ESP32 has built-in Bluetooth capabilities, supporting both Bluetooth Classic (BT) and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). Although both are part of the Bluetooth standard, they are fundamentally different technologies designed for distinct use cases.
Bluetooth Classic (BT)
Bluetooth Classic refers to the original Bluetooth technology, which is designed for continuous, higher-bandwidth communication. It is best suited for applications where sustained data transfer is needed, such as audio streaming and file sharing.
- Data Rate: Bluetooth Classic can achieve higher data transfer speeds, up to 3 Mbps.
- Power Consumption: It consumes more power, making it less suitable for battery-powered devices that need to run for long periods.
- Connection: Bluetooth Classic is designed for continuous connection and is ideal for devices like headphones, speakers, car kits, and wireless printers.
- Profiles: The ESP32 can implement Bluetooth Classic profiles like Serial Port Profile (SPP), Audio/Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP), and Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP).
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
Bluetooth Low Energy, on the other hand, is designed to provide wireless communication with a focus on low power consumption and intermittent data transfers. BLE is ideal for devices that need to run on a small battery for extended periods, such as sensors, fitness trackers, and beacons.
- Data Rate: BLE has a lower data rate compared to Bluetooth Classic, with a typical transfer speed of 1 Mbps.
- Power Consumption: BLE is optimized for low power consumption, allowing devices to run for months or years on a small coin cell battery.
- Connection: BLE is designed for short, burst communication rather than continuous data transfer. It works well for devices that exchange small amounts of data periodically.
- Profiles: BLE uses the GATT (Generic Attribute Profile) and is often used for IoT applications such as health trackers, smart home devices, and beacons.