The Best USB Bluetooth Adapters for Your Wireless Devices
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Techkey USB Mini Bluetooth 5.0 EDR Dongle -
TP-Link USB Bluetooth Adapter -
Kinivo BTD-400 USB Bluetooth Adapter -
QGOO Bluetooth 4.0 Adapter Bluetooth Receiver -
Plugable 4.0 Low Energy Micro USB Bluetooth Adapter -
Buyer's Guide
A USB Bluetooth adapter lets you connect any supported computer or laptop to other wireless Bluetooth devices. They’re small units that plug into a USB port and then connect wirelessly to other devices through Bluetooth technology. This type of adapter is ideal if you don’t want to add new hardware to your computer system, but need to connect to one or more devices through Bluetooth. Although there’s a wide range of manufacturers, most of these devices are fairly similar in their size and design.
We’ve chosen the following USB Bluetooth adapters because they offer the fastest speeds possible at very affordable prices. You get as much wireless range with these adapters as possible since all of them offer a minimum 20-foot range. All of these devices work with multiple versions of Windows and include encryption for data and hardware security, though some of them also work with computers running a Mac OS. Keep on reading to figure out which one is right for your system!
Detailing the Best USB Bluetooth Adapter of 2022
Techkey USB Mini Bluetooth 5.0 EDR Dongle - Best USB Bluetooth Adapter Overall
In terms of speed and performance, the Techkey USB mini bluetooth dongle is about as good as it gets with Bluetooth 5.0 support for some of the fastest wireless connectivity available. This model is also backwards compatible with older versions of Bluetooth, so it works with a wide range of devices at different speeds. The range on this model lets you work up to 33 feet away and allows you to connect to up to 7 devices at the same time! Keep in mind this device also provides data encryption and user authentication so security won’t be an issue. The only downside is that it is only compatible with with WIndows systems, primarily Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10, although you'll need drivers for the latter.
TP-Link USB Bluetooth Adapter - Runner Up
This USB Bluetooth adapter supports Bluetooth 4.0 and several profiles such as Generic Access (GAP) and Headset Protocols (HSP), ensuring it works with a wide range of devices such as mice, keyboards, and audio equipment. This model is a particularly good choice for speakers since it includes audio codec compression to ensure streaming audio sounds great from your computer and into a set of Bluetooth-enabled speakers or headphones. You get a maximum range of 33 feet with this model which makes it comparable to most other adapters on the market. This pick supports versions of Windows from XP to 10 but unfortunately doesn’t support Mac OS.
Kinivo BTD-400 USB Bluetooth Adapter - Honorable Mention
This USB Bluetooth adapter has Bluetooth 4.0 support so it’s able to offer great data speeds and provide you with reliable overall performance. This model shares the same limited range as the previous product, so it can only connect to a device up to 33 feet. Although the short distance prevents others from accessing your computer through a Bluetooth network, it also means you can’t utilize this adapter to connect to a device or computer from a long distance. This adapter has a slightly wider range of compatibility, working with Windows XP, 7, 8, 8.1, 10, as well as the Raspberry Pi and Linux OSs.
QGOO Bluetooth 4.0 Adapter Bluetooth Receiver - Consider
Similar to multiple products on this list, the QGOO Bluetooth 4.0 Adapter has a maximum operating range of 33 feet, or 10 meters. At a data transfer rate of 3mbps, however, you'll be transferring all the date you need very easily. With Bluetooth 4.0 and BLE technology to reduce power consumption, this dongle is extremely accessible. It is the cheapest adapter on our list, and is also compatible with Windows XP all the way up to Windows 11- sorry Apple fans!
Plugable 4.0 Low Energy Micro USB Bluetooth Adapter - Best USB Bluetooth Adapter
There are two different versions of this Bluetooth adapter available: one engraved with "A10" and the other lacking any engraving on the adapter itself. Both versions support Bluetooth 4.0 for great speed and performance as well as some of the best range you can find with a maximum range of 82 feet. That lets you use your Bluetooth devices at a much greater distance but potentially opens up your hardware and system to outside attacks, so keep that in mind.
The version of this adapter engraved with "A10" is a better option, with support for versions of Windows from XP to 10 and Mac OS support. The one without an engraving, on the other hand, only works with Windows XP to 8 and has no Mac OS support. You can only tell which version you are getting by looking at the adapter itself and seeing if it has an engraving, so that keeps this from being as reliably excellent a choice as it otherwise would be.
Buyer's Guide
Since USB Bluetooth adapters play an important role in establishing connections between other hardware devices through Bluetooth technology, choosing the best one in the market is imperative. However, most of these adapters look the same in shape and design, which increases the difficulty level of the selection process by tenfold. Getting the wrong adapter will create hindrances in your work and pose a threat to your device. So, to help you out from this difficult situation, we have explained some potential factors on which your choice of the Bluetooth adapter will depend.
How Does a USB Bluetooth Adapter Work?
Before discussing the factors to buy the best Bluetooth adapter, don't you think we should learn about its inner workings briefly? So, let’s dive in.
First, you need to insert the Bluetooth adapter into your laptop or computer port. After you plug in the device, you might have to follow certain steps for the set-up and establishment of the connection with other devices based on the adapter type. When the connection is established, wireless signals will be transmitted and received by the adapter.
What Are Factors That Should Be Considered Before Choosing The Best USB Bluetooth Adapter?
Connection Stability
The stability of the Bluetooth connection of the adapter with other devices is the first factor you need to consider. If the adapter cannot establish a stable connection, there is no point in buying it since you won't be able to work properly. Also, you need a secure transmission route so that there is no interference with the signals. That’s why you should choose a device that has proper SSL and other security certifications.
Transmission Range
Second, you need to check the transmission range of the USB Bluetooth adapter. Usually, the recently upgraded products offer a higher distance range for better signal transmission between your computer and the connected Bluetooth device. But if you have chosen an old model, the range will be less than the standard distance. So, make sure you get a USB Bluetooth adapter for wireless device connection with a distance range that will allow you to operate your devices with ease.
Compatibility With OS
Some USB Bluetooth adapters are made for only one or two specific operating systems like Mac and Linux. On the other hand, some adapters have the potential to connect to any OS, irrespective of the technical configurations. Also, you need to check whether the USB adapter has any dependency on the OS version or not. For example, if a certain product is compatible with Windows 7 and Windows 8, it may or may not be appropriate for Windows 10.
Bluetooth Version
Besides checking the OS version, you should cross-check the version of the Bluetooth technology being used in the sensor. The Bluetooth version 4.0 is the best amongst all other available options. It provides stable data transmission with no external interference, fast bit rate transfer, better security protocols, and many more advanced features.
Set-Up Methods
Before you make the final choice, you should check the set-up method for the USB Bluetooth adapter. Some adapters can be used for establishing the connection real quick, where all you have to do is push in the USB device and wait for it to connect. However, if you want a master USB Bluetooth adapter that can be used with any device, the set-up method for such products is a little bit complex and varies from one OS to another.
Data Transfer Rate
Just like a Wi-Fi adapter, a Bluetooth adapter also has a particular data transfer rate. Therefore, you need to choose a product whose transfer rate is quite high so that files can be copied, pasted, or transferred in seconds. In addition, if the data transmission rate is high, you won’t have to face any problem in receiving or sending the signals. However, with lower transmission rates, you might have to face some problems.
What Kind of Hardware Devices Can Be Connected Using a USB Bluetooth Adapter?
Thanks to the USB Bluetooth adapter, you will be able to connect many devices without any hassle. Some of them include:
- Bluetooth headsets, for listening to music and playing games
- Bluetooth-enabled wireless keyboard and mouse
- Mobiles and tablets
- Bluetooth sound systems like speakers, soundbars, and even home theater setups
What Are Precautions to Follow While Using a USB Bluetooth Adapter?
When you are using the USB Bluetooth adapter, there are certain things you need to be careful about. For example:
- You need to ensure that you are inserting the adapter correctly
- It’s better to unplug the adapter when not in use
- If you have to manually set up the adapter, follow the proper steps mentioned in the product manual
Some Buyers Also Ask
Q. How should I connect my Bluetooth USB adapter with my desktop?
A. If you want to connect the adapter with the desktop, insert the USB device into the dedicated port at the front. It's better not to use the USB ports at the back for safety reasons.
Q. Why is a USB Bluetooth adapter important?
A. Bluetooth adapter will help you to connect any external device with your laptop or computer without any cord. For example, rather than connecting a wired keyboard with your laptop, you can connect an adapter via Bluetooth and use a wireless keyboard for doing your work.
Q. For how long will my USB Bluetooth adapter last?
A. The USB Bluetooth adapter consumes energy to transmit and receive the data signals. Therefore, it's quite difficult to say its longevity, which is why you should get a product with a warranty period.
Q. Can I play a movie on my laptop after connecting it to a Bluetooth speaker via the adapter?
A. Once you connect the speaker with your laptop through the USB Bluetooth adapter, you will be able to listen to the sounds and music on the external speaker. Just make sure that the adapter is connected to your computer or laptop properly.
