Best Bluetooth Adapters

Review & Comparison, Last Update January 13, 2024
If you want to have your personal network at home, then a Bluetooth adapter is what you need. This adapter will turn your ordinary ...Read more
PROS
Pairing with 2 devices simultaneously is not a problem any more with Multipoint Bluetooth connectivity. Clean sound without loss of quality and automatic re-pairing provide even more enjoyable listening. Rubber foot prevents the device from sliding.
CONS

There is no possibility to use 2 audio outputs (3.5mm and RCA) simultaneously.

OUR VERDICT
This audio adapter was tuned at Logitech labs, which guarantees that you will get high-quality sound, especially on premium audio systems.
detailed parameters
BEST FOR

Bluetooth audio device

INPUT/OUTPUT
3.5mm audio, RCA, DC
BLUETOOTH VERSION
Bluetooth 3.0
WIRELESS RANGE
50 feet
FEATURES

LED indicator, Mains supply, Pairing button, 5.5-foot power cord

OS
Windows 8, 7, MacOS, Android
PACKAGE

RCA to 3.5mm cable, Power cable, User manual

SIZE

0.84" x 1.92" x 1.92"

6.2 oz

WARRANTY
1-year limited hardware
PROS

This adapter features automatic network connection and support for the latest version of Bluetooth, and is easy to set up. Also, it allows for easy control of your music playing from a different source thanks to its integration of Amazon's Alexa voice assistant.

CONS

The autoconnector is unstable.

OUR VERDICT

The 1Mii B06 is a device for true connoisseurs of music, with support for modern devices. The adapter supports 360-degree sound reproduction of various movies, musical performances and more.

detailed parameters
BEST FOR

Bluetooth audio device

INPUT/OUTPUT

RCA, 3.5mm audio, DC

BLUETOOTH VERSION

Bluetooth 5.0

WIRELESS RANGE

50 feet line of sight

FEATURES

AC power, aptX-LL and 3D SURROUND, Adapter status indicator

OS

MacOS, Windows XP/7/8/10, Android

PACKAGE

RCA to 3.5mm cable Power cable DC

SIZE

1.1 x 3.7 x 3.7 inches

9.6 ounces

WARRANTY

Amazon's 30-day return policy

PROS

Features easy Plug and Play connections to all new operating systems, smartphones, keyboards and other devices. Includes a high-speed USB 2.0 interface and even works without drivers.

CONS

Supports Windows only.

OUR VERDICT

The sleek, ultra-small design of the TP-LINK UB400 means you can plug the adapter into any USB port and work comfortably. It's an excellent solution for desktop computers and owners of wireless keyboards.

detailed parameters
BEST FOR

PC, synchronization of peripherals, data transfer

INPUT/OUTPUT

USB

BLUETOOTH VERSION

Bluetooth 4.0

WIRELESS RANGE

30 feet

FEATURES

Powered by USB port, adapter status indicator

OS

Windows 10/8.1/8/7/XP, Android, iOS, MacOS

PACKAGE

Bluetooth 4.0 Nano USB Adapter, Installation Guide

SIZE

0.74 x 0.58 x 0.27 inches

0.35 ounces

WARRANTY

2-Year Limited Hardware Warranty

PROS

The device features a special LED indicator that will tell you when the adapter is on and ready for pairing. On top of that,  the indicator is not bright so it is safe to use in bedrooms.

CONS

While transmitting the signal over distances greater than 50 feet a slight delay or lag in transmission may occur.

OUR VERDICT

Simple and easy to use, this adapter model will be a go-to pick for music enthusiasts and for users that are seeking a reliable wireless dongle at an affordable price. Moreover, the set comes with all the cables needed for bringing your ideal Hi-Fi system to life.

detailed parameters
BEST FOR

Bluetooth audio device

INPUT/OUTPUT

RCA, DC

BLUETOOTH VERSION

Bluetooth 3.0

WIRELESS RANGE

Up to 50 feet

FEATURES

Adapter status indicator

OS

MacOS, Windows XP/7/8/10, Android, iOS

PACKAGE

RCA to 3.5mm cable, Power cable DC

SIZE

0.94" x 1.97" x 1.97"

3.5 oz

WARRANTY

Amazon's 30-day return policy

PROS

The Kinivo Bluetooth adapter consumes very little power through a computer's USB port. If you’re a Windows 8 user, the driver will be automatically downloaded and installed as soon as the Kinivo BTD-400 dongle is plugged in for the first time.

CONS
It takes some time to install the driver on your PC or laptop and set the adapter.
OUR VERDICT

This compact Bluetooth adapter will connect various peripherals to your computer. It's hardly noticeable and provides high-speed data transmission.

detailed parameters
BEST FOR
PC, Data transferring, Peripherals pairing
INPUT/OUTPUT

USB

BLUETOOTH VERSION
Bluetooth 4.0
WIRELESS RANGE
30 feet
FEATURES
LED Indicatior, USB power supply
OS
Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP
PACKAGE

User manual, Installation CD

SIZE

0.9" х 0.47" х 0.2"

0.2 oz

WARRANTY
2-year limited hardware

One Playlist From Two Devices? A Piece of Cake!

The compact Bluetooth audio adapter Logitech 980-000910 allows connecting two separate devices simultaneously; for example, both a smartphone and a tablet can be connected to the adapter via Bluetooth. Now you can select a playlist, swap audio streams with one press of the adapter’s button. So you don’t have to fight with other members of your family about whose music to play. Make it fair by taking turns: mom listens to jazz from her phone, her son streams his hard rock from a tablet. In case of incoming call or messages, the music stops and resumes automatically. Please, keep in mind that to enjoy your favorite music, the stereos have to be located not farther than 50 feet from the adapter.

Good Music Is High-Quality Music!

As you might know, a reliable and high-quality connection between media devices and speaker systems is of the utmost importance. A shielded cable is considered to be the best in terms of connection. After all, the original quality is easy to ruin with poor cables, but we often blame audio equipment itself. To be sure that your stereos will deliver clean, high-quality sound without using any cables, it’s enough to purchase the Logitech Bluetooth Audio Adapter. It was tested in Logitech labs many times to ensure that all the songs would sound exactly the same as they did when recorded in a music studio.

Why Logitech

Today, Logitech is one of the most famous brands in the world owing to their high-quality products. The leading position is explained by the development of innovative technologies that are applied to all of Logitech's products for computer navigation, games, Internet communication, home theaters, digital accessories and more. Focusing on new technologies and high quality, Logitech is constantly developing peripherals for personal computers and digital electronics that let users learn the modern world of new digital technologies.

More Products to Consider

Try the Mediabridge stereo cable with left and right audio (6 feet) - RCA to RCA gold-plated connectors which provide a better wired connection of a Bluetooth adapter with a stereo system.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $29.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B00IQBSW28

VIDEO

Great for Music Lovers

Bluetooth has many uses, but one of the biggest areas it has managed to help improve is the world of music playback. With a Bluetooth audio device, no longer are you permanently wired to a playback source while listening to your favorite tunes. The 1Mii B06 Bluetooth 5.0 Receiver is a Bluetooth receiver for true connoisseurs of music, with support for modern devices. With this device, you can use any playback source that supports Bluetooth to blast your tunes, while this device allows you to enjoy those tunes wherever you want.

Everything said above makes this sound like a standard Bluetooth speaker, but it is actually much more than that. In fact, this isn't a speaker at all, as the receiver doesn't have one built-in. Instead, it serves as an adapter that lets you use older speakers or stereo systems to play back audio that is transmitted through Bluetooth. The receiver includes RCA jacks as well as a 3.5mm audio jack, so it should work fine with most older speakers or stereos. This doesn't mean that you're stuck just listening to standard stereo sound, however. The adapter supports 360-degree sound reproduction of various movies, musical performances and more, letting you enjoy music or audio from TV shows or films in all of its glory.

Convenient Features

Just as a simple Bluetooth receiver, this device would certainly have a lot of appeal. However, just listing it as a simple receiver is really leaving out all of the juicy details that really help improve its appeal. It includes a number of features that really help to make any music lover's life that much more enjoyable. For instance, this adapter features automatic network connection and support for the latest version of Bluetooth, and is easy to set up. All you need to do to connect it to a music playback source is to pair it in the standard way that Bluetooth devices are paired. There aren't any other special settings that you need to pay attention to as far as setup is concerned.

Another great feature that we should mention is that the device allows for easy control of your music playing from a different source thanks to its integration of Amazon's Alexa voice assistant. This means that changing the song, creating or editing a playlist, or most other ways to control your music playback experience can be performed using simple voice commands, which is a boon for those who will be listening to their tunes from a distance from the playback source. And speaking of distance, this device supports a range of up to 164 feet from the source, giving you true freedom of placement. In the end, those who enjoy this kind of freedom while listening to music will find this device to be a must-buy.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B078J3GTRK

Bluetooth On Any Computer

Today, it is hard to find a mobile device of any sort that doesn't include Bluetooth support, even laptops. However, not everyone uses a laptop as their main computer. Unfortunately, even today, many desktop computers are missing out on wireless features that come standard on them, which means that you have to use some kind of adapter if you want Bluetooth support on your computer. If you find yourself in this situation, then you should take a look at the TP-LINK UB400 USB Bluetooth Adapter for PC. With this Bluetooth adapter, you can suddenly open up the world of wireless pairing to even an older desktop computer.

With adapters meant for a PC, this usually means that you have to connect some big, bulky device to your computer. That simply isn't the case here, though. The sleek, ultra-small design of this Bluetooth adapter means you can plug the Nano adapter into any USB port and work comfortably. In fact, the device is small enough to where you can be assured of it being virtually invisible if you have to plug it into a USB port on the front of your computer, so there won't be a big protrusion coming from the port. This makes it an excellent solution for desktop computers as well as for owners of wireless keyboards.

Plug-And-Play Adapter

Not everyone may be sold on needing a small, convenient Bluetooth adapter for their desktop PC. We can understand that, but what we understand even better is that adding Bluetooth support to your PC can open up a whole world of different devices that can be connected to it. For instance, many wireless mice and keyboards nowadays will require a Bluetooth connection, as many manufacturers of these devices are starting to jump on the Bluetooth bandwagon and will try to find ways to cut down on costs by not including wireless adapters with these devices. On top of that, modern game controllers for the latest gaming consoles such as the PS5 and XBox One Series X use Bluetooth for syncing. Thus, having a Bluetooth adapter for your PC lets you use these controllers for your favorite PC games.

As for the device itself, it features easy Plug and Play connections to all new operating systems, smartphones, keyboards and other devices. It uses a high-speed USB 2.0 interface and even works without drivers, making setup of the device extremely simple. It should be noted, however, that this adapter only works with the Windows operating system, so users of Macs or Linux will need to find a different solution. That said, anyone with a desktop computer running Windows will find this Bluetooth adapter to be just what they need.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B07V1SZCY6

Ideal Model for Hi-Fi Systems

The W29-us is a great solution for all the music enthusiasts out there that want to bring life to their older systems that are still running using analog connections for means of data transfer. Despite its small size, the device is able to deliver a clean signal at distances of up to 50 feet without any significant lag that may affect the listening experience.

This model comes equipped with a power cord and a set of cables that include both 3.5 mm and RCA cables. In addition to the standard set of cords, the package has a user manual in it that will be helpful in case of troubleshooting.

With dimensions of just a few inches in length and width, the W29-us can be placed virtually anywhere in the room as long as cables are reaching it. On top of that, the device is quite easy to install and it doesn’t require any initial set up. Just connect the cables of your stereo system or speakers to the adapter and you will be ready to enjoy a true plug and play experience. The adapter is compatible with the majority of modern operating systems from Windows and MacOS to Android and iOS, which gives some additional versatility to it.

A Silent Workhorse

The only significant issue with this particular model is the lack of Bluetooth 4.0 support, which does limit the bandwidth of the wireless signal. Although the output quality of audio drops a little bit if used this way, it still can be connected to any modern devices that utilize Bluetooth versions 4.2 and above. At the end of the day, if you are not a hardcore audiophile you might not even notice the difference in sound quality, so in case you are not striving for studio-like sound, you may disregard this aspect of the adapter.

No Remote - No Problem

The adapter is capable of linking with your Bluetooth devices, and thanks to the internal memory, the adapter can reconnect with all of your mobile gadgets even after a hard reset. Speaking of hard resets, the device features a power button that allows you to turn off the adapter manually. Since it doesn’t have any means of remote control and has a hard time disconnecting from a linked device, this feature will come in handy. On top of that, the button is conveniently highlighted with a blue LED indicator that will be easy to see at night.

All in all, the esinkin W29-us is the go-to model if you are looking for a wireless adapter that can be connected to virtually any playback device with an RCA or AUX cable - a true find for both music enthusiasts and audiophiles.

Last updated price $22.95
Stock In stock
ASIN B016NUTG5K

Make Ready

The Kinivo BTD-400 package comes with a user manual and an installation CD, which contain useful info and software that you can use to tinker with the adapter. In case your computer doesn’t have a CD-drive, you can always download the latest drivers from the manufacturer’s website.

The desktop software is compatible with Windows 10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP. On top of that, the new versions of the drivers make the BTD-400 MacOS compatible, which is a neat addition to an already neat set of features. After the driver installation is complete, you can safely plug your Kinivo BTD-400 into any USB 2.0/3.0 port without any compatibility issues.

Now Your PC Has Bluetooth 4.0

As soon as you see the Bluetooth icon in the lower corner of your screen, you can synchronize your mobile gadgets and peripheral devices with the computer. The driver software also allows using this model in several different modes that will be suitable for different devices and improving the overall sound quality, in case you want to use the adapter as an audio transmitter. Note that several devices can be connected via Bluetooth simultaneously (printer, headset, mouse, keyboard, among others). In theory, 7 devices can be connected at once, but as experience shows, synchronization is limited to 4 devices only.

In addition to conventional devices, you can use the adapter in order to connect some incompatible devices to your computer or a laptop such as game controllers and wireless headsets that are meant to be used with gaming consoles.

Highly Efficient

The Kinivo BTD-400 turns any computer into a Bluetooth 4.0 compatible one. Now your computer can exchange files via a wireless Bluetooth connection at a speed of up to 24 Mb/s. You can share your photos, music, documents and virtually anything from a PC or laptop with your smartphone or vice versa. With this adapter, you can enjoy your favorite music or have Skype conversations from anywhere in the room (up to 30 feet). In addition, owing to its compactness, the adapter is hardly noticeable when it’s plugged into a USB port. Thanks to its design, this adapter model can fit almost any PC configuration. Kinivo managed to create a great wireless receiver that fits in the miniature body of the BTD-400. It is also worth mentioning that the Kinivo BTD-400 has a high energy efficiency ratio.

In the end, the BTD-400 is a true find for users with an impressive amount of wireless devices that they want to use with their PCs and laptops simultaneously.

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This Anker 4-Port USB 3.0 ultra slim data hub is meant for PCs and laptops which don’t have many USB ports.

Last updated price $13.99
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ASIN B007Q45EF4

What Is a Bluetooth Adapter?

Every year we add more and more gadgets in our life to make everyday tasks easier and more interesting. We think it's great since by using advanced technologies, we gain new experience and knowledge. Many of us have already gotten used to digital technologies. So, it's likely that we may at some point face the problem that one of our devices doesn’t feature Bluetooth to connect gadgets together. In this case, you need a Bluetooth adapter.

This compact device links digital devices together wirelessly. For example, it can turn your speaker system into a modern media station which will play your favorite music streamed from your smartphone. It also allows you to synchronize information between a PC and other mobile devices. These adapters which are also known as a wireless “donglesgenerally use the latest versions of Bluetooth and are capable of transferring huge amounts of data in a matter of minutes, among other trivial things such as linking your input devices and peripherals.

In case you are interested in creating a truly wireless audio system, we also recommend paying attention to our 5 best Bluetooth headsets that can provide hands-free communication. Alternatively, you could take a quick look at the top floor speakers in order to spice up an existing Hi-Fi system.

What Features to Compare

Best For

As you already know, a Bluetooth adapter allows connecting a computer with peripherals or streaming music from your smartphone to a stereo system. Bluetooth adapters are divided by type of use, so first of all, you need to define what you want from this device. You can use it either for synchronizing peripheral devices with a PC or streaming music wirelessly from Bluetooth devices to non-Bluetooth stereo systems. For example, if you want to send photos from your smartphone to a laptop that doesn’t support Bluetooth or print some documents wirelessly, you need a USB Bluetooth adapter. Just plug the adapter into a free USB port on your laptop or PC and get the chance to exchange data with other Bluetooth devices without any cables. In addition, when you synchronize your PC with a smartphone, you also get access to your phone contacts and an option to send/receive messages. The Bluetooth protocol is supported by almost all modern phones, so in order to communicate with your computer, you only need to plug in a Bluetooth adapter and configure the connection. In case you want to stream music wirelessly from your favorite playlist or a mixtape to a non-Bluetooth audio system, then look for Bluetooth audio adapters which receive audio files of various formats without any significant loss of quality.

Performance

The next characteristic to note is adapter performance. Bluetooth adapters have a different operational range, and the higher it is, the greater the distance can be between your gadgets and the adapter that is connected to your PC or a laptop. Like any electronic device, a Bluetooth adapter requires power, so a USB Bluetooth adapter is obviously powered from a USB port. A Bluetooth audio adapter is powered by an AC adapter or built-in battery: the second option makes the adapter portable, so you can use it with any sound system, even the one in your car. The data transfer speed and device efficiency depend on the version of the Bluetooth protocol. Adapters with Bluetooth 3.0 have low power consumption and data rates up to 24 Mb/s, which is enough for streaming music or syncing with peripherals. Bluetooth 4.0 has the same data rate as Bluetooth 3.0, only the power consumption is much lower and pairing is much faster. On the other hand, the fifth version of the protocol makes the data transfer twice as fast at distances four times farther compared to the previous versions.

Features

Another strong reason for buying is usually the presence of different features. Some Bluetooth audio devices have NFC support for rapid pairing with other NFC compatible gadgets. All you have to do in order to pair the devices is touch your smartphone. After that, music will start playing on your speakers automatically. This feature really speeds up the device pairing process: there will be no need to set a new connection with the same device if your Bluetooth adapter supports automatic pairing mode. Note that on buying a Bluetooth adapter, you also get the upgrade for your electronic devices.

Did you know?

How Do Bluetooth Adapters Work or The Evolution of Wireless Dongles

Originally designed as copy protection devices, the so-called “Dongles” or Bluetooth adapters are essential for setting up a wireless network for your desktop or laptop computer. From your wireless headset to the keyboard, mice, and gamepad, everything relies on the Bluetooth connection.

While Bluetooth adapters allow us to get rid of the cables completely and use wireless peripherals, they can also transfer data at speeds that do not differ from Wi-Fi. But how exactly are they able to do this while being so small, compared to Wi-Fi routers? You would be surprised, yet the answer is quite simple - both Bluetooth and USB technologies have come a long way since their inception back in the 90s.

Nowadays a regular Bluetooth adapter is capable of transferring all kinds of data with speeds from just a few megabytes to up to 24 Mbps and above without breaking a sweat. Meanwhile, USB versions 2.0 and 3.0 are capable of receiving and sending more than 650 megabytes per second.

Some might say that the Bluetooth connection is not really a reliable mean of data transfer and they might be right in some regard. Nevertheless, the Bluetooth 4.2 and 5.0 versions have proven that they might be even more stable than some Wi-Fi modems in terms of reliability and security of the wireless connection.

At the end of the day, by choosing wireless you can free yourself of the endless clutter called cables. Unless you are a true perfectionist that straps all the wires together the cables and power cords will always be a problem of your computer system.

How to Set Up A Wireless USB Adapter

Depending on the operating system or the device you are using there could be quite a few ways to get the Bluetooth adapter to work.

In our modern age, more often than not adapters are equipped with special pairing buttons that make it easier to connect Bluetooth devices one by one. This feature is especially handy when the adapter supports more than 5 wireless devices simultaneously.

Most of the adapter models come equipped with a pre-installed set of firmware and software that allow using them as Plug and Play devices, but sometimes this is not the case. Moreover, most of the modern PC configurations don’t have any means of reading data from installation CDs or DVDs that come together with adapters. Hence, you may need to install the drivers from the manufacturer’s website.

With driver installation out of the way, let’s take a closer look at how exactly you can tinker with the adapter settings in order to get the pesky software program to work. The majority of these devices can be adjusted by simply opening the Device Settings in your operating system menu. Besides the regular settings, you can add and remove paired devices such as controller mice, wireless headsets, microphones, and web cameras without too much of an effort. On top of that, you can set the sensitivity and data transfer quality in order to increase the bandwidth of your Bluetooth system or to remove unwanted parts of your wireless computer network.

Sources:

1. How to Use a Bluetooth Dongle, wikiHow.

2. Christina Bonnington How to Turn Any Old Speakers Into Wireless Streamers, WIRED. August 26, 2014.

3. Bluetooth, Wikipedia. September 21, 2016.

4. Jason Fitzpatrick The HTG Guide to Adding Bluetooth to Your Computer, How-To Geek. November 6, 2014.

5. Bessie Shaw Top 3 Ways to Fix Bluetooth Not Available after Windows 10 Update Issue, Driver Talent. September 9, 2016.

6. Bryan Clark How Bluetooth 4.0 Is Shaping the Future of Mobile Connectivity, MakeUseOf. June 25, 2014

7. Bluetooth vs AirPlay: What’s The Difference? Cambridge Audio.

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