Bluetooth has revolutionized the way we interact with gadgets. Bluetooth is a highly convenient, low-power and low-cost method of seamlessly linking devices for a clutter-free, wireless life.
The ubiquity of Bluetooth means that when we come across a device that doesn’t support wireless tech, it stops us in our tracks. Thankfully, this doesn’t have to stop us for long. Upgrading a non-wireless device with a Bluetooth receiver is a quick solution.
One of the most common reasons for picking up a Bluetooth receiver is to allow a wireless device to work with a laptop or desktop PC without native Bluetooth support. These devices include wireless computer mice, wireless keyboards and wireless headphones. Additionally, a Bluetooth receiver can transfer data and files between two devices easily. For example, between a smartphone and a desktop PC, or tablet and laptop.
Bluetooth receivers also allow users to add a wireless connection to home stereo systems. Anyone with a good entertainment or audio system may still be missing a Bluetooth connection. Buying one of the best Bluetooth receivers can add convenience to a setup without sacrificing the audio quality of a premium setup.
The same goes for car stereos that still use 3.5mm aux-in connections. With smartphones like the Apple iPhone 12 no longer supporting physical headphone connections (without a Lightning adapter), anyone wanting to listen to Spotify or Google Maps as they drive will benefit from a simple plug-and-play Bluetooth receiver upgrade.
While sending data across Bluetooth is handy, so is the reverse. Some Bluetooth receivers can cast data, meaning that non-wireless devices send wireless signals to speakers and other such devices. This includes televisions, desktop PCs and laptops.
To help you find the best Bluetooth receivers for your situation, we’ve rounded up our favourites below:
Just so you know, while we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this page, we never allow this to influence product selections.
The TP-LINK UB4A Nano is an all-in-one adapter suitable for many Bluetooth-based requirements. It’s a receiver and transmitter, meaning that it can be used with a device like your wireless mouse, keyboard, and headphones through to printers and gaming controllers. The connection range is approximately 20m and will support up to seven connections (though performance will drop as capacity nears). As a Bluetooth 4.0 device, the UB4A has low power consumption and is low-profile, making it ideal for laptops, too. Bluetooth: 4.0 | Interface: USB Type-A | Mains powered: No, USB powered
The Anker Soundsync Bluetooth 5.0 Receiver is a neat little device that is simple and cost-effective. It connects to a 3.5mm aux-in connection and picks up audio from a connected smartphone to the car radio. Two phones can simultaneously connect for music and call convenience, and there are a couple of controls onboard, meaning you don’t have to play with your phone while driving. These include a play/pause button that will also answer an incoming call. It runs on a rechargeable battery that offers about 12 hours of playback time from a single charge - it recharges via a Micro USB connection in about two hours. The receiver will also work with other 3.5mm aux-in devices, like hi-fi speakers and soundbars. Bluetooth: 5.0 | Output: 3.5mm aux | Mains powered: No, internal battery
The Logitech Bluetooth Audio Receiver is super easy to use and install. It’s small, sits on the desk and connects to a device via one touch of the Bluetooth logo. Two devices can be linked, allowing you to switch between PC and smartphone, for example. Though the RCA and 3.5mm aux connections mean that the receiver is versatile, its small size and relatively limited powers make it perfect for streaming music to a set of PC speakers. Bluetooth: n/a, 15m range | Output: RCA, 3.5mm aux | Mains powered: Yes
The Avantree Oasis Plus is an accomplished transmitter and receiver. It can send audio from optical, 3.5mm aux and RCA out over Bluetooth 5.0. Such interfaces allow you to send TV, stereo or PC audio to a soundbar or wireless headset. It carries aptX and aptX HD codecs to ensure audio quality is high and in sync with visuals. As a receiver, it connects to a Bluetooth device and outputs audio across 3.5mm aux and Optical - this can allow you to add wireless to a soundbar, surround sound or other such devices. The Oasis also has onboard volume control for when a linked item doesn’t have dedicated controls, a bypass switch and the ability to playback through a wired connection alongside Bluetooth. Bluetooth: 5.0 | Output: 3.5mm aux, Optical, Bluetooth 5.0 | Input: Optical, RCA, 3.5mm aux, Bluetooth 5.0 | Mains powered: Yes
The Audioengine B1 is our top choice for anyone adding wireless streaming to a great stereo and speaker system. Audioengine has combined its sound expertise with Bluetooth 5.0 aptX and aptX HD codecs to provide a lossless hi-fi experience. The connection is low-latency, and the range is approximately 30-metres. It’s a system that works right from the box and outputs via RCA or optical cable. Bluetooth: 5.0 with aptX and aptX HD codecs | Output: RCA, Optical | Mains powered: Yes
If you’re hunting for a powerful and permanent Bluetooth solution and are comfortable rooting around in the guts of your PC, then consider the Gigabyte PCIe Adapter. Primarily a Wi-Fi 6 PCIe, Gigabyte has included Bluetooth 5.0 for additional wireless support and functionality. Given the price, this option is even viable for those who already have a strong internet connection and would only like to access the Bluetooth 5.0 functionality. Note that an internal USB-C connection is required to activate the Bluetooth and requires a driver from the Gigabyte website. Bluetooth: 5.0 | Interface: PCIe, USB-C
As with other data transfer technologies like HDMI, USB and Wi-Fi routers, Bluetooth has improved over the years. The numbers that appear after the Bluetooth name let you know which particular generation a device carries, and each generation has its own feature set.
Bluetooth 5.0: This is the latest generation of Bluetooth technology. Its most notable features are improved speeds and range and increased data transfer limits. In practice, this means that a Bluetooth 5.0 connection can send more data at speeds twice that of the previous generation. Communication between devices has low latency and audio transfers at a quality matching CD quality.
Bluetooth 4.2: Offer vastly improved data transfer limits over its previous iteration. Improved privacy and security. Features introduced to allow Bluetooth to integrate into smart home technology.
Bluetooth 4.1: Improved greater data transfer rates and better interaction with other Bluetooth devices.
Bluetooth 4.0: This technology introduced a range of improvements over Bluetooth 3.0, including connection stability and transfer speed. Most of all, this generation is noted for debuting Bluetooth LE, also known as Bluetooth Smart. Bluetooth LE vastly reduces the power consumed by Bluetooth connections.
Bluetooth is a wireless technology that allows devices to share data over short distances using radio frequencies. Bluetooth replaces the need for a wired connection between two or more devices.
As a technology, Bluetooth has been commercially available since 1999. However, it’s only in the last decade or so that technology has become widely adopted, particularly with the rise of portable technology, such as smartphones, laptops and tablets. Bluetooth is also commonplace in smart home devices and non-portable technology, like stereos, TVs and gaming consoles.
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