Bluetooth is an essential technology found almost everywhere in 2024. From your headphones to the latest gaming peripherals, you need Bluetooth functionality to properly use them. If your laptop or gaming PC doesn't have Bluetooth support, you have to purchase an adapter to use any Bluetooth device with your PC. With so many different options, you need to pick the adapter that fits your situation best. You need to consider the range needed, the price, and even the sound quality you're looking for.
While most adapters aren't pricey at all, there are some expensive options that have a robust feature set. Most Bluetooth adapters support Bluetooth 5.0, but the latest Bluetooth form is actually 5.3. Below, we've compiled five Bluetooth adapter options for your PC. Keep in mind that any of these will add Bluetooth functionality to your PC, but each has features that differ from the others and can be better suited for different situations.
Bluetooth Version: 5.0 | Data Transfer Rate: Up to 3 Megabits per second | Range: 150 feet | Connects Via: USB-C
The FiiO BTA30PRO Bluetooth Receiver is our pick for the best Bluetooth adapter for PC. While it's not the cheapest, coming in at $129.99, it by far offers the best sound quality, range, and features overall. This device is extremely unique, as you can utilize it as a Bluetooth adapter, Bluetooth receiver, or DAC decoder. The BTA30PRO has an LDAC codec that is able to support 96kHz/24bit, which is the highest standard for all Bluetooth functionality.
Essentially, this means you can stream lossless Hi-Res audio from one device to another when plugged in via USB. For a PC, this is any Bluetooth headphone user's dream. Whether you're playing a game, watching a movie, or listening to the latest music, you'll hear unmatched crystal clear audio. Its 150 foot range is the perfect medium for anyone utilzing a Bluetooth device in a residential setting.
If you're looking for something more powerful and expensive than this, you can check out our guide to the best AV receivers of 2024.
Bluetooth Version: 5.0 | Data Transfer Rate: Up to 3 Megabits per second | Range: 30 feet | Connects Via: USB-A
The ASUS USB-BT500 is our pick for the best budget Bluetooth adapter for PC. It's the easiest to set up and seamlessly works with any device you may choose to pair with your PC. This adapter is one of the most common Bluetooth adapters you'll see on the market, but don't let that deter you. It comes equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 support, which doubles speeds over Bluetooth 4.0.
This also means your devices will have extended battery life when paired with Bluetooth. 5.0 allows for less power draw with its speed, meaning you can use your headphones for longer. Additionally, the USB-BT500 has the smallest form factor out of any adapter on this list. It barely sticks out of the USB port, so you can fit this into any laptop or motherboard with ease. This is a great way to ensure your wireless headphone or AirPod battery life drains even slower
Bluetooth Version: 5.3 | Data Transfer Rate: Up to 3 Megabits per second | Range: 328 feet | Connects Via: USB-A
The Techkey 100M Class 1 Long Range Bluetooth Adapter is the perfect choice if you need an adapter capable of long-range connectivity. Featuring an antenna, this adapter has a range of 328 feet or 100 meters. This easily will cover an entire property, whether it be a house or apartment. Physical objects will shrink the range, however, so it's best for the PC to be placed in an open area.
It also supports Bluetooth 5.3, giving you lightning-fast connectivity and superb battery life with its low energy draw. This adapter is compatible with previous Bluetooth modes, including 5.2, 4.2, 2.1, and more. You'll only need one USB port to power it, making this Techkey 100M Class 1 adapter a perfect choice for any long-range connections needed in your home.
Bluetooth Version: 5.3 | Data Transfer Rate: Up to 3 Megabits per second | Range: 165 feet | Connects Via: USB-C
Creative's BT-W5 is an excellent choice if you're looking to play PC games with a Bluetooth adapter for audio. Similar to our top pick, the BT-W5 offers Hi-Res 96kHz/24-bit audio. Connecting with USB-C, you can use this Bluetooth adapter on any PC, Mac, and even a gaming console like the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X. Its low profile allows for minimal clutter with your system.
To get the best experience, this device auto-adjusts the bitrate depending on the Bluetooth device you're using. This feature works together with aptX Adaptive Low Latency to provide you a low latency connection, perfect for any PC controller or gaming headset while gaming. Additionally, the BT-W5 has a multifunctional button that allows you to switch profiles and save up to four different devices onboard.
Bluetooth Version: 5.2 | Data Transfer Rate: Up to 3 Megabits per second | Range: 30 feet | Connects Via: USB-A or USB-C
While Sennheiser is best known for their headphones, they also make plenty of audio equipment. This BTD 600 Bluetooth adapter is a perfect choice if you're in need for Bluetooth adapter specifically for the best wireless headphones. It has extremely low latency and an excellent range of audio, up to 430kbps. With the available audio file support, you can listen to high quality files from Apple Music or Spotify on your headphones with ease.
This adapter itself needs a USB-A port to be powered, but you can use the included USB-C adapter to slot it into any USB-C port of your choosing if you don't have any spare USB-A ports. It's worth noting that you will need to install a firmware upgrade for this adapter to get the most out of it. An update added support for Hi-Res 96kHz/24-bit audio, so it is defintiely worth your time to get the BTD 600 updated.
Not every PC will need a Bluetooth adapter, as many motherboards have Bluetooth functionality built-in. To see if your PC has Bluetooth functionality, follow the below steps.
If your motherboard does not support Bluetooth, you will need to buy a Bluetooth adapter to connect any Bluetooth device to your PC.
Bluetooth 5.0 was first introduced to devices in July 2016. The 5.3 update was released in July 2021, over five years later. Overall, the key changes from 5.0 to 5.3 are more technical. First, Bluetooth 5.3 improves both the latency and power draw of connected devices. The new LC3 codec allowed for a lower energy cost of the connected Bluetooth device, which means you can use your Bluetooth 5.3 devices longer than with Bluetooth 5.0.
Between 5.0 and 5.3, the range for Bluetooth devices has stayed the same. It's likely that this won't change much, if at all, until Bluetooth 6.0. Other notable features that were added with the release of Bluetooth 5.3 include improved pairing speed, new connection methods for dual channel earbuds, and new security and encryption enhancements.
The new features with Bluetooth 5.3 are all very helpful and nice to have, but Bluetooth 5.0 offers a very solid experience that isn't too drastic of a difference from 5.3.
Noah Hunter is a freelance writer and reviewer with a passion for games and technology. He co-founded Final Weapon, an outlet focused on nonsense-free Japanese gaming (in 2019) and has contributed to various publishers writing about the medium. His favorite series include Xeno and Final Fantasy.
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TL;DR - These are the Best Bluetooth Adapters for PC
- FiiO BTA30PRO (Best Overall)
- ASUS USB-BT500 (Best Budget Option)
- Techkey 100M Class 1 Long Range Bluetooth Adapter (Best Range)
- Creative BT-W5 (Best for Gaming)
- Sennheiser BTD 600 (Best for Headphones)
While most adapters aren't pricey at all, there are some expensive options that have a robust feature set. Most Bluetooth adapters support Bluetooth 5.0, but the latest Bluetooth form is actually 5.3. Below, we've compiled five Bluetooth adapter options for your PC. Keep in mind that any of these will add Bluetooth functionality to your PC, but each has features that differ from the others and can be better suited for different situations.
1. FiiO BTA30PRO Bluetooth Receiver
Best Bluetooth Adapter for PC
Bluetooth Version: 5.0 | Data Transfer Rate: Up to 3 Megabits per second | Range: 150 feet | Connects Via: USB-C
The FiiO BTA30PRO Bluetooth Receiver is our pick for the best Bluetooth adapter for PC. While it's not the cheapest, coming in at $129.99, it by far offers the best sound quality, range, and features overall. This device is extremely unique, as you can utilize it as a Bluetooth adapter, Bluetooth receiver, or DAC decoder. The BTA30PRO has an LDAC codec that is able to support 96kHz/24bit, which is the highest standard for all Bluetooth functionality.
Essentially, this means you can stream lossless Hi-Res audio from one device to another when plugged in via USB. For a PC, this is any Bluetooth headphone user's dream. Whether you're playing a game, watching a movie, or listening to the latest music, you'll hear unmatched crystal clear audio. Its 150 foot range is the perfect medium for anyone utilzing a Bluetooth device in a residential setting.
If you're looking for something more powerful and expensive than this, you can check out our guide to the best AV receivers of 2024.
2. ASUS USB-BT500
Best Budget Bluetooth Adapter
Bluetooth Version: 5.0 | Data Transfer Rate: Up to 3 Megabits per second | Range: 30 feet | Connects Via: USB-A
The ASUS USB-BT500 is our pick for the best budget Bluetooth adapter for PC. It's the easiest to set up and seamlessly works with any device you may choose to pair with your PC. This adapter is one of the most common Bluetooth adapters you'll see on the market, but don't let that deter you. It comes equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 support, which doubles speeds over Bluetooth 4.0.
This also means your devices will have extended battery life when paired with Bluetooth. 5.0 allows for less power draw with its speed, meaning you can use your headphones for longer. Additionally, the USB-BT500 has the smallest form factor out of any adapter on this list. It barely sticks out of the USB port, so you can fit this into any laptop or motherboard with ease. This is a great way to ensure your wireless headphone or AirPod battery life drains even slower
3. Techkey 100M Class 1 Long Range Bluetooth Adapter
Best Long-Range Bluetooth Adapter
Bluetooth Version: 5.3 | Data Transfer Rate: Up to 3 Megabits per second | Range: 328 feet | Connects Via: USB-A
The Techkey 100M Class 1 Long Range Bluetooth Adapter is the perfect choice if you need an adapter capable of long-range connectivity. Featuring an antenna, this adapter has a range of 328 feet or 100 meters. This easily will cover an entire property, whether it be a house or apartment. Physical objects will shrink the range, however, so it's best for the PC to be placed in an open area.
It also supports Bluetooth 5.3, giving you lightning-fast connectivity and superb battery life with its low energy draw. This adapter is compatible with previous Bluetooth modes, including 5.2, 4.2, 2.1, and more. You'll only need one USB port to power it, making this Techkey 100M Class 1 adapter a perfect choice for any long-range connections needed in your home.
4. Creative BT-W5
Best Bluetooth Adapter for Gaming
Bluetooth Version: 5.3 | Data Transfer Rate: Up to 3 Megabits per second | Range: 165 feet | Connects Via: USB-C
Creative's BT-W5 is an excellent choice if you're looking to play PC games with a Bluetooth adapter for audio. Similar to our top pick, the BT-W5 offers Hi-Res 96kHz/24-bit audio. Connecting with USB-C, you can use this Bluetooth adapter on any PC, Mac, and even a gaming console like the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X. Its low profile allows for minimal clutter with your system.
To get the best experience, this device auto-adjusts the bitrate depending on the Bluetooth device you're using. This feature works together with aptX Adaptive Low Latency to provide you a low latency connection, perfect for any PC controller or gaming headset while gaming. Additionally, the BT-W5 has a multifunctional button that allows you to switch profiles and save up to four different devices onboard.
5. Sennheiser BTD 600
Best Bluetooth Adapter for Headphones
Bluetooth Version: 5.2 | Data Transfer Rate: Up to 3 Megabits per second | Range: 30 feet | Connects Via: USB-A or USB-C
While Sennheiser is best known for their headphones, they also make plenty of audio equipment. This BTD 600 Bluetooth adapter is a perfect choice if you're in need for Bluetooth adapter specifically for the best wireless headphones. It has extremely low latency and an excellent range of audio, up to 430kbps. With the available audio file support, you can listen to high quality files from Apple Music or Spotify on your headphones with ease.
This adapter itself needs a USB-A port to be powered, but you can use the included USB-C adapter to slot it into any USB-C port of your choosing if you don't have any spare USB-A ports. It's worth noting that you will need to install a firmware upgrade for this adapter to get the most out of it. An update added support for Hi-Res 96kHz/24-bit audio, so it is defintiely worth your time to get the BTD 600 updated.
Bluetooth Adapter FAQs
Do you need a Bluetooth adapter for your PC?
Not every PC will need a Bluetooth adapter, as many motherboards have Bluetooth functionality built-in. To see if your PC has Bluetooth functionality, follow the below 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. The icon shows a digital camera and a printer.
- In Device Manager, you should see a Bluetooth listing with a drop down option. If you do not see Bluetooth here, your motherboard does not have onboard Bluetooth capabilities.
If your motherboard does not support Bluetooth, you will need to buy a Bluetooth adapter to connect any Bluetooth device to your PC.
Bluetooth 5.3 vs 5.0: What's the Difference?
Bluetooth 5.0 was first introduced to devices in July 2016. The 5.3 update was released in July 2021, over five years later. Overall, the key changes from 5.0 to 5.3 are more technical. First, Bluetooth 5.3 improves both the latency and power draw of connected devices. The new LC3 codec allowed for a lower energy cost of the connected Bluetooth device, which means you can use your Bluetooth 5.3 devices longer than with Bluetooth 5.0.
Between 5.0 and 5.3, the range for Bluetooth devices has stayed the same. It's likely that this won't change much, if at all, until Bluetooth 6.0. Other notable features that were added with the release of Bluetooth 5.3 include improved pairing speed, new connection methods for dual channel earbuds, and new security and encryption enhancements.
The new features with Bluetooth 5.3 are all very helpful and nice to have, but Bluetooth 5.0 offers a very solid experience that isn't too drastic of a difference from 5.3.
Noah Hunter is a freelance writer and reviewer with a passion for games and technology. He co-founded Final Weapon, an outlet focused on nonsense-free Japanese gaming (in 2019) and has contributed to various publishers writing about the medium. His favorite series include Xeno and Final Fantasy.
Continue reading...
