Technology offers many advantages and convenience but connecting multiple devices could lead to a confusing mess of wires. This is the great benefit of Bluetooth technology, you can enjoy the advantages and freedom of connecting all your gadgets without the hassle of wires.
While many modern devices have the technology built-in, in some cases you need to invest in a Bluetooth transmitter. We look at the 10 best Bluetooth transmitters with options for a range of environments.
Quick Pick
- Best Bluetooth transmitter for car
- Best Bluetooth transmitter for TV
- Best Bluetooth transmitters for airplane
- Best Bluetooth transmitter for projector
- Best Bluetooth transmitter for headphones
- Best Bluetooth transmitter for AirPods
- Best Long-range Bluetooth transmitter
- Best budget Bluetooth transmitter
- Best Bluetooth FM transmitter
- Best Bluetooth transmitter(and receiver) overall
What is Bluetooth?
Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology protocol or standard for the transfer of data between devices. It works on the 2.402 GHz to 2.480 GHz frequency band using UHF short-wave radio waves. Bluetooth was developed in 1994 by Ericsson and is now managed by the more than 35,000 companies that make up the Bluetooth SIG or Special Interest Group.
It is used in a wide range of devices including PCs, mobile phones, laptops, headsets, controllers, alarm systems, cameras, appliances, and many more. It is now especially useful in smart-home environments, allowing various electronics to “talk” to each other.
Bluetooth Transmitter FAQs
What are Bluetooth transmitters?
Do I need a Bluetooth transmitter or receiver?
The 10 Best Bluetooth Transmitters:
Not all Bluetooth transmitters are equal. Some perform better than others or have added features. Most importantly, although most are quite versatile, some are better suited to specific environments. We review the best options in each category to help you find the ideal model for what you want.
1. Nulaxy KM18 Bluetooth Car FM Transmitter Audio Adapter Receiver
Best Bluetooth transmitter for car
Perhaps you drive a classic car or simply have an older car radio that does not support Bluetooth. That does not need to prevent you from enjoying the convenience of streaming your favorite tunes from your phone, iPod, or other music devices. Some will also allow you the safety and convenience of making hands-free calls from your mobile phone.
Here is a great option if you need to add Bluetooth technology to your car’s sound system:
This is a highly rated top-selling FM Bluetooth transmitter for your car. It is extremely well priced and has impressive features and functionality. It is highly versatile and it will work with most devices available. It also allows you to answer calls by hitting a button and then speak hands-free.
The Nulaxy has a large and clear 1. 44 inch LCD to display music, the battery voltage of your car, and call details. This adds to the safety and convenience. The voltmeter is a useful safety feature. You get a lot of bang for your buck with this user-friendly and versatile car Bluetooth transmitter.
2. Mpow Bluetooth Transmitter and Receiver
Best Bluetooth transmitter for TV
You might want to enjoy the game, music, or a movie without disturbing others. Perhaps you just enjoy the more immersive experience of watching TV with headphones. Whatever the reason, Bluetooth is the answer. Even some of the better modern TVs do not support Bluetooth so a quality transmitter is the answer.
The Mpow Bluetooth device is not only ideal for use with your TV but also comes in at an extremely good price. You can pair two speakers or headphones for an awesome viewing or gaming experience. While it is perfect for your TV you could also use it effectively with your PC, laptop, smartphone, or other devices.
The transmitter and receiver both have a quality CSR chip and the device also has aptX for impressive audio quality and practically no latency. The Mpow is compact and user-friendly. It can be used while charging and the battery life of the charger is around 7 hours.
The feedback on this unit is positive and it is a popular choice. It comes with a 2-year warranty.
3. RHA Wireless Flight Adapter: Bluetooth 5 Audio Transmitter
Best Bluetooth transmitter for airplane
You might have the greatest Bluetooth headphones in the world but without the right transmitter, they are not going to help you on an airplane. You will have to make do with the cheap nasty wired ones they give you.
Enjoy quality in-flight entertainment with your favorite Bluetooth headphones with an affordable reliable transmitter. There are normally sockets available, simply plug in, sit back, and enjoy your flight.
This is a quality adapter at an affordable price. It has Bluetooth 5.0 and aptX high fidelity and low latency. The modular inputs give you the option of a single or double 3.5mm input so the transmitter can be used on two headphones at the same time. This allows you to share a movie or any other media with your companion as you travel.
It is a compact robust unit and the transmitter is extremely versatile. While it is ideal for use in the air it will be equally effective with a range of other devices. It uses USB-C charging and the battery should give you a good 16 hours. The unit is also highly versatile and pairs easily with your Bluetooth devices.
4. 1mii B02 Bluetooth 5.0 Transmitter for Projector
Best Bluetooth transmitter for projector
Projectors are used for home entertainment or serious business presentations. They are often moved around and Bluetooth is the ideal solution to make the experience easier to set up and more reliable. Cables will get in the way and make more work for you.
This is one of the more popular options for use with a projector. It is Bluetooth 5.0 and works with most devices and speaker systems/headphones. The transmitter has aptX so latency and lag should not be an issue.
Provided the devices you pair with also support advanced technology you can expect quality audio without the hassles and effort needed for a wired system. The transmitter is quick and easy to set up and no technical knowledge is necessary.
The range is also impressive at around 100 ft indoors and 164 line-of-sight. It is compact which makes it easier when you need a portable setup.
5. Avantree Oasis Plus Certified aptX Bluetooth 5.0 Transmitter Receiver
Best Bluetooth transmitter for headphones
One of the main reasons people invest in a Bluetooth transmitter is for use with headphones. Most models will work with wireless headphones but these 2 stood out as leading choices.
The Oasis Plus delivers crystal clear audio to your headphones with no noticeable latency. They are great for music, TV, gaming, and many other activities. It is a feature-rich Bluetooth transmitter-receiver with a touch screen and voice guide for added convenience and ease of use. You want to enjoy the experience and not fiddle with the gadget and this device allows just that.
It has a decent range so you do not have to stay on top of the transmitter to enjoy quality audio. It is Bluetooth 5.0 and has aptX for clarity, quality, and minimal lag. You can stream to 2 headphones simultaneously for enjoyment with a friend or partner. All in all, it is a smart-looking product that works well and is highly versatile. It is rated as one of the better Bluetooth Transmitters/Receivers available.
6. Twelve South AirFly USB-C Bluetooth Transmitter with Audio Sharing
Best Bluetooth transmitter for AirPods
AirPods are all the rage at the moment. They are compact, comfortable, and deliver quality audio on the go. To get the most out of them, you need to pair them with a good Bluetooth transmitter.
Twelve South is normally the first brand one thinks of when considering a Bluetooth transmitter for AirPods and for good reason. They are top-quality. It is pointless pairing your decent AirPods with an inferior transmitter as this will diminish the performance.
Like AirPods themselves, the Twelve South Bluetooth transmitter is relatively expensive. The price is not exorbitant but a bit more than average and well worth the investment. You can connect 2 AirPods or other wireless headphones at the same time and experience quality audio with practically zero lag.
The device is Bluetooth 5.0, has the latest audio codecs and aptX Technology. The battery life is more than 20 hours which is extremely impressive. The device is light and highly compact, perfect for traveling or enjoying your AirPods anywhere.
7. Miccus Proven 300ft Long Range Bluetooth Transmitter Receiver
Best Long-range Bluetooth transmitter
The range Bluetooth is able to transmit has improved over the years thanks to new protocols and advances in hardware. Here is an ideal option if you need a transmitter that can handle longer than average distances.
Not only do you get a super-long Bluetooth range of 300 feet with this transmitter-receiver but it is also fantastic value for money. You can enjoy little to no latency thanks to the aptX and it will work with most devices.
The maximum range is thanks to the antenna and class 1 Tech. It applies to line-of-sight. Indoors you can expect around 160 ft which is still exceptional. This makes it practical for outdoor use on the patio or by the pool.
It is user-friendly and easy to set up and manage. Dual-link allows you to connect two headphones at once and you can even set different volumes for each one.
8. Xinda Bluetooth Transmitter and Receiver Splitter 2-in-1
Best budget Bluetooth transmitter
You might need a Bluetooth transmitter but are on a tight budget. If that is the case, check out this affordable option that will get the job done.
You can pick up this popular option for under twenty bucks which is outstanding value for money. Despite the low price, it has received very good feedback from customers. It even has aptX to reduce lag and will work with most devices.
The device comes with a USB cable for charging, an RCA cable, and an audio cable. It charges quickly and has overcharge protection. You can expect around 8 hours of use from a full charge which is not bad for a budget device. It is also extremely compact so is easy to carry. For peace of mind, Xinda offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
9. Aphaca Bluetooth 5.0 FM Transmitter Car Kit
Best Bluetooth FM transmitter
While the option we reviewed under the car section above would work well in this category, here is one more great option.
This elegant and stylish FM transmitter is super easy to use and delivers exceptional audio quality. Best of all, it is very well priced. It will allow you to play music from a wide range of devices and supports all the popular digital music formats.
The dual USB ports allow the transmitter to work with 2 devices at once. One port can be used for fast charging and the other one can support a flash device up to 32GB. The Aphaca offers convenient hands-free calling. It is Bluetooth 5.0 and has CVC noise reduction for enhanced audio quality. This nifty FM transmitter is well-loved and a top-seller.
10. IMDEN Bluetooth 5.0 FM Transmitter for Car
Bonus
The Imden model is very similar in design and features and also comes at a fantastically low price. Again, it has 2 ports although in this case, both can charge devices if necessary. It has a range of safety features to prevent overcharging and other potential risks.
The transmitter also supports hands-free calling for safety and convenience. It too works with most sound systems and music formats and has CVC noise suppression. The transmitter is compact and user-friendly.
So what’s the best Bluetooth transmitter (and receiver) overall?
We did extensive research and read countless user comments to find the very best Bluetooth transmitter-receivers on the market. Some are more suitable for the specific category in which we featured them but they are all quality products that have been highly rated by those that have bought them.
That makes it hard to decide on the best. Much will depend on what you intend to use it for, the environment and equipment you intend to use, your budget, and several other factors.
Two, however, really stood out for us. The Avantree Oasis Plus is a top option that will work exceptionally well in most environments. The quality and features are outstanding.
With aptX and Bluetooth 5.0 it performs well with almost no noticeable lag. It works well on two devices simultaneously. The features that make this unit really stand out are the voice control and touch screen. Very few transmitters can boast this convenience.
A close runner up, and a great option if your budget is a bit tight, is the Mpow Bluetooth Transmitter and Receiver. It is compact, powerful, and has all the features you want in a good Bluetooth transmitter-receiver.
It is highly versatile and will work with most devices. The price is phenomenal and you get great value for money. The CSR chip and aptX technology deliver impressive quality and you are unlikely to notice any lag.
It is also user-friendly and quick to set up and operate. The 2-year warranty will give you added peace of mind in your investment.
Selecting a Bluetooth transmitter
Compatibility
Fortunately, this is not a major issue. If you have a device that does not have Bluetooth functionality, most decent Bluetooth transmitters will solve this problem. Generally, all you need is a 3.5 mm headphone jack or an optical audio output.
On rare occasions where these are not available, there are generally adapters or hacks that can solve the problem. Having the latest version of Bluetooth, see below, will ensure it is compatible with the very latest devices coming onto the market while still working with older gadgets.
Protocol version
As with all modern technology, Bluetooth is constantly evolving and improving. This means that new versions are released from time to time. We are currently on version 5, or more specifically, version 5.2 which was published by the Bluetooth SIG at the end of December 2019.
While there have been multiple versions over the years, the good news that, in most cases, they are backward compatible. In other words, if your transmitter is on version 5 it will still work with version 4 or even older protocol versions.
While the early versions, 1.0 and 1.0B were problematic at first, the technology has developed and improved over the years. Most enhancements have been around speed of discovery and connection, security, data transfer speeds, reliability, features, and energy use.
From version 4.2 (released in December 2014) and especially relevant with version 5 is a strong focus on the Internet of Things (IoT). This is a rapidly growing technology with a lot to offer and will become more important and relevant over the coming years.
User Friendliness
You want a device that is uncomplicated and hassle-free. The more user-friendly Bluetooth transmitters are easy to set up and pair with other devices and some have additional features such as a clear display or even voice prompts. These features make the transmitter more convenient.
Remote Control
Some Bluetooth transmitters come with a remote control which adds an additional layer of convenience. You don’t have to get up to change settings or make adjustments. It is not essential but handy to have.
Audio Visual Lag
This is one of the drawbacks of Bluetooth and some lag is to be expected. For gamers, musicians, or those simply watching a movie this can be frustrating.
Fortunately, improvements in Bluetooth technology and the devices have improved so there is now minimal lag. Some devices are better than others so if this is a major issue for you look for one with minimal audio visual lag. The better ones use aptX Technology to reduce lag or latency. Also, look at the codecs supported by the headphones or devices being used to receive the Bluetooth transmission.
There are several tips and tricks online to further tweak the devices to reduce lag in some environments.
Transmission Range
The transmission range of Bluetooth transmitters has improved substantially over the years. While that sounds great, there is a downside.
The idea of Bluetooth is a short-range wireless communication protocol. It can work off a range of frequencies from 2.402 GHz to 2.480 GHz in the Bluetooth standard 2.4 GHz band. Lower frequency transmitters will have more range but with a significantly lower data speed.
Other factors that impact the transmission range include the transmit power, receiver sensitivity, antenna gain, path loss, and other factors.
Connectivity
Before answering this question, it is important to make the destitution between a paired device and a device that is actively communicating over Bluetooth. You can pair an almost unlimited number of devices to one host but that is not to say they can all be active at the same time. You also need to distinguish between devices that act as a Bluetooth host (master) and those that are clients (slaves).
Computers, tablets, mobile phones, and consoles are examples of hosts. Clients can include headsets, speakers, controllers, cameras, keyboards, printers, and other gadgets. In some cases, a device could be a host or a controller depending on how it is configured. Having understood that the general rule is that 7 clients or devices can be connected and active (transmitting/receiving) to one host simultaneously.
There are situations where you will not be able to connect more than one device that has the same Bluetooth profile. This is most common with audio gadgets such as headphones. There are hubs available that can help you organize and manage multiple connections more effectivel
Additional factors
Other important factors to consider when making your decision include size, durability, battery life, and the price.
Conclusion
Why use wires when you have the freedom and convenience of Bluetooth without compromising on quality and clarity? Now that you have some understanding of the leading options available for different applications, give some thought to which one is best for you. You can now make an informed decision and invest in a quality Bluetooth transmitter that you will really appreciate.
