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.
Table of Contents
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:
- Bluetooth 5.0 adapter for PC – Applies the latest Bluetooth 5.0 plus EDR...
- Faster Speed, Farther Coverage - With the more advanced technology, this USB...
- EDR and BLE Technology -This Bluetooth dongle is quipped with enhanced data rate...
- Nano-sized – A sleek, ultra-small design means you can insert the Nano...
- Plug and Play or Free Driver – Plug and play for Windows 8.1, 10, and 11 (make...
- 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. Frequency Band 2402~2480...
- 【Upgraded Bluetooth adapter 5.3 + EDR】: The upgraded Bluetooth USB adapter...
- 【Ultra-Small Size】: The stylish and compact design makes the upgraded...
- 【More Stable Connection】: The upgraded Bluetooth 5.3 dongle has a more...
- 【System support】: Real Plug & Play, no need to install the driver anymore....
- 【Wide Range of Applications】: The upgraded wireless Bluetooth adapter can...
- NOTE: The item is compatible with windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP. However, on the box...
- Bluetooth 4.0 – applies the latest Bluetooth 4.0 and it is backward compatible...
- Plug & play or free driver – plug and play for Win 8, 8.1, 10, and 11....
- Nano-sized – a sleek, ultra-small design means you can insert the Nano adapter...
- Reliability – enable wireless communication with Bluetooth-enabled computers,...
- Long Range Bluetooth Adapter: The Bluetooth dongle is equipped with extra long...
- Bluetooth 5.3 Adapter: Applies the latest Bluetooth 5.3+EDR technology,...
- Rotatable Antenna Design: The compact Bluetooth antenna can rotate 180° to get...
- Up to 5 Devices Sync Connected: You can fully use the USB Bluetooth Adapter to...
- Plug & Play: No need to install any drivers, just plug the USB wireless adapter...
- 【Long Range Upgraded Bluetooth Adapter】: The upgraded Bluetooth dongle uses...
- 【Bluetooth 5.3 Dongle】: Applies the latest upgraded Bluetooth 5.3+EDR...
- 【External Antenna Design】: The compact Bluetooth antenna can rotate 360° to...
- 【Bluetooth 5.3 Adapter for PC】: You can fully use the upgraded USB 5.3...
- 【System Support】Only Support Windows 8.1/10/11, Backward Compatible with...
- For Windows 10 / 8 / 8.1 / 7 / Laptop or desktop computer. Turns Non-Bluetooth...
- Supports Bluetooth speakers, headphones, headsets, keyboards, mice, Game...
- Bluetooth V5.0 & 20m Bluetooth Signal: Mini Size Dongle USB Stick Adaptor Latest...
- This product with 24-Month Warranty. Step-by-step Installation Guide Manual for...
- 💻【Bluetooth adapter 5.1】Usb bluetooth adapter 5.1 adopts Bluetooth 5.1...
- 🎮【Lightning speed and stable connection】Both BLE and EDR technologies are...
- Ⓜ️【Mini size Bluetooth adapter】Bluetooth usb adapter pc 5.1 is only...
- 🎧【High fidelity audio transmission】Bluetooth adapter 5.1 adopts dual...
- 🛡️【Professional customer service】What you pay for is not only a premium...
- [Bluetooth 5.0] Engineered with the latest Bluetooth 5.0 technology featuring...
- [HIGH COMPATIBILITY] Bluetooth 5.0 dongle works with 32/64-bit Windows 10/8/7....
- [MINI SIZE] Extremely compact USB adapter allows you to leave it on laptop or...
- [Faster Speed, Longer Range] Get faster data transfer speeds of up to 3 Mbps,...
- [BETTER PERFORMANCE] Enhance anti-interference ability and stability, new...
- Bluetooth Adapter 5.3:Adapter applies the latest Bluetooth 5.3+EDR adapter,...
- PLUG AND PLAY:Windows 11/10/8.1 Plug and Play. Simply plug into your USB port...
- INCREDIBLE RANGE: High performance with a frequency band of 2.402Ghz -...
- Long Range Bluetooth Adapter:Bluetooth 5.3 dongle works with 32/64-bit Windows...
- MINI SIZE: Extremely compact USB adapter allows you to leave it on laptop or PC,...
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