Creative BT-W4 Smart Bluetooth 5.2 Audio Transmitter with aptX Adaptive, 24-bit Audio, Device-Switching Function, and Voice Chat Support for PC/Mac / PS5 / PS4 / Nintendo Switch
$ 63.00
Price: $63.00
(as of Mar 25, 2025 02:53:10 UTC – Details)
Product Description
Creative BT-W4 is the solution to fixing your Bluetooth connectivity issues
Smart Bluetooth 5.2 Audio Transmitter with aptX Adaptive
Tired of unreliable Bluetooth connections?
Constantly getting disconnected out of the blue? We’re here to fix that. Following the success of its predecessor, the Creative BT-W4 is here with even more to offer.
Creative BT-W4 at a glance:
Smart Bluetooth codec with auto-adjusting bitrateHigher quality Bluetooth audio transmissionSwitch between remembered devices easilyDual wireless voice chat optionsHigh-quality enjoyment with 24-bit audio
Say goodbye to connection breakage and welcome stable, high-quality Bluetooth audio with Creative BT-W4. The Creative BT-W4 is a smart Bluetooth audio transmitter that is designed to complement the digital natives of today’s progressively wire-free world.
Equipped with the latest aptX Adaptive codec, Bluetooth 5.2, a convenient device-switching function, and dual voice chat options, Creative BT-W4 makes your Bluetooth experience enjoyable for entertainment, work, and more!
AUDIO QUALITY
Smart and adaptable in real-time
Step up on your wireless experience with the latest aptX Adaptive* codec. Enjoy undisrupted media on your devices without the annoying and random breakage, as well as synchronized audio and video without noticeable lag.
aptX Adaptive is an extremely efficient audio codec that automatically adjusts its performance in real-time based on your usage and surrounding, like a crowded RF environment that is extremely common in today’s digitized era. It is closer to you than you know, like a bedroom with smartphone and smartwatch chargers, LED lights, and even hair dryers–when put together, the RF emitted by these devices will inevitably disrupt your connection quality.
With aptX Adaptive, connectivity issues are reduced to a minimum, and you will always get the most optimized Bluetooth audio regardless of where you are and what you are playing. It also automatically chooses the best available audio codec supported by your device, so you are guaranteed the best possible Bluetooth audio every single time. No user control or configuration required.
What does aptX Adaptive do?
Smart auto-adjustMonitors the connection quality of your devices in tandem with your environment, and automatically adjusts its bitrate to ensure stable and consistent media playbackDynamic scalingTransitions seamlessly across bitrate tiers based on the type of content you’re on, so you get the audio of the highest quality when listening to music, and low-latency audio when gamingEnergy-efficientUtilizes smaller amounts of data without sacrificing audio quality to deliver better wireless playback resolution and stability while saving power
*Your audio devices (i.e., Bluetooth headphones or speakers) need to support aptX Adaptive as well to enjoy the benefits of the codec.
Stable and reliable wireless audio
Creative BT-W4 offers high-definition 24-bit audio at 48 kHz when streaming with aptX Adaptive. Along with Bluetooth 5.2, enjoy stable, high-quality, and reliable connection for your music, movies, and games.
Supported codecs
aptX Adaptive: Solid Purple LEDaptX: Solid Green LEDSBC: Solid Blue LED
Life made simpler
Switch easily between 4 remembered devices
Good news for the gadget geeks who own a whole fleet of Bluetooth audio devices! Forget the hassle and repetitive steps of disconnecting, searching, and pairing whenever you want to switch between your Bluetooth headphones and speakers.
The intuitive device switching function on Creative BT-W4 allows you to easily change the output device you are connected to, with literally just press of a button.
It remembers up to 4 devices for easy switching, in the sequence of their initial pairing. Forgot the sequence of your devices? Fret not, download and install the Creative app on your PC to check the remembered devices. You can also select nearby devices to pair with, or redo the whole list of connected devices easily via the software.
Device Switching
Flashing Blue: Bluetooth pairing modeBlink White 1X: Searching and connecting to Device 1Blink White 2X: Searching and connecting to Device 2Blink White 3X: Searching and connecting to Device 3Blink White 4X: Searching and connecting to Device 4
Two ways to chat
Whether it’s for your online meetings or or your 9pm raid with fellow gamer friends, Creative BT-W4 offers the wireless communication option you need.
HFP Mode* — Best for: PC and Mac, where the likelihood of audio pickup, for example, keyboard typing noises from the desktop, is high.
Switch from whatever you’re listening to and pick up a short phone call instantly! Press once on the Bluetooth button on Creative BT-W4 to enter HFP mode, and use voice chat with the built-in microphone on your Bluetooth headset. *In HFP mode, the Creative BT-W4 allows you to use your wireless headset for voice chat, but premium A2DP Bluetooth codecs (aptX Adaptive, aptX, and SBC) will not be available.
Analog Microphone — Best for: Gaming consoles such as PS5 and PS4, where there isn’t noise interference from keyboard taps.
Plug in the bundled analog microphone to your device via its 3.5 mm jack, and use it for voice chat while streaming audio wirelessly to your Bluetooth headphones.
Setting up HFP Mode
Connect the Creative BT-W4 to your deviceSwitch on your pre-connected Bluetooth headsetAfter it is connected, double press the button on Creative BT-W4The LED indicator will switch to red, indicating that it is now in HFP mode
To exit HFP mode, press the same button once.
Setting up Analog Mic on PS5 / PS4
For PS5 / PS4
Connect Creative BT-W4 to an available USB port on your console, and select “Settings”, “Devices”, and “Audio Devices”Uncheck “Switch Output Device Automatically” and ensure that “Output Device” is shown as “USB Headset (Creative BT-W4)”Insert the bundled 3.5 mm Analog Microphone into the console controller’s headset jack, and select Output to Headphones > All Audio
Setting up Analog Mic on Nintendo Switch
The voice chat function for Nintendo Switch is title-dependent. You can use the microphone with games that have built-in chat function like Fortnite and Overwatch. To use the Analog Mic with Nintendo Switch, you will have to turn off the HFP mode^ via our Creative app. First, ensure that Creative BT-W4 is plugged into your PC’s USB port, then:
Download and install the Creative app via Creative BT-W4’s support page and launch the appNavigate to the Settings page, under the Device tab, and disable HFP (Hands-free profile) modeWait for Creative BT-W4 to reboot and connect the 3.5 mm Analog Microphone to your Nintendo Switch’s headset jack
^Wireless voice chat will not be accessible when HFP mode is disabled. To re-enable HFP mode, follow the steps above, and turn it on again via the Creative app. Do note that it is still necessary to enter HFP mode on Creative BT-W4 even when the feature is turned on via the app. Simply follow the same steps under the section ‘HFP Mode’.
Two ways to chat
HFP mode setup
Analog Mic on PS5 / PS4
Analog Mic on Nintendo Switch
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
For more information on other FAQs, please refer to the document uploaded on this detail page.
How do I know if my headphones or speakers are compatible with the codecs offered by Creative BT-W4?To be able to use the aptX codecs, your playback device has to support the respective codecs. If you’re unsure of the codecs supported by your devices, you can check their compatibility with aptX and aptX Adaptive.If your playback device does not support aptX codecs, it can still connect with Creative BT-W4 via the SBC codec, which is the basic Bluetooth codec supported by all Bluetooth headphones or speakers. However, you will not be able to enjoy the higher audio quality of the aptX codecs.The Creative BT-W4 has been tested and certified to be aptX Adaptive compatible. Do ensure that your Bluetooth device supports the aptX Adaptive codec. You may also approach your device’s manufacturer for further support such as firmware and / or software update and fixes to connectivity issues.Can I use Creative BT-W4 with my phone?You can use the Creative BT-W4 with any device that streams audio through its USB port that complies to USB Audio standard, but we do not recommend it.Due to the wide variety of mobile phones and operating systems that may have different implementation of digital audio streaming through USB-C. If you still want to use Creative BT-W4 with your phone, please approach your mobile device manufacturer to check if your mobile device is compliant with the USB Audio Standard to avoid disappointment. Can Creative BT-W4 pair with 2 headphones simultaneously?Unfortunately, no. We care about providing you with best audio quality and user experience possible with a hassle-free product. Providing simultaneous streaming to 2 headphones compromises on performance both in terms of connection stability and audio quality.This is because the function requires the device to perform alternate streaming at very fast intervals to both headphones, and this causes latency and audio synchronization issues.Moreover, the connection will always default to the lower codec of the 2 headphones and this leads to lower audio quality. We made a measured consideration in the decision of this function, and went with the option that provides the best audio and user experience you can get at the best value.My Creative BT-W4 exits pairing mode after pairing has started.Some Bluetooth devices broadcast their pairing aggressively and this forces Creative BT-W4 to exit pairing mode. If you are experiencing difficulty pairing your devices, turn off Bluetooth on the devices around you that you are not connecting to Creative BT-W4 temporarily, and try againHow do I disable HFP mode on the BT-W4? First, ensure that the Creative BT-W4 is plugged into a PC’s USB port, then, follow the steps below to disable HFP mode:Download and install the Creative app via Creative BT-W4’s support page and launch the Creative appNavigate to the Settings page, under the Device tab, and disable HFP (Hands-free profile) mode by turning it off on the app’s screenWait for Creative BT-W4 to reboot; it will refresh in-appHands-free (HFP) calling / wireless voice chat will not be accessible when HFP mode is disabled. To re-enable HFP mode, follow the steps provided above, and turn it on again via the Creative app. Please note that the microphone recording end-point will be disabled when HFP mode is off (disabled), and Creative BT-W4 will not be found under the microphone settings. This means recording via Creative BT-W4 will not be available.It is still necessary to enter HFP mode on Creative BT-W4 even when the feature is turned on via the app. I picked up a call wirelessly but it does not seem to work.Make sure that you have entered HFP mode to utilize wireless hands-free profile for voice chat. Check out the HFP mode setup section above for a step-by-step guide.Can I control volume through my Bluetooth headphones while connected to Creative BT-W4? You can control playback volume through your Bluetooth headphones that supports the AVRCP Volume Sync profile.For devices that do not support the AVRCP Volume Sync profile, you might only be adjusting the playback volume of your headphones locally, but not through the playback device that the Creative BT-W4 is connected to.The volume control synchronization between the headset and the connected device is dependent on the headset manufacturer’s implementation. You will have to approach your headset manufacturer to check on their implementation.
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Customer Reviews
4.1 out of 5 stars 1,057
4.2 out of 5 stars 847
Price
$63.00$63.00
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Codecs Supported
aptX Adaptive, aptX, SBC aptX Low Latency, aptX HD, aptX, SBC
Audio Resolution: USB and Wireless
Up to 24-bit / 96 kHz (USB), up to 24-bit / 48 kHz (Wireless) Up to 16-bit / 48 kHz (USB and Wireless)
Device Switch
Yes, up to 4 devices x
Device Compatibility
PC, Mac, PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch PC, Mac, PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch
Operating Range
Up to 50m / 165 ft Up to 30m / 100 ft
Bluetooth Version
5.2 5.0
Codec Selection
Auto selection, assigned in real-time by Creative BT-W4 Manual selection, user triggered by button press
Creative app
Yes, for Windows users (Ver 1703 and above) x
Connectivity
USB-C USB-C
Analog Microphone
Included Included
NO BREAKAGE, NO LAG WITH APTX ADAPTIVE – Enjoy undisrupted media on your devices without random breakage and lip-sync lag. Creative BT-W4 features the latest aptX Adaptive codec, which dynamically scales its bitrate to match the connection strength and the bitrate required for your content. There is no need for user control or configuration to set this up, but your devices (such as headphones or speakers) need to support the aptX Adaptive codec to enjoy its benefits
24-BIT AUDIO OVER BLUETOOTH 5.2 – Enjoy high-definition audio for your movie, music, and games with 24-bit audio via the aptX Adaptive codec, which allows you to enjoy better-than-CD quality audio, wirelessly. Coupled with Bluetooth 5.2, it also automatically chooses the best available audio codec supported by your device, so you can enjoy reliable and stable Bluetooth audio each time you are connected
EASY DEVICE SWITCH – Easily switch the output device you are connected to without the hassle of disconnecting from your current device, and reselecting another paired one from the Settings menu; just press the button on Creative BT-W4 to switch. The audio transmitter remembers up to 4 devices in the sequence of their initial pairing. You can also do a manual switch via the Creative app, view the devices remembered on the Creative BT-W4, or reset your pairing list
DUAL VOICE CHAT OPTIONS – Communicate clearly with your team over Bluetooth, whether it’s for the presentation next week or for the raid in 10 minutes. Creative BT-W4 offers 2 voice chat options–(1) plug in the bundled analog mic to your device and enjoy seamless voice chat with anyone, or (2) enter HFP mode by double pressing on the Bluetooth button, and answer a quick phone call with the built-in mic on your headset
COMPACT AND PORTABLE – The Creative BT-W4 is small and light so it takes up minimal space on your desk, and is easy to bring around as a portable device too. All you need is a USB port to plug into, connect it to your headset or speakers, and you are set. It draws a negligible amount of power from the connected device so you can keep your mind at ease about the device draining your battery, even when running its most power-intensive functions
Customers say
Customers find the product reliable and easy to set up. They appreciate its functionality and simplicity. However, some customers have issues with microphone support. Opinions vary on sound quality, Bluetooth connectivity, audio latency, value for money, and range.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
8 reviews for Creative BT-W4 Smart Bluetooth 5.2 Audio Transmitter with aptX Adaptive, 24-bit Audio, Device-Switching Function, and Voice Chat Support for PC/Mac / PS5 / PS4 / Nintendo Switch
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$ 63.00
Alibek M –
Works as expected
As mentioned by others, A2DP implementation in macOS leaves much room for improvement (in my case,15â Late 2016 MBP). Audio was choppy and latency perceptible regardless of the codec used (SBC, AAC or AptX). Switching over to the BT-W2 with Aukey EP-B80 earphones was a massive upgrade. While sound quality remained the same, chops and cutoffs were gone – as was the lag (as if youâre using wired cans). The sound was stable, clear and lag-free, in real-time.Admittedly, B80s do support AptX-LL, which makes all the difference in latency department. But even without said benefit, the lack of interference was impressive: using Magic Mouse 2, Magic Keyboard and several 2.4GHz networks near the adapter had zero impact on signal quality. Speaking of which, it holds up about 7-8m line of sight, and penetrates one brick wall before dropping off. Pairing was easy, and took 4-5 seconds only.As for cons. I could never make the audio-in work, despite LED light telling me itâs on, and macOS recognizing the mic. It just stays silent. Also, volume control is tricky: technically, it IS adjustable with volume up/down buttons (you can hear it) â but controls neither system nor app volume. Think of it as an external, analog amp, in terms of OS interaction.Last but not least. Is Bluetooth 2.1 EDR outdated? Yes, but only if you need hi-res audio. Otherwise, there is little difference in Bluetooth Classic A2DP implementation across 2.1, 3.0, 4.0, 4.1 or 4.2 iterations. 5.0 on the other hand, could certainly improve the range, support heavier codecs and concurrent clients – but in my experience, it works as intended. No hiccups.
Keith Levenberg –
Finally a simple HD stereo solution
There’s no easier way to listen to your music than just to open up a folder and press Enter on whatever file you want to listen to. Yet for years it was impossible to do something this basic without compromising on fidelity. If you wanted HD audio you were mostly stuck having to buy something like a Bluesound and navigate your music collection through its horrible app interface. Finally there’s a better option in AptX HD. If you have an AptX HD-compatible receiver or amp, you can play wireless music not technically lossless but still at 24bit better-than-CD quality – *almost* realizing the dream of pressing Enter in your Windows folders and having the file play through a real stereo system.The “almost” is because Windows itself has no AptX HD compatibility so you need a solution like this to take over. I bought it to pair with Emotiva’s TA1 amp, which has a built-in AptX HD Bluetooth receiver so requires no extra hardware beyond this little dongle: the complete system is 1) laptop, 2) dongle, 3) TA1, 4) speakers. I did experience some frustration at first with Windows trying to output through its regular Bluetooth instead of this dongle, which seemed stuck in an interminable pairing mode. The solution, which the help line at Emotiva helped me figure out after web searching proved fruitless, is to turn OFF Bluetooth on Windows. Then you plug this thing in, it automatically takes over as the audio output source, the amp automatically finds its signal – press enter on a FLAC and a little orange light pops up confirming your 24-bit signal as your room fills with music. It’s been working flawlessly and as an essential component in an HD audio system for twenty-five bucks, it’s hard to beat the value.It also felt pretty good buying another Creative Labs product after my first SoundBlaster circa 1991.
Archie –
Pretty awesome
What I like: it beats the pants off Windows stack bluetooth audio with the ability to actually choose your sample rate and bit rate. I can actually play BT audio at 24bit/96000hz! Also, I really like that once paired in Windows, it’ll stay connected to any other device its plugged into, such as working when booting to Linux. Normally bluetooth devices paired in Windows or Linux cannot be used with one another. Another thing is the built in crystalizer and the equalizer, two things that I no longer need a separate app for.What I don’t like: lack of AAC. Plus I’ve yet been able to find a way to switch the codec manually in the app. AptX HD is pretty good, tho, and standard Windows BT doesn’t offer AptX HD (but it does use AAC). Also my Crusher ANC when using Bass Boost in app actually makes the bass quieter.But yeah, this dongle is really good.
Chris –
I use a bluetooth headset with mic on pc for conference calls. It never sounded great for both myself or the person I was talking too. I picked up the creative bluetooth adapter, it’s a game changer. Audio both ways is crystal clear now, i mean, it’s honestly amazing how much better the sound is now. I read it ways works on gaming consoles so I might try that next.
Ian F. Darwin –
Nothing complicated. Just plug it in and connect your headphones (set them in pairing mode, often just by tapping or pressing).
Rafael –
Funciona con s22 ultra sin necesidad de conectarlo a una pc o a una mac. Se nota mucho la diferencia en la calidad de audio. Sin problemas de estabilidad.
Joel Carlos –
Muy fácil de usar y excelente software de configuración
Roadwarrior –
This unit works well with a cellphone, yet has blown away my initial impressions on the phone when I plugged into a windows 10 or windows 11 PC. This unit does an authenticated 24bit 96000hz. Anyone hesitating about buying the BT-W3 get the BT-W4 instead it rocks. Comes with USB adapter to C works on PlayStation and anything I have tried it with. No other device I have tried works so well at the price. Don’t believe other reviews, try this!