Buying Guide
The Best Motherboards With Bluetooth
From the B760 Gaming Plus to the Z790 Tomahawk MAX: five motherboards ranked on M.2 slot count and wired network speed, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Built-in Bluetooth connects headphones, controllers and keyboards without a dongle. Every pick states Bluetooth support, ordered from the lowest price.
This is a research roundup, not a lab test: M.2 slots, wired LAN and wi-Fi come from each maker's published specs; nothing here was tested in-house, and a missing M.2 slots is flagged, not filled in.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
MSI B760 Gaming Plus WiFi V1
Undercutting the PRO B760-P DDR4 on price when we checked.
Best for: Getting Bluetooth 5.3 alongside Wi-Fi 6E for the least money.
Our take Check price for MSI B760 Gaming Plus WiFi V1 (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
MSI PRO B760-P WiFi DDR4
Bluetooth 5.3 alongside Wi-Fi 6E.
Best for: Buyers who want Bluetooth 5.3 alongside Wi-Fi 6E.
Our take Check price for MSI PRO B760-P WiFi DDR4 (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
MSI B650 Gaming Plus WiFi
Bluetooth 5.3 alongside Wi-Fi 6E.
Best for: Buyers who want Bluetooth 5.3 alongside Wi-Fi 6E.
Our take Check price for MSI B650 Gaming Plus WiFi (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
MSI X670E Gaming Plus WiFi
PCIe 5.0 support from the X670E chipset.
Best for: Buyers who want PCIe 5.0 support from the X670E chipset.
Our take Check price for MSI X670E Gaming Plus WiFi (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk MAX WiFi
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with Bluetooth 5.4 alongside Wi-Fi 7.
Best for: Buyers who want the most complete package.
Our take Check price for MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk MAX WiFi (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undercutting the PRO B760-P DDR4 on price when we checked. | Getting Bluetooth 5.3 alongside Wi-Fi 6E for the least money. | Check price for MSI B760 Gaming Plus WiFi V1 (opens in a new tab) |
| Bluetooth 5.3 alongside Wi-Fi 6E. | Buyers who want Bluetooth 5.3 alongside Wi-Fi 6E. | Check price for MSI PRO B760-P WiFi DDR4 (opens in a new tab) |
| Bluetooth 5.3 alongside Wi-Fi 6E. | Buyers who want Bluetooth 5.3 alongside Wi-Fi 6E. | Check price for MSI B650 Gaming Plus WiFi (opens in a new tab) |
| PCIe 5.0 support from the X670E chipset. | Buyers who want PCIe 5.0 support from the X670E chipset. | Check price for MSI X670E Gaming Plus WiFi (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with Bluetooth 5.4 alongside Wi-Fi 7. | Buyers who want the most complete package. | Check price for MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk MAX WiFi (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
MSI B760 Gaming Plus WiFi V1 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The B760 Gaming Plus WiFi is a low-cost DDR5 ATX board with Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps LAN.
Best for
- Getting Bluetooth 5.3 alongside Wi-Fi 6E for the least money.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: only 2 M.2 slots.
Why we like it
Two M.2 slots limit storage. Like the PRO B760-P DDR4 and Z790 Tomahawk MAX, it has an LGA1700 socket, while the B650 Gaming Plus uses an AM5 socket. It also comes with Bluetooth 5.3 alongside Wi-Fi 6E and HDMI and DisplayPort outputs.
It uses Intel's LGA1700 socket for 12th, 13th and 14th Gen Core processors; check the CPU support list for the BIOS version your chip needs, since early boards shipped before 14th Gen launched. Check the manual for which M.2 slots share lanes with SATA ports or the second PCIe slot before filling them all. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the PRO B760-P DDR4 was closest. What it gives up: M.2 slot count of 2, behind the Z790 Tomahawk MAX (5); by contrast, the Z790 Tomahawk MAX offers 5.
Key dimensions & specs
- M.2 slots: 2
- Wired LAN: 2.5Gbps
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6E
- Form factor: ATX
- Socket: LGA1700
- Memory type: DDR5
- Chipset: B760
Pros
- Bluetooth 5.3 alongside Wi-Fi 6E
- HDMI and DisplayPort outputs
- 2.5Gbps Ethernet
- Undercutting the PRO B760-P DDR4 on price when we checked
Cons
- Only 2 M.2 slots
- Wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7
- M.2 slot count of 2, behind the Z790 Tomahawk MAX (5)
Also Consider2 of 5
MSI PRO B760-P WiFi DDR4 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The PRO B760-P WiFi DDR4 is an ATX board for builders reusing DDR4, with Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps LAN.
Best for
- Buyers who want Bluetooth 5.3 alongside Wi-Fi 6E.
Skip if
- Pass on it if wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
Like the B760 Gaming Plus and Z790 Tomahawk MAX, it has an LGA1700 socket, while the B650 Gaming Plus uses an AM5 socket. It is the only pick here with a DDR4 memory type; the B760 Gaming Plus has a DDR5 memory type instead. It also offers Bluetooth 5.3 alongside Wi-Fi 6E and HDMI and DisplayPort outputs.
It uses Intel's LGA1700 socket for 12th, 13th and 14th Gen Core processors; check the CPU support list for the BIOS version your chip needs, since early boards shipped before 14th Gen launched. It takes DDR4 memory only, so reuse or buy a DDR4 kit; DDR5 sticks do not fit its slots. It was priced above the B760 Gaming Plus and below the B650 Gaming Plus at the time of writing. There is no published M.2 slot count figure, whereas the Z790 Tomahawk MAX offers 5.
Key dimensions & specs
- Wired LAN: 2.5Gbps
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6E
- Form factor: ATX
- Socket: LGA1700
- Memory type: DDR4
- Chipset: B760
Pros
- Bluetooth 5.3 alongside Wi-Fi 6E
- HDMI and DisplayPort outputs
- 2.5Gbps Ethernet
- DDR4 memory type, the only one here
Cons
- Wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7
- Takes DDR4 only, not DDR5 kits
- Costs more than the B760 Gaming Plus at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
MSI B650 Gaming Plus WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The B650 Gaming Plus WiFi is a plain, low-cost ATX board with a 12+2+1 layout, Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps LAN.
Best for
- Buyers who want Bluetooth 5.3 alongside Wi-Fi 6E.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7.
Why we like it
It covers a six- or eight-core Ryzen without extras. 12+2+1 power stages is unique to it among these picks, while the Z790 Tomahawk MAX uses 16+1+1 power stages. It shares an AM5 socket with the X670E Gaming Plus; the PRO B760-P DDR4 goes with an LGA1700 socket.
It is the only pick here with a B650 chipset; the B760 Gaming Plus has a B760 chipset instead. It also offers Bluetooth 5.3 alongside Wi-Fi 6E, HDMI and DisplayPort outputs and one of the lowest prices here for an ATX AM5 board. Its price falls between the PRO B760-P DDR4 and the X670E Gaming Plus, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed M.2 slot count should compare it with the Z790 Tomahawk MAX, which offers 5.
Key dimensions & specs
- Wired LAN: 2.5Gbps
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6E
- Power stages: 12+2+1
- Form factor: ATX
- Socket: AM5
- Chipset: B650
Pros
- Bluetooth 5.3 alongside Wi-Fi 6E
- HDMI and DisplayPort outputs
- One of the lowest prices here for an ATX AM5 board
- 12+2+1 power stages, the only one here
Cons
- Wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7
- Costs more than the B760 Gaming Plus at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
MSI X670E Gaming Plus WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The X670E Gaming Plus WiFi is the lowest-priced X670E board here by a wide margin, with a 14+2+1 layout, Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps LAN.
Best for
- Buyers who want PCIe 5.0 support from the X670E chipset.
Skip if
- Pass on it if wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It trades extras for the X670E chipset's PCIe 5.0 lanes. No other pick in this guide offers 14+2+1 power stages; compare the B650 Gaming Plus, which has 12+2+1 power stages. Like the B650 Gaming Plus, it has an AM5 socket, while the PRO B760-P DDR4 uses an LGA1700 socket.
You get an X670E chipset here, which sets it apart from the Z790 Tomahawk MAX and its a Z790 chipset. It also comes with Bluetooth 5.3 alongside Wi-Fi 6E. It uses AMD's AM5 socket, so it takes Ryzen 7000, 8000 and 9000 chips; a board built before a CPU's launch may need a BIOS update first, so check whether it supports BIOS Flashback.
It was priced above the B650 Gaming Plus and below the Z790 Tomahawk MAX at the time of writing. There is no published M.2 slot count figure, whereas the Z790 Tomahawk MAX offers 5.
Key dimensions & specs
- Wired LAN: 2.5Gbps
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6E
- Power stages: 14+2+1
- Form factor: ATX
- Socket: AM5
- Chipset: X670E
Pros
- 14+2+1 power stage layout
- PCIe 5.0 support from the X670E chipset
- Bluetooth 5.3 alongside Wi-Fi 6E
Cons
- Wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7
- Costs more than the B760 Gaming Plus at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk MAX WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Z790 Tomahawk MAX offers five M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 7 and a 16+1+1 layout.
Best for
- Buyers who want the most complete package.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the B760 Gaming Plus, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It is the most complete Z790 board for its price here. No other pick in this guide offers a wi-Fi 7; compare the B650 Gaming Plus, which has a wi-Fi 6E. No other pick in this guide offers 16+1+1 power stages; compare the B650 Gaming Plus, which has 12+2+1 power stages.
Like the B760 Gaming Plus and PRO B760-P DDR4, it has an LGA1700 socket, while the B650 Gaming Plus uses an AM5 socket. It also comes with Bluetooth 5.4 alongside Wi-Fi 7 and a PCIe 5.0 graphics slot. It uses Intel's LGA1700 socket for 12th, 13th and 14th Gen Core processors; check the CPU support list for the BIOS version your chip needs, since early boards shipped before 14th Gen launched.
Only the X670E Gaming Plus came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks. It gives ground on wired network speed, where the B760 Gaming Plus offers 2.5Gbps.
Key dimensions & specs
- M.2 slots: 5
- Wired LAN: 2.5Gbps
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7
- Power stages: 16+1+1
- Form factor: ATX
- Socket: LGA1700
- Memory type: DDR5
- Chipset: Z790
Pros
- 5 M.2 slots for SSD expansion
- Wi-Fi 7 built in
- 16+1+1 power stage layout
- Bluetooth 5.4 alongside Wi-Fi 7
Cons
- Costs more than the B760 Gaming Plus at the time of writing
How We Chose These Motherboards With Bluetooth
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Platform
- We checked socket, chipset and form factor from each listing.
- Power delivery
- We noted power stage layouts where the maker lists them.
- Connectivity
- We compared Wi-Fi, wired LAN speed and USB4.
- Storage
- We counted listed M.2 slots and PCIe 5.0 support.
What to Look for in a Motherboard With Bluetooth
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Match the chipset to your plans
On AM5, B850 covers most gaming builds with PCIe 5.0 for at least one slot. X870E adds more PCIe 5.0 lanes and USB4 for heavy expansion.
Features, not frame rates, separate the chipsets.
Check BIOS support and Flashback
A board may need a BIOS update before it runs a newer CPU. BIOS Flashback lets you update without a working CPU installed.
Power delivery for high-end CPUs
Boards with more and stronger power stages run hot 16-core chips more comfortably. For eight-core gaming CPUs, most current boards are enough.
Count M.2 slots
Most games now install to NVMe drives. Count how many M.2 slots you need now and later, and check which ones share lanes with other ports.
Networking matters for daily use
Wi-Fi 7 and 5Gbps Ethernet help only if your router supports them, but built-in Wi-Fi saves a PCIe card.
Check the rear and front I/O
Count USB ports you use every day and confirm a front USB-C header if your case has a USB-C port.
How to Choose a Motherboard With Bluetooth
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Getting Bluetooth 5.3 alongside Wi-Fi 6E for the least money | B760 Gaming Plus | Undercutting the PRO B760-P DDR4 on price when we checked |
| Buyers who want Bluetooth 5.3 alongside Wi-Fi 6E | PRO B760-P DDR4 | Bluetooth 5.3 alongside Wi-Fi 6E |
| Buyers who want Bluetooth 5.3 alongside Wi-Fi 6E | B650 Gaming Plus | Bluetooth 5.3 alongside Wi-Fi 6E |
| Buyers who want PCIe 5.0 support from the X670E chipset | X670E Gaming Plus | PCIe 5.0 support from the X670E chipset |
| Buyers who want the most complete package | Z790 Tomahawk MAX | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with Bluetooth 5.4 alongside Wi-Fi 7 |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Board | M.2 slots | Wired LAN | Wi-Fi | Power stages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B760 Gaming Plus | 2 | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 6E | Not listed |
| PRO B760-P DDR4 | Not listed | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 6E | Not listed |
| B650 Gaming Plus | Not listed | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 6E | 12+2+1 |
| X670E Gaming Plus | Not listed | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 6E | 14+2+1 |
| Z790 Tomahawk MAX | 5 | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 7 | 16+1+1 |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Boards |
|---|---|
| About $100 to $150 | B760 Gaming Plus, PRO B760-P DDR4, B650 Gaming Plus |
| About $150 to $250 | X670E Gaming Plus, Z790 Tomahawk MAX |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the cheapest pick in this guide?
The B760 Gaming Plus. It undercut the PRO B760-P DDR4 when we checked, while the Z790 Tomahawk MAX cost the most of the group.
What size motherboard should I buy?
ATX fits most mid-towers and has the most slots. Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX suit smaller cases with fewer expansion needs.
Should I fill all four memory slots?
Two sticks usually run faster and more reliably on DDR5. Buy a two-stick kit with the capacity you need.
Do I need PCIe 5.0?
Current graphics cards barely benefit. PCIe 5.0 matters more for the fastest SSDs.
Will a new board work with my CPU out of the box?
Usually, but check the board's CPU support list. If your chip needs a newer BIOS, BIOS Flashback updates it from a USB drive.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the B760 Gaming Plus, chosen for undercutting the PRO B760-P DDR4 on price when we checked. Look at the PRO B760-P DDR4 for Bluetooth 5.3 alongside Wi-Fi 6E, the B650 Gaming Plus for Bluetooth 5.3 alongside Wi-Fi 6E and the X670E Gaming Plus for PCIe 5.0 support from the X670E chipset if those matter more to you.
Attach the included antenna; Bluetooth range drops sharply without it.