The 10 Best Bluetooth Adapters

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Penned by Austin Carroll

Austin Carroll is a writer and web designer from Eugene, Oregon. He's been at HGG for five years and maintains an active role designing and develop... Read more

Reviewed by Benjamin Barr

Much of today’s best wireless gear runs on Bluetooth. Why? Because Bluetooth is quick, stable, and convenient, making it an excellent option for wireless connectivity. But what if your device doesn’t have Bluetooth support — is there any way to use your wireless gear? The answer is a resounding yes! All you need is one of the best Bluetooth adapters.

Bluetooth adapters provide the acclaimed wireless standard to devices that offer limited or no native support out of the box. From PC and Mac to PS4 and Nintendo Switch, these adapters open up your ability to use Bluetooth-enabled keyboards, headsets, and controllers on just about any platform, anytime.

If you want to up your game and start using Bluetooth technology, we’ve created this article outlining the top adapters available. Inside, we’ll go over this year’s top picks and take a look at the technology that makes this wireless standard such an excellent option for gaming. Sound like a plan? Let’s jump right in!

Zoom Out: Comparison Table of the 10 Best Bluetooth Adapters

Here’s a quick overview of the top options on the market. For a closer look at each adapter, check out the Zoom In section below.

Image	Product	Bluetooth	USB	Price
	1. ASUS BT-500	5.0	Type-A 2.0
	2. Sabrent BT-UB40	4.0	Type-A 2.0
	3. EDUP Bluetooth + WiFi	4.2	Type-A 2.0
	4. Creative BT-W3	5.0	Type-C
	5. Plugable ‎USB-BT4LE	4.0	Type-A 2.0
	6. Avantree Leaf DG50	4.1	Type-A 2.0
	7. TP-Link UB400	4.0	Type-A 2.0
	8. HomeSpot Bluetooth 5.0	5.0	Type-C
	9. Techkey BT-06B	4.0	Type-A 2.0
	10. ZEXMTE Bluetooth Dongle	4.0	Type-A 2.0

Zoom In: Top 10 Best Bluetooth Adapters

Now it’s time to take an in-depth look at the top 10 Bluetooth adapters on the market.

1. ASUS BT-500

The best Bluetooth adapter overall

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Manufacturer: ASUS | Bluetooth: 5.0 | USB: Type-A 2.0 | Supports: Windows 10+ / Linux | Price: 💰💰

ASUS is one of the most reputable electronic makers in the business, and their BT-500 Bluetooth Adapter lives up to the hype ⁠— and then some.

What makes this USB adapter so special? For starters, it costs under $20, making it incredibly affordable, even on tight budgets. It also syncs seamlessly with Windows 10 (and Linux) to provide Bluetooth functionality in a matter of seconds! Simply plug into a free USB port, follow the minute-long setup, and you’ve got instant access to Bluetooth with an advertised range up to 10 meters (though the range is probably closer to half of that)!

The low-energy design places near-zero strain on your hardware, and the USB 2.0 interface ensures broad compatibility with new and legacy hardware. It’s truly the best Bluetooth receiver for PC on the market.

2. Sabrent BT-UB40

The best budget Bluetooth adapter

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Manufacturer: Sabrent | Bluetooth: 4.0 | USB: Type-A 2.0 | Supports: Windows 8+ | Price: 💰

Are you a PC gamer seeking an affordable solution for your Bluetooth peripherals? If so, the Sabrent BT-UB40 has you covered. 

For well under $10, this bad boy provides Bluetooth functionality to your Windows 8+ machine with little fuss or hassle. Plug it into an empty USB port, wait for the automatic software download, and you’re good to go. Editor’s Note: You may want to uninstall the software afterward, as its notifications can become quite annoying.

In terms of style, the BT-UB40 sports a sleek black design with an ultra-slim form factor that blends beautifully with most gaming aesthetics.

3. EDUP Bluetooth + WiFi

The best long-range Bluetooth adapter

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Manufacturer: EDUP | Bluetooth: 4.2 | USB: Type-A 2.0 | Supports: Windows 7+ | Price: 💰💰

Next up is a unique 2-in-1 adapter designed to supplement all your wireless gaming needs.

That’s right ⁠— the EDUP Bluetooth + WiFi adapter provides, well, Bluetooth and WiFi on your Windows machine! The plug-and-play design slides into any empty USB slot and instantly enables Bluetooth 4.2 (a significant upgrade from 4.0) and dual-band wireless speeds up to 600Mbps. As for stability? Users rave about the long-range antenna, which provides a consistent Bluetooth and wireless connection over many meters.

There are, of course, reports of a few duds in the batch. But overall, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive. That is, the EDUP is an excellent Bluetooth and WiFi adapter for gaming and everyday entertainment.

4. Creative BT-W3

The best Bluetooth adapter for audio

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Manufacturer: Creative | Bluetooth: 5.0 | USB: Type-C | Supports: Windows 10+ / Mac OS X 10.12+ / PS4 / Nintendo Switch | Price: 💰💰💰💰

If you’re seeking a Bluetooth adapter for audio input/output, you can’t go wrong with this dongle from Creative, the King of Audio.

This simple adapter is the go-to choice for gaming headphones, plugging right into any empty USB-C slot on your computer or console to deliver angelic audio straight to your ears. It’s also ideal for voice comms, as you can use the supplementary 3.5mm adapter to plug into your computer, PS4, or Switch jacks for crystal-clear communication in today’s most popular titles.

The major downside? The Creative BT-W3 requires both adapters ⁠— the USB-C and supplementary 3.5mm connector ⁠— to listen and chat over Bluetooth. This is a major downside if you want to use your headset’s built-in mic, as this is impossible using the BT-W3. Fortunately, Creative’s previous iteration, the BT-W2, provides output and input in a single adapter to provide such functionality (unfortunately, the device is built atop a much older Bluetooth 2.1 standard).

While not perfect, Creative’s audio transmission quality is second to none, and it more than earns its spot on this list of best Bluetooth adapters.

5. Plugable ‎USB-BT4LE

The best Bluetooth adapter for PC and Linux

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Manufacturer: Plugable | Bluetooth: 4.0 | USB: Type-A 2.0 | Supports: Windows 7+ / Linux | Price: 💰💰💰

If you’re looking for a simple plug-and-play adapter manufacturer, how can you go wrong with a company called Plugable? Hint: you can’t!

Designed with adaptability in mind, the Plugable USB-BT4LE connects to all your Bluetooth peripherals, including keyboards, mice, headsets, and more. It features a range of up to 32 feet and a design validated by Bluetooth SIG, an official group that certifies high-quality Bluetooth accessories.

This adapter costs over $20, meaning you are paying a premium for such high-quality in such a small package. But if the sky-high ratings and two-year warranty are any indicators, this wireless accessory is well worth it.

6. Avantree Leaf DG50

The best Bluetooth adapter for Mac

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Manufacturer: Avantree | Bluetooth: 4.1 | USB: Type-A 2.0 | Supports: Windows / Mac OS X / PS4 / Nintendo Switch | Price: 💰💰💰

Take one look at the Avantree Leaf DG50, and you’ll notice something a bit strange. Namely, the form factor measures 2.6 x 0.7 inches, or nearly twice as big as the other options on our list. Why is it so much bigger than the competitors? Simple! The Avantree Leaf packs more features than anyone else!

First of all, this Bluetooth adapter works with PC, Mac, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch, making it a standout option among all the PC-only adapters. But it doesn’t stop there. The Avantree also supports connections up to 20 meters (that’s over 60 feet) away! Best of all, the Bluetooth audio quality is something to behold thanks to the aptX Low Latency technology that delivers crystal clear sound with zero lag.

The only problem? With so many features comes a greater chance to disappoint. While the Avantree Leaf is still highly rated, some features may not work as advertised. From reviewer’s frustrations about a lack of range when obstacles are in the way to comments about a complicated installation, the Avantree Leaf shows that sometimes, simpler is better.

7. TP-Link UB400

The best Bluetooth adapter for console controllers

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Manufacturer: TP-Link | Bluetooth: 4.0 | USB: Type-A 2.0 | Supports: Windows 7+ / Linux | Price: 💰💰

TP-Link has been a household name in the wireless industry for decades, and their UB400 Bluetooth adapter reminds us why.

This little dongle works on Windows XP through 10 to provide Bluetooth 4.0 functionality in a flash. It’s so plug-and-play that you don’t even need to install any drivers — it works right from the get-go! The Bluetooth Low Energy standard is ultra-reliable without diminishing your PC’s precious computing power, and the device provides an official wireless range up to 65 feet!

You’re probably expecting a sky-high price for all this raw power in one nano-sized form factor. But no, the UB400 comes in under $10! Although it’s reported to sync better with PS4 controllers than their Xbox counterparts, this little device is still the best option for using console controls on PC.

8. HomeSpot Bluetooth 5.0

The best Bluetooth adapter for Nintendo Switch

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Manufacturer: HomeSpot | Bluetooth: 5.0 | USB: Type-C | Supports: Nintendo Switch | Price: 💰💰💰

The HomeSpot Bluetooth 5.0 adapter plugs into your Nintendo Switch’s USB-C port to provide Bluetooth functionality in a pinch. What’s more, it supports today’s most popular audio peripherals, including options from Sony, Bose, even Apple (bonus style points if you’re using AirPods). 

In terms of design, the dongle mimics the color palette of Nintendo’s acclaimed console and sits flush with the underside of the Switch. The only downside to this flush design is that it doesn’t work when used in tandem with protective cases, leaving a frustrating process of removing yours every time you want to use a Bluetooth device.

Look past this minor caveat, however, and you’ll find a mic built into the dongle! That’s right, no separate microphone required — just speak aloud to communicate with friends when using your Switch in handheld mode.

Perhaps the best part of the HomeSpot is its proprietary hardware, which combines with Qualcomm’s aptX chipset to deliver low latency input/output for stunning audio quality across Bluetooth 5.0.

9. Techkey BT-06B

The best Bluetooth dongle

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Manufacturer: Techkey | Bluetooth: 4.0 | USB: Type-A 2.0 | Supports: Windows XP+ | Price: 💰

The Techkey BT-06B is the best Bluetooth dongle for folks seeking a simple, compact adapter with wireless data transfer rates up to 3Mbps. This unit plugs directly into your Windows device (laptop or desktop) via USB 2.0 to provide Bluetooth in a pinch.

While it doesn’t feature many bells and whistles, the great thing about the Techkey USB is that it just works. Once plugged in, drivers install automatically, and you’re ready to connect to your Bluetooth devices in a matter of minutes. 

Unlike competing options, the Techkey also offers troubleshooting support right from the get-go. The device comes with a user manual and mini-CD to boot up should you face any issues. 

10. ZEXMTE Bluetooth Dongle

The best BLE Bluetooth adapter

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Manufacturer: ZEXMTE | Bluetooth: 4.0 | USB: Type-A 2.0 | Supports: Windows XP+ | Price: 💰

If you’re on a lower-end PC and seeking a small yet consistent Bluetooth adapter that doesn’t consume much power, the ZEXMTE is your best bet.

Like other devices on this list, the ZEXMTE plugs into your USB port for instant Bluetooth capabilities on the fly. It works with Windows XP through to Windows 10, delivering BT 4.0 that extends up to 10 meters.

Where this device sets itself apart, however, is in its BLE or Bluetooth Low Energy and EDR or Enhanced Data Rate support, which improve transmission without using much processing power.

Bluetooth Adapter Guide Part I: What Is a Bluetooth Adapter?

What is a Bluetooth adapter, you ask? Let’s first define Bluetooth itself:

Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology that allows devices in close proximity to communicate with one another via UHF radio waves.

Simple enough, right? The thing is, Bluetooth only works if the devices in question are equipped with Bluetooth functionality. What happens when you want to connect a nearby device that doesn’t have Bluetooth? Well, that’s where the best Bluetooth adapters come in!

A Bluetooth adapter is a small dongle that plugs into an electronic device to provide Bluetooth functionality. These dongles commonly take the form of a USB Type-A input, though you’ll also find options that work through USB Type-C, auxiliary, and/or HDMI ports.

What they all share in common is the power to give the receiving device (most commonly computers and game consoles) the ability to communicate with other Bluetooth-powered devices, e.g., headsets, keyboards, and smartphones. In terms of gaming, this provides low latency wireless connectivity for optimal performance.

Bluetooth Adapter Guide Part II: Choosing the Best Bluetooth Adapter

Let’s look at the primary considerations that go into choosing the best Bluetooth adapter for your setup.

• Device & Input Type
• Compatibility
• Size & Design
• Features

First, you need to ensure that the Bluetooth adapter works with your particular device, as compatibility does vary. Even if the adapter fits a port on your machine, that’s not a guarantee it’ll work. Inspect the listing closely to ensure that it works for your intended usage (we’ve outlined official compatibility points in our guide).

From there, it comes down to design and additional features. Consider an inconspicuous model that fits in with your overall color scheme if you’d like it to blend in, or a colorful option if you’re seeking something that pops! Feature-wise, low energy consumption is always a plus, but look out for other little perks that sweeten the deal.

Our Process

For this guide on the best Bluetooth adapters, our writers spent 4 hours researching over 50 of the most popular options from brands big and small. After comparing this data, we then read over 200 user reviews and narrowed our list down to the top 10 Bluetooth adapters on the market. All of this research adds up to recommendations you can trust.

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