Most devices are Class 2, with a maximum transmit power of only 2.5 mW; that's not a lot compared to Wi-Fi's ~20-30 mW.
AirPods are notably Class 1, which goes up to almost 20 mW! They accordingly have much better range as a result.
Bluetooth LE in newer version has new low-bitrate coding methods to allow for even greater ranges (called "Coded PHY"). Assuming Bluetooth LE classes are the same as for EDR (I don't know if they are!), this source [1] claims a 4 times greater range using coded PHY, which would be in the range of several hundred meters.
Most devices are Class 2, with a maximum transmit power of only 2.5 mW; that's not a lot compared to Wi-Fi's ~20-30 mW.
AirPods are notably Class 1, which goes up to almost 20 mW! They accordingly have much better range as a result.
Bluetooth LE in newer version has new low-bitrate coding methods to allow for even greater ranges (called "Coded PHY"). Assuming Bluetooth LE classes are the same as for EDR (I don't know if they are!), this source [1] claims a 4 times greater range using coded PHY, which would be in the range of several hundred meters.
[1] https://www.bluetooth.com/blog/exploring-bluetooth-5-going-t...