A Bluetooth adapter is a must-have for any device lacking native wireless support—and let's be honest, most modern devices rely on Bluetooth. From keyboards to headsets, a Bluetooth connection is often essential. If your PC's motherboard doesn't have built-in Bluetooth, a small, affordable Bluetooth dongle is your solution. Fortunately, there's a wide variety available.
TL;DR - Top Bluetooth Adapters for PC:
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Our Top Pick: Creative BT-W5
ASUS USB-BT500
Techkey 150M Class 1 Long Range Bluetooth Adapter
Sennheiser BTD 600
Gigabyte WiFi 6E GC-WBAX210
While some high-end Bluetooth adapters exist, they're usually more expensive and offer premium features. Consider the Bluetooth version supported by your devices. Bluetooth 5.4 is the latest, although Bluetooth 6 is on the horizon. Remember, Bluetooth is backward compatible, meaning older adapters work with newer devices, albeit without the latest features.
1. Creative BT-W5: Best Bluetooth Adapter
Our Top Pick: Creative BT-W5
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 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. The auto-adjusting bitrate and aptX Adaptive Low Latency ensure low-latency performance. A multifunctional button lets you switch between up to four saved devices.
2. Asus USB-BT500: Best Budget Bluetooth Adapter
ASUS USB-BT500
Specifications:
- Bluetooth Version: 5.0
- Data Transfer Rate: Up to 3 Megabits per second
- Range: 30 feet
- Connects Via: USB-A
Pros: Easy setup, low profile, affordable.
Cons: Weaker signal.
The Asus USB-BT500 is our budget pick. Simple to set up, it's compatible with various devices. Bluetooth 5.0 doubles the speed of Bluetooth 4.0, improving battery life. Its compact design makes it ideal for laptops.
3. Techkey 150M Class 1 Long Range Bluetooth Adapter: Best Long-Range Bluetooth Adapter
Techkey 150M Class 1 Long Range Bluetooth Adapter
Specifications:
- Bluetooth Version: 5.4
- Data Transfer Rate: Up to 3Mbps
- Range: 500ft
- Connects Via: USB-A
Pros: Excellent range, affordable.
Cons: Flimsy antenna.
Need long-range connectivity? The Techkey 150M boasts a 500ft range (though obstacles reduce this). It supports Bluetooth 5.4 for fast speeds and low energy consumption, and is backward compatible.
4. Sennheiser BTD 600: Best Bluetooth Adapter for Headphones
Sennheiser BTD 600
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: Low latency, high-quality audio, flexible connectivity.
Cons: Expensive.
Designed for headphones and headsets, the Sennheiser BTD 600 offers low latency and supports high-quality audio (up to 430kbps and Hi-Res 96kHz/24-bit audio after a firmware update). It connects via USB-A or USB-C.
5. Gigabyte WiFi 6E GC-WBAX210: Best Internal Bluetooth Adapter for Gaming
Gigabyte WiFi 6E GC-WBAX210
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: For desktop PCs only.
This internal PCI-E card adds both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.2 to your desktop PC, freeing up USB ports. Requires some technical knowledge to install.
Bluetooth Adapter FAQs
Do you need a Bluetooth adapter for your PC?
Not all PCs need a Bluetooth adapter; many motherboards have built-in Bluetooth. To check, open Device Manager (search for it in the Windows search bar). If you don't see "Bluetooth," your motherboard lacks this functionality.
Bluetooth 5.3 vs 5.0: What's the difference?
Bluetooth 5.3 (released July 2021) improves power efficiency and latency compared to 5.0 (July 2016). Range remains similar. 5.3 also offers faster pairing and enhanced security.
Do new laptops come equipped with Bluetooth connectivity?
Most modern laptops include Bluetooth. Check the product specifications or use the Device Manager method above to confirm.
