Choosing a Bluetooth module requires comprehensive consideration based on the specific application scenario, performance requirements, cost budget, and development complexity. The following is a selection guide for different levels of requirements, progressing from entry-level to professional-level:

I. Entry-Level Selection (Basic Applications)

Applicable scenarios: Simple data transmission, low-cost devices, and beginner projects.

Core requirements: Stable functionality, affordable price, and ease of development.

Recommended module types:

1. Classic Bluetooth Module

Features: Suitable for audio transmission and basic data communication (such as serial port transparent transmission).

Price: From a few yuan to a few dozen yuan (such as the HC-05/HC-06).

Typical applications: Wireless mice, keyboards, Bluetooth speakers, and industrial serial devices.

Advantages: Strong compatibility, low development threshold, and suitable for beginners.

2. Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Module

Features: Low power consumption, suitable for battery-powered devices.

Price: From 10 yuan to 50 yuan (such as the nRF51822 and CC2541). Typical Applications: Smart bracelets, thermometers, and sensors.
Advantages: Low power consumption, suitable for miniaturized devices, and mature development tools.

Selection Recommendations:

Prefer basic modules from mainstream manufacturers (such as Nordic and TI) for greater compatibility and reliable technical support.
Pay attention to whether the module provides an AT command set for quick debugging.

II. Advanced Selection (Performance and Functionality Balance)

Applicable Scenarios: Medium-complexity devices and those with higher requirements for power consumption or transmission speed.

Core Requirements: Multi-protocol support, optimized stability, and development flexibility.
Recommended Module Types:

1. Dual-Mode Bluetooth Module (Classic + Low Power)

Features: Supports both BLE and Classic Bluetooth for wider compatibility.

Price: 50 to 150 RMB (such as the ANS-BT101M and nRF52 series).
Typical Applications: Smart home gateways, medical devices (such as oximeters), and industrial sensors.
Advantages: One module for multiple uses, reducing hardware complexity.

2. High-Performance Bluetooth Module

Features: High transmission rates and enhanced processing power.
Price: 100 to 300 RMB (such as the ESP32-BT and BCM4343W).
Typical Applications: High-definition audio transmission, IoT gateways, and complex networking equipment.
Advantages: Supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth dual-mode, making it suitable for scenarios requiring high-speed data processing.

Selection Recommendations:

Choose a protocol stack (such as Bluetooth Mesh, Thread/Matter) based on the application scenario.
Prefer vendors that provide development boards and SDKs (such as Nordic and Espressif) to reduce development effort.

III. Professional-Level Selection (High-Demand Scenarios)

Applicable Scenarios: Industrial, medical, high-precision positioning, or large-scale IoT deployments.

Core Requirements: Ultra-low power consumption, high reliability, multi-protocol compatibility, and customization support.

Recommended Module Types:

1. Bluetooth 6.0 Module (Next-Generation Standard)

Features: Supports centimeter-level positioning (Channel Sounding) and higher transmission rates.

Price: Over 200 RMB (such as the MinewSemi ME54BS61 and Nordic nRF54L15).

Typical Applications: Asset Tracking, Smart Home Hubs, and Industrial Automation.

Advantages: Strong future compatibility, suitable for projects requiring long-term iterations.

2. Multi-Protocol Integrated Module

Features: Integrated Bluetooth + Wi-Fi + Zigbee/Thread, supporting complex networking.

Price: Over 300 RMB (such as the ESP32-C3 and STM32WB series).

Typical Applications: Smart Cities, Industrial IoT, and Medical Monitoring Systems.
Advantages: Reduces peripheral components and simplifies system design.

3. Customized Modules

Features: Customized packaging, interfaces, and protocol stacks based on customer requirements.

Typical manufacturers: MinewSemi, Ebyte (e.g., E104-BT52 series).

Advantages: Meets specialized scenario requirements (e.g., ultra-small size, extreme temperature environments).

Selection Recommendations:

Prioritize modules with industrial-grade certifications (e.g., IP67, wide temperature range).

Pay attention to the manufacturer's ecosystem support (e.g., cloud platform integration, OTA upgrade capabilities).

IV. Summary of Key Selection Factors

1. Performance Requirements

Transmission Rate: Audio/video require high bandwidth; sensors/controllers should choose low power.

Power Consumption: Battery-powered devices prefer BLE, with standby current below 1μA.

Transmission Distance: 20-30 meters for general scenarios; high-gain antenna modules are required for industrial scenarios.

2. Development Resources

Development Tools: Are there supporting development boards and debugging tools (such as Ebyte's EWT104-BT52 test kit)?

Documentation Support: Does the manufacturer provide a complete API, SDK, and sample code?

3. Cost and Mass Production

BOM Cost: When purchasing in bulk, chip brands (such as Nordic vs. local solutions) can vary significantly.

Certification Support: Is the product pre-certified (such as FCC, CE) to reduce future compliance costs?

4. Future Scalability

Protocol Compatibility: Is Bluetooth Mesh, Matter, etc. supported?

Upgradeability: Does it support OTA firmware updates?