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Our best headset bluetooth adapter picks connect Bluetooth headphones to PCs, consoles and Switch with less lag than built-in Bluetooth.
For the lowest delay, pair the adapter with headphones that support aptX Low Latency or aptX Adaptive. We compared codec support, compatibility, latency and owner feedback to find the best headset bluetooth adapter.
Quick Answer: The Best Headset Bluetooth Adapter
- Best Overall: Creative BT-W5 Smart Bluetooth 5.3 Audio Transmitter with aptX Adaptive, 24-bit/96 kHz
- Best for PS5 and Switch: Avantree DG80-Gaming USB Bluetooth 5.3 Adapter Dongle for PS5
- Best USB-C: UGREEN USB-C Bluetooth Adapter for PS5 with aptX Low Latency / aptX Adaptive
- Best for Controllers: Twelve South AirFly SE, Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter Adapter
The Creative BT-W5 is our top pick. Also consider the Avantree DG80 (Best for PS5 and Switch) and the UGREEN USB-C Bluetooth Adapter (Best USB-C).
Best Headset Bluetooth Adapter Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Type | Key Feature | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Creative BT-W5 | Best Overall | aptX Adaptive USB transmitter | aptX Adaptive, 24-bit/96kHz | Check Price |
| Avantree DG80 | Best for PS5 and Switch | Bluetooth gaming dongle | aptX Low Latency support | Check Price |
| UGREEN USB-C Bluetooth Adapter | Best USB-C | USB-C Bluetooth adapter | USB-C with aptX LL/Adaptive | Check Price |
| Twelve South AirFly SE | Best for Controllers | 3.5mm Bluetooth transmitter | Plugs into any 3.5mm jack | Check Price |
The 4 Best Headset Bluetooth Adapters
Each best headset bluetooth adapter pick below sends audio to Bluetooth headphones.
Creative BT-W5 Smart Bluetooth 5.3 Audio Transmitter with aptX Adaptive, 24-bit/96 kHz
1The Creative BT-W5 is a USB Bluetooth 5.3 transmitter with aptX Adaptive and 24-bit/96kHz audio.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- aptX Adaptive for lower lag
- Works on PC, PS5, Switch
- Device switching
Cons
- Needs aptX headset for best results
- Pricier
📄 Detailed Review
- Bluetooth: 5.3
- Codecs: aptX Adaptive and more
- Audio: 24-bit/96kHz (listed)
With compatible headphones it cuts Bluetooth lag noticeably.
Best Bluetooth adapter.
Avantree DG80-Gaming USB Bluetooth 5.3 Adapter Dongle for PS5
2The Avantree DG80 connects Bluetooth headphones to a PS5, Switch or PC, with aptX Low Latency support.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Low-latency aptX
- Plug-and-play
- Good price
Cons
- Does not work with Pulse 3D or 2.4G headsets
- Lag without aptX headphones
📄 Detailed Review
- Bluetooth: 5.3
- Codecs: aptX Low Latency / Adaptive
- Use: PS5, Switch, PC
It is a strong value pick for consoles.
Best for PS5 and Switch.
UGREEN USB-C Bluetooth Adapter for PS5 with aptX Low Latency / aptX Adaptive
3The UGREEN adapter plugs into USB-C and supports aptX, aptX Adaptive and aptX Low Latency.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- USB-C plug
- aptX codecs
- Codec switch key
Cons
- Needs aptX headphones for low lag
- Fewer reviews
📄 Detailed Review
- Connector: USB-C
- Codecs: aptX, aptX Adaptive, aptX LL
- Use: PS5, Switch, PC
It suits the Switch, Steam Deck and PS5.
Best USB-C Bluetooth adapter.
Twelve South AirFly SE, Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter Adapter
4The AirFly SE plugs into any 3.5mm jack, including a controller, and streams to Bluetooth headphones for 20+ hours.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Works with any 3.5mm jack
- Long battery
- Pairs with AirPods
Cons
- Audio only, no mic
- Adds lag
📄 Detailed Review
- Input: 3.5mm jack
- Battery: 20+ hours (listed)
- Use: Controllers, planes, gym
It is great for controllers and flights, but has no mic.
Best for controllers.
How We Chose the Best Headset Bluetooth Adapter
To choose the best headset bluetooth adapter, we compared codec support, compatibility, latency and owner feedback.
Loud gaming sessions add up, so keep safe listening levels in mind; read the NIDCD guide to noise-induced hearing loss.
Product details in this guide are based on manufacturer specifications and verified owner feedback, not in-house lab testing. Read more on our How We Test page.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Headset Bluetooth Adapter
Keep these factors in mind when shopping for a Bluetooth audio adapter.
Bluetooth adapters for headsets
Bluetooth adds some delay. Adapters with aptX Low Latency or aptX Adaptive cut lag with supported headsets, but a 2.4GHz dongle is still faster for gaming.
Moving the wireless dongle closer
Wireless headset dongles work best with a clear path to the headset. A short USB extension cable lets you put the dongle on the desk instead of behind the PC.
USB-C to 3.5mm adapters
Phones, tablets and many laptops have no headphone jack. A USB-C adapter with a built-in DAC adds one; check that it supports a microphone if you use a headset mic.
Xbox controller audio adapters
Xbox controllers use a proprietary port. Adapters plug into it and add a 3.5mm jack with volume and chat mix controls for wired headsets.
Bluetooth on PS5, Xbox and Switch
The PS5 and Xbox do not support Bluetooth headphones natively, so a USB adapter is the easiest fix on PlayStation. Xbox does not support USB Bluetooth audio adapters, so Xbox players need a headset with Xbox Wireless or a 3.5mm adapter. The Switch supports Bluetooth audio but adds delay.
Bluetooth adapter tips
Cut the lag:
- Use headphones with aptX Low Latency or Adaptive.
- Keep the adapter in line of sight.
- Pair one device at a time.
- Update the adapter firmware.
Here are quick answers about Bluetooth headset adapters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best headset bluetooth adapter?
Our pick for the best headset bluetooth adapter is the Creative BT-W5, followed by the Avantree DG80 (Best for PS5 and Switch).
Do these adapters work with AirPods?
Yes, but AirPods do not support aptX, so there is more lag.
Can I use the mic?
Some adapters support voice; check the listing.
Does Xbox support Bluetooth headphones?
No, Xbox needs Xbox Wireless or wired audio.
Final Verdict
Our final pick for the best headset bluetooth adapter is the Creative BT-W5. Choose the Avantree DG80 if you want a plug-and-play console dongle, or the UGREEN USB-C Bluetooth Adapter if your device uses USB-C.
Related Guides
More gaming headset accessory guides:
- Best Headset Amp for Xbox Controller
- Best Clamp Headset Hook
- Best 3.5mm Splitter for Headset and Mic
- Best Headset Dongle Extender
- Best Headphone Amp with Mic Input
- Best Monitor Light Bar for Curved Monitor
Product details are based on manufacturer specifications at the time of writing. Prices and availability change often, so check Amazon for the latest price.
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