# Bluetooth vs. USB Microphone

When Bluetooth is good enough — and when USB gives you a clear edge.

## Quick Comparison

Property | Bluetooth | USB
--- | --- | ---

Latency | Medium to high (80–200 ms) | Low (

## When Bluetooth Is Fine

- Short dictations and chat messages
- Use on the go or in changing environments
- When you are already using the device for calls
- Home office with a quiet environment

## When USB Is Better

- You dictate large volumes daily (more than 20 minutes per day)
- You are dictating professional documents, reports, or contracts
- You work in a noisy environment
- Recognition accuracy is critical

## Recommendations by Use Case

Use case | Recommendation
--- | ---

Emails and chat | Bluetooth headset (e.g., AirPods Pro, Sony WH-1000XM5)

Meeting notes | USB headset or dedicated USB microphone

Legal / medical dictation | Dedicated USB microphone (e.g., Blue Yeti, Rode NT-USB)

Writing on the go | Bluetooth headset or AirPods

> **Tip:** For getting started, an inexpensive USB headset for $30–50 is sufficient. You will notice a clear improvement in recognition accuracy if you have been using a built-in laptop microphone.