How to connect bluetooth headphones to a computer

Modern people dislike wires, to put it mildly. Nobody likes to wrap themselves in cables like Tutankhamun in bandages, but here you have to: if smartphones and tablets are equipped with Bluetooth, then there are not so many laptops with this option, and there is nothing to say about desktop PCs. To connect wireless speakers and headphones, mice and keyboards, gamepads and smartphones to such a conservative computer, you need a Bluetooth adapter. I’ll tell you now how to choose the best Bluetooth adapter for a car or home computer, for a speaker system or wireless headphones, and even how much they cost approximately. Meet: 5 best Bluetooth adapters for all occasions and for any wallet.

How to choose the best Bluetooth adapter
Independent Top 5 Best Bluetooth Adapters 2019
FAQ

How to choose the best Bluetooth adapter

External and internal Bluetooth adapters

Most Bluetooth adapters for computers look like small flash drives. Some are equipped with antennas to enhance the signal or flashing lights, but the essence remains the same: we insert the baby into the USB port, wait for the system to detect the new device and install drivers for it, and we get the desired wireless interface.

Another type of Bluetooth adapter is built-in solutions. You can’t plug these into a laptop: to install them you need to open the system unit of a desktop PC. Typically, internal adapters are installed in the PCI-E port. Often this category of adapters is equipped with additional functions, such as Wi-Fi.

Not all Bluetooth adapters connect to a PC. A separate type of these devices is designed to make wired audio systems and old car radios wireless. Such adapters are connected via an audio input and receive power from a battery or mains.

Bluetooth adapter classes

Bluetooth adapters are classified by range. Devices of the first class hit at a distance of up to 100 meters, the second - 50 meters, the third - 5-10, and the fourth - from 2 to 5. The last class of devices can no longer be found on sale, their range is too ridiculous. Most consumer electronics and wearable devices can receive Bluetooth signals up to 10 meters away, but walls and other obstacles can seriously reduce this range. In principle, this power is quite enough for an apartment, but for an office or large house it is better to choose a longer-range adapter.

Bluetooth protocol version in the adapter

The current version of Bluetooth at the beginning of 2020 is 5.0. Protocol 5.1 has already been announced, but no one knows when devices with it will go on sale. In principle, even a Chinese “whistle” with the ancient Bluetooth of the second revision is enough to fully use the Bluetooth adapter from a PC. But if you want clean, high-resolution audio, fast file sharing, and low power consumption, you're better off splurging on something more modern: 4.1 or higher.

Bluetooth adapter prices

The range of prices for Bluetooth adapters is simply enormous. Prices depend on the manufacturer, functionality, Bluetooth version, device class and the desire of the seller. The notorious Chinese “whistle” can be ordered on AliExpress for 100 rubles. Newer devices with at least the fourth version of the protocol will cost about three times more - 300 rubles. Well, for first-class devices, and even with additional functionality, they ask for an order of magnitude more: you can find adapters for both 2000 and 3000 rubles.

Manufacturers of Bluetooth adapters

By modern standards, a Bluetooth adapter is not a very complicated device, so everyone makes them: from underground Vietnamese workshops to serious electronics manufacturers like Intel or Broadcom. The funny thing is that there is no fundamental difference between no-names and well-known brands. At least when it comes to the simplest external devices without additional functionality. Except that adapters from popular brands look nicer and are more expensive. Our Top 5 best Bluetooth adapters include devices from Quantoom, Orico, Palmexx and AirFly.

Problem solving

Problems with connecting wireless gadgets should be resolved as they arise. It is not recommended to troubleshoot yourself if the problem requires major intervention, something that the user can do.

No Bluetooth in Task Manager

More often the problem is that the adapter drivers are already installed on the device. In Device Manager, open the “Other Devices” tab.

Perhaps the Bluetooth adapter is the new “Unknown Device”. Double-click on it, in the driver section, click the “Update” button.

If the drivers for the adapter have not been updated, try updating them for the motherboard. Perhaps there is a problem with them.

No sound

The adapter can be disabled in the BIOS.

To go to the BIOS when rebooting the PC, press one of the F2, F3 or Del keys.

Go to the device tab, find the Bluetooth line. If it is disabled, activate it. If bluetooth is not even in the BIOS, you will have to purchase a special adapter.

What to do if your computer or laptop does not recognize headphones

Situations when the computer does not recognize the Bluetooth headset and does not supply a signal are not uncommon. This may be preceded by several problems.

Not enough charging - When the headphones are activated, the LED indicator should light up, if there is a problem, connect the wireless headphones to the charger. When watching movies or computer games, the gadget discharges faster.
The device is not activated - after finishing using the headphones, you need to turn them off, since even in standby mode the battery is discharged. Before work, pre-charge the device, it is better if you do this through an outlet.
The connection is not complete - pairing the headphones is identical, connecting to a laptop or PC takes time to pair. It is not recommended to turn the device on and off, as this can lead to malfunctions and breakdowns. You should let the computer make a full connection.
Only headphones without bluetooth function are included - after the headphones have been turned on, the next step is to activate the Bluetooth function. Sometimes users forget about this, believing that the gadget should connect on its own. The button for activating Bluetooth on the headphones is located on the case; you just need to hold it for five seconds to turn it on.
The wireless signal does not reach the computer - the standard Bluetooth signal radius is 10 meters. Some gadgets work through concrete walls, but if the user moves far from the computer, the signal may be interrupted.
A gadget with a defect - you may get a defective model that has problems, poor quality assembly or other problems. It is worth checking the device for moisture on the case or other damage that could occur due to improper use.
The downloaded program contains viruses - few programs that are downloaded for free or have a hacking key do not contain viruses inside them. If the connection was made incorrectly or there are system problems, then there is a risk of problems with pairing the headphones. Scan your computer for malware and fix it as soon as a problem is discovered.

Reconnecting in case of failures

The computer may not work correctly, this occurs when programs are installed incorrectly, there are viruses, necessary software updates, or the device’s memory is low.

User Actions:

restart your personal computer;
check the operation of the wireless communication module and the Bluetooth headset connection;
check that the drivers are working correctly;
If problems with drivers are detected, a reinstallation or update is required.

Possible problems and solutions

The problem may be either in the personal computer or with the wireless stereo headphones themselves.

One of the following solutions may work:

restart the headset, start pairing again;
restart the computer, enable computer problem analysis;
It’s worth connecting the headset to another device in order to check the functionality of the Bluetooth module;
update the driver for the Bluetooth module, motherboard.

Independent Top 5 Best Bluetooth Adapters 2020

Best Bluetooth Adapter for PC

Orico BTA-408

Orico BTA-408 (up to 1000 rubles) is a tiny device, the main module of which is even smaller than the USB connector for connecting the adapter to a PC. Due to its compactness, the device will not interfere with plugging anything into adjacent ports. Supports Bluetooth protocol version 4.0: not the latest, but it is enough to transmit, for example, high-quality audio at speeds up to 3 Mbit/s. The signal reaches a distance of up to 20 meters. The adapter can connect two gadgets to your PC at the same time. Pairs quickly and saves power on connected devices with wake-up and smart sleep functions.

Price: ₽ 1,000

Best Budget Bluetooth Adapter

Vention CDDW0

Vention CDDW0 (550 rubles). As the name suggests, this adapter connects to a PC via a USB port and provides connection to external devices using the Bluetooth 4.0 protocol. An ultra-compact “plug and forget” model at a very affordable price and without any unnecessary functionality. Cheap and cheerful.

Price: ₽ 550

Best Bluetooth adapter for car

Quantoom AUX UNI

Quantoom AUX UNI (1000 rubles) will connect an old car audio system with modern technologies. A flat box measuring 4 by 4 cm and one and a half centimeters thick is connected with a cable through the AUX connector (3.5 mm jack), that is, it will fit either a cassette player with the appropriate socket, or home speakers, or wired headphones. The device supports Bluetooth 4.1, so you can play music in lossless formats without delays or stutters: the main thing is that the smartphone from which the signal is coming knows this version of the protocol. Quantoom AUX UNI is equipped with a microphone, so it can also be used as a headset. The adapter body, protected from dust and water splashes, has a clip for attaching to clothing and playback control buttons, so using this device with a smartphone and headphones is just as convenient as with a car radio. The adapter's 200 mAh battery is enough to operate for 12 hours. A micro-USB port is used for charging.

Price: ₽ 998

The best Bluetooth adapter for wireless headphones

Twelve South AirFly AUX Pro 3.5mm

Sometimes wired headphones need to somehow be made friends with a modern smartphone, and sometimes vice versa: teach an old player to work with wireless headphones. Twelve South AirFly 3.5mm AUX White 12-1801 (3000 rubles), created specifically to work with Apple AirPods, but also suitable for other models of wireless headsets, serves this purpose. The adapter weighs only 16 grams and is ready to play continuously for 16 hours. Supports Bluetooth 4.1 and aptX codec for transmitting audio in FLAC, ALAC and other lossless formats. AirFly's controls are simple, its dimensions are compact, and its appearance is attractive. It's a shame the price is high, but there's a lot to pay for here.

Price: RUB 2,989

The best Bluetooth adapter for an external speaker system

Quantoom AUX Street

Quantoom AUX Street (1000 rubles) turned out to be even more compact than the previous model, but due to the installation of a smaller battery - only 50 mAh. On the other hand, such a capacity is enough for 3-4 hours of continuous operation. The adapter is very lightweight, so the stylish rubberized casing can even withstand a fall on concrete. The kit includes an adapter for a 3.5 mm jack: with it, the device can be connected not only to headphones and speakers, but also to car radios or other devices with an AUX input. Thanks to the microphone, this model can be used as a headset.

Price: ₽ 958

Comparison table of the best Bluetooth adapters

Name	Main characteristics	Price
Orico BTA-408	Compact, supports Bluetooth protocol version 4.0.	₽ 1 000
Vention CDDW0	Provides connection to external devices via Bluetooth 4.0 protocol, ultra-compact.	₽ 550
Quantoom AUX UNI	Size - 4 by 4 cm, AUX connector (3.5 mm jack), supports Bluetooth 4.1, has a microphone, 200 mAh battery.	₽ 998
Twelve South AirFly	Suitable for Apple AirPods, weight - 16 grams, supports Bluetooth 4.1 and aptX codec for transmitting audio in FLAC, ALAC and other lossless formats.	₽ 2 989
Quantoom AUX Street	The battery is 50 mAh, there is an adapter for 3.5 mm jack, and a microphone.	₽ 958

FAQ

Is it possible to connect two devices to a Bluetooth adapter at once? There are Bluetooth adapters that support connecting multiple devices at once, but not all models are capable of this.

Is it possible to connect the adapter to a PC so that the joystick works? It all depends on the adapter and gamepad models. There are universal Bluetooth gamepads that can be connected to smartphones and PCs with any Bluetooth adapters. Some gamepads, for example Sony DualShock 4, Logitech F310 or Valve Steam Controller, which work via Bluetooth but only through special wireless adapters included in the kit or purchased separately.

Connection

If everything is fine for you, then you don’t need any additional programs or applications to search for Bluetooth devices, and everything should connect smoothly.