The 5 Best Alternatives to Using Bluetooth on Windows PCs
In today’s fast-paced digital world, wireless connectivity is a necessity for most devices. One such wireless technology is Bluetooth, which has become ubiquitous for wireless communication. This is especially true for Windows users who use it to connect various devices to their PCs.
While Bluetooth is an excellent technology, there are times when it doesn’t work as expected or when it’s not available. In such situations, it is best to explore other connectivity options. To this end, we’ll explore the best alternatives to Bluetooth that you can use to connect devices to Windows PCs.
1. Wi-Fi Direct
Wi-Fi Direct is a wireless technology that allows two devices to connect directly without using a wireless access point or router. This peer-to-peer connection provides fast and easy file sharing and media streaming between devices.
One of the mainadvantages of Wi-Fi Direct over Bluetoothis its higher data transfer speed. It can transfer data at up to 250 Mbps, which is almost five times faster than Bluetooth. This makes it suitable for transferring large audio and video files.
Wi-Fi Direct also offers a longer connection range than Bluetooth. While Bluetooth has a range of around 10 meters, Wi-Fi Direct can work up to 200 meters away. As such, this technology is ideal for applications where devices must be connected over a long distance.
One major limitation of this wireless technology is its high power consumption. Consequently, you must keep your device plugged in if you want to use Wi-Fi Direct for an extended period.
2. Universal Serial Bus
Universal Serial Bus (USB) is one of the oldest wired communication technologies on Windows devices. It allows you to connect peripherals, such as keyboards, mice, printers, and storage devices to a Windows PC.
When compared to Bluetooth, USB has several advantages. For instance, it provides a faster and more reliable method of data transfer over short distances without the need for manual pairing or configuration. It also supports a wider range of devices, especially those that require more power or bandwidth than Bluetooth can provide.
Despite these advantages, USB has some limitations. First, it requires a physical connection between the devices, which can be inconvenient in certain situations. Also, you may have issues with your PC’sUSB ports not working.
To use a USB device on your Windows PC, plug it into any of the USB ports. Then, pressWin + Eto openFile Explorer. Look for theUSB devicein the left-hand panel underMy PCorMy Computer.Click on the USB device to view its contents.
To transfer files to or from the USB device, simply drag and drop them to or from the device’s folder. When you’re done using the USB device, right-click on it and selectEjectto safely remove it from your computer.
3. Intel Unison
Intel Unison is a novel technology developed by Intel that provides an alternative to Bluetooth for device connectivity. In contrast to Bluetooth, which has been in existence for over twenty years, Intel Unison offers a more all-encompassing solution that makes the transfer of files seamless.
One useful feature of Intel Unison is the ability to transfer files wirelessly between different devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops. In addition, it can make and receive calls and messages directly from your PC, even if the smartphone is not nearby.
Unlike Bluetooth, which has limitations in data transfer speeds and range, Intel Unison delivers a faster transfer speed and range for device connectivity between smartphones, tablets, and computers.
However, Intel Unison also has its limitations. First, it is a relatively new technology and may take some time to become widely adopted. Additionally, Intel Unison requires specific hardware and software, which could limit its compatibility with older devices or systems.
To use Intel Unison, download and install the Unison software for Windows from its official website or the Microsoft Store. Once the installation is complete, launch the app and configure the settings for the files and directories you want to synchronize.
After configuring the settings, click on theSynchronizebutton or scan the QR code to start the synchronization process.
Download:Intel Unison for Windows(Free)
4. Ethernet
Ethernet is a wired networking technology that lets you connect multiple devices, such as computers, printers, and routers, to a local area network (LAN). It provides a faster and more reliable data transfer method over longer distances without manual pairing or configuration.
However, it requires a physical connection between the devices, which can be inconvenient in certain situations. Additionally, you must ensure that you’re using the appropriate Ethernet cable for your devices.
To use Ethernet on a Windows PC, plug one end of the Ethernet cable into your computer’s Ethernet port and the other end into your router or modem. If you need more help, check out our guide onwhat an Ethernet cable isfor the full low-down on this handy connectivity method.
Xender is a popular alternative to Bluetooth that offers many useful features for users. For one, it provides a faster transfer speed than Bluetooth, making it a great option for sharing large files like videos, images, and music.
With its easy-to-use interface, Xender simplifies the process of sharing files between devices. It also supports cross-platform file sharing across Android, iOS, and Windows devices.
Furthermore, it allows connected devices to transfer multiple files simultaneously, whereas Bluetooth can only send files sequentially. Finally, Xender does not require an internet connection, making it ideal for sharing files in areas with poor connectivity.
Download:Xender(Free)
Which Alternative to Bluetooth Is Best for You?
Ultimately, the choice of which wireless protocol to use depends on your specific needs. It’s important to research and compare the different alternatives, so you can use the best option for the right scenario.
Some factors to consider include range, power consumption, data transfer speed, and security. For example, if you need a wireless protocol with a longer range, Wi-Fi Direct or Xender might be your best option. Also, wired connections offer the highest transfer speeds at limited ranges. So, it would be best to use Ethernet or USB for devices in close proximity to each other.
An Ethernet cable delivers a faster and more stable connection to your devices. But, how do you choose an Ethernet cable, to begin with?
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