Best Bluetooth Audio Transmitter Archives

This wiki has been updated 21 times since it was first published in June of 2015. There's no need to discard that perfectly good old stereo system just because it doesn't offer today's connectivity options. These reliable Bluetooth transmitters and receivers can breathe modern technological life into older devices, turning most 3.5-mm and RCA connections into miniature wireless hubs. They are also available in models for use with MP3 players and car stereos. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki. Skip to the best bluetooth transmitter on Amazon.

Editor's Notes

November 13, 2019:

There's a lot you can do with the right wireless transmitter. The Avantree Oasis Plus, Avantree Priva III, and Avantree Audikast Plus offer varying ranges of features for providing good- to high-quality audio for up to 2 listeners at once. They all utilize the AptX Low Latency codec but they don't all have high-fidelity AptX HD support; of course, your headphones or speakers will need support for the appropriate standards if you want to take advantage of them at all. The TaoTronics BA014 is another that supports better-than-CD-quality Bluetooth transmission. If none of these transmitters get the job done for your home theater, check out our rundown of Bluetooth receivers, many of which share similar characteristics and can be paired up to provide a great entertainment experience.

Another type of transmitter actually receives a Bluetooth signal and repeats it over the FM band, adding modern functionality to cars and trucks that are decades old or older. The VicTsing BH346A is the most versatile of these as it's able to read TF cards and USB drives in addition to listening for transmissions from a smartphone. It even has a graphic equalizer and color screen that displays track information. The VicTsing BH347A is a simpler and more compact version, and they both support Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 so you won't have to worry about your phone running out of juice in the field. The TecTri BC30 isn't quite as advanced, but thanks to its integrated extension cable, it may actually be considerably safer.

Finally, we included the Shanling M0 and Shanling M2X because, while they are quite expensive, they provide high-resolution media playback in various formats, and they're among the few devices that can transmit using Sony's high-end LDAC codec. Do be aware, however, that as versatile as they are, their AptX HD support was recently removed in a firmware update, unfortunately. But if you have a high-end pair of wireless headphones that does support LDAC transmission and you want to use something besides a recent Android smartphone to drive them, they are definitely worth a look.

What Is Bluetooth?

The range on most common Bluetooth transmitters is 30 feet, so it's best to set everything up in or around the room in which you plan to use it.

Which Bluetooth Transmitter Is Right For You?

Now that you have a sense of what Bluetooth is and how it works, you might be wondering how to choose from among a sea of available transmitters on the market. The fastest way to narrow down that extensive field is to ask yourself where you intend to use your transmitter, and with what device or devices. For example, if you've got an old MP3 player you want to take out on runs with you, but you prefer the freedom of wireless Bluetooth headphones, you might need to plug in a transmitter to complete the package. For that kind of application, you don't need to worry much about how a given transmitter will perform at the outskirts of its range — it'll rarely be more than a few feet from your head. You would want to look for something as small as possible, however, and maybe invest in a running belt while you're at it, just to make your life easier.

The fastest way to narrow down that extensive field is to ask yourself where you intend to use your transmitter, and with what device or devices.

Most people investing in these kinds of transmitters are using them with older televisions that don't have Bluetooth capabilities, as TVs are one of the few pieces of tech today that still hold up for a long while, and there are plenty of consumers still clinging to their 1080 HD units from nearly a decade ago. For consumers in this market, it's important to know whether you ever intend to use your transmitter elsewhere, as well. If not, you can invest in a model that lets you plug it into the wall for consistent use with a Bluetooth speaker system or a pair of headphones. If you do plan on using it in various locations in addition to your entertainment center, look for a rechargeable model that won't be tethered to the wall.

If you fancy yourself an audiophile, and you want to get the most pristine performance out of your Bluetooth transmitter as possible, look for a unit with an optical connection. These cords, though more fragile than traditional 3.5mm connections, can carry full surround sound mixes from your TV to a Bluetooth-enabled stereo receiver, where the mix can easily be split up and sent to the appropriate speakers. This type of transmitter also often has the 3.5mm jack, as well, making it a good choice for setups that require multiple connections.

Fortunately, this is a category in which products are fairly inexpensive compared to the devices you're using them to connect, so you should feel free to grab one and see how it works for you. If you wind up with more than one in the process, you'll have that much more connectivity at your fingertips.

A Brief History Of The Bluetooth Transmitter

Bluetooth technology was invented by a group of scientists who worked for Ericsson Mobile in 1989. Dr. Nils Rydbeck gave the green light for the development, and Johan Ullman is credited for the invention along with several other scientists: Tord Wingren, Jaap Haartsen, and Sven Mattisson.

Others speculate that he may have had a bad tooth that appeared to be blue.

The word "Bluetooth" is derived from a 10th-century king known as Harald "Blatand" Gormsson. He was responsible for uniting many Danish tribes and introducing Christianity to the region, and he was given the nickname "Bluetooth".

There are many theories as to why Harald was called "Bluetooth." Some say it was because he dressed in all blue. Others speculate that he may have had a bad tooth that appeared to be blue. Still others believe that the nickname is a derivative of words that translate to "dark chieftain."

Regardless, it was this unity he facilitated that inspired the creators of Bluetooth technology to use his name. The goal of Bluetooth is to unite many pieces of technology to be used seamlessly together without being hindered by cords.

In 1997, Intel signed on with the inventing scientists to market this technology, and it launched as public technology is May of 1998. It was slow to catch on, but once people learned the differences between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, it became a desirable feature that is now installed on nearly every newly produced electronic device.

Don't worry if you own a rare or older car, you don't have to junk the vehicle and buy a new one just so you can stream your favorite playlists. All you need to do is spend a few bucks on a Bluetooth transmitter to move your prized vehicle into the 21st century, technology-wise.

A Bluetooth transmitter is a quick and easy way to make vintage items new again, in both your vehicle and your home. We love Avantree's Long-Range Bluetooth Transmitter for its versatility and ability to blanket most homes with Bluetooth connectivity. To learn more about this model or the features to look for in Bluetooth transmitters, read our buying guide.

Considerations when choosing Bluetooth transmitters

Vehicle: A Bluetooth transmitter designed for your vehicle allows you to stream music, engage in hands-free calling, and more. Typically, it's powered by the 12-volt auxiliary outlet located in your vehicle's center console. You want a model that's easy to operate, has a screen that allows you to identify callers, and features a built-in microphone.

Home: A Bluetooth transmitter designed for home use allows you to turn a wired speaker into a wireless entertainment system. These models either feature a rechargeable battery or a plug (wall outlet or USB). Many home units function as both transmitters and receivers so you have greater flexibility with how you use the device.

A Bluetooth transmitter for your car should have no range issues, as the signal only needs to travel 3 or 4 feet at the most. However, with a model that is designed for the home, you need a range that can, at the very least, connect devices in the same room. A model strong enough to feature whole-home coverage is the ideal.

Consider how you'll use your Bluetooth transmitter and what type of connectivity you need. This includes not only how the audio is connected (mini jack, USB, RCA), but how the unit is powered (12-volt, USB, wall outlet) as well.

The older the Bluetooth version in your transmitter, the more frustration you will experience. Look for a unit that has the most current Bluetooth version available (at the time of this writing, that would be Bluetooth 5).

For $10 to $25, you can get a basic Bluetooth transmitter designed for use in your vehicle. In the $25 to $50 range, models feature a wider variety of connectivity options and have a longer range. These Bluetooth transmitters are also better suited for home use. Once you move beyond $50, you can find more compact units with better battery life and special user-friendly features, such as built-in voices that announce incoming calls.

Q. If my Bluetooth transmitter is plugged into my car, how do I charge my phone?

A. The best Bluetooth transmitter for use in your vehicle features a charging port so you can plug your phone directly into the transmitter to keep it fully charged at all times.

Q. I'm not getting the range that was promised by the manufacturer. Is my home Bluetooth transmitter defective?

A. While there's a chance a defective unit slipped through quality control, it's more likely you're experiencing interference of some sort. Bluetooth transmitters need a clear line of sight to operate at maximum distance. The signal is diminished by doors, walls, and other physical objects it must travel through, as well as other devices in the area that may be creating additional interference.

Bluetooth transmitters we recommend

Our take: A long-range, low-latency device that can bring Bluetooth connectivity to an entire home.

What we like: Under optimal conditions, this unit has a line-of-sight range of roughly 300 feet. It's easy to use, functions as both a transmitter and a receiver, and has a bypass switch for convenience.

What we dislike: As is typical with top-of-the-line models, this one comes with a higher price.

Our take: A remarkably affordable Bluetooth transmitter that's designed for use in a vehicle.

What we like: This device is compatible with Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, and Sony products. It features a manual on/off button for convenience and a large LCD display so you're always aware of the state of the device.

What we dislike: This model has a few minor quirks with volume and static which, depending on the individual, may or may not affect the overall user experience.

Our take: A reasonably priced, high-quality, compact Bluetooth transmitter/receiver.

What we like: This model features a 10-hour battery, but it can function while charging, giving it unlimited power. It has a Dual Link mode, which is handy for connecting two devices at once, and it broadcasts with CD-like audio quality.

What we dislike: The Dual Link mode does not support low-latency operation.

Allen Foster is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money. BestReviews never accepts free products from manufacturers and purchases every product it reviews with its own funds.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.