BT-W2 USB Bluetooth Transceiver
A compact USB Bluetooth adapter with the latest apt-X low latency codecs. Perfect for audio-video syncing and gaming thanks to its Bluetooth voice-back channel.
Compatible with PC, Mac and the PlayStation 4. The BT-W2 streams high quality audio to Bluetooth headphones or speakers.
Features
- apt-X low latency codecs
- True Bluetooth voice back channel
- Plug and Play USB connection
- PC, Mac and PS4 compatible
Creative BT-W2 USB bluetooth adapter – Full Review
The Creative BT-W2 is a thumbnail size USB bluetooth adapter for the PC, Mac and PS4. Measuring just 15x8mm (not including the USB connector)
Its compact size leaves little room for design elements. There’s an offset pairing button on the front and a very small indicator light on the top surface. The Creative logo and combination of gloss and matte finish help make the BT-W2 easily identifiable from other USB dongles.
There are currently very few USB Bluetooth transceivers that offer the apt-X low latency streaming. To my knowledge, they’re either independently powered or have internal batteries. The Creative BT-W2 is powered solely by USB, a far better option if you’re intending to have it permanently connected to a PC, laptop or PS4 port. A typical Bluetooth transmitter is not designed for this functionality.
Setting up the BT-W2 USB Bluetooth adapter for PC use.
Insert the BT-W2 into a USB port, preferably one at the front of your PC tower. Having easy access is handy should you wish to reconnect or pair another device. Once connected, Windows will automatically install drivers. After Windows has finished, the Creative BT-W2 will be listed amongst your playback devices.
It may be necessary to disable your old device or make the BT-W2 the default output depending on your previous set up.
You can find these settings under “manage audio devices” in the control panel or by right-clicking the speaker icon in the toolbar.
At this point, the BT-W2 is ready to be paired with your Bluetooth headset or speaker. Make sure your device is in pairing mode, then simply press and hold the button on the front of the BT-W2 for a few seconds.
The small indicator light will start flashing faster while in pairing mode and become solid once a connection has been established.
Setting up the BT-W2 USB Bluetooth adapter for a PS4
For anyone struggling to install the BT-W2 on the PlayStation 4, Creative have a very useful guide on their support site – Here’s the link.
Getting the most of the Creative BT-W2
In order to take full advantage of the BT-W2, it’s important to know that your headphones or speakers will either need to have apt-x low latency or FastStream codecs. This is a relatively new technology so it’s worth checking the specs if you plan on making a new purchase.
The Creative Outlier headphones feature FastStream, I’ve tested the audio/video sync and there is a noticeable difference over a regular Bluetooth connection.
They also take full advantage of the Bluetooth voice back channel. When you open software that requires a microphone input, the BT-W2’s indicator light switches from blue to red and a path is enabled for voice communications.
I highly recommend you check them out, I recently reviewed them and they are an amazing set of headphones.
A list of other Bluetooth headphones featuring apt-X low latency can be found on this website.
I have tested the Creative BT-W2 USB Bluetooth adapter with four sets of headphones and a Bluetooth speaker. They all paired flawlessly and the connections were remembered by the device. It’s worth noting that of all the headphone I tested, only the Creative Outlier’s opened up the microphone path. If you plan on using the Bluetooth voice back channel for online communications or PS4 gaming, make sure your cans are compatible.
Creative BT-W2 USB bluetooth adapter – Verdict
If you’re looking to do away with your cables and start using a wireless headset on your PC, Mac or PS4, the Creative BT-W2 is the device for you. It’s compact, simple to use and works exceptionally well.
The Bluetooth connection and range is solid and the audio quality is pin sharp thanks to the apt-X codecs. If you need the BT-W2 solely for streaming music from your PC then the BT-W2 is perfect with any bluetooth headset or speaker.
For watching movies and gaming, I highly advise you check your headphone’s specs. Without apt-x low latency or FastStream codecs there will be a slight audio delay. This may not bother everyone, but it’s enough to annoy the hell out of me.
I hope you found this review useful, if so, please share it socially or leave a comment below, Thanks!
Just purchased and mine pairs faultlessly with an audio lab M-DAC nano, no idea if its working in APTx mode but sound good anyway. I have a lot of Creative gear and its all very OK!
this article is pure garbage. How much did Creative pay you to post this?
The functionality on this is soooo bad. It’s not USB 3.0 compatible. Windows adds it as a USB audio device so no bluetooth functionality if you’re having issues pairing. And you will have issues pairing. Unless you’re using creative-brand products only to pair with there’s 0 support for pairing for this on Creative’s website. This is honestly one of the worst quality BT transceivers I’ve ever had the displeasure of using. Pay the extra few bucks for something that works as advertised from Asus or another REAL manufacturer. Don’t buy this POS.
Hi Jillian, I really have not encountered the same problems as you have highlighted. I’ve been able to pair with every single Bluetooth headphone or speaker I’ve attempted. It’s been a while since I’ve used it on my PC as I have been using wired speakers, but I just plugged it in and placed these headphones next to it in pairing mode and pressed the little button on the top of the adapter until the blue light started flashing quickly. I counted around 8 seconds before it paired and it works flawlessly. It makes me wonder if maybe you have a faulty unit? There is absolutely no audio/visual lag or drops in signal.
If you haven’t already returned it, I’d try plugging it into a different USB port.
not true, i just bought this an im using with senheiser cx 6 with aptx. no issues airing
Yes, I’ve had no issues either, perhaps they got a faulty unit.
Hi,
I would like to know if to use some bluetooth headphones/headsets they have to support only one of the two (aptX-LL and FastStream), or they have to support both in order to microphone to work? I want to buy some nice headphones/headsets but I want to expand my search not only to the Creative headphones/headsets. What should exactly I see on the headphones/headsets specifications to know I’m buying the right ones?
Many thanks and Best Regards,
Hi, There are many headphones that support apt-X low latency, here’s a link to a selection. I haven’t seem many other brands make use of FastStream though. You could also check on Amazon with this link. Hope that helps, have a great day.