How to add Bluetooth to the PC
The dear and old Bluetooth, one of the first technologies able to connect two devices between them with a wireless connection. Although many years have passed, it is still a widely used technology, useful not only for exchanging data but also for transmitting audio signals (just think of the Bluetooth speakers or connectivity in cars) and videos that, lately, are bringing a new youth to life ( just think of Bluetooth 5.0) to a standard that was slowly falling into disuse.
Despite the very low costs of the transmitters, many computers, both portable and desktop, do not have built-in Bluetooth technology. This is a shortcoming that is often felt particularly, as in the connection of a device that supports this standard.
So how to add bluetooth to your PC? Do not worry, we will not have to open the case or make special hardware changes, but we will need only simple USB or PCIe receivers / transmitters that will perform the required work very well.
In this guide, we will see how to choose a Bluetooth receiver and which are the best models to buy.
How to choose a receiver / transmitter
There are not many aspects to consider when buying an item of this type. However, the few features to consider are fundamental if we want to buy a valid product that is perfectly compatible with our PC.
Bluetooth version
To take full advantage of Bluetooth devices, it is advisable to purchase a model with Bluetooth 4.0 or later support. Previous versions are still compatible with most devices, but fail to guarantee coverage and efficiency on par with 4.0 and 5.0.
They can also present some problems with the connection between the various devices. For this reason, we always recommend choosing a receiver / transmitter with the latest standard support.
Driver
Most receivers / transmitters are self-configuring, especially on PC with Windows 10. If a miniCD is present in the product package, it is advisable to install the device drivers for greater compatibility and to avoid future problems.
USB or PCIe adapters
Bluetooth receivers can be purchased in two formats: USB dongles and PCIe interface cards. The first format is the one most purchased by users, as it is easy to install and configure. It does not guarantee optimal coverage and, very often; it can present possible interferences and difficulties in the connection with the devices.
PCIe cards, on the other hand, guarantee excellent coverage and excellent performance, but are difficult to install for less-experienced users. Some network cards integrate Bluetooth technology directly into the same card.
The best models
Avantree Leaf Long Range USB Bluetooth
- [BLUETOOTH STREAMING] Add a BT sound device to your PC, laptop, Mac, PS4 or...
- [A GAMERS DREAM] Leaf allows for simultaneous music and voice while gaming when...
- [LONG RANGE] Featuring Bluetooth Class I technology, Leaf transmits audio...
- [PLUG & PLAY] Not a tech junkie? No problem! With our Bluetooth transmitter,...
- [NO MORE DELAY] Featuring aptX Low Latency technology, leaf allows you to reduce...
It is a USB adapter compatible with both Windows PC and Mac. Being a Plug-n-Play device, it does not need any driver installation. We can easily connect our devices, such as headphones and joysticks, and achieve maximum compatibility.
However, it does not support data transfer. It is also compatible with the new Nintendo Switch. If we are looking for a versatile adapter that is compatible with all devices, this model is the one for us.
ASUS PCE-AC55BT
- AC1200 high speed wireless internet connectivity
- Wireless AC dual band for low latency streaming and high performance online...
- Bluetooth 4.2 and BLE connectivity
- External antenna base for optimum signal reception
- Operating frequency: 2.4 ghz/ 5 ghz
This PCIe adapter supports Bluetooth 4.0 and 802.11ac Wi-Fi. The antenna is on an external base and can be placed and oriented freely thanks to the 1 m long cable. It also supports BLE technology, which guarantees low energy consumption. The signal, both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, is excellent in all conditions.
So let’s see what are the best sellers on the Amazon store:
- NOTE: The item is compatible with windows 10/8.1/8/7/XP. However, on the box...
- 【Bluetooth 4. 0】 – applies the latest Bluetooth 4. 0 and it is backward...
- 【Plug & play or free driver】 – plug and play for Win 8, Win 8. 1, and win...
- 【Nano-sized】 – a sleek, ultra-small design means you can insert the Nano...
- 【Reliability】 – enable wireless communication with Bluetooth-enabled...
- Bluetooth 5.0 Dongle: Applies the latest Bluetooth 5.0+EDR adapter, Bluetooth...
- Fast and Further: Fast and further working distance than Bluetooth 4.0 Supports...
- Mini Size: Extremely compact USB adapter allows you to leave it on laptop or PC,...
- Specifications: Bluetooth 5.0+ EDR, it is backward compatible with...
- System Support: Only Win7/Win8/Win8. 1/Win10(need driver), (Not work with Mac...
- Bluetooth 4.0 USB Adapter
- USB 2.0, Up to 3Mbps and Over 10 meters in free space
- Frequency Band: 2.4~2.4835GHz unlicensed ISM band
- OS Support: Windows 8 , 32bit/64bit / Windows 7 , 32bit/64bit / Windows XP ,...
- Bluetooth 5.0 for Faster, Further Coverage- Transfer data up to twice as fast as...
- Wireless Connection, free of limitation - Enables wireless communication with...
- Full Compatibility - Backward compatible with Bluetooth2.1/3.x/4.x
- Power Saving for Devices - Bluetooth Low Energy technology for energy-saving...
- Ultra-small Design - Highly portable and easy to use.
- Mini Size: The extremely small and space-saving USB Bluetooth adapter allows you...
- Fast Transmission Rate: Maximum transfer rate is up to 3Mbps and transmission...
- Bluetooth Low Energy: USB Bluetooth dongle applies the latest Bluetooth 4.0 with...
- Multi-Device Connection: This Bluetooth receiver gives you powerful wireless...
- Wide Compatibility: Support Windows 10/8/7/XP/Vista, Raspberry Pi. Driver may be...
- Instant Bluetooth for Your PC or Laptop - Start enjoying perfect connectivity!...
- Lightning Fast - Finally, a Bluetooth V4.0 dongle that delivers in time, all the...
- One-minute Installation - Plug & Play installation means you can simply plug in...
- Incredible Range - With a frequency band of 2.402Ghz - 2.480Ghz, our PC...
- Quality worth Purchasing – Enjoy EVEO Bluetooth Dongle anytime you need. Your...
- Instant Bluetooth Adapter For PC or Laptop - Start enjoying perfect...
- Lightning Fast - Finally, a Bluetooth V5.0 dongle that delivers in time, all the...
- One-Minute Installation - driver Installation is required - download the free...
- Incredible Range - With a frequency band of 2.402Ghz - 2.480Ghz, our PC...
- Quality Worth Purchasing – Enjoy EVEO Bluetooth Dongle anytime you need. Your...
- 🚩 Applies the latest Bluetooth 5.0 chip set and greatly reduce the power...
- 🚩 Enhance anti-interference ability and stability,and reduce the transmission...
- 🚩 Experience the wireless freedom around the house! Applies the Class 1 radio...
- 🚩 Bluetooth 5.0 dongle works with 32/64-bit Windows 10/8/7. It can also take...
- 🚩 Turn your desktop into Bluetooth-enabled to connect with Bluetooth audio...
- For Windows 10 / 8 / 7 / Vista / XP Laptop or desktop computer. Turns...
- Connect with Bluetooth headphones, speakers or receivers for wireless stereo...
- Connect with Bluetooth keyboards & mice (NOT 2.4G devices), printers,...
- For native Win 10, plug into USB port and windows will auto-install the required...
- What you get: 1x Bluetooth adapter, 1x user manual, 1x mini CD
- Transsmission Rate: Bluetooth adapter supports maximum transfer rate up to 3Mbps...
- Designed for Windows. Plug and Play for Windows 8/10 system. Driver only needed...
- High Compatibility:Support 32bit/64bit Win 10/8/7/ Vista and XP,enables PC or...
- Low Energy: USB bluetooth dongle applies the latest bluetooth 4.0 with low...
- Extremely Small: Small size allows you to leave it on laptop or pc,no need to...
Product prices and availability are subject to change. Any price and availablility information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of any products.