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Ben Kasierski is a North Carolina native who covers the latest automotive and motorcycle products. He has tested hundreds of car detailing products – including tire shines, car wash soaps, and full detailing kits – as well as gadgets to make life easier for the everyday driver like key finders and GPS trackers. Car Headlight Kit Quotes
A versatile, no-nonsense Bluetooth transmitter.
A Bluetooth transmitter for high-quality calls.
A Bluetooth transmitter with a USB-C port.
A Bluetooth transmitter with a bright display.
While most newer vehicles have built-in Bluetooth ® for seamless smartphone streaming, older cars are limited to FM and AM radio. A Bluetooth FM transmitter uses short-range frequencies to send and receive information to Bluetooth devices via radio waves, acting as an alternative adapter. Not only does this let you stream your favorite music from your devices, but also provides hands-free calling and more.
Our review team has tested and rounded up our top picks for the best Bluetooth FM transmitters. We’ll discuss everything from readability to connectivity to help you make the right choice for your needs.
We named the Nulaxy KM18, Lencent T25, Imden Bluetooth C57, Anker Roav , and Sumind BT70 as the best Bluetooth FM transmitters on the market in 2024.
Each Bluetooth FM transmitter in this review was thoroughly tested and evaluated based on several categories, including ease of installation, streaming and calls, and versatility. You can find more specifics regarding our rating system here.
The scores in each category are compiled into a single overall rating that ranges from 1.0 to 5.0 stars. Each Bluetooth FM transmitter’s ratings, including their overall ratings and awards from our team, are highlighted below:
*Because cost data fluctuates, the prices in the table above are approximate values that our team regularly updates.
For those interested in learning more, we’ve provided a detailed review of each of the best Bluetooth FM transmitters in the sections below:
Nulaxy’s car accessories are designed with the driver in mind, and the KM18 is a testament to this. Its 1.44-inch LED display is hard to miss, not to mention its flexible gooseneck allows for upward angling for even better visibility.
You can see how the Nulaxy KM18 performed in each of our testing categories below:
For the hard-wired electronics enthusiasts out there, the KM18’s AUX port, USB port, and micro-SD card reader offer alternatives to wireless playback. Below are the pros and cons of the Nulaxy KM18:
Customers who enjoy their KM18 admire its quick phone pairing even after being unplugged and placed back in their vehicles. A frequent complaint cites poor audio quality when turned up at high volumes.
Based on our testing, the Nulaxy KM18 is the most functional Bluetooth FM transmitter on the market. It earned the full 5.0 stars for its exceptional versatility, easy-to-read display, and superb connectivity.
Thanks to its wide-ranging Bluetooth features, the KM18 can pair with almost any Apple, Android, or Galaxy device for streaming your favorite playlists or taking phone calls.
If you’re making frequent phone calls while driving, the Lencent T25 can be a very helpful tool. This Bluetooth FM transmitter uses noise suppression technology and echo cancellation for high-quality uninterrupted calling.
You can see how the Lencent T25 performed in each of our testing categories below:
Thanks to its dual USB ports, the T25 can charge two external devices simultaneously. Its over-current protection ensures a quick charge without overloading devices, too. The T25 can also display your car battery’s voltage. Below are the pros and cons of Lencent T25:
Positive reviewers enjoyed the simplicity of the setup process and spoke highly of its call features. One negative reviewer claimed the T25 played back static when pushed at high volumes for extended periods.
We scored the T25 at 4.8 stars. Its hands-free calling capabilities were unmatched by the other transmitters and we thought it was very easy to install. The T25 lost some points for lacking an auxiliary port and having a small display that was difficult to read.
Because of its sleek design, the Imden Bluetooth C57 has a charging efficiency of up to 80 percent to reduce power dissipation. Its over-current and over-voltage protection prevents overcharging, which can permanently damage your phone’s battery.
You can see how the Imden Bluetooth C57 performed in each of our testing categories below:
The C57 is equipped with intelligent temperature control as well as short circuit protection to make sure it doesn’t fizzle out after prolonged use. And its yellow-ray LED display can act as a voltmeter to measure electrical output. Below are the pros and cons of Imden Bluetooth C57:
Among positive reviews, customers praised the C57 for its dual USB design and crisp sound. There were some negative reviewers who said their Imden device stopped pairing with their phones after being turned off.
Because of its sensible charging and ease of use, we gave the C57 4.7 stars. It scored well for its straightforward installation but lost points due to its limited ports and decent sound quality.
While many Bluetooth FM transmitters are limited to only USB ports, the Anker Roav changes the game with its additional USB-C outlet. Due to the inclusion of USB-C ports on the latest iPhones, we named the Anker Roav the Best Bluetooth FM Transmitter For iPhone.
Considering that most smart devices are gravitating towards USB-C cords, this feature allows for greater versatility as a car charger while still providing an essential USB plug.
You can see how the Anker Roav performed in each of our testing categories below:
Another worthwhile feature of the Roav is its automatic tuning, which searches and connects to open FM radio channels. The one-button call feature combined with its high-performance microphones makes phone conversations easy with little added stress. Below are the pros and cons of Anker Roav:
One of the most consistent pros that customers point out in positive reviews is that the Roav reduces static and frequency disruptions like no other transmitter. Low call quality was a frequently cited issue.
The Roav earned 4.7 stars for having a USB-C port with fast charging capabilities. It took a while for it to find a working channel, plus it disconnected without any warning. Both of these minor drawbacks were enough to deduct a small amount of points from its overall score.
We would like to note that the Anker Roav T2 only disconnected once, but this ultimately worried us about how well it would hold up in low-signal areas.
With its 1.7-inch large LCD backlight display, the Sumind BT70 is hard to miss. It can display the song name and artist when streaming, plus a contact’s name and number when they dial in for a phone call. The BT70’s gooseneck can rotate 270 degrees for a more direct line of sight when adjusted appropriately.
You can see how the Sumind BT70 performed in each of our testing categories below:
With its multi-port design, the BT70 can play music from USB flash drives, Micro SD cards, and Bluetooth audio. Its CVC technology creates full duplex sound while also suppressing external noise for improved call performance. Below are the pros and cons of Sumind BT70:
A common compliment of the BT70 is its large buttons that make navigating its display very easy. Customers also like how quickly it connects to their smart devices. Unfortunately, some customers were not happy with their BT70’s build quality, saying it fell apart after extensive use.
Due to its enhanced readability and well-designed interface, we gave the BT70 4.3 stars. We liked how many extra ports it had for music streaming of all kinds. Its gooseneck design was difficult to maneuver, though, and calls did not come through as clearly as we had hoped they would.
Our team would like to note that we established a Bluetooth connection in just a few seconds with the Sumind BT70 FM Transmitter.
Before deciding on your next Bluetooth FM transmitter, consider what you need from your device and how it can work best for you.
A Bluetooth FM transmitter, also known as an FM radio transmitter, links mobile devices and MP3 players to a car’s stereo system using FM radio frequencies. This allows vehicles that don’t have built-in Bluetooth to wirelessly stream music and calls from a connected device. Transmitters can also charge other devices.
Some Bluetooth FM transmitters have USB charging ports, which also double as auxiliary ports. Others allow for Micro SD cards and other USB types for an even broader scope of listening options.
We spent hours researching and testing to find the best Bluetooth FM transmitters on the market. We evaluated each product based on installation, streaming and call connectivity, and product versatility with included ports and features for easier use.
Below are our picks for the best car FM Bluetooth transmitters in 2024:
Below are some common frequently asked questions about Bluetooth FM transmitters:
You’ll want to match your transmitter’s frequency to that of the desired station on your radio for streaming. Most manufacturers provide a range of available FM frequencies that can be used for pairing. Be sure to choose a clear frequency, as ones in use will not work with a transmitter.
If you leave a Bluetooth FM transmitter on when your car isn’t running, then yes, it can drain your battery. Always check that your transmitter is turned off before leaving your vehicle.
As long as your vehicle has an FM radio connection and an auxiliary port, it can be used to establish a Bluetooth connection . Make sure you turn your transmitter off when not in use, as some vehicles won’t automatically deactivate them.
Some models may allow for AUX cable playback while others don’t, so checking your model’s features before purchasing is important.
We used a 2014 Honda Civic SE to test our Bluetooth FM transmitters. Each one was paired with an iPhone 12 Pro. At least two songs were streamed using Spotify ® to test clarity. A phone call was made to another product testing team member to test the hands-free calling features as well as the clarity of each call.
This criterion measured how easily the Bluetooth FM transmitter was installed into our vehicle’s auxiliary port, also known as a cigarette lighter adapter. Once installed, we linked each transmitter to our phone. Transmitters that were installed with little hassle and connected quickly without difficulty scored highest in this category.
When considering any transmitter, you want a product that’s going to be easy to install and automatically switch on when you start your car. A Bluetooth FM transmitter that takes little time to set up and also has a sleek design to stay out of your way while driving is ideal for functionality and safety on the road.
This category measured the clarity of music streaming and phone calls. We factored in how easy it was to stream music from a phone, the reliability of taking calls, and how consistent the connection was during the duration of our testing process. Transmitters that worked reliably without interruption scored highest in this category.
Since your Bluetooth FM Transmitter will connect to your smartphone, you can take hands-free phone calls and stream your favorite music. With this in mind, you’ll want to find a transmitter that can work reliably and keep your calls or music connected while on the road.
This category measures the additional functions of each transmitter. This included the number of ports, extra features, and design. Transmitters with more features and an intuitive design for a more user-friendly experience scored highest in this category.
Some transmitters offer charging, multiple streaming options, different ports depending on your smartphone, and more to accommodate your listening preferences. While transmitters that offer more features and are more versatile for different phones might be more expensive, we think they’re worth it in the long run if you’re looking to buy a new transmitter.
Star ratings help us compare products during our testing process. By looking at three important factors – installation, video and call streaming, and versatility – we scored each criterion to determine the best Bluetooth FM transmitters on the market.
Among all the transmitters we tested, we calculated an average score of 4.7 out of 5.0 stars.
Each year, we test over 350 auto products on vehicles and in our testing lab. Our team of product testers thoroughly researches top products, unboxes and puts our hands on each component, and tests the items on real vehicles before making recommendations to readers.
We publish hundreds of product and service reviews to bring car enthusiasts detailed guides on automotive tools, detailing kits, car seats, pet products, and much more. For more information on our testing methodology and how we evaluate every product, check out our methodology page here .
*Data accurate at time of publication. Products subject to availability.
Ben Kasierski is a North Carolina native who covers the latest automotive and motorcycle products. He has tested hundreds of car detailing products – including tire shines, car wash soaps, and full detailing kits – as well as gadgets to make life easier for the everyday driver like key finders and GPS trackers.
As a member of both the APA and IMPA, Charles Noyes has devoted himself to creating and refining quality content covering automotive products and accessories, motorcycle products, RV products, and more. As the lead editor serving the product review team, he has personally reviewed, critiqued, and fact-checked over 200 product reviews.
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