In today's tech-driven world, Bluetooth adapters are crucial for devices lacking native Bluetooth support. From keyboards to headsets, these adapters bridge the gap, ensuring seamless wireless connectivity. If your PC's motherboard doesn't include Bluetooth, a Bluetooth dongle is your solution. The market offers a wide variety of these adapters, and they're often budget-friendly, making it easy to find one that suits your needs.
TL;DR - These Are the Best Bluetooth Adapters for PC:
Our Top Pick### Creative BT-W5
1See it at Amazon
### ASUS USB-BT500
1See it at Amazon
### Techkey 150M Class 1 Long Range Bluetooth Adapter
1See it at Amazon
### Sennheiser BTD 600
1See it at Amazon
### Gigabyte WiFi 6E GC-WBAX210
0See it at Amazon
While some Bluetooth adapters can be pricey, they often come with advanced features and superior connection quality. It's important to consider the latest Bluetooth versions supported by your gadgets and gaming accessories. Currently, Bluetooth 5.4 is the latest standard, with Bluetooth 6 on the horizon, announced in fall 2024. Since Bluetooth is backward compatible, any adapter will work with your devices, but you may miss out on newer features if you don't have the latest version.
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
- USB-C for universal connectivity
- Affordable
CONS
- If you don't have USB-C, you'll need an adapter
The Creative BT-W5 is a standout choice for gamers needing a Bluetooth adapter for high-resolution 96kHz/24-bit audio. Its USB-C connectivity makes it versatile for use with PCs, Macs, and gaming consoles like the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X. Its compact design minimizes clutter, and the auto-adjusting bitrate feature, combined with aptX Adaptive Low Latency, ensures a low-latency connection ideal for gaming controllers and headsets. The multifunctional button allows for easy profile switching and can save up to four devices.
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
- Very low profile
- Affordable
CONS
- Weaker signal
The Asus USB-BT500 is our top budget pick, offering easy setup and compatibility with a wide range of devices. With Bluetooth 5.0, it provides double the speed of Bluetooth 4.0 and extends battery life for connected devices. Its small form factor makes it perfect for laptops and desktops, ensuring minimal protrusion from the USB port.
The Best Gaming PC Deals
- Lenovo Legion Tower 5 AMD Ryzen 7 7700 RTX 4070 Ti Super Gaming PC with 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD (Use Code: EXTRAFIVE)- $1,527.49
- Acer Predator Orion RTX 4070 Ti SUPER Gaming Desktop- $1,749.99
- HP OMEN 35L RTX 4060 Ti Gaming Desktop- $1,219.99
- Dell XPS Intel Core i7-14700 RTX 4060 Ti Gaming PC- $1,349.99
- Dell XPS Intel Core i7-14700 RTX 4060 Gaming PC- $1,099.99
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
- Connects Via: USB-A
PROS
- Solid range for the money
- Affordable
CONS
- Flimsy antenna
The Techkey 150M Class 1 Long Range Bluetooth Adapter is ideal for those needing extensive coverage, reaching up to 500 feet. Its antenna enhances connectivity across large spaces like homes or apartments, though physical barriers can reduce the range. Supporting Bluetooth 5.4, it offers fast connectivity and efficient battery use, and is backward compatible with earlier Bluetooth versions.
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
- Specially made for headphones
- Flexible connectivity
CONS
- Expensive for what it is
Sennheiser's BTD 600 is tailored for audiophiles using high-quality wireless headphones or PC headsets. It offers low latency and supports audio up to 430kbps, perfect for streaming high-quality audio from services like Apple Music or Spotify. The adapter uses a USB-A port but includes a USB-C adapter for broader compatibility. A firmware update enhances its capabilities, supporting Hi-Res 96kHz/24-bit audio.
Gigabyte WiFi 6E GC-WBAX210
Best Internal Bluetooth Adapter for Gaming
### Gigabyte WiFi 6E GC-WBAX210
0See it at Amazon
Product Specifications
- Bluetooth Version: 5.2
- Data Transfer Rate: 2,400Mbps
- Range: Not rated
- Connects Via: PCI-E
PROS
- Very affordable
- Is also a Wi-Fi adapter
CONS
- Only for desktop PCs
For those looking to keep USB ports free and have a spare PCI-E slot, the Gigabyte WiFi 6E GC-WBAX210 is an excellent internal solution. It doubles as a Wi-Fi adapter, ideal for motherboards lacking both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. While it uses Bluetooth 5.2, it's still highly effective for desktop PCs. Installation requires some technical know-how, but it's a cost-effective way to enhance your PC's connectivity.
Bluetooth Adapter FAQs
Do you need a Bluetooth adapter for your PC?
Not all PCs or laptops require a Bluetooth adapter, as many have built-in Bluetooth. To check if your PC supports Bluetooth:
- Go to the bottom left of the screen and click on the search bar.
- Type in 'Device Manager,' and select the first option that pops up.
- In Device Manager, look for a Bluetooth listing. If it's absent, your motherboard lacks Bluetooth, and you'll need an adapter.
Bluetooth 5.3 vs 5.0: What's the difference?
Bluetooth 5.0, introduced in July 2016, was followed by Bluetooth 5.3 in July 2021. The key improvements in 5.3 include better latency and power efficiency, thanks to the LC3 codec, which extends device battery life. Both versions maintain the same range, but 5.3 offers faster pairing, new connection methods for dual-channel earbuds, and enhanced security. While 5.3 brings valuable enhancements, Bluetooth 5.0 still provides a robust experience.
Do new laptops come equipped with Bluetooth connectivity?
Most modern gaming laptops and MacBooks come with built-in Bluetooth. You'll typically only need an adapter for custom-built PCs or older models. Always check the product specifications or use the method above to confirm if an adapter is necessary.
