Which Bluetooth USB to go with and why?
Which Bluetooth USB to go with and why?
I purchased this Bluetooth transmitter recently to connect my new JLab Go Air Pop wireless earbuds with my TCL 43S431 4K TV. It functions most of the time but loses audio about 20% of the time, typically when I move my head. Now I’m looking for a better USB adapter for my PC to improve the connection. I’ve checked several options and have no idea which ones to choose or why others might not work well... Prices range from $10 up to $16.99. I don’t need any that include Wi-Fi, but having it support my 4K TV would be nice. Working with my Xbox One controller is also a plus, though not essential. Ideally, the device should have a decent range of around 30-50 feet. The main priority is maintaining a stable connection. I’ve heard from various sources that installing drivers can sometimes cause problems. Since I’m using Windows 10, any additional recommendations would be appreciated.
I clarify the specifics of the version problem you're referring to.
I believe the latest Bluetooth version is around 6.x, though that might be an underestimate. I’m not always on top of things. It could be even higher than I think. Over time they’ve managed to boost the range while reducing power consumption—quite clever. Previously the coverage was just about a meter. Lower power settings usually mean shorter distances with older Bluetooth versions. If your earbuds need to talk to an older Bluetooth device, the sender will send accordingly. It’s possible another paired device is also using an older version, which could cause this issue. Of course, I’m not sure if this is the main problem. I’m just considering potential explanations.
USB Bluetooth offers a shorter distance because of its small antennas, but you’ll usually have more flexibility with Bluetooth on a PCIe WiFi card since it has larger antennas. This is especially helpful if the antennas are connected to a cable, allowing you to position them at the top of your PC to bypass obstacles.
Bluetooth functions much like radio technologies such as Wi-Fi or FM, sharing similarities with antennas in those systems. The concept suggests an antenna length matching one wavelength. In older radio designs this could mean massive whip-like structures or compact coil arrangements—like tightly wound wire around a central point. Military manuals often describe half-rhombic designs by suspending wire in trees. The exact operating frequency remains unclear, but it’s likely low. Some long-range half-rhombic antennas stretch several miles, used by naval vessels to transmit signals through extensive water coverage. Submarines mount their antennas on spools and pull them behind the boat.
I’d check the Bluetooth version of the gadgets you plan to link and choose one matching that spec. The issue is compatibility might drop once you add more devices with varying versions. If you have several with very different versions, I’d go for the latest one and accept slower connections on older ones. Updated May 13, 2022 by Bombastinator
So this ? And is it compatible with my B150 motherboard and the headphones I posted above? And is there anything cheaper but pretty much the same thing? Also, why is the same kit $36 on Amazon ? Or is this it? The wireless headphones are bluetooth 5.1. Are any of the 10 I posted bluteooth 5.1?