The Best Car Bluetooth Adapters
When it comes to long drives or frustrating gridlock, a dependable sound system can make all the difference by keeping you entertained. However, as cars age and technology advances, gadgets like Bluetooth adapters for your car can be essential for keeping the tunes rolling without all the bulky CD cases. To help give your car an audio makeover, we've narrowed down the best car Bluetooth adapters so you can keep the vibe going while you drive.
What to Look For
When narrowing down the best car Bluetooth adapters, we considered size, overall features, compatibility, and price. For example, if you want a versatile adapter that makes calls and charging easier than ever, the IMDEN Bluetooth 5.0 FM transmitter offers plenty of features at a decent price. If you want something that’s small, simple, and can fit into your car’s aux input, the Anker A3352 Soundsync receiver does it all. Read on to see all our top picks and find the Bluetooth adapter that’s right for you.
IMDEN Bluetooth 5.0 FM Transmitter
Redefine your ride
If your car is an older model but you still yearn for digital audio, this transmitter from IMDEN is a sight for sore ears. Bluetooth transmitters are built to make commuting less stressful, and this adapter performs its duty without taking up precious space. This convenient gadget offers two ports for charging, ensuring you never run out of juice on long drives. Expecting a call? It boasts a simple interface with one button for calls, keeping your attention squarely focused on the road. Overall, drivers looking for broad compatibility when standard tech is lacking can take comfort in all the essential features IMDEN provides.
Pros:
- Includes built-in FM transmitter
- Offers one USB port offers quick charging features
- Features power surge protection
Cons:
- The microphone can be lacking if your outlet is out of the way
Anker A3352 Soundsync Receiver
Plug and play
Anker’s Soundsync is a treasure on the road and in the comfort of your own home for wireless listening. While you may have some trouble with older vehicles, the transmitter is a convenient size and shape for dashboards and entertainment systems alike. The entire unit is less than the size of a credit card and plugs directly into aux ports thanks to their nifty audio adapter. If you’re searching for a sleek minimalist device, Soundsync touts two ports and two volume buttons. All other functions reside on your phone; just plug in the device, turn on your sound system, and enjoy phenomenal audio quality for hours on end.
Pros:
- Sports the latest version of Bluetooth technology
- Comes with charging and aux cables
- Has a twelve-hour battery life
Cons:
- It does not automatically disconnect from the phone’s Bluetooth
Comsoon J22 Bluetooth Receiver
Road trip reliability
Keeping up to date as the flow of traffic twists and turns is straightforward with the Comsoon J22 receiver. To start, Comsoon takes battery power seriously, touting an instrument that operates for a staggering sixteen hours on a single charge. The Bluetooth 5.0 protocol ensures a quick and stable connection, while the built-in microphone enables seamless navigation and communication. Best of all, Comsoon acts as a filter for your phone calls. If you’re sick of echoes and overwhelming static on the road, the J22 has noise-reduction tech that makes every conversation clear and intelligible even in the worst gridlock.
Pros:
- Allows for a simultaneous pairing of two devices
- Offers fantastic value for the price
- Has up to thirty feet of connectivity
Cons:
- There may be some static while audio is not in use
Nulaxy NX09 Bluetooth Adapter
Tunes without restrictions
For some, the mixtape is a classic essential for maintaining focus or enjoyment on long road trips. While the NX09 adapter won’t offer you a place for all your CDs, it can store all of their tracks conveniently. Nulaxy’s transmitter is ideal for massive expeditions because it can interface with both SIM cards and flash drives, taking your music library to new extremes. The NX09 promises clarity during phone chats and radio listening, as well as easy access during evening hours. Best of all, Nulaxy takes hands-free to a new level. The top button integrates with your smartphone’s AI with one long press, making playlist swaps a breeze.
Pros:
- Available in silver or black
- Offers rainbow color backlight for instant visibility
- Features super-fast charging
Cons:
- The SIM card operation is a bit confusing
VeoPulse BPRO2-B Hands-Free Kit
Hear the difference
When you need an audio system that fits in the palm of your hand, go with the BPRO2-B from VeoPulse. Many Bluetooth transmitters rely on outlets that are out of view from the road. VeoPulse solves this problem brilliantly with a sun visor clip and a powerful battery that pairs perfectly with a phone windshield mount. While the device does sport four buttons, you can activate all operations from your phone as well. If your speaker’s quality has taken a dip in recent years, or you aren’t looking for ear-shattering bass, the BPRO2-B is an excellent gift for daily commuters that want to stay distraction-free for the duration of their drive.
Pros:
- Offers voice commands for both iOS and Android
- The vibration sensor activates the device upon vehicle entry
- The auto-shutdown feature conserves battery
Cons:
- It’s fairly pricey
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between Bluetooth and WiFi?
Wifi and Bluetooth are wireless networks that can be used to transfer data, but their methods vary greatly. Bluetooth is a low-power radio frequency used for short-distance data exchange. On the other hand, Wi-Fi is your router’s wireless messaging service. This radio wave can transfer data more quickly, over multiple devices, and from much farther from the source than Bluetooth. Both technologies were developed near the turn of the millennium, and it wasn’t until the last decade that they became firmly established as tech heavyweights essential in daily life.
When did Bluetooth become popular in vehicles?
Bluetooth is a relatively recent trend in audio and data transfer technology. While the Swedish telecommunications firm Ericsson Mobile is responsible for the early patents surrounding Bluetooth, they lacked applicable tech and didn’t exactly have a reputation as a top cell phone manufacturer. After a decade of prototyping and collaboration, the Swedish company agreed to allow other companies to apply their invention to their products, namely IMB, Toshiba, Nokia, and Intel. At the turn of the millennium, Chrystler was the first automotive company to integrate Bluetooth into the head console, with most competitors following suit over a decade later.
About the Author
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.