Bluetooth adapters are indispensable for devices without native Bluetooth support, as many of our daily-use gadgets, from keyboards to headsets, rely on this wireless standard. If your PC's motherboard doesn't support Bluetooth, a Bluetooth dongle becomes essential. Fortunately, the market is flooded with affordable options, ensuring you won't break the bank to get connected.

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 there are pricier Bluetooth adapters, they're the exception rather than the rule, often offering premium features and superior connection quality. It's important to consider the latest Bluetooth version when choosing an adapter. Currently, Bluetooth 5.4 is the standard, with Bluetooth 6 announced in fall 2024. Bluetooth's backward compatibility ensures that older adapters can still connect with newer devices, though you may miss out on advanced features.

1. 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 an excellent choice for PC gamers looking to use a Bluetooth adapter for high-resolution 96kHz/24-bit audio. Its USB-C connectivity makes it compatible with PCs, Macs, and gaming consoles like the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X. Its compact design minimizes clutter, and the device auto-adjusts the bitrate for optimal performance with aptX Adaptive Low Latency, ensuring a low-latency connection ideal for gaming controllers and headsets. Additionally, the BT-W5 features a multifunctional button for profile switching and can save up to four different devices.

2. 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 budget pick, offering easy setup and compatibility with any device you might want to connect to your PC. It supports Bluetooth 5.0, which doubles the speed of Bluetooth 4.0 and enhances battery life. The adapter's small form factor means it barely protrudes from the USB port, making it ideal for laptops and desktops. It's perfect for extending the battery life of wireless headphones and AirPods.

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

3. 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 500ft or 150m. Its antenna design ensures a strong signal, perfect for covering an entire house or apartment, though physical obstructions may reduce its range. With support for Bluetooth 5.4, it offers fast connectivity and excellent battery life. It's backward compatible with previous Bluetooth versions, making it versatile for various devices.

4. 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, renowned for its audio equipment, offers the BTD 600 Bluetooth adapter, perfect for premium wireless headphones and PC headsets. It boasts low latency and supports high-quality audio up to 430kbps, ideal for streaming from services like Apple Music or Spotify. The adapter uses a USB-A port but includes a USB-C adapter for added flexibility. A firmware update enables Hi-Res 96kHz/24-bit audio, enhancing its performance.

5. 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

If you want to keep your PC's USB ports free and have an available PCI-E slot, consider the Gigabyte WiFi 6E GC-WBAX210. This internal adapter, while a couple of Bluetooth revisions behind at version 5.2, serves as both a Bluetooth and Wi-Fi adapter, making it a cost-effective solution for desktops lacking both. Installation requires some technical know-how, but it's a robust option for those willing to tinker.

Bluetooth Adapter FAQs

Do you need a Bluetooth adapter for your PC?

Not all PCs or laptops require a Bluetooth adapter, as many come with built-in Bluetooth. To check if your PC has Bluetooth, follow these steps:

• 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 you don't see it, your motherboard lacks Bluetooth capabilities, and you'll need an adapter.

Bluetooth 5.3 vs 5.0: What's the difference?

Bluetooth 5.0 was introduced in July 2016, and Bluetooth 5.3 followed in July 2021. The key improvements in 5.3 include better latency and power efficiency due to the new LC3 codec, which extends device battery life. While the range remains unchanged, Bluetooth 5.3 offers faster pairing, new connection methods for dual-channel earbuds, and enhanced security features. Despite these advancements, Bluetooth 5.0 still provides a solid experience, with only minor differences from 5.3.

Do new laptops come equipped with Bluetooth connectivity?

Most modern gaming laptops and MacBooks come with built-in Bluetooth connectivity. You'll typically only need an adapter if you're building a custom PC or upgrading an older model. Always check the product specifications or use the method described above to verify Bluetooth capabilities before purchasing.