If you have an older vehicle, there’s a good chance that its stereo system doesn’t make it easy to listen to music from a mobile device. In newer cars, AUX cable inputs, built-in USB ports, and wireless connectivity are standard. In many cars, all you have to do is get into your car and start the engine to begin streaming.
Older vehicles don’t have that luxury. AUX cable inputs only started to grow in popularity in the last decade or so. Luckily, there are ways to use your modern device with an older automobile sound system. Bluetooth FM transmitters are handy little devices that work around the absence of mobile technology in your ride.
They connect to your smartphone device wirelessly. The signal it receives from your phone is then transmitted to a specific radio frequency. To enjoy your personal media collection or music from a popular streaming service, all you have to do is tune your car stereo system into that frequency.
Quality FM transmitters take all the hard work out of enjoying your music. It can also save you a lot of money. Instead of having to purchase an aftermarket radio just to get an AUX input, you can spend a fraction of that amount on a transmitter.
Here are some of the best bluetooth FM transmitters that you need to check out.
Criacr Bluetooth FM Transmitter
This Bluetooth FM transmitter from Criacr will act as your mobile phone hub. In addition to letting you play music on your car stereo system, it can help you make hands-free calls and keep your device charged. The transmitter plugs into your vehicle’s 12-volt outlet. An LCD screen and a large knob let you choose the desired frequency. A built-in microphone and noise-suppression technology ensure that your calls are crisp wherever you go. Two USB ports are included. Both can be used for charging. However, the one on the right can also be used with a flash drive to listen to preloaded audio. There’s also an SD card slot on the side as well as media playback buttons.
Pros:
- Has microphone and noise control technology
- Large tuning knob
- Two USB ports
- Flash drive and SD card reader
- Media playback buttons
- Uses standard 12-volt outlet
Cons:
- May be too large for tight front consoles
Nulaxy Bluetooth FM Transmitter
Jam out while keeping track of your car battery’s health with this transmitter from Nulaxy. It has a 1.44-inch LCD display. The vibrant screen can show you media information and connection status. It also has a voltmeter to give you a better idea about the condition of your battery. The device plugs into your 12-volt outlet and features a single USB charging port. A flexible neck allows you to adjust the position of the screen. This design also makes the transmitter a great option for tighter consoles. The transmitter has a large knob, media playback buttons, a microSD slot, and an AUX input
Pros:
- Large multifunction knob
- USB charging port
- Adjustable neck
- Media playback buttons
- SD card reader and AUX input
- Screen with voltmeter
Cons:
- Does not have built-in microphone
IMDEN QC3.0 Bluetooth FM Transmitter
With its sleek and compact design, this transmitter can fit comfortably in most vehicles. The small device plugs into your 12-volt outlet. On the top, it has two USB charging ports. One is a QC3.0 quick-charge port, allowing you to fill up your device’s battery in only a fraction of the time it would take you with a standard charger. There’s also a small LCD screen. It can show you the frequency being transmitting as well as a voltage reading of your car’s battery. On the side, there are media playback buttons and a button to initiate voice commands. There’s a built-in microphone with noise-canceling technology, so you can use your phone safely.
Pros:
- Compact design
- 2 USB charging ports
- Fast charger
- Media playback buttons
- Voice command button
- Microphone with noise-cancelling technology
Cons:
- No SD card reader
Beitesi Bluetooth FM Transmitter
This transmitter provides you with many options to enjoy your media. In addition to Bluetooth streaming, it has an SD card reader and USB port. There are two USB ports in total. One can read flash drives and provide standard charging while the other performs quick charging. The top of the transmitter has a large, multifunction knob that can be used to answer phone calls. There’s also a microphone, LCD screen, media playback buttons, and voltmeter.
Pros:
- Simple to use
- 2 USB charging ports
- Fast charger
- Media playback buttons
- Large multifunction knob
- Microphone with noise-cancelling technology
- Power surge protection
Cons:
- Large size may be a problem in more compact consoles
VicTsing Bluetooth FM Transmitter
Simple, yet full of great features, this transmitter is a great option for any driver. It plugs into your 12-volt outlet. On top of the plug-in, there’s a USB charging port. Then, a flexible neck allows you to adjust the transmitter’s position. It has a 1.44-inch screen that can show you media information, caller ID, and radio frequency. The screen is accompanied by a large knob and media playback buttons. On the side, you’ll find an SD card reader and AUX input for added flexibility.
Pros:
- USB charging port
- Media playback buttons
- Large multifunction knob
- Microphone that reduces wind noise and echo
- 1.44-inch screen
- Voltmeter
- Flexible gooseneck
Cons:
- No fast charger
ROAV SmartCharge Bluetooth FM Transmitter
With this transmitter from ROAV, your music can sound crisp and clear. It has a powerful transmitter and static-canceling technology, so you don’t have to worry about unwanted noise and fuzz as you enjoy your tunes. The compact device has a small LCD screen to display the frequency, a button to pick up phone calls, and two media playback buttons. There are also two, quick-charge USB ports. When it comes to making calls, this transmitter has a high-sensitivity microphone with noise suppression technology.
Pros:
- Compact design
- Two fast-charging USB ports
- Media playback buttons
- Powerful transmittion
- Microphone with noise suppression feature
Cons:
- No multifunction knob
- No neck
- No AUX input or SD card reader
LDesign Bluetooth FM Transmitter
The LDesign transmitter has a unique shape that can make your console look sleek and uncluttered. It plugs into a 12-volt outlet and features one charging port for your convenience. A small LCD screen displays the frequency of the transmission. On the sides, you’ll find a volume rocker, channel buttons, an AUX input, and an SD card reader. On the top, there’s a single button that can be used to answer phone calls. The built-in microphone is engineered to reduce noise, ensuring that your friends and family can hear you clearly. This transmitter uses Bluetooth 5.0 technology, so it’s compatible with most devices.
Pros:
- Noise-cancelling microphone
- USB charing port
- Media playback buttons
- Powerful transmittion
- LCD screen
- AUX input and SD card reader
- Bluetooth 5.0
Cons:
- Unique design may make it awkward to use in some vehicles
- No fast charger
GoGroove FlexSmart Bluetooth FM Transmitter
If more than one person drives your vehicle, you may benefit from this GoGroove transmitter. Up to two devices can be paired through Bluetooth. There’s also an AUX input for those who don’t want to connect wirelessly. The device features media playback buttons, a large multifunction knob, and two phone buttons. You can easily initiate a call or hang up with a press of a button. There are two microphones on this transmitter to pick up your voice clearly.
Pros:
- Can be paired with two devices
- USB charing port
- Media playback buttons
- Dual microphones
- AUX input
- Flexible gooseneck
Cons:
- No noise-canelling technology
Bluetooth FM Transmitter Buying Guide
These devices have been available for many years and have revolutionized the way drivers listen to music on the road. As new technology has emerged, transmitters have become more complex and full of features. There are plenty of options to choose from. To help you with your search, here are some things to keep in mind.
Technology
Bluetooth technology is a must-have. Bluetooth allows you to connect your smartphone device wirelessly. Once connected, your phone remembers settings. As a result, you won’t have to go through the pairing process each time you get behind the wheel. With Bluetooth, your phone stays untethered and you can avoid a mess of tangled cords.
Some transmitters give you the option to use wires. They may plug into the charging port or headphone jack to pick up audio information. This optional feature is great if you want to enjoy a song on your passenger’s phone.
Overall Design
Transmitters come in a range of sizes and designs. While it may not seem like a big deal at first, the design of the transmitter can ultimately affect the way it’s used and how much room it takes. Simpler devices are quite small. This can be great in terms of space, but inconvenient in terms of visibility and access.
Larger transmitters feature an adjustable gooseneck. This allows you to adjust where the transmitter sits. Some devices even incorporate a built-in smartphone holder so that you can keep everything in one place.
Power Source
Most devices take power from a 12-volt outlet, also referred to as the cigarette lighter. Keep this in mind when you’re searching for a model that’s right for your car. While many older cars have one of these outlets front and center, yours may be placed inside the glovebox or center console, making it difficult to access. Also, if you only have one outlet available, you may have to choose between listening to music and keeping your device charged.
Transmission Options
The main purpose of a transmitter is to blast audio information out as a radio frequency signal. The signal can then be picked up by your vehicle’s antennae. Most Bluetooth FM transmitters allow you to choose the frequency of the transmission. This is a very important feature.
You want to choose a frequency number that is not taken up by a local radio station. This ensures that the signals don’t combine and create a muddy listening experience. Look for transmitters that provide exact frequency measurements. Those that only transmit to certain frequency ranges tend to produce a weaker signal.
Extras
Bluetooth FM transmitters can do so much more than blast radio signals. There are many options available with additional features that enhance the listening experience. One of the most useful is a charging port. Because the FM transmitter is taking up one of your 12-volt outlets, it’s good to have a transmitter with a USB outlet for charging.
Some devices also have device controls. They may have small buttons that let you change songs in an instant. This is a beneficial feature because it helps you avoid getting distracted by unlocking your phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do Bluetooth FM transmitters work?
These small devices use a lot of technology to help you enjoy your music as you drive. The transmitter connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth technology. It works the same as wireless headphones or speakers. However, instead of playing your music directly, the audio information is blasted through radio frequency waves.
It will transmit to a specified frequency, which is then picked up by your vehicle’s antennae. You can hear your music by tuning into that channel.
Q: How do you pair a transmitter to a mobile device?
Before you start transmitting music, you need to pair your transmitter to your phone. The pairing process is relatively simple, though the exact steps will depend entirely on your phone and the device itself. Usually, you have to turn the transmitter on and put it in pairing mode. Then, you must navigate to the Bluetooth menu on your phone. After a few seconds of being in pairing mode, you should see the device’s name. Simply press to connect.
If your transmitter has a screen, it may provide you with a short number code. The code helps to ensure that you’re the only one who can connect. Just type the code into your phone. Once you’re connected, your smartphone will remember those settings. As long as your phone and the transmitter are on, the two devices will pair automatically each time you get into your car.
Q: Can other people access the transmission?
Due to the way transmitters work, other people are able to listen in on your music. The transmitter blasts radio waves in every direction. However, the radius of the transmission is very small. The only way another person could tune in to your music is if they were driving directly next to you and had their radio set to your specified frequency. The chances of this happening are quite slim, as most people use a frequency that’s not connected to radio stations.
Q: Can transmitters work with phone calls?
Some FM transmitters are capable of working with phone calls. The audio from your phone is being pushed through your vehicle’s speakers, so you won’t have to have the phone to your ear. These devices also have a built-in microphone that’s capable of picking up your voice clearly. They can help you stay safe and connected on the go.