The 7 Best Bluetooth Adapters


Are you sick of the tangled web of cables? Does every attempt at cable management leave you weeping? Perhaps it’s time to dump the wires for Bluetooth devices and use a Bluetooth adapter to keep everything neat.

Bluetooth adapters are a godsend if you’re looking to shore up ports on your computer, not to mention gaming consoles, too. But what if Bluetooth receivers already occupy said ports for the mouse or keyboard? No worries! It’s not uncommon for Bluetooth adapters to work simultaneously with multiple devices.

Whether it’s used as a central hub for Bluetooth-enabled devices, for transferring data, or both, here are seven of the best Bluetooth adapters available.

Your drawers are practically spilling with Bluetooth devices, and who can blame you? Bluetooth technology is so convenient and gets rid of so many cables! If you can’t bring yourself to cut back, it’s best to consolidate all your Bluetooth devices to one adapter: the Asus BT500.

For starters, the Asus BT500 connects to up to seven devices simultaneously—headsets, speakers, gaming controllers, keyboards, gaming mice, printers, and even mobile devices. But what’s arguably the Asus BT500’s best feature is that it’s backward compatible with Bluetooth devices as far back as version 2.1. There’s no fuss to get started either; simply plug the Asus BT500 into the nearest USB, and you’re good to go.

Performance-wise, the Asus BT500 is impressive, reaching Bluetooth-enabled devices as far off as 130 feet. With the addition of EDR technology, the Asus BT500 has a much faster data transfer rate, helping it reach speeds up to 3MBps. If you have half a dozen Bluetooth-enabled devices, the Asus BT500 will be your new best friend.

Key Features

  • Backwards compatibility with Bluetooth 2.1, 3.X, and 4.X
  • EDR technology
  • Pairs with up to 7 devices
Specifications

  • Brand: Asus
  • Input: USB
  • Output: Bluetooth 5.0
  • Cable Included: No
Pros

  • Great transfer speeds
  • Small and compact
  • Works with niche hardware like Raspberry Pi
Cons

  • Mac and Linux users have to look elsewhere

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Finding a Bluetooth adapter that works across various operating systems is a nightmare. Some support Windows, but not macOS; Linux, but not Windows. And what about niche devices like Raspberry Pi? With the Kinivo BTD-400, that’s no longer an issue.

The Kinivo BTD-400 comes with excellent multi-OS support: Windows as far back as XP (32-bit and 64-bit), Linux Ubuntu, Mint, and Fedora, and even Raspberry Pi. More importantly, it can connect with as many as seven devices simultaneously. It’s the ideal Bluetooth adapter for tech gurus who load their primary device with various peripherals, from headsets to controllers.

As far as performance is concerned, the Kinivo BTD-400 has a respectable maximum range of 33 feet. It isn’t long-distance, per se, but due to its maximum distance, the Kinivo BTD-400 is best placed in an office or a gamer’s battle station and stay there. That also allows it to make the most of its solid and consistent 1Mbps transfer speeds. If you can’t stick to one brand, the Kinivo BTD-400 is the way to go.

Key Features

  • Supports MacOS, Linux, Windows, and Raspberry Pi
  • Data transfer rate up to 3Mbps
  • Wireless range up to 33 feet
Specifications

  • Brand: Kinivo
  • Input: USB
  • Output: Bluetooth 4.0
  • Cable Included: No
Pros

  • Connects with as many as 7 devices
  • Plug-and-play design
  • Ideal choice if you own a variety of operating systems
Cons

  • Won’t connect with wireless headsets connected to popular consoles

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For those who primarily game on a PC, you already know how ridiculous your desk can get with half a dozen cables (or more) going every which way. There are cables for your speakers, mouse, keyboard, headset, and controllers—and let’s not get started on streaming accessories. So, why not free up your most essential devices with the TP-Link UB400 Bluetooth Adapter?

Thanks to EDR technology, the TP-Link UB400 has a maximum transmission range of 65 feet and data transfer speeds of up to 3Mbps. In addition, it can pair with seven devices in total—this means the TP-Link UB400 can handle multiple devices simultaneously while maintaining a robust and reliable connection. So, connect all your accessories and peripherals without worrying about connection issues!

The TP-Link UB400 comes plug-and-play ready for Windows 8 to Windows 11, no driver required, though Windows 7 and XP will need one (which is free). But hey, how often do Bluetooth devices support Windows XP? In other words: the TP-Link UB400 is the best Bluetooth adapter for PC gamers.

Key Features

  • Compatible with Windows XP to Windows 11
  • EDR technology
  • A2DP technology
Specifications

  • Brand: TP-Link
  • Input: USB
  • Output: Bluetooth 4.0
  • Cable Included: No
Pros

  • Great data transfer speeds
  • Really good transmission distance
  • Ideal choice for PC gamers

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A general rule of thumb with Bluetooth devices is that the further away you are from the source, the weaker the connection. That’s not helpful if, say, you run a small business or have a myriad of Bluetooth-enabled devices all over your home. If you need a robust and reliable connection over great distances, the ZEXMTE DG69 is doing some serious work.

How so? Well, unlike other Bluetooth adapters, the ZEXMTE DG69 sports a large antenna, and it isn’t just for show. With the help of Class 1 radio technology, you can connect to the Zexmte DG69 from 328 feet away and still maintain a great connection. On top of that, it comes with fast data transfer speeds reaching as much as 3Mbps. And don’t worry about traffic jamming your signal—the Zexmte DG69 takes care of that by completely ignoring 2.4 GHz frequencies.

If you aren’t sure if the Zexmte DG69 is for you, ask yourself: Do you have several Class 1 Bluetooth devices? Are your devices exclusively Windows-based? Do you have a large room? If you said yes to most of those questions, then the Zexmte DG69 is the best Bluetooth adapter for you.

Key Features

  • High gain antenna extends transmission range
  • Backwards compatible with Bluetooth 2.0, 2.1, 3.0, 4.0, and 4.2
  • EDR support
Specifications

  • Brand: ZEXMTE
  • Input: USB
  • Output: Bluetooth 5.0
  • Cable Included: No
Pros

  • Massive transmission range
  • Ideal option in an office setting
  • Bluetooth 5.1 model available
Cons

  • Requires Class 1 devices to make the most of its transmission range

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It’s understood that sending data using Bluetooth is affected by distance, but it can also cause issues with audio, like lag and sound quality reduction. With the Avantree DG80 Bluetooth Adapter, you can put all those worries aside.

For starters, the Avantree DG80 is specifically designed for audio, featuring both AptX Low Latency and FastStream support. That means you can sit back and enjoy excellent sound quality while keeping the audio synced with what’s playing on the television. In fact, if you have a Bluetooth surround sound system that spans the entire room, the Avantree DG80’s 100-foot transmission range will ensure the connection to your speakers remains solid and reliable.

As an audio-only Bluetooth adapter, the Avantree DG80 is best utilized as a central hub for audiophiles, whether it’s the soundbar at their TV or as a wireless adapter for a Bluetooth headset connected to a compatible console.

Key Features

  • Compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, PS4, PS5, Switch
  • Audio-only
  • Transmission range up to 100 feet
Specifications

  • Brand: Avantree
  • Input: USB
  • Output: Bluetooth 5.0
  • Cable Included: No
Pros

  • Doesn’t hinder sound quality
  • Lag-free audio performance
  • Ideal choice for enjoying cinematic entertainment
Cons

  • Lack of support for Xbox consoles

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Maybe you have a respectable entertainment center—a good soundbar, a headset, and a current-gen console. You like gaming from the couch but don’t like the idea of wires all around you. If there’s any Bluetooth adapter that can solve those issues, look to the Avantree Leaf Class 1 for help.

What makes the Avantree Leaf Class 1 an excellent choice for gaming on the couch is its ability to transfer sound while simultaneously capturing the audio from your headset’s microphone. More importantly, you’ll still experience good audio quality that’s lag-free, thanks to the Avantree Leaf Class 1’s support for AptX Low Latency and FastStream.

Best of all, you won’t have to worry about poor connection quality. With Bluetooth Class 1 technology, the Avantree Leaf Class 1 has a long-range transmission that reaches up to 60 feet, which is undoubtedly more than enough if you’re only sitting on the couch or at a desk. Simply plug in the device—no driver download required—and enjoy the entertainment!

Key Features

  • Audio-only
  • Compatible with Wndows, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Switch
  • Plug-and-play design
Specifications

  • Brand: Avantree
  • Input: USB
  • Output: Bluetooth 4.1
  • Cable Included: No
Pros

  • Lag-free audio performance
  • Allows voice and audio to be captured
  • Good transmission range
Cons

  • Audio quality is downgraded a bit to make room for voice chat

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Logitech designs a variety of computer peripherals that are often affordable and of uncommonly good quality, not to mention reliable performance and hardware to boot. If you feel the same and have collected several wireless Logitech devices recently, then there’s a good chance you’re running short on USB ports. Why waste USB ports when a single Logitech C-U0007 would do the trick?

What the Logitech C-U0007 does is act as a central hub for all your compatible Logitech devices—compatible with any device sporting a Unifying logo (an orange stamp with a black star). Up to six devices can be connected simultaneously to the C-U0007, including keyboards, computer mice, speakers, and even microphones.

Bringing everything together requires a good connection, of course, so Logitech saw fit that the C-U0007 be fitted with a robust 2.4 GHz connection that can reach up to 33 feet. With that range and performance, you won’t have to worry about lag in the foreseeable future.

Key Features

  • Transmission range up to 33 feet
  • 2.4Ghz wireless connection
  • Connects up to 6 Logitech-branded devices
Specifications

  • Brand: Logitech
  • Input: USB
  • Output: 2.4GHz
  • Cable Included: No
Pros

  • Ideal if you own multiple wireless Logitech devices
  • Easy to set up
  • Useful as a replacement for lost receivers
Cons

  • Limited to Logitech devices with the Unifying logo

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FAQ

Q: What Is Plug-and-Play?

Simply put, a plug-and-play device will work as soon as you plug it in.

For two devices to communicate, like a computer mouse and a PC, they need to be able to “speak” to one another. To make this happen, your PC must have a driver who can speak the device’s language. Thankfully, plugging in a device tends to initiate the installation for the said driver, but even then, the two may not be compatible.

A device that is plug-and-play ready does not require installing a driver.

Q: What Is EDR?

Several Bluetooth devices will state they support “EDR”—an acronym for Enhanced Data Rate.

Every Bluetooth device has a specific limitation to its ability to transfer data. However, if the device supports EDR, its data transfer rate is increased substantially, as much as two to four times. It’s definitely something you want to look for in a Bluetooth device, especially if data transfer is a concern.

Q: What Should I Look for in a Bluetooth Adapter?

When deciding on a Bluetooth adapter, you must consider three aspects: range, compatibility, and Bluetooth version. From there, it’s just a matter of determining what’s most important.

For example, are you primarily a PC gamer? Then a device with the latest compatible Bluetooth version should be your priority, with the range being the least of your concerns. If you run a small business, range and compatibility should be the priority, provided you can score a Bluetooth adapter with Bluetooth 4.0 or later.


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