A Bluetooth adapter is a must-have for any device lacking native 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, there's a wide selection available at reasonable prices.
**TL;DR - Top Bluetooth Adapters for PC:**
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Our Top Pick### 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 some high-end Bluetooth adapters exist, they're relatively uncommon, typically offering premium features and superior connection quality. Consider the Bluetooth version supported by your devices; the latest is Bluetooth 5.4 (with Bluetooth 6 announced for eventual release). For an up-to-date setup, choose an adapter supporting this standard. Remember, Bluetooth is backward compatible, allowing older devices to connect, though you might miss out on some newer features.
1. Creative BT-W5: Best Bluetooth Adapter
Our Top Pick### Creative BT-W5
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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 broad compatibility, affordable.
**Cons:** Requires an adapter if you lack USB-C.
The Creative BT-W5 excels for PC gaming, delivering high-resolution 96kHz/24-bit audio via USB-C. Compatible with PCs, Macs, and consoles like PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, its low profile minimizes desktop clutter. It automatically adjusts bitrate based on the connected device, utilizing aptX Adaptive Low Latency for minimal lag during gameplay. A multi-function button allows switching between up to four saved devices.
2. Asus USB-BT500: Best Budget Bluetooth Adapter
### ASUS USB-BT500
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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 than other options.
Our budget pick, the Asus USB-BT500, offers simple setup and seamless connectivity. Its Bluetooth 5.0 support doubles the speed of Bluetooth 4.0, extending battery life for connected devices. Its compact size makes it ideal for laptops and desktops.
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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
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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 can be reduced by obstacles). Its Bluetooth 5.4 support ensures fast speeds and low power consumption, compatible with older Bluetooth versions. It requires only a single USB port.
4. Sennheiser BTD 600: Best Bluetooth Adapter for Headphones
### Sennheiser BTD 600
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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, low latency.
**Cons:** Relatively expensive.
Sennheiser's BTD 600 is ideal for high-quality wireless headphones and headsets, offering low latency and high-fidelity audio (up to 430kbps). It supports Hi-Res 96kHz/24-bit audio (after a firmware update). It uses USB-A, but includes a USB-C adapter.
5. Gigabyte WiFi 6E GC-WBAX210: Best Internal Bluetooth Adapter for Gaming
### Gigabyte WiFi 6E GC-WBAX210
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Specifications:
Bluetooth Version: 5.2
Data Transfer Rate: 2,400Mbps
Range: Not rated
Connects Via: PCI-E
**Pros:** Affordable, also adds Wi-Fi.
**Cons:** Desktop PCs only, requires installation.
For desktop users with an available PCI-E slot, this internal adapter (which also includes Wi-Fi) is a cost-effective option. While using Bluetooth 5.2, it offers solid performance. 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 it's absent, you 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, reduced power consumption (thanks to the LC3 codec), faster pairing, and enhanced security. While 5.3 offers advantages, 5.0 remains a solid option.
Do new laptops come equipped with Bluetooth connectivity?
Most modern laptops include built-in Bluetooth. Check the product specifications or use the Device Manager method to confirm before purchasing an adapter.
