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5 Best Bluetooth Adapters for PC in 2026
The TP-Link UB600 leads our picks of the best Bluetooth adapters for PC in 2026, with options for Linux, wireless audio and a Bluetooth 5.4 nano dongle.
A USB Bluetooth adapter is the simplest way to add wireless headphones, keyboards, mice and controllers to a desktop that shipped without Bluetooth, or to give an older laptop a newer Bluetooth version. The right one depends mostly on your operating system, how many devices you plan to pair, and whether you need general connections or just better wireless audio.
The TP-Link UB600 is the best overall pick. It adds Bluetooth 6.0 through a nano-sized adapter that can stay plugged in, supports up to 7 Bluetooth devices at once, and lists support for Windows 11, 10, 8.1 and 7.
This page is for Windows and Linux PC owners who want a plug-in adapter, plus gamers and music listeners who mainly care about headphone audio. The other picks cover Linux support, a second Bluetooth 6.0 option, high-quality wireless audio and a Bluetooth 5.4 nano option.
Same nano size and 7-device capacity as the UB600 on Bluetooth 5.4
How we chose
We compared each maker's published specifications for Bluetooth version, operating system support, stated range, device capacity, connector and size. We then checked that each pick is sold new on Amazon and matched every pick to a specific kind of PC user.
The TP-Link UB600 is the best fit for most Windows PCs. It brings Bluetooth 6.0 in a nano-sized USB adapter measuring 14.8 x 6.8 x 18.9 mm, small enough to leave in a laptop port, and TP-Link says it supports up to 7 Bluetooth devices at once. That is enough for a keyboard, mouse, headset and controller with room to spare.
TP-Link lists support for Windows 11, 10, 8.1 and 7, with a driver install required on Windows 7. The maker claims 2x faster transmission speeds and a farther transmission distance than earlier generations, but it notes that its speed, distance and capacity figures come from laboratory testing and that actual performance may vary. It does not give a range figure in meters.
The ASUS USB-BT600 is the pick for Linux users, since it is the only general-purpose adapter here whose maker lists Linux alongside Windows 10 and 11. It supports Bluetooth 6.0 with both Bluetooth classic (BDR/EDR) and Bluetooth low energy, plugs into a USB 2.0 Type A port, lists dimensions of 14.9 x 17.4 x 7.1 and a weight of 1.9 g.
ASUS publishes clearer range and speed figures than most: up to 10 meters for classic Bluetooth and up to 40 meters for Bluetooth low energy in open space, with data rates up to 3 Mbps on classic and 2 Mbps on low energy. The 40-meter figure applies only to low energy connections in open space, so the 10-meter classic figure is the safer guide for planning. ASUS also notes that specifications are subject to change without notice.
The ORICO BTA-60 is a straightforward Bluetooth 6.0 adapter for Windows PCs and a sensible alternative to the TP-Link UB600. ORICO lists support for Windows 7, 8.1, 10 and 11 and a transmission distance of 10 to 30 meters.
Its spec sheet is thin. ORICO's page gives the size, 24.5 x 14 x 7 mm, and the color, black, but does not state the USB connector type, data rate, how many devices it supports, or whether a driver is needed on any Windows version.
The Creative BT-W6 is not a general Bluetooth adapter. Creative describes it as a wireless audio transmitter, so it sends sound from your PC to headphones, earbuds or speakers rather than connecting a keyboard or mouse. For audio, it offers Bluetooth 5.4 with LE Audio and codec support including LC3, aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive and aptX HD, plus high-resolution audio up to 24-bit 96 kHz.
It connects over USB-C and lists support for Windows 10 and 11 (version 1903 or later), macOS 10.15 or higher, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. Creative quotes latency as low as about 20 ms through the GMAP gaming audio profile when a compatible device is paired, so the codec and latency you get depend on your headphones. It also provides a microphone input endpoint for calls and a broadcast mode for streaming to multiple supported devices.
The TP-Link UB500 shares the UB600's nano body, 14.8 x 6.8 x 18.9 mm, and its support for up to 7 Bluetooth devices at once. It steps down to Bluetooth 5.4, which TP-Link describes as a security and reliability improvement over the previous generation.
TP-Link lists Windows 11, 10, 8.1 and 7 support, again with a driver install needed on Windows 7. One caveat: TP-Link's product page refers to Bluetooth 5.3 in several feature sections and Bluetooth 5.4 in its title and specifications, so check the version shown on the listing or box before buying. Like the UB600, it has no stated range in meters.
A small nano dongle for adding Bluetooth to a desktop
Cons
Bluetooth 5.4 rather than 6.0
TP-Link's page mentions both 5.3 and 5.4, so the version may differ
Only Windows is listed, with no macOS or Linux
Who it is for: Windows users who want a basic, small adapter for a keyboard, mouse or headset and do not need Bluetooth 6.0.
Skip if
You want Bluetooth 6.0 from the same maker, which the UB600 offers in the same size.
How to Choose
Check your operating system first. TP-Link and ORICO list Windows only, ASUS lists Windows 10/11 and Linux, and Creative lists Windows, macOS and game consoles.
Decide between an adapter and an audio transmitter. A general adapter pairs keyboards, mice, controllers and headphones. An audio transmitter such as the Creative BT-W6 only sends sound to headphones and speakers.
Match the connector. The ASUS USB-BT600 uses a USB 2.0 Type A port, while the Creative BT-W6 uses USB-C and does not include a USB-A adapter.
Read range figures carefully. Range claims can depend on the connection type and conditions. ASUS separates classic Bluetooth from low energy, and TP-Link notes its figures come from laboratory testing.
Count your devices. TP-Link lists up to 7 devices at once for both the UB600 and UB500. ASUS and ORICO do not state a number on their spec pages.
FAQ
Do I need a Bluetooth adapter if my PC already has Bluetooth?
Usually not. An adapter makes most sense for desktops without built-in Bluetooth, for PCs whose built-in Bluetooth has stopped working, or when you want a newer Bluetooth version or better audio codecs.
Will a Bluetooth 6.0 adapter work with older Bluetooth devices?
Bluetooth is designed to be backward compatible, so a Bluetooth 6.0 adapter can pair with older headphones, keyboards and mice. Features specific to a newer version need support on both ends.
Which of these adapters work on Linux or a Mac?
ASUS lists Linux support for the USB-BT600. Creative lists macOS 10.15 or higher for the BT-W6, which handles audio only. TP-Link and ORICO list Windows only for their adapters.
Can the Creative BT-W6 connect a keyboard or mouse?
No. Creative describes the BT-W6 as a wireless audio transmitter, so it is built for headphones, earbuds and speakers. Choose a general adapter such as the TP-Link UB600 for input devices.
Do I need to install drivers?
It depends on the adapter and Windows version. TP-Link says the UB600 and UB500 need a driver on Windows 7. ORICO and ASUS do not cover drivers on their spec pages, so check the maker's support page if your PC does not detect the adapter.
Published November 8, 2026 Last updated November 8, 2026