The Best Bluetooth Adapters for PC

A Bluetooth adapter is a must-have for any device lacking native Bluetooth support. With so many everyday devices relying on Bluetooth – keyboards, headsets, and more – a missing motherboard connection leaves you needing a solution. Thankfully, affordable Bluetooth dongles are readily available.

TL;DR - Top Bluetooth Adapters for PC:

Creative BT-W5

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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

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While high-end Bluetooth adapters exist, they're often pricey and offer specialized features. Consider the Bluetooth version supported by your devices; Bluetooth 5.4 is the latest (with Bluetooth 6 on the horizon), but backward compatibility ensures older adapters work, albeit without the newest features.

1. Creative BT-W5: Best Bluetooth Adapter

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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 adapter if you don't have USB-C

The Creative BT-W5 excels for PC gaming with high-resolution 96kHz/24-bit audio. Its USB-C connection works across PCs, Macs, and consoles (PS5, Xbox Series X). Auto-adjusting bitrate and aptX Adaptive Low Latency ensure low latency. A button lets you switch between up to four saved devices.

2. Asus USB-BT500: Best Budget Bluetooth Adapter

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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 to set up and compatible with various devices. Bluetooth 5.0 doubles the speed of Bluetooth 4.0, improving battery life on connected devices. Its compact size makes it ideal for laptops and motherboards.

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3. Techkey 150M Class 1 Long Range Bluetooth Adapter: Best Long-Range Bluetooth Adapter

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Product Specifications

• Bluetooth Version: 5.4
• Data Transfer Rate: Up to 3Mbps
• Range: 500ft
• Connects Via: USB-A

Pros

• Excellent range
• Affordable

Cons

• Flimsy antenna

The Techkey 150M offers impressive 500ft range (though this is reduced by obstacles). Bluetooth 5.4 support provides fast speeds and low energy consumption, compatible with older Bluetooth versions. It only needs a single USB port.

4. Sennheiser BTD 600: Best Bluetooth Adapter for Headphones

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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, offering low latency and high audio quality (up to 430kbps). It supports Hi-Res 96kHz/24-bit audio (after a firmware update). It uses USB-A, but a USB-C adapter is included.

5. Gigabyte WiFi 6E GC-WBAX210: Best Internal Bluetooth Adapter for Gaming

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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 (also a Wi-Fi adapter) offers a solution. While using Bluetooth 5.2, it's a cost-effective way to add both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, freeing up USB ports. Requires some technical knowledge for installation.

Bluetooth Adapter FAQs

Do you need a Bluetooth adapter for your PC?

Not all PCs need them; many motherboards have built-in Bluetooth. Check your Device Manager (search for it in the Windows search bar) for a "Bluetooth" listing. If it's absent, you'll need an adapter.

Bluetooth 5.3 vs 5.0: What's the difference?

Bluetooth 5.3 (released July 2021) improves latency, power consumption (thanks to the LC3 codec), and pairing speed over Bluetooth 5.0 (July 2016). Range remains similar. 5.0 still offers a solid experience.

Do new laptops come equipped with Bluetooth connectivity?

Most modern laptops (gaming laptops and MacBooks especially) include built-in Bluetooth. Check the product specifications before purchasing or use the Device Manager method above.