Bluetooth transmitter and receiver for tv: The 2 Best Bluetooth Transmitters of 2023

What is it and what is it for?

So let’s imagine that we have a TV without a Bluetooth transmitter. So just praying while trying to connect your headphones will simply be useless. The TV has various connectors on the back panel. Their location may depend on the TV company, so our task is to find any mention with the word “AUDIO”. Turn your TV around and look at the back panel.

Here I found 4 connectors:

1. Plain 3. 5 mm Mini-Jack.
2. Next is a connector for connecting a fiber optic audio cable.
3. And then there is the RCA connection – red (sometimes orange) and white tulip. May also have the letters “L” and “R”. Connections for analog signal.

We will most likely use only mini-Jack or analog input for connection. But now another question. If the TV sends a sound signal to these ports, then how to send it to our Bluetooth headphones. For this task, we just need a transmitter or a Bluetooth adapter for the TV. It does the following:

1. Receives a signal.
2. Converts it to readable format by any Bluetooth receiver.
3. Pairs, in our case with headphones.
4. Sends a signal via radio frequencies.

And that’s it: you can listen to music, watch movies and not disturb your family. In this case, now we just have to buy this transmitter and connect it to the TV.

Which Bluetooth transmitter should I choose?

They have approximately the same connection method. That is, the output will be according to the mini-Jack standard, like in headphones. Or another stereo standard. They also differ greatly in price. Many on the forums do not advise buying cheap models for themselves, as they may have a strong delay in sound or interruption. They also have a division by type of food:

• With battery
• Via USB

Here everyone decides for himself what is more convenient for him. Models with a battery are convenient in that they can be easily taken anywhere. The most important thing is that the device has the same connections. Let me introduce you some models.

Bluetooth B5 stereo audio transmitter

88

4.8

Get price

This is a cheap and at the same time great model for a TV. Firstly, it does not have an extra battery, but is powered by a USB connector. Secondly, to connect, it is enough to connect the adapter to USB first, and then the mini-Jack. When connecting two or more devices, latency and interruption problems may occur.

Bluetooth Version	4.1
Power	USB
3.5 mm audio output
Standards compatible	A2DP, AVRCP, HFP
Avg. 0002 Quite massive due to the powerful battery. It can work for several days without recharging. Supports the modern transmitter standard 5.0, which increases the data transfer rate and the range of the radio signal. Works seamlessly with multiple connected devices. Convenient and compact module with support for Bluetooth 5 and all available protocols. Works both from the network when connected via USB, and from the battery – up to 22 hours. Supports almost all known and modern headphones, headsets and speakers. 9
Bluetooth version	5.0 battery life	up to 75 hours via AUX up to 12 hours via optical
Acoustic signal reception	3. 5mm audio output, RCA, fiber
Standards compatible	A2DP, AVRCP, HFP
Average price	3850

Bluetooth B6

52

4.7

Get price

The model can be used not only for TV, but also for PC. You can connect a headset to listen to music or talk on Skype. Bluetooth 4th generation support. Comes with RCA cable, USB cable and audio.

BTR Bluetooth 5

4382

4.7

Get price

This is the most popular model at the moment. Works even with older Bluetooth 3. 5. Operates on both power and battery – choose the version you need.

901 13

EDR Dongle

4323

4.5

Find out the price

Small, compact, works both for receiving and transmitting. Can be connected to a TV, computer, laptop or any audio system. Do not look that it is so small, with the support of the fifth generation of bluetooth, the model began to beat further.

9011 3

4.9

Ask for price

Small and compact. It uses RCA as an input, two optical outputs and a 3. 5 mm mini-jack. Stably works with all modern bluetooth devices.

VIKEFON NFC BT-B21 / BT-B22

421

4.8

Find out the price

The most advanced model and the most long-range due to two antennas. Yes, it costs more, but the functionality is higher. Support Bluetooth fifth generation with CSR8675 chip. Support for AptX HD and AptX protocols, which improve connectivity and sound quality. The rechargeable battery allows you to enter the standby mode when you are not using the device, which increases the operating time up to 20 hours. There is support for dual streaming – so you can connect two headsets at once. Simplified mode of pairing with a phone via NFC.

Total

As you can see, they are almost all the same. For a TV, I would, of course, take it without a battery, since it is essentially not needed – if this transmitter / receiver is located near the screen.

You should also pay attention to the Dual Link support – this technology allows you to connect multiple headphones and even wireless speakers. The Blue Tooth version is also not an unimportant thing. The maximum information transfer rate and the coverage radius in an apartment or house will depend on it.

ATTENTION! When choosing, do not confuse this transmitter with an HDMI or USB Wi-Fi module – they are a bit similar, but have different purposes. It is better to ask several times in the store – what and why you need it.

Connection instructions

Everything is quite simple. Which ports on the back of the TV are designed to output an audio signal – we have already figured it out. If you bought an adapter that only supports connection via 3.5 connector, then such modules have non-detachable wiring in the package. Just plug it into your TV. And for power, insert a flash drive into any USB port.

If you have a separate large battery pack. Then you need to charge it first. There is a separate cable for this. Then connect by choosing the best option:

• Mini-Jack
• RCA
• Optical fiber

Plug the other end of each wire into the corresponding connector on the TV. After that, we check the connection. Turn on your headphones and press the pairing button on them. Usually has an angular “B” icon. Press the button until the blue color lights up.

Automatically, the headphones should immediately connect to the device and detect the connection type. After that, just enjoy the sound, listen to music, watch your favorite movies and TV shows in complete silence.

Conclusion

The next time you take a TV, try to take it right away with a built-in Bluetooth module so that you don’t have to suffer like me in the future. Also, do not forget about the Wi-Fi transmitter, which allows you to connect your TV to your home network, go online and watch TV shows directly from the Web pages of sites. But that’s a completely different story.

Bluetooth transmitter for TV (headphones). What is it, how does it work and how to choose?

An article in which I showed how to connect Bluetooth headphones to a TV got a lot of views and comments. And the main problem that people face is that there is no Bluetooth on the TV, or it is, but the TV does not allow you to connect headphones. Even if the TV has a Bluetooth module, it is very often designed to connect only certain devices or branded accessories. And you can’t connect headphones to such a TV. He either simply does not see them, or some error occurs during the connection process.

Using wired headphones with a TV is very inconvenient. And besides, more and more TV manufacturers are abandoning the usual 3.5 mm Jack output. Why they remove this output and limit the operation of the built-in Bluetooth module is not clear to me. But judging by the comments on other articles on this topic, people actively use (or want to use) headphones when watching TV. This is understandable, because by connecting headphones, you can watch TV or play on the console without disturbing others. But TV manufacturers are doing everything to make the process of connecting wireless headphones to the TV as much as possible. And impossible without additional devices.

This article will focus on Bluetooth transmitters – devices that can receive sound from a TV through the same 3.5 mm Jack, RCA (tulip), or optical audio output and transmit it via Bluetooth to any headphones, speaker, speaker system, soundbar, home cinema, etc.

These devices can be used with more than just TVs/headphones. With the help of Bluetooth transmitters, which can work both for receiving and transmitting, you can connect any speaker system, music center, etc. That is, add Bluetooth support to any speakers. They can also be used in cars to transfer music from mobile devices to the radio. You can broadcast sound from a PC or laptop to wireless headphones or a speaker. But on computers, I would still recommend using Bluetooth adapters.

In order not to write an article about devices that I myself have never seen or configured, I ordered two Bluetooth transmitters from Aliexpress. One cheap one for $2.84 (VIKEFON) and one much more expensive and more functional for $25. 29 (CSR8675 APTX HD).

I will show both transmitters in more detail in this article and talk about them. I have already connected everything, configured, tested. Everything works, but there are many nuances. I will talk about setting up a Bluetooth transmitter on a TV and connecting Bluetooth headphones to it in a separate article. I also want to note that there are simply a huge number of these devices, not only in Chinese online stores, but also in ours. All of them are very different and greatly differ in their functionality and, accordingly, the price. There are even branded devices from popular manufacturers that cost some unrealistic money. Of course, it is unrealistic to test all the transmitters that are on the market. But using the example of these two devices, which I will discuss in this article, you can understand what kind of devices they are, how they work, and what functions they can perform. And we will also find out how a cheap Bluetooth transmitter differs from an expensive one and how to choose such devices among a huge number of them on the market.

What is a Bluetooth transmitter and what is it for?

As a rule, these are compact devices that have a built-in Bluetooth module and different audio inputs / outputs for connecting to different sound sources (TVs, computers, phones) or to devices that are designed to output sound (speakers, acoustic systems, stereos, radio tape recorders etc.). All these devices differ not only in technical characteristics, but also in appearance. Here are some of them:

The main differences between different models of Bluetooth transmitters:

• Support for various connection interfaces. For example, there are transmitters that are connected only through a regular 3.5 mm Jack. And there are models in which, in addition to the 3.5 mm jack, there is also an RCA (tulip) and an optical audio input / output.
• The presence or absence of a built-in battery.
• Bluetooth versions.
• Ability to connect multiple Bluetooth headphones or speakers.
• The quality of the Bluetooth module, the presence of different control interfaces, build quality, cables, etc.

If I understand correctly (maybe I’m wrong, since it’s impossible to check all devices), then all Bluetooth transmitters on the market can operate in the (2 in 1) receive and transmit mode. Since even my cheapest adapter can both receive sound via Bluetooth and transmit it to the same speaker system, and transmit sound via Bluetooth (from a TV, PC) to headphones, or another device. Usually these modes are called TX Mode and RX Mode .

• TX – transmitter mode. When a Bluetooth transmitter receives sound from the same TV through a specific interface (cable) and transmits it to the headphones via Bluetooth. These devices are most often used in this mode of operation.
• RX – receiver mode. When we connect conventional speakers, a music center, a car radio (via AUX), or another device for sound output to the transmitter via a cable. Then, from a phone, tablet, laptop or other device, we connect to the transmitter via Bluetooth and broadcast music. It turns out that we have added Bluetooth support for regular speakers.

The picture below shows the operation of the two modes:

Even my cheapest transmitter works without problems (almost without problems :)) in two modes. Receive and transmit audio via Bluetooth. Only here the way to switch between modes on different transmitters is very different.

If the expensive one has a separate TX / RX switch, then the cheap one has no buttons at all. And the mode change occurs by connecting, disconnecting and reconnecting the device to the power source. In receiver mode, the indicator flashes blue, and in transmitter mode, it flashes red. Without instructions (which, by the way, was not included in the kit), it is unrealistic to guess. Well, at least in the product description on Ali it is written about it.

Application example #1

This example shows operation in transmitter (TX) mode. TV without Bluetooth (or Bluetooth, but the headphones are not connected), and we need to connect wireless headphones. We connect the transmitter to the TV with an audio cable. If the TV has a 3.5 mm headphone output, use it. In mine, for example, there is no 3.5 mm jack. Therefore, I connect via optical audio output. You can also use RAC (tulip). Even older TVs have it. It is very important to take this into account when choosing this device. You also need to connect power to the transmitter. I plug it into the USB port on the TV. If there is no USB, you can use any adapter with which we charge the phone.

After powering on the transmitter, you need to connect Bluetooth headphones to it. Usually, it is enough to put the headphones into pairing mode. The connection method may vary slightly depending on your transmitter and headphones. After connecting, the sound goes to the headphones. Two pairs of headphones can be connected to a more expensive model at once. When connected to a TV via an optical audio output, the sound is also simultaneously output from the TV’s speakers. But you can just turn it off, or twist it on the TV. Then the sound will be played only through the headphones. There is a slight delay between the sound from the TV speakers and the headphones through the transmitter.

Application example #2

This example shows operation in receiver (RX) mode. There is a regular speaker system without Bluetooth. But we want to stream music from phone or tablet to it. Or even from a laptop or PC, but we do not have the ability (or desire) to connect the speakers to the computer via cable. We take a Bluetooth transmitter and connect it to the speakers. Here, in the same way, you can use both a 3.5 mm Jack and a RAC, or an optical audio cable. Depending on what connection sockets are on your transmitter and speakers. You also need to connect power to the transmitter. Power can be taken from the USB port of any device, or through an adapter.

Switch transmitter to receiver mode (RX). In this mode, it is available for discovery on all devices (phones, laptops). We turn on Bluetooth, for example, on the phone, and connect to the transmitter (its name should be written in the instructions). The phone or other device detects it as a headphone and outputs sound. And the transmitter, in turn, transmits the sound to the speakers via cable.

How to choose a Bluetooth transmitter?

First of all, you must understand why you need it and how you will use it. For example, if you choose a Bluetooth transmitter for your TV (to connect headphones), then you need to find out what connection options are possible specifically on your TV. This is the main thing.

What to look for when choosing:

1. For connection interfaces. In most cases, a transmitter with the ability to connect via a regular 3.5 mm Jack or RCA (tulip) is enough. It’s just different cables. And when ordering, it is usually possible to choose a specific cable, or order both cables. More expensive models are also equipped with an optical audio input / output. And if your TV has an optical audio output (Digital Audio Out), then I would advise buying a model that supports this interface. Here is an example of a cheap model with support for only 3.5 mm Jack and RCA (RCA cable was not included, but you could choose it when ordering):
   And in an expensive model there is also support for an optical audio cable. Well, respectively, all cables are included.
   The transmitter itself has an optical input and output: SPDIF IN TX and SPDIF OUT RX. And on the case there is an SPDIF / AUX switch. Which needs to be set to a certain mode, depending on which cable you use to connect to the audio output source, or to the device to which the sound will be output.
   If you take a device with three cables (Optical + RCA + 3.5 mm), then you can definitely choose the right interface for connecting to your TV or other device.
2. Don’t buy the cheapest devices. I personally verified this. My transmitter (which is cheap, $3) outputs audio to my headphones horribly. There is noise and crackling during playback. Tried to change the power adapter – did not help. While in the opposite direction, it outputs sound from the phone to the speakers without interference. Headphones tested on different devices, the problem is not in them. Maybe I just got married. Also, in cheap models, there may be a strong delay in sound transmission (due to a cheap Bluetooth module). And the sound will be far behind the image on the TV. The sound quality and the quality of the device as a whole strongly depend on the cost of these devices.
3. If you need to connect more than one pair of headphones to your TV through the transmitter at the same time, then be sure to find out before buying whether the model you have chosen allows this. In my case, only one headphone can be connected to a simple and cheap transmitter. For an expensive model – two pairs of headphones at the same time. I checked it works. Connected headphones and speakers at the same time. But the connection process is very complicated. Especially when the instruction is in English and too lazy to translate it.
4. As for the Bluetooth version, take devices with the latest version. I have both with Bluetooth 5.0. On the headphones, if I’m not mistaken, Bluetooth 4.1. Everything is working. They are compatible with each other.
5. There are Bluetooth transmitters with NFC. I don’t have one so I can’t check. But according to the idea, NFC support is needed for easier connection of headphones, speakers, phones and other devices, which, of course, also have NFC support. Since the process of connecting exactly headphones and similar devices to the transmitter is another occupation, the presence of NFC is a great solution.
6. I saw transmitters with external antennas. In their characteristics, it is stated that the range in the room increases to about 30 meters. In the usual range of 10 meters. I have not had to work with such models, but if you have a large house or apartment, or some special tasks, then this option may suit you. Normally, I don’t see the point in overpaying.
7. Built-in battery. Frankly, I do not quite understand why it is needed. For my transmitter, the manufacturer claims 24 hours of battery life. But why? It’s probably easier to connect the power than think about charging another device. Although, perhaps in some situations, the ability to work offline can come in handy.

Read the specifications carefully. It always says what comes with the device, what cables, what connection options are available, how many devices can be connected via Bluetooth at the same time, etc. Read the reviews.

Terminals

Interesting and useful devices. You can think of many ways to use them. But the main one is connecting wireless headphones to the TV. Moreover, even in new TV models, which, of course, are equipped with Bluetooth, manufacturers for some reason limit the connection of headphones.

Everything connects and works even with a $3 transmitter. But I would not advise buying such devices. All because of the very poor quality and the high probability of getting a defective device. In addition, the process of connecting such devices is not the easiest and most understandable. On more expensive devices, everything is implemented a little easier. There are buttons and switches. Another would be instructions in Russian / Ukrainian, so it would be great in general.

When buying a Bluetooth transmitter, be prepared to spend a little time figuring out how to connect and set everything up. Read the instructions on the website of the online store. Using the phone (camera in Google Translate), you can translate the instructions that come with the kit (if any). In the case of connecting to a TV, some inconvenient moments are possible with switching the sound from the TV speakers to the headphones and vice versa. Much depends on how the transmitter is connected to the TV and on the TV itself.

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