A desk with a headset that will not pair and a keyboard waiting on a wireless link, and the best bluetooth adapter for computer use is the small USB part that closes that gap. We compared the adapters below by Bluetooth version, device pairing, Windows support, size and warranty term.
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Quick picks
Best Overall TP-Link UB500 Plus: Adjustable antenna, Bluetooth 5.3, 2-year warranty stated Check price on Amazon
Best Multi-Device Avantree DG45: Pairs up to 7 devices, SBC audio, 12-month warranty stated Check price on Amazon
Widest Windows Support TP-Link UB400: Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7 and XP support, nano size Check price on Amazon
Newest Bluetooth UGREEN 6.0 Adapter: Bluetooth 6.0 with EDR and BLE, 5 devices at once Check price on Amazon
Compact 5.3 Pick UGREEN 5.3 Adapter: Bluetooth 5.3 nano stick, 5 devices, plug and play Check price on Amazon
The picks
| # | Product | Office Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TP-Link UB500 Plus | 9.7/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 | Avantree DG45 | 9.7/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 | TP-Link UB400 | 9.6/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 | UGREEN 6.0 Adapter | 9.6/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 | UGREEN 5.3 Adapter | 9.6/10 | Buy on Amazon |
TP-Link UB500 Plus
A Bluetooth 5.3 adapter with an adjustable multi-directional antenna, plug and play on stated Windows versions, and a 2-year manufacturer warranty.
Pros
- Bluetooth 5.3 with EDR, backward compatible with earlier Bluetooth versions
- Adjustable multi-directional antenna for placement in different environments
- Maker claims up to twice the speed and four times the coverage of Bluetooth 4.0
- 2-year manufacturer warranty is stated
Cons
- No device count is stated for simultaneous pairing
- Largest adapter here at 3.19 x 1.65 x 0.66 in, so it needs antenna clearance
- Windows 7 needs a driver download, per the listing
- No data transfer rate is stated in the spec table
Detailed Review
TP-Link lists the UB500 Plus as a Bluetooth 5.3 adapter with EDR and BLE, an adjustable multi-directional antenna, with plug and play for Windows 8.1, 10 and 11 and a driver download for Windows 7. The maker claims twice the speed and four times the coverage of Bluetooth 4.0, and the spec table gives a 3.19 x 1.65 x 0.66 in size at 9.07 g. The listing states a 2 year manufacturer warranty.
Who it's for: a desktop user who wants antenna range and a stated warranty term. Who should skip it: anyone who needs a flush nano adapter or a stated device count.
Its Office Score of 9.7/10 comes from performance 30/35, build 22/25, value 21/25, safety not scored (non-powered gear) and warranty 4/5: 77 of 90 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Bluetooth version | 5.3 |
|---|---|
| Antenna | Adjustable, multi-directional |
| Size | 3.19 x 1.65 x 0.66 in |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 25 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. This product does not plug in or run on a battery, so safety is not part of its score. 2 year manufacturer. It does not say everything a buyer needs, such as who pays return shipping, so warranty scores 4 of 5. See How We Pick.
Power and heat. Use the supplied adapter, treat power delivery wattage and display support as the maker's claims for your laptop model, and give the dock room to vent.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
Avantree DG45
A USB Bluetooth adapter for Windows PCs that pairs up to 7 devices, streams stereo audio and voice calls, and states a 12-month warranty.
Pros
- Pairs up to 7 Bluetooth devices, with keyboards, mice and printers usable at the same time
- Voice calls through a headphone microphone on Skype, Zoom and Teams, per the listing
- SBC codec support is stated for audio streaming
- 12-month warranty, extendable to 24 months with product registration
Cons
- Windows 11, 10, 8.1 and 8 only; no support for macOS, Linux, Windows 7, TVs or consoles
- Only one Bluetooth audio device can be active at a time
- Not compatible with Wi-Fi or 2.4G wireless devices
- No antenna; no range figure is stated in the listing
Detailed Review
Avantree lists the DG45 as a USB Bluetooth adapter for Windows 11, 10, 8.1 and 8 only, with pairing for up to 7 Bluetooth devices and SBC codec support. The listing states stereo music streaming and voice calls through a headphone microphone, at a 3 megabytes per second data transfer rate. The spec table gives a 0.9 x 0.53 x 0.25 in size at 2 g. One limit to note: only one Bluetooth audio device can be active at a time, though keyboards, mice and other non-audio devices can run together. The listing states a 12-month warranty, extendable to 24 months with product registration.
Who it's for: a Windows PC user who pairs many peripherals and takes headset calls. Who should skip it: anyone on macOS, Linux or Windows 7, or anyone who needs two audio devices at once.
Its Office Score of 9.7/10 comes from performance 30/35, build 21/25, value 21/25, safety not scored (non-powered gear) and warranty 3/5: 75 of 90 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Bluetooth version | 5 |
|---|---|
| Devices | Up to 7 |
| Codec | SBC |
| Warranty | 12 months |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 25 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. This product does not plug in or run on a battery, so safety is not part of its score. 12 months (extend to 24 months with product registration). It does not say everything a buyer needs, such as who pays return shipping, so warranty scores 3 of 5. See How We Pick.
Power and heat. Use the supplied adapter, treat power delivery wattage and display support as the maker's claims for your laptop model, and give the dock room to vent.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
TP-Link UB400
A nano Bluetooth 4.0 adapter with plug and play on stated Windows versions, a 65 ft stated range, and a 2-Year Warranty.
Pros
- Nano size at 0.74 x 0.58 x 0.27 in stays plugged in for travel or home use
- Widest Windows support here: 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7 and XP, per the listing
- Transmission distance of up to 65 ft is stated
- 2-Year Warranty is stated
Cons
- Bluetooth 4.0 is the oldest version in this group
- Not compatible with Mac, Linux or TV
- Driver download required for Windows 7 and XP
- Two adapters cannot pair with each other, per the listing
Detailed Review
TP-Link lists the UB400 as a nano Bluetooth 4.0 adapter with EDR and A2DP technology, plug and play for Windows 8, 8.1, 10 and 11, with driver support for Windows 7 and XP. The listing states a transmission distance of up to 65 ft, Bluetooth low energy connectivity, and a 0C to 40C operating temperature. The spec table gives a 0.74 x 0.58 x 0.27 in size at 10 g and a 480 megabits per second data transfer rate. The listing states a 2-Year Warranty.
Who it's for: a Windows user on an older system who wants a tiny adapter that stays in the port. Who should skip it: anyone who wants the newest Bluetooth version, or anyone on Mac, Linux or TV.
Its Office Score of 9.6/10 comes from performance 28/35, build 21/25, value 20/25, safety not scored (non-powered gear) and warranty 4/5: 73 of 90 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Bluetooth version | 4.0 |
|---|---|
| Range | Up to 65 ft |
| Size | 0.74 x 0.58 x 0.27 in |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 25 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. This product does not plug in or run on a battery, so safety is not part of its score. 2-Year Warranty. It does not say everything a buyer needs, such as who pays return shipping, so warranty scores 4 of 5. See How We Pick.
Power and heat. Use the supplied adapter, treat power delivery wattage and display support as the maker's claims for your laptop model, and give the dock room to vent.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
UGREEN 6.0 Adapter
A Bluetooth 6.0 adapter with EDR and BLE technology, pairing for up to 5 device types, and plug and play on Windows 11, 10 and 8.1.
Pros
- Bluetooth 6.0 with EDR and BLE, backward compatible with Bluetooth 5.4 and 5.3
- Up to 5 different device types connected at the same time
- Plug and play with no driver installation on Windows 11, 10 and 8.1
- Compact 5 g adapter for a laptop or desktop port
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- No dimensions are stated in the spec table
- Only one audio device of the same type can play music at a time
- Windows only; Linux, MacOS and Windows 7 are not supported
Detailed Review
UGREEN lists this adapter as a Bluetooth 6.0 dongle with EDR and BLE technology, pairing for up to 5 different device types, and plug and play on Windows 11, 10 and 8.1. The listing states faster data transfer speeds and high-quality audio and video streaming, while the spec table lists an 800 kilobits per second data transfer rate at 5 g. No dimensions and no warranty term appear in the listing, so warranty scores zero. Note the tension: the speed claim sits next to a modest stated rate, so treat the rate as checkable.
Who it's for: a Windows 11, 10 or 8.1 user who wants the newest Bluetooth version and multi-device pairing. Who should skip it: anyone who wants a warranty term in writing, or anyone on Linux, MacOS or Windows 7.
Its Office Score of 9.6/10 comes from performance 33/35, build 21/25, value 22/25, safety not scored (non-powered gear) and warranty 0/5: 76 of 90 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Bluetooth version | 6.0 |
|---|---|
| Devices | Up to 5 |
| Weight | 5 g |
| Data transfer rate | 800 kilobits per second |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 25 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. This product does not plug in or run on a battery, so safety is not part of its score. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.
Power and heat. Use the supplied adapter, treat power delivery wattage and display support as the maker's claims for your laptop model, and give the dock room to vent.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
UGREEN 5.3 Adapter
A compact Bluetooth 5.3 adapter with BR and EDR technology, pairing for up to 5 device types, and plug and play on Windows 11, 10 and 8.1.
Pros
- Bluetooth 5.3 with BR and EDR for stable connection data transfer, per the listing
- Up to 5 different device types connected at the same time
- Mini size that does not interfere with other USB ports
- Plug and play with no driver on Windows 11, 10 and 8.1
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- Only one audio device of the same type can play music at a time
- Windows only; Windows 7, Linux and MacOS are not supported
- Receiver only; it cannot be used as a transmitter, per the listing
Detailed Review
UGREEN lists this adapter as a Bluetooth 5.3 dongle with BR and EDR technology, pairing for up to 5 different device types, with plug and play on Windows 11, 10 and 8.1. The spec table gives a 1.2 x 0.63 x 0.27 in size at 0.02 kg and a 2 megabits per second data transfer rate. The listing states that the compact size does not interfere with other USB ports, and that the device is a receiver, not a transmitter. No warranty term appears in the listing, so warranty scores zero.
Who it's for: a Windows 11, 10 or 8.1 user who wants a small 5.3 adapter for everyday peripherals. Who should skip it: anyone who wants a warranty term, or anyone who needs the adapter to transmit audio.
Its Office Score of 9.6/10 comes from performance 29/35, build 21/25, value 21/25, safety not scored (non-powered gear) and warranty 0/5: 71 of 90 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Bluetooth version | 5.3 |
|---|---|
| Devices | Up to 5 |
| Size | 1.2 x 0.63 x 0.27 in |
| Data transfer rate | 2 megabits per second |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 25 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. This product does not plug in or run on a battery, so safety is not part of its score. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.
Power and heat. Use the supplied adapter, treat power delivery wattage and display support as the maker's claims for your laptop model, and give the dock room to vent.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
More picks to compare
TP-Link TX10UB NanoFor a desktop that needs Wi-Fi and Bluetooth from one nano adapterCheck on Amazon
Amazon Basics HBT541For a Windows PC that needs a simple Bluetooth 5.4 nano adapterCheck on Amazon
Cudy BU530For a Windows or Linux PC that needs a nano Bluetooth 5.3 adapterCheck on Amazon
Molltto BT53For a desktop or laptop that needs a compact Bluetooth 5.3 receiverCheck on Amazon
Techkey 6.0BTFor a desktop that needs long-range Bluetooth 6.0 with an antennaCheck on Amazon
Compare the picks
| Adapter | Office Score | Bluetooth | Devices | Windows | Warranty | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link UB500 Plus | 9.7/10 | 5.3 | Not stated | 11, 10, 8.1, 7 | 2 years | View on Amazon |
| Avantree DG45 | 9.7/10 | 5 | Up to 7 | 11, 10, 8.1, 8 | 12 months | View on Amazon |
| TP-Link UB400 | 9.6/10 | 4.0 | Not stated | 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7, XP | 2 years | View on Amazon |
| UGREEN 6.0 Adapter | 9.6/10 | 6.0 | Up to 5 | 11, 10, 8.1 | Not stated | View on Amazon |
| UGREEN 5.3 Adapter | 9.6/10 | 5.3 | Up to 5 | 11, 10, 8.1 | Not stated | View on Amazon |
Specifications are manufacturer rated as listed, collected 25 October 2026.
How we scored them
The Office Score weighs performance (Bluetooth version, device pairing, stated speed and range), build (size, antenna and form), value, safety and warranty. For an adapter, safety means a stated certification on the listing; none of the five states one, so safety scores zero. Three listings state a warranty term: the TP-Link UB500 Plus at 2 years, the Avantree DG45 at 12 months and the TP-Link UB400 at 2 years. How we pick explains the weights.
| Product | Office Score | Perf. /35 | Build /25 | Value /25 | Safety /10 | Warranty /5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link UB500 Plus | 9.7 | 30 | 22 | 21 | n/a | 4 |
| Avantree DG45 | 9.7 | 30 | 21 | 21 | n/a | 3 |
| TP-Link UB400 | 9.6 | 28 | 21 | 20 | n/a | 4 |
| UGREEN 6.0 Adapter | 9.6 | 33 | 21 | 22 | n/a | 0 |
| UGREEN 5.3 Adapter | 9.6 | 29 | 21 | 21 | n/a | 0 |
Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each product’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Safety counts only for powered gear or where the listing states safety features; where it does not apply, the score is taken over the remaining 90 points.
How to choose the best bluetooth adapter for computer
Match the Bluetooth version to your devices
The UGREEN 6.0 Adapter uses Bluetooth 6.0 with EDR and BLE, and the listing states backward compatibility with Bluetooth 5.4 and 5.3. The TP-Link UB500 Plus and the UGREEN 5.3 Adapter use Bluetooth 5.3, the Avantree DG45 uses Bluetooth 5, and the TP-Link UB400 uses Bluetooth 4.0. A newer version is not automatically better for a single headset, but it matters with multi-device support and a stated data transfer rate, so read the version together with the device count below.
Count the devices you pair at once
The Avantree DG45 pairs up to 7 devices, and both UGREEN adapters pair up to 5 device types. On all three, only one audio device of the same type can play at a time, so a headset and a speaker cannot both play. The two TP-Link listings state no device count, which suits a desk where one keyboard and one mouse are the whole wireless load.
| Adapter | Bluetooth | Devices | Item weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link UB500 Plus | 5.3 | Not stated | 9.07 g |
| Avantree DG45 | 5 | Up to 7 | 2 g |
| TP-Link UB400 | 4.0 | Not stated | 10 g |
| UGREEN 6.0 Adapter | 6.0 | Up to 5 | 5 g |
| UGREEN 5.3 Adapter | 5.3 | Up to 5 | 0.02 kg |
Figures as stated in each listing’s spec table; all five are light enough to leave in a port.
Check Windows support before you buy
Windows support splits this group. The UB400 covers Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7 and XP, with a driver download for Windows 7 and XP. The UB500 Plus covers Windows 11, 10, 8.1 and 7, with a driver download for Windows 7. The DG45 covers Windows 11, 10, 8.1 and 8, and both UGREEN adapters cover Windows 11, 10 and 8.1. None of the five supports Mac, Linux or a TV, so check the system on the desk before ordering.
Size, antenna and the port it blocks
Size decides whether the adapter lives in the port. The UB400 measures 0.74 x 0.58 x 0.27 in and the UGREEN 5.3 Adapter measures 1.2 x 0.63 x 0.27 in, and the UGREEN listing states its compact size does not interfere with other ports. The UB500 Plus measures 3.19 x 1.65 x 0.66 in because of its adjustable antenna, so leave room to rotate that antenna toward the devices. A wireless mouse with bluetooth pairs through any of these adapters, but the antenna model suits a desk far from the headset.
Setup Notes
- Check the port: the UB500 Plus measures 3.19 x 1.65 x 0.66 in with its antenna, while the UB400 measures 0.74 x 0.58 x 0.27 in.
- Match the Windows version on the PC to the listing: the UB400 covers Windows 11 down to XP, while the DG45 also covers Windows 8 and the rest cover Windows 11, 10 and 8.1.
- Disable any built-in Bluetooth before plugging in a new adapter, as the UB400 and both UGREEN listings instruct.
- Leave room to adjust the UB500 Plus antenna, and plan pairing so only one audio device plays at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use a USB Bluetooth adapter?
Plug it into a USB port on a Windows PC, then pair a device from the system Bluetooth settings. The UB400 and both UGREEN listings say to disable any built-in Bluetooth first.
Do USB Bluetooth adapters work on a TV?
No, not these picks. The UB400 listing states it is not compatible with TV, and both UGREEN listings state the same.
What is the best USB Bluetooth adapter for PC?
The top-ranked pick is the TP-Link UB500 Plus, with Bluetooth 5.3, an adjustable antenna and a 2-year warranty. The Avantree DG45 suits a user who pairs many devices, and the UB400 suits older Windows systems.
How many devices can I pair at once?
The Avantree DG45 pairs up to 7 devices, and both UGREEN adapters pair up to 5 device types. On all three, only one audio device can play at a time. The two TP-Link listings state no device count.
Do I need to install a driver?
On Windows 11, 10 and 8.1, the UGREEN adapters and the UB500 Plus are plug and play. The UB400 needs a driver download for Windows 7 and XP, and the UB500 Plus needs one for Windows 7.
Related guides
See every docking stations and usb hubs guide and all audio, power and connectivity guides. Also see our best bluetooth speaker for home office. Also see our best usb hub for desktop computer.
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