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 signals...
- [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 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 5.3 Adapter: This bluetooth adapter for pc uses the latest...
- Up to 5 Devices Sync Connected: UGREEN Bluetooth dongle for PC supports up to 5...
- Plug and Play: The Bluetooth adapter is developed for Windows systems only and...
- Mini Size: An extremely compact Bluetooth stick that you can leave on your...
- Note: It can not be used directly on PS3, PS4, PS5, Switch, or Xbox Console; but...
- 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,...
- Bluetooth 5.3 dongle: Applies the latest Bluetooth 5.3+EDR technology,...
- Plug & Play: USB wireless Bluetooth is not limited by network and location, no...
- Long Range Bluetooth Adapter: The USB Bluetooth 5.3 dongle uses Class 1 radio...
- Fast Transmission Rate: This upgraded Bluetooth 5.3 adapter features EDR...
- System Support: The upgraded Bluetooth 5.3 dongle has a wide range of...
- 【Wide range of applications】: used in home theaters, mobile phones, karaoke...
- 【Operation is simpler】:Insert the usb bluetooth receiver and connect your...
- 【Wireless playback】: Eliminate the trouble of wired connection. Through...
- 【Portable design】: small and exquisite, portable feature allows you to carry...
- 【Transmission】: The transmission rate is 3 (Mbps), and the longest...
- Connect your computer or laptop to Bluetooth for PC with this EVEO USB Bluetooth...
- Experience plug and play functionality with the EVEO USB Bluetooth adapter PC....
- Experience lightning-fast data transfer speeds with the EVEO USB to Bluetooth...
- This EVEO Bluetooth dongle boasts quality and durability. Its sleek, compact...
- Boost productivity with a clutter-free workspace using the EVEO Bluetooth USB...
- Advanced Windows Compatibility: Windows 8.1, 10, and 11 systems work immediately...
- Superior Bluetooth 5.4 Performance: The Bluetooth 5.4 adapter chip offers...
- Effortless Plug-and-Play: Simply plug in our Bluetooth dongle to connect...
- Versatile Device Compatibility: Compatible with devices using Bluetooth versions...
- Lossless Audio Transmission: With an audio sampling rate of up to 44.1kHz, it...
- Transmission 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...
- Wansurs Bluetooth 5.1 + EDR Adapter: Equipped with the state-of-the-art...
- Enhanced Connection Stability: Thanks to Bluetooth 5.1, the Wansurs dongle...
- Broad Application: This wireless Bluetooth adapter can link a myriad of devices,...
- Compact Design: With its sleek and compact design, the Wansurs Bluetooth...
- System Compatibility: Please note, the Wansurs USB Bluetooth adapter is...
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.