Bluetooth adapters are indispensable for devices lacking native wireless capabilities, as Bluetooth technology has become integral to our daily lives. From keyboards to headsets, many devices rely on Bluetooth connectivity. If your PC's motherboard doesn't support Bluetooth natively, a Bluetooth adapter, or dongle, becomes essential. Fortunately, the market offers a wide range of Bluetooth adapters at affordable prices.

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 some Bluetooth adapters can be pricey, offering premium features and superior connection quality, they are the exception rather than the rule. When choosing an adapter, consider the latest Bluetooth standard supported by current gadgets and gaming accessories. As of now, Bluetooth 5.4 is the latest version, with Bluetooth 6 announced in fall 2024. Opting for an up-to-date adapter ensures you benefit from the newest features, although Bluetooth's backward compatibility allows older adapters to connect with newer devices, albeit without the latest enhancements.

1. Creative BT-W5

Best Bluetooth Adapter

Our Top Pick### Creative BT-W5

1See it at Amazon

The Creative BT-W5 is an excellent choice for those seeking a Bluetooth adapter for high-resolution audio in PC gaming. With USB-C connectivity, it's compatible with PCs, Macs, and gaming consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. Its sleek design minimizes clutter, and the adapter auto-adjusts bitrate for optimal performance with any Bluetooth device. It supports aptX Adaptive Low Latency for seamless gaming, and a multifunctional button allows profile switching and connection to up to four devices.

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 a USB-C adapter if your device lacks USB-C ports

2. Asus USB-BT500

Best Budget Bluetooth Adapter

### ASUS USB-BT500

1See it at Amazon

The Asus USB-BT500 is our top budget pick, known for its ease of setup and compatibility with a wide range of devices. Featuring Bluetooth 5.0, it offers doubled speeds over Bluetooth 4.0 and enhanced battery life for connected devices. Its compact design ensures minimal protrusion from the USB port, making it ideal for laptops and desktops.

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

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3. Techkey 100M Class 1 Long Range Bluetooth Adapter

Best Long-Range Bluetooth Adapter

### Techkey 150M Class 1 Long Range Bluetooth Adapter

1See it at Amazon

The Techkey 150M Class 1 Long Range Bluetooth Adapter is ideal for those needing extensive coverage. With an antenna, it offers a 500ft range, perfect for whole-home connectivity. It supports Bluetooth 5.4, ensuring fast connectivity and low energy consumption, and is backward compatible with earlier Bluetooth versions.

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

4. Sennheiser BTD 600

Best Bluetooth Adapter for Headphones

### Sennheiser BTD 600

1See it at Amazon

Sennheiser's BTD 600 is tailored for audiophiles seeking a Bluetooth adapter for high-quality wireless headphones. It boasts low latency and supports audio up to 430kbps, perfect for streaming high-resolution files from services like Apple Music or Spotify. The adapter is versatile, supporting both USB-A and USB-C connections, and requires a firmware update for the best audio experience.

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

5. Gigabyte WiFi 6E GC-WBAX210

Best Internal Bluetooth Adapter for Gaming

### Gigabyte WiFi 6E GC-WBAX210

0See it at Amazon

The Gigabyte WiFi 6E GC-WBAX210 is an excellent choice for gamers looking to add Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities to their desktop PC without occupying USB ports. While it supports Bluetooth 5.2, it's a cost-effective solution that also serves as a Wi-Fi adapter. Installation requires an open PCIe slot and some technical know-how, but it's a worthy investment for enhanced connectivity.

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

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 functionality. 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 appears.
• In Device Manager, look for a Bluetooth listing with a drop-down option. If you don't see Bluetooth listed, your motherboard lacks onboard Bluetooth capabilities, and you'll need to purchase a Bluetooth adapter to connect Bluetooth devices to your PC.

Bluetooth 5.3 vs 5.0: What's the difference?

Bluetooth 5.0, introduced in July 2016, saw an update to 5.3 in July 2021. The primary improvements in Bluetooth 5.3 include enhanced latency and reduced power consumption, thanks to the new LC3 codec. This allows for longer usage of Bluetooth devices. While the range remains unchanged from 5.0 to 5.3, other enhancements include faster pairing, new connection methods for dual-channel earbuds, and improved security features. Bluetooth 5.0 still offers a robust experience, but 5.3 provides noticeable improvements in power efficiency and connectivity.

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 a Bluetooth 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 confirm whether your device requires an adapter.