AirPlay is a technology invented by and used by Apple to let users broadcast audio and video to Wi-Fi-connected devices.
Bluetooth is a wireless technology which allows a ‘personal area networking’ connection up to 100m between mobile phones, PCs and accessories such as headsets.
AirPlay was created by Apple specifically for use with their iOS devices as well as Macs and PCs running iTunes 10. This means with an iOS 4 compatible device, or a Mac or PC running iTunes 10 you can wirelessly push your music to an AirPlay specific device, such as speaker dock, home theater receiver, AppleTV or an AirPort Express.
Bluetooth has been an open protocol for many more years than AirPlay. Being an open protocol means that most devices we carry on our persons today have Bluetooth built-in. Be it a cell phone, portable gaming device, Mac or iOS device, the key to Bluetooth is it’s not an Apple exclusive. This means you can use it on other devices, like those mentioned above.
Now that we have established the backgrounds of each technology let’s figure out which one works best in a particular situation. We all have different needs for audio. Some are trying to fill a home with speakers in each room, while others are just trying to make the perfect living room set-up. Either way, one of these two wireless audio options will work for everyone.
Multiple Room
If you are looking to create a wireless setup for multiple rooms in your home, the best option will be to use AirPlay. The reason for this is in its definition: “Wi-Fi connected devices.” This means AirPlay uses a Wi-Fi connection to transmit and receive audio. As Wi-Fi is a much more robust signal than Bluetooth, it can provide complete coverage for almost any home. Although one strong router such as an AirPort Extreme should cover your home, it can be strengthened by a repeater such as an AirPort Express if necessary.
Just as important as the network supporting your AirPlay setup are the speakers you’ll be streaming to. Does WiFi have to be built-in for your speakers to work with AirPlay? Yes and no. You can use an older receiver and speaker system simply by plugging in an AirPort Express. most older receiver can be connected to an Express using an 1/8in to RCA cable.
Apple has also started to license AirPlay to speaker manufacturers such as iHome, JBL andPioneer. This means you can purchase an AirPlay enabled speaker for a room, simply plug it into the wall, connect it to your local Wi-Fi, select AirPlay on iOS or iTunes 10 and stream away.
A great feature of AirPlay is that it can play to multiple rooms simultaneously. For instance, while holding a dinner party you may want the same tunes playing in the kitchen and living room while people mingle back and forth. With AirPlay you can select both rooms and push the same audio to the speakers in them.
You might be thinking: “Wait, the kitchen is so much louder than the living room, how can I adjust volume levels if I’m streaming to both rooms?” Easy. Apple has included the ability to control the volume of multiple speakers individually. This means the levels in the kitchen can get bumped up a few notches so the cook can continue to rock.
Though wireless DJing with AirPlay can make you the hit of the party, what if the Mac with all of your music is hidden deep in an office? The last thing you want to do is race back and forth changing playlists. Thankfully, Apple has also produced a Remote app allowing you to control your iTunes library right from your iOS device. This app also allows you to select the speakers you wish to listen too and control their levels.
In addition to the iPod app, AirPlay is compatible with a number of third party apps including Pandora and Last.fm. You can even stream radio from apps like NPR and Tune-In Radio! Of course any AirPlay set-up will be fairly Apple orientated and will require a set of current Apple products for optimum results. If you don’t have the latest and greatest from the Cupertino company, Bluetooth audio make a great alternative.
Single Room/Apartment/Office
Bluetooth, unlike AirPlay, does not require a local Wi-Fi connection to receive audio. As many devices have bluetooth capabilities, especially smart phones like iPhone, Droid and Windows phones, it’s easy to push tunes to a Bluetooth speaker. While Bluetooth speakers are compatible with a wider range of devices, the trade off is their short relatively short range—about 33 feet.
As a result, Bluetooth speakers are better for single rooms, such as apartments, offices or even out on the beach this summer. That’s right, imagine rocking out at the beach with your friends to all your favorite tunes no matter which smartphones the group has. You can still push your Pandora or Last FM from your iPhone to Bluetooth speakers, just as you can with AirPlay, it’s actually is the same icon on your iOS device.
The same idea applies for computers. Whether you’re using a Mac or PC, with bluetooth you can wirelessly push music, or any audio for that matter. This is a great advantage that Bluetooth offers which AirPlay does not, especially for someone in an office or dorm room. Hop on your bed with your MacBook Pro and continue to push your tunes to the Bluetooth-equipped speakers on your desk, or simply put a Bluetooth speaker under your 27” iMac for style points as well as a great sound upgrade.
After reading about the advantages and disadvantages of both technologies you’ve hopefully decided which one is for you. There is one more factor to discuss however: price. Apple products and software have a tendency to be priced higher than competing brands. The trade-off of this “Mac-Tax” is how easy Apple products are to set-up and use.
Unfortunately, this trend carries over to many AirPlay equipped accessories, when companies pay to license this technology from Apple it means their products are going to raise in price as well. As a comparison an AirPlay-equipped JBL speaker is priced at $350 compared to a Creative Labs Bluetooth speaker for $129. Both speakers sport similar sound at very different price. It’s not that AirPlay isn’t worth the money, especially for that multiple room set-up, but for traveling and for the office or apartment Bluetooth which will save you some coin.
These two technologies work very differently from each other, and lend themselves to different situations. If you live in an Apple household already, AirPlay is most likely the way to go. If you’re a non-Apple fanatic looking to unplug, Bluetooth is the most versatile and affordable way to go.