Bluetooth SIG unveils High Data Throughput feature with 7.5 Mbps bandwidth
The Bluetooth Special Interest Group announced a new High Data Throughput (HDT) feature on November 4, boosting maximum bandwidth to 7.5 Mbps, nearly four times the 2 Mbps offered by Bluetooth LE 2M. The SIG says HDT also improves connection reliability and reduces power consumption compared to earlier Bluetooth standards.
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The added bandwidth could finally let Bluetooth carry lossless and high-resolution audio formats, which previously required compression schemes like SBC, AAC, aptX or LDAC because earlier Bluetooth versions lacked sufficient throughput for CD-quality or hi-res files. Beyond audio, the SIG suggests HDT may also support demanding applications such as AI features, smartwatches, and extended reality devices that require fast, efficient wireless data transfer. Whether this changes audiophiles' long-standing preference for wired listening remains to be seen, as device adoption of HDT will determine its real-world impact.
- Bluetooth HDT offers up to 7.5 Mbps bandwidth, nearly 4x that of Bluetooth LE 2M.
- The feature could enable lossless and high-resolution audio streaming over Bluetooth without compression.
- HDT also promises improved connection reliability and lower power use, with potential applications in AI, smartwatches, and extended reality.
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones — While we wait for Bluetooth HDT-enabled devices to hit the market, the Sony WH-1000XM5 already pushes current Bluetooth codecs like LDAC to their limits for near-lossless listening. They're a great way to experience how far wireless audio quality has come, and a solid upgrade path as future HDT-capable gear rolls out.
See Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: tomshardware.com — Jhet Borja, 2026-11-07
Published there as: “New Bluetooth High Data Throughput may finally satisfy audiophiles”
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