Bluetooth audio is my least favorite part of using Linux and it seems like my coworkers agree. I hear a lot of praise for pipewire, but it doesn’t match what I experience. Does any system work well for anyone?

To clarify, it can work. But it’s a harsh experience compared to say Android. I’ve used Ubuntu, Fedora, and PopOS. I’ve tried a few different headphones, using Galaxy Buds 2 current. Pulseaudio tends to “do as it’s told” but doesn’t automatically switch to the right (confusingly named) profile. With Ubuntu 23.10, using pipewire, it does automatic switch profiles. Sometimes this works great. But very often, it gets stuck on on a profile or just stops working. I have to reconnect bluetooth to fix it.

Is there some magic combination of things that works or is this just how it is for everyone?

  • @[email protected]
    4•7 months ago

    I use NixOS, but before that I was on openSuse. I have not thought about Bluetooth in at all in the last few years. Zero issues. I pair it in KDE’s default bluetooth manager and then never really touched it since. Media keys all work, I control it over WiFi from my phone with kdeconnect no problem.

    I think a few months ago I had to turn my headphones off and on again when the quality got really low for a second. Reading this thread I guess I’m extremely lucky? I don’t produce music or anything like that, so I might not be taking advantage I’d some its more exotic features.

    EDIT: I am using a basic USB Bluetooth dongle I bought at least 8 years ago for my desktop, and my laptop just uses the built in Bluetooth. If that’s any consolation.