When to Upgrade Bluetooth 4.0 to Bluetooth 5.0 and Higher Versions

  • May 21, 2025

Introduction

Many Bluetooth products today still run on version 4.0 or 4.2. These versions are stable and do the job well in the field, but Bluetooth 5.0 and above versions offer new features that might help your product work better or reach more people. Should you upgrade? Let us break it down.

Upgrading to a new version of Bluetooth is not always the right move. It depends on what your product needs, what your users expect, and how much change your system can handle. This guide helps you decide whether you should upgrade to higher versions or not with clear facts and examples.

What You Get If You Upgrade to Bluetooth 5.0 or More

Bluetooth 5.0 and newer versions come with changes that can help in many ways. These features can help your device work better, reach farther, or save energy in some cases.

1. Longer Range

  • Bluetooth 4.0 gives around 60 meters range in open space while Bluetooth 5.0 can give up to 240 meters in open space.
  • Useful for warehouses, parking areas, hospitals, large rooms
  • May reduce the need for extra gateways

2. Faster Data Transfer

  • Bluetooth 4.0 transfers data at 1 Mbps while Bluetooth 5.0 transfers at 2 Mbps
  • Helps in faster data sync, firmware updates, and log transfers
  • Saves time for users and devices

3. More Broadcast Data

  • Bluetooth 4.0 broadcast 31 bytes in advertising packets while 255 bytes for Bluetooth 5.0
  • Share more information without needing a full connection
  • Helps in beacon systems, real-time updates, and location alerts

4. Better Work with Wi-Fi

  • Bluetooth 5.0 uses smarter ways to avoid clashing with Wi-Fi
  • Reduces dropped signals and data loss
  • Good for hospitals, homes, or offices with many wireless devices

5. Future Ready for New Features

  • Bluetooth 5.1+: indoor tracking and direction finding
  • Bluetooth 5.2+: better audio and multi-device sharing
  • May be useful for your next product version or expansion

Why You Might Not Upgrade (At Least Not Now)

Not every product needs Bluetooth 5.0 or above. If your current system works well and your users are happy, upgrading may not help much—or it may cause problems.

1. Very Low Power Devices

  • Bluetooth 5.0 has more features, but can use more power
  • Devices with small batteries (coin cells) may not handle this well
  • Your product may last longer on Bluetooth 4.0 if used in small bursts

2. Low Data and Short Range Use

  • If your product stays close to a phone or hub
  • If it only sends simple data (like on/off, temperature, alerts)
  • Then Bluetooth 4.0 is enough
  • Upgrading adds no real gain

3. Cost Limits

  • BLE 5 chips and modules can cost more
  • You may also need to re-test and re-certify your product
  • In large batches, this adds cost to each unit

4. Old Devices in the Field

  • Some user devices still use Bluetooth 4.0 or 4.2
  • Your product must work with their phones, tablets, or gateways
  • Upgrading could break that link unless you keep dual support

5. Firmware or Chip Limits

  • Some old chips can not run Bluetooth 5 features
  • You may need to redesign the PCB, firmware, or whole product
  • That means more time, cost, and test cycles

6. Certification Time and Effort

  • If your device is used in healthcare, security, or industry
  • Every hardware change means more approval and testing
  • These delays may not be worth it if there is no user benefit

When Should You Upgrade?

  • You want more range
  • You want faster updates or sync
  • You want to broadcast more data
  • You want to add indoor location or LE Audio
  • You plan a redesign anyway
  • You are not locked into old hardware

Conclusion

Bluetooth 5.0 brings more range, faster speed, and bigger data packets. But if your current product is simple, low power, or cost-sensitive, version 4.0 may still work well. Upgrade only if it solves a clear problem or adds value for end users because the technical goals should match with customer requirements and maintain satisfaction. If upgrade not done properly, it may affect user experience and ends up in negative reviews. In similar case, taking guidance from experts might help you. Each case is different—decide with care.

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