A Bluetooth adapter is a must-have for any device lacking native wireless Bluetooth support. In today's world, countless everyday devices—keyboards, headsets, and more—rely on Bluetooth. If your PC's motherboard doesn't have built-in Bluetooth, a Bluetooth dongle is your solution. Fortunately, many affordable options exist.
**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
0See it at Amazon
While some high-end Bluetooth adapters command premium prices, most offer excellent value. Remember to consider the Bluetooth version supported by your devices. Bluetooth 5.4 is the latest, although Bluetooth 6 is on the horizon. Backward compatibility ensures older devices will work, though you'll miss out on some newer features.
1. Creative BT-W5: Best Bluetooth Adapter
-----------------Our Top Pick### Creative BT-W5
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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:
- USB-C for universal connectivity
- Affordable
Cons:
- Requires an adapter if you lack USB-C
The Creative BT-W5 excels for PC gaming, supporting high-resolution 96kHz/24-bit audio. Its USB-C connection ensures compatibility with PCs, Macs, and consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. Its compact design minimizes desk clutter. Automatic bitrate adjustment optimizes performance based on your connected device, and aptX Adaptive Low Latency ensures smooth, lag-free gameplay. A multi-function button lets you switch between up to four saved devices.
2. Asus USB-BT500: Best Budget Bluetooth Adapter
-----------------### ASUS USB-BT500
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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:
- Very low profile
- Affordable
Cons:
- Weaker signal
Our budget pick, the Asus USB-BT500, is incredibly easy to set up and works flawlessly with various devices. Its Bluetooth 5.0 support doubles the speed of Bluetooth 4.0, extending battery life on connected devices due to reduced power consumption. Its minimal design makes it ideal for laptops and motherboards.
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 (150m)
- Connects Via: USB-A
Pros:
- Excellent range for the price
- Affordable
Cons:
- Flimsy antenna
Need long-range connectivity? The Techkey 150M delivers with its 500ft range, ideal for covering a large home or apartment (range may be affected by physical obstructions). Bluetooth 5.4 support ensures fast speeds and excellent battery life. It's compatible with older Bluetooth versions.
4. Sennheiser BTD 600: Best Bluetooth Adapter for Headphones
---------------------### Sennheiser BTD 600
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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:
- Specifically designed for headphones
- Flexible connectivity
Cons:
- Expensive
Sennheiser's BTD 600 is perfect for high-quality wireless headphones and headsets, offering low latency and excellent audio quality (up to 430kbps). It supports high-resolution audio after a firmware update. It connects via USB-A, with a USB-C adapter included.
5. Gigabyte WiFi 6E GC-WBAX210: Best Internal Bluetooth Adapter for Gaming
------------------------------### Gigabyte WiFi 6E GC-WBAX210
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Product Specifications:
- Bluetooth Version: 5.2
- Data Transfer Rate: 2,400Mbps
- Range: Not rated
- Connects Via: PCI-E
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Also a Wi-Fi adapter
Cons:
- For desktop PCs only
This internal adapter (also a Wi-Fi adapter) is a great option if you have an available PCI-E slot and want to keep your USB ports free. While using Bluetooth 5.2, it provides solid performance. Installation requires some technical knowledge.
Bluetooth Adapter FAQs
----------------------Do you need a Bluetooth adapter for your PC?
Not all PCs need a Bluetooth adapter; many motherboards include built-in Bluetooth. To check:
- Click the search bar (bottom-left).
- Type "Device Manager" and select it.
- Look for a "Bluetooth" listing. If absent, your motherboard lacks Bluetooth.
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 improvements exist, Bluetooth 5.0 remains a solid option.
Do new laptops come equipped with Bluetooth connectivity?
Most modern laptops include Bluetooth. Check the product page or use the Device Manager method above to verify.
