up to 15 metres
LED Indicator, Mains supply, Pairing button, 1.7 m power cord
1x RCA to 3.5mm cable
1x Power cable
1x User manual
5 x 5 x 2.3 cm
200 g
1-year limited on hardware
This adapter is powered by a Qualcomm CSR Premium chipset that enables lag-free audio streaming with zero stutterings. Likewise, the Bluetooth 5.0 support enables using the device at a range of up to 21 metres.
The flickering LED light can be a bit annoying.
The DockLinQ Pro is an affordable Hi-Fi audio adapter that supports the special Multipoint technology which allows for connecting several devices at the same time. So, if you need a small, yet reliable Bluetooth audio adapter, this INVERY product will be a good option to consider.
Bluetooth Audio Device
3.5 mm audio output, 30 pin connector
Bluetooth 5.0
up to 21 metres
Built-in rechargeable battery with switch button, Automatic voltage detection, Indicator light
iOS and Android gadgets, Multimedia devices with bluetooth
User manual
4.5 x 4.5 x 1 cm
23 g
Amazon's 30-day return policy
The adapter consumes a surprisingly low amount of energy, which is especially important when you use it on portable gadgets. The driver installation on Windows 10 is automatic.
It needs an optical drive for installation.
A USB adapter to create a wireless connection for Bluetooth-enabled devices. This is a perfect option for those who are tired of tangled wires all over the place around a PC or laptop.
PC, Data transfer, Peripherals pairing
USB
Bluetooth 4.0
up to 10 metres
Low power consumption (up to 22 mA)
Windows XP SP3 / 7 / 8 / 10
Driver-CD
2.2 x 1.9 x 0.8 cm
~5 g
1 year
There are buttons to remotely control your audio gadget, for example, adjust the volume or skip tracks.
The microphone is not noise-cancelling.
This device is more than a mere Bluetooth adapter, it can also act as a hands-free headset in the car since the mic allows you to take phone calls without distracting you from driving.
Bluetooth Audio Device
3.5 mm audio output, micro-USB port
Bluetooth 4.0
up to 10 metres
Hands-free calling feature (built-in mic), Control buttons, Built-in battery
All multimedia devices with Bluetooth
Micro-USB charging cable, 3.5 mm audio cable, 3.5 mm male to male adapter
5.2 x 2.6 x 1 cm
20 g
1 year
The built-in battery is a 300 mAh, making it possible to use this Bluetooth adapter for as long as 15 hours before you need to recharge it.
Rather sensitive to noise and interference from other wireless devices.
The model stands out thanks to the simplicity of connection and convenience of use. The package also contains a variety of cords to connect nearly any acoustic system.
Bluetooth Audio Device
3.5 mm audio output, micro-USB port
Bluetooth 4.1
up to 10 metres
Built-in battery
All multimedia devices with Bluetooth
3.5mm Audio Cable, 3.5mm to RCA Cable, micro-USB Charging Cable
5.9 x 5.9 x 2.3 cm
240 g
1.5 years
One Playlist From Two Devices? A Piece of Cake!
The Logitech 980-000910 is a compact Bluetooth audio adapter that allows connecting two separate devices simultaneously; for example, if you have a smartphone and a tablet they both can be connected to the adapter via Bluetooth. This way, you can select a playlist and swap audio streams with one press of the adapter’s button. Consequently, there is no more need to fight with other members of your family about whose music to play. Make it fair by taking turns: mom listens to jazz from her phone, then the son streams his hard rock from a tablet. In case of an incoming call or message, the music stops and resumes automatically; the same goes for abrupt connection fail or interference as well. The connection between the adapter and the sound system is performed using either a standard RCA plug or a 3.5mm one. However, please, keep in mind that to enjoy your favourite music, the stereos are to be located not farther than 15 metres from the adapter.
Good Music Is High-Quality Music!
It's a given that the high-quality connection between media devices and speaker systems is of the utmost importance for every music lover—a bad connection means sound distortion and no audiophile will want that, you might start to hate the music if it doesn't sound good, after all. We often blame audio equipment itself but in actuality, it is easy to ruin the original quality with poor cables. A shielded cable is considered to be the best in terms of connection. However, to be sure that your stereos deliver clean, high-quality sound without using any cables, it’s enough to purchase the Logitech Bluetooth Audio Adapter. It was tested in Logitech labs many times to ensure that all the songs sound exactly the same as they did when recorded in a music studio.
Why Logitech
Today, Logitech is one of the most famous brands in the world, their products are sold just about everywhere thanks to their high-quality. The company's leading position is not really surprising, too, since it is fully justified by the development of innovative technologies and their further application to all Logitech products, be it devices for computer navigation, games, Internet communication, home theatres, digital accessories and more. Focusing on new technologies and top-notch quality, the Logitech company is constantly improving their peripherals for personal computers and digital electronics that allow us to learn the modern world of new digital technologies.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £41.00 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B00IJYG4FY |
The Form
The INVERY DockLinQ is another compact audio transmitter that operates wirelessly. Similarly to other wireless devices that utilise Bluetooth as their main means of transferring data, the DockLinQ Pro features an integrated Lithium-Ion battery that lasts for up to 5-6 hours on end, before it needs to be recharged.
The only issue we have with the DockLinQ Pro, however, is its charging port that is only compatible with 30-pin charging devices. This includes a 30-pin iPod SoundDocks connector but severely limits the number of appliances and systems this Hi-Fi audio system is compatible with.
With a weight of only 23 g and dimensions of just 4.5 x 4.5 x 1 cm, the DockLinQ might be one of the tiniest Bluetooth audio adapters that you can find in the medium price range. It can easily fit on the dashboard of your car, however, not every model is compatible with it. For the full compatibility list, we recommend referring to the manufacturer’s website where you can read through this list for the DockLinQ line of products.
However, portability is not actually the main selling point of this particular model. The more important feature is, of course, the sound quality that this digital Hi-Fi audio adapter can deliver to the speakers or headphones.
And the Sound
Powered by the Qualcomm CSR Bluetooth chipset, the DockLinQ Pro is capable of delivering a clear and rich sound directly to your wired headphones or speakers with little to no loss in quality. Likewise, it features one of the latest versions of the aptX low latency streaming adapter that allows for experiencing the music without any noticeable lag or stuttering. One thing that is noticeable, however, is that when the appliance runs low on battery, it can stutter in-between the music tracks or songs, but this can be always fixed by charging the gadget.
As far as the interfaces are concerned, this device has the common 3.5 mm auxiliary port, and a charging port that is compatible with Apple docking stations. The wireless data transfer is powered by Bluetooth 5.0, which gives you the maximum freedom of movement compared to older versions of the protocol. Contrary to the other products included on our list, the INVERY DockLinQ Pro can operate at distances of up to 21 metres, which is quite stunning, to say the least.
To wrap things up, the INVERY DockLinQ Pro Bluetooth audio system will be an excellent option for iPod and iPhone owners, as well as other Apple products. Fairly light and compact, it can fit into any pocket, bag or backpack with relative ease but, at the end of the day, the main thing that makes this model worthy of your attention is the high-fidelity sound that it delivers.
| Last updated price | £23.99 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B07G3653DF |
Go Wireless
Most of us know how stressing it is when you sit at your desk and, as your computer launches, you start to untangle the mouse cord that got tied up with the headphones that, in their place, are in a knot themselves. Seriously, there is not much that can infuriate a person more than the headphones cord tangled after a day or two of being unused. When it comes to using a computer, be it a desktop PC or a laptop, it is tremendously more comfortable and convenient to go for wireless peripherals, especially since almost any computer-related tech, from smartphones and tablets to mouses, keyboards, and printers can be found in the wireless department today.
The EkoBuy ekb10155 is a USB Bluetooth adapter for PC that will allow you to connect external devices to your computer or laptop if it happens to lack a built-in Bluetooth module or if the said module does not work for some reason or another. The device works even with ancient Windows OS editions like Windows 2000, Vista, and XP (computers equipped with these versions were and often are not outfitted with the Bluetooth module since the technology itself was not yet a general occurrence at the time) as well as newer Windows 7, 8, and, of course, Windows 10. Regrettably, neither Mac nor Linux are supported.
Unnoticeable Helper
This EkoBuy Bluetooth adapter for PC is so tiny you will forget it is there, stuck in one of your computer's USB ports. It is precisely the size of a common Bluetooth mouse receiver but while you can usually only connect the one mouse to your standard receiver the ekb10155 USB Bluetooth adapter can connect up to seven gadgets simultaneously. Note that data transfer is only possible with one device at a time but otherwise, up to seven items can be joined to your PC at any given moment.
Another benefit this wireless USB Bluetooth adapter offers is that it consumes a supremely low amount of energy. This parameter will be of particular use to those who often work on the go and carry their laptop and additional equipment with them. The Bluetooth adapter won't make your computer discharge much faster.
The Bluetooth edition used here is the Bluetooth 4.0, which is one of the latest releases offered today. If you use equipment with earlier versions, though, it won't be a problem since the EkoBuy Bluetooth adapter is backwards compatible with older versions. The transfer speed can reach up to 3 Mbps thanks to the Knowledge Charge (EDR) Reinforce.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £6.29 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B01D3Q0228 |
Best Option for Vehicles
There are several distinguishing features this TaoTronics Bluetooth adapter has that make its functionality versatile and that had played into it appearing in our review. First and foremost, this device is compatible with any audio equipment that features a 3.5 mm input, be it a speaker or a car stereo system. Actually, TaoTronics Bluetooth adapter is generally used with the car audio systems, for the reason that it can act not only as an adapter. You can also utilize it for receiving calls hands-free while driving since it has a microphone for you to speak into. This way, you do not need to stop your car to take an important call from your boss, coworkers, or family members (which is highly recommended to do if you do not use an adapter of some type—please remember that speaking over the phone while driving can distract you from the road ahead and consequently result in serious accidents and even death). However, note that this car Bluetooth adapter's microphone does not cancel outside noise since it is not a headset created specifically for taking calls; its primary function is to help you play your music on devices without Bluetooth.
The built-in battery will hold the charge for as long as 200 hours in a standby mode; as for the operating time, it's up to 8 hours of speaking or listening. To make the adapter ultimately convenient for music playing, the designers have also equipped it with buttons to play/pause, skip tracks, and adjust volume as well as connect two audio gadgets at once. If you're an iPhone owner, you can even use Siri.
Take the Music with You
The TaoTronics TT-BR05 Bluetooth adapter is really small, at 5.2 x 2.1 x 1 cm dimensions and 20 g of total weight it will fit even in a kid's hand, so sticking it into your multimedia devices or into your car's 3.5mm port won't cause any inconveniences. You can also carry it in your pocket if you, for example, want to take it to an outing with friends or when you go camping with your family—since the battery is quite long-lasting, your music will be with you wherever you are and whenever you need it. And if it happens that the energy has run out, there is always an option of portable power bank most of us carry around when we want to be reached at any given time.
The initial package includes a Bluetooth adapter itself, a micro USB cable for charging, and a 3.5 mm male-to-male adapter, meaning you will have everything you need for continuous music enjoyment. The Bluetooth range is up to 10 metres.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £16.99 |
| Stock | May be out of stock |
| ASIN | B00Y29NXEA |
For Home and Car Music
This Mpow model is a Bluetooth adapter created to transmit the audio files from your gadgets (smartphone, tablet, laptop, for example) to the media designed to produce sound with better quality but lacking a built-in Bluetooth, like the car stereo, corded headphones, or regular speakers. If your car or home audio system has either a 3.5mm port or an RCA one, the Mpow Bluetooth audio adapter will go with it (both 3.5mm and the RCA cables are included with the purchase), you just plug it in and you're good to go, connect your smartphone to the Bluetooth and play away.
The distance this Bluetooth adapter operates at best is up to 10 metres (33 ft), and it can handle two connected gadgets at once, so you can switch between your devices if you need the other to perform a different task like take a call or something. Additionally, the adapter is also able to remember the last smart gadget you've connected it to and will automatically seek it upon launching. It also has an auto switch-off function that kicks in when there are no connected Bluetooth devices for five minutes. It is a really convenient feature since it saves battery power if you happen to forget to turn off the adapter manually.
Quality Combined with Looks
The adapter uses the Bluetooth 4.1 technology that offers a considerable upgrade in transmitted sound quality compared to Bluetooth 3.0 and even Bluetooth 4.0. You will hear your favourite songs crisp and clear, without any distortion (granted you use the adapter at a distance no more than 10 metres without large obstacles and your source smart device has a good Bluetooth signal).
The Mpow Bluetooth adapter has a rechargeable built-in battery that offers up to 15 hours of continuous playback, so listening for the whole day (or night if you host a party) is quite possible. Furthermore, once fully charged, the adapter will hold the energy for as long as 500 hours. That's approximately three weeks! That means you can charge the adapter and put it in your car to listen to some music when the mood strikes. Or you can take it with you when you go camping or climbing mountains with family and friends, then plug it in when you arrive a couple days later.
Finally, as a cherry on the top, we'd like to say that at a price paid, this Bluetooth audio adapter is quite compact and very stylish. The design is quite important in devices like this one since they are often on display (the no-obstacles rule) and this particular model will blend into most interiors seamlessly.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £36.99 |
| Stock | May be out of stock |
| ASIN | B06VWCFT19 |
What Is a Bluetooth Adapter?
Every year we add more and more gadgets in our life to make it easier and more interesting. We think it's great since by using advanced technologies, we gain new experience and knowledge. Many of us have already got used to digital technologies. So, it's likely that we can face a problem that one of our devices doesn’t feature Bluetooth to connect gadgets together. In this case, you need a Bluetooth adapter. This compact device links digital devices together wirelessly. For example, it can turn your speaker system into a modern media station that will play your favourite music streamed from your smartphone. It also allows you to synchronize information between your PC and other mobile devices. However, the main function that makes the gadget viable is the ability to connect wired audio output devices like headphones, speakers, and similar to the mobile gadgets that don’t have any analogue outputs.
We also recommend paying attention to our Bluetooth headset review that can provide hands-free communication. Alternatively, you can always opt for a reliable set of bookshelf speakers that will add some spice to your household surround sound.
What Features to Compare
Best For
As you already know, the Bluetooth adapter allows connecting a computer with peripherals or streaming music from your smartphone to a stereo system. Bluetooth adapters are divided by type of use, so first of all, you need to define what you want from this device. You can use it either for syncing peripheral devices with a PC or streaming music wirelessly from Bluetooth devices to non-Bluetooth stereo systems. For example, if you want to send photos from your smartphone to a laptop that doesn’t support Bluetooth or print some documents wirelessly, you need a USB Bluetooth adapter. Just plug the adapter into a free USB port on your laptop or PC and get the chance to exchange data with other Bluetooth devices without any cables. In addition, when you sync your PC with a smartphone, you also get access to your phone contacts and an option to send/receive messages. Bluetooth protocol is supported by almost all modern phones, so in order to communicate with your computer, you only need to plug in a Bluetooth adapter and configure the connection. In case you want to stream music wirelessly from your favourite playlist to a non-Bluetooth audio system, then pay attention to Bluetooth audio adapters which receive audio files of various formats without loss of quality.
Performance
The next step to note is adapter performance. Bluetooth adapters have a different operation range, and the higher it is, the greater distance can be between your gadgets. Like any electronic device, a Bluetooth adapter requires power, so a USB Bluetooth adapter is obviously powered from a USB slot. Bluetooth audio adapter is powered by an AC adapter or built-in battery; the second option makes the adapter portable, so you can use it with any sound system, even the one in your car. The data transfer speed and device efficiency depend on the version of the Bluetooth protocol. Adapters with Bluetooth 3.0 version has low power consumption and data rate up to 24 Mb/s, which is enough for streaming music or syncing with peripherals. Bluetooth 4.0 has the same data rate as Bluetooth 3.0, only power consumption is much lower and pairing is much faster.
Features
Another strong reason for buying is usually the presence of various features. Some Bluetooth audio devices have NFC support for rapid pairing with other NFC compatible devices. You just need to touch your smartphone and music will start playing on your speakers automatically. This feature really speeds up a device pairing process: there will be no need to set a new connection with the same device if your Bluetooth adapter supports an automatic pairing mode. Note that on buying a Bluetooth adapter, you also get the upgrade for your electronic devices.
FAQ:
Q: Will the Bluetooth adapter remember my device or will I have to pair it manually every time?
A: Some Bluetooth adapters are able to remember and recognize the last paired device, some can actually remember several devices (for example, the i-SYNC by LAYEN stores information about up to eight previously connected gadgets). However, despite this feature appearing more an more often in Bluetooth adapters, it is still more or less an "extra", a feature to boast, not something you expect as a must.
Q: How far can I go with my phone in hand without losing its connection with the Bluetooth adapter?
A: The distance varies from device to device but generally, Bluetooth adapters can catch a signal at about 10 to 15 metres. Usually, the signal will be better if there are no major obstacles between your smart device and the adapter, although lately, some models do offer the signal strong enough to maintain the connection even through walls.
Q: Is Bluetooth harmful to health?
A: Certain studies do show an amount of radiation from Bluetooth-enabled devices, however, in Bluetooth adapters it is very low, much lower than, for example, in our smartphones, making the harm to health rather insignificant.
Q: I have built-in Bluetooth module on my laptop, can I use an external adapter instead?
A: If you want to connect a Bluetooth mouse, keyboard, or any other external devices that are not recognized by your internal module, chances are they need a native adapter or specific drivers (usually supplied with the Bluetooth adapter you've purchased). However, more often than not external Bluetooth adapter will not transfer files between the computer and your phone or tablet due to conflict within the software, you'll have to use your built-in module for that.
Q: I have a desktop computer and the only free USB port is at the back. Is that okay?
A: Unfortunately, it is not recommended to use a USB Bluetooth adapter for PC with the port at the back since the interference caused by computer hardware will most probably hinder the Bluetooth adapter's ability to connect. If there are no free ports at the front, though, you can use an extension cable or a hub for your USB adapter. Just check the adapter's USB version (USB 2.0 or 3.0) beforehand.
Q: I have a USB port in my car, can I use my USB Bluetooth adapter to listen to music from my phone on a sound system or do I need a special Bluetooth car adapter?
A: That is hardly possible unless stated otherwise by your adapter's manufacturer. Most USB Bluetooth adapters require drivers installation, sometimes done automatically and sometimes manually from a CD. Car audio systems usually lack the functionality to install drivers like this. It is recommended to purchase a separate Bluetooth audio adapter for a car, they generally use either the 3.5mm port or the RCA one.
Sources:
1. How to Use a Bluetooth Dongle, wikiHow.
2. How to choose and buy a high quality bluetooth dongle, BlueSoleil. August 4, 2015.
3. Bluetooth, Wikipedia. September 21, 2016.
4. Bessie Shaw Top 3 Ways to Fix Bluetooth Not Available after Windows 10 Update Issue, Driver Talent. September 9, 2016.
5. Bryan Clark How Bluetooth 4.0 Is Shaping the Future of Mobile Connectivity, MakeUseOf. June 25, 2014.