A Bluetooth adapter is a must-have for any device lacking native wireless Bluetooth support. In today's world, countless everyday devices rely on Bluetooth, from keyboards and headsets to countless other peripherals. If your PC's motherboard doesn't have built-in Bluetooth, a Bluetooth dongle is your solution. Fortunately, many affordable options are available.
**TL;DR - Top Bluetooth Adapters for PC:**
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Our Top Pick
Creative BT-W5
1See it at Amazon
ASUS USB-BT500
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Techkey 150M Class 1 Long Range Bluetooth Adapter
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Sennheiser BTD 600
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Gigabyte WiFi 6E GC-WBAX210
0See it at Amazon
While some high-end Bluetooth adapters exist, they're often pricier and offer premium features. Consider the Bluetooth version supported by your devices. Bluetooth 5.4 is the latest, though Bluetooth 6 is on the horizon. Backward compatibility ensures older devices will work, but you'll miss out on newer features.
1. Creative BT-W5: Best Bluetooth Adapter
Our Top Pick
Creative BT-W5
1See it at Amazon
Product Specifications:
- Bluetooth Version: 5.3
- Data Transfer Rate: Up to 3 Megabits per second
- Range: 165 feet
- Connects Via: USB-C
Pros: Universal USB-C connectivity, affordable.
Cons: Requires an adapter if you lack USB-C.
The Creative BT-W5 excels for PC gaming, supporting high-resolution 96kHz/24-bit audio. Its USB-C connection works across PCs, Macs, and consoles (PS5, Xbox Series X). The low-profile design minimizes desktop clutter. It auto-adjusts bitrate for optimal performance with aptX Adaptive Low Latency for low-latency connections ideal for controllers and gaming headsets. A multi-function button allows switching between up to four saved devices.
2. Asus USB-BT500: Best Budget Bluetooth Adapter
ASUS USB-BT500
1See it at Amazon
Product Specifications:
- Bluetooth Version: 5.0
- Data Transfer Rate: Up to 3 Megabits per second
- Range: 30 feet
- Connects Via: USB-A
Pros: Low profile, affordable.
Cons: Weaker signal.
The Asus USB-BT500 is our budget champion. Easy setup and compatibility make it a simple solution. Bluetooth 5.0 doubles the speed of Bluetooth 4.0, improving battery life on paired devices due to lower power consumption. Its compact size is perfect for laptops and motherboards.
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3. Techkey 150M Class 1 Long Range Bluetooth Adapter: Best Long-Range Bluetooth Adapter
Techkey 150M Class 1 Long Range Bluetooth Adapter
1See it at Amazon
Product Specifications:
- Bluetooth Version: 5.4
- Data Transfer Rate: Up to 3Mbps
- Range: 500ft (150m)
- Connects Via: USB-A
Pros: Excellent range, affordable.
Cons: Flimsy antenna.
Need long-range connectivity? The Techkey 150M boasts a 500-foot range (though this may be reduced by obstacles). Bluetooth 5.4 ensures fast speeds and low energy consumption. It's compatible with older Bluetooth versions. A single USB port powers the device.
4. Sennheiser BTD 600: Best Bluetooth Adapter for Headphones
Sennheiser BTD 600
1See it at Amazon
Product Specifications:
- Bluetooth Version: 5.2
- Data Transfer Rate: Up to 3 Megabits per second
- Range: 30 feet
- Connects Via: USB-A or USB-C
Pros: Optimized for headphones, flexible connectivity.
Cons: Expensive.
Sennheiser's BTD 600 is ideal for high-quality wireless headphones and headsets. It offers low latency and high-quality audio (up to 430kbps). Supports high-resolution audio after a firmware update. Uses USB-A, with a USB-C adapter included.
5. Gigabyte WiFi 6E GC-WBAX210: Best Internal Bluetooth Adapter for Gaming
Gigabyte WiFi 6E GC-WBAX210
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Product Specifications:
- Bluetooth Version: 5.2
- Data Transfer Rate: 2,400Mbps
- Range: Not rated
- Connects Via: PCI-E
Pros: Affordable, also a Wi-Fi adapter.
Cons: Desktop PCs only.
For desktop users with an available PCI-E slot, this internal adapter (which also includes Wi-Fi) is a space-saving solution. While using Bluetooth 5.2, it's still a solid performer. Requires technical knowledge for installation.
Bluetooth Adapter FAQs
Do you need a Bluetooth adapter for your PC?
Not all PCs require a Bluetooth adapter; many motherboards have built-in Bluetooth. To check: Open the search bar, type "Device Manager," and look for a "Bluetooth" listing. If absent, you'll need an adapter.
Bluetooth 5.3 vs 5.0: What's the difference?
Bluetooth 5.3 (released July 2021) improves upon 5.0 (July 2016) with lower latency, lower power consumption (thanks to the LC3 codec), faster pairing, and enhanced security. However, the range remains similar. Bluetooth 5.0 offers a solid experience, and the differences aren't drastic.
Do new laptops come equipped with Bluetooth connectivity?
Most modern laptops (gaming laptops, MacBooks) include built-in Bluetooth. Check the product specifications or use the Device Manager method above to confirm.
