Overall, a Bluetooth receiver is a fairly small investment that opens a world of possibilities. Some things to look for in a Bluetooth audio receiver include audio codecs, range, and output types. Bluetooth 5.0 is a great find since it brings with it an impressive range and very good audio codecs. You also want to make sure that whatever receiver you get will output correctly to your car or stereo, depending on where you want to use it. So with all that in mind, read on to find out top picks! These codecs will give you CD-quality audio with minimal loss. Bluetooth 5.0 also gives you up to 100 feet of range, so you can keep your phone on you while it plays through your home stereo. Plus, you’ll get 24-bit playback and low latency which is a fancy way of saying you get clear audio with no lag. The B1 has both optical audio and RCA outputs which will work with basically any stereo system. It also includes an impressive digital-to-analog converter right on board, helping achieve a lower signal-to-noise ratio. Input: Bluetooth | Output: Optical, RCA | Range: 100ft | Audio Codecs: aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC Input: Bluetooth | Output: 3.5mm, RCA | Range: 100ft | Audio Codecs: aptX, SBC The Bluetooth receiver is powered by a USB-A plug, so it can work inside as well, but it comes with a three-port USB plug for your car, leaving little doubt about what it was designed for. You can connect up to three devices at a time for it works for families as well. The only output is a 3.5mm aux cable, so be sure your car radio has that before ordering. If so, this is a solid pickup for an older car that doesn’t already have Bluetooth connectivity. Input: Bluetooth | Output: 3.5mm | Range: 33ft. | Audio Codecs: SBC The receiver even comes with an aux cable, RCA cable, and optical cable which should cover most of your devices. The receiver is battery-powered and lasts around 20 hours on a single charge. Optionally, you can plug it in in a single location if it’s going to be there for a while. The Anker SoundSync A3341 features aptX HD and low-latency sound which produces higher quality audio and lower latency sound. That keeps the audio in sync with the video when you’re transmitting to Bluetooth headphones. Input: Bluetooth | Output: 3.5mm, RCA, optical | Range: 33 Ft | Audio Codecs: SBC, aptX HD All you’ll get here is SBC which does a respectable job, without a lot of the other bells and whistles you might find in other receivers. But for the price, you’re getting a small, durable little receiver that can do what it needs to do. The Logitech adapter can store up to eight different Bluetooth devices in its memory, and you can even have two of them connected to the receiver at once. There isn’t any Wi-Fi connectivity or app support. The main downside you’ll find here is the lack of digital outputs. You get RCA outputs only. Add that to the SBC codec that’s on board, and you’re going to get basic functionality and versatility. RCA and SBC are the most common output and codec respectively, so Logitech checks a lot of boxes. The extra range is definitely a bonus and makes this a good pickup at a great price. Input: Bluetooth | Output: 3.5mm, RCA | Range: 50ft. | Audio Codecs: SBC The receiver has built-in controls for play/pause, volume control, and track skipping which makes the receiver more convenient to use. You can connect your devices with an RCA or 3.5mm connection, which means this can connect to just about anything. But if you’re looking for a dual-purpose transmitter and receiver with strong battery life, this is a great little device. Input: Bluetooth | Output: 3.5mm | Range: 33ft | Audio Codecs: SBC, aptX Jason Schneider has been writing for tech and media companies for nearly 10 years. He is an expert in audio equipment and headphones. Adam Doud has been writing in the technology space for almost a decade. When he’s not hosting the Benefit of the Doud podcast, he’s playing with the latest phones, tablets, and laptops. When not working, he’s a cyclist, geocacher, and spends as much time outside as he can.
What to Look For in a Bluetooth Audio Receiver
Portability
Do you intend on hooking up your new Bluetooth receiver to your car stereo, cinema system, or headphones? Ensure your solution is small enough for travel if you want to bring it with you on the go. Additionally, check the power supply as some units are designed to work only in cars, while others will use a standard AC wall adapter or batteries.
Audio Inputs
If you’re using a Bluetooth receiver in your car, you’ll most likely be fine with a single 3.5mm AUX input jack. However, if you are considering hooking up your adapter to a cinema system, you might want to search for a solution that supports RCA inputs.
Audio Quality
Bluetooth isn’t always about high quality. If you want the best possible sound, search for a device that supports the AptX codec for high-quality streaming from many Android phones, Macbooks, and PCs.
