10 Best Bluetooth Adapters for PCs | Buyer's Guide
Looking for a new Bluetooth adapter for your PC? There’s a wide variety of these devices available today intended for different purposes, ranging from connecting a set of headphones to linking a smartphone to a PC using NFC. In this guide, we’ll cover what bluetooth adapters essentially are, how they work, and things to look for when shopping. We’ve also sifted through the chaff to find the TOP 5 Best Bluetooth Adapters for PCs available in 2018.
Adding wireless peripherals has become inexpensive and convenient, but it often requires you to purchase a more powerful Bluetooth adapter than the one built into most laptops or computers. If you need to connect devices from further away than 30 feet or devices that need more bandwidth, buying a third-party Bluetooth adapter is a solution. It’s also possible to find adapters that convert wired devices like speakers to Bluetooth peripherals.
What You Will Learn from This Guide:
- What is a Bluetooth Adapter?
- Features to Consider When Shopping for a Bluetooth Adapter
- TOP 5 Bluetooth Adapters for PCs
What is a Bluetooth Adapter?
Sometimes also called a “dongle,” a Bluetooth adapter is any device designed to connect to a PC, laptop, or mobile device and provide a Bluetooth connection service. Bluetooth adapters are often small USB plug-and-play devices with nothing more than an antenna for transmitting and receiving data and a few Bluetooth chips. Others are larger devices that sit on a desktop to provide connections to devices that aren’t wireless or give a boost to a connection’s range.
Features to Consider When Shopping for a Bluetooth Adapter
Bluetooth adapters aren’t as complex as they might seem, but there are a few features and considerations you should keep in mind when shopping for one. It isn’t just a matter of finding the best price if you’ll need better performance. Below is a list of the major factors to look at when comparing adapters.
- Intended use: Bluetooth adapters are not always able to provide a good connection to every type of Bluetooth peripheral. Some are intended for low bandwidth devices like computer mice and keyboards but won’t be able to provide a proper connection for wireless speakers. Check an adapter’s intended use before making a purchase.
- Maximum range: These adapters also have different effective ranges. If you need a connection's range to go beyond 30 feet, pay attention to the maximum range when comparing adapters. Most will have 30-foot ranges, but some reach as far as 60 feet.
- Bluetooth version: Bluetooth 4.0 is the standard most devices support, but a Bluetooth 3.0 adapter will work fine if you don’t need to worry about high bandwidth or battery life. Otherwise, stick to Bluetooth 4.0. It’s more efficient and supports faster transfer rates.
- Other added features: There’s a few other extras that separate some adapters from the pack. NFC compatibility is useful if you want to connect a computer to a smartphone. Automatic pairing mode is another nice feature that makes using Bluetooth devices more intuitive by eliminating the need to manually pair them.
TOP 5 Bluetooth Adapters for PCs
Now let’s look at some of the TOP options of bluetooth adapters for PCs and their features.
Avantree Leaf Long Range USB Bluetooth Adapter - Best Bluetooth Adapter for Headphones
Avantree Leaf Long Range Bluetooth Adapter provides a high-performance Bluetooth connection that’s designed for headphones and speakers.
The Leaf is compatible with Windows, Mac OS, Linux, and PS4 consoles, and it features driver-free plug-and-play installation.
Keep in mind, though, that it’s not designed for use with non-audio peripherals like keyboards or game controllers.
Avantree pulls out the stops to make using wireless headphones latency-free, so you can watch movies without the video and audio being out of sync.
The Leaf is also a long-range Bluetooth adapter that can reach as far as 60 feet.
Avantree recommends using the Leaf with FastStream headphones for best performance.
Avantree Leaf Long Range: Check the current price
Avantree DG40S USB Bluetooth 4.0 Adapter - Multi-Use Adapter
The DG40S is a multi-purpose Bluetooth adapter from Avantree that can be used with PCs, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
It’s only compatible with Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10, and it’s designed to upgrade computers without a built-in Bluetooth capability.
The full range of supported peripherals includes projectors, game controllers, keyboards, computer mice, and printers, but you may need special drivers for some game controllers.
It’s not compatible with the Xbox One or Nintendo consoles.
The DG40S comes with an installation CD for older versions of Windows, but Windows 8 and 10 will automatically install the drivers needed when you plug the dongle into a USB port.
Overall, it’s a good multi-use adapter for computers that lack Bluetooth connectivity.
Avantree DG40S: Check the current price
TP-Link Nano USB Bluetooth 4.0 Adapter - Best Budget Bluetooth Adapter
If you need a basic, multi-use Bluetooth adapter for a Windows computer at an affordable price, TP-Link Nano USB Bluetooth 4.0 Adapter is definitely a good choice.
It can connect to various wireless peripherals like keyboards, printers, speakers, headsets, or mice, and it’s compatible for Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10.
It isn’t compatible with Mac OS, nor will it work with TVs or car stereos. It can support transfer speeds up to 3 Mbps with a 20 m range.
Like many other Bluetooth 4.0 dongles, you don’t need to worry about installing drivers on Windows 8 or 10 computers, but an installation disc is included if you have an older machine.
TP-Link: Check the current price
Kinivo BTD-400 Bluetooth 4.0 Low Energy USB Adapter - Efficient Bluetooth Adapter
Kinivo’s BTD-400 is a Bluetooth 4.0 USB dongle that’s compatible with Windows XP/Vista/7/8.1/10, making it a good choice if you have a legacy Windows computer or laptop.
The BTD-400 implements the Bluetooth Low Energy protocol to maximize battery life, which makes it efficient as an adapter for battery-powered computers like laptops or Raspberry Pis.
It also has a standard range of 30 feet, which is more than enough for most computer peripherals like speakers, keyboards, or game controllers.
Kinivo includes a manual and installation CD, but it’s also possible to download the latest drivers from their website.
They also provide a two-year warranty with each purchase.
Kinivo: Check the current price
Etekcity Wireless Bluetooth 4.0 Audio Adapter - Best Bluetooth Adapter for NFC
Etekcity Bluetooth 4.0 Audio Adapter is a little different from the other Bluetooth adapters we’ve reviewed so far. It’s a separate device that connects a traditional, wired speaker system to Bluetooth-capable devices like computers, smartphones, and tablets. This gives you the ability to convert your computer or mobile device into a stereo system.
The adapter feature NFC capability that supports quick connections with many smartphones by simply touching the adapter with a phone.
While this adapter is larger than most dongles, it’s still portable at only 2-inches by 2-inches square. It is battery-powered and lasts up to ten hours before needing a recharge.
Etekcity: Check the current price
10 Best-Selling Bluetooth Adapters for PCs Comparative Table
TP-Link Nano USB Bluetooth 4.0 Adapter for PC Laptop Desktop Computer, Long Range Bluetooth Dongle/Receiver for...
- Bluetooth 4.0 – applies the latest Bluetooth 4.0 with low energy (BLE) technology
- Driver free – plug and play for Win 8, Win 8.1, and win 10
- Nano-sized – ultra-small for convenient portability with reliable high Performance
- Supported Operating System – supports Windows 10/8.1/8/7/XP
- Backward compatibility – full support for Bluetooth V3.0/2.1/2.0/1.1
Avantree DG45 Bluetooth 5.0 USB Dongle, Bluetooth Adapter for PC Computer Desktop Laptop, Wireless Transfer for...
- [Bluetooth 5.0] Engineered with the latest Bluetooth 5.0 technology featuring four times the range, two times the speed, and eight times the broadcasting capacity of older versions of Bluetooth. The upgrades also include low energy consumption to conserve power and improved reduction of loss of transmission interference.
- [Faster Speed, Longer Range] Get faster data transfer speeds of up to 3 Mbps, which is double what Bluetooth 4.2 supports and extended range of transmission distance up to 33ft/10M in open space. Note: operational range can be affected by walls, physical obstructions and wireless interference.
- [Mini USB Dongle] Low profile compact small USB adapter allows you to leave plugged in your laptop or PC without blocking or interfering surrounding USB ports. Save space with this mini wireless USB dongle for Bluetooth printers, speakers, headphones, headsets, keyboards, mice and more.
- [Stream Music & Take Calls] DG45 Bluetooth USB for PC connects with Bluetooth headphones or speakers for stereo music wireless streaming. Also, you have the ability to take Skype or phone calls using your headphones mic and use the USB adapter to transfer data files to / from mobile phones / tablets.
- [Systems Support] Only for Win8/Win8.1/Win10/Win11 (driver required). ** Note: Not work with Mac OS, Linux, car systems, TVs. Not Recommend for Work PC if you cannot install any drivers. Game controllers may require specific drivers for different games / platform to configure button settings. NOT compatible with Xbox one controller or Nintendo controllers.
Maxesla USB Bluetooth Adapter PC 4.0, Wireless Bluetooth Receiver for Windows 10/8/7/Vista/XP Laptop PC,...
- Multiple Uses: Bluetooth 4.0 USB Dongle Adapter can easily add Bluetooth feature for your computer, enables the computer to wirelessly connect more Bluetooth devices such as Bluetooth headphones, speaker, keyboard, mouse, smartphone, tablet, printer, projector, gaming controller and more BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) devices.
- Enable Bluetooth Compatibility: For Windows 10 / 8 / 7 / Vista / XP Laptop or desktop computer. Turns Non-Bluetooth PC or laptop into Bluetooth-capable. It is NOT compatible with Mac, Linux, TV or Car stereo systems.
- Bluetooth V4.0 & 20m Bluetooth Signal: Maxesla Mini Size Dongle USB Stick Adaptor Latest Bluetooth 4.0 version to offers high speed up To 3 mbps Wireless Transmitter Enables Long Range Connectivity Up to 20m in open space. Support dual-mode, low power, simple pairing, good anti-jamming features.
- Easy to Use: Before plugging the Bluetooth 4.0 USB Dongle Adapter into the USB port, please FIRST install drivers via MINI CD disc, or download driver from https://a.ei72.com/ju9p to install. Once you've run the software, you can simply insert the adapter to get connected.
- Easy to Use & Carry: USB Bluetooth 4.0 Adapter Dongle Plug and Play. Ultra-compact, Easy Carrying and Space Saving.
Jsdoin USB Bluetooth 5.0 Dongle Adapter, Wireless Bluetooth Transmitter Receiver Supports Windows 10/8.1/8 / 7...
- 【Enable Bluetooth Compatibility】For Windows 10 / 8 / 8.1 / 7 Laptop or desktop computer. Turns Non-Bluetooth PC or laptop into Bluetooth-capable. It is NOT compatible with Mac OS, airpods pro,Windows RT, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Linux, TV or Car stereo systems.
- 【Bluetooth V5.0 & 20m Bluetooth Signal】Mini Size Dongle USB Stick Adaptor Latest Bluetooth 5.0 version to offers high speed up To 3 mbps Wireless Transmitter Enables Long Range Connectivity Up to 20m in open space.
- 【Backward compatibility】Bluetooth dongle adopts Latest Bluetooth 5.0 support for backward compatible with Bluetooth V4.0/3.0/2.1/2.0/1.1.
- 【Easy to Use & Carry】USB Bluetooth 5.0 Adapter Dongle Plug and Play. Ultra-compact, Easy Carrying and Space Saving.
- 【Bluetooth 5.0】Stable and strong signal, duplex mode, low power consumption, communicates easily with all standard Bluetooth devices.
Sabrent USB Bluetooth 4.0 Micro Adapter for PC [v4.0 Class 2 with Low Energy Technology] (BT-UB40)
- Connect a Bluetooth headset to your PC; Supports Bluetooth speakers, headphones, headsets, keyboards, mice, and more.
- Access internet via a Bluetooth Mobile phone with GPRS/CDMA or Bluetooth-enabled PC with an internet connection.
- Adds Bluetooth support to Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, or Linux Computers that don't already have it. [Only Adds Bluetooth 4.0 LE (Bluetooth Low Energy) support to Windows 8 and higher.]
- Automatic install through Windows Update in Windows 10 with default Bluetooth stack. [Works with Raspbian and Ubuntu on the Raspberry Pi. Works with all Raspberry Pi models - Does not work with Windows IoT core on the Raspberry Pi]
- Does NOT add Bluetooth Low Energy (Bluetooth 4.0) capability to Windows 7 and earlier. Does NOT work in car stereo systems or TVs. Does NOT work with Mac. NOT recommended for employer-provided computers.
Bluetooth 5.1 USB Dongle, Bluetooth Adapter for Laptop Computer Desktop, Supports Windows 7/8.1/10, Wireless...
- 【Bluetooth 5.1 Adapter】Applies the latest Bluetooth 5.1 technology with low energy consumption and improved the data transmission rate of Bluetooth technology, it is backward compatible with Bluetooth 2.0/2.1/3.0/4.0/4.2/5.0. it can turns non-Bluetooth PC or laptop into Bluetooth-capable.
- 【Good Compatibility】 Usb Bluetooth adapter supporting Windows 10/8/7. It can be used in desktops, laptops. With anti-interference technology has been adopted to reduce the loss of transmission efficiency caused by interference in the 2.4 GHz band.
- 【Support More Devices】USB Bluetooth adapter can connect up to 4 devices simultaneously (only content one audio device). Bluetooth adapter will let you connect wireless keyboards, headsets, Bluetooth speakers, all with a few clicks.
- 【Easy to Use】Only 4 steps are needed before using USB Bluetooth adapter: plug it in your computer USB port; get the driver (driver required could be downloaded from website free of charge); install and run the software; finish. Then you can connect your devices.
- 【Compact sized】Bluetooth adapter is quite compact.you can insert it into any USB port and simply keep it there, without blocking surrounding USB ports.asy Carrying and Space Saving.
Hommie USB 5.0 Bluetooth Dongle Adapter for PC, 20M Wireless Bluetooth Transmitter and Receiver For Win...
- SUPPORTED EQUIPMENT: USB bluetooth adapter quickly connect a Bluetooth printer / Bluetooth mouse / Bluetooth keyboard / Bluetooth headset, and can efficiently transfer data from mobile phone to computer, the transmission speed is up to 3 MBit / S. Not used for TV ; PS4 to connect headphones. Note: only when using audio equipment, you need to install the driver.
- AUTOMATIC CONNECTION: Bluetooth key compatible with windows7 / 8/10 (32 bit / 64 bit) , the adapter can automatically connect to the device, reducing the cumbersome connection, more convenient and intelligent to use.
- HOW TO INSTALL: please go to http://www.hommiehk.com/blog/hommie-bt-driver/ download the driver to install the driver for installation. After running the software, connect the adapter to connect.
- 20M STABLE BLUETOOTH SIGNAL: Bluetooth adapter with 5.0 Bluetooth is more stable than 4.0 and compatible with multiple devices. Data transmission up to 3 MBit / s, anti-interference, provides a strong signal and can effectively reduce the loss of transmission speed from the band 2.4G wide
- LED INDICATOR & CORD: Bluetooth USB adapter with LED indicator, easily knows its PC status, plug and play, does not affect the use of other interfaces on PC / Tablet, can insert more than 5000 times. The average life is 2-3 years. With lanyard, easy to carry.
Bluetooth 5.0 USB Dongle Adapter for PC, Bluetooth Receiver for Laptop/Computer/Desktop, Support Windows...
- 【Bluetooth 5.0 Adapter】: 5.0 Bluetooth adapter adopt the latest Bluetooth 5.0 chipset greatly reduce the power consumption of Bluetooth.Its greatly improved the data transmission rate of Bluetooth technology, reaching 3Mbps.
- 【Support Multi-Device Connection】: USB Bluetooth Adapter can connect the Computer with other Bluetooth-enabled devices, Desktop, Laptops, Mouse, Keyboards, Headphones, Speaker, printer at the same time. NOTE: not applicable for Mac OS, Linux, TV, Car Audio.
- 【Plug & Play】: Directly plug the Bluetooth USB dongle into the computer USB interface to achieve Bluetooth connectivity (install the full version of the driver, the computer can be connected to the Bluetooth headset/stereo).
- 【Mini Size】: Extremely compact portable pc bluetooth adapter allows you to leave it on laptop or PC, no need to remove, without blocking surrounding USB ports, ultra-compact, easy carrying and space saving.
- 【High Compatibility】: Usb bluetooth adapter works with 32/64-bit Windows 10/8/7. It can also take full advantage of bandwidth to connect multiple bluetooth devices simultaneously, such as Bluetooth headsets, speakers mice, keyboards, smartphones.
Avantree DG40S Bluetooth USB Adapter for PC Laptop Computer Desktop, Bluetooth Dongle for Bluetooth Headset,...
- 【ENABLE BLUETOOTH COMPATIBILITY】For Windows 10 / 8 / 7 / Vista / XP Laptop or desktop computer. Turns Non-Bluetooth PC or laptop into Bluetooth-capable. It is NOT compatible with Mac, Linux, TV or Car stereo systems.
- 【MULTIPLE USAGE】Connect with Bluetooth headphones, speakers or receivers for wireless stereo music streaming. Also for Skype calls, Google Hangouts and mobile phone/tablet data transfer.
- 【WIDE RANGE OF DEVICE SUPPORT】Connect with Bluetooth keyboards & mice (NOT 2.4G devices), printers, projectors, PS4 / Xbox One S controller and other BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) devices. For controllers you may need to install specific drivers for different games / software to configure button settings. It is NOT compatible with Xbox one controller or Nintendo consoles.
- 【PLUG & PLAY or FREE DRIVER】For native Win 10 and Win 8*, plug into USB port and windows will auto-install the required drivers. For Win 7, Vista, XP, download and install the driver from Avantree support site. ( Note: the driver from our support site is completely FREE. Other sites may charge you.)
- 【24 MONTH WARRANTY & SUPPORT】24-Month Warranty. Step-by-step Video guides & many FAQs online for quick support and convenience. Toll-free phone support (+44 20 8068 2023) from Local Support Team.
YiYunTE USB Bluetooth Adapter Dongle for PC Laptop Computer Desktop Wireless Bluetooth 4.0 Adapter Receiver...
- ★【WIDE COMPATIBILITY】★: Bluetooth USB 4.0 Adapter Transmitter can work with pc laptops and desktops, supports Windows 10/8/7/Vista/XP. Not compatible with Windows 8.1/MAC/TV/ordinary speakers/Car stereo systems.
- ★【WITH DIFFERENT BLUETOOTH DEVICES】★: Bluetooth 4.0 USB Dongle Receiver can easily add Bluetooth feature for your computer, enables the computer to wirelessly connect more Bluetooth devices, which you want to connect, such as Bluetooth headphones, speaker, keyboard, mouse, smartphone, tablet. Make living space more concise and convenient.
- ★【BLUETOOTH V4.0 & 20m BLUETOOTH SIGNAL】★: ✔ The transmission speed of Bluetooth 4.0 Dongle is doubled than that of Bluetooth 2.0, the data transfer rate is up to 3 mbps.✔ In a barrier-free space, the transmission distance of the wireless Receiver/Transmitter is up to 20m.✔ It is backward compatible with Bluetooth V3.0/2.1/2.0/1.1
- ★【PLUG & PLAY】★: Simply plug the Wireless Adapter and turn on the connecting device, then works. Connect to the same device automatically. If you need to connect an audio device such as a Bluetooth headset, please download and install the audio driver.
- ★【LIGHTWEIGHT AND PORTABLE】★: You can carry our Bluetooth transmitter anywhere. Support dual-mode, low energy. simple pairing, good anti-jamming features.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bluetooth 4.0?
Bluetooth 4.0 is currently the most widely adopted version of this technology. The specification was released in June 2010, and the first smartphones to support it began to appear in 2011. The most important improvement in Bluetooth 4.0 was the addition of a low power usage protocol designed to extend the battery life of mobile devices. Bluetooth 4.0 was updated to 4.1 in 2013 and 4.2 in 2014 to keep up with trends in mobile technology.
Can you use more than one Bluetooth adapter?
Only a single Bluetooth adapter can be enabled at a time for Bluetooth connections to work properly. You can install more than one adapter and only have one enabled at a time. You might do this when testing a new adapter or troubleshooting a connection.
How do you connect a Bluetooth adapter to Windows?
Most Bluetooth adapters are plug-and-play devices, meaning that they use a standard interface recognized by Windows. When you plug a USB adapter into a computer port, Windows will automatically detect it and install a driver to enable Bluetooth connectivity. See your adapter’s instructions for any special steps required by its manufacturer. If you already have a Bluetooth adapter enabled, you’ll need to disable it first.
How do you connect a Bluetooth adapter to Mac OS?
Mac computers often come with built-in Bluetooth connectivity, so it’s likely you’ll need to disable it to use a third-party adapter. Beyond this, you may need to go to some lengths to install another adapter and pair it with Bluetooth devices. Some Macs require you to install developer tools that include a Bluetooth Explorer program, which you can use to select which Bluetooth adapter to enable.
What is frequency hopping?
This is a security measure introduced to prevent eavesdropping of data transmitted between a Bluetooth device and its adapter. Essentially, the two devices agree to a pattern of rapid frequency changes that appears random to an outside observer. This breaks up the data into small chunks transmitted on different frequencies and makes it nearly impossible to reassemble if it’s intercepted.
What data can Bluetooth transfer?
Bluetooth connections transfer any type of data that can be transmitted over a wireless connection, including multimedia streams, data transfers, peripheral device data, and more. Adapters do vary in how much bandwidth and fidelity they support, which can make them better suited to specific types of peripheral devices.
What is the best Bluetooth adapter for a PC PS4 controller?
Not all adapters are designed with the bandwidth needed for a game controller, so be sure to get an adapter that’s designed to work with a PS4 controller.
What’s the best way to troubleshoot an unstable connection with a game controller?
Common issues that can contribute to connection problems for game controllers are the distance the controller is from the Bluetooth adapter and local interference. Try sitting closer to the adapter and installing it on the front of your computer instead of the back when troubleshooting a poor connection. Physical obstructions are not typically a problem for Bluetooth connections, but eliminating them will help maintain a stable connection when local interference causes difficulties.
What is the best Bluetooth adapter for PC headphones?
There are many Bluetooth adapters designed specifically for headphones, and there are also adapters that can convert corded headphones or speakers to Bluetooth technology. The Avantree Leaf adapter is an example of a high-performance adapter specifically designed to work with headphones.
Pros and Cons of Bluetooth Adapters for PCs
Pros
- Eliminates the need for cables to maintain a connection between devices, allowing them to be further apart that is usually possible
- Doesn’t require line of sight to establish a data connection like other short-range wireless technologies
- Uses very little power, making it a good choice for mobile devices with limited battery life
Cons
- Bluetooth data transfer rates are low compared to other wireless technologies like WiFi
- Troubleshooting connections can sometimes be frustrating
Pro Tips
Tip #1: “Most pairing problems are caused by the device thinking it’s already connected to another Bluetooth adapter. Try keeping the two devices close together and resetting the Bluetooth on each device when this happens.”
Tip #2: “Built-in Bluetooth adapters on PCs and laptops are usually not intended for use with audio speakers or headphones. Look for adapters designed for audio devices for a high-quality audio experience.”
Conclusion
That wraps up our run down of the top five Bluetooth adapters on the market in 2018. We’ve tried to choose models that represent the niches most often needed by consumers.
The Avantree Leaf is a leading adapter for pairing headphones without latency. Etekcity audio adapter can make it possible to stream music to a wired sound system, and ZEXMTE’s Bluetooth adapter is one of the most affordable options for the features it provides.
Bluetooth technology is certain to continue to advance as adapter manufacturers begin supporting the latest Bluetooth 5.0 specification, so stay tuned for future buying guides.
We hope these Bluetooth adapters will keep your wireless needs satisfied until next time.