Connecting Nintendo Switch to Bluetooth headphones

Finding the right Bluetooth headphones for the Nintendo Switch can be daunting, especially since using them requires a few extra steps than other consoles with Bluetooth connectivity. While it can be a bit of a pain to make wireless headphones connect with the Nintendo Switch, it may also be as simple as finding the right hardware to make the connection work — in spite of the fact that you can’t connect your headphones directly to the console.

No matter what kind of Bluetooth headphones you’re looking for to use with the Nintendo Switch, it shouldn’t take much to make them compatible with the console. In any case, it’s important to know what you need before you buy, so you can be sure your setup will work correctly right out of the box.

Nintendo Switch and Bluetooth FAQ

Does the Nintendo Switch have Bluetooth?

The Nintendo Switch does indeed have Bluetooth capabilities, though they are used solely for connecting the console’s wireless controllers. The Nintendo Switch also has a headphone port, as well as a USB-C port for docking and charging the console, either of which can be used to make Bluetooth headphones work with the right hardware.

Can you connect Bluetooth headphones to the Nintendo Switch?

While the Nintendo Switch is outfitted with Bluetooth, the system’s Bluetooth is only used for connecting to the console’s wireless controllers. Users can still use wireless headphones with the system, but in order to do so, they’ll need to purchase a Bluetooth transmitter to plug into the console’s headphone port or into the console’s docking/charging port. Bluetooth headphone transmitters work by sending their own signal out to the Bluetooth headphones of your choice, or other Bluetooth audio devices.

What kind of Bluetooth transmitter should I get for the Nintendo Switch?

If you want to use Bluetooth headphones for the Nintendo Switch, you’ll need to purchase a Bluetooth transmitter that can be plugged directly into the headphone port, USB port or the charging and docking port, since the console only uses Bluetooth for connecting to its controllers. To pick out the right Bluetooth transmitter, you’ll want to consider which connection you want to use. While using the docking charging port with a transmitter works especially well for handheld gameplay, a transmitter that plugs into the headphone port is a bit more versatile, since it allows the user to plug the transmitter in whether the console is docked or not.

Which Bluetooth headphones work with the Nintendo Switch?

Users can use almost any Bluetooth headphones they want with the Nintendo Switch. While Bluetooth transmitters can often be purchased in a bundle with headphones, many of which will automatically recognize and connect to the transmitter, other transmitters can be purchased separately and will work with a wide variety of wireless Bluetooth headphones — so you can decide which model is best for your personal preferences.

The best Nintendo Switch Bluetooth headphones

Best of the best Nintendo Switch Bluetooth headphones with transmitter

Avantree C519M Plug and Play Bluetooth Headphone Transmitter: available at Amazon

Our take: This Bluetooth-transmitter bundle plugs into the Nintendo Switch’s docking and charging port and features quality, comfortable over-ear headphones.

What we like: Plugs directly into the console’s charging and docking port. Comes pre-paired, meaning the over-ear headphones will automatically pair with the transmitter. Can also be plugged into a USB-A port.

What we dislike: This transmitter can’t be used while the console is docked.

Best ■■■■ for your buck Nintendo Switch Bluetooth headphone transmitter

UGREEN Bluetooth Transmitter with Power Switch Headphone Plug: available at Amazon

Our take: If you already have Bluetooth headphones you’d like to use with your Nintendo Switch, this Bluetooth transmitter is both affordable and decorated to match the console.

What we like: Plugs directly into the Nintendo Switch headphone port. Low latency for smooth, seamless gaming audio. Works with most Bluetooth headphone models. Features power/pairing button and white light. Decorated with red and blue to blend in with the Nintendo Switch.

What we dislike: Does not come with Bluetooth headphones, only the transmitter.

Best Nintendo Switch Bluetooth transmitter bundle with headphones

Friencity Bluetooth Headphones with Transmitter For Charging Port: available at Amazon

Our take: This Bluetooth transmitter and headphone bundle is perfect for those hoping to use their console’s docking and charging port to plug their transmitter into, and it even matches the Switch.

What we like: Affordable. Both the headset and transmitter work with other Bluetooth devices. The transmitter plugs directly into the Nintendo Switch docking and charging port. Clear audio. The transmitter is red and blue and matches the Switch. Headphones come in black or blue.

What we dislike: Can’t be used while charging/docking the console unless you plug a separate USB cable into an outlet.

Best Bluetooth headphones for Nintendo Switch without transmitter

Sony WH-CH510 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones with Microphone: available at Amazon

Our take: These on-ear Bluetooth headphones work great for users that already have a Bluetooth transmitter for their Nintendo Switch, featuring a built-in mic and comfortable ear cups.

What we like: Works with most Bluetooth transmitters. Up to 35 hours of battery life. Folds conveniently for portable use. Includes built-in playback and volume buttons.

What we dislike: Requires a Bluetooth transmitter for use with the Nintendo Switch.

Best Bluetooth earbuds for Nintendo Switch without transmitter

HWCONA Retro Leather IPX8 Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds with Case: available at Amazon

Our take: If you plan to purchase a Bluetooth transmitter separately or you already have one, you can use it with these affordable and stylish Bluetooth headphones, which also come with a faux leather-wrapped charging case.

What we like: Good audio quality. Comfortable earbud fit with multiple replacement silicone tip sizes. Works with most Bluetooth transmitters. IPX8 waterproof technology. Case can be used to wirelessly charge earbuds. Faux leather is available in vintage yellow or dark camel brown.

What we dislike: A few users have reported that the range on the Bluetooth connection is weak, so you can’t go too far from the transmitter before they get disconnected.

Zachary Visconti is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.