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The Best Bluetooth Transmitters To Upgrade Your Car

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Last Updated: May 3, 2024, 1:31 p.m.

If you’re caught on the phone while driving, you run the risk of an accident or a fine of up to $350—enough reason to purchase one of the finest Bluetooth transmitters in 2023 for cars online at a fraction of the amount.

If your car doesn’t have Bluetooth, and you don’t feel like messing around with cables, a Bluetooth transmitter is a must-have. They are a convenient way to play your favorite songs in the car and have other benefits too. You can read exactly what these features are in this article, and in addition, we have taken the liberty of reviewing the five most popular Bluetooth transmitters currently available below. Check them out.

Bluetooth Transmitter For Cars Buying Guide

A Bluetooth transmitter is a relatively budget-friendly way to get a lot more out of your car. If there is no Bluetooth in your car, you can solve this problem very simply with a Bluetooth transmitter for cars. In the buying guide below, we explain the most important features of Bluetooth transmitters so that you make an informed purchase.

How to Connect a Bluetooth Transmitter

You connect most Bluetooth transmitters to the 12/24 V socket (the cigarette lighter plug). This ensures that the device is continuously supplied with power and that you do not have to worry about charging any batteries. Models with an internal battery do exist, but have less range, and are a good option if you don't have a lighter socket in the car. In addition, battery models also work without the key in the ignition. After connecting the Bluetooth transmitter, set it to the same free frequency as the car radio, and then connect it to your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth. Note that the frequency range is not the same for every Bluetooth transmitter, and a wider range improves your chances of encountering a suitable frequency.

What Is DAB+ Radio?

DAB, an abbreviation for digital audio broadcasting, is the successor to FM radio, for which you need an FM antenna. In principle, it works the same, only that you receive a digital signal in the air (for free) instead of an analog signal. As a result, the reception is better, you enjoy clearer sound quality, and you can choose from many more radio stations. DAB+ (the improved version of DAB) seems to be the future since it is superior to FM in every way. FM is expected to be extinct at some point. Some Bluetooth transmitters turn your radio into a DAB+ radio, so not only do you enjoy the benefits it offers, but your radio is also immediately future-proof.

USB Port(s)

Sometimes the USB port has fast charging capability, which means that you can charge your device faster than usual, which is very handy. Often it also states how many times faster it is than a 'normal' charger, and can go up to four times, which makes it great for short trips. It's also nice to have more than one USB port in a Bluetooth transmitter so that your passengers also have the option to charge their smartphone (or other devices). There are also models on the virtual shelves with a USB-C connection.

Do You Need Extra Bass?

Some Bluetooth transmitters have a so-called extra bass button. With this, you hear more intense bass sounds through your car's speakers at the touch of a button. This way, you retain control of the intensity and depth. Whether you need it or not, depends on your personal preferences and expected usage.

Voice Control

Voice control is possible if a Bluetooth transmitter supports voice assistance (Google Voice or Siri). If the option is available, you will no longer have to operate the Bluetooth transmitter with your hands, which increases safety enormously and prevents you from having to stop. You simply tell the Bluetooth transmitter which song you want to listen to or who to call.

Features of Bluetooth Transmitters for Cars

The numerous Bluetooth transmitters on the market can make searching for the best Bluetooth transmitter challenging. We have listed all the features you need to know about them.

Connectivity options

Most Bluetooth transmitters have at least one USB port that you can use to charge your phone or plug in a thumb drive. If the storage medium contains compatible audio files, such as MP3s or FLACs, the station can play them. This is ideal for listening to audiobooks or long playlists straight from the transmitter when driving for hours. In addition, most variants are equipped with a Bluetooth 3.0 receiver, which allows you to connect smartphones to the device via a fast but energy-efficient connection. In this way, you do not have to worry that it will overload your car or phone battery. With this feature, you can easily control your phone's radio, audio playback, and calls with the transmitter.

Switch between calls and FM radio at the touch of a button.

With a quality Bluetooth transmitter, you should be able to switch between the radio and make calls instantly. This can usually be done by pressing or holding the call key.

Sound and voice quality

Look for a model that supports hi-fi playback so you can listen to your favorite FM stations or stored MP3 files without noise or distortion. Some models even allow you to swap the sound effects on the transmitter. The transmitter will default to normal or balanced listening mode, but pressing the appropriate button toggles between heavy bass and treble. Also, if you want crystal clear conversations with a Bluetooth transmitter, look for one with echo and noise canceling.

Compatibility with phones and other smart devices

Although slightly more expensive, you can pair some devices with Android and iOS devices. You should consider this feature if you plan to use several phones in your car or share the vehicle with someone who has a phone with a different OS. Most Bluetooth transmitters can also be paired with iPads, Android tablets, and even Windows mobile devices.

Fast charging

You can use the transmitter's USB ports to charge your portable gadgets with the accompanying USB cable. Most ports are similar to the standard USB 2.0 slot on a laptop, which supplies 5.0 volts and 0.5 amps. Newer, high-quality Bluetooth transmitters have USB 3.0 and even a USB Type-C port that supports fast charging. If you are a fan of fast charging, look for one that supports a Power Delivery (PD) rating of 18W and Quick Charge 3.0, which is at least four times faster than standard USB ports.

Voltage protection

Most dashboard radio transmitters require a power of 12 volts DC, which is equivalent to the power of car lighters. You may want to consider purchasing a transmitter with some degree of voltage protection, as the output power of the car battery can fluctuate between 13.5 and 15 volts when the vehicle is moving.

Built-in car battery voltage monitor

Some models have a small light that lights up in a different color depending on the condition of your car battery. It detects the power output and gives you an idea of the voltage range before and after your car starts moving. It also warns you if the voltage has dropped to suboptimal levels, indicating that it's probably time to replace your battery.

Voice prompts and commands

A good Bluetooth transmitter will have automatic voice prompts to help you operate the device, especially while driving. Although not compulsory, voice command can be advantageous as most transmitters only have a simple LCD showing the current FM station. Also, when you connect the unit to a smartphone with the Internet, you can use some transmitters as a microphone for voice commands. You can conveniently talk to Siri or Google Assistant to look up something on the web or ask for some guidance on navigation. You can also use this feature to make and receive calls without needing to hold your phone.

Top Picks

Best Overall: Nulaxy Wireless Bluetooth Transmitter For Cars
Best Dual Charging: Imden Fm Bluetooth Transmitter For Cars
Most Recent: Lencent Bluetooth Transmitter For Cars
Best Car Kit: Kinivo Btc450 Bluetooth Transmitter For Cars
Honorable Mention: Lihan Bluetooth Transmitter For Cars

Reviews

Best Overall

Nulaxy Wireless Bluetooth Transmitter For Cars

Pros	Cons
Flexible and rotatable gooseneck design Wide range of compatibility Perfect screen size	Voice control with Siri is not available

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Best Dual Charging

Imden Fm Bluetooth Transmitter For Cars

Pros	Cons
Easy to set up and use Durable and fast charging Over-voltage protection and temperature control	No user manual included

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Most Recent

Lencent Bluetooth Transmitter For Cars

Pros	Cons
Dual USB ports Car battery voltage display Voice navigation feature	Flash drives are not supported

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Best Car Kit

Kinivo Btc450 Bluetooth Transmitter For Cars

Pros	Cons
Comes with a built-in microphone Stylish, modern design Two-year warranty and lifetime support (the US only)	A bit pricier than other options

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Honorable Mention

Lihan Bluetooth Transmitter For Cars

Pros	Cons
Dual USB ports Built-in microphone included Battery health monitor	Short extension cables

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FAQs

How do I connect a Bluetooth transmitter?

Usually, you connect the Bluetooth transmitter to the 12/24 V socket (the cigarette lighter plug). After this, you set it to the same frequency as the car radio and then connect to your mobile device via Bluetooth.

What is the best frequency for a Bluetooth transmitter?

That depends a bit on where you are. It can be more difficult to find a free frequency in urban areas, so try out frequencies at the lower or upper end of the frequency range, such as 87.5 or 108.

How do I install a Bluetooth car kit?

Connecting a car kit to your car is very simple. First, make sure that the Bluetooth connection on your car kit is turned on. It would help if you also turned on your car's Bluetooth connection. If both connections are on, they’ll find each other and you will receive a notification on your car kit when the connection is ready. Sometimes you might be prompted to give permission first. As soon as the car kit is connected to the Bluetooth in your car, you can use the functions of the car kit. The primary function is, of course, hands-free calling but you can also listen to Spotify, for example, via most Bluetooth systems. In some cases, you can even operate this with voice control. The available functions depend on the make and model.

Can Bluetooth car kits also be used for other vehicles?

In principle, you can use Bluetooth car kits in other vehicles, but their use is not recommended for safety reasons. Special hands-free kits are available for motorcycles, trucks, and other vehicles.

Where should I set up my Bluetooth car kit?

It is crucial that your Bluetooth car kit does not obstruct your view in any way, but also does not sacrifice functionality. To avoid this, place your car kit near your car radio or on your dashboard. Some models can also fit on the steering wheel. The most suitable place depends on the layout of your car, so go ahead and experiment a little. Just don’t forget to drive safely!