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So you're looking for the best Bluetooth transmitter for TV? Well, you've come to the right place. With the rise of Bluetooth headphones, the need for devices to stream your TV's audio signal is growing.
These transmitters can be perfect for anyone who is hearing impaired or for couples who like to watch TV at different volumes. It also allows you to watch your TV or play videos games without disturbing those around you. There are some very important considerations you need to make when selecting the best transmitter. We'll briefly cover them and then get straight to the reviews.
The great thing about Bluetooth transmitters is they will work with anything that can accept Bluetooth. Therefore, they are a perfect option for those who bought a Bluetooth soundbar only to realize their T.V. doesn't support Bluetooth. You can also sync them up with any ordinary speaker to make them Bluetooth compatible.
Luckily, judging Bluetooth transmitters is not difficult. There are a few considerations you will need to make based on your TV and your preferences. Once you've cleared those up, it will be a straightforward process of selecting your transmitter. Let's begin!
Low Latency aptX Codec
This is the most important feature you need to be looking for regarding your Bluetooth transmitter. Specifically, look for aptX Low Latency. Any delay in the Bluetooth transmission results in the sound arriving late to your headphones. This causes lip-syncing issues and makes it impossible to watch anything. The table below gives a good illustration of your different options.
Other End Bluetooth Device | Audio Latency |
|---|---|
aptX Low Latency | 38ms (+ or - 5ms) |
aptX | 70ms (+ or - 10 ms) |
Standard Bluetooth | 220ms (+ or - 50ms) |
How To Select The Best Bluetooth Transmitter
Bluetooth capabilities, similar to any tech, is becoming better and better with time. The fidelity and latency of Bluetooth is now at the point where it can be used to stream TV programs to dedicated headsets. To keep things simple, we've broken down the selection criteria into three considerations:
- Codec
This is important. You want aptX Low Latency codec. This is a low latency, CD-quality transmitting codec that substantially reduces the bit rate without affecting the audio quality or latency. This is extremely important for TV Bluetooth transmitters. You want the least latency as possible. Without aptX codec you will run into lip syncing issues where you will hear the conversation slightly after you view it, resulting in a poor user experience. As a side note, you are going to need an aptX codec compatible set of Bluetooth headphones for this to work. - Pairing Options
This may be important for some users. If you want two people to be able to receive the audio you are going to need a transmitter that will pair with two devices. This can also be used to pair the transmitter with a soundbar and a set of headphones at the same time. Watch out for transmitters that won't pair two devices in aptX codec. This will lead to sound-lag issues when viewing. - Inputs
If you want the best digital audio signal you are going to want to look for optical inputs. While all the devices will offer the basic inputs such as RCA and AUX, there are a few that will offer the optical input. This will ensure the best quality audio is streamed to your headphones.
You should also consider the power source. We always recommend you power the transmitter using the USB power source. This prevents any noise from being transferred when in battery mode. If you are only able to use a battery powered transmitter, keep watch of the battery lifetimes as there can be a significant difference between models.
You can also consider the ability to receive signal as well. Many transmitters can also act as Bluetooth receivers. This makes them perfect for streaming audio to your old stereo system.
Having a transmitter that automatically re-pairs with known devices is also important. You don't want to have to pair your device every time you want to use it!
A quick word on your headphones: you really need to look for headphones that are compatible with aptX low latency. If your headphones aren't compatible, there will be no benefit to buying a transmitter with low latency aptX. Use this guide if you need to buy new headphones.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Must have aptX low latency codec.
- Look for optical inputs.
- Your headphones must be aptX low latency compatible.
- Look for transmitters that can pair two devices at once.
- Transmitter must automatically re-pair.
Below you will find our top picks for the best Bluetooth transmitter for TV. They are ordered from lowest to highest price. If you've enjoyed this guide, make sure to check out some of our other guides, such as our selection of headphones for small ears!
Our Top Picks For The Best Bluetooth Transmitter For TV
1. TaoTronics Wireless Portable Bluetooth Transmitter
- Small, lightweight and durable
- Power through micro USB
- Budget friendly
- Low latency aptX codec (with one device)
- Only outputs
FEATURES:
- AUX and RCA in
- Battery/micro USB powered
- 30-foot working range
- Lightweight and durable
- Automatic re-pairing
First up, the most budget friendly option we recommend: the TaoTronics Wireless Portable Bluetooth Transmitter. If you need something that is simple, with just the basic features, this is your option. Keep in mind that it only syncs with one device with low latency aptX. If you only have one set of headphones that can accept aptX and are only going to be using this for TV, this can be a great budget option.
It does offer some features that you'll find useful. It will automatically re-pair with your devices so you don't have to reconnect each and every time. It's also very compact and simple, helping with the overall durability of the product.
Like the other Bluetooth transmitters on our list, be sure to power it using the micro USB input to avoid any noise coming from the battery. If you need to use the battery, keep in mind that it only has a 6.5-hour battery life.
- A great simple budget friendly option. No low-latency streaming.
You can connect to any TV using either the AUX, or the RCA connections.
Bottom Line: A simple, budget-friendly option.
- TaoTronics Wireless Stereo Transmitter: Add Bluetooth functionality to TVs, PCs, and all audio devices that lack it out of the box. (This transmitter can NOT pair with any phones or tablets.)
- Fast Setup for Immediate Usage: Intuitive installation enables your audio devices to communicate with your Bluetooth headphones and speakers, soundbar, or Amazon Echo up to 33 ft / 10 m
2. Avantree Low Latency aptX
- aptX low latency to two devices
- USB powered
- Cannot use aptX Low Latency with two devices
FEATURES:
- 1-year warranty
- AUX, RCA or 6.35 mm headphone in
- 6.5-hours battery life
- Automatic re-pairing
One step up from the TaoTronics Wireless Portable Bluetooth Transmitter is the Avantree aptX. It offers a few additional features that can be useful for some users. First off, it supports the low-latency aptX codec for two sets of headphones. This is a nice feature to have to ensure the audio is synced perfectly with the program you are watching. Keep in mind you need to have headphones that support this aptX.
It also can support two devices at once. This is great for watching programs with your partner if you need two different volume levels. Note that it does support aptX when streaming to two devices.
You can connect it to your TV using a 3.5 mm connections It's powered only through USB, no built-in battery.
- AptX Low latency capable. Streams to two devices. Can use aptX with both devices.
While most of the reviews are positive, there have been a number of complaints about connection issues when using it with two devices. We recommend spending the extra $10 and getting the TaoTronics Bluetooth Transmitter and Receiver below. It has more features with a happier customer base.
Bottom Line: While it does have plenty of nice features, there have been a number of complaints about the product. I recommend either one of the transmitters below.
- Designed for analog audio output devices: The privacy III is the perfect solution to enable Bluetooth streaming from any device with an analog audio output E.G. Tvs with RCA Audio ‘out’ or AV receiver with a big headphone jack. If your TV only has an optical Audio output, Please consider the “Avantree audikast” instead.
- Low latency with No audio delay: with the priva III, you can simultaneously stream audio to 2 headphones with No lip-sync delay while watching TV, movies or gaming. (Please note that to achieve this low latency, your receiving device E.G. Headphone/speakers must support aptX Low Latency or else you may experiencing an audio lag between the sound and picture.)
3. TaoTronics Bluetooth Transmitter and Receiver
- Transmit and receive
- Bluetooth 4.1
- Connect to two devices
- aptX Low latency codec
- Optical input
- Larger size
FEATURES:
- Transmit and receive
- Pair two devices
- aptX codec
- Optical input
- 15 hours of battery life
- Automatic re-pairing
- Optical, RCA and AUX in
This is one of the top transmitters on the market: TaoTronics Bluetooth Transmitter and Receiver. It has a very happy customer base with over 400 customer reviews with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 on Amazon.
What's so great about it? To start with, it offers a ton of features. It's the only one on our list that offers an optical input. This is a higher quality input, allowing you to stream better quality digital audio. It also has the longest battery life of all the competitors, something some users may find useful. It also supports low latency aptX codec. This reduces any lag time between the audio to below 40 milliseconds. Hugely important for a good Bluetooth experience.
It also offers automatic re-pairing of all your devices. No pairing required after the first connection. Wanting to watch with two people? You are able to connect two devices and stream in aptX. You can also connect it to a pair of headphones, and a soundbar if you so desire. You are also able to use it as a Bluetooth input. This is useful if you want to connect your old stereo system to your phone wirelessly.
- All the features you want. Great value for money. Get this one!
If your TV doesn't support optical output, you are still able to connect with the standard connections (AUX and RCA). The only negative thing we found was that the size is a little bigger than it's competitors. All things considered, this is a minor issue and can be overlooked for the most part.
Bottom Line: One of the best transmitters on the market. Offers all the features you want in a Bluetooth transmitter for a reasonable price. Buy this one!
- Transmitter + receiver: one portable adapter to use as either transmitter or receiver, powered by the latest Bluetooth 5. 0, can pair with two headphones/ speakers at once.
- Optical + 3. 5mm: you get maximum flexibility with support for both 3. 5mm (aux and RCA) and optical (to slink) digital, both input and output are supported.
4. Miccus Home RTX 2.0
- 150 ft range
- Send or receive
- Low latency aptX Codec
- Pair two devices at once
FEATURES:
- 160 ft range
- Send or receive
- Automatic re-pairing
- USB powered
- Optical and AUX in
Another great option. The team at Miccus have directly targeted the Bluetooth transmitter for T.V. market with the updated Home RTX 2.0. It offers everything you'd want in a Bluetooth transmitter designed for T.V.
For starters, it has both AUX and optical inputs. It's powered by a USB cord and, most importantly, can transmit aptX low latency codec to two devices at once. It also has the ability to automatically re-route the signal through the optical bypass directly to your soundbar or speaker.
The main differentiation with the Miccus Home RTX 2.0 is the long-range capability. This is the first long-range Bluetooth transmitter that is suitable for T.V. You can get up to 160 ft, and an added 40 ft if you purchase the extended antenna.
It does receive signal as well as send. This can be useful if you want to play your music on your speakers and also wander through your house.
- A great competitor for the TaoTronic. Definitely purchase if you need something with a little more range.
Bottom Line: A perfect option for T.V. Bluetooth transmission.
- LONG RANGE BLUETOOTH - LISTEN TO CRYSTAL CLEAR AUDIO ANYWHERE IN YOUR HOME! Stream with cutting edge Class 1 tech & antenna up to 300ft line of sight & 160ft indoors, far past 33ft limits. Boost to the patio, pool, yard or garage. Watch range test video
- IDEAL FOR WATCHING TV, MOVIES, OR GAMING WITH HEADPHONES, LISTEN WITHOUT LIP SYNC PROBLEMS - Enjoy high fidelity audio with zero lag, connect to 2 devices in apt Low Latency, dual multipoint. Paired device must support apt LL (earphones B01GGKNYOQ)
Once again, if you've enjoyed this review, please consider checking out our other guides - such as our top headphones for classical music.
