Best Bluetooth Adaptors For PC

The best Bluetooth USB adapter will manage all of your Bluetooth-enabled devices over a distance while maintaining a strong connection.

The difference between most adapters is minimal, and it mostly comes down to Bluetooth version, speed, and range.

Because they have more bandwidth and less power consumption, adapters with Bluetooth 4.0 and above will be your best choice.

The increased bandwidth is great for streaming audio to headsets or speakers, and the lower power consumption means it won’t drain too much battery life in order to maintain a connection.

To help you make the right decision on which adapter best suits your needs, we’ve looked at the best Bluetooth USB adapters available.

Products reviewed in this article (in the appearance of Our rating):

The Best USB Bluetooth Adaptors

The Asus BT500 is the best Bluetooth USB adapter. Combining with an Enhanced Data Rate (EDR) allows the adapter to perform well in a variety of situations.

Asus’ adapter can reach speeds of up to three megabytes per second (MBps) over a distance of 40 meters in ideal circumstances.

For a more than fair price of $20, the BT500 is an ideal candidate for an at-home Bluetooth solution. The latest version of Bluetooth 5 is now available.

If your goal is to only transmit high-quality audio to Bluetooth-enabled speakers or headsets, a specialized adapter may be more suitable.

The Avantree DG80 is an audio-only Bluetooth adapter that aims to deliver better than CD audio to your Bluetooth devices with as little lag as possible. Looking to communicate with Bluetooth devices at greater distances?

Adapters like the ZEXMTE Long-Range can provide class 1 Bluetooth coverage of up to 100 meters.

You won’t have to choose between speed and range thanks to onboard EDR and AptX technology, though class 1 Bluetooth peripherals are required to match the adapter for the best results.

ASUS USB-BT500Our Pick

ASUS USB-BT500 Bluetooth 5.0 USB Adapter with Ultra Small Design, Backward Compatible with Bluetooth 2.1/3.x/4.x

The Asus BT500 is a Bluetooth 5.0 adapter that uses EDR to achieve speeds of up to 3MBps, which is more than twice as fast as Bluetooth 4.0. The BT500 can pair with up to seven devices at a time over a maximum distance of 40 meters.

You’ll be able to connect the ASUS BT500 to any of your Bluetooth-enabled devices (including DualSense and Xbox Wireless controllers) for $20.

The Bluetooth market is often more difficult than you think, so having the Asus brand and a two-year warranty on this adapter should alleviate any concerns about quality.

If you’re a Windows user, the BT500 from Asus is a good choice for your wireless needs. It’s fast, can handle a large number of devices, and has a decent enough range to meet your day-to-day computing needs.

Rating 4 of 5

ASUS USB-BT500

Pros
Bluetooth 5.0 + EDR
Decent speeds
Pairs with up to 7 devices
Plug & Play
Cons
No Mac or Linux support

AVANTREE DG80 Runner-up

Avantree DG80 - USB Bluetooth 5.3 Adapter for PS5 & Gaming Consoles, Wireless Audio Transmitter Dongle, Compatible with Bluetooth Headphones or Earbuds with aptX-Adaptive or aptX Low Latency

The Avantree DG80 is an audio-only Bluetooth 5.0 adapter with good coverage of headsets and speakers that is compatible with all major consoles as well as Windows and Mac computers.

The Avantree DG80 is a great wireless solution for your audio needs, with the ability to reach devices up to 65 feet (20 meters) indoors and 100 feet (30 meters) via line of sight.

To emphasize the point, the DG80 is an audio-only Bluetooth adapter, meaning it will only work with headsets, soundbars, and speakers.

AptX Low Latency and FastStream support work well with compatible devices to keep your audio lag-free and above CD quality, making the DG80 a great choice for wireless audio in the home.

The Avantree DG80 can be purchased online for around $30, and if you’re looking for a Bluetooth adapter to manage your audio needs, this adapter is well-worth considering.

It’s probably best to look elsewhere from our selection if you have more than just audio in mind.

Rating 4 of 5

AVANTREE DG80

Pros

Bluetooth 5.0
Works with all current-gen consoles
Supports Windows and macOS
AptX LL & FastStream support

Cons

Audio only

TP LINK UB400

TP-Link USB Bluetooth Adapter for PC, Bluetooth 4.0 Dongle Receiver, Plug & Play, Nano Size, EDR & A2DP Technology, Supports Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP for Desktop, Laptop, PS4/ Xbox Controllers (UB400)

This Windows-only Bluetooth 4.0 LE adapter has a decent 65-foot (20-meter) range. It also supports EDR and A2DP for faster data rates of up to 3Mbps, as well as stable stereo audio delivery.

You can get started in no time with Plug & Play support for Windows 8/8.1/10, pairing with up to seven devices including game controllers, headsets, phones, and speakers.

The TP-Link UB400 can be purchased online for as little as $14, which isn’t too bad for a well-known Bluetooth adapter.

The UB400 is fast enough to compete with more expensive Bluetooth 5.0 adapters, and there’s enough range available to never feel tied to your computer.

The TP-Link is a good choice for a great price if you own a Windows computer and need a reliable Bluetooth adapter to manage your wireless peripherals.

Rating 3.5 of 5

TP LINK UB400

Good range
A2DP support
Plug&Play
Enhanced Data Rate

Cons

Windows Only

KINIVO BTD400

Kinivo USB Bluetooth Adapter for PC BTD400 (Bluetooth 4.0 Dongle Receiver, Low Energy) - Compatible with Windows 11/10/8.1/8, Raspberry Pi, Linux, Laptop & Headphones

The Kinivo BTD-400 is compatible with a wide range of platforms, including (Vista and later), Windows (10.3.9 or later), Linux (Ubunto, Mint, and Fedora), and any Raspberry Pi running Raspbian.

The BTD-400 has a range of 33 feet (10 meters) and can reach speeds of 1MBps. Linux (Ubuntu, Mint, and Fedora) (10.3.9 or later), and any Raspberry Pi running Raspbian.

The BTD-400 has a range of 33 feet (10 meters) and can reach speeds of 1MBps using Bluetooth 4.0 LE.

The BTD-400’s operating support is quite extensive, but console support is less impressive.

The Kinivo will not work as a Bluetooth adapter to manage your wireless headset for PlayStation, Xbox, or Switch, unlike other adapters in our selection.

If the BTD-400 is connected to a PC or laptop, you can use any Bluetooth-enabled console controller.

The Kinivo BTD-400 is available online for $14, which is a great price if you’re looking for an adapter that supports this many operating systems.

The Kinivo is well worth looking into if console support is not an issue for you and you want a low-cost, reliable Bluetooth 4.0 LE adapter for your Mac or Linux system, or Raspberry Pi.

Rating 3.5 of 5

KINIVO BTD400

Pros

Great OS support
Plug & Play for late windows and macOS
Pairs up to 7 devices

Cons

No console support

ZEXMTE LONG-RANGE USB BLUETOOTH 5.0

EVEO Bluetooth Adapter for PC- Bluetooth USB Dongle 5.0 for Windows 11/10/8/7/XP USB Bluetooth adapter for Laptop, Desktop, Keyboard, Mouse, Speaker, Headset, - 5.0 - Bluetooth USB adapter PC Receiver

The ZEXMTE Long Range USB Bluetooth 5.0 adapter’s greatest selling point is its wide range. You can expect coverage of up to 328 feet (100 meters) at speeds of up to 3Mbps as a Class 1 Bluetooth 5.0 adapter.

The adapter from ZEXMTE has an anti-interference feature that ignores the 2.4GHz frequency, preventing any issues with wireless traffic and ensuring a stable connection.

Streaming audio to your devices should be lag-free even at distances thanks to AptX Low Latency and EDR support.

The ZEXMTE adapter costs $20 online, which is a reasonable price to pay for a long-range Bluetooth solution.

However, before you add this item to your cart, it’s worth noting that in order to make the most of the ZEXMTEadapter’s extensive coverage, you’ll need Class 1 Bluetooth devices that are designed to be used over a similar distance.

It’s worth checking which Bluetooth class each of the devices you want to pair is in first if you already own them.

Most Bluetooth devices are class 2, which means they have a much shorter range and will struggle to take advantage of the ZEXMTE’s 100-meter coverage.

You’ll need to pair this adapter with other class 1 Bluetooth devices for the best results, which could necessitate upgrading a number of your gadgets.

Rating 3 of 5

ZEXMTE LONG-RANGE USB BLUETOOTH 5.0

Pros

Bluetooth 5 EDR
Huge 100m range
AptX LL support
Anti-interference

Cons

Windows Only
No Plug & Play
Top range requires class 1 devices

AVANTREE LEAF

Avantree Leaf Class 1 Long Range USB Bluetooth Audio Transmitter Adapter for PC Laptop Mac PS4 Nintendo Switch, Wireless Audio Dongle for Headphones Speakers Only, Plug and Play, aptX Low Latency

The Avantree Leaf is a Bluetooth audio adapter for PCs, laptops, headphones, and speakers. When you pair it with Avantree headphones using FastStream technology, it provides simultaneous voice and music while gaming.

This dongle allows the audio signal to be transmitted up to 60 feet/20 meters without interference. It comes with a 12-month manufacturing and material warranty from the date of purchase.

This adapter can be used without the need for drivers. aptX-LL, FastStream, aptX, SBC, and more are all used in this application.

The size of this Bluetooth device is 66mm(L) x 18mm(W) X 15mm(H), which is large when compared to other adapters.

When the sound quality is poor or the microphone is unclear, this dongle has an LED indicator that displays various signals.

Rating 3 of 5

AVANTREE LEAF

Pros

Good sound quality
Plug & Play
Provides faster connection speed
Codec for both talk and music simultaneously

Cons

Cannot connect Bluetooth mouse and keyboards

UGREEN USB BLUETOOTH 4.0

UGREEN USB Bluetooth 4.0 Adapter Nano USB Wireless Dongle Plug and Play for Win 10 8 Support Win 7 Vista Laptop Desktop to Bluetooth Headphone Speaker Keyboard Mouse Game Controller

The UGREEN USB Bluetooth 4.0 Adapter is a nano wireless dongle that works with Windows OS and hardware devices like headphones, keyboards, speakers, and so on.

It uses BLE technology, which consumes little energy while communicating with other devices.

For easy audio transfer, this Bluetooth receiver has CSR Harmony drivers.

The UGREEN USB Bluetooth adapter comes with a 24-month warranty from the date of purchase. Without the need for a cable, you can enjoy wireless operations up to 20 meters away.

This dongle has a small size of L31.7mm x W16mm x H7.5mm, making it easy to use and carry. For easy use, this adapter has a LED indicator that indicates the status of connected devices.

For a PC running Windows 8 or newer, the driver installation for the UGREEN USB Bluetooth adapter is required.

However, older versions of Windows such as Win 7, XP, and Vista do not require drivers to use this Bluetooth adapter. It uses the 2.4GHz ISM band for better communication with wireless devices.

Rating 3 of 5

UGREEN USB BLUETOOTH 4.0

Pros

Ease use for file transfer
Can connect with a wide variety of devices
Portable and compact design

Cons

Cannot use for TV and car stereos

ETEKCITY BLUETOOTH RECEIVER

[Upgraded] 1Mii B06 Plus Bluetooth Receiver, HiFi Wireless Audio Adapter, Bluetooth 5.3 Receiver with 3D Surround aptX HD aptX Adaptive for Home Music Streaming Stereo System

The Etekcity Bluetooth receiver is an NFC-enabled Bluetooth audio adapter for streaming music. It is compatible with devices that do not use wireless technology.

For home theaters, car systems, and more, this adapter provides 10 hours of continuous quality playback.

The Etekcity Bluetooth receiver is lightweight and portable, so it’s easy to carry around. You’ll get a one-year warranty with this dongle, which can be easily extended as needed.

This is one of the best Bluetooth dongles with a 33-foot range, which allows you to connect from any room in your house.

This device can be used for a car system, smartphones, tablets, and home theaters.

Rating 3 of 5

ETEKCITY BLUETOOTH RECEIVER

Pros

Easy to pair with a cell phone
Easy and fast charging
Good battery backup
Easy to carry

Cons

It has an excessive connection lag to control volume

PLUGABLE USB BLUETOOTH

Plugable USB Bluetooth 4.0 Low Energy Micro Adapter (Compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8.x, 7, Classic Bluetooth, Gamepad, and Stereo Headset Compatible)

Plugable USB Bluetooth is a dongle that allows you to connect wireless devices such as headphones, headsets, keyboards, mice, and phones.

This energy-efficient adapter is compatible with a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, Ubuntu, Fedora, Mint, and others. Computers without built-in Bluetooth can use a plugable USB dongle.

It comes with a two-year parts and labor warranty. To function properly, this adapter must have the appropriate drivers installed. It has a maximum transmission distance of 32 feet. It can connect devices up to 10 meters away.

This dongle has good features like a small size and plug-and-play functionality, which gives you the best wireless experience.

Rating 3 of 5

PLUGABLE USB BLUETOOTH

Pros

Compact design
Supports a wide range of operating systems
Easily connect devices with a Bluetooth 4.0 connection
32 feet of transmission distance

Cons

Slow connection speed
Does not work with TV, Mac or Car stereo

Frequently Asked Questions

How To Pick The Best Bluetooth Adapter For PC?

Here are some tips to help you choose the Best Bluetooth Adapter for PC:

  • Range – The range is irrelevant if you’re using a wireless keyboard or mouse. It is, however, advisable to check the range while choosing a Bluetooth adapter for other devices like TVs, home theaters, and automobile systems.
  • Price – When you have a budget in mind, it is easier to choose the best Bluetooth adapter for your needs. The adapter’s price is determined by its features and compatibility options. It’s a good idea to look for products, compare them to other similar-priced ones with better features, and choose the one that best suits your needs.
  • Operating system compatibility – If you have Windows, and the Bluetooth adapter you choose does not support this OS, it is useless. Check all supported operating systems before purchasing a Bluetooth dongle.
  • Bluetooth version – Most of the devices support Bluetooth 4.0, but a 3.0 adapter is also useful if you’re not concerned about battery life or high bandwidth. Bluetooth version 4.0 is more efficient and allows for faster file transfer.

How To Use A Bluetooth Adapter?

With a Windows 10 PC, setting up your Bluetooth adapter is simple and straightforward. Because this operating system comes with the necessary drivers, a Bluetooth dongle can be installed and used in minutes.

Drivers may not be included in older versions of Windows OS. Therefore, you must find them on the manufacturer’s websites. If you want to connect a Bluetooth adapter to your PC, you must first connect it to your USB port and then pair it with it.

What Is The Difference Between Class 1 And Class 2 Bluetooth Devices?

There is a significant distinction between Class 1 and Class 2 Bluetooth devices: Class 1 Bluetooth devices have a maximum power consumption limit of 100mW. Class 2 on the other hand, has a maximum power consumption of 2.5 mW.

Class 1 Bluetooth devices have a transmission range of up to 100 meters, while Class 2 Bluetooth 4.0 devices have a range of around 10 meters.

What Data Can Bluetooth Transfer?

Multimedia streams, data transfers, peripheral device data, and more can all be transferred over a Bluetooth connection.

Adapters differ in how much bandwidth and fidelity they support, which can make them better suited to certain types of peripheral devices.

Conclusion

That’s it for our rundown of the top nine Bluetooth adapters on the market. We’ve tried to pick models that represent the niches that consumers most often want.

The Avantree Leaf is a leading adapter for pairing headphones with minimal latency.

The Etekcity audio adapter can be used to stream music to a wired sound system, and the ZEXMTE Bluetooth adapter is one of the most affordable options for the features it offers.

As adapter manufacturers begin to support the latest Bluetooth 5.0 specification, Bluetooth technology is certain to continue to advance, so keep an eye out for future buying guides.

We hope that these Bluetooth adapters will keep your wireless needs satisfied until the next time.