Guide

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

Avantree Leaf Class 1 Long Range USB Bluetooth Audio Adapter for PS4 PS5 PC Laptop Mac Linux Switch, USB Audio Dongle for Headphones Speakers Only, Plug and Play, aptX Low Latency
  • [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

ASUS PCE-AC55BT B1 AC1200 Wireless Bluetooth 4.2 PCIe/Mpcie Adapter
  • 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:

13%Bestseller No. 1
TP-Link USB Bluetooth Adapter for PC, Bluetooth 5.0 Dongle Receiver, Plug and Play, Nano Design, EDR & BLE Technology, Supports Windows 11/10/8.1/7 for Desktop, Laptop, PS4/ Xbox Controllers (UB500)
  • 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...
20%Bestseller No. 2
ASUS USB-BT500 Bluetooth 5.0 USB Adapter with Ultra Small Design, Backward Compatible with Bluetooth 2.1/3.x/4.x
16,366 Reviews
ASUS USB-BT500 Bluetooth 5.0 USB Adapter with Ultra Small Design, Backward Compatible with Bluetooth 2.1/3.x/4.x
  • 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...
Bestseller No. 3
USB Bluetooth 5.3 Adapter for Desktop PC, Real Plug & Play Mini EDR Bluetooth Dongle Receiver & Transmitter for Laptop Computer Support Headphones Keyboard Mouse Speakers Printer Windows 11/10/8.1
  • 【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...
17%Bestseller No. 4
TP-Link USB Bluetooth Adapter for PC, Bluetooth 4.0 Dongle Receiver, Plug & Play, Nano Size, EDR & A2DP Technology, Supports Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP for Desktop, Laptop, PS4/ Xbox Controllers (UB400)
  • 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,...
Bestseller No. 5
UGREEN Long Range Bluetooth 5.3 Adapter for PC, 328FT/100M USB Bluetooth Dongle, Wireless Bluetooth Transmitter Receiver for Bluetooth Mouse Keyboard Headphones Speakers for Win11/10/8.1 (Plug & Play)
  • 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...
Bestseller No. 6
Long Range USB Bluetooth 5.3 Adapter for PC Real Plug & Play Class 1 Bluetooth Dongle EDR 328FT/100M Wireless Transfer Transmitter Receiver for Bluetooth Mouse Keyboard Headphone Support Win11/10/8.1
  • 【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...
40%Bestseller No. 7
USB Bluetooth 5.0 Adapter Dongle,Wireless Bluetooth Transmitter Receiver for PC Laptop Computer Desktop Stereo Music Skype Call Keyboard Mouse Support All Windows 10/8 / 8.1/7
  • 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...
Bestseller No. 8
Bluetooth Adapter for PC 5.1,Bluetooth Dongle Adapter for Windows 11/10/8.1 Driver-Free,USB Bluetooth Adapter Plug&Play for Desktop,Laptop,Keyboard,Mouse,Headset,Speaker,Printer
  • 💻【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...
20%Bestseller No. 9
Bluetooth 5.0 USB Dongle, Bluetooth Adapter for PC Computer Desktop Laptop, Wireless Transfer for Bluetooth Headphones Speakers Keyboard Mouse Printers Music & Calls, Windows 11/10/8.1/8
  • [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...
38%Bestseller No. 10
Bluetooth Adapter for PC 5.3, Maxuni USB Bluetooth Dongle 5.3 EDR Adapter for Laptop Keyboard Mouse Headsets Speakers, Long Range Bluetooth Supports Windows 11/10/8.1(Plug and Play)
  • 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,...

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.

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