Top Bluetooth Chips for Wearable Devices Compared

danny@gns-ic.com

·May 22, 2025

·15 min read

Top Bluetooth Chips for Wearable Devices Compared — Image Source: unsplash

When using wearable devices, a Bluetooth chip is key for connecting them seamlessly.

Fitness trackers and smartwatches utilize a wearable device Bluetooth chip to operate wirelessly.
These chips enable devices to connect easily while consuming less power.
They also ensure that the devices function effectively and maintain reliability.

Why is this important? Choosing the right wearable device Bluetooth chip impacts battery life.

It also influences the size and overall performance of the device.
Bluetooth features such as speed and range significantly affect user experience.
With numerous options available, understanding the best Bluetooth chips for wearables is essential.

Key Takeaways

Picking the right Bluetooth chip is very important for wearables. It affects how long the battery lasts and how well it works.
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is key for wearables. It uses less power, helping devices stay charged longer.
Check if the chip works with different systems. Make sure it runs smoothly with Android Wear or watchOS.
Look at how far, fast, and reliably the chip connects. These things decide how well your wearable performs.
For fitness bands, smartwatches, and health gadgets, choose chips with BLE and good battery-saving features.

Overview of Bluetooth Technology

What is Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)?

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is a wireless tech that saves power. It works in the 2.4 GHz ISM band, used for short distances. BLE is great for wearables because it uses little energy but stays reliable.

This tech depends on several important parts to work well:

The Host Controller Interface (HCI) helps the Host and Controller talk.
The Logical Link Control and Adaptation Protocol (L2CAP) lets many protocols share BLE packets.
The Attribute Protocol (ATT) sets rules for sharing data between devices.
The Generic Attribute Profile (GATT) organizes data and how to access it.
The Generic Access Profile (GAP) controls how BLE devices connect and advertise.

BLE is now a key part of modern Bluetooth apps, balancing power and performance.

Why BLE is essential for wearable devices?

Wearables like smartwatches and fitness trackers need to be small and efficient. BLE helps by using much less power than older Bluetooth versions. This means devices last longer on one charge, which is vital for wearables.

Bluetooth has improved over time to meet new device needs. Here’s a quick summary of its progress:

Bluetooth Version	Key Features and Improvements
1.0, 1.1, 1.2	Basic wireless use, pairing issues, limited compatibility
2.0 + EDR	Faster data transfer, better power use
2.1	Easier to use, more reliable
3.0 + HS	Used Wi-Fi for faster data speeds
4.0	Added BLE for saving power
4.1, 4.2	Worked better with LTE, more data, safer connections
5.0	Better range, speed, and data sharing
5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 6.0	New features like direction finding, LE Audio, faster and safer connections

Bluetooth 5 and newer versions added features like direction-finding. This improves location tracking, helpful for health devices and other BLE uses.

Using BLE ensures your wearable stays connected, works well, and saves energy. It’s the foundation of today’s wearable tech.

Key Factors to Think About

Power efficiency and battery life

Picking a Bluetooth chip needs careful thought about power use. Fitness trackers and smartwatches need low-power chips to last longer. You wouldn’t want your device dying in the middle of the day, right?

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) helps save power and stay connected. Newer versions, like Bluetooth 6.1, improve this even more. They add features that help small devices, like headsets, save battery better. This makes BLE the best choice for wearables.

If you’re making a wearable, pick chips with BLE and good power use. This keeps your device running longer without losing performance.

Size and form factor

Wearables must be small and light. No one likes a heavy smartwatch or tracker. Bluetooth chips are key to making this happen.

Today’s Bluetooth chips are tiny and work well. They fit into small devices without taking up much room. This helps designers make cool, slim gadgets people enjoy.

When choosing a chip, check its size and how it fits in. Smaller chips make it easier to design stylish and useful wearables.

Compatibility with wearable operating systems

Your wearable must work well with its software. Whether it’s Android Wear, watchOS, or custom software, the chip must match.

Some chips work better with certain systems. For example, Nordic Semiconductor chips are flexible and work with many platforms. This makes them a top pick for developers of different wearables.

Before deciding, make sure the chip works with your software. This ensures your device gives users a smooth experience.

Performance metrics (range, speed, reliability)

Picking a Bluetooth chip means checking how well it works. You need one that connects reliably, moves data fast, and has good range. These things affect how your device performs every day.

Range

Range shows how far your wearable stays connected to other devices. Indoors, most chips work up to 10 meters. Outdoors, they can reach 100 meters. This is usually enough for wearables. Newer versions, like Bluetooth 5.0, offer longer ranges. These are great for health devices needing wider connections.

Tip: Wearables used in open spaces or through walls need long-range chips.

Speed

Speed decides how fast your device sends and gets data. Syncing fitness stats or streaming music works better with faster speeds. Chips supporting Bluetooth 5.2 handle big data quickly, making them perfect for wearables.

Reliability

Reliability keeps your wearable connected without dropping signals. You don’t want your smartwatch disconnecting during exercise or headphones losing sound. Chips with error fixes and interference control make connections stable.

Note: Reliable chips save time for developers. They make devices easier to build and improve user happiness.

Think about these metrics based on your wearable’s job. Fitness trackers need strong reliability. Audio wearables do better with faster speeds. Knowing this helps you pick the right chip for your device.

Comparison of Top Bluetooth Chipsets

Nordic Semiconductor

Nordic Semiconductor is well-known for its Bluetooth low energy chipsets. These are popular in wearables because they save power and work well. The nRF52 series, especially the nRF52840, is a favorite among developers.

Why do people like it? First, it supports Bluetooth 5.3, giving better range, faster speeds, and strong reliability. This makes it great for devices like smartwatches and fitness trackers. Second, Nordic’s chipsets use very little power. This helps wearables last longer on one charge, which is super important.

Another great thing is their development tools. Nordic provides an easy-to-use Software Development Kit (SDK). This helps developers create Bluetooth LE apps faster. Whether you’re making a health monitor or fitness tracker, their tools make the job easier.

Tip: Nordic Semiconductor is a great pick for balancing power, performance, and easy development.

Texas Instruments

Texas Instruments (TI) is another big name in Bluetooth LE chips. Their SimpleLink™ CC26xx series is made for wearables. These chips are small, save energy, and have features perfect for tiny devices.

One cool feature of TI’s chips is multi-protocol support. For example, the CC2652R works with Bluetooth 5.3, Zigbee, and Thread. This lets wearables connect to many devices and systems.

TI also focuses on saving power. Their chips are built to use very little energy, which is key for wearables like health monitors and smartwatches. Plus, their tools, like Code Composer Studio, help developers test and build Bluetooth apps easily.

Note: If your wearable needs multi-protocol support and great power savings, TI is a smart choice.

Qualcomm

Qualcomm is a leader in wireless tech, and their Bluetooth chips are top-notch. The QCC5100 series is made for audio wearables like headphones and earbuds. These chips support Bluetooth 5.3 and include features like Qualcomm aptX™ for amazing sound.

Qualcomm shines in audio quality. If your wearable focuses on sound, their chips are excellent. They also offer features like noise cancellation and voice assistant support, perfect for modern audio devices.

Their chips are reliable too. They keep connections stable and have low latency, which users love. Qualcomm’s tools, like the Audio Development Kit, help developers create cool Bluetooth LE apps.

Pro Tip: For wearables that focus on sound, Qualcomm’s chips are the best choice.

Dialog Semiconductor

Dialog Semiconductor makes great Bluetooth chips for wearable devices. Their chips mix low power use with advanced features. The DA14531 SmartBond Tiny is a top choice for small gadgets.

Why is this chip special? It’s super small, one of the tiniest BLE chips. This makes it ideal for small devices like fitness trackers or smart rings. Even though it’s tiny, it works really well. It supports Bluetooth 5.1, which means faster data, better range, and strong connections.

Another big plus is its energy-saving design. The DA14531 uses very little power, so your device lasts longer on one charge. This is great for smartwatches or health monitors that need long battery life.

Dialog also helps developers make devices easily. Their SmartSnippets™ Studio tool lets you test and improve BLE apps. This saves time and makes sure your device works perfectly.

Tip: If your wearable needs a small, energy-saving Bluetooth chip, Dialog Semiconductor is a smart pick.

Cypress Semiconductor

Cypress Semiconductor, now part of Infineon Technologies, is another leader in Bluetooth chips. Their BLE chips are made for wearables needing strong performance and flexibility. The CYW20719 is one of their best chips.

This chip supports Bluetooth 5.0, offering good speed, range, and reliability. It’s great for wearables like smartwatches, fitness trackers, and audio devices. The CYW20719 also works with both BLE and classic Bluetooth. This makes it useful for devices that connect to many gadgets.

Cypress makes development easier with their ModusToolbox™ software. This tool helps you quickly build and test BLE apps. It’s perfect for speeding up the process of making your product ready to sell.

Security is another strong point for Cypress. Their chips have features like secure boot and encryption to keep your device safe from hackers.

Pro Tip: Pick Cypress Semiconductor if you want a flexible Bluetooth chip with great security and easy development tools.

Recommendations for Wearable Applications

Best chipsets for fitness trackers

Fitness trackers need small, efficient, and reliable Bluetooth chips. These devices track activity, so the chip must send data often without using too much battery.

Here are some great choices:

Nordic Semiconductor nRF52840: This chip is popular for fitness trackers. It supports Bluetooth 5 and BLE, offering good range and saving power. Developers also like Nordic’s easy-to-use SDK.
Dialog Semiconductor DA14531: This chip is tiny and uses very little energy. It’s perfect for compact fitness trackers.
Texas Instruments CC2652R: This chip works with multiple protocols and saves energy. It’s great for trackers connecting to many devices.

Tip: Pick chips with Bluetooth 5 and BLE. These features help your tracker last longer and stay connected during workouts.

Best chipsets for smartwatches

Smartwatches need chips that balance power and performance. They do more than fitness trackers, like showing notifications, running apps, and making calls. The chip must be reliable and versatile to handle these tasks.

Here are some top options:

Nordic Semiconductor nRF52840: This chip is excellent for smartwatches. It supports Bluetooth 5 and BLE, offering fast speeds and good range. Developers love its tools and flexibility.
Cypress Semiconductor CYW20719: This chip works with BLE and classic Bluetooth. It’s great for smartwatches connecting to different devices.
Texas Instruments CC2652R: This chip supports multiple protocols, making it ideal for smartwatches that work with smart home systems.

Note: Choose chips with Bluetooth 5 for better speed and range. This ensures your smartwatch stays connected and works well all day.

Best chipsets for health monitoring devices

Health monitors, like heart rate or glucose trackers, need chips that focus on reliability and security. These devices often handle sensitive data, so the chip must keep connections stable and protect information.

Here are the best picks:

Nordic Semiconductor nRF52840: This chip is great for health devices. It supports BLE and Bluetooth 5, ensuring long battery life and strong connections.
Dialog Semiconductor DA14531: Its small size and low energy use make it perfect for compact health monitors.
Cypress Semiconductor CYW20719: This chip has advanced security features like encryption, ideal for protecting health data.

Pro Tip: Pick chips with BLE and strong security features. These ensure your health monitor stays safe and connected.

Best chipsets for audio wearables

Audio wearables like headphones and earbuds need great sound quality. These devices should stream music smoothly and handle calls without issues. A good Bluetooth chip ensures your audio wearable works well.

Here are some top Bluetooth chips for audio wearables:

Qualcomm QCC5100 Series
Qualcomm's QCC5100 series is perfect for amazing sound. It supports aptX™ and aptX HD, which improve sound clarity and reduce delays. Features like noise cancellation and voice assistant support make it ideal for modern devices.
This chip uses Bluetooth 5.3 and BLE, offering stable connections and low power use. Your headphones or earbuds will last longer on one charge. It also handles high-quality audio, so your music sounds great.
Tip: Pick Qualcomm's QCC5100 series if sound quality matters most.
Dialog Semiconductor DA14531 SmartBond Tiny
The DA14531 chip from Dialog is small but powerful. It’s great for tiny devices like wireless earbuds. Despite its size, it performs very well.
It supports Bluetooth 5.1 and BLE, ensuring reliable connections and saving energy. It also offers low-latency audio, perfect for gaming or video calls. Developers like it because Dialog’s SmartSnippets™ Studio makes it easy to use.
Note: Choose the DA14531 for a small, energy-saving chip for audio wearables.
Cypress Semiconductor CYW20719
Cypress Semiconductor’s CYW20719 chip is versatile and secure. It works with both classic Bluetooth and BLE, making it useful for many devices.
This chip has strong security features like encryption to protect your device. It supports Bluetooth 5.0, providing good speed and range for streaming audio.
Pro Tip: Use the CYW20719 if you need a secure and flexible chip for your audio device.
Nordic Semiconductor nRF52840
Nordic’s nRF52840 chip is popular for wearables, including audio devices. It supports Bluetooth 5.3 and BLE, offering great range, speed, and reliability.
This chip can handle multiple protocols like Zigbee and Thread. It’s a good choice for devices needing to connect to different systems. It also saves power, helping your device last longer.
Tip: The nRF52840 is great for audio wearables needing strong performance and flexibility.

Why BLE Matters for Audio Wearables

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is important for audio wearables. It helps devices use less power while staying connected. This is key for earbuds and headphones, where battery life is critical.

BLE also supports low-latency audio, which is great for gaming and video calls. It works with advanced codecs like aptX and AAC, giving high-quality sound without draining the battery.

When picking a Bluetooth chip for audio wearables, always look for BLE. It ensures your device works well and saves energy.

Picking the right Bluetooth chip is very important for wearables. It affects battery life and how well your device connects. Different chips are better for certain uses. For instance, Qualcomm is great for audio devices, and Dialog Semiconductor works well in small gadgets.

For an all-around top choice, try the Nordic Semiconductor nRF52840. It’s flexible, supports many protocols, and fits many Bluetooth devices. This chip works well in fitness trackers, smartwatches, and health monitors. It offers excellent performance for all these uses.

Tip: Choose a chip that fits your device’s needs for the best results.

FAQ

How is Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) different from regular Bluetooth?

BLE uses less power than regular Bluetooth. It’s great for wearables because it keeps devices connected without draining the battery. Regular Bluetooth works better for fast tasks like streaming music, but BLE focuses on saving energy.

Do Bluetooth chips work with all wearable devices?

Not every chip works with all wearables. Some are best for fitness trackers, while others are better for headphones. You need to choose a chip that fits your device’s size, power needs, and features.

How does Bluetooth affect battery life in wearables?

Bluetooth chips with BLE save energy by using less power. This helps wearables last longer on one charge, which is important for smartwatches and fitness trackers.

Are Bluetooth chips safe for health monitoring devices?

Yes, many Bluetooth chips have security features like encryption. These keep health data safe from hackers, making them reliable for devices like heart monitors and glucose trackers.

What’s the best Bluetooth chip for audio wearables?

Qualcomm’s QCC5100 series is a great choice for audio devices. It offers excellent sound quality, supports aptX, and uses Bluetooth 5.3 for strong connections. If sound quality matters, this chip is a smart pick.