Bluetooth connectivity is taken for granted far too often nowadays. It’s an amazing technology that offers decently fast, safe and reliable data transfer, audio transmission and playback. That too on a high frequency wireless connection which can effectively operate over short distances. Albeit most mobile devices and laptops come equipped with built-in Bluetooth connectivity support, quite a lot of computers do not share this feature, which is where a Bluetooth adapter comes in.
It’s fairly common to buy motherboards which do not have a built in Bluetooth adapter, because it’s essentially much cheaper to get a Bluetooth adapter separately rather than buying a premium motherboard with Bluetooth connectivity. These adapters are readily available, easily compatible, provide long range coverage and provide a lot of functionality at a very affordable price. This enables users to connect multiple devices with Bluetooth and eliminate unnecessary wires from your peripheral setup.
As there is a wide variety of Bluetooth adapters available, we felt it was necessary to compile a list of the best Bluetooth adapters users can buy. Therefore we’ve compared the features, specifications and value of the best Bluetooth adapters in the market and put together this list which will help you choose the perfect device for your needs.
1. Avantree DG40S USB Bluetooth Adapter
The Standard
- 2 Year Warranty
- Automatic driver download
- No Linux or Mac support
Bluetooth Version: 4.0 | Range: 30 feet | Data Transfer Rate: 3 Mbps | OS Supported: Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista & XP
Last Update on 2022-11-08 using Amazon Product Advertising API
Check PriceThe first device on our list is the highly rated Avantree DG40S USB Bluetooth Adapter. This Bluetooth 4.0 device has a small form factor with a glossy, black plastic body with rounded edges. It has decent range and offers wide Windows OS support, dating as far back as Windows XP. However, it does not support Mac or Linux operating systems, which may be a red flag for some users.
The DG40S adapter comes equipped with Bluetooth 4.0 technology which allows efficient, fast data transfer with speeds up to 3 Mbps. It allows users to listen to audio on a multitude of devices, send and receive data, connect peripherals such as mice, keyboards and headphones with ease simultaneously. This eliminates the presence of wires in your setup, making it neat and tidy as can be. The device has a range of 30 feet which can be affected by obstacles in its way, but it’s still more than enough when used with a computer, mainly for peripherals, printers and Bluetooth speakers.
Not only does the adapter work with Windows XP up until 10, it has drivers that you can automatically download to get the adapter up and running, or install them with the included CD. For native Windows 10 PCs, the device operates as Plug & Play which makes it much more convenient as most users nowadays use Windows 10.
If additional support with additive features is desired, the Bluesoleil drivers provide extra features and greater connectivity with Bose headphones and speakers, as well as other devices such as PS4 and Xbox controllers. However, the adapter doesn’t support Linux or Mac operating systems, which is a red flag for any user of computers with these operating systems. The company also provides a 2 year warranty for the device, which is a great additive indeed.
Overall, the Avantree DG40S Bluetooth Adapter provides a fast, reliable wireless experience for Bluetooth devices at an affordable price which gives great value. It has Bluetooth 4.0 which uses up power efficiently and has decent range and speed. It supports all versions of Windows OS from XP up to Windows 10 thereby making it compatible with most PCs unless your system runs on Linux or Mac OS. So, if you’ve got a Windows PC and need a Bluetooth adapter, this one might be perfect for you.
2. Techkey Mini USB Bluetooth 5.0 Adapter
Latest Bluetooth
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Low interference
- No Linux or Mac support
Bluetooth Version: 5.0 | Range: 33 feet | Data Transfer Rate: 3 Mbps | OS Supported: Windows 10, 8.1, 8 & 7
Last Update on 2022-11-08 using Amazon Product Advertising API
Coming in as the second entry on our list is the Techkey Mini USB Bluetooth 5.0 adapter. This utilizes Bluetooth 5.0 which provides greater efficiency and less interference than its predecessors. It also has decent range and can connect as many as 7 devices at one time to perform multiple tasks and produce output in a multitude of ways. It supports Windows operating systems from Windows 7 up to Windows 10, however, it lacks support for Mac and Linux operating systems which would be a deal-breaker for some.
This Bluetooth adapter provides Bluetooth 5.0 which is both more efficient and experiences less interference than its previous versions. You don’t have to worry about compatibility with older Bluetooth devices as this adapter is backwards compatible as well. It has a range of 33 feet but it’s more effective than adapters which utilize Bluetooth 4.0 because it faces less interference and passes through objects better. The data transfer rate is 3 Mbps which is good enough for printers, scanners and any other devices.
The fact that users can connect up to 7 devices simultaneously means they can connect all their wireless peripherals and devices through this adapter, making their whole setup a wireless one. The adapter requires drivers which come in an included CD. It supports Windows 7, 8, 8.1 and 10 but lacks support for any Mac OS or Linux OS which is a prominent con. Otherwise, the device works fantastically and you’ll experience a better, more reliable connection within its range than you would’ve with a Bluetooth 4.0 device.
All in all, the Techkey Bluetooth Adapter provides the user with a Bluetooth 5.0 adapter which gives a more efficient and reliable experience. It has a good range with decent data transfer speed, multiple device support, Windows OS support and is backward compatible. The drivers need to be installed for a flawless experience but it shouldn’t be much of a fuss since they’re included in the product pack in a CD. For what it costs, this adapter provides great value for money and should definitely be considered as a top option if you’re a Windows OS user.
3. Kinivo BTD-400 USB Bluetooth Adapter
Universally Compatible
- Wide OS support
- 2 year warranty
- Expensive for Bluetooth 4.0
Bluetooth Version: 4.0 | Range: 32 feet | Data Transfer Rate: 3 Mbps | OS Supported: Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista & XP, Linux, Raspberry Pi, Mac 2011 and beyond
Last Update on 2022-11-08 using Amazon Product Advertising API
The Kinivo BTD-400 Bluetooth Adapter is one of the best Bluetooth 4.0 adapters available. It has the widest OS support and provides extensive functionality on all of them. The device matches the range and speed of other Bluetooth 4.0 adapters, meanwhile it outperforms them with its Class 2, low energy Bluetooth, which is more efficient and reliable in terms of connection and audio signals. Not only is it reliable, it’s also durable with a strong build and a 2 year warranty. However, all of these features come at a slightly higher price than usual, making it one of the more expensive Bluetooth 4.0 adapters on this list.
It comes equipped with Bluetooth 4.0 and utilizes Class 2, low energy protocol to perform more efficiently and consume less power when running on laptops. It supports multiple devices at once and can connect with audio streaming devices, peripherals, printers, scanners or data transfer devices as well.
The best aspect of this adapter is its wide range OS support. Not only does it support Windows from XP up till Windows 10, it also runs on Linux, Raspberry Pi and Mac OS, which is plenty useful and accommodates many users. Although driver installation is required for Linux, Raspberry Pi and Mac OS, the adapter is Plug & Play for Windows OS. A CD is included in the package which contains the drivers, but they can also be downloaded from their website which is even better.
The adapter has a 32 feet range and operates reliably within it, since it utilizes low energy protocol which decreases interference. Even though it runs on Bluetooth 4.0, it’s backwards compatible with older devices so you won’t run into any issues there. It has a decent, 3 Mbps data transfer rate and it can stream music comfortably with good detail and sync. It has good build quality and is made from durable materials, which is why the company confidently provides a 2 year warranty for users.
Overall, the Kinivo BTD-400 Bluetooth Adapter is a great adapter for those who use a Linux or Mac OS, or find themselves in occasional need of connecting to one of those even if their primary computer runs on Windows. It has all the basics down right and performs its tasks reliably. Its 2 year warranty puts users’ mind at ease and is a testament to its durable build. All in all, the Kinivo BTD-400 is a great purchase for users who need universal OS support.
4. ZEXMTE Bluetooth USB Adapter CSR 4.0
Budget Bluetooth Adapter
- Affordable
- Plug & Play
- Lacks Linux and Mac support
Bluetooth Version: 4.0 | Range: 33 feet | Data Transfer Rate: 3 Mbps | OS Supported: Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista & XP
Last Update on 2022-11-08 using Amazon Product Advertising API
The ZEXMTE Bluetooth 4.0 Adapter is the most affordable adapter on our list as it gives the greatest value at the lowest price. The adapter is Plug & Play for Windows 8 and onwards OS, which is a big plus. Drivers are available for older OS but the adapter isn’t compatible with Mac or Linux OS which can be a problem for some users. However, all of what this adapter offers, that too at a cheap price, is a great deal for most users.
It has a range of 33 feet, which is rated for open spaces but can still perform well indoors even with obstacles and mild interference. The signal is reliable and fast, with a data transfer speed of up to 3 Mbps. It has a very small plastic body with a durable USB connector. Since the adapter utilizes Bluetooth 4.0, it uses low energy protocol which means it’s power efficient when used with a laptop. It can connect with multiple devices at once and supports audio streaming, data transfer and peripheral connection.
If you’re a Windows 8, 8.1 or 10 user, you can simply plug the adapter in and use it at full capacity. However, if your OS is Windows 7 or older, you’ll need to install the drivers from the included CD or manually download them from the internet. On the other hand, it doesn’t support Linux OS or Mac OS altogether. This can be a bit fussy but considering the price you pay for this device, it’s no big deal at all.
Overall, the ZEXMTE Bluetooth USB Adapter CSR 4.0 provides great value for its ultra affordable price. It has a reliable, Bluetooth 4.0 connection with decent speed and comparable range with its more expensive competitors. The only downside is that it doesn’t support Linux or Mac OS. So if you’re a Windows OS user, you’ll be smart to buy this adapter at an affordable price and fulfill your Bluetooth connectivity needs.
5. Avantree Leaf Bluetooth Adapter
Best Bluetooth Audio Transmitter
- Long range
- Wide OS support
- Audio transmission only
Bluetooth Version: 4.1 | Range: 66 feet | Data Transfer Rate: N/A | OS Supported: Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista & XP, Mac
Last Update on 2022-11-08 using Amazon Product Advertising API
The final Bluetooth adapter in our list is the Avantree Leaf. It utilizes Bluetooth 4.1 to transmit audio signals only, therefore it’s only an audio transmission adapter and cannot be used to connect peripherals other than speakers, microphones and headphones. It has a long range and effectively transmits audio reliably. It can connect to a wide array of devices and supports Windows from XP up to Windows 10, as well as Mac OS. However, since it’s audio transmission only, it cannot be used to connect mice, keyboards or any other peripherals, printing devices or data transfer devices.
The Leaf Bluetooth Adapter presents a great solution to music lovers and users who watch a lot of movies and video content. However, that’s the only transmission it can do. It cannot connect any peripherals or data transfer devices and is limited to audio transmission only. The device has a wide range of OS compatibility, as it supports Windows OS from XP up till Windows 10 and also Mac OS. Linux users are out of luck here as they’ll need to find another product to cater their needs. Not only does it support these PC operating systems, it also supports PS4, Nintendo Switch and more. It’s Plug & Play for Windows OS but you’ll need to install the drivers that come with the package in a CD on Mac OS to get full utility out of the adapter.
This adapter from Avantree provides an astonishing 66 feet range, which is fantastic and can enable users to listen to music from across their home and face no disconnection or signal drops. It provides a wireless, long range solution with low latency technology which removes any lip sync delay when watching a video on a screen and hearing the audio through a Bluetooth connected speaker or headphone. This makes the experience flawless and much more enjoyable as there’s no wires you have to worry about and you can continue listening even when moving around with ease.
It comes with a slightly larger body than other Bluetooth adapters, but its sleek plastic design is durable and available in two colors, green and black. However, all of these features come at a price. Even though it only has audio transmission, it costs more than any other Bluetooth adapter on this list.
In conclusion, if you’re an audiophile or watch a lot of movies and prefer to get your audio through a Bluetooth speaker or headphones, the Avantree Leaf Bluetooth Adapter is the best choice for you. If you can afford it and don’t require data transfer through Bluetooth or want to connect peripherals, this is the perfect choice for you.
