Description
TP-Link UB500 Bluetooth 5.0 Nano USB Adapter
Add Bluetooth 5.0 to Any PC or Laptop — Plug In and Go
The TP-Link UB500 is an ultra-compact Bluetooth 5.0 nano USB adapter that instantly adds Bluetooth wireless connectivity to any desktop PC or laptop with a USB port. At just 14.8 × 6.8 × 18.9 mm, it sits flush with your USB port and stays out of the way. Plug-and-play compatible with Windows 10, 8.1, and 7, and backward compatible with all previous Bluetooth versions — connect headphones, speakers, keyboards, mice, controllers, and more.
Key Features
- Bluetooth 5.0 — latest standard with improved range, speed, and connection stability over Bluetooth 4.x
- Backward compatible with Bluetooth 4.0 / 3.0 / 2.1 / 2.0 / 1.1 devices
- USB 2.0 interface — compatible with any USB-A port
- Nano form factor — 14.8 × 6.8 × 18.9 mm; sits nearly flush with the USB port
- Plug-and-play on Windows 10 / 8.1 / 7 — driver installation required (included)
- Stable wireless connectivity for headphones, speakers, keyboards, mice, and other Bluetooth peripherals
Use Cases
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Desktop PCs: Add Bluetooth to a desktop computer that lacks built-in Bluetooth — connect wireless headphones, speakers, keyboards, and mice without cables.
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Older Laptops: Upgrade a laptop with outdated Bluetooth 4.x to Bluetooth 5.0 for improved range and connection stability with modern peripherals.
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Home Offices: Connect a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse to a desktop PC for a clean, cable-free workspace.
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Gaming: Connect Bluetooth game controllers, headsets, and accessories to a Windows PC.
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Travel: The nano size means it can stay plugged in permanently without risk of damage in a bag or case.
Specifications
| Specification |
Detail |
| Model |
UB500 |
| Bluetooth Version |
Bluetooth 5.0 (backward compatible with 4.0 / 3.0 / 2.1 / 2.0 / 1.1) |
| Interface |
USB 2.0 (Type-A) |
| Compatible OS |
Windows 10 / 8.1 / 7 |
| Dimensions |
14.8 × 6.8 × 18.9 mm |
| Weight |
0.04 kg |
| Operating Temperature |
0°C – 40°C |
| Operating Humidity |
10–90% RH (non-condensing) |
| Package Contents |
UB500 adapter, quick installation guide |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the UB500 work with macOS or Linux?
The UB500 officially supports Windows 10, 8.1, and 7 only. macOS and Linux are not officially supported by TP-Link for this adapter. Some users report limited functionality on macOS with third-party drivers, but this is not guaranteed or supported by TP-Link.
Do I need to install drivers?
Yes. Unlike some USB Wi-Fi adapters, the UB500 requires driver installation on Windows. The driver is included on a mini CD or available for download from the TP-Link support website. Installation takes only a few minutes.
Will the UB500 work with my Bluetooth 4.x headphones or keyboard?
Yes. The UB500 is backward compatible with Bluetooth 4.0, 3.0, 2.1, 2.0, and 1.1 devices. Any Bluetooth peripheral that works with older Bluetooth versions will also work with the UB500.
Can I leave the UB500 plugged in permanently?
Yes. Its nano size — just 14.8 × 18.9 mm — means it sits nearly flush with the USB port and is unlikely to be knocked or damaged during normal use. It is designed to be left plugged in permanently on desktop PCs.
Does Bluetooth 5.0 offer better range than Bluetooth 4.x?
Yes. Bluetooth 5.0 offers up to 4× the range and 2× the speed of Bluetooth 4.2 in ideal conditions. In practice, this means more reliable connections to peripherals at greater distances, with fewer dropouts in environments with wireless interference.
