Can I Connect a Bluetooth Speaker to My Car?

Willem Grobler | October 30, 2024

A Bluetooth speaker generally cannot be connected directly to a car’s audio system without some modifications or additional equipment.

Most car stereos are designed and intended to output sound through their built-in speakers rather than through external Bluetooth speakers or other devices.

There are rare exceptions of car audio systems that incorporate a feature that enables it to serve as a sound or music source for external Bluetooth speakers, but it is rare. If your audio system cannot do this, there are potential ways to make this connection work, provided you have or add the right components. Here’s a breakdown of what would be needed:

how to connect a Bluetooth speaker to your car Stereo

1. Bluetooth Transmitter/Adapter

A Bluetooth transmitter is a third-party device that allows audio systems without Bluetooth (like many older car audio systems) to transmit audio to devices like Bluetooth speakers.

You connect a Bluetooth transmitter directly to your car’s stereo, typically via a 3.5mm auxiliary or RCA port. Some, depending on the transmitter can even connect via the cigarette lighter socket. The transmitter, as the name implies, would then transmit the audio signal to your Bluetooth speaker.

Some Bluetooth speakers don’t support direct audio reception from a non-mobile device like a car system. If you plan to use your Bluetooth speaker in this way, make sure it is compatible. Additionally, this setup might introduce audio latency or sound quality degradation. This depends heavily on the quality of your transmitter. If you use both the Bluetooth speaker and the car’s internal speakers at the same time, you may experience sync issues with the output.

Can I Connect a Bluetooth Speaker to My Car? 1

The Aisidra Bluetooth transmitter and receiver is a versatile device for receiving and sending Bluetooth from a wide range of non-Bluetooth devices.

2. Bluetooth Output Module or Amplifier

A Bluetooth output module or Bluetooth amplifier involves a hardware upgrade to your existing audio system. It is often car or brand-specific and is added as an after-market component to the stereo system of the car. Install a Bluetooth-enabled sound amplifier enables you to bypass your car’s internal speakers and stream your music to your connected Bluetooth speakers. Installing a Bluetooth output module is complicated and not a common consumer-level modification.

What to Consider When Choosing A Bluetooth Transmitter or Output Module

  • Bluetooth Version: The latest versions (e.g., Bluetooth 5.0 or higher) generally offer better range, faster data transfer rates, and lower latency.
  • Low Latency Support: Look for support for codecs like aptX Low Latency to reduce audio lag.
  • Range: Some Bluetooth output modules or amplifiers have longer range capabilities, which can be useful if the distance between your car’s audio system and the Bluetooth device is significant.
  • Power Source: Ensure the device can be powered via your car’s 12V socket or USB if it’s being used in a vehicle.
  • Audio Outputs: Verify that the module or amplifier supports the type of output connections (AUX, RCA, etc.) that your audio system has.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a way to connect a Bluetooth speaker to your car’s stereo, then chances are you’re not happy with the sound quality of your car’s audio. It is technically possible to connect a Bluetooth speaker to an underperforming system, but while you may succeed in making it louder, there is no guarantee the quality will sound better. We’d suggest upgrading your car’s internal audio system and installing a good car speaker system.

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Author: Willem Grobler

Willem is an audio enthusiast who's office and home is cluttered with Bluetooth speakers and headphones. He appreciates honest speakers which delivers on their design and marketing promises. His go to speaker when traveling with his family is a JBL Flip 6, but as he loves the outdoors makes no secret of his love for the Turtlebox Gen 2.

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Originally Published: September 15, 2024

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