I need a Bluetooth adapter for my laptop that has Linux mint on it. I just need it to connect a BT speaker for watching YouTube and netflix. The adapters I looked at on amazon all say they aren’t compatible with Linux. I was hoping I could get some recommendations that work with Linux. And preferably one that doesn’t require drivers from some sketchy site, Thanks!
EDIT: thanks everyone for the recommendations!
Here you can find hardware for linux that requires no proprietary driver or firmware, in your case is ASUS BT400. I was in the same situation as yours so I bought it and it works.
That’s very helpful, thanks!
ive plugged in various mpci, m2, and random chinese or brand name usb dongles, everything always works out of the box for me. even when some of their documentation omits linux. i wouldnt worry, i’m assuming almost anything will work.
if i were to actually recommend one, id get an m2 intel ax series card. the ones with wifi+bt. no worries if you can’t get something as fancy though.
I’ve been using the startech bt usb adapter in linux for a couple of years without issues.
Any BT adapter I’ve tried has worked with Linux, to be honest. The only problematic ones are some old ones from Broadcomm for the Mac.
I have the ASUS USB-BT500 and it officially supports linux and works very well. Buy that
Most TP-link ones work afaik. I have the TP-link UB400 for bluetooth on my PC
The Amazon page explicitly says it’s not compatible with Linux. That’s confusing
Guessing it’s officially not supported, and it just works with whatever open source drivers come with the kernel. I know the packaging only lists windows devices as supported, but so far it’s been fine for me :3
TP-Link is not secure
Bluetooth is not secure. OP is not looking for security, just bluetooth audio.
In what way? For which use case? What threat models would exclude TP Link products?
I spent ages looking for a decent Bluetooth adapter. Those I tried all worked under Linux, but the either the range wasn’t great, or there were occasional drop-outs or just basic annoying issues.
I then found this on Amazon and it’s perfect. I know the pitch says it doesn’t support Linux, but it works with my Debian 12, KDE 5.27 box perfectly without having to faff with finding drivers; it just got recognised and worked first time.
I’ve connected my SteelSeries headset to it, a portable speaker and everything I try just works. The antenna give it fantastic range too.
