2.4 GHz band as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi uses more power.