TP-Link UB500 Plus Long Range Bluetooth USB Adapter

Description

The TP-Link UB500 Plus Long Range Bluetooth USB Adapter is a compact adapter designed to add Bluetooth 5.3 with Low Energy (BLE) connectivity to non-Bluetooth USB-A devices, such as laptops, desktops, and gaming consoles (e.g., PS5/PS4/Xbox for PC use). It supports up to 7 Bluetooth devices simultaneously, including headsets, speakers, keyboards, mice, printers, and game controllers, enabling tasks like music playback, file transfers, and gaming with 2× faster transmission speeds compared to Bluetooth 4.0. The adapter is backward compatible with Bluetooth 5.2/5.0/4.0/3.0/2.1/2.0/1.1, ensuring broad device support. The adjustable, multi-directional antenna (180° rotation, 90° tilt) enhances signal strength, offering a transmission range of up to 50m in open environments, though range may reduce in areas with obstructions or interference.

The plug-and-play functionality provides driver-free setup for Windows 11/10/8.1, while Windows 7 requires drivers from TP-Link’s website (https://www.tp-link.com/support/download/ub500-plus/). It does not support macOS, Linux, or TVs, and internal Bluetooth must be disabled to avoid conflicts. The compact design (81 × 42 × 16.8 mm, ~9g) with a high-performance antenna balances portability and performance, making it suitable for home or travel use. Reviews praise its long range, reliable connectivity, and ease of use, with some users noting successful Linux Mint compatibility (Kernel 5.15–6.14), though not officially supported. Occasional pairing issues with specific devices and interference from 2.4GHz devices (e.g., Logitech Unifying) are reported. The adapter uses a Realtek chipset (inferred, likely RTL8761B or similar) for stable performance.

Compared to the UB400 (Bluetooth 4.0, no antenna), the UB500 Plus offers newer Bluetooth 5.3 and longer range. Unlike the Archer TX10UB Nano (Wi-Fi 6 + Bluetooth 5.3), it’s Bluetooth-only and larger but has a stronger antenna. Compared to the UH7020C (7-in-1 hub), it focuses solely on Bluetooth connectivity. It’s ideal for Windows users needing long-range Bluetooth for multiple peripherals.

Specifications

• Host Interface: USB 2.0 Type-A (480Mbps)

• Bluetooth Version: 5.3 with Low Energy (BLE), backward compatible with 5.2/5.0/4.0/3.0/2.1/2.0/1.1

• Bluetooth Devices: Supports up to 7 devices (e.g., headsets, keyboards, mice, controllers, printers, speakers)

• Chipset: Realtek (inferred, likely RTL8761B or similar)

• Transmission Range: Up to 50m (in open environments with few obstructions)

• Wireless Modulation: π/4 DQPSK, 8DPSK, GFSK

• Transmit Power: 10 dBm

• Sensitivity: -97 to -94 dBm

• Compatibility: Windows 11/10/8.1/7 (32/64-bit)

• Plug-and-Play: Yes, driver-free for Windows 11/10/8.1; drivers required for Windows 7

• Power Supply: USB bus-powered (no external adapter)

• Power Consumption: 0.3W

• Dimensions: 81 × 42 × 16.8 mm (3.19 × 1.65 × 0.66 in)

• Weight: 0.32 oz (9g)

• Antenna: Adjustable, Multi-Directional (180° rotation, 90° tilt)

• Certifications: FCC, CE, RoHS

• Operating Temperature: 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)

• Storage Temperature: -40°C to 70°C (-40°F to 158°F)

• Operating Humidity: 10%–90% (Non-Condensing)

• Storage Humidity: 5%–90% (Non-Condensing)

• Package Contents: UB500 Plus Long Range Bluetooth USB Adapter, Quick Installation Guide