Though both speakers USB and Bluetooth speakers are used for listening to music and audio, they both are two distinct devices which have their features, advantages, and disadvantages.
Key Takeaways
- USB speakers require a wired connection to a device for power and audio transmission, while Bluetooth speakers use wireless technology for audio streaming.
- Bluetooth speakers offer portability and flexibility due to their wireless nature, while USB speakers may provide a more stable connection and consistent audio quality.
- USB speakers are typically more affordable, while Bluetooth speakers may be more expensive due to the inclusion of wireless technology.
USB speakers vs Bluetooth speakers
USB speakers are a type of speakers which connect to the computer via a USB cable and receive both power and audio signals through it. Bluetooth speakers are a type of speakers which connect wirelessly to the computer through a Bluetooth connection and require a separate power source.
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USB speakers are speakers which use wires, USB cables, or USB portals to connect with other devices, which have a USB portal, such as mobile phones, computers, laptops, etc.
They contain an amplifier and loudspeakers in them. It has short-range connectivity with other devices.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | USB Speakers | Bluetooth Speakers |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | It uses wires or USB cables to connect with devices with USB ports to listen to audio or music. | It is a set of amplifiers and loudspeakers with wireless communication technology, which can be connected to Bluetooth-enabled devices to listen to audio or music. |
| Range | The connectivity range depends on the length of the wire | Short-range wireless network |
| Sound Quality | Normally better than Bluetooth speakers | Good sound quality but decreases when taken far from the connected device. |
| Portability | Less portable than Bluetooth speakers | More portable than USB speakers as there are no extra wires and cables. |
| Power consumption | They don’t need separate batteries or power consumption as they consume power from the connected device itself. | They consume more power than USB speakers. |
What are USB Speakers?
A USB speaker is a device that contains a set of amplifiers and loudspeakers to play audio, and it connects with other devices using cables or wires. Any device which has a USB portal can be connected to a USB speaker to play audio and music.
- The power consumption of a USB speaker is generally low, which means it does not consume much power. Also, it charges itself through the connected device, so it does not have to be charged separately.
- It works with wires and cables, making it easier to use and less complicated than wireless speakers.
What are Bluetooth Speakers?
A Bluetooth speaker is a device that converts electric signals to audible sound after connecting to any Bluetooth-enabled device by wireless communication technology. It can be connected to any device enabled by Bluetooth technology for playing sounds.
- The power consumption of a Bluetooth speaker depends on the quality and the company itself. It can be charged using normal Type A, B, C, and wireless chargers. Some Bluetooth devices also come with replaceable battery sockets.
- The fact that it is completely wireless, and does not need any cables and wires to work, makes it very portable, easy to use, and customer friendly, which has also made it cover the mainstream market of speakers.
Main Differences Between USB Speakers and Bluetooth Speakers
The main differences between a USB speaker and a Bluetooth speaker are that a USB speaker uses USB cables and USB ports to connect with other devices in order to play music.
- The sound quality of both the USB speakers and Bluetooth speakers are considered good, but generally, the USB speakers are more reliable as to the sound quality.
- Also, the connectivity range in USB speakers can be as long as the wire. In contrast, Bluetooth speakers can be connected only in a short range.
- https://www.econstor.eu/handle/10419/222113
- https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.4324/9781315686424/sound-reproduction-floyd-toole
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Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.
