8 Best Bluetooth Adapters in 2020
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 2020
| Preview | Product | |
|---|---|---|
 | Avantree DG40S USB Bluetooth Adapter for PC, Bluetooth Dongle for Desktop Laptop Computer, Mouse,... | Check at Amazon |
 | ASUS USB-BT400 USB Adapter w/ Bluetooth Dongle Receiver, Laptop & PC Support, Windows 10 Plug and... | Check at Amazon |
 | USB Bluetooth Adapter for PC - Bluetooth Dongle for PC Windows 10/8/7 - PC to Bluetooth Adapter -... | Check at Amazon |
 | Plugable USB Bluetooth 4.0 Low Energy Micro Adapter (Compatible with Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7,... | Check at Amazon |
 | Kinivo BTD-400 Bluetooth 4.0 Low Energy USB adapter - For Windows 10/8.1/8 / 7 / Vista | Check at Amazon |
 | TP-Link USB Bluetooth Adapter for PC(UB400), 4.0 Bluetooth Dongle Receiver Support Windows... | Check at Amazon |
 | USB Bluetooth Dongle, QGOO Bluetooth 4.0 Adapter Bluetooth Receiver for PC Laptop Desktop Keyboard... | Check at Amazon |
 | Bluetooth Adapter for PC，Techkey USB Mini Bluetooth 5.0 EDR Dongle for Computer Desktop Wireless... | Check at Amazon |
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.
Pros:- 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.
Pros:- 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
EVEO USB Bluetooth Adapter
A Highly Affordable and Easy-to-Use Bluetooth Adapter
If you ever needed a cheap, but functional Bluetooth adapter that will widen your computer’s usability and versatility and allow you to use it along with your brand new Bluetooth headset, EVEO USB Bluetooth Adapter is the thing for you. Have in mind that this isn’t some fancy, feature-rich product with blazing-fast performance, but a regular device intended for normal use.
In other words, EVEO USB Bluetooth Adapter provides 10 meters range, works in a 2.402 GHz – 2.480 GHz frequency band, and supports 3 Mbps data transfer speeds. Moreover, it is easy to use and comes with a three-year warranty that makes it a pretty good deal.
To make a long story short, if the best Bluetooth adapter in the budget area is your main goal, you may be sure that EVEO USB Bluetooth Adapter will fulfill your every need.
Pros:- Plug-and-play functionality
- Easy to use
- Affordable
- Compact
- Three-year warranty
- Problems with signal consistency
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.
Pros:- 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.
Pros:- 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
TP-Link UB400
A BT Adapter with a Great Value for the Money
TP-Link UB400 is a Bluetooth 4.0 adapter that offers good compatibility, decent performance and nice working range – all in one.
It is cheap, it offers a backward compatibility with Bluetooth V3.0/2.1/2.0/1.1 and compatibility with numerous Windows versions (10, 8.1, 8, 7, XP). Unfortunately, it doesn’t work with Linux or Mac; however, it can be connected with various devices, including desktops, printers, speakers, headsets, as well as PS4 and Xbox controllers and a lot more.
TP-Link UB400 offers a compact, sleek design, with an excellent transmission distance of up to 33ft and solid data transfer rate of 3Mbps that is mainly achieved thanks to the incorporation of EDR and A2DP technologies. Moreover, this adapter comes with a very good two-year warranty and altogether offers excellent value for its price.
In other words, if you are looking for a highly capable, as well as affordable BT device that has all the assets needed for the best Bluetooth adapter, TP-Link UB400 is the ultimate option and a piece of hardware that will never disappoint you.
Pros:- Affordable
- Two-year warranty
- Versatile
- Good range
- It doesn’t work with Linux or Mac
QGOO Bluetooth Adapter
A Cheap and Efficient Bluetooth Device
If you are into cheap, but efficient devices with good overall value, QGOO Bluetooth 4.0 Adapter is made for you. This tiny, ultra-small form factor device offers everything that a regular user might need, and much more.
It offers good Windows compatibility (it works with Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10), it is backwards compatible with Bluetooth V3.0/2.1/2.0/1.1 and it supports numerous device types, such as PCs, projectors, PS4 and Xbox One S controllers and a lot more. Moreover, its working range is up to 10m, while data transfer rate goes up to decent 3Mbps.
Unfortunately, this device doesn’t work with Linux or Mac, Xbox One or Nintendo Switch; nevertheless, it is affordable, practical and altogether delivers a solid efficiency that won’t stun you, but will certainly not disappoint you.
Pros:Cons:Techkey USB Mini Bluetooth 5.0
A Tiny, but Powerful Mini Bluetooth Adapter
Techkey USB Mini Bluetooth 5.0 is basically the first-ever Bluetooth 5.0 adapter that is delivering reliable and fast performance, with very little interference.
However, although its data transfer speed of 3Mbps, as well as the range of 10 meters, are very respectable, fact is that they aren’t anything revolutionary and that they are in the range with Bluetooth 4.0 devices. What, on the other hand, does make a difference, compared to the previous Bluetooth generation, are the interference levels that are drastically reduced in the case of BT 5.0 devices, allowing for perfect signal transmission.
Other benefits of Techkey USB Mini Bluetooth 5.0 are low energy consumption and more importantly, the ability to be used simultaneously with up to seven different devices. Moreover, this device is backward compatible – therefore, it can be used with previous BT iterations, but unfortunately, it can be installed only on Windows 7, 8, 8.1 and 10, while other Operating Systems, such as Mac and Linux, are out of the question.
Overall, Techkey USB Mini Bluetooth 5.0 is a high-quality BT adapter that will satisfy even the most demanding users and it is definitely an excellent choice if you are looking for the best Bluetooth adapter, with uncompromising performance.
Pros:- Compact
- It can work along with seven different devices at the same time
- Easy to use
- Fast performance
- It can’t work with Mac and Linux
- Windows 10 demands for driver installation
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.
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