Wireless connectivity has become indispensable to all of us. And, we’re not just talking about Wi-Fi, mind you. In fact, Bluetooth connectivity has also become equally important, thanks to the influx of wireless headphones, wearables, and other smart gadgets that leverage the technology for seamless operation. Needless to say, if your PC or laptop doesn’t have a Bluetooth card (or it has got damaged), you’d be wise to get a Bluetooth adapter for your PC.
Bluetooth 5.0 wireless technology brings a slew of new features to the mix. It’s fast and has a wider range as well. If we talk numbers, the range is almost four times compared to the previous version which is always welcome. At the same time, it promises better audio quality, should you decide to connect your Bluetooth wireless earphones to your PC or laptop.
Read on to find our recommendations for the best Bluetooth adapters for Windows PC. But before that,
- Here are the top-rated Bluetooth audio adapters for home stereo
- Game like a pro with these cool PS5 Bluetooth adapters for audio
Let’s now jump to some of the best Bluetooth adapters for Windows.
1. Maxuni USB Bluetooth 5.0 Adapter
If you do not want to spend too much on a Bluetooth adapter, the Maxuni USB adapter is the perfect pick. It’s a simple plug-and-play device that interfaces with your PC’s USB-A port. It’s tiny and doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb when plugged in.
The Maxuni USB Bluetooth adapter can connect with any wireless device like wireless speakers and headphones. However, you should keep your expectations in check in terms of the audio output. On the upside, the adapter keeps latency at bay, and you should be able to watch videos without any issues.
The Maxuni USB Bluetooth adapter has a compact build, and you shouldn’t have any issues blocking the other ports of your laptop or PC. It’s priced well and works great for its price.
One con as per the reviews though is that if you plug it into the USB-A port on the rear of your PC, you may face some distortion which isn’t desirable. So, it’s best to use a port that is positioned towards the front of your PC’s cabinet.
2. Techkey USB Mini Bluetooth Adapter
The Techkey Bluetooth Adapter is perhaps one of the most popular USB adapters out there. It’s slim and sleek and doesn’t take up too much space. The best thing is that it supports several devices, be it Bluetooth speakers, Xbox One controllers, or wireless keyboards. It works out of the box on Windows 11 machines and doesn’t route you through websites for additional drivers.
As for the sound quality, the adapter reciprocates audio with minimum latency, especially when paired with speakers and headphones. However, it doesn’t gel well with gaming controllers and quite a few users have complained of high latency and connection issues.
If you plan on gaming with a wireless gaming keyboard though, you should be in the clear. Aside from that, the adapter offers adequate range, with several users backing these claims.
Though it’s a plug-and-play device, you can install the drivers manually if you have a system running an older version of Windows. Do note that the device also limits Bluetooth coverage if it’s plugged into the I/O positioned at the back of your PC’s cabinet.
3. ASUS USB-BT500 Bluetooth 5.0 Adapter
Up next, we have a wireless Bluetooth adapter for PCs from ASUS. It supports a variety of devices like speakers, keyboards, and wireless mice, among others. It works as advertised and has a decent range. Plus, the adapter comes from a reputed brand, which is great.
Many users have praised the functional range of the ASUS USB-BT500 USB adapter. In fact, you can walk around a medium-sized house without experiencing any drop in connection, provided you have an open floor plan. This is quite useful if you like to walk or dance while listening to music.
Do note that while it is a plug-and-play Bluetooth adapter, you might have to contend with installing drivers on some PCs. It should be a straightforward process but if you’re unable to, ASUS’ support team is quite helpful.
Nevertheless, the adapter pairs quickly when the PC is restarted — something that is rare with cheap USB receivers. So far, it has received many user reviews, with people praising it for its range and value-for-money proposition.
4. Avantree DG60
If you are looking for an advanced Bluetooth dongle, you can’t go wrong with the Avantree DG60. It’s slightly expensive, but it comes with a broadcast feature of sorts that can relay audio to up to 100 Alto Clair or Audition Pro headphones simultaneously. Crazy, right?
And, you can also take advantage of the aptX HD Bluetooth codec, should you own a pair of compatible earphones or headphones. The range is great and so is the consistency of the connection. Though it tends to play well with speakers and earphones, some users have reported latency in the audio when it’s connected to gaming devices. It should ideally be the perfect companion for your wireless headphones compatible with the aptX codec.
That said, the DG60 isn’t small and compact, like some other options on the list. It also comes with a swiveling antenna that sticks out. As a result, you will not be able to enjoy the durability that you’d get with its counterparts as you have to be careful about how you place the adapter.
It’s also worth noting that the Avantree DG60 is strictly meant to be used only with audio accessories. So, if you’re planning to use a wireless mouse or keyboard with your PC, you will have to get a different Bluetooth adapter.
5. Avantree C81 USB-C Bluetooth Audio Adapter
As mentioned above, most Bluetooth dongles work best when plugged into the USB ports toward the front of your PC’s case. The reason is, there’s usually some interference when you plug the dongle into the rear USB ports.
So, if you have a new PC, chances are that the USB ports on the front are all USB-C. That’s where the Avantree C81 USB-C Bluetooth adapter comes in handy. You don’t need an additional converter as it plugs right into the USB-C port.
It also works on a plug-and-play basis so you don’t require any drivers. Reviews say that the Avantree C81 also functions well as a Bluetooth adapter for a gaming PC, or even when plugged into the PlayStation 5. So, if you also happen to have the console, The C81 should be a great purchase.
Note that just like the DG60 from Avantree, the C81 is also geared for audio. More notably, you can connect up to two headphones at once with the receiver.
6. Creative BT-W3
The biggest differentiator between the Creative Bluetooth 5.0 adapter and the Avantree C81 is that the former supports additional codecs. If you have compatible headphones, you can take advantage of superior audio quality.
The rest of the product is pretty much the same. It plugs into the USB-C port on your PC or laptop. There’s an LED on top indicating the connection status. It works on a plug-and-play basis so it’s simple to use.
Just like the product from Avantree, the Creative BT-W3 is also optimized to work with the PS5. So, if you’re looking for a Bluetooth adapter for the PS5 and your PC, the BT-W3 should solve all your woes.
Say Goodbye to Cables
Most of these Bluetooth adapters for PCs are easy to use and work out of the box. You also don’t have to worry about the Bluetooth adapters crowding your USB ports, thanks to their petite designs. So, what are you waiting for? Let us know which adapter tickles your fancy in the comments below!
Last updated on 25 April, 2023
The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.
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