Why multipoint matters in modern headphones
Bluetooth multipoint helps users move between devices, such as a phone and laptop, with less hassle. Without this feature, switching devices involves manually disconnecting and reconnecting, which can be time-consuming and frustrating. This process requires navigating through menus and dealing with unreliable connections, a problem that has been a major annoyance since Bluetooth was first introduced decades ago. While Bluetooth continues to improve with each new generation, the fundamental challenges remain, making multipoint a key feature for better usability.
Multipoint is not standard in all headphones. It tends to be found more often in high-end models like the Sony WH-1000XM6, but is missing in many mid- and lower-tier options. Some headphone models support connections with two devices at once, which still helps reduce the back-and-forth process of disconnecting and reconnecting. This means a user can stay linked to both a phone and a laptop, and switch between them as needed without having to reconnect each time. However, it's still not as seamless as using a wired connection, which avoids these wireless challenges entirely.
How it works with Bluetooth profiles
Headphones use different Bluetooth profiles for different kinds of audio. A2DP is responsible for music and other media, while HFP is used for phone calls. Multipoint allows the headphones to switch between these profiles based on the situation. However, this can interrupt the current audio you're listening to. For instance, if you're enjoying music via A2DP from your laptop, an incoming call will automatically shift the connection to HFP, often pausing the music. This behavior is intended to keep communication ahead of entertainment, but it can be disruptive if the switch happens suddenly.
Incoming calls or notifications usually have the highest priority. Imagine you're listening to a podcast on your computer while using HFP for a call on Zoom. If a new notification or call comes in, the audio will abruptly shift to that source. Users who are juggling multiple tasks might find this kind of interruption annoying or jarring, especially if they need to stay focused on a particular audio stream. The way multipoint handles these transitions can vary based on how it is implemented by each manufacturer.
Limitations and frustrations with multipoint
Multipoint is not without its flaws. It doesn't allow users to listen to two audio sources at the same time. Instead, it simply selects which one should take priority. This can lead to unexpected interruptions, especially if a notification or an app like Instagram plays audio at the same time you're listening to something else. For example, if you're enjoying a podcast on your laptop and an app on your phone starts playing a sound or notification, your multipoint headphones may switch to that source, breaking your listening experience. This can be particularly annoying if the phone’s media volume is set to zero but the notification still cuts through.
Some companies, like Apple and Samsung, have developed their own modified versions of multipoint. These variations are optimized to work smoothly within their ecosystems. However, these solutions don't always function well when used with devices from other brands. The best AirPods and Galaxy Buds include versions of multipoint that function mainly within their own ecosystems — like Apple’s or Samsung’s — but may not perform as well when paired with third-party devices. This can lead to compatibility issues that users should consider before buying.
Before purchasing a set of headphones with multipoint, it's wise to test the feature if possible. If it doesn't work well with your devices, you might want to return them before the return window closes. Trying out the multipoint functionality with the specific devices you plan to use is essential. Users may discover that the technology behaves differently depending on the devices involved. If the feature doesn’t perform as expected, you could end up with a less-than-ideal experience, making it important to verify compatibility before finalizing a purchase.