Buying guide for best bluetooth transmitters
A Bluetooth transmitter can bring your old technology up to date and keep you easily connected to your favorite playlist, both in the car and at home.
Bluetooth transmitters pair with a device, such as your smartphone, then pass an audio signal on to a non-Bluetooth device. Whether they connect via a 3.5mm jack, RCA connector, or FM radio frequency, they can make your older electronics more versatile by bringing the flexibility of Bluetooth connectivity. These handy little devices are commonly used to update car radios, home stereo systems, and headphones.
This BestReviews shopping guide will help you compare the options available in Bluetooth transmitter technology, the price points, and the features that work best for your needs. We strive to offer an unbiased point of view by sharing our experiences with products purchased by our team, rather than accepting free samples from manufacturers.
Bluetooth transmitters for car vs. home
Car transmitters
Your car may be an older model, but the technology in it doesn’t have to be. While manufacturers have been regularly installing Bluetooth technology in cars for about the last decade, that still leaves a lot of cars owned by smartphone users who want easy access to hands-free calling and audio that runs through the car’s speaker system. A Bluetooth transmitter allows you to inexpensively and easily make this transition. Features to look for in a car-ready Bluetooth transmitter include:
Compatibility with the 12V auxiliary power outlets (cigarette lighter receptacles) already installed in your car.
LED display screens that allow you to easily identify callers, and facilitate song selection.
Inputs for SD cards, standard audio jacks, and TF cards.
USB inputs, which can also serve as chargers for your phone.
Home use transmitters
Bluetooth transmitters made for home use can convert a wired speaker into wireless, or they can allow you to transmit audio to your wireless headphones from your TV or home sound system. Features to look for on a home unit Bluetooth transmitter include:
What’s the power source. Many transmitters are rechargeable and only have ten hours of use available per charge. Others are powered by USB, or plug directly into a wall outlet.
Many home use Bluetooth transmitters are also receivers, or they include receiver adapters. When plugged into a speaker in receiver mode, the device allows you to transmit audio to that speaker from your laptop or smartphone.
Some units are able to send to two or more output sources simultaneously.
Bluetooth transmitters for TVs can provide additional channels of sound. We research how many channels each product allows for when plugged in.
Portable Bluetooth transmitters can help old laptops utilize newer Bluetooth-compatible headphones. We assess how well these work to provide decent sound quality.
Bluetooth transmitters must be able to provide accurate sounds when playing video games. We look into how well these work for faster-paced soundscapes.
Some Bluetooth transmitters will allow for control over your device's music. We look into these settings and buttons to see how well they work with various music players.
One of the most important things to consider with these products is the range. We check into how far away a Bluetooth transmitter can work before getting sound interference.
Bluetooth technology is constantly improving, which is why we consider the generation of each transmitter during our evaluation.
Some Bluetooth transmitters are designed with certain devices in mind. We look into the versatility of each product that we recommend.
One thing to consider with Bluetooth transmitters is the power source; some are battery operated while others have adapters. We weigh the pros and cons of each type.
Car-adapted Bluetooth transmitters may allow for hands-free calling, which is something we look for when assessing these options.
Bluetooth transmitters may need range extenders if you have lots of interference in your home. We consider whether a product is compatible with additional Bluetooth devices such as these.
Bluetooth transmitter considerations
Range
Even an inexpensive Bluetooth transmitter can provide a range sufficient for use in your car. Depending on your needs, and square footage, it also may do a decent job in your home. Most low-end, inexpensive transmitters broadcast to about 30 feet, which will accommodate your vehicle needs nicely.
If you are using a Bluetooth transmitter at home, look at your device’s range more closely. You can find Bluetooth transmitters with a 100-foot range easily. However, that distance can be greatly reduced inside your home. The devices promising super long ranges, like 160 feet or more, easily be reduced to as little as 50 feet because of interference from the structure of your home.
You may want to consider buying one of the Bluetooth transmitters designed to work with a second unit if you feel you will need a range extension.
Connectivity options
Available ports and connectivity are particularly important for car Bluetooth transmitters. Many radio stereo systems have a 3.5mm audio port available, and some Bluetooth transmitters/receivers will plug into the stereo physically. If your radio lacks this port, however, you need a transmitter that re-broadcasts the incoming signal via FM.
Some lower-end Bluetooth transmitters only broadcast on a fixed FM radio frequency, but many allow you to set the frequency to an unused spot in your local FM traffic, reducing interference from existing stations.
Because Bluetooth transmitters/receivers for the car often use the 12V battery outlet, some include a USB port for plugging in other devices, allowing you to charge your smartphone while powering the Bluetooth transmitter.
If you’re shopping for a Bluetooth transmitter for home use, consider whether an optical audio connection is the best option for your TV or audio system. Transmitters with this type of connectivity are a bit more expensive, but offer superior audio quality.
Microphones
Bluetooth transmitters tend to be advertised with simple audio transmission in mind, but some also facilitate hands-free calling. Car transmitters, in particular, tend to include on-board microphones. When your phone is paired with the transmitter, the microphone on the device takes over. This prevents the echo and feedback you’d experience when your phone’s mic picks up audio from your car speakers.
Bluetooth version
It’s important to check a device’s Bluetooth version when evaluating the price value. Cheaper devices often use older versions of Bluetooth. Newer Bluetooth versions, such as Bluetooth 4 and Bluetooth 5, provide faster transmission rates, consume less power, and are more secure than older versions. A device that looks like a bargain price may use an older Bluetooth version, which can be immediately noticeable with a weaker signal and lower quality audio.
Display screen
Higher-end Bluetooth transmitters often boast LCD displays, making control of your device much easier.
Did you know?
Some Bluetooth transmitters for the car include a visual display and controls which allow easier navigation of your phone’s music service.
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BestReviews
Bluetooth transmitter prices
$10 to $25: Basic, handy devices, usually designed for the car. A few in this price range will have built-in microphones and LCD displays, but not all.
$25 to $50: More audio connection choices and longer ranges. Many home devices are found in this price range, but some will work in the car. If you need a transmitter that connects to multiple devices, start shopping in this price range.
$50 and higher: Devices in this price range tend to focus on either form factor or special features. Many are more compact than lower-end transmitters, with better batteries. Others offer unique features, such as built-in voices that announce the phone number of an incoming call.
Bluetooth transmitter tips
When installing a home-based Bluetooth transmitter, look for a way to provide dedicated power, so you don’t have to move the device to recharge it.
Make sure your car's Bluetooth transmitter has a passthrough USB port for charging your phone.
If you’re having problems getting a strong signal in your home, try moving the device away from other household items with high electrical “noise” levels, like appliances or computer equipment.
FAQ
Q. What is a Bluetooth transmitter?
A. A Bluetooth transmitter is a device that pairs with another Bluetooth-enabled device, then relays an audio signal to some other piece of electronic equipment. For example, a Bluetooth transmitter can receive audio input from your smartphone, then pass it to your car’s stereo via a physical wire or an FM signal. In the home, Bluetooth transmitters are often used to send the audio signal from a television to a pair of Bluetooth headphones or a Bluetooth-enabled speaker.
Q. Can I pair a Bluetooth transmitter to more than one device?
A. Some Bluetooth transmitters will pair to more than one device, but most do not. With single-pair-only devices, you simply disconnect from one source and re-pair your Bluetooth transmitter with another.
