Bluetooth adapters are a godsend if you’re looking to shore up ports on your computer, not to mention gaming consoles, too. But what if Bluetooth receivers already occupy said ports for the mouse or keyboard? No worries! It’s not uncommon for Bluetooth adapters to work simultaneously with multiple devices.
Whether it’s used as a central hub for Bluetooth-enabled devices, for transferring data, or both, here are seven of the best Bluetooth adapters available.
Q: What Is Plug-and-Play?
Simply put, a plug-and-play device will work as soon as you plug it in.
For starters, the Asus BT500 connects to up to seven devices simultaneously—headsets, speakers, gaming controllers, keyboards, gaming mice, printers, and even mobile devices. But what’s arguably the Asus BT500’s best feature is that it’s backward compatible with Bluetooth devices as far back as version 2.1. There’s no fuss to get started either; simply plug the Asus BT500 into the nearest USB, and you’re good to go.
Performance-wise, the Asus BT500 is impressive, reaching Bluetooth-enabled devices as far off as 130 feet. With the addition of EDR technology, the Asus BT500 has a much faster data transfer rate, helping it reach speeds up to 3MBps. If you have half a dozen Bluetooth-enabled devices, the Asus BT500 will be your new best friend.
The Kinivo BTD-400 comes with excellent multi-OS support: Windows as far back as XP (32-bit and 64-bit), Linux Ubuntu, Mint, and Fedora, and even Raspberry Pi. More importantly, it can connect with as many as seven devices simultaneously. It’s the ideal Bluetooth adapter for tech gurus who load their primary device with various peripherals, from headsets to controllers.
As far as performance is concerned, the Kinivo BTD-400 has a respectable maximum range of 33 feet. It isn’t long-distance, per se, but due to its maximum distance, the Kinivo BTD-400 is best placed in an office or a gamer’s battle station and stay there. That also allows it to make the most of its solid and consistent 1Mbps transfer speeds. If you can’t stick to one brand, the Kinivo BTD-400 is the way to go.
Thanks to EDR technology, the TP-Link UB400 has a maximum transmission range of 65 feet and data transfer speeds of up to 3Mbps. In addition, it can pair with seven devices in total—this means the TP-Link UB400 can handle multiple devices simultaneously while maintaining a robust and reliable connection. So, connect all your accessories and peripherals without worrying about connection issues!
The TP-Link UB400 comes plug-and-play ready for Windows 8 to Windows 11, no driver required, though Windows 7 and XP will need one (which is free). But hey, how often do Bluetooth devices support Windows XP? In other words: the TP-Link UB400 is the best Bluetooth adapter for PC gamers.
How so? Well, unlike other Bluetooth adapters, the ZEXMTE DG69 sports a large antenna, and it isn’t just for show. With the help of Class 1 radio technology, you can connect to the Zexmte DG69 from 328 feet away and still maintain a great connection. On top of that, it comes with fast data transfer speeds reaching as much as 3Mbps. And don’t worry about traffic jamming your signal—the Zexmte DG69 takes care of that by completely ignoring 2.4 GHz frequencies.
If you aren’t sure if the Zexmte DG69 is for you, ask yourself: Do you have several Class 1 Bluetooth devices? Are your devices exclusively Windows-based? Do you have a large room? If you said yes to most of those questions, then the Zexmte DG69 is the best Bluetooth adapter for you.
For starters, the Avantree DG80 is specifically designed for audio, featuring both AptX Low Latency and FastStream support. That means you can sit back and enjoy excellent sound quality while keeping the audio synced with what’s playing on the television. In fact, if you have a Bluetooth surround sound system that spans the entire room, the Avantree DG80’s 100-foot transmission range will ensure the connection to your speakers remains solid and reliable.
As an audio-only Bluetooth adapter, the Avantree DG80 is best utilized as a central hub for audiophiles, whether it’s the soundbar at their TV or as a wireless adapter for a Bluetooth headset connected to a compatible console.
What makes the Avantree Leaf Class 1 an excellent choice for gaming on the couch is its ability to transfer sound while simultaneously capturing the audio from your headset’s microphone. More importantly, you’ll still experience good audio quality that’s lag-free, thanks to the Avantree Leaf Class 1’s support for AptX Low Latency and FastStream.
Best of all, you won’t have to worry about poor connection quality. With Bluetooth Class 1 technology, the Avantree Leaf Class 1 has a long-range transmission that reaches up to 60 feet, which is undoubtedly more than enough if you’re only sitting on the couch or at a desk. Simply plug in the device—no driver download required—and enjoy the entertainment!
What the Logitech C-U0007 does is act as a central hub for all your compatible Logitech devices—compatible with any device sporting a Unifying logo (an orange stamp with a black star). Up to six devices can be connected simultaneously to the C-U0007, including keyboards, computer mice, speakers, and even microphones.
Bringing everything together requires a good connection, of course, so Logitech saw fit that the C-U0007 be fitted with a robust 2.4 GHz connection that can reach up to 33 feet. With that range and performance, you won’t have to worry about lag in the foreseeable future.
For two devices to communicate, like a computer mouse and a PC, they need to be able to “speak” to one another. To make this happen, your PC must have a driver who can speak the device’s language. Thankfully, plugging in a device tends to initiate the installation for the said driver, but even then, the two may not be compatible.
A device that is plug-and-play ready does not require installing a driver.
Q: What Is EDR?
Several Bluetooth devices will state they support “EDR”—an acronym for Enhanced Data Rate.
Every Bluetooth device has a specific limitation to its ability to transfer data. However, if the device supports EDR, its data transfer rate is increased substantially, as much as two to four times. It’s definitely something you want to look for in a Bluetooth device, especially if data transfer is a concern.
Q: What Should I Look for in a Bluetooth Adapter?
When deciding on a Bluetooth adapter, you must consider three aspects: range, compatibility, and Bluetooth version. From there, it’s just a matter of determining what’s most important.
For example, are you primarily a PC gamer? Then a device with the latest compatible Bluetooth version should be your priority, with the range being the least of your concerns. If you run a small business, range and compatibility should be the priority, provided you can score a Bluetooth adapter with Bluetooth 4.0 or later.
