If you have an older vehicle, you probably envy some of the latest technology in new cars. Though you might not be able, or want, to buy a new car, you do have some options to upgrade your older vehicle. If making hands-free calls and streaming music from your phone are important to you, consider one of our picks for the best FM transmitters.
FM transmitters allow you to play your Bluetooth enabled mobile device audio through your vehicle speakers. The FM transmitter connects to your mobile device through Bluetooth, and then broadcasts the audio from your device over an unused FM frequency on your vehicle’s radio. Making calls and/or listening your favorite tunes and podcasts in your older car has never been so easy!
Unlike a CB radio, you can’t have two-way communication directly over an FM transmitter. You can, however, use the device to transmit sound from your phone for hands-free calling and navigation.
Picking The Best FM Transmitters
When choosing an FM transmitter, look for one with a strong, stable connection. You’ll need to find an unused FM station in your area in order to use your transmitter. Finding a frequency can be difficult depending on where you live. Usually one of the low or high frequencies will be unused, allowing you clean clear audio through an FM transmitter.
Another thing to consider is the compatibility of the FM transmitter. Most cars are compatible with most FM transmitters, however, there are a few exceptions. Be sure you do the research to make sure the FM transmitter is compatible with your car and your phone.
Sound quality is also really important. The best FM transmitters come with noise-canceling technology. Some also come with anti-interference technology to help block out static from the radio.
Finally, make sure the FM transmitter you choose is user-friendly and easy to set up. Most plug directly into your car’s cigarette lighter. Be sure to purchase a transmitter that fits in your car’s space.
Best Overall Choice
1. VicTsing Bluetooth FM Transmitter
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The VicTsing Bluetooth FM Transmitter comes with a 1.8-inch color screen and is the updated version of VicTsing’s popular FM transmitter. This transmitter gets additional features like electrical protection against short circuits, over-voltage, over-current, overheating, and overcharge.
It has CVC noise cancellation technology for improved sound quality. And you can play music from U Disk, TF Card, Bluetooth, or an auxiliary port. It also has 5 EQ modes — classical, pop, rock, jazz, and normal — that you can select when you plug in the U disk or TF card.
This FM transmitter features three USB ports. Two of them have quick charge capabilities, and you can play music from the third from a USB flash drive. And it comes with auto station search. Simply plug the transmitter in and press the CH/A button twice, and it will find an unused station for you. All of these features make this the optimal FM transmitter for drivers wanting all the bells and whistles.
The VicTing is one of the best FM transmitters, in terms of features, quality, and value.
Pros
- Quick charge capabilities
- 1.8″ LCD screen
- Flexible gooseneck
- 3 USB ports—can charge two devices while listening to music through U-disk port
- Auto station search
- Has 5 EQ modes
10. ZEEPORTE Bluetooth FM Transmitter
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The ZEEPORTE Bluetooth FM Transmitter has a lot of high-tech features. It has incoming call announcements, the ability to fast-forward and rewind, three USB ports, five EQ music play modes, four ways to listen to music, and quick charging abilities. It has a 1.8-inch color LCD screen that shows your phone calls, music, and car battery voltage. The neck of the device is flexible and can be moved easily, allowing you to position the device where you want it.
You can listen to music via Bluetooth, TF card, U disk, or auxiliary input. The transmitter supports two different file formats—MP3 or WAM—through U disk or TF card. The three different USB ports let you charge two devices while still listening to music. When you are listening through the USB drive or TF card, you can change the five EQ music play modes. The ZEEPORTE Bluetooth FM Transmitter is a nifty transmitter that has a lot of top of the line features.
Pros
- 1.8-inch color LCD screen
- 360-degree swivel metal neck
- 5 EQ modes
- Bluetooth, TF card, U disk, and aux input compatible
- Quick select and auto-scan features
- Has power-off function
Cons
- Hands-free calling can be finicky
- The large screen can be distracting at night