TP-Link UB500 V1 Bluetooth 5.0 Nano USB 2.0 Adapter

The TP-Link UB500 V1 Bluetooth 5.0 Nano USB 2.0 Adapter is a compact plug-in adapter that adds Bluetooth 5.0 capability to any desktop or laptop PC that lacks built-in Bluetooth. It is suited to users who want to connect headsets, speakers, keyboards, phones, printers, and other Bluetooth devices without opening their machine or making any permanent modifications.

• Bluetooth 5.0 with broad backward compatibility — It uses Bluetooth 5.0 technology and is backward compatible with Bluetooth V4.2, 4.0, 3.0, 2.1, 2.0, and 1.1, so it works with a wide range of existing devices.
• Up to 20 m open-space transmission range — It supports a transmission distance of up to 20 m in open space, giving you freedom to move away from your desk while staying connected.
• Connects up to 7 Bluetooth devices at once — It can maintain simultaneous connections with up to 7 Bluetooth devices, letting you mix keyboards, headsets, speakers, and phones without switching adapters.
• Nano form factor — plug in and forget — At just 6.80 mm tall and 18.90 mm wide, it sits almost flush with a USB port and is less obtrusive than a standard flash drive.
• Bluetooth Low Energy for power efficiency — BLE technology reduces power draw compared with older Bluetooth standards, which matters on battery-powered laptops.
• Broad Windows OS support — It supports Windows 11, 10, 8.1, and 7 — note that Windows 7 requires a manual driver install from the TP-Link support page.

• ✓ Compatible with desktop computers and notebooks via USB 2.0 Type-A port.
• ✓ Supports Windows 11, 10, and 8.1 — drivers install automatically after plugging in.
• ✓ Works with any Bluetooth 5.0, 4.2, 4.0, 3.0, 2.1, 2.0, or 1.1 device — headsets, speakers, keyboards, phones, printers, and more.
• Note: Windows 7 is supported, but requires a manual driver download from the TP-Link support page before use.
• Note: After an OS update, you may need to update the adapter's drivers to maintain compatibility.
• ✗ macOS and Linux are not listed as supported operating systems.

Best for:

• Desktop PC users who have no built-in Bluetooth and want to add it without installing an internal card.
• Laptop users whose built-in Bluetooth has failed or who want a dedicated adapter for a specific device set.
• Audio listeners who want to use a Bluetooth headset or speaker up to 20 m away from their PC in open space.
• Multi-device setups where up to 7 Bluetooth peripherals need to be connected to one PC simultaneously.
• Portable use — the nano size means it can stay plugged into a laptop bag or move between machines with minimal fuss.

Trade-offs:

• macOS or Linux users — the supported OS list covers Windows only; no Mac or Linux support is stated.
• Users needing a USB 3.0 host interface — it connects via USB 2.0, which is the only host interface listed.
• Long-warranty requirements — it carries a 2-year limited warranty, which is shorter than some competing adapters that offer three years or more.
• Non-Windows environments — buyers expecting plug-and-play on Windows 7 should note that a manual driver installation is required before the device will function.

UB500 equips your PC with more advanced Bluetooth 5.0 technology that has across-the-board upgrades compared with older versions. It runs faster connection speeds and farther range than the Bluetooth 4.0 technology, ensuring a strong and stable wireless connection between your PC and Bluetooth devices. Users also benefit from power conservation and larger broadcasting capacity.

Thanks to the improvements to Bluetooth, UB500 has a longer range of transmission between devices like your music player and PC. With a farther transmission distance, enjoy lossless audio via your Bluetooth headset without hovering around your computer. Now, there's no need to worry about distance impacting your music listening.

UB500 makes non-Bluetooth PCs and laptops Bluetooth-capable. Just connect your Bluetooth devices to your computer and enjoy it with ease. It supports up to 7 Bluetooth devices all at once with a powerful wireless connection. You can transfer files, music, and videos between your Bluetooth devices and PC with 2× faster transmission speeds.

UB500 is highly portable and much smaller than a flash drive. Plug in Win 10/8.1/7 system to enjoy a wireless communication with Bluetooth-enabled devices.

*For Win 7, you need to install the driver from https://www.tp-link.com/en/support/download/ub500. For additional version information, please go to the support page.

†To ensure compatibility, you may need to update the adapter's drivers after an OS update.

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