In searching for the best Bluetooth transmitter, whether it’s for use in your car, living room, local gym, or workplace – one has various factors to consider. Our focus in this article is specifically on Bluetooth transmitters for TV, or for your car, each with its unique features and uses. We’ve rounded up and reviewed a list of the best to help you decide which will suit your needs best. We’ll also be discussing some of the basics of Bluetooth technology and some frequently asked questions, including:
- How does a Bluetooth transmitter work?
- Do I need a Bluetooth transmitter, receiver, or both?
- What to look for in a Bluetooth audio system
- Common Bluetooth issues, and how to solve them
For those looking to find out which Bluetooth transmitter stands out for us in particular, here are our top picks:
Avantree AudiKast Plus Bluetooth Transmitter
With various connectivity options, onboard volume controls, impressively long-range, and immaculate audio quality!
Best Long-Range Transmitter
The Avantree Oasis Plus is capable of performing flawlessly at a range of up to 164ft (50m). Various connections available and backward-compatible with older Bluetooth versions makes this a great choice for all uses.
Best Bluetooth Transmitter for Car
At a highly affordable price, Nulaxy’s FM Bluetooth transmitter takes first place in the car audio category. Several safety measures in place, fast charging capabilities, and various playback modes and EQ presets make for a safe and enjoyable drive.
Best Bluetooth Transmitter for TV
The Avantree Oasis Bluetooth Transmitter is an incredibly versatile and user-friendly option for use in one’s home theater setup. Various connectivity options, onboard volume controls, impressively long-range, and immaculate audio quality will without a doubt provide you with stress-free and endless viewing pleasures.
How does a Bluetooth transmitter work?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s learn a little about how Bluetooth works and what to look for in finding the ultimate Bluetooth transmitter system for you.
Since Bluetooth’s inception at Ericsson Telecommunications almost three decades ago, the world’s most popular form of wireless data transmission has seen many successions of upgrades and expansions over the years. Today, consumers have access to Bluetooth versions of up to 5.0, which can be used for a variety of applications for home, sports, work, and leisurely purposes.
Connecting wireless headphones to your TV
Linking your cellphone to your car radio system
Adding a high-quality wireless mic to your phone
Bluetooth works by utilizing the available unlicensed industrial, scientific, and medical frequency range of around 2.4GHz to emit radio waves from a source device, which are in turn decoded by a receiver. These radio waves are similar to those which your cellphone, Television set, and FM radio use, however, Bluetooth operates in the short-range domain.
Skip the chit-chat, take me to the reviews!
Bluetooth Transmitter for TV
For connecting wireless speakers or headphones to your TV and home theater system
Bluetooth Transmitter for Car
For streaming music through your smartphone and making hands-free phone calls
Do I need a Bluetooth transmitter or receiver?
While many Bluetooth transmitters can function as both a receiver and transmitter (and even include bypass abilities) some can only operate as one or the other. To understand the direction of signal flow and which type of device you may need, one needs to first evaluate the intended uses for the Bluetooth audio system.
Most of the Bluetooth transmitters on our list can function as either a transmitter or receiver, providing you with loads of options for use.
Bluetooth Transmitter
A Bluetooth transmitter is used to give wireless power to a device that does not have wireless capabilities, such as a TV, Radio/HiFi/Stereo System, or a laptop/computer. The transmitter works by connecting via a wired connection (usually Aux, RCA, Optical or USB) to this non-wireless hardware, and using Bluetooth technology to establish a wireless link with a Bluetooth-enabled device, such as a Bluetooth speaker, wireless headphones, or AirPods. For example: using a wireless headset to watch a movie on your TV without the need for any cables, you’ll need a Bluetooth transmitter.
Bluetooth Transmitter Signal Flow Example:
Television 🡪 Aux, Optical, RCA or USB Cable 🡪 Bluetooth Transmitter 🡪 Wireless Signal 🡪 Wireless Headphones/Speaker
Bluetooth Receiver
A receiver works in the opposite direction, allowing you to send signals from a Bluetooth-compatible device (such as your cellphone) to a set of headphones or speakers that do not have wireless capabilities. Your Bluetooth-enabled source device will transfer audio to the receiver, which is then passed on to your receiving device by means of a wired connection.
Bluetooth Receiver Signal Flow Example:
Cellphone with Bluetooth 🡪 Wireless Signal 🡪 Bluetooth Receiver 🡪 Aux, Optical, RCA or USB Cable 🡪 Stereo System
Avantree AudiKast Plus Bluetooth Transmitter
Avantree’s AudiKast Plus 5.0 Bluetooth Transmitter is specifically designed for use with a television. Offering a wide variety of I/O and no audio to visual delays, this model will prove to be the perfect centerpiece to your home theater system.
Design and Features
Compact and easy to use, the AudiKast Bluetooth Audio Transmitter can be set up within seconds. An impressive range of 100ft (30m) makes for consistent quality wherever you are in the room. A series of LEDs are included on the device to verify connectivity, as well as which inputs are in use and the current transmission codec in operation. Onboard volume controls on the AudiKast are also a handy addition for listening devices without volume switches.
Sound Quality
The Avantree AudiKast offers various connectivity options including Aux, RCA, Optical, and USB. An HDMI adapter is also available from Avantree for those wishing to connect it directly to their TV box. The only downfall to these widely compatible features is the inability to bypass the device. However, on certain TV models, you can run the onboard speakers and the AudiKast simultaneously. This unit operates on Bluetooth 5.0, providing long-range and high-quality audio transmission.
While this unit is the priciest candidate on our top 10 list, its connectivity options and user-friendliness are its more impressive attributes, as the sound quality is pretty much on par with most other aptX and 5.0 supporting Bluetooth transmitters. Low-Latency technology is only operational when used in conjunction with aptX technology headphones.
Avantree Oasis 2-in-1 Bluetooth Transmitter
Specifically designed for home theater use, this Avantree Oasis Bluetooth Transmitter/Receiver is greatly versatile and reproduces high-quality sound.
Design and Features
This compact Bluetooth transmitter/receiver has an impressive range of up to 164ft (condition dependent) and operates on aptX, aptX-LL, and SBC codecs, on Bluetooth version 4.1. The Oasis can connect with virtually any device utilizing Aux, RCA, or optical cables.
A convenient function of the Oasis is its ability to be used as either a transmitter or receiver, allowing you to transmit audio to or from a non-Bluetooth device. The bypass mode also comes in handy as you can easily switch from Bluetooth audio to your onboard/external speaker system at the flick of a switch without needing to unplug and later reconnect any cables.
Another great feature of this device is its voice-guidance abilities and onboard status indicators- this makes it incredibly simple to set up and navigate your way through all the features, as well as monitor the connections in use, current audio quality and device mode (either transmitter or receiver)
The unit also includes volume buttons, giving you an extra platform to control the levels of your entertainment with ease. This is great when used in conjunction with AirPods or headphones without onboard volume switches.
Sound Quality
The Avantree Oasis Bluetooth Transmitter reproduces sound at a high quality when used correctly. Audio is transmitted at a fast and accurate rate when used with a single device, however, the audio’s definition will suffer when dual-link is used as the Oasis will be forced to operate on a lower quality codec.
This Bluetooth transmitter operates in the low-latency domain, eliminating the possibility of sync issues when using the device for TV viewing, however, when using the Oasis as a receiver, one may experience some audio-visual delays depending on the codec supported by the headphones in use.
If you don’t mind spending the extra couple of dollars, the Avantree Oasis Bluetooth Transmitter/Receiver will without a doubt provide you with enough options for use with practically all home theater/TV systems and will grant you endless hours of user-friendly, high-definition entertainment.
Anker Soundsync A3341 2-in-1 Bluetooth Transmitter
Coming in at a relatively cheap price, the Anker Soundsync A3341 2-in-1 Bluetooth Transmitter provides all the basic functionality one would expect from such a device.
Design and Features
The Anker Soundsync A3341 features Bluetooth 5.0 for fast data transmission and uninterrupted high-quality audio at a distance of up to 33 ft (10m)
This easy to use device can last for 20 hours when operating as a transmitter, and approximately 17.5 hours when set up as a receiver. The transmitter setting allows for any Bluetooth-enabled device to receive a signal from virtually any TV or stereo/HiFi setup. As a receiver, the Soundsync can pair with up to two devices to stream audio wirelessly to any speaker system.
Sound Quality
Functioning on the latest Bluetooth 5.0 format and supporting aptX HD, the Anker Soundsync will transfer your music or movie wirelessly in a lossless manner. Various input choices are available: Aux, RCA, and Optical – allowing compatibility with TV, HiFi/stereo, and any car audio system equipped with an Aux input. The Soundsync features low-latency technology for a lag-free viewing experience when used for TV viewing.
Overall, the sound quality here is great for the price and the 2-in-1 functionality makes for a highly versatile product.
Nulaxy Bluetooth FM Transmitter for Car
This Nulaxy Bluetooth transmitter is specifically designed for use in one’s car, facilitating a connection between your mobile phone or iPod and your car’s stereo system.
Design and Features
Connecting to your car’s auxiliary power outlet, the Nulaxy Bluetooth FM Transmitter bridges a connection between your car’s audio setup and your cellphone to use for music, radio, voice calls, and more. The transmitter features a 1.8” TFT color display, offering a visual guide for information such as song names, FM frequency, incoming phone calls, and monitoring your car’s battery voltage.
An impressive feature of this Nulaxy Bluetooth transmitter is its ability to charge up to two devices via USB simultaneously and at extraordinarily high speed (4x faster than usual charging) An onboard control section allows for fast forward/backward and toggling between playback options of ‘Repeat All’, ‘One’, ‘Folder’ or ‘Random’. Audio can also be streamed via either Bluetooth, microSD, or Aux connections.
The Nulaxy Bluetooth device includes over-current protection, over-voltage security, temperature control and short-circuit protection to unsure entirely safe driving while protecting your connected devices. In addition to this, handsfree calling is possible with a stable connection guaranteed and echo-cancellation technology eliminates unwanted background noise.
While this Bluetooth FM Transmitter by Nulaxy does not have a power on/off switch, it can be easily powered down by removing the device from its connection. The display screen does not enter a sleep mode at any time, giving you the ability to constantly oversee your battery/voltage status.
The only requirements needed to use this product are a 12V auxiliary power outlet/cigarette lighter in your car, along with a radio that’s capable of accessing FM frequencies.
Sound Quality
As for sound quality, the Nulaxy Bluetooth FM Transmitter proves to provide all the basics, plus more amazing features: 4 playback modes and multiple file-viewing options, on the onboard display screen, as well as 5 equalization presets available. The EQ presets offered are Normal (flat), Classical, Pop, Rock, and Jazz. These play modes are used to customize the frequency response and characteristics of your car’s stereo system in response to your music being played through it, adding a ton of versatility to this device.
IMDEN C68 Bluetooth FM Transmitter for Car
The IMDEN C68 Bluetooth FM Transmitter is available at a low price and includes advanced charging technology, hands-free calling, voice-activated navigation, and various safety procedures for a safe and uninterrupted driving experience.
Design and Features
Powered through your car’s auxiliary power outlet/cigarette lighter socket, the IMDEN C68 FM Transmitter for the car is capable of charging up to two devices at once, utilizing superior quick-charging technology. Charging options available are QC3.0 USB-type and Type-C (for Samsung), under maximum output, the charger operates at a highly efficient speed, powering your devices up to 4x faster than a standard charger.
Safer hands-free calling is possible with the IMDEN C68 FM Transmitter- the user has the power to answer, redial, dismiss, or end a call simply at the push of a button. Voice navigation of your cellphone is also supported here, long-pressing the phone control button will activate Siri or Google Assistant, while the phone control button on the device also doubles as a power on/off switch. Various safety measures have been implemented in the IMDEN C68 Bluetooth transmitter, allowing you to protect your connected devices from short-circuits, over-voltage, and similar issues. The IMDEN C68 FM Transmitter can be turned on/off easily by the press of a button, preserving your car’s battery while the transmitter is not in use.
Sound Quality
The IMDEN C68 Bluetooth Transmitter delivers crystal-clear audio via your car’s current FM stereo. For hands-free calls, a high-performance microphone with noise suppression capabilities guarantees to provide highly audible phone-calls while driving safely. As for music, this FM Bluetooth transmitter supports a USB flash drive with a capacity of up to 32GB and reproduces audio without any distortion added to your source signal. The “B” button on the unit, when activated, will enhance the low end of your music. Fattening and tightening up the bass response to provide a more enjoyable listening experience for those who enjoy DJ/Electronic, Rap, and any other forms of bass-heavy music.
Anker Roav Bluetooth FM Transmitter for Car
Anker’s Roav SmartCharge Bluetooth FM Transmitter features all the expected functions of a car wireless audio system, however it is designed to provide a safer driving experience by limiting driver-to-device contact.
Design and Features
Compact and efficient, the Anker Roav SmartCharge operates as an FM transmitter for audio and central charging hub for your car. USB 3.0 and USB-C outlets are available for charging, functioning at a speed of up to 2.5x faster than standard chargers. 1-button calling makes for an easy-to-use device, at the loss of options to decline or redial an incoming call. The Anker Roav’s built-in microphone includes noise cancellation features, filtering out unwanted noise on the road, making for a crystal-clear phone call.
A convenient feature of the Anker Roav Bluetooth Transmitter is its ability to self-search for available FM frequencies to use for your pairing and music/call streaming. Simply tapping on the “Channel” button will enable this function, and the Roav will search and connect to an unoccupied channel.
Sound Quality
Bluetooth 5.0 technology on the Anker Roav Smartcharge allows you to drive safely without interruptions due to connectivity issues. Otherwise, there are no special features here that set this product apart from other FM Transmitters for car, however, for listening to any style of music, radio or podcast will without-a-doubt be hassle-free and you won’t be let down here with regards to audio quality.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Bluetooth Transmitter
While the various factors to consider when looking for a Bluetooth transmitter will largely depend on your intended use, there are certain general specifications to look out for. Let’s take a closer look!
1. Bluetooth Version (and its impact on product performance)
At the moment, we have access to Bluetooth versions 5.0 and earlier. While most modern devices will utilize 5.0 technology, some still operate on older versions. The most important factor to remember is that a Bluetooth transmitter will only function as well as its slowest version in your signal chain. To break this down, using a Bluetooth 5.0 transmitter in conjunction with your cellphone which operates on Bluetooth 4.0, for example, will only deliver 4.0 quality sound.
Using a Bluetooth 5.0 Transmitter in conjunction with your cellphone which operates on Bluetooth 4.0, for example, will only deliver 4.0 quality sound.
Another vital rule to remember is the amount of energy (power) Bluetooth will draw from its enabled devices in use. Bluetooth 5.0 operates on a low-energy mode, preserving the battery life of all connected devices. Older versions of Bluetooth will pull more power from your devices and reduce battery life.
So before purchasing any Bluetooth audio system, be sure to check the versions supported by your current equipment, to ensure compatibility between all devices and optimum performance.
2. Form of Audio Transmission (codec)
Now that we know about the power of different Bluetooth versions, we need to understand the tech-talk used to describe the audio quality and transmission speeds. When dealing with wireless audio communications between a pair of devices, it is important to look at the type of technology (known as the codec) as it has a major impact on the audio quality.
A codec of aptX or later is imperative
By today’s standards, a codec of aptX or later is imperative as most older devices may not support modern Bluetooth transmission, and therefore revert to a less-complex codec known as SBC. This aptX technology has seen various upgrades to support high definition (aptX-HD) transmission and low-latency (aptX-LL) operations.
3. Connectivity Options
An equally as important factor as sound quality (determined by the codec used) is, so are the connectivity options available. This greatly depends on your intended uses of the Bluetooth transmitter but I’d suggest purchasing a great all-purpose setup, you never know when it could come in handy. Fortunately, things don’t get too complicated here for most applications. Connections to look out for include:
- Optical Cable (for TV use)
- USB (TV or PC)
- 3.5mm jack (Aux/Headphone cable)
- RCA (Red and white cables for TV or HiFi/Stereo System)
4. Wireless Range
For use in your car, a short-range transmitter will do just fine. However, if you plan to stream music from your phone to your HiFi/Stereo System, or pair a set of headphones to your TV for wireless viewing, you may need a longer-range setup. Later Bluetooth versions are capable of long-range connectivity. At the current version of Bluetooth (version 5.0), one can expect an effective range from 32 – 164 feet.
5. Maximum Number of Connected Devices
This shouldn’t be considered a make-or-break factor to consider when looking to purchase a Bluetooth Transmitter. However, one must remember that while many Bluetooth transmitters offer dual-link connectivity (two devices connected at once) the same form of audio codec (usually aptX, aptX-LL, or aptX HD) may not be available for both dual and single-use, thus degrading audio quality when more than one device is linked to the transmitter.
while many Bluetooth transmitters offer dual-link connectivity, the audio codec may not support it, thus degrading audio quality when more than one device is linked to the transmitter.
6. Ability to Bypass Bluetooth
When using your Bluetooth Audio Transmitter for TV, the speakers that are either built-in or externally wired to your television will be inactive. Some users may desire the ability to toggle between their wireless speakers or headphones and the wired or onboard speakers. A bypass button on the Bluetooth Transmitter provides easy switching.
Unfortunately, this is not available on all units and you may be forced to shut down the Bluetooth transmitter and then re-pair the devices again when wireless connections are needed again.
This is mostly a preferential aspect, and depends greatly on the device in question, as some units support hassle-free pairing and connections (some even pair automatically by accessing a memory bank of previously paired devices) while others require a re-entering of pin codes.
Common Bluetooth Issues (and how to solve them)
While all the devices on our list are incredibly user-friendly and easy to set up or pair (some even connect themselves, or remember previously established connections), some users may face problems from time to time. Here are some frequently encountered Bluetooth issues, and their solutions.
Basic Troubleshooting
Before performing an in-depth troubleshooting, it is recommended to check the basics of any Bluetooth connection by doing the following:
Turn Bluetooth off and then on again: this might help re-establish a faulty connection between devices, and oftentimes, a simple restart is all Bluetooth needs to return to its regular state of operation.
Confirm that all devices in question are paired/connected: it is easy to sometimes mistake a successfully paired connection for a connection in progress; double-checking the connection status can save lots of time in searching for unknown problems.
Restart all devices involved in the connection: Upon revival, the devices in use will require a re-pairing, sometimes needing a security pin (depending on the device and user preference)
Compatibility Issues
As we discussed earlier, Bluetooth is reverse-compatible with older versions, however, when establishing a connection between two different Bluetooth forms, some difficulties may arise. An easy solution to this issue is to keep an eye out for Bluetooth updates, not only will it automatically resolve any issues, but improve the overall Bluetooth experience.
Another less-common cause for compatibility problems is the form of Bluetooth profile in use. Cellphones often feature many Bluetooth profiles, and which one you use depends on what you intend on using your Bluetooth system for. The most common profiles available are:
- HFP (Hands-Free Profile)
- PAN (Personal Area Network)
- A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile)
HFP, as the name suggests, is used for hands-free calling, while PAN is the profile used to establish local networks for file-sharing, and A2DP is for music streaming purposes.
Simply deselecting the unneeded profiles from the options will allow for more processing power for necessary uses.
Bluetooth Can’t Connect
When one has trouble with forming a paired connection between two Bluetooth devices, there is usually a very simple fix. To troubleshoot, check the following:
Bluetooth Cuts Out
A common Bluetooth issue is a momentary loss of audio signal, also known as stuttering. There are various causes of this problem, so be sure to evaluate this troubleshooting guide in order to determine the source of the issue, and what steps to take in solving it. Some common things to watch out for are:
- Stay within the operating range of the Bluetooth devices, as wireless signal weakens as distance increases.
- If you’re using a device stored in a protective case, particularly one that includes thick material or metal, Bluetooth signal strength may deteriorate.
- Proximity to other Bluetooth devices: the radio frequencies may interfere with your current Bluetooth pairing. This also applies to non-Bluetooth devices that operate within a similar frequency range, including microwave ovens, refrigerators, computers, etc. To avoid this issue, disable any unused connections for optimal performance.
- File size- when transferring large files via Bluetooth, one can expect delays in communication.
When paired with your car:
When experiencing issues connecting your cellphone to a Bluetooth transmitter for use in your car, oftentimes it is sensitive alterations made to your mobile device’s operating system that cause miscommunication between devices. A simple solution to this problem is clearing the cache or forcing your phone to forget previously established Bluetooth connections. This will cause your mobile device to recreate the correct files needed to support Bluetooth pairing once the connection has been recreated.
When paired with a computer or laptop:
When using Bluetooth to transmit audio from a computer or laptop while connected to a wireless network, your WiFi router may cause disruptions to the Bluetooth signal as they sometimes occupy the same frequency band. This can be solved by altering the channel used by your wireless router/modem. This is done through the WiFi settings page on your PC/laptop. The number of Bluetooth devices connected to one computer can also disturb your connection, try minimizing the number of operating devices paired with your PC.
If you’re using Bluetooth with a PC or Mac computer, and are still struggling after completing these steps, the onboard troubleshooter may be able to assist. To access the troubleshooter, complete the following instructions:
For PC:
First, ensure your Bluetooth drivers are correct and up-to-date. Next, complete the following steps:
Start Button 🡪 Settings 🡪 Update & Security 🡪 Troubleshoot
Then select ‘Bluetooth’ under ‘find and fix other problems’ and start the program. The software will guide you through and the necessary steps you may need to follow to resolve your issue.
For Mac:
On a Mac computer, resetting your PC’s Bluetooth module may be the answer to your issues. To restart the module, do the following:
Hold Shift and Option (Alt) Keys while simultaneously clicking the Bluetooth symbol in your menu bar on the top of your screen. If the Bluetooth icon is not on your menu, bar, find Bluetooth preferences in the settings menu, and select the box allowing the icon to display on the main menu.
Once the symbol has been clicked while holding the Shift and Option modifier keys, you’ll be greeted with an option for Debug. Hovering your mouse over the option, click on ‘Reset Bluetooth module’, once this task has been completed, restart your computer to confirm these changes.
If your issues continue to persist after following the above troubleshooting steps, contact the manufacturer of your Bluetooth device- most units come with a great warranty package, if it has expired, the manufacturer may be able to guide you through the steps needed to solve your difficulties.
When used correctly, any Bluetooth audio device will be long-lasting and fulfill your expectations to the max. Virtually any issue can be solved as there are only a handful of common Bluetooth problems, watching out for these causes will ensure a hassle-free and highly enjoyable Bluetooth experience.
Avantree AudiKast Plus Bluetooth Transmitter
With various connectivity options, onboard volume controls, impressively long-range, and immaculate audio quality!
