The Best Bluetooth Adapters for PC

A Bluetooth adapter is a must-have for any device lacking native Bluetooth support—and let's be honest, that's becoming increasingly rare. Keyboards, headsets, and countless other everyday gadgets rely on Bluetooth, and a missing motherboard feature shouldn't stop you. Fortunately, these little Bluetooth dongles are plentiful and affordable.

**TL;DR - Top Bluetooth Adapters for PC:**

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 usually pricey and cater to niche needs. Remember to check the Bluetooth version—Bluetooth 5.4 is the current standard (though Bluetooth 6 is on the horizon), ensuring compatibility with the latest devices. Fortunately, Bluetooth's backward compatibility means older adapters still work, albeit without the newest features.

1. Creative BT-W5: Best Bluetooth Adapter

Our Top Pick: Creative BT-W5
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Specifications: Bluetooth 5.3, Up to 3 Mbps, 165 ft range, USB-C
Pros: Universal USB-C connectivity, affordable.
Cons: Requires adapter if you lack USB-C.

The Creative BT-W5 excels for PC gaming, offering hi-res 96kHz/24-bit audio. Its USB-C connection works across PCs, Macs, and consoles. Automatic bitrate adjustment and aptX Adaptive Low Latency ensure low-latency performance. A multi-function button manages up to four device profiles.

2. Asus USB-BT500: Best Budget Bluetooth Adapter

ASUS USB-BT500
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Specifications: Bluetooth 5.0, Up to 3 Mbps, 30 ft range, USB-A
Pros: Easy setup, low profile, affordable.
Cons: Weaker signal.

Our budget champion, the Asus USB-BT500, is simple to set up and broadly compatible. Bluetooth 5.0 doubles the speed of Bluetooth 4.0, improving battery life on connected devices. Its tiny form factor makes it ideal for laptops and motherboards.

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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 5.4, Up to 3 Mbps, 500 ft range, USB-A
Pros: Excellent range, affordable.
Cons: Flimsy antenna.

For expansive coverage, the Techkey 150M boasts a 500ft range (though obstacles reduce this). Bluetooth 5.4 support provides speed and battery efficiency, and backward compatibility extends to older Bluetooth versions.

4. Sennheiser BTD 600: Best Bluetooth Adapter for Headphones

Sennheiser BTD 600
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Specifications: Bluetooth 5.2, Up to 3 Mbps, 30 ft range, USB-A/USB-C
Pros: Optimized for headphones, flexible connectivity.
Cons: Pricey.

Sennheiser's BTD 600 shines with low latency and high-quality audio (up to 430kbps), perfect for premium headphones. It supports USB-A and USB-C and benefits from a firmware update enabling Hi-Res 96kHz/24-bit audio.

5. Gigabyte WiFi 6E GC-WBAX210: Best Internal Bluetooth Adapter for Gaming

Gigabyte WiFi 6E GC-WBAX210
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Specifications: Bluetooth 5.2, 2400 Mbps, Range not rated, PCI-E
Pros: Affordable, also a Wi-Fi adapter.
Cons: Desktop PCs only, requires installation.

For internal installation (requiring a free PCI-E slot), the Gigabyte WiFi 6E GC-WBAX210 offers both Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2. It's a cost-effective solution if you're comfortable with PC hardware installation.

Bluetooth Adapter FAQs

Do you need a Bluetooth adapter for your PC?

Not all PCs need adapters; many motherboards have built-in Bluetooth. Check your Device Manager (search for it in the Windows search bar) to see if "Bluetooth" is listed. If not, an adapter is necessary.

Bluetooth 5.3 vs 5.0: What's the difference?

Bluetooth 5.3 (released July 2021) improves upon 5.0 (July 2016) with lower power consumption and latency thanks to the LC3 codec. Pairing speed, dual-channel earbud support, and security are also enhanced. However, the range remains largely unchanged, and 5.0 offers a solid experience.

Do new laptops come equipped with Bluetooth connectivity?

Most modern laptops (gaming laptops and MacBooks especially) include Bluetooth. Adapters are typically only needed for custom-built PCs or older models. Always check product specifications before purchasing.