Featured Products
Advertisement
IMDEN Bluetooth 5.0 FM Transmitter for Car
on Amazon
- Built-in microphone with CVC technology
- LED display for FM channels and voltage
- Dual charging ports & QC3.0 capability
- Smart car locater function
- Built-in over-current protection
Besign BK01 Bluetooth 4.1 Car Kit
on Amazon
- Bluetooth 4.1+EDR technology
- Auto-on and auto-sync
- Ground loop noise isolator included
- 10 watt dual port 2.1A cigarette lighter power adapter included
- Can connect to 2 devices at the same time.
SoundBot SB360
on Amazon
- No battery required
- Universal Wireless 4.0 wireless technology with backward compatibility & A2DP profile
- Built-in noise reduction microphone
- Smart car charger included
- Comes with magnetic mount
Anker Soundsync A3352
on Amazon
- Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity stable up to 30 ft. from source
- Stream music to non-Bluetooth headphones and speakers
- Battery capacity: 180mAh, 3.6V
- Up to 12 hours of playtime
- Hands-free calling, dual pairing
1Mii Bluetooth 5.0 Music Receiver
on Amazon
- Bluetooth receiver can transmit up to 70 feet away
- Backward compatible with Bluetooth 4.2/4.0/3.0/2.0 devices
- 3.5mm audio port and 3.5mm audio plug provided
- 15-hour battery life
- Voice-activated controls, hands-free calling, dual pairing
MaedHawk Bluetooth Aux Adapter
on Amazon
- Steady connection up to 50 ft in open area.
- Backward compatible with Bluetooth 4.2/4.0/3.0/2.0 devices
- 92dB microphone sensitivity
- 5 hours battery life with one charging session of 1.5 hours
- Dual link to 2 Bluetooth devices
Editorial Picks
Runner-Up FM Bluetooth Adapter
Why We Picked It
The Nulaxy KM30 plugs into the 12-volt power outlet of a vehicle and sends the audio to a user-selected FM frequency that the driver then dials up on the vehicle’s radio. It features a USB port for charging phones, a high-quality microphone, a bright screen and is mounted on a gooseneck for adjustability.
Pros & Cons
- High-quality microphone
- Good screen
- Gooseneck mounting allows driver or passenger to adjust for reach and visibility
- Display cuts off longer song/podcast titles
- Electrical interference if listening and charging at the same time
- Some users complain of insufficient volume
Why We Picked It
The Anker Roav SmartCharge does without a big screen but has two USB ports (one USB-A and one USB-C) for simultaneous charging. It automatically scans for available FM frequencies to use—handy when traveling. And there’s a one-year warranty. Be careful when shopping, as the SmartCharge 5.0 looks exactly like the earlier model, which only has Bluetooth 4.2 and is on sale now at clearance prices. The upgrades to Bluetooth 5.0 make it worth the extra money.
Pros & Cons
- USB-A and USB-C charging ports
- Automatic scanning for available FM frequencies
- One-year warranty
- Some users report connection issues on startup
- Owners say built-in mic quality could be better
- Complaints of insufficient volume
Runner-Up Aux Connection Bluetooth Adapter
Runner-Up Aux Connection Bluetooth Adapter
Sale
$25.99
-$7.00 (27%)
Sale
$25.99
-$7.00 (27%)
Why We Picked It
If your vehicle has an auxiliary or mini-plug input, this type of adapter has the advantage of a direct connection to your audio system. That removes the potential interference when using an FM frequency to get the sound to your radio. The Comsoon Bluetooth Receiver has a 16-hour battery, noise cancellation for phone calls and charges via USB in about two-and-a-half hours.
Pros & Cons
- 16-hour battery
- Noise cancellation
- Fully charged in 2.5 hours
- Users complain of annoying voice notifications
- Bluetooth stays connected when car is shut off
- Must be turned on and off each time you drive
Why We Picked It
The Kinivo BTC 450 can be powered by an internal battery or by a 12-volt outlet. Users praise its high audio quality and two-year warranty. Dash-mounting adhesive is included. The main issue: You have to be playing music in order to receive phone calls.
Pros & Cons
- High audio quality
- Two-year warranty
- Dash mounting adhesive included
- Pricey
- Must be listening to music to make or accept calls
- Visible cables
Why We Picked It
The USA Spec BT-45 is a factory-style Bluetooth system for cars that didn’t come with it. USA Spec makes different versions of the BT-45 for different cars. When shopping, be sure to get the right one for your vehicle. The main advantage is no visible hardware or cables littering your car’s interior. It also provides higher audio quality than either FM or aux connection Bluetooth adapters.
Pros & Cons
- All hardware is hidden
- Works with Android and Apple devices
- Higher-quality audio than FM or aux connection adapters
- Expensive
- Installation required plus extra installation to connect to factory controls
- Not available for all makes and models
Featured Products
Advertisement
IMDEN Bluetooth 5.0 FM Transmitter for Car
on Amazon
- Built-in microphone with CVC technology
- LED display for FM channels and voltage
- Dual charging ports & QC3.0 capability
- Smart car locater function
- Built-in over-current protection
Besign BK01 Bluetooth 4.1 Car Kit
on Amazon
- Bluetooth 4.1+EDR technology
- Auto-on and auto-sync
- Ground loop noise isolator included
- 10 watt dual port 2.1A cigarette lighter power adapter included
- Can connect to 2 devices at the same time.
SoundBot SB360
on Amazon
- No battery required
- Universal Wireless 4.0 wireless technology with backward compatibility & A2DP profile
- Built-in noise reduction microphone
- Smart car charger included
- Comes with magnetic mount
Anker Soundsync A3352
on Amazon
- Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity stable up to 30 ft. from source
- Stream music to non-Bluetooth headphones and speakers
- Battery capacity: 180mAh, 3.6V
- Up to 12 hours of playtime
- Hands-free calling, dual pairing
1Mii Bluetooth 5.0 Music Receiver
on Amazon
- Bluetooth receiver can transmit up to 70 feet away
- Backward compatible with Bluetooth 4.2/4.0/3.0/2.0 devices
- 3.5mm audio port and 3.5mm audio plug provided
- 15-hour battery life
- Voice-activated controls, hands-free calling, dual pairing
MaedHawk Bluetooth Aux Adapter
on Amazon
- Steady connection up to 50 ft in open area.
- Backward compatible with Bluetooth 4.2/4.0/3.0/2.0 devices
- 92dB microphone sensitivity
- 5 hours battery life with one charging session of 1.5 hours
- Dual link to 2 Bluetooth devices
METHODOLOGY
In order to determine the best Bluetooth adapters we considered the products most accessible to the widest swath of consumers in the U.S., which also includes performance, price and value. We also considered a broad range of end-user ratings and evaluations by multiple testers.
FAQ
Are Bluetooth adapters good for cars?
Many states have outlawed holding a phone while driving. Even if your state is not one of them, it’s safer to use a hands-free device. Bluetooth adapters make that possible in cars that didn’t come from the factory with Bluetooth and adds the benefit of being able to play your favorite music or podcasts through your car’s audio system.
Does it matter which car Bluetooth adapter I buy?
Consider your budget first. A built-in system, mimicking a factory Bluetooth installation, is a couple hundred dollars plus installation. Almost every other solution, whether it’s an FM Bluetooth adapter or an aux connection Bluetooth adapter, can be had for a fraction of that and requires no installation. FM adapters plug into 12-volt outlets, which are universal in cars. Not all cars have an aux input.
What are the differences between car Bluetooth adapters?
A built-in system is invisible and your device, once connected, will reconnect with the car each time you get in. FM Bluetooth adapters plug into a 12-volt outlet. The phone plugs into a USB port on the adapter and the sound is sent to a vacant FM radio frequency. The downside to that is possible signal loss and interference, even with the signal being broadcast such a short distance. Aux connection Bluetooth adapters provide a direct line into your audio system, but there’s no getting around a visible cable.
What’s most important in a car Bluetooth adapter?
That will vary by your priorities. If it’s making and receiving phone calls, then microphone quality and noise cancellation should be at the top of your list. For streaming audio, sound quality and reliability of connection would be most important.
How are car Bluetooth adapters powered?
Built-in Bluetooth adapters are hard-wired into the vehicle’s electrical system. FM adapters plug into the vehicle’s 12-volt power outlet, as do some aux connection adapters. Others are battery-powered and require recharging after a period of time.