Add Bluetooth Functionality with a Bluetooth Adapter
Bluetooth is a wireless technology that lets you connect compatible devices without – you guessed it – wires. Your phone probably has Bluetooth. Maybe your laptop does, too. But, sometimes, older products don’t have Bluetooth built in. That doesn’t mean you have to ditch them, though. With a Bluetooth adapter, you can add the wireless powers of Bluetooth to non-Bluetooth devices.
What’s a Bluetooth Adapter?
A Bluetooth adapter is a unit that sends and receives Bluetooth signals. It connects to a non-Blueooth-enabled device to add Bluetooth functionality. With Bluetooth functionality, you can wirelessly connect this device to other compatible ones.
What Types of Bluetooth Adapters Are There?
Bluetooth adapters are available for computers and audio systems. Here’s why you may need a Bluetooth dongle for your computer or speakers.
USB Bluetooth Adapter for PC
A Bluetooth dongle for the computer is a tiny device that plugs into a USB port to transmit and receive Bluetooth signals. It lets you pair Bluetooth-enabled devices like wireless keyboards, mice, and headsets with non-Bluetooth-enabled devices like laptops and desktops.
Bluetooth Speaker Adapter
A Bluetooth speaker adapter adds wireless Bluetooth functionality to a wired speaker. It connects to your speaker so you can stream music, podcasts, and other audio from your smartphone or other Bluetooth-enabled device to your non-Bluetooth speaker.
What Should I Look for in a Bluetooth Adapter?
Here are a few things to consider when shopping for a Bluetooth adapter.
Compatibility
First, check that the Bluetooth adapter is compatible with your device. Most USB Bluetooth adapters will work with any computer with a USB port, so you can easily pair Bluetooth devices with both PCs and Macs.
Range
The wireless range of a Bluetooth dongle will determine how far you can use a Bluetooth device from the adapter. A Bluetooth adapter for PC may not need a long range because you’ll likely be using your Bluetooth device near the computer. A Bluetooth audio adapter may have a longer range so you can roam freely as you stream.
Bluetooth Version
Bluetooth technology has evolved through several versions, most being backward compatible with one another. However, some newer versions of Bluetooth may not work with older Bluetooth devices. For example, Bluetooth Smart devices will only be backward compatible with other Bluetooth Smart devices. Before buying, double check that the Bluetooth adapter will work with your devices.