Audio T Verdict
The Sennheiser BTD 600 is one of those tiny accessories that can solve a surprisingly large number of computer-audio frustrations. Instead of relying on whatever Bluetooth hardware, drivers and codec support happen to be built into your PC or Mac, it provides a dedicated Bluetooth audio connection designed specifically for headphones.
Plug it into USB, pair your headphones once and the BTD 600 behaves as an external sound device. Bluetooth 5.2, aptX Adaptive and low-latency operation help improve wireless audio quality and lip-sync with compatible headphones, while headset controls and microphone functions remain available for music, video calls and everyday communications.
It is particularly useful for a desktop or laptop that has unreliable Bluetooth, limited codec support or no Bluetooth at all. Just remember that this is a computer USB adapter rather than a general-purpose TV or hi-fi Bluetooth transmitter.
Important: Designed for PC and Mac
Sennheiser specifies the BTD 600 for use with compatible Windows PCs and Macs. It is not intended for televisions or hi-fi equipment. If you want to transmit television audio to compatible wireless headphones, take a look at the Sennheiser BTA1 TV Transmitter instead.
Sennheiser BTD 600 Bluetooth USB Adapter
The Sennheiser BTD 600 is a compact Bluetooth USB dongle designed to give Windows PCs and Macs a straightforward, dependable connection to wireless headphones.
Rather than using the computer's built-in Bluetooth audio system, the BTD 600 is automatically recognised as an external sound card. No separate audio driver needs to be installed for normal operation.
It uses Bluetooth 5.2 Class 1 and supports SBC, aptX and aptX Adaptive, while Sennheiser's technical manual also specifies aptX Low Latency compatibility. A supplied adapter lets the native USB-A dongle connect to either USB-A or USB-C computer ports.
- Bluetooth USB adapter for PC and Mac
- Bluetooth 5.2 Class 1
- Designed specifically for wireless headphone audio
- Automatically recognised as an external sound card
- No normal driver installation required
- SBC codec support
- aptX support
- aptX Adaptive support
- aptX Low Latency listed in Sennheiser's technical manual
- Lower latency for improved audio/video synchronisation
- A2DP audio profile
- HFP call support
- AVRCP/HID control support
- Headphone controls remain available
- Supports music, films, calls and video conferencing
- Up to 10m specified Bluetooth range
- Remembers the paired headphones
- Can move between compatible computers without repairing headphones
- Native USB-A connection
- USB-C adapter supplied
- Windows 8.1 or later
- macOS 11 or later
- Firmware update support
Why Use a Dedicated Bluetooth Adapter?
Many modern computers already contain Bluetooth, but that does not necessarily mean they provide the best possible wireless headphone connection.
The performance you get can depend on:
- The Bluetooth hardware inside the computer
- The operating system
- Available audio codecs
- Driver behaviour
- Bluetooth antenna performance
- The way headset and microphone profiles are handled
The BTD 600 bypasses much of that variability by providing a dedicated Sennheiser-designed Bluetooth audio interface connected through USB.
Plug In, Pair and Listen
Setup is deliberately straightforward.
Connect the BTD 600 to a compatible PC or Mac and the computer automatically recognises it as an external audio device. The dongle enters Bluetooth pairing mode when required, allowing a pair of Bluetooth headphones to be connected directly to it.
Once successfully paired, the BTD 600 stores that headphone connection for future use.
No Driver Installation Required
You do not need to install a dedicated audio driver simply to use the BTD 600.
The computer treats the dongle as an external USB sound device, making setup considerably easier than installing specialist Bluetooth hardware or manually configuring different audio codecs within the operating system.
Check Your Computer's Audio Output
If your headphones connect successfully but sound continues to come from the computer speakers, open the operating system's audio settings and select the BTD 600 as the current sound output device.
Bluetooth 5.2 Class 1
The BTD 600 uses Bluetooth 5.2 Class 1 technology with a maximum specified transmitter output of 10mW.
Sennheiser specifies a wireless range of up to approximately 10 metres with a clear line of sight.
As with any Bluetooth system, actual range can be reduced by walls, furniture, interference and the position of the computer and headphones.
aptX Adaptive
aptX Adaptive is one of the BTD 600's most useful features when paired with compatible headphones.
The codec is designed to adapt its operation according to wireless conditions and the type of content being reproduced, balancing audio quality, stability and latency.
Both the transmitter and receiving headphones need to support a compatible codec before it can be used.
Lower Latency for Video
Wireless audio delay becomes particularly obvious when watching somebody speak on screen.
If the audio arrives noticeably after the picture, lip movement and dialogue no longer match properly.
The BTD 600 has been designed to provide lower-latency operation with compatible headphones, helping keep films, television streamed through the computer and online video more closely synchronised.
Useful for Music
The BTD 600 is not limited to calls and computer meetings.
Its aptX support allows compatible wireless headphones to make use of a higher-quality Bluetooth connection than basic SBC alone, making the dongle equally relevant to music listening from a desktop or laptop.
The final codec and audio quality depend on the capabilities of the connected headphones.
Both Ends Need to Support the Codec
A Bluetooth codec only works when both the BTD 600 and the headphones support it. If a compatible aptX mode is unavailable on the receiving headphones, the system will automatically use another mutually supported codec such as SBC.
Works With Bluetooth Headphones Beyond Sennheiser
Although Sennheiser developed the BTD 600 as a natural partner for its own Bluetooth headphones, the instruction manual specifies compatibility with Bluetooth headphones generally.
The exact features and codecs available will depend on the headphones being used, so a non-Sennheiser model does not automatically gain aptX Adaptive simply by being connected to the dongle.
Headphone Controls Still Work
The BTD 600 supports headphone control functions rather than providing audio output alone.
Compatible controls on the headphones can therefore continue to be used for functions such as:
- Music playback
- Play and pause
- Calls
- Compatible microphone functions
- Other supported media controls
Video Calls and Online Meetings
The BTD 600 supports the Bluetooth HFP profile required for compatible headset call operation.
This makes it suitable for conferencing applications and online calls as well as straightforward stereo music playback.
Sennheiser's manual specifically describes microphone muting during calls, including Microsoft Teams use, through the button on the dongle.
Music Mode and Call Mode
Bluetooth headphones use different operating profiles depending on whether they are playing high-quality stereo audio or providing simultaneous headphone and microphone communication.
A2DP is used for stereo music playback, while HFP provides the two-way audio connection required during calls.
The available audio bandwidth can therefore change when a microphone is active. This is normal Bluetooth headset behaviour rather than a fault with the dongle.
Move Between Computers Without Re-Pairing
The pairing relationship is stored by the BTD 600 itself rather than being tied exclusively to one computer.
That means you can unplug the adapter from one compatible PC or Mac, connect it to another and continue using the same paired headphones without repeating the complete Bluetooth pairing process.
This can be useful if you regularly move between:
- Work and home computers
- Desktop and laptop systems
- Different office workstations
- Windows and Mac computers
One Stored Headphone Pairing
The BTD 600 automatically reconnects to the headphones whose pairing profile is currently stored.
If you deliberately pair a different pair of headphones, the previous stored pairing profile is replaced.
It should therefore not be confused with a multipoint transmitter designed to serve several headphones simultaneously.
USB-A and USB-C Computers
The BTD 600 itself uses a compact USB-A plug.
Sennheiser supplies a USB-A to USB-C adapter in the box, allowing the same dongle to be used with newer computers that provide USB-C rather than conventional USB-A ports.
The adapter also stays paired when moved between compatible computers because the Bluetooth headphone pairing is stored within the dongle.
Windows Compatibility
Sennheiser's current product specification lists support for Windows 8.1 or later.
The plug-and-play USB audio design means normal use does not depend on installing a proprietary audio driver.
Mac Compatibility
Current Sennheiser specifications list macOS 11 or later.
The same USB-A dongle can be used through the supplied USB-C adapter where the Mac only provides USB-C connections.
Not a Television Bluetooth Transmitter
The USB socket on a television may physically look like a suitable place to connect the BTD 600, but Sennheiser specifically states that the dongle is intended for PC and Mac use rather than television or hi-fi equipment.
Television USB sockets often provide power or media-file access without acting as the class-compliant USB audio host that a device such as the BTD 600 requires.
For Television Listening
Do not buy the BTD 600 purely because your television has a USB socket. For a dedicated television solution, the Sennheiser BTA1 provides HDMI ARC, optical and analogue TV audio inputs and broadcasts to compatible Auracast headphones.
BTD 600 or BTD 700?
BTD 600
- Bluetooth 5.2
- Designed primarily for PC and Mac
- SBC
- aptX
- aptX Adaptive
- Low-latency operation
- Up to 10m specified range
- Headset call support
- USB-A dongle
- USB-C adapter supplied
- Simple plug-and-play operation
- Excellent choice for straightforward computer headphone use
BTD 700
- Newer Bluetooth 5.4 platform
- aptX Adaptive up to 24-bit / 96kHz
- aptX Lossless support
- LC3 support
- Auracast capability
- Dedicated low-latency Game Mode
- Broader modern device support
- Sennheiser Dongle Control app
- Designed for more advanced wireless applications
- Better choice where Lossless, Auracast or gaming features are required
Is the BTD 600 Still Worth Buying?
Yes, provided its feature set matches what you actually need.
The newer BTD 700 adds aptX Lossless, Auracast and more advanced gaming functionality, but that does not make those features necessary for every listener.
If the goal is simply to give a Windows PC or Mac a reliable Bluetooth headphone connection with aptX Adaptive, low latency and call support, the BTD 600 remains a very straightforward solution.
Firmware Updates
Sennheiser continues to provide firmware updates for the BTD 600.
The Sennheiser Transmitter Updater utility for PC and Mac can be used to install available firmware and should be one of the first things to check if unexpected connection behaviour occurs.
Resetting the BTD 600
If pairing or connection behaviour becomes problematic, the BTD 600 can be reset to its factory settings.
Sennheiser specifies holding the pairing button for approximately 10 seconds to perform the reset. This deletes the saved headphone pairing profile, after which the headphones will need to be paired again.
Compact Enough to Leave Connected
The BTD 600 dongle measures approximately 15.5 x 19.7 x 7.8mm and weighs only around 1.9g.
The supplied USB-C adapter is similarly compact, so the complete assembly adds very little bulk to a desktop or laptop system.
Take care with laptops when transporting them, however, as any USB dongle protruding from the side of a computer can be damaged if knocked or placed under mechanical stress.
Who Is the BTD 600 For?
- Windows PC users wanting better Bluetooth headphone connectivity
- Mac users wanting a dedicated Bluetooth audio adapter
- Computers without built-in Bluetooth
- Computers with unreliable built-in Bluetooth
- Owners of aptX Adaptive-compatible headphones
- Listeners wanting lower-latency wireless video playback
- People using wireless headphones for music and calls
- Users who regularly move one pair of headphones between different computers
- USB-A computer users
- USB-C computer users
- Sennheiser wireless headphone owners wanting a simple matched computer solution
Who Is It Not For?
- Customers looking for a television Bluetooth transmitter
- Hi-fi systems requiring optical or analogue audio inputs
- Users wanting several headphones connected simultaneously
- Customers specifically requiring Auracast
- Listeners specifically requiring aptX Lossless
- Users wanting the newer BTD 700 gaming features
- Anyone assuming a USB socket automatically guarantees device compatibility
Key Features
- Sennheiser BTD 600
- Bluetooth USB audio adapter
- Designed for PC and Mac
- Bluetooth 5.2
- Bluetooth Class 1
- 10mW maximum transmitter output
- Up to 10m specified range
- A2DP profile
- HFP profile
- AVRCP/HID support
- SBC codec
- Qualcomm aptX
- Qualcomm aptX Adaptive
- aptX Low Latency listed in technical manual
- Low-latency video playback
- Headphone call support
- Compatible headphone media controls
- Call mute from dongle button
- Plug-and-play USB audio
- Recognised as an external sound card
- No normal audio driver installation required
- USB 2.0 interface
- Native USB-A connection
- USB-C adapter supplied
- Windows 8.1 or later
- macOS 11 or later
- Stored headphone pairing
- Move between compatible PCs and Macs without re-pairing
- Sennheiser Transmitter Updater support
- Firmware upgradeable
- Approximately 1.9g dongle weight
- Approximately 2.8g USB-C adapter weight
- Compact design
- Not intended for television use
- Not intended as a hi-fi audio transmitter
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Sennheiser BTD 600 still current?
Yes. Sennheiser continues to list the BTD 600 alongside the newer BTD 700 and provides current support downloads and firmware updates.
What does the BTD 600 do?
It provides a dedicated Bluetooth audio connection between a compatible Windows PC or Mac and Bluetooth headphones.
Does my computer need Bluetooth already?
No. The BTD 600 provides the Bluetooth headphone connection itself through USB.
Does it use my computer's built-in Bluetooth?
No. It operates as its own USB Bluetooth audio device.
Do I need to install a driver?
No dedicated audio driver is required for normal use. Sennheiser states that the BTD 600 is automatically recognised as an external sound card.
What Bluetooth version does it use?
Bluetooth 5.2 Class 1.
What codecs does the BTD 600 support?
Sennheiser's current product specification lists SBC, aptX and aptX Adaptive. Its technical manual also lists aptX Low Latency.
Does the BTD 600 support aptX Adaptive?
Yes.
Does it support aptX Low Latency?
Sennheiser's BTD 600 technical manual lists Qualcomm aptX Low Latency among its supported codecs.
Does it support aptX Lossless?
No. If aptX Lossless is specifically required, look at the newer Sennheiser BTD 700.
Does it support Auracast?
No Auracast functionality is specified for the BTD 600. The newer BTD 700 adds Auracast support.
Will it work with non-Sennheiser Bluetooth headphones?
Sennheiser's instruction manual states that the BTD 600 is compatible with Bluetooth headphones generally. Available codecs and functions still depend on the individual headphones.
Will aptX Adaptive work with any Bluetooth headphones?
No. The receiving headphones must also support a compatible aptX Adaptive connection.
Can I use the BTD 600 for phone and video calls?
Yes. HFP is supported for compatible headset and microphone operation.
Can I use my headphone controls?
Yes, compatible media and call controls remain available.
Can I mute myself during a call?
Yes. Sennheiser's manual specifies that the BTD 600 button can mute and unmute the microphone during compatible calls.
Is it suitable for Microsoft Teams?
Yes. Sennheiser specifically references Microsoft Teams when describing the call-mute function in the instruction manual.
Does the BTD 600 reduce Bluetooth delay?
It is designed for lower-latency operation with compatible headphones, helping improve lip-sync when watching video.
What is the wireless range?
Sennheiser specifies up to approximately 10 metres with a clear line of sight.
Does it work with Windows?
Yes. Sennheiser's current specification lists Windows 8.1 or later.
Does it work with Mac?
Yes. Sennheiser currently specifies macOS 11 or later.
Is the BTD 600 USB-A or USB-C?
The dongle itself uses USB-A. A USB-C adapter is supplied so it can also connect to compatible USB-C computer ports.
Can I move it from one computer to another?
Yes. Because the headphone pairing is stored within the BTD 600, it can be moved between compatible computers without repeatedly pairing the same headphones.
Can it remember several pairs of headphones?
The dongle automatically reconnects to its stored headphone profile. Pairing a new pair of headphones replaces the previously stored pairing profile.
Can it connect to two headphones simultaneously?
No simultaneous multi-headphone operation is specified for the BTD 600.
Can I plug the BTD 600 into my television?
Sennheiser specifically states that the BTD 600 is intended for PC and Mac and cannot be used as a normal transmitter with television or hi-fi equipment.
My television has USB. Why won't that work?
A television USB port may provide power or media access without behaving as a compatible USB audio host. The BTD 600 is designed to operate as a USB audio device with a computer.
What should I use for wireless TV headphones?
The Sennheiser BTA1 is designed specifically for television use and provides HDMI ARC, optical and analogue audio inputs for compatible Auracast headphones.
Can the BTD 600 firmware be updated?
Yes. Sennheiser provides its Transmitter Updater utility for compatible PC and Mac computers.
How do I reset the BTD 600?
Sennheiser specifies holding the pairing button for approximately 10 seconds. This resets the dongle and removes the saved headphone pairing.
How much does the dongle weigh?
Approximately 1.9g.
Is the USB-C adapter included?
Yes.
What comes in the box?
The package contains the BTD 600 Bluetooth USB dongle, USB-C adapter, Quick Guide and Safety Guide.
Related Sennheiser Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy the Sennheiser BTD 600 From Audio T?
Bluetooth specifications can become confusing very quickly, particularly when codecs, computer compatibility and different transmitter types are involved. Audio T can help establish whether the BTD 600 is the right solution for your computer and headphones before you buy it.
We can also advise on aptX compatibility, Windows and Mac connections, suitable Sennheiser wireless headphones and whether you actually need the BTD 600, the more advanced BTD 700 or a dedicated television solution such as the BTA1.
- Friendly Bluetooth headphone advice
- PC and Mac compatibility guidance
- aptX codec advice
- Wireless headphone matching
- USB-A and USB-C guidance
- Bluetooth troubleshooting
- BTD 600 and BTD 700 comparisons
- Computer and TV transmitter advice
- Sennheiser headphone recommendations
- Wireless headphone demonstrations where available
- Firmware update guidance
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store if you would like help checking compatibility between the BTD 600, your computer and your Bluetooth headphones.