Connect Non-Bluetooth Speakers to Your PC with a Bluetooth Adapter

You can add Bluetooth to speakers that don't have it built in by using a Bluetooth transmitter — a small device that plugs into your PC and broadcasts audio wirelessly to your speakers. The transmitter connects to your computer through USB or a 3.5mm audio jack, then pairs with your speakers the same way a Bluetooth headset would. This costs between $15 and $50 depending on the model and range you need.

The transmitter itself doesn't make your speakers Bluetooth-capable in a permanent way — it sits between your PC and speakers, translating the signal. When you unplug it, your speakers go back to working only with wired connections. But this approach works with almost any speaker, including old powered speakers, bookshelf speakers, or even passive speakers connected to an amplifier.

Key Takeaways

  • A USB Bluetooth transmitter plugs into your PC and sends audio wirelessly to your speakers, costing $15 to $50.
  • You need speakers with a 3.5mm audio input or RCA inputs to receive the wireless signal from the transmitter.
  • Pairing takes one minute: hold the pairing button on the transmitter, then select it from your PC's Bluetooth settings.
  • Latency (delay between what you see and what you hear) is usually under 100 milliseconds, fine for music but noticeable during video.
  • A 3.5mm transmitter works if your speakers have a headphone jack but no USB port.

Choose Between USB and 3.5mm Transmitters

A USB transmitter plugs directly into any USB port on your PC and draws power from the computer. It has a small antenna and usually sits on your desk or clips to a monitor. USB transmitters are the most common option and work with Windows and Mac. Popular models include the TaoTronics Bluetooth 5.0 transmitter and the Avantree DG40S, both under $30.

A 3.5mm transmitter plugs into your speaker's headphone jack or audio input instead of your PC's USB port. You connect it to your PC using a USB cable for power, then run the audio signal from your PC to the transmitter through a 3.5mm cable. This option works if your speakers have a standard audio jack but no USB port, and it's useful if your PC has limited USB ports. The downside is an extra cable running from your PC to the transmitter.

For most setups, a USB transmitter is simpler because it needs only one cable. Choose a 3.5mm transmitter only if your speakers don't have a USB input and you want to avoid running an extra audio cable.

Check Your Speakers' Audio Inputs Before Buying

Before ordering a transmitter, look at the back or side of your speakers and identify what audio inputs they have. Most powered speakers have either a 3.5mm jack (the size of a standard headphone plug), RCA inputs (two round plugs, usually red and white), or a USB port. Some speakers have all three.

If your speakers have a 3.5mm jack, a USB transmitter will work — you'll run a 3.5mm cable from the transmitter to the speaker jack. If they have only RCA inputs, you'll need a transmitter with RCA outputs, or you'll need an RCA-to-3.5mm adapter (about $5). If your speakers have a USB input, check whether it's for audio or just charging — most USB speaker inputs are audio-capable, and you can plug the transmitter directly in.

Write down the exact input types on your speakers before shopping. This takes 30 seconds and prevents buying a transmitter that won't connect to your setup.

Pair the Transmitter with Your PC in Four Steps

Once you have the transmitter and it's plugged in, pairing is straightforward. First, plug the transmitter into your PC's USB port (or connect the 3.5mm version to power and your speaker). Wait 10 to 15 seconds for the transmitter to power on — you'll usually see a light turn on or blink.

Second, press and hold the pairing button on the transmitter for 3 to 5 seconds until the light blinks faster or changes color. This puts the transmitter in pairing mode. The button is usually small and recessed, so you may need a pen to press it. Check your transmitter's manual if you can't find it — it's often on the side or bottom.

Third, open Bluetooth settings on your PC. On Windows, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Bluetooth and make sure Bluetooth is turned on. On Mac, go to System Preferences > Bluetooth. Your PC will scan for nearby Bluetooth devices.

Fourth, select the transmitter from the list when it appears — it will show a name like "TaoTronics Bluetooth Transmitter" or whatever model you have. Click it to pair. The light on the transmitter will stop blinking and stay solid, meaning the pairing is complete. This whole process takes about one minute.

Connect Your Speakers to the Transmitter

After pairing the transmitter to your PC, you need to connect your speakers to the transmitter. If your speakers have a 3.5mm input, plug a 3.5mm audio cable from the transmitter's output jack into your speaker's input jack. If your speakers have RCA inputs, use an RCA cable or a 3.5mm-to-RCA adapter.

Turn on your speakers and set their volume to a comfortable level — usually around 70 to 80 percent. Then play audio on your PC. You should hear sound come through your speakers within a second or two. If you don't hear anything, check that the transmitter's light is still solid (not blinking), and verify that your PC's volume is not muted.

If your speakers have a USB audio input, you may be able to plug the transmitter directly into the USB port instead of using a 3.5mm cable. Check your speaker manual to confirm the USB port supports audio input — some USB ports on speakers are only for charging.

Troubleshoot Common Connection Problems

If your PC doesn't see the transmitter during pairing, unplug it and plug it back in, then hold the pairing button again. Some transmitters need to be in pairing mode before you turn on Bluetooth on your PC. If the light on the transmitter doesn't turn on at all, the USB port may not be providing power — try a different USB port or a powered USB hub.

If you hear crackling or cutting out, move the transmitter closer to your speakers or remove obstacles between them. Bluetooth has a typical range of 30 feet in open space, but walls and metal objects reduce it. Also check that no other Bluetooth devices are trying to connect to the transmitter at the same time — only one device can pair at a time.

If the audio is delayed (you see a video's lips move before you hear the words), this is normal latency for Bluetooth audio. Most transmitters have a delay of 50 to 150 milliseconds, which is fine for music but noticeable during video. Some higher-end transmitters claim lower latency — look for models advertising "aptX Low Latency" if delay bothers you, though these cost $40 to $60.

Understand Latency and When It Matters

Bluetooth audio has a slight delay between when your PC sends the signal and when your speakers play it. This delay, called latency, is usually 100 to 200 milliseconds on standard transmitters. For music, podcasts, and general audio, you won't notice this at all. For video, you might notice the audio is slightly out of sync with the picture, especially during dialogue.

If latency bothers you, you have two options. First, use a wired connection instead — plug your speakers directly into your PC's audio jack or USB port with a cable. Second, buy a transmitter with low-latency technology like aptX or LDAC, which reduces delay to under 40 milliseconds. These transmitters cost more but work better for video and gaming.

For most people using Bluetooth speakers for background music or podcasts, standard latency is not a problem. Only consider a low-latency transmitter if you watch a lot of video or play games where timing matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Bluetooth transmitter with multiple speakers at once?

Most transmitters pair with only one Bluetooth device at a time. If you want to send audio to multiple speakers, you need either a transmitter that supports multi-pairing (rare and expensive), or you need to pair the transmitter with one speaker, then manually switch it to another speaker when you want to. A simpler option is to buy a second transmitter for your second set of speakers.

Will the transmitter work with my phone or tablet too?

Yes, if your transmitter supports both transmit and receive modes. Some transmitters work only as transmitters (PC to speakers), while others can also receive audio from your phone. Check the product description before buying if you want to use it with multiple devices. Transmitters that work both ways cost a bit more but are more flexible.

Do I need to install drivers for the transmitter?

Most USB Bluetooth transmitters work without installing anything on Windows 10 and later, or on Mac. Your PC recognizes them as standard Bluetooth devices. Older transmitters or older versions of Windows may need a driver, which comes on a disc or can be downloaded from the manufacturer's website. Check the manual that comes with your transmitter.

What if my speakers don't have any audio inputs?

If your speakers have no 3.5mm jack, RCA inputs, or USB audio port, you cannot use a Bluetooth transmitter with them. Your only option is to replace the speakers with ones that have audio inputs, or to use a different audio solution like Bluetooth headphones or a Bluetooth-enabled speaker.

Can I leave the transmitter plugged in all the time?

Yes, it's safe to leave a USB transmitter plugged into your PC continuously. It draws very little power and will not damage your PC or the transmitter. You can turn your speakers on and off normally — the transmitter stays powered as long as your PC is on. If you want to save power, unplug the transmitter when you're not using your speakers.