Bluetooth has revolutionized the technological world and allowed us all to integrate wireless devices with ease - thanks to the best Bluetooth receiver. From speakers to smart hubs, wireless keyboards to headphones, Bluetooth is a highly convenient, low-power and low-cost method of seamlessly linking devices for a clutter-free and easy technological life.
The popularity of Bluetooth, coupled with its ever-growing ubiquity, means that when we encounter a device that doesn’t carry support for wireless tech, it can stop 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 and simple solution.
The best Bluetooth receiver of 2024 at a glance:
• Best overall: Avantree Oasis Plus - Buy on Amazon
• Best for laptops: TP-Link Nano USB - Buy on Amazon
• Best for cars: Anker Soundsync - Buy on Amazon
• Best for PCs: Logitech Bluetooth Audio Receiver - Buy on Amazon
Why buy a Bluetooth receiver?
Are you wondering whether you need a Bluetooth receiver? One common reason for buying one 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, some may want a Bluetooth receiver to transfer data and files between two devices easily. For example, between a smartphone and a desktop PC, or tablet and laptop. Or, you could add a wireless connection to a home stereo system or even a car stereo. Bluetooth receivers that also have casting capabilities can do the opposite of the above. Rather than receiving a wireless signal, they can make non-wireless devices send wireless signals to speakers and other such devices. This includes televisions, desktop PCs and laptops.
So, which one is right for you? With so many types available, we’ve put together a short buyer's guide at the end of the article to help you choose. We've also found the best Bluetooth receivers for a range of uses and listed them below. So, let's get plugged in for wireless audio.
Best Bluetooth receivers of 2024
Please note: All prices are correct at the time of writing. Prices, stock and deals are subject to change without notice.
We love the Avantree Oasis Plus as it's both an accomplished transmitter and receiver, offering users the chance to add Bluetooth across several devices. As a receiver, it connects to any Bluetooth device and outputs audio across both 3.5mm aux and Optical inputs. That's what makes this so flexible as you can add wireless to a soundbar, surround soundor other audio device.
As a transmitter, it can send audio from optical, 3.5mm aux and RCA out over Bluetooth 5.0. This is very useful, allowing you to send TV, stereo or PC audio to a soundbar or wireless headset. It carries apt aptX and aptX HD codecs to ensure that audio is in sync with visuals and that audio is of the highest quality.
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. The range is 50m and two devices can link up. We would have liked a longer USB cable to allow for a bit more connection flexibility, but that's a minor easily-solved issue that doesn't detract from what is an impressive little device.
Pros
- Bluetooth 5.0 for great bandwidth and reliability
- Lots of useful features that make it flexible and practical for many devices
- Excellent transmitter and receiver
Cons
- Could do with a longer USB cable
| Bluetooth version | 5.0 |
| Output | 3.5mm aux, Optical, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Input | Optical, RCA, 3.5mm aux, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Power | Yes |
| Dimensions | 7.5 x 3 x 11.4 cm |
We think that this is both an excellent budget choice for PCs and laptops or anything else that will support a USB Bluetooth dongle. The TP-LINK Nano is a multi-function, all-in-one adapter ideal for many applications – especially where space is at a premium. Even better, It's both 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. Although, some users report that the connection can struggle when used with the maximum number of connections to send a lot of data. That said, as a Bluetooth 5.0 device, the Nano is both tiny and has low power consumption, making it ideal for laptops and pocket-sized devices. It's low-profile is also a real win for portability, so take it with you anywhere.
Pros
- Tiny and portable – ideal for applications where space is limited
- It transmits and receives
- Supports many connections that supports USB, so you can use it for more than just audio
Cons
- Performance can lag when multiple devices connect
| Bluetooth version | 5.0 |
| Output | USB Type-A |
| Power | No, USB powered |
| Dimensions | 14.8 × 6.8 × 18.9 mm |
The Anker Soundsync Bluetooth Receiver is a neat little device that is simple and cost-effective. We think it's just the right size and shape to be usable while not being in the way. It connects to a 3.5mm aux-in connection, transmitting audio from a connected smartphone to the car radio. Of course, the only real downside here is that your car will need a 3.5mm input. And, as with many small in-car devices like this, the mic is average.
But, we are impressed that two phones can connect at once for both music and calls – making it highly convenient for you and a passenger. It comes with a couple of volume controls onboard, meaning you don't have to play with your phone while driving. It runs on a rechargeable battery that offers about 12 hours of playback time from a single charge and recharges via a micro USB connection. For this price, we think it's a hard act to follow for an in-car Bluetooth upgrade.
Pros
- Simple and reliable – very easy to fit and use
- Bluetooth 5.0 for good audio quality and compatibility
- Good battery life and easy to charge
Cons
- The in-built mic is so-so
| Bluetooth version | 5.0 |
| Output | 3.5mm |
| Power | No, internal battery |
| Dimensions | 4.98 x 2.9 x 1.02 cm |
The Logitech Bluetooth Audio Receiver keeps things easy for PC users and hi-fi fans who want a stylish and highly flexible way of adding Bluetooth to their audio setup. We love it's general design and size. It's small, sits on the desk or inside a cabinet and connects to a device via one touch of the Bluetooth logo.
It's a small gripe, but the range of 15m is a little limited for those with larger homes and gardens which means you may not stay connected if you wander too far. But, for us, 15m is long enough for most applications. Even better, three devices can be linked, allowing you to switch between a laptop and two smartphones, 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 the best PC speakers.
Pros
- One-touch setup makes it very easy to install and use
- One of the most affordable ways to add Bluetooth to a range of analogue devices
- The small size will slot into any audio or PC setup
Cons
- The limited range of 15m means you may not be able to maintain your connection from the bottom of the garden
| Bluetooth version | n/a, 15m range |
| Output | RCA, 3.5mm aux |
| Power | Yes |
| Dimensions | 5 x 2.3 x 5 cm |
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 TP-Link PCIe Adapter. TP-Link has included Bluetooth 5.2 and Wi-Fi 6 for additional wireless support, speed and functionality. You will, of course, need to make sure you have a space PCIe slot in your PC, but once installed it's an invaluable addition.
We think that this is one of the best designed devices to suit a high-end PC build thanks to it's red casing, and the external antennas will boost your range and reliability. 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.
Pros
- Bluetooth 5.2 and WiFi 6 for stable and fast connections
- External antennas for a better signal
- Stylish design will suit those PC builds with visible motherboards
Cons
- Requires a free PCIe slot on the motherboard
| Bluetooth version | 5.2 |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Interface | PCIe |
| DImensions | 9.5 x 12.1 x 2.2 cm |
How to choose the best Bluetooth receiver
Although it would seem that choosing a USB Bluetooth receiver designed for your PC or laptop (or one designed for a car) is a no-brainer, there are still some things to consider before buying.
Size and shape
Some USB Bluetooth receivers have quite a bulky profile so, if you're adding one to your laptop or PC make sure it's not going to be in the way. This is especially true if your PC has limited port availability or a cramped position that won't let a receiver's antenna to extend properly.
If you're adding one to your car or hi-fi, you might want to consider the general look and mountability of the receiver. If you want to be able to use any of the receiver's controls while you're driving (like skipping tracks, play or pause) then it pays to have one that's a decent enough size to be usable without taking your eyes off the road.
Consider your connections and ports
Again, this is very true of in-car audio, but many Bluetooth receivers for cars only come with a 3.5mm audio jack for connectivity, Depending on your car stereo, you may not have this input at all, in which case you're looking at a more complex job involving removing the stereo to access other analogue inputs behind the dash. We recommend a full car stereo upgrade over this arduous task.
Elsewhere, if you're adding Bluetooth to your hi-fi, double check the available inputs. While most will have phono (RCA) connectors for auxiliary input, you may not have any free. In this case, you may have an available digital input such as an optical port. Either way, you'll need to make sure your Bluetooth receiver has those outputs.
If you're adding a Bluetooth card to a PC, you'll need to check you have the right kind of slot available on the motherboard, this is commonly a PCIe slot with a short connector. If you only have PCI slots (the larger slot type) you should note that a PCIe card won't work in it.
Bluetooth explained
As with other data transfer technologies, like HDMI and USB ports and Wi-Fi routers, Bluetooth technology has improved over the years. The numbers that appear after the Bluetooth name let you know which particular generation a device carries, and each has its particular parameters. Thankfully, it's backwards compatible – meaning that you don't have to worry that a brand new receiver with the latest Bluetooth version won't work with your older devices.
Bluetooth 5.0+: This is the latest generation of Bluetooth technology and the most attractive to many buyers. The most notable features of Bluetooth 5.0 are improved speeds and range and increased data transfer limits. In practice, this means that a Bluetooth 5.0 connection will be able to send more data and twice the speed of the previous generation. This means that files can quickly transfer, communication between devices has low latency and audio transfers at a quality matching CD audio.
Bluetooth 4.2: Offer vastly improved data transfer limits over the previous iteration. It also improved the privacy and security of the connection. These and other features were introduced to allow Bluetooth to integrate into smart home technology.
Bluetooth 4.1: Improved Bluetooth 4.0 through greater data transfers and refined 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 lowered the power consumed by Bluetooth connections.
Want to learn more? Watch this video guide from HiFi Headphones:
FAQs
What is Bluetooth?
Bluetooth is a wireless technology used by devices to share data over short distances via 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 is 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.
What does 2.4GHz mean?
Occasionally a manufacturer or retailer will list a Bluetooth device and reference 2.4GHz. This is because Bluetooth uses the 2.4GHz radio frequency range to connect with other Bluetooth devices.
This is the same frequency used by other household devices, such as smart home devices, radio-controlled toys and kitchen appliances. Because of its popularity, it is prone to getting cluttered, resulting in device interference. It is also the frequency used by Wi-Fi routers and might be one of the reasons your house suffers from patchy and inconsistent internet connections. Read our article on the best Wi-Fi routers to grab a router that can transmit on a much faster 5GHz frequency.
How can I add Bluetooth to my hi-fi or car?
If you have a good entertainment and audio system using bookshelf speakers, ceiling speakers or surround sound options, you may still be needing a Bluetooth connection. Buying a Bluetooth receiver can help you access the convenience of streaming without sacrificing the audio quality of your premier setup. Simply plug it into the analogue connections in your amplifier (or a digital optical port, if you have one) and you'll be good to go.
This is also the case for car stereos that still use 3.5mm aux-in connections. With smartphones such as the Apple iPhone 12 no longer supporting hardware for physical headphone connections, anyone wanting to listen to Spotify or the directions from Google Maps as they drive will benefit from a simple plug-and-play Bluetooth receiver upgrade. Normally these get power from the 12V cigarette lighter port and connect to your car stereo's 3.5mm input jack.
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William Lobley is the Editor for What's The Best. Here, he oversees, curates and researches listicles and reviews as many products as his home office can handle.
He has spent nearly five years writing about tech, audio, outdoors and fitness and has reviewed everything from smartphones to ice baths. In addition, he's well-versed in sniffing out the best deals and savings the internet offers.
When not at his desk writing, reviewing or deal-hunting, he'll be relaxing with Japanese crime novels, bingeing some classic anime, strolling the countryside or at the gym listening to the heaviest metal Spotify has to offer.
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