The Windows Central team uses a lot of tech, in addition to just Windows and Microsoft devices. A lot of that tech has Bluetooth, for better or worse. Here are our favorite devices from across the board, including smartwatches, headphones and earbuds, Xbox controllers, and more.
- True wireless for the gym: Bose SoundSport Free
- Best smartwatch on the planet: Apple Watch Series 5
- Bluetooth and bio lock: Tapplock lite
- Best controller: Xbox Elite Controller Series 2
- Smartwatch without Apple: Samsung Galaxy Watch
- Precise pointer: Microsoft Surface Precision Mouse
- Bluetooth for all: Roav SmartCharge F3
- Wirelesss audio: Samsung Galaxy Buds
- Over-ear listening: Microsoft Surface Headphones

True wireless for the gym: Bose SoundSport Free
Daniel Rubino, Executive EditorI hit the gym five to six days a week, and like most people, I use music as a motivator. The Bose SoundSport Free is the best and only headphones I use for intense exercise for a few reasons. Battery life is excellent lasting hours on a single charge, and the recharging case gets me through the week. The audio is also excellent. And because they are truly wireless, I can wear these for hours and hours with zero ear discomfort. Plus, they never fall out of my ears no matter what I am doing.

Best smartwatch on the planet: Apple Watch Series 5
Daniel Rubino, Executive EditorIf you're on an Apple iPhone or are considering switching, the Apple Watch Series 5 is a must-buy. Nothing comes close to the latest from Cupertino. With an always-on-display, optional 4G LTE, the biggest selection of apps, and the fact it just works the Series 5 is an astonishing achievement of engineering. Fall-detection, an excellent heart-rate sensor, walkie-talking ability, and the ability to control my Tesla Model 3 make this the only real choice if you are locked into the Apple ecosystem.

Bluetooth and bio lock: Tapplock lite
Daniel Rubino, Executive EditorAlong with my Bose headphones, I use the Tapplock lite padlock every day, usually at the gym. This lock uses your fingerprints to open it up, which means no more lost keys, no more numbers to memorize, and no more potential broken cylinders. But besides fingerprints, this lock is Bluetooth supported too, letting you open it from your phone and checking the battery life (which after six months has dropped only 30 percent).

Best controller: Xbox Elite Controller Series 2
Jez Corden, Gaming EditorNow that the Elite Controller is finally armed with Bluetooth, it's easily the best Bluetooth controller available on the market. It offers some of the same wireless connectivity on a standard laptop that you might get on an Xbox One console.

Smartwatch without Apple: Samsung Galaxy Watch
Jez Corden, Gaming EditorSo, you want a smartwatch, but you detest Apple and the iOS ecosystem in general. Say hi to the awesome Samsung Galaxy Watch! This beefy timepiece has serious battery life, often hitting four days on a single charge for me, and comes with OS-level synchronicity with compatible Galaxy phones.

Precise pointer: Microsoft Surface Precision Mouse
Dan Thorp-Lancaster, News EditorI've gathered quite a collection of mice over the years, but I keep coming back to the Surface Precision Mouse. It feels great in hand, has excellent battery life, and is as accurate a mouse as you can get. Even better? You can pair it with up to three PCs and switch between them on the fly.

Bluetooth for all: Roav SmartCharge F3
Dan Thorp-Lancaster, News EditorIf you drive an older car like I do, you probably don't have an AUX port, let alone Bluetooth. I've gone through countless FM transmitters over the years to play tunes from my phone, but the only one that has held up and kept up a strong signal is the Roav SmartCharge.

Wirelesss audio: Samsung Galaxy Buds
Zac Bowden, Senior Windows EditorIf you're after a pair of high-quality, great sounding and reliable wireless earbuds, you can't go wrong with the Samsung Galaxy Buds. They work with your Android or iPhone, as well as your PC or Mac, if you prefer listening on those devices. They feature a compact case that supports wireless charging and USB-C for wired power, as well.

Over-ear listening: Microsoft Surface Headphones
Zac Bowden, Senior Windows EditorIf you're looking for a pair of excellent over-ear headphones, you can't go wrong with the Surface Headphones from Microsoft. It features an elegant design, with touch controls and unique dials for volume and noise cancellation adjustment, these wireless headphones make any listening experience great.
All 20 stories from our 2019 Spotlight on Bluetooth package, all in one place. Whether it's a spot of Bluetooth history, a bit of humor or wireless memery, or some thoughtful analysis on the future of the short-range tech, you'll find it right here, courtesy of the folks at Android Central, iMore and Windows Central.
General Bluetooth
- Introduction to our 2019 Spotlight on Bluetooth
- Where did the Bluetooth name and logo come from?
- A history of all the major Bluetooth releases and updates
- Where Bluetooth is headed, and the challenges it must overcome to get there
- Bluetooth 5: Is it actually better, and do you need it?
- Why Bluetooth is so great (and so terrible): A story told via memes
- Why the Bluetooth in your car sucks (and always will)
- 12 weird Bluetooth gadgets the Mobile Nations team uses every day
Windows
- 5 major Bluetooth milestones at Microsoft
- How to master Bluetooth on Windows 10
- Why Xbox One (still) doesn't use Bluetooth
- Why wireless gaming mice still use RF receivers instead of Bluetooth
- Windows Central staff's favorite Bluetooth gadgets right now
Android
- A closer look at Google's Fast Pair technology and how it builds on Bluetooth
- Top tips for getting your Android devices to play nicely with Bluetooth
- Yes, Bluetooth sucks, but it was good enough to kill the headphone jack on phones
Apple and iOS
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.

These external monitors are a great addition to your Surface Book 2, Book 3
Thinking about adding some screen real estate to your Surface Book 2 or Surface Book 3? Check out these external monitors that will fill the need for high resolution, smooth gaming, or budget pricing.

Go sim racing in style with any one of these great cockpits
Sim racing has experienced a boom in 2021 and that's led to some serious interest in getting a good cockpit. Whether you're new to the scene or more experienced and looking to up your game, one of these cockpits will give you comfort and support while you race all day and night.

These Surface Go 2 keyboards cost less than Microsoft's Type Cover
Microsoft's Surface Go Type Covers are solid and stylish keyboards for an equally solid and stylish 2-in-1. But they sure are pricey. Thankfully, many more affordable options are readily available.