Do you wish your car radio or home speaker system was Bluetooth enabled? With a bluetooth receiver, which likely connects via an AUX or RCA cord, it could be. In this article, we’ll tell you about some of our top picks for bluetooth receivers. We’ve picked these items based on their battery life, connectivity, and the quality of the sound they can produce.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are these devices powered?
Some devices will need to be plugged into a power source in order to function. Usually, these devices will have a USB port that is only used for powering the device. Other bluetooth receivers have a rechargeable battery that, depending on the unit, may last anywhere from twelve to sixteen hours.
How many devices can I connect at one time?
Most Bluetooth receivers will allow you to connect two devices at one time. In most cases, switching back and forth between either connected device is pretty easy. Also, some receivers will automatically connect, while others may require you to restart the connection each time the device is turned on, or when your Bluetooth-enabled device is in range.
Buying Guide
As you shop for bluetooth receivers, here are a few of the things that you’ll want to keep in mind:
- Connectivity: Most receivers utilize Bluetooth 5.0 connection, while others may employ an older system.
- Size: If you plan to use your Bluetooth receiver in the car or on the go, you might prefer to pick one that is smaller and easier to carry.
- Onboard Controls: Can you control the volume or answer phone calls directly from your receiver, or will you have to pick up your phone, tablet, or other Bluetooth-connected device in order to use these controls?
- Range: How far away can your devices be from your receiver without being out of range?
- Sound Quality: While there are many factors that determine the quality of the sound produced by your receiver, your receiver itself does play a role. You would rather have a receiver that is conducive to good sound, and not one that will diminish the sound quality.
Anker Bluetooth Receiver
Best Overall
12-Hour Battery Life
This Bluetooth receiver allows you to make hands free calls and stream music with ease. It utilizes the latest 5.0 Bluetooth technology to produce an ultra-stable connection. The receiver is lightweight, compact, and easy to transport.
You can connect this Bluetooth receiver to your phone in order to answer calls in a hands-free manner while you’re driving. The dual pairing capabilities allow you to connect multiple devices to your receiver at the same time.
Why We Love It:
- Features onboard volume up/down buttons
- Includes a microUSB charging port and an AUX port, along with compatible cables
- Can connect to devices up to 30 feet away
Something to Consider:
- Does not consistently connect automatically
1mii Bluetooth Receiver
Best RCA Ports
Connects Via 3.5mm Port or RCA
This low latency receiver allows you to connect your Bluetooth-enabled devices to your RCA stereo. It connects to multiple devices at the same time, and is capable of producing 3D sound effects on a 5.0 Bluetooth connection from an impressive range of up to 164 feet in open air or 50-70 feet with obstacles in between.
This device connects automatically with the most recently paired device when it is plugged into a power outlet. It will also power on automatically in these situations, which can help you get connected with less time and effort required.
Why We Love It:
- Easy to plug and play with a variety of devices
- Pairs well with Echo
- Produces clear sound that fills the entire room
Something to Consider:
- Only functions as a receiver – not a transmitter
Laicomein Bluetooth Receiver
Best Battery
Sixteen Hours on a Single Charge
This Bluetooth receiver features onboard volume controls, and you can use the same buttons to go back to a previous track or skip to the next one. It also has a built-in mic, which you’ll find helpful when you receive phone calls on your connected device. You’ll receive a USB-C charging cable with your purchase, and we think you’ll love the increased battery life this receiver has to offer.
This receiver is compatible with a wide variety of non-Bluetooth enabled devices such as car audio systems, amps, wired headphones, iPhones, mp3 players, and tablets. The included microphone helps eliminate background noise during calls so that your voice will transmit more clearly.
Why We Love It:
- Uses DSP (digital signal processing) to detect your voice for crystal-clear calls
- Employs a 5.0 Bluetooth connection, and can reach devices up to 33 feet away
- Fully charges in only two hours
- Weighs only 0.5 ounces
Something to Consider:
- Must manually power device on when it’s in battery mode
Ugreen Bluetooth Receiver
Best for Cars
Stable and Fast Bluetooth Transmission
This 5.0 Bluetooth receiver features a built-in microphone so that you can clearly hear phone calls or your navigation system in a hands-free manner. This helps keep you safe while you’re driving, and you can turn this feature on by simply pressing one button on your phone. This device connects to your speakers, whether at home or in the car, with a standard-sized 3.5mm AUX jack.
You can connect two devices at the same time to this Bluetooth receiver. THe USB-A port allows you to connect your receiver to a power source, and the 3.5mm jack connects your receiver to the speaker system.
Why We Love It:
- Works well with speakers, headphones, car radios, smartphones, laptops, and tablets
- Easy to set up in only three steps
- Able to switch freely and quickly from music to phone calls
Something to Consider:
- Doesn’t do the best job of blocking out background noise
Sonru Bluetooth Receiver
Best for Calls
Easily Answer, End, and Reject Calls
If you’re looking for a more reliable connection, you’ll love this receiver. It supports A2DP, AVRCP, HSP, and HFP on a 5.0 Bluetooth connection. You’ll experience less signal inconsistency, and you can continue to use your receiver even while it is charging.
The battery supports up to 12.8 hours of nonstop streaming, and you can leave it on standby for up to 250 hours. It will connect to your Bluetooth devices as long as they are within 33 feet.
Why We Love It:
- Uses a 3.5mm headphone jack to connect to a variety of devices
- Able to connect to two Bluetooth devices at the same time
- Charges in only 1.2 hours
Something to Consider:
- Sometimes produces a strange humming sound
