With modern technological advances came Bluetooth connectivity which eliminated almost all needs for wire and cable connections. Today, virtually any vehicle comes with a stereo that works with radio frequency or Bluetooth.
You can have nearly every device connected to your car stereo system via Bluetooth or even browse for music online with newer sound systems.
However, if you have an older car model, you might not get more than the usual music played by local radio stations. You are probably unable to connect any device; be it a USB port, AUX port, or Bluetooth connection. And therefore, you can’t play the music you like!
Lucky for you, no matter what car you have, as long as it has a working stereo system, you can turn to Bluetooth FM transmitters. In this article, we will discuss what FM transmitters are, how they work, and review some of our top choices.
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What Is A FM Transmitter?
A Bluetooth FM transmitter works like a regular radio frequency transmitter, such as your car radio, similar to the high-powered transmitters radio stations use for audio transmission.
It works by sending a signal on a particular frequency band that you can dial into your car radio. It can also connect to your smart device and transmit data without a USB or AUX cable.
An FM transmitter allows a connected device to stream music stored in it on an FM frequency. The best FM transmitters will provide clear sound quality without static interference and a stable Bluetooth connection.
For example, the audio source would be your smartphone via Bluetooth to the FM transmitter, which acts as an FM station and broadcasts a signal to which you can tune your car radio.
It does not impact your FM signal clarity, but it uses a band to transmit music or sound to your car. Moreover, you will hardly face interferences since it is a few feet away from your car’s radio antenna, but the further away it is, the better it might stream.
Generally, an FM transmitter is a simple device with a USB port or Bluetooth connectivity and plugs into your car socket. But other FM transmitters can come with more few extra features such as a built-in microphone, hands-free calling, dual USB charging ports, micro SD card, etc.
Where And How To Use A FM Transmitter
Now that we have an idea of what a FM transmitter is, let’s talk about how to use it. You need to know a few things and keep them in mind for your safety and to prevent any problems.
Firstly, you should never try to perform connections or operate the transmitter while driving the car.
Secondly, ensure that you have installed the transmitter where it is not in the way of airbag functionality. It should not interfere with the driving and be out of children’s reach.
Lastly, you can only use the FM transmitter while your car is running. If you leave it plugged into your car’s interior cigarette lighter socket while the vehicle is not running, it will drain your car battery.
How To Connect And Operate Bluetooth FM Transmitters
How To Connect And Operate Bluetooth FM TransmittersYou will first have to program your car stereo to tune into the FM frequencies your transmitter is working with. Begin by powering the car stereo, turning the volume down, and setting it to FM.
Then, depending on the FM band your transmitter will transmit on, you select an available frequency so you can begin streaming audio to your car. However, the reception may change as you travel between locations.
Therefore, if the selected frequency is occupied, choose a different one that is not.
Next, to install your FM transmitter, you must first select the same frequency you set on your car stereo. Then, connect the stereo mini plug to the headphone jacks on your device or connect them via Bluetooth.
Finally, you can insert the transmitter in the cigarette lighter socket until the frequency channel is visible in the display window.
The 3 Best Bluetooth FM Transmitters
So, you know what a FM transmitter is, how it works and how to use it. However, there is an overwhelming list of choices for Bluetooth FM transmitters in the market. So, how do you even begin choosing one?
In this section, we will be reviewing 3 of our favorite FM transmitters. We will go through their best features and a few extra elements that set them apart from most FM transmitters. Let’s begin!
LENCENT FM Transmitter*
LENCENT FM Transmitter, Upgraded (2021 Version) 2022 Bluetooth FM Transmitter Wireless Radio...
- Crystal Clear Music Streaming - LENCENT T25 is anti- statics designed, and equipped with noise and wind suppressed by CVC technology that can achieve full duplex sound quality. You can stream music on your car stereo via Bluetooth/ USB Flash Drive (≤32GB) / microSD Card (≤32GB). WMA MP3 WAV APE FLAC music formats are all supported.
- Crystal Clear Music Streaming - LENCENT T25 is anti- statics designed, and equipped with noise and wind suppressed by CVC technology that can achieve full duplex sound quality. You can stream music on your car stereo via Bluetooth/ USB Flash Drive (≤32GB) / microSD Card (≤32GB). WMA MP3 WAV APE FLAC music formats are all supported.
- Intelligent Dual USB Ports & Safe Charging - Coming with 2 USB ports(5V-2.4A and 5V-1A), you can charge two devices simultaneously. Built-in over-current protection, over-voltage protection, intelligent temperature control, short circuit protection, it will effectively ensure safe charging.
- Hands-Free Calling & Voice Navigation - Bluetooth provides a stable connection, while Noise Suppression (CVC) technology and echo-cancellation grants an amazing hands-free calling experience. Besides, you can also get clear voice navigation from your phone’s app, which means driving will be more safely.
- Car Battery Voltage Detection & Blue Ambient Light - The FM transmitter will display car’s voltage when plugged into the cigarette lighter. Keep abreast of car battery health at all times to avoid problems when driving. With the circle of blue backlight around this car charger, it will greatly simplify your operation for safer driving. (Please compare the size between the transmitter and your car cigarette lighter )
- Wider Range & Compatibility - This Bluetooth transmitter is well compatible with most of the smartphones and more devices that equipped with bluetooth function. It will automatically connect to its memorized paired Bluetooth device when power on. Also, with the wider range from 88.1MHz - 107.9 MHz, you can get more stable and consequent music experience without interference
The LENCENT FM transmitter is a Bluetooth FM transmitter with dual USB charging ports, MP3 player support, TF card, and USB disk.
Thanks to the anti-static design that optimizes audio quality, it provides crystal clear music streaming. It is also equipped with CVC technology that suppresses wind and noise interference.
In addition, you can use it as a Bluetooth FM transmitter to charge multiple devices or connect your MP3 player or any streaming device.
You can also enjoy hands-free calling thanks to the stable connection via Bluetooth. Furthermore, the noise suppression and echo-cancellation technology provide high audio quality for phone calls.
Moreover, you can appreciate the straightforward audio navigation through your phone apps, allowing you to drive safely.
It also comes with a car battery voltage detection light. It will display your car’s voltage when plugged in the cigarette lighter. You can use this to monitor your car battery health and avoid facing issues on long drives.
Even though it has a pretty compact design, it is compatible with almost any smart device as long as it is equipped with Bluetooth connectivity.
Nulaxy Wireless In-Car Bluetooth FM Transmitter*
Nulaxy Wireless in-Car Bluetooth FM Transmitter Radio Adapter Car Kit W 1.44...
- 1.44 Inch LCD Display: Nulaxy KM18 Bluetooth FM transmitter has a 1.44 inch screen for better displaying information like phone calls, FM channels, music, car battery voltage, etc. The ideal screen size to assist you in driving safe without disturbance.
- 1.44 Inch LCD Display: Nulaxy KM18 Bluetooth FM transmitter has a 1.44 inch screen for better displaying information like phone calls, FM channels, music, car battery voltage, etc. The ideal screen size to assist you in driving safe without disturbance.
- Flexible Gooseneck&Bluetooth V5.0: The rotatable Gooseneck of the wireless radio adapter can provide you with an adjustable viewing angle and optimal viewing comfort of LCD display screen. With the Bluetooth V5.0 technology, the car bluetooth adapter can provide a more stable and faster connecting without intermittent disconnection.
- Noise Cancellation&Hi-Fi Sound Quality: Nulaxy noise-cancellation technology dampens the road noise and gives you clear, crisp sound for hands free calls. High Quality Music Streaming ensures crystal clear sound for listening music and hands-free calls.
- Hands-free Calls： All in one button for hands-free calls: answer/reject/hand up/recall make you seamlessly switch between incoming calls and music. Enjoy complete voice-control and safer driving with this Bluetooth transmitter.
- Wide Compatibility: The fm transmitter bluetooth for car is compatible with most devices on the market, such as iPad, iPhone, iPod, HTC, Galaxy, Sony, MP3 player, tablet and Android Smartphones. You can play your favorite songs on your car stereo via Bluetooth, TF Card and Aux Cable. And it fits 12V-24V cars and trucks.
The Nulaxy transmitter is a wireless, Bluetooth FM transmitter with a 1.44 inch built in LCD display. It can display phone calls, car battery voltage, FM channels, music, etc.
It also has a flexible gooseneck to rotate and angle the LCD display to be easily visible as you drive.
The Bluetooth V5.0 technology allows the car Bluetooth adapter to provide a stable connection without random disconnection during your commute. It also offers high audio quality and noise cancellation for a clear sound during hands-free calling and streaming music.
As for hands-free calling, you can answer, recall, reject or hold phone calls with one button. It is convenient, and the compact design allows you to effortlessly switch between phone calls without being distracted from the road.
The Nulaxy KM18 is also very compatible with almost any smart device you might have. If your device does not have Bluetooth connectivity, you can opt to connect it to the transmitter using a TF Card or AUX cable.
Anker Roav SmartCharge F0 Bluetooth FM transmitter*
Anker Roav SmartCharge F0 Bluetooth FM Transmitter for Car, Audio Adapter and...
- 【Stable Transmission】: Solid Bluetooth and FM connections stream music straight from your phone to your car's sound system.
- 【Clear Sound】: Just find an unoccupied station and the boosted FM signal and static-cancellation technology broadcast a great listening experience.
- 【Stable Transmission】: Solid Bluetooth and FM connections stream music straight from your phone to your car's sound system.
- 【Clear Sound】: Just find an unoccupied station and the boosted FM signal and static-cancellation technology broadcast a great listening experience.
- 【Rapid Charging】: Rapid Charging: PowerIQ-equipment dual USB ports grant simultaneous high-speed charging for both driver and passenger. Qualcomm Quick Charge not supported.
- 【Better Hands-Free Calling】: Bluetooth 4.2 provides a stable connection and echo-cancellation reduces background noise for clearer calls.
- 【What You Get】: SmartCharge F0, manual, 12-month worry-free warranty, and our friendly customer service. Note: Incompatible with 2007 VW Jetta, 2011 Nissan Rogue, 2002 Nissan Altima 2.5S, 2001 Audi A4, 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan, 2011 Mazda Miata, 2005 Toyota Highlander, 2004 Saturn Ion, 2005 Honda Civic, 2008 Chrysler Town and Country, 2009 Hyundai Sonata GLS, and 2012 Nissan Sentra.
If you are looking for a simple Bluetooth FM transmitter that you can simply plug into your cigarette lighter socket and begin streaming music, the Anker Roav SmartCharge F0 is needed.
It offers solid Bluetooth and FM connectivity for stable transmission of music to your car stereo. Thanks to the static-cancellation, echo cancellation, and noise cancellation technology, you will enjoy high-quality sound.
Hands-free calling has never been more convenient either. The Bluetooth 4.2 technology provides a clearer audio source for phone calls.
If you carry multiple smartphones or any devices that might need charging in the middle of a long trip, the dual USB ports will save your day. They provide you with rapid charging due to the PowerIQ-equipment.
My name is Tracy and I’m a passionate blogger about everything involving the latest tech, programming, gaming, gadgets, hardware or software.