Top 8 Best Bluetooth Car Adapters In 2023 Review And Buying Guide

These days, most of our audio collections are stored or streamed from our smartphones or tablets. This makes having a Bluetooth connection in our car almost essential. You also need to take into account the road safety aspect of making hands-free phone calls.

Most modern cars have Bluetooth built-in. But what about the models that pre-date this being a standard feature? Well, there are a number of inexpensive devices available that make connecting your device via Bluetooth easy.

We’ve put together this comprehensive list of the best Bluetooth car adapters currently available to help you find the ideal one for your vehicle.

So, let’s go through them…

Top 8 Best Bluetooth Car Adapters In 2023 Review

1 Jabra Drive Bluetooth In Car Speakerphone – Best Bluetooth Speakerphone Car Adapter

Starting off, we have this product from Jabra. This device does not require being connected to your car’s audio system, as it has its own built-in speaker. Making hands-free phone calls is this device’s primary function.

Of course, that is not all the Jabra is limited to; there is a range of additional functions it is capable of. From providing loud and clear GPS instructions to streaming music and podcasts from your smartphone or tablet.

No cables or plugs…

Installation is easy. Simply make sure it’s charged using the included USB cable, and then clip it to your car’s sun visor. Once you have paired it to your device’s Bluetooth using its voice guidance, it will automatically connect each time you turn the Jabra on.

The built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery will provide up to 20-hours of use off a single charge and up to 30-days of standby. Just remember the Jabra doesn’t turn on automatically when you start the car, though. It will, however, automatically turn off if left unpaired for more than ten minutes.

Safe and useful features…

Calls and sound quality are crystal clear by using echo and noise cancellation technology, helping to eliminate road noise. That quality audio can also be enjoyed by up to two Bluetooth devices at the same time.

Jabra’s voice guidance will announce the battery level and connection status when turned on. Once underway, the dedicated control buttons can easily be accessed without having to take your eyes off the road.

Our rating: (4 / 5)

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2 Nulaxy KM18 FM Transmitter for Car – Best Color Screen Bluetooth Car Adapter

Next up is this product from Nulaxy that includes a 1.8-inch color screen. It can display useful information, such as call and audio track details. This isn’t a one-trick pony, and there are many more valuable features that we will cover.

This device connects to your car’s audio system by transmitting a signal through the FM radio. Just find a frequency on your car’s radio without a transmission, then select the same channel on the Nulaxy.

Channeling power…

The Nulaxy plugs directly into your car’s power output port. These used to be called a ‘cigarette lighter.’ Once plugged in, the screen will display the voltage of your car’s battery, which can also help let you know if it’s running low.

There are two USB ports available. One is a standard 5V/2.4A, and the other is a quick charge 3.0 port. This means that you can charge up to two devices via USB at the same time as wirelessly streaming via Bluetooth.

Multiple playing sources…

You are not limited to connecting via Bluetooth. There is also a Micro-SD card slot on the side that can be used to play stored audio. Or you can also connect to the Nulaxy using a 3.5mm auxiliary cable.

Once you have connected by using one of the many options, there are intuitive control buttons located under the screen. These can be used to answer calls, adjust volume, skip tracks, and more.

Our rating: (4.4 / 5)

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3 Aston SoundTek A1+ Bluetooth Car Kit – Best Remote AUX Input Bluetooth Car Adapter

Aston has created this simple, compact, easy to use product that will easily integrate into most cars. So far, we have had one device that has a built-in speaker and one that connects using radiofrequency. This adapter uses a different connection method again.

Your smartphone or tablet connects to the adapter using Bluetooth; then, the adapter connects to the car audio via a 3.5mm auxiliary cable. This means that your car audio system must have an aux-in port for this adapter to be compatible.

More than you think…

Power is supplied to the adapter via USB, so unless your car has a USB port, you might need to purchase a USB adapter. Once you are plugged in and paired via Bluetooth, the device is ready to use.

Even though the unit itself appears to be just a small, circular remote, it can provide many functions. The built-in microphone allows for hands free phone calls, making driving safer. You can also control media playback from your connected Bluetooth device.

And that’s not all…

Pairing of two Bluetooth devices simultaneously is supported thanks to Multipoint Technology. So even your passenger can make and receive calls hands-free or act as a DJ for those long road trips.

One advantage of connecting via auxiliary is less noise interference. In addition, there is a built-in noise isolator that removes any hums, hisses, engine, or static noises. Now you can enjoy clean, clear audio through your car’s speakers.

Our rating: (4.5 / 5)

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4 Tunai Firefly USB Wireless Audio – Best Smartphone Controlled AUX Input Bluetooth Car Adapter

Very similar in the way the Aston operates is this product from Tunai called the Firefly. Once again, both an auxiliary and USB port is required. There is simply a USB plug at one end and a 3.5mm auxiliary plug at the other.

Plug each end into the ports in your car, and then your smartphone or tablet will pair to the Firefly via Bluetooth. This does really limit the device to vehicles that have both an aux in and USB port available, and many cars with both these options will already have Bluetooth.

Keeping things simple…

Of course, there are some significant advantages to this adapter’s simplicity. Once plugged in, there is no need for charging, and the device automatically activates once the car is switched on. It’s a simple set and forget process.

There are no controls on the adapter, meaning that all functions must be performed using your smartphone or tablet. We highly recommend that you don’t do this while driving and keep your eyes on the road.

Quality inclusions…

There is an extension cable included for the 3.5mm audio plug. The build quality of both the adapter and the extension cable is instantly apparent. Using Qualcomm 4.2 Bluetooth makes both the signal and audio quality fantastic.

Up to two devices can be paired using Bluetooth at the same time. There is no built-in microphone, though, so hands-free calls can be tricky. The sound will come through the car’s speakers. However, you will need to use your smartphone’s microphone.

Our rating: (4.4 / 5)

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5 Anker Roav SmartCharge F2 Bluetooth FM Transmitter – Best Bluetooth Car Adapter with App

Next, in our review of the Best Bluetooth Car Adapters, we have another radio transmission adapter that connects to the power output in your car’s console. This product from Anker called the Roav appears to be a simple device. However, it has some very clever features thanks to its supporting App.

Plug the adapter into the car’s power output port, then connect to the same radio frequency on the car stereo. Now just pair your smartphone or tablet to the adapter, then you are ready to make and receive calls, along with streaming audio.

Quality components…

Charging your devices is possible, thanks to two USB ports. The top port features Power IQ fast charging to keep your device going. Meanwhile, Bluetooth 4.2 ensures there is always a steady and reliable connection.

Bluetooth isn’t your only connection option for your device. A 3.5mm port at the side of the adapter allows for auxiliary connection, too. The bottom USB port can also be used to play stored media from a USB drive.

App support…

By downloading the Roav Charger App for either Android or iOS, there are some useful additional functions. You can check your car’s battery status to make sure it is at its peak performance and there are no issues.

We particularly enjoyed the Find Your Car feature. As soon as your Bluetooth connection is lost, a pin is automatically dropped on the map. Now even if you forget where you parked, you will always be able to find your way back to your car.

Our rating: (4.4 / 5)

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6 Moker Bluetooth 4.2 Reciever Car Kit – Best Audi VW Bluetooth Car Adapter

If you own an older model Audi, Volkswagen, or Skoda vehicle that is not equipped with Bluetooth, then this is for you. Consider this product from Moker more of an upgrade component, bringing your car into the technological future.

If you own an Audi, the adapter connects to the AMI (Audi Media Interface), usually in the glove box. For Volkswagen and Skoda, it connects to the MDI (Media In-Interface), often located under the armrest.

Additional power…

If when the adapter is plugged into either the AMI or MDI port, the light doesn’t come on, you will need to plug in the USB cable. The cable is three meters in length and can easily reach the car’s power source with the line being run through the glove box.

Once the light is active on the adapter, this means that you can pair your Bluetooth device to the adapter. By switching the car stereo to Aux mode, you can now listen to the audio being supplied by the smartphone or tablet.

Reliable connection…

Utilizing Bluetooth 4.2 ensures that there is always a strong and reliable connection between the adapter and your device. By connecting directly to the AMI or MDI interface, superior sound quality is better enabled, rather than a 3.5mm auxiliary or radio transmission connection.

On the downside, though, all the functions apart from volume control must be performed through the connected device. You cannot skip tracks or see any information on the car stereo. There is also no hands-free call function available.

Our rating: (4.3 / 5)

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7 Nulaxy NX09 FM Transmitter for Car – Best Siri Compatible Bluetooth Car Adapter

Now for our second product from Nulaxy, the NX09. This is a more compact device than the KM18 from earlier. There is no color TFT screen; however, this adapter is still packed with useful features as we will cover shortly.

Just like the KM18, the adapter plugs into the car’s power output port. The adapter connects to the car stereo through FM radio transmission and outputs the audio from the paired Bluetooth device. All of this is made better still with integrated voice guidance.

Play it your way…

You are not limited to only the Bluetooth connection option. A MicroSD card can also be inserted into the slot and play any stored media. The second USB port on the adapter can also playback stored audio from any USB drive, as well as charging devices.

Both Siri and Google Assistant are fully compatible, making voice commands possible. And to ensure your device is always efficiently and fully charged, the primary USB port uses QC3.0 fast charging technology.

Latest and brightest technology…

Nulaxy provides the strongest and most reliable Bluetooth connection currently available via Bluetooth 5.0. The built-in microphone uses noise cancellation to make sure that hands-free calls are clear of any background noise.

Brighten up your car’s interior by choosing from seven different colored LED backlights on the adapter. We are sure there is a color to suit almost any car color scheme. The LED light also makes identifying the adapter’s controls easier at night time.

Our rating: (4.4 / 5)

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8 Lencent T25 FM Transmitter – Best Budget Bluetooth Car Adapter

For our final product, we have this budget adapter produced by Lencent. Just because you want to save some money doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice on features. In fact, we were very impressed with this adapter’s bang for your buck.

This is a power output plug model that connects to the car stereo via FM radio transmission. The device is compact and has easy to access control buttons for answering calls and skipping songs. Much safer than having to look at your device while driving.

More than just Bluetooth…

The second of the dual USB ports can be used as a playback option. Just plug in a USB drive formatted to FAT32 with audio files on the root drive. A Micro SD slot is additionally available as a third playback option.

Using a built-in microphone allows hands-free phone calls, incorporating CVC noise cancellation technology. Calls can be answered using the control buttons on the adapter. Other functions include skipping tracks and changing modes.

Smooth power delivery…

The left USB port provides fast charging, making sure you never leave the car with an uncharged device. Upon initial operation of the adapter, the car battery voltage is displayed so you can be aware if maintenance is required.

Both USB ports are fitted with overcharging protection, so you don’t have to worry about damaging your device’s battery, either. You can keep them plugged in at all times to maintain that 100% charge.

Our rating: (4.3 / 5)

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Best Bluetooth Car Adapters Buying Guide

If you have an older vehicle, owning one of these adapters is almost a necessity. They can quickly and affordably bring your car into the future. There is no need for any professional installation, and you can be up and running in minutes.

Not only for the convenience of listening to audio and making phone calls but for the added safety. So now that we’ve established that you definitely need one of these adapters, which one do you choose? Let us help…

Your Car’s Connection Options

Half of these devices will be compatible with any car that has a cigarette lighter and a radio. While these devices are highly compatible with any vehicle, connecting via radio transmission provides the lowest sound quality due to interference possibilities.

If your car has an auxiliary input, this is a more reliable and higher quality connection option. The adapters that have this option are the Aston SoundTek A1+ and the Tunai Firefly. Keep in mind, though, that the Firefly does not support hands-free phone calls.

Specialty Products

First of all, there’s the Moker. This product is specifically designed for Audi, Volkswagen, and Skoda vehicles. Although it will provide high-quality audio playback, the lack of hands-free phone call functionality or any control buttons is a big drawback.

Secondly is the Jabra. Although the built-in speaker is fine for phone calls and GPS instructions, audio playback isn’t spectacular. However, if you are usually happy listening to the radio, the convenience of the Jabra might very well suit you.

Radio Transmission

Making a choice between the radio transmission devices will come down to features. The Nulaxy KM18 has a handy color TFT screen but will take up more room in your car. Devices like the Lencent and Nulaxy NX09 are more compact and still provide plenty of useful features.

If you’re still struggling to decide which product to choose, perhaps our next section might help. We will announce which device we think is the ideal Bluetooth car adapter on our list and why. So stick around and join us.

Bluetooth And Beyond

These days, there’s a useful adapter for just about anything! So, check out our Best Right Angle HDMI Adapter Reviews, our Best N64 and Gamecube to HDMI Converter Reviews, our Best Wireless HDMI Transmitters Receivers Review, and our Best USB HDTV Tune Reviews for 2023!

We also suggest looking into our Best Dash Cam Reviews or our dedicated Aukey DR02 FHD 180p Dash Cam Reivew and our Vantrue N4 Three Channel Review for a recommended models!

If you love the latest gadgets as much as we do, don’t miss our Best Under Cabinet Radios Review and our Best Bluetooth Beanies Reviews!

Back to the best Bluetooth adapters for cars…

So, What Are The Best Bluetooth Car Adapters?

While we prefer the sound quality of the auxiliary connected devices, they do lack many of the features offered by the radio transmission products. We feel it is a small and worthy sacrifice to make.

Both the Jabra and Moker are fine products; however, they will not appeal to everyone. So which of the radio transmission devices is best? We have chosen the…

The small compact design, build quality, and amount of features are what set it apart. We also really liked the Find My Car function on the App.

Enjoy your ride, and enjoy your music!