Best Bluetooth adapters for Nintendo Switch 2021

Best Bluetooth adapters for Nintendo Switch iMore 2021

• Best overall: HomeSpot Bluetooth Transmitter for Nintendo Switch
• Best value: ZIOCOM Bluetooth Adapter for Nintendo Switch
• Best lightweight: Genki Audio Lite
• Best for portable play: UGREEN Bluetooth Adapter for Nintendo Switch
• Best for multiple devices: GuliKit Route Air Pro Bluetooth Adapter
• Best for travel: Scosche Flytunes Wireless Audio Transmitter
• Best premium: AirFly Pro

Best overall: HomeSpot Bluetooth Transmitter for Nintendo Switch

The HomeSpot Bluetooth Transmitter for Nintendo Switch is a small and easy-to-use Bluetooth transmitter that connects to the bottom of the Switch. It's not just for portable use, though, and it can also be connected to the USB located on the Switch dock. The HomeSpot Bluetooth Transmitter is actually a dual-channel device, which means that two people can listen simultaneously. It's a nice feature for those who take their local couch gaming online.

The button on the left side of the device controls the first player's channel, and the button on the right controls the second player. Two LED lights correspond with each player and flash a different color to indicate whether a player is muted or if they haven't paired their headphones yet. Audiophiles take note: the HomeSpot Bluetooth Transmitter also supports SBC, Qualcomm aptX, and Qualcomm aptX Low Latency codecs, The light in the center indicates what type of codec you're currently using, and they can be swapped with just a button press. There's even an internal mic so you can chat during games.

The HomeSpot Bluetooth Transmitter comes in many colors to match your Joy-Con colorway, and at only $30, it's one of the best options for connecting your wireless headphones to your Switch. The only major downside is that it can't be used with most Switch protective cases. So you'll have to expose your Switch to the elements to get this to attach properly during portable play. Other than that, you're looking at the best Bluetooth adapter money can buy.

Best value: ZIOCOM Bluetooth Adapter for Nintendo Switch

The ZICOM Bluetooth Adapter looks like a tiny Switch on its own and plugs right into the bottom of your Switch or through a USB passthrough if you're playing docked. Measuring in at just under two inches wide, a little bigger than the others on this list, but not by much. There's no charging necessary either, as it is powered through the system itself. Once plugged in, a pair of LED lights turn on to indicate that your connection is active.

The ZIOCOM also supports dual-channel audio, which means both player one and player two can have their own private chat channel. The buttons on the left and right control of the device control the mic for players one and two, respectively. Despite having your own chat channel, the ZIOCOM Bluetooth Adapter does not have an internal mic, so you'll have to find another means of communication if you're planning on chatting during multiplayer games.

It can also be used while the Switch is in a protective case, which is a big deal for those who take their systems on the go. Overall, the ZIOCOM is a handy Bluetooth adapter and costs only $25. Plus, it looks like a little Switch, and that's really cute.

Best lightweight: Genki Audio Lite

Designed to work with the Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch Lite, the Genki Audio Lite is 70% slimmer and 30% lighter than the original Genki Audio, which was the console's first USB-C Bluetooth adapter. The device comes in colors to match your console, which makes it very unobtrusive.

All you have to do to get it working is plug the device into the USB-C port and press the large white button to sync with headphones or activate voice chat. It delivers high fidelity and low latency sound so you won't miss a beat when playing competitive games like Rocket League.

While the Genki Audio allowed you to have two active connections, that feature's been removed in the Genki Audio Lite. Genki sells a great protective case that fits your Switch or Switch Lite with the adapter plugged in, but if you already have one of the best Nintendo Switch cases, you might not be looking to shell out for another one, which means you'll need to remove the adapter to securely store it.

Best for portable play: UGREEN Bluetooth Adapter for Nintendo Switch

The UGreen Bluetooth Adapter is unique in that it's the only adapter that doesn't utilize the Switch's USB-C port when playing portable. It instead makes use of the headphone jack at the top of your device. It's a dual-channel device and supports Bluetooth 5.0, just like the other adapters on this list, and is easy to install and use.

The UGreen Bluetooth Adapter is meant for portable play and can hold eight hours of battery life off a two-hour charge. However, that's also one of the downsides to this device — it's only meant for portable use and doesn't work at all if your system is docked. While this limits its use on the normal Nintendo Switch, it's not a deal-breaker at all if you use a Nintendo Switch Lite.

While the UGREEN Bluetooth Adapter is handy and easy to use, it's limited in a few key departments. It can't be used during docked play, and it also covers the Game Card slot, so you'll have to unplug it to swap your physical game cartridges. This isn't much of a problem if you play only digital games and only own a Switch Lite, but you may have some trouble if you find yourself outside of those two parameters.

Best for multiple devices: GuliKit Route Air Pro Bluetooth Adapter

The GuliKit Route Air Pro Bluetooth Adapter is compatible with the Switch and Switch Lite in both handheld and docked mode and can also be easily used with a PS4, PS5, or any PC using Windows 8 or later. It supports headsets using Bluetooth 2.1 through 5.0 and has dual connections to allow two players to hear the sound if you're playing with a friend.

A ceramic antenna provides clear sound quality up to 33 feet away, so you won't have to worry about how far you are from your docked console. The device itself is only 5mm, making it fit pretty seamlessly on your console in handheld mode without adding weight or interfering with the screen.

The low latency codec should keep you from missing anything while playing Fortnite with friends. An included tiny microphone can be plugged in if you also want to use voice chat, but it doesn't allow you to use your headset's actual mic. That means it's more likely to pick up other sounds from your room which can be distracting.

Best for travel: Scosche Flytunes Wireless Audio Transmitter

The Flytunes Wireless Audio Transmitter is compatible with any device that uses a headphone jack, including the Nintendo Switch, PS4, and Xbox One, offering a simple plug and play solution across devices. It includes an extension cable that can pivot 90 degrees and features two jacks, making it easy to fit the device to different consoles or controllers.

Because it uses the audio jack rather than the USB-C port, you'll be able to charge your Switch while you play, but the adapter requires its own juice. The device's battery lasts about eight hours, and an LED light will let you know its charge status while you power it up.

It comes with a bag and charging cable that makes it easy to pack up and take on the go. The one downside is that the device is a bit bulkier than other audio adapters, which you'll feel most acutely when using it in handheld mode.

Best premium: AirFly Pro

Start using your Bluetooth headphones with your Nintendo Switch in just seconds using the AirFly Pro, which uses a standard headphone jack. It will provide you with quality sound across 33 feet, so you don't have to be too close to your console or any other device while you listen.

The battery lasts for a full 16 hours on a single charge and features a small red light to let you know that it still needs to power up. The device comes with a little travel pouch that neatly fits it and the USB-C to USB-A charging cable. The headphone jack cap also has a keyring if you prefer to attach it to your purse or backpack.

AirFly Pro provides low latency Bluetooth 5.0 sound, but it's the priciest option on this list. Its shape is also a bit awkward and can flop around on your Switch when it's in handheld mode and block the screen if you're not careful.

Turn up the volume

These are the best Bluetooth Adapters. If you have a great pair of wireless headphones, it's only natural that you'd want to use them on your Nintendo Switch. All of these Bluetooth adapters are good choices, but our overall pick is the HomeSpot BlueTooth Transmitter.

It's easy to use, offers dual-channel audio, and comes in many colors so you can match it to your Joy-Con. It also has a built-in mic so you can chat with your friends while you play. The one downside is it doesn't fit overprotective cases, which can be an issue during portable play. If that's a priority, there are some other better options on this list to consider.

Credits — The team that worked on this guide