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

17%
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
2,081 Reviews
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:

Bestseller No. 1
TP-Link USB Bluetooth Adapter for PC, 5.0 Bluetooth Dongle Receiver (UB500) Supports Windows 11/10/8.1/7 for Desktop, Laptop, Mouse, Keyboard, Printers, Headsets, Speakers, PS4/ Xbox Controllers
6,739 Reviews
TP-Link USB Bluetooth Adapter for PC, 5.0 Bluetooth Dongle Receiver (UB500) Supports Windows 11/10/8.1/7 for Desktop, Laptop, Mouse, Keyboard, Printers, Headsets, Speakers, PS4/ Xbox Controllers
  • 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...
10%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
3,516 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.
Bestseller No. 3
TP-Link USB Bluetooth Adapter for PC(UB400), 4.0 Bluetooth Dongle Receiver Support Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP for Desktop, Laptop, Mouse, Keyboard, Printers, Headsets, Speakers, PS4/ Xbox Controllers
  • 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,...
20%Bestseller No. 4
Long Range Bluetooth Adapter for PC, XDO Class 1 USB Bluetooth Adapter 5.1+EDR, 328FT/100M Wireless Transfer Transmitter Receiver for Bluetooth Mouse Keyboard Speakers Headphones Support Win11/10/8/7
915 Reviews
Long Range Bluetooth Adapter for PC, XDO Class 1 USB Bluetooth Adapter 5.1+EDR, 328FT/100M Wireless Transfer Transmitter Receiver for Bluetooth Mouse Keyboard Speakers Headphones Support Win11/10/8/7
  • Long Range Bluetooth Adapter: The Bluetooth dongle uses Class 1 radio...
  • Bluetooth 5.1 Dongle: Applies the latest Bluetooth 5.1+EDR technology,support...
  • External Antenna Design: The compact Bluetooth antenna can rotate 360° to get a...
  • Bluetooth 5.1 Adapter for PC: You can fully use the USB 5.1 wireless Bluetooth...
  • System Support: Only support 32/64 bit Win 11/10/8/7 (Not work with Mac OS,...
20%Bestseller No. 5
USB Bluetooth 5.3 Adapter for Desktop PC, Really Plug & Play Mini Bluetooth EDR Dongle Receiver & transmitter for Laptop Computer Bluetooth Headphones Keyboard Mouse Speakers Printer Windows 11/10/8.1
  • 【Upgraded Bluetooth 5.3 dongle】Applies the latest Bluetooth 5.3+EDR adapter,...
  • 【Plug & Play】This USB wireless adapter is plug and play,no need to install...
  • 【Stable & Fast】Bluetooth 5.3 improves the stability of the connection and...
  • 【Mini Size】An extremely compact Bluetooth stick that you can leave on your...
  • 【System Support】Only Support Windows 8.1/10/11, Backward Compatible with...
Bestseller No. 6
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...
  • Easy to Use: Before plugging the Bluetooth 5.0 USB Dongle Adapter into the USB...
  • This product with 24-Month Warranty. Step-by-step Installation Guide Manual for...
11%Bestseller No. 7
ASUS USB-BT400 USB Adapter w/ Bluetooth Dongle Receiver, Laptop & PC Support, Windows 10 Plug and Play /8/7/XP, Printers, Phones, Headsets, Speakers, Keyboards, Controllers,Black
  • 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 ,...
16%Bestseller No. 8
Long Range USB Bluetooth 5.1 Adapter for PC USB Bluetooth Adapter Wireless Audio Dongle 328FT / 100M 5.1 Bluetooth Transmitter Receiver for Desktop Laptop PC with Windows 11/10/8/8.1/7
  • 【Bluetooth 5.1 Dongle 】: With the latest Bluetooth 5.1 + EDR, Transmission...
  • 【Bluetooth 5.1 Adapter for PC】: Help your old desktop add wireless Bluetooth...
  • 【Long Range Wireless Transfer】: This USB Bluetooth dongle with 2dBi external...
  • Install Driver Tips : First install the driver, then plug this usb Bluetooth...
  • 【Lifetime Warranty】: We can offer lifetime manufacturer replacement warranty...
15%Bestseller No. 9
EVEO Bluetooth Adapter for PC 5.1 - Bluetooth Dongle 5.1 Adapter for Windows 10 Only (Plug and Play) for Desktop PC, Laptop, Printers, Keyboard, Mouse, Headsets, Speakers - USB Bluetooth 5.1 Dongle
  • Reliable Bluetooth USB adapter - This Bluetooth adapter for PC computer and...
  • Easy to connect Bluetooth adapter for pc - A Bluetooth adapter for PC is like a...
  • Faster data transfer Bluetooth Dongle -
  • USB bluetooth adapter
  • LIGHTNING FAST DATA TRANSFER: Get a faster-than-ever transfer rate of 3 Mbps for...
56%Bestseller No. 10
USB Bluetooth Adapter for PC Receiver - Techkey Mini Bluetooth 5.0 EDR Dongle transmitter for Computer Desktop Transfer for Laptop Bluetooth Headset Speaker Keyboard Mouse Printer Windows11/10/8.1/8/7
  • 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...

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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