By Owen PalmerUpdated November 2026
If you own older Bose headphones that lack Bluetooth, a bluetooth adapter for Bose headphones is often the simplest way to add wireless listening without buying a new pair. This list focuses on adapters built for specific Bose models, so the connection sits securely on the headphone jack and works with the controls you already use. Our selection criteria were model compatibility, codec support (aptX and aptX HD where listed), battery runtime, built-in microphone and volume controls, and the patterns owners tend to mention in their feedback. We did not test these products ourselves; the picks reflect manufacturer specifications and the reputation each product has built over time.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallUpgrade Bose QC25 Bluetooth AdapterView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for older QuietComfort 15 ownersUpgrade Bose QC15 Bluetooth AdapterView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for QC25 with dual-device useBluetooth Adapter Receiver for Bose QC25View on Amazon - 4
Best for travel and in-flight useAvantree RelayView on Amazon - 5
Best for long battery lifeTwelve South AirFly SEView on Amazon - 6
Best budget pick for QC25Bolle&Raven Wireless Adapter for QC25View on Amazon - 7
Best for QuietComfort 3 ownersUpgrade Bose QC3 Bluetooth AdapterView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Upgrade Bose QC25 Bluetooth Adapter | Most QC25 owners | aptX HD and aptX support, built-in mic |
| Upgrade Bose QC15 Bluetooth Adapter | QuietComfort 15 owners | aptX HD and aptX, volume controls |
| Bluetooth Adapter Receiver for Bose QC25 | Dual-device listening | Dual link and charging while in use |
| Avantree Relay | Flights and gym use | aptX Adaptive, 25-hour battery |
| Twelve South AirFly SE | Long sessions and TV audio | 20+ hour battery, transmitter and receiver |
| Bolle&Raven Wireless Adapter | Budget-minded QC25 owners | Simple wireless connection for QC25 |
| Upgrade Bose QC3 Bluetooth Adapter | QuietComfort 3 owners | aptX support, built-in mic |
Upgrade Bose QC25 Bluetooth Adapter
Upgrade Bose QC25 to Bluetooth Wireless Headphones, Support aptX HD,aptX,Low Latency,Built‑in Microphone & Volume Controls Bluetooth Adapter for Bose QuietComfort 25,Black
Best for: Overall fit for owners of Bose QuietComfort 25 headphones who want a dedicated, model-specific adapter.
This is a good match if you want the adapter to feel like part of the headphones. It is built around the QC25 jack and aims to keep the existing volume and microphone controls working.
Key specs Headphone Connectivity: Bluetooth, LE Audio and Wired goes further into this.
- Designed for Bose QuietComfort 25 headphones
- Supports aptX HD and aptX codecs
- Built-in microphone and volume controls
- Low-latency audio listed in the product name
Pros
- Model-specific fit for QC25
- Codec support listed for higher-quality streaming
- Keeps the headphones’ controls functional
Cons
- Limited to QC25 compatibility
- Battery and runtime details are not prominent in the listing
Bottom line: The most straightforward choice for QC25 owners who want a model-matched adapter with codec support.
Upgrade Bose QC15 Bluetooth Adapter
Upgrade Bose QC15 to Bluetooth Wireless Headphones, Support aptX-HD,aptX, Built‑in Microphone & Volume Controls Bluetooth Adapter for Bose QuietComfort 15, Black
Best for: QuietComfort 15 owners who want to keep their current headphones and add wireless playback.
Owners of older QC15 headphones often want to avoid replacing a pair that still sounds good. This adapter is aimed at that situation.
Key specs
- Designed for Bose QuietComfort 15 headphones
- Supports aptX HD and aptX codecs
- Built-in microphone and volume controls
Pros
- Specific to the QC15 model
- Codec support for better audio quality
- Includes call and volume controls
Cons
- Only useful with QC15 headphones
- Owners sometimes report that fit depends on cable condition
Bottom line: A practical pick for QuietComfort 15 owners who want wireless use without buying new headphones.
Bluetooth Adapter Receiver for Bose QC25
Bluetooth Adapter Receiver for Bose QuietComfort 25 QC25 Headphones- APTX HD,APTX Low Latency(32ms),mic,Volume&Track Control,12-Hour Playtime, Dual Link, Works While Charging
Best for: QC25 owners who switch between two devices or charge the adapter during use.
This receiver lists dual-link pairing and the ability to work while charging, which suits people who move between a phone and a laptop during the day.
Key specs
- Designed for Bose QuietComfort 25 headphones
- aptX HD and aptX Low Latency (32 ms) listed
- Microphone and volume/track control
- 12-hour playtime listed
- Dual link and works while charging
Pros
- Dual-link pairing for two devices
- Listed low-latency codec for video and gaming
- Can be charged while in use
Cons
- Runtime figure is a manufacturer claim and will vary with volume
- Some owners report setup takes a few tries on first pairing
Bottom line: Best for QC25 owners who want dual-device switching and low-latency audio.
Avantree Relay
Qualcomm aptX Adaptive, 25H Battery, Firmware Upgrades, Volume Controls, 3.5mm AUX Audio Transmitter for Flight Travel & Gym Avantree Relay – Airplane Bluetooth Adapter for 2 AirPods or Headphones
Best for: Travelers and gym users who want an adapter that works with headphones and airplane seatback jacks.
The Relay is positioned as a general-purpose transmitter-receiver for airplane and gym setups, so it fits people who use Bose headphones on the go rather than at a fixed desk.
Key specs
- Qualcomm aptX Adaptive codec
- 25-hour battery life (manufacturer specified)
- Volume controls
- 3.5mm AUX audio connection
- Firmware upgrades supported
Pros
- Long listed battery life
- aptX Adaptive codec support
- Works for flights and gym equipment
Cons
- General-purpose design, not built specifically around Bose jacks
- May need to be paired and switched between modes
Bottom line: A strong option for travel and workouts, especially if you also use the adapter with other devices.
Twelve South AirFly SE
20+ Hr Battery, AirPods & Headphone, 3.5mm Aux Bluetooth Transmitter and Receiver, In-Flight Entertainment, Gym & TV Audio Twelve South AirFly SE, Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter Adapter, White
Best for: People who want a long-lasting transmitter and receiver for TV, gym or in-flight audio.
The AirFly SE is a widely known transmitter-receiver design from Twelve South. Owners often describe it as a simple plug-and-go option for wired devices.
Key specs
- 20+ hour battery life (manufacturer specified)
- 3.5mm AUX connection
- Works as transmitter and receiver
- Suited to AirPods and standard Bluetooth headphones
Pros
- Long battery life for extended use
- Versatile for TV, gym and flights
- Simple setup
Cons
- Not designed specifically for Bose connectors
- Audio codec options are more limited than the aptX-focused adapters
Bottom line: Good for mixed use across TV, travel and gym, less so for codec-focused listeners.
Bolle&Raven Wireless Adapter for QC25
Bolle&Raven Wireless Bluetooth Adapter for Bose QuietComfort 25 Headphones (White)
Best for: Budget-minded QC25 owners who want a basic wireless adapter without extra features.
This adapter focuses on a simple wireless connection for QuietComfort 25 headphones. It suits people who do not need advanced codecs or dual-device pairing.
Key specs
- Designed for Bose QuietComfort 25 headphones
- White finish
- Basic Bluetooth connection
Pros
- Straightforward model-specific design
- Good as a basic budget pick
- Simple to use
Cons
- Fewer listed features than the higher-end picks
- Codec and battery details are less clearly documented
Bottom line: A reasonable choice when you mainly need wireless listening and want to keep things simple.
Upgrade Bose QC3 Bluetooth Adapter
Add Bluetooth Audio to Bose QC3 Headphones, with AptX Support, Built‑in Microphone & Volume Controls Bluetooth Adapter for Bose QuietComfort 3, Black
Best for: QuietComfort 3 owners who want to add Bluetooth to older headphones.
QC3 headphones predate most modern wireless options, so a dedicated adapter is often the only practical way to add Bluetooth without replacing the pair.
Key specs
- Designed for Bose QuietComfort 3 headphones
- aptX support
- Built-in microphone and volume controls
Pros
- Model-specific for QC3
- aptX codec support
- Keeps call and volume controls
Cons
- Only relevant to QC3 owners
- Compatibility should be double-checked against your headphone version
Bottom line: The right choice for QC3 owners who want wireless playback with the original headphones.
Buying Guide
Model compatibility
Bose adapters are often built for one specific model, such as QC15, QC25 or QC3. Check the model name in the listing against the label inside your headphones before ordering. Owners sometimes report that a “universal” adapter does not seat securely on Bose connectors.
Good picks for this: Upgrade Bose QC25 Bluetooth Adapter, Upgrade Bose QC15 Bluetooth Adapter
Codec support
aptX and aptX HD are the codecs most often listed for adapters in this category. They can improve audio quality over basic Bluetooth, though your phone or source device must also support the same codec to benefit.
Good picks for this: Avantree Relay, Bluetooth Adapter Receiver for Bose QC25
Battery life
Manufacturers list battery runtimes, but actual playtime depends on volume and codec. If you use the adapter for long flights or full workdays, look for a listed runtime of 12 hours or more and plan to charge between sessions.
Good picks for this: Twelve South AirFly SE, Avantree Relay
Microphone and call controls
If you take calls, check that the adapter includes a built-in microphone and passes through volume and track controls. Without these, you may need to use your phone for every adjustment.
Good picks for this: Upgrade Bose QC25 Bluetooth Adapter, Upgrade Bose QC3 Bluetooth Adapter
Latency
Latency matters for video, gaming and anything with lip-sync. Adapters that list low-latency codecs or a specific latency figure are generally a better fit for these uses than basic adapters.
Good picks for this: Bluetooth Adapter Receiver for Bose QC25
Pairing and multi-device use
Dual-link adapters can remember two devices, which helps if you move between a phone and laptop. Single-device adapters are simpler but require re-pairing when you switch.
Good picks for this: Bluetooth Adapter Receiver for Bose QC25, Avantree Relay
Durability and care
Keep the connector clean and avoid bending the cable at the plug. Store the adapter with your headphones to reduce wear. If you notice crackling, consider cleaning the jack with isopropyl alcohol and a soft cloth, following the manufacturer’s care guidance.
Good picks for this: Upgrade Bose QC15 Bluetooth Adapter, Bolle&Raven Wireless Adapter
FAQ
Will a Bluetooth adapter work with any Bose headphones?
Not always. Many adapters are built for a specific model such as QuietComfort 15, 25 or 3. Check the compatibility line in the listing and confirm your model before buying.
Does a Bluetooth adapter improve sound quality?
It can, if the adapter and your phone both support the same codec, such as aptX. Without a matching codec, the connection falls back to standard Bluetooth audio.
Do I need to charge the adapter?
Yes. Most adapters are rechargeable, and listed runtimes are manufacturer figures that will vary with volume and use.
Can I use the adapter for calls?
Some models include a built-in microphone. If you need call support, look for mic and call controls in the specifications.
Why does my adapter keep disconnecting?
Common causes include low battery, distance from the source device, and interference. Keep the adapter close to your phone and charge it fully. For more troubleshooting, see the guide on why Bluetooth headphones keep disconnecting.
Can an adapter damage my headphones?
A well-fitted adapter should not damage headphones, but a loose or incompatible connection can cause crackling. If you have concerns about your headphones’ electronics, consult a qualified audio repair technician.
Conclusion
For most QC25 owners, the Upgrade Bose QC25 Bluetooth Adapter is the most model-focused starting point, while the Bluetooth Adapter Receiver for QC25 suits people who switch between two devices. Travelers and gym users may prefer the Avantree Relay, and those wanting long runtime can look at the Twelve South AirFly SE. QC15 and QC3 owners should choose the adapter built for their exact model, and budget buyers may consider the Bolle&Raven option for simpler needs. Check model compatibility first, then match codec, battery and mic features to how you listen.
Sources
- How wireless devices are regulated and how to check that a product meets federal radio-frequency rules (fcc.gov)
- Battery safety and charging guidance for rechargeable consumer electronics (energy.gov)
- Background on Bluetooth and wireless audio standards and how codecs affect transmission
Related reading
- Bose Bluetooth Headphones Connect: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
- Bluetooth Transmitter for Bose Headphones: Step-by-Step Setup Guide
- 23 Best Bluetooth Headphone Adapters
About Owen Palmer
Owen Palmer is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our brand headphones & noise cancelling guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
