Connect with Ease: The Best Bluetooth Adapter for PC in 2023 List
I'm going, to be honest, Bluetooth adapters confuse me. My first Bluetooth adapter caused me all sorts of problems and frustration - it would randomly disconnect, had a short range, and kept pairing with the wrong devices! But I soon realized many of these issues stemmed from buying a cheap, low-quality adapter. So for this guide, I'm sharing the best Bluetooth adapters I've personally used that just work. After going through a few duds, I finally found adapters that give me a reliable, long-range wireless connection to my headphones, speakers, and other Bluetooth devices. Here are my recommendations for the top Bluetooth adapters for PC based on my own journey and firsthand experience.
Our Top Picks of 8 Best Bluetooth Adapters for PC in 2023
1. Asus USB Adapter - Best Budget Bluetooth Adapter for PC
Asus USB Adapter with Bluetooth for PC
Bluetooth 4.0 Usb adapter, windows 8, 32bit/64bit/windows 7, 32bit/64bit/windows xp, 32bit/64bit
The Asus USB-BT400 is a reliable and affordable Bluetooth adapter that offers the basics at a budget price. The compact USB design installs quickly into any PC, without needing to configure internal components. It supports Bluetooth 4.0 for high-speed 3 Mbps transfers and a decent 10-meter wireless range. Setup is simple - just plug it into a USB port and the adapter will install any necessary drivers automatically. The USB-BT400 is compatible with Windows XP/Vista/7/8, allowing you to pair with a wide range of Bluetooth devices including headphones, speakers, keyboards, and mice. Overall, for basic wireless pairing needs and a discreet USB design, the Asus USB-BT400 offers strong performance at an inexpensive price.
Key Features
Bluetooth 4.0 standard for high-speed 3 Mbps transfers
Up to 10-meter wireless connection range
Plug and play; installs automatically without drivers
Compatible with Windows XP through Windows 10
A compact USB adapter installs discreetly into any port
Fast and stable wireless pairing with Bluetooth devices
A budget-friendly option for wireless audio and input
Key Specs
Brand: Asus
Dimensions: 40.64 x 49.45 x 20.57 cm
Weight: 77.1 g
Windows Compatibility: Windows XP, Windows 8, Windows 7
Data Link Protocol: Bluetooth, USB
Compatible Devices: Laptop, Desktop, Keyboard
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Inexpensive price for a reliable Bluetooth adapter
- Simple, driver-free setup and use
- Compact USB design installs easily into any PC
Cons:
- More basic adapters with less advanced features
- Shorter range than some PCIe cards
2. TP-Link 4.0 Bluetooth - Best USB Bluetooth Adapter for Windows 10
TP-Link USB Bluetooth Adapter for PC
4.0 Bluetooth Dongle Receiver Support Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP for Desktop
The TP-Link UB400 is a budget-friendly Bluetooth adapter that offers reliable and easy wireless connectivity. The compact USB design installs discreetly into any PC, without needing to configure internal components. Setup is truly plug-and-play - just insert the USB stick into any port and the UB400 automatically installs the necessary drivers.
The UB400 supports Bluetooth 4.0 for high-speed transfers up to 3 Mbps and a decent 33-foot wireless range. It works with a wide array of Bluetooth devices including headphones, speakers, keyboards, mice, and more. Compatibility is excellent, supporting all recent Windows operating systems from Windows XP through Windows 11.
Also, the nano-sized form factor sits flush with your PC's USB port for an unobtrusive appearance. Connection stability is solid, with reliable pairing and transfers for basic wireless needs. While the UB400 lacks some advanced features of higher-end adapters, for the affordable price you pay, the performance is very good.
In summary, the TP-Link UB400 offers an easy, hassle-free wireless pairing solution at a budget price. For simple needs like connecting Bluetooth headphones or speakers, the UB400 delivers reliable connectivity and installs discreetly into any Windows PC.
Key Features
Bluetooth 4.0 standard for high-speed transfers
Compatible with Windows XP through Windows 11
Nano design fits into any USB port
Plug-and-play installation; no driver needed
Works with headphones, speakers, mouse, keyboard, and more
Up to 33-foot wireless connection range
Key Specs
Brand: Asus
Dimensions: 0.74 x 0.58 x 0.27 inches
Weight: 0.353 ounces
Windows Compatibility: 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP
Data Link Protocol: Bluetooth, USB
Compatible Devices: Laptop, Desktop, Mouse, Keyboard, Printer
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Inexpensive price
- Easy plug-and-play setup and use
- Compact and discrete USB design
- Supports a wide range of Windows operating systems
Cons:
- Limited advanced features
- Shorter range than some PCIe adapters
3. TechKey Plug and Play - Best Long Range Bluetooth Adapter for Desktop PC
TechKey Long Range Best Bluetooth Adapter for PC
Bluetooth Adapter for Desktop PC Plug & Play 5.3
The Techkey Long Range Bluetooth Adapter offers extended-range wireless connectivity for pairing with Bluetooth devices. The USB design installs easily on any desktop or laptop PC.
This adapter supports Bluetooth EDR 5.3, allowing it to achieve an impressively long 328-foot wireless range - much further than typical Bluetooth adapters. It features Class 1 output power for connecting to devices at extended distances.
Also, the setup is plug-and-play. Just insert the USB stick into any port and the adapter will install the necessary drivers automatically. It is compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8.1, and higher operating systems.
Additionally, the adapter can pair with a variety of Bluetooth devices like mouse, keyboards, headphones, speakers, and more. It has data transfer speeds up to 3 Mbps, supporting file transfers and audio streaming.
Key Features
Bluetooth EDR 5.3 standard for long 328-foot range
Class 1 output power for extended connection distances
Plug-and-play installation; no driver needed
Compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8.1, and higher
Pair with headphones, mouse, keyboard, speakers, and more
Data transfer speeds up to 3 Mbps
Compact USB design installs easily into any PC
Key Specs
Brand: Techkey
Dimensions: 0.83 x 0.39 x 5.83 inches
Weight: 1.41 ounces
Windows Compatibility: Win11/10/8.1
Data Link Protocol: Bluetooth, USB
Compatible Devices: Desktop, Keyboard, Printer
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Incredibly long 328 foot wireless range
- Easy plug-and-play setup and use
- Pairs reliably with devices at extended distances
Cons:
- More expensive than typical Bluetooth adapters
- USB design has some range limitations
4. EVEO Bluetooth 5.1 - Best High Speed Bluetooth Adapter for PC
The EVEO Bluetooth Adapter is designed specifically for pairing with devices on Windows 10 PCs. It features Bluetooth 5.1 for high-speed transfers and a stable wireless connection.
This USB Bluetooth adapter installs easily into any desktop or laptop computer. Simply plug it into a free USB port and the adapter will install the necessary drivers automatically. It is designed exclusively for pairing with Windows 10 devices, with no reported compatibility on older Windows versions.
Additionally, the adapter can connect with a variety of Bluetooth devices like headphones, speakers, mouse, keyboards, and printers. It supports data transfer speeds of up to 3 Mbps and a wireless range of up to 30 feet.
Key Features
Bluetooth 5.1 standard for high-speed transfers and stability
Plug and play; installs automatically on Windows 10 only
Pairs with headphones, speakers, mouse, keyboard, and printers
Up to 3.1 Mbps data transfer speeds
Wireless range up to 30 feet
Key Specs
Brand: EVEO
Dimensions:0.79 x 1.18 x 0.5 inches
Weight: 0.634 ounces
Windows Compatibility: Windows 10
Data Link Protocol: Bluetooth, USB
Compatible Devices: Laptop, Desktop, Keyboard, Printer
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Simple plug-and-play setup for Windows 10 only
- Compact USB design installs easily
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Only compatible with Windows 10 - will not pair on older systems
5. Avantree DG45 USB - Best Bluetooth Adapter for PC Gaming
Avantree DG45 USB Bluetooth Adapter for PC
5.0 Bluetooth Dongle for PC Computer Desktop Laptop
The Avantree DG45 is a versatile Bluetooth adapter for pairing a wide range of devices with your PC. It features Bluetooth 5.0 for high-speed data transfer and a long wireless connection range.
Moreover, the USB design installs easily on any Windows 11/10/8.1/8 PC. Simply plug the adapter into a USB port and it will automatically install the necessary drivers.
Overall, the Avantree DG45 USB Bluetooth Adapter offers a versatile, hassle-free wireless solution for pairing headphones, game controllers, keyboards, and other devices with your PC.
Featuring Bluetooth 5.0 and a compact USB design, the DG45 installs easily into any Windows computer and provides reliable connectivity and fast data transfers for everyday wireless needs.
Key Features
Bluetooth 5.0 standard for high-speed transfers up to 3 Mbps
Plug and play; installs automatically on Windows 10/8/7
Pairs with headphones, game controllers, keyboard, mouse, and more
Wireless range up to 33 feet
Compact USB design installs easily into any PC or laptop
Key Specs
Brand: Avantree
Dimensions:0.83 x 0.47 x 0.24 inches
Weight: 0.071 ounces
Windows Compatibility: Windows 11 / 10 / 8.1 / 8
Data Link Protocol: Bluetooth, USB
Compatible Devices: Headphones, speaker, keyboard, mouse, printer
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Fast, stable Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
Simple plug-and-play setup and use
Pairs reliably with a wide range of Bluetooth devices
Cons:
Shorter wireless range than some adapters
Basic design with limited advanced features
6. LIANO BT 5.1 - Best Bluetooth Adapter for PC Headphones
LIANO Bluetooth Adapter for PC
USB Bluetooth 5.1 Dongle Receiver [Windows 11/10/8.1 Driver-Free
The LIANO Bluetooth Adapter is a compact USB receiver designed for pairing Bluetooth devices with Windows computers. It features Bluetooth 5.1 for high-speed transfers and a stable wireless connection.
Also, this USB Bluetooth adapter installs easily into any Windows 11/10/8.1 PC or laptop. Simply plug it into a free USB port and the adapter will install the necessary drivers automatically (plug-and-play). It is not compatible with Windows 7 or earlier - drivers are required for those systems.
The LIANO Bluetooth Adapter offers an affordable, hassle-free wireless solution for pairing devices with Windows 11/10/8.1 PCs only. It features Bluetooth 5.1 and installs quickly via a USB port. For connecting headphones, speakers, and input devices to recent Windows systems, the ILANO adapter provides reliable, budget-friendly performance.
Key Features
Bluetooth 5.1 standard for high-speed transfers and stability
Plug and play on Windows 11/10/8.1 only - drivers required for 7 and earlier
Pairs with headphones, speakers, mouse, keyboard, and printers
Up to 3 Mbps data transfer speeds
Wireless range up to 33 feet
Compact USB design installs easily into any Windows PC
Key Specs
Brand: LIANO
Dimensions:1 x 1 x 1 inches
Weight:1.41 ounces
Windows Compatibility: WINDOWS 11/10/8.1
Data Link Protocol: Bluetooth, USB
Compatible Devices: PC, Laptop, Bluetooth Headphones, Bluetooth Mouse, Bluetooth Keyboard, Bluetooth Printer, Game Controller
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Simple plug-and-play setup for Windows 11/10/8.1
Fast, stable Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity
Inexpensive price
Cons:
Requires driver installation for Windows 7 and earlier
Shorter wireless range than some adapters
7. Onvian Bluetooth 5.0 - Best Bluetooth Adapter for PC Windows 11
Onvian Bluetooth 5.0 Adapter for PC
Long Range USB Bluetooth Dongle for PC Windows11/10/8/8.1/7
The Onvian Bluetooth Adapter features Bluetooth 5.0 for high-speed transfers and a long 328-foot wireless range. The USB design installs easily into Windows 11/10/8/8.1/7 PCs and laptops.
Simply plug the adapter into a free USB port and it will automatically install the necessary drivers. No additional software is required.
This Bluetooth adapter can connect with a variety of devices like headphones, speakers, mouse, keyboards, and printers. It provides data transfer speeds up to 3 Mbps and an impressive 328-foot (100m) wireless range - much further than typical Bluetooth adapters.
Key Features
Bluetooth 5.0 standard for high-speed transfers up to 3 Mbps
Incredibly long 328-foot (100m) wireless range
Plug and play; installs automatically on Windows 11/10/8/7
Pairs with headphones, mouse, keyboard, speakers, and more
Compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8, 8.1, and 7 PCs
Compact USB design installs easily into any computer
Key Specs
Brand: Onvian
Dimensions: 4.72 x 3.82 x 0.75 inches
Weight:1.13 ounces
Windows Compatibility: Windows 11/10/8/8.1//7
Data Link Protocol: Bluetooth, USB
Compatible Devices: Laptop, Desktop, Bluetooth Keyboard, Bluetooth Speakers, Bluetooth Mouse
Pros and Cons
Pros:
• Extremely long 328-foot wireless range
• Fast, stable Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
• Simple plug-and-play setup and use
• Pairs reliably with devices at extended distances
Cons:
• Shorter range than some PCIe card options
• Higher price than typical Bluetooth adapters
8. Plugable 5.0 Dongle - Best Advanced USB Bluetooth Adapter for PC
Plugable USB Bluetooth Adapter for PC
Bluetooth 5.0 Dongle Compatible with Windows, Add 7 Devices: Headphones, Speakers, Keyboard, Mouse, Printer
This Plugable adapter allows you to add Bluetooth connectivity to any PC or laptop with a USB port. It features Bluetooth 5.0 for high data transfer speeds of up to 2 Mbps and a range of up to 40 meters (over 130 feet).
The addition of Bluetooth 5.0 means that this adapter can transfer data at nearly twice the speed of Bluetooth 4.2 while also conserving power. Bluetooth 5.0 allows for 8x larger data packets which results in more efficient data transfers.
Also, this adapter uses a compact USB design which makes it simple to install - just plug it into any USB port and it will automatically install any necessary drivers. It is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11 operating systems.
Additionally, the Plugable Bluetooth adapter lets you pair up to 7 Bluetooth devices, including headphones, speakers, keyboards, mice, and printers. It provides a reliable, high-performance wireless connection for all of your Bluetooth-enabled devices.
Key Features
Bluetooth 5.0 for high data transfer speeds of up to 2 Mbps
Range of up to 40 meters (over 130 feet)
Compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 and 11
Pair up to 7 Bluetooth devices at once
Compact USB design - just plug it in!
2-year manufacturer warranty
Key Specs
Brand: Plugable
Dimensions: 5.24 x 3.5 x 0.59 inches
Weight:1.13 ounces
Windows Compatibility: Windows 11 and 10 desktops
Data Link Protocol: Bluetooth, USB
Compatible Devices: Laptop, Desktop, Bluetooth Keyboard, Bluetooth Speakers, Bluetooth Mouse
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Fast, stable Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
- Supports a wide range of Windows operating systems
- Pairs reliably with a variety of Bluetooth devices
- Backed by a 2-year warranty
Cons:
- Shorter range than some PCIe card options
Buying Guide: What to Look for When Buying the Best Bluetooth Adapter for PC?
Here are the most important things to consider when buying a Bluetooth adapter for your PC:
Bluetooth Standard
Newer versions like Bluetooth 5.0 and 5.1 offer faster speeds of up to 2-3 Mbps, greater stability, and longer battery life. However, all standards are backward compatible. Choose based on your needs and budget.
Wireless Range
This varies significantly between adapters, from just a few feet to over 300 feet. Consider the location of the Bluetooth devices you need to pair - if they'll be in another room or building, prioritize longer range. Class 1 adapters generally have the farthest range.
Device Compatibility
Check that the Bluetooth adapter supports connecting to your PC's operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux) and the specific Bluetooth devices you want to use, like headphones, speakers, keyboards, and mice. Some only work with certain systems.
Ease of Setup
USB adapters typically install via a simple plug-and-play process, while PCIe cards often require installing drivers. Consider which type of setup effort you prefer.
Features
Some advanced Bluetooth adapters offer multi-point pairing to connect multiple Bluetooth devices simultaneously, audio codecs like AAC and aptX, and USB ports for charging. Consider if any extra features will be useful for your needs.
Price
Higher prices generally mean a longer range, better performance, and additional features. But inexpensive adapters still work well for basic wireless connectivity needs. Set a budget that makes sense for you.
Reviews
Read user reviews to see how the Bluetooth adapter performs in real-world situations and common issues others have experienced. This can be very informative and help you make a confident purchase decision.
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Bluetooth Adapter for PC
Q. What is the best type of Bluetooth adapter?
USB adapters simply plug into any USB port on your desktop, laptop, or other device. They are easy to install but typically offer a shorter range and lower performance than PCIe adapters. PCIe adapters install inside the PC case and connect directly to the motherboard via a PCIe slot. They require opening the PC case and installing drivers.
Is there a Bluetooth 5.0 adapter for PC?
Yes, there are a number of Bluetooth 5.0 adapters available for PCs. Bluetooth 5.0 offers several benefits over older Bluetooth standards and it has up to 2 Mbps data transfer rate, nearly double that of Bluetooth 4.2. This enables faster file transfers and audio streaming.
How do I choose a Bluetooth adapter for my computer?
So in short, first decide if you need long-range and high performance (then get a PCIe adapter) or basic connectivity (a USB adapter works well). Next, consider your device compatibility needs and comfort level with setup and installation. Then check the Bluetooth version based on your transfer speed and stability requirements.
Do Bluetooth adapters work on PC?
Yes, Bluetooth adapters absolutely work on PCs! They allow PCs that do not have built-in Bluetooth connectivity to pair with and transmit data to Bluetooth devices, Wireless headphones, Speakers, Keyboards, Mice, Game controllers, Digital pens, and Printers.
Conclusion:
Bluetooth technology has made wirelessly connecting devices simpler and more convenient than ever. But for PCs without built-in Bluetooth, an external adapter is required to unlock this wireless functionality.
Overall, a quality Bluetooth adapter can enhance the capabilities of your PC by allowing it to wirelessly connect to a growing ecosystem of Bluetooth-enabled products. The added convenience and flexibility they provide make them a worthwhile upgrade for enhancing the wireless experience of your desktop or laptop computer.
While there are many choices available, focusing on your key needs and priorities will help you identify an adapter that suitably balances features, performance, and value for your unique situation. With the right adapter, your PC can gain the same wireless freedom enjoyed by smartphones and tablets.
