A PC without Bluetooth connection is not a problem anymore. There is no need to spend a fortune on a new laptop as you can just choose one of the best Bluetooth adapters and save your hard-earned money.
If Bluetooth receiver is a panacea for audio systems then Bluetooth adapter is the best choice for any laptop or desktop computer without Bluetooth connection. It’s a tiny thing, which sometimes may look like a USB Wi-Fi adapter, and which enables various connections. Nowadays Bluetooth adapter is a kind of a must for the owners of multiple wireless devices.
How to Choose The Best Bluetooth Adapter
When selecting Bluetooth adapter remember to check all crucial features any good product must have. Here’s the list of characteristics you should consider before choosing the best of the lot.
Compatibility
Obviously, the best Bluetooth adapter should support your PC and all devices you are going to connect it with. Almost all Bluetooth dongles are compatible with Windows OS but Linux or Mac OS can become a stumbling block. The best thing is to buy a highly compatible adapter which will serve you even if you decide to purchase a new PC with the other operating system.
Some operating systems support Plug-n-Play option (e.g. Windows 8/10). It means that you don’t need drivers to install a Bluetooth adapter. If such an option is not available then you can get drivers on the official website or on the CD attached to the product.
Bluetooth Technology
Another important thing to take into account is a Bluetooth version. Don’t buy Bluetooth adapter with Bluetooth version lower than 4.0 as its quality will definitely disappoint you. Bluetooth v4.0 and higher provides more range, so you can connect devices which are farther away from each other.
In addition to this, such version consumes less energy and that’s the crucial point for laptops. Note that if your dongle has Bluetooth v4.0, it is also backward compatible. It means that you can connect it to any other device with older Bluetooth versions.
Class 1 or 2
Choosing your best Bluetooth adapter, don’t forget to pay attention at its class. Class 1 adapters are suitable for industrial devices which need Bluetooth connectivity at long distances. As to class 2 adapters, they would be the best choice for consumer devices that aren’t aimed at long distances.
Transmission Distance
As you can already guess this feature depends on the pre-cited characteristics. Bluetooth adapters of class 1 can have a transmission distance of up to 330 feet. Class 2 dongles usually offer an operation range of only 33-60 feet. Still, always consider the quality of the connection. Sometimes devices with the same range may have different performance.
8 Best Bluetooth Adapters To Buy in 2019
Avantree USB Bluetooth 4.0 Adapter
Reasonably Priced USB Bluetooth Adapter For Windows
Having a Bluetooth adapter like this one can be a lifesaver if you need a cheap device for versatile connections. It supports such OS as Windows 10/8//7/Vista and even XP but isn’t compatible with Mac, Linux, TV or Car stereo systems.
If you have Windows 10 all you need to do to install this adapter and start enjoying its work is to plug it into a USB port. Windows Vista/XP/7 doesn’t provide auto-installation, so you will need to install a driver from the CD or download its free version from Avantree support site.
Avantree DG4OS is an excellent choice for wireless data transfer, VOIP calls or PC gaming. You can connect this adapter with Bluetooth tablets, printers, headphones or any other BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) devices.
- automatic installation on Windows 10
- Bluetooth 4.0 connection
- no Linux, Mac, TV or Car stereo support
- no aptX support
ASUS USB Adapter
The Best Bluetooth adapter for Windows 10
ASUS USB Adapter is designed with USB 2.0 interface and Bluetooth Low Energy Technology. It supports Bluetooth 2.0/2.1/3.0/4.0. As well as Avantree USB Bluetooth 4.0 this adapter is compatible with Windows OS (XP/7/8/10).
Besides, this network adapter has 3 Mbps data transfer rate and is quite easy to install. The only thing here to remember is that its operation range, which reaches up to 33 feet, can be reduced if your laptop or PC USB port is surrounded by metal construction.
- compatible with Windows/Xbox One S/latest smartphones
- good driver support
- automatic installation on Windows 10/8
- Bluetooth 4.0 connection
- limited operation range
- no Linux, Mac, TV or Car stereo support
Zexmte Bluetooth USB Adapter
Reliable Cheap Bluetooth Adapter
For a reasonable price you get a compact Bluetooth USB adapter designed for Windows OS. It has 3 Mbps transfer rate and up to 33 feet of operation range. Zexmte Bluetooth USB Adapter also provides Plug-n-Play option for Windows 8/10.
Zexmte Bluetooth USB Adapter supports BLE Technology and is compatible with Bluetooth V4/0/3.0/2.1/2.0/1.1. Thanks to its tiny size this Bluetooth dongle doesn’t block any surrounding USB ports when plugged into a computer, so you can leave it in. By the way, if you set up playback devices and disable Bluetooth hands-free audio you will get a better sound.
- compact design
- low price
- great customer service and tech support
- fits tightly in USB ports
- easy setup
- limited operation range
- no Linux, Mac, TV or Car stereo support
Plugable USB Bluetooth Adapter
The Best Bluetooth Adapter for Linux
Unlike all pre-cited Bluetooth adapters, this product supports not only Windows but also Linux OS. As to the latter, it requires additional software and setup and doesn’t support all Bluetooth profiles. Besides, this dongle is compatible with Raspberry Pi.
Plugable USB Bluetooth Adapter is suitable for a wide range of devices. As this adapter supports Bluetooth 4.0 it is compatible with Bluetooth Smart (BLE) devices, for example, iBeacons or Fitbit fitness trackers. Still, this option is unavailable in case you have Windows 7 or lower. This Bluetooth adapter is also energy efficient.
- compact design
- supports Windows/Linux OS and Raspberry Pi
- Bluetooth 4.0 connection
- 32 feet of transmission distance
- energy efficient
- no Mac, TV or Car stereo support
- speed could be faster
Kinivo BTD-400 Bluetooth USB Adapter
Very Compatible Bluetooth Adapter
Another highly compatible Bluetooth adapter is Kinivo BTD-400. It supports 32 bit as well as 64 bit Windows 10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP, Linux (Ubuntu, Mint, Fedora), Raspberry Pi and even Mac 2011 OS. By the by, there is plug and play option available for Windows 10/8.1/8.
Kinivo BTD-400 can be easily connected almost with all Bluetooth devices such as headphones, headsets, mobile phones, printers, etc. It supports BLE Technology and all Bluetooth connections up to v4.0 Class 2.
- compact design
- supports Windows/Linux/Mac OS/Raspberry Pi
- Bluetooth 4.0 connection
- 32 feet of transmission distance
- no TV or Car stereo support
- long installation
Avantree Long Range Bluetooth USB Adapter
The Best Bluetooth Adapter for Audio
Looking for the best Bluetooth adapter for speakers or headphones? Take a look at Avantree Bluetooth USB Adapter. It’s great for audio but doesn’t work for mouse, keyboards or game controllers This dongle supports Apple Macbook, desktop or laptop computers with Linux OS and PS4. Keep in mind, this Bluetooth adapter has a very easy installation that doesn’t need any drivers as there’s an option of Plug-n-Play available for all pre-cited devices and operating systems.
Avantree Bluetooth USB Adapter would be a perfect match for Roxa Plus, Clipper Plus, Apico and of course Avantree Audition Pro. Thanks to its newest aptX Low Latency technology you will be able to enjoy real-time apps. Besides, its transmission distance reaches up to 60 feet.
- supports PC/Apple Macbook/PC/ Linux OS/PS4
- 60 feet of operational range
- Plug-n-Play
- Bluetooth 4.1 connection
- only for audio
- no TV support
- expensive
ZTESY Bluetooth Adapter
Great Compact Bluetooth adapter
Here’s one more example of a great Bluetooth dongle. ZTESY Bluetooth Adapter has a compact size which means that it doesn’t block any ports either in laptop or PC. It supports BLE Technology and is compatible with all Bluetooth versions up to 4.0.
ZTESY Bluetooth Adapter provides Plug-n-Play option for Windows 8/10. It supports 32bit and 64bit Windows 10/8/7/Vista/XP and is compatible with different devices such as speakers, headsets, smartphones and others. Its operational range is the same Avantree DG4OS or Zexmte Bluetooth USB Adapter has and reaches up to 33 feet.
- compact design
- automatic installation on Windows 10/8
- Bluetooth 4.0 connection
- no Linux, Mac, TV or Car stereo support
TECHKEY Bluetooth Adapter
Transform your Windows PC or Laptop
Small and easy to use (plug and play design), the TECHKEY Bluetooth adapter is perfect for any USB device. With it, you can connect most laptops and PCs with wireless headphones, keyboards, mice, speakers, and more.
It works with all versions of Windows OS (Windows 7 needs a driver though), Linux, and Raspberry pi but it will not work with Mac devices, TVs or stereos systems.
Once installed, the dongle provides a Bluetooth 4.0 connection and a range of 33 feet around the device. This means you’ll get high-end audio quality and no lags. It also has an Enhanced Data Rate (EDR) technology, so you get up to 3 Mbps data transfers.
Finally, the paired devices remember the connection, so unless you change the settings, each device will connect automatically when turned on. This eliminates those frustrating pairing sessions and makes your day a lot smoother.
- Compact design
- Plug and Play design
- High-end audio quality
- Phenomenal range
- Accepts multiple connections
- High-speed data transfer rates
- Easy to lose when out of a USB port
- Windows 7 needs a driver
- Doesn’t work with Mac devices
- Sensitive to shielding
Summary
Bluetooth adapter is a great solution for old versions of laptops or PCs. It will easily connect your smartphone or headphones to the computer and let you enjoy gaming or movie to the full.
any type-c bluetooth adapters? would prefer not to use a type-c to usb to connect a bluetooth adapter. Need one for my xp-pen tablet
Hi Todd,
Unfortunately we weren’t able to find one =(
Thanks for the recommendation of the two devices for Linux (Plugable and Kinivo). However, both of them are based on a Broadcom chip that requires the manual installation of proprietary firmware to work (hopefully) properly.
For the sake of completeness, you should also list “Penguin USB Bluetooth 4.0 Micro Adapter (TPE-USBBLUV4)”, which does not require any proprietary firmware.
For Mac uers, I can recommend the Avantree DG40S. I use with with my iMac (El Capitan) and it even communicates with my Apple Magic Mouse 2, which is very selective with Bluetooth adapters.
I also read that the Kinivo BTD-400 works well with Macs.
Please note that Avantree long range bluetooth USB adapter is only for audio and not for data transfer. I bought one and only noticed after I used it. My fault for not paying attention to the long product name.
look into a standard Ubuntu install ( or any main derivative)
and use Lutris, Steam or crossover(maybe?)
Ive been looking to set up a lutris interface and it seems very awesome so far, (think steam without some creapy company looking to make cash)
Ubuntu are best supported in the linux world and all the ways to play weird games that support linux will support ubuntu first
Why no Bluetooth 5.0 adapters in your list?
Because there are none worth mentioning at this point.
Do all the dongles support Bluetooth LE, or just the ones that specifically say so?
It’s a new “normal” so they all should. But still, check the specs. For example, Techkey dongle doesn’t add BLE to Windows 7 or earlier while it works in Win 8 or newer.
I am considering replacing my USB cord with a USB Bluetooth receiver for use in my vehicle’s USB outlet. I want to wirelessly connect Android Auto from my phone to my car through the USB outlet instead of using the cord. Are there any compatible Bluetooth USB dongles available that would do this?
Hi Shawn,
No. And from what I understand, it wouldn’t work anyway https://www.lifewire.com/android-auto-wireless-4176354
Good day! I plan to use a Bluetooth 4.1 headphone on my pc, but my motherboard doesn’t have the bluetooth technology so I need an adapter. Do you know if a bluetooth 4.0 adapter would work with a 4.1 headphone?
Hi Samuel,
Bluetooth is backwards compatible so yes, it will work.
Hi there
Thanks for the great article.. almost just ordered a usb2bluetooth dongle, how hard can it be? 🙂
I wanna use it for music from my stationary computer – for good quality music 2 headphones, BUT also to reach my TV via the Google Dongle Chromecast G3.
1) You write that all of them are not suited for TV (hope that means they can’t be a TV dongle (as the Chromecast)) but okay to sent from the PC – to the Chromecast
But what would you recommend here ? smooth good stream quality important
Thanks.
Hi,
Unfortunately, we don’t have experience with Chromecast g3 so it’s difficult for us to advise on that. All dongles in our list use BT 4.0 so the stream quality should be pretty much the same. You may try Techkey as it’s relatively new.