Auracast™ - Frequently Asked Questions
What is Auracast™?
Auracast™ is a new standard for Bluetooth Low Energy Multicast audio broadcast technology which enables one-to-many sharing of audio.
When will products with Auracast™ broadcast audio reach consumers?
Many audio manufacturers are implementing Auracast™ based technology within their devices. Adoption rates will vary, but many are coming to market in 2025. Receivers include hearing aids/cochlear implants, earphones and headphones.
Android has already confirmed its support for Bluetooth LE Audio in Android 13, while Apple has not yet made a public announcement.
What version of Bluetooth® technology is required to use Auracast™ broadcast audio?
To support Auracast™ broadcast audio, a product must include specific features introduced in version 5.2 of the Bluetooth Core Specification, along with the Public Broadcast Profile from the LE Audio specifications.
Support for Bluetooth 5.2 doesn’t guarantee support for Auracast™.
To check whether a specific device supports Auracast™ refer to the manufacturers technical specification or check the Auracast™ Product Listing here.
What is the maximum number of Auracast™ receivers that will be able to join an Auracast™ broadcast?
Any number of in-range Auracast™ receivers can connect to an Auracast™ broadcast from a nearby Auracast™ transmitter. With Auracast™ broadcast audio, there is no one-to-one connection between the transmitter and each receiver. The Auracast™ transmitter sends out an audio signal that multiple in-range receivers can access, in the same way that a standard radio transmitter broadcasts a signal to an unlimited number of radio receivers.
Will there be any issues with quality degradation as more users join an Auracast™ broadcast?
No. An Auracast™ transmitter sends an audio broadcast that any number of in-range Auracast™ receivers can join. The Auracast™ transmitter has no awareness of how many devices have connected to the broadcast.
How will users be able to find and select an Auracast™ broadcast to join?
Auracast™ transmitters advertise the broadcast streams e.g. Main Theatre, Sports Screen 4, Church Hall. An Auracast™ assistant scans for broadcast streams and lists these in a menu (similar to selecting Wi-Fi network) e.g. Assistive Listening, Audio Description, etc.
After selecting a broadcast, the Auracast™ assistant will supply the necessary connection information to the Auracast™ receiver, such as headphones, earbuds, or hearing aids. The User Interface on an Auracast™ assistant can be incorporated into the device's operating system or offered through a third-party app, like those used for earbuds or hearing aids.
Auracast™ broadcasts can be encrypted and unencrypted. A ‘closed’ encrypted broadcast will require a password, either entered as characters, scanned via QR code or by tapping an NFC tag. An ‘open’ unencrypted broadcast does not require a password.
It may be possible to select multiple broadcasts simultaneously as Auracast™ develops over time.
Where is Auracast™ broadcast audio used?
Auracast™ is used in domestic appliances such as TV’s and smartphones to commercial applications, such as theatres, cinemas, museums, meeting rooms, sports bars, train carriages, airport gates, customer service counters and other public places. It enables multiple users to receive audio streams simultaneously from a single transmitter.
An Auracast™ transmitter can be integrated into consumer products. E.g. Some Samsung Galaxy phones can be configured to create a portable short-range Auracast™ broadcast to share the audio with nearby listeners.
Dedicated commercial Auracast™ transmitters feature professional audio connections and are designed to cover larger areas.
We only supply commercial Auracast products.
What is the range of an Auracast™ transmitter?
The range of an installation transmitter can be up to 100m however this will vary depending on the type and position of the transmitter and receivers, the transmission power, the venue construction, venue capacity and local RF environment. Coverage can be expanded by additional relay transmitters.
What audio connections does an Auracast™ installation transmitter have?
Audio inputs can include microphone level (with switchable phantom power), line level, 100v line loudspeaker level, SPDIF optical and Dante, however this varies between manufacturers. Most transmitters also have an audio output.
How many audio streams will a transmitter support?
Most installation transmitters will support two mono or one-stereo Auracast™ broadcasts however this varies between manufacturers.
How many transmitters can operate together?
Multiple transmitters can operate simultaneously in the same environment however, this will vary on the type and position of the transmitters, the transmission power, the venue construction, venue capacity and local RF environment.
What is the latency with Auracast™?
The latency is significantly improved from Bluetooth® Classic and can be as low as 30ms, making it almost undetectable when listening to speech. The latency will vary depending on broadcast settings, the transmitter and the receivers, such as earbuds or hearing aids.
Are dedicated Auracast™ receivers available?
Yes, dedicated Auracast™ receivers are available for those without an Auracast™ enabled device. These are ideal for venues that use Auracast™ as an alternative to an induction loop, infrared, FM or Audio-over-Wi-Fi assistive listening system, to cater for clients that do not have a compatible aid. A receiver can also be used to test or demonstrate a system. Receivers operate on a rechargeable battery and have a standard 3.5mm headphone socket to connect earphones, headphones or inductive neck loop.
Some dedicated receivers can also transmit (and are therefore called Transceivers,) to create a small and portable Auracast™ system. Auracast™ transceivers usually have an integrated microphone so the presenter can speak directly to the listeners. These can be used for guided tours.
More information on Auracast can be found here.
This page was last updated in March 2025.
Specifications are subject to change without notice