Best Products Audio 98 98 people found this article helpful The 9 Best Bluetooth Audio Receivers of 2020 Change the way you listen to music, watch videos, take phone calls and more by Emmeline Kaser Writer Emmeline Kaser is a tech writer and former editor for Lifewire. She writes and edits commerce content about consumer technology for Lifewire. our editorial process Emmeline Kaser Updated on October 06, 2020 Audio Home Theater Headphones Earbuds Speakers Instruments Accessories Tweet Share Email Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. The Rundown Best Overall: Audioengine B1 Bluetooth Receiver at Amazon "A superb choice for wirelessly playing music." Runner-Up, Best Overall: Etekcity Roverbeats Unify Bluetooth Receiver at Amazon "A standout choice for homeowners looking to add a little versatility to their home audio experience." Best Budget: Aukey Bluetooth Receiver at Amazon "If you’ve been itching for hands-free calling via your home audio system, make that wish a reality." Best for the Home: Bose SoundTouch Link at Amazon "Ready to rock right out of the box." Best for the Car: Aukey Bluetooth Receiver at Amazon "If your car doesn’t support Bluetooth, check out the Aukey Bluetooth receiver." Best Versatility: Anker SoundSync A3341 at Amazon "The SoundSync A3341 is a highly versatile device that does double duty as both a Bluetooth transmitter and receiver." Best Range: Logitech Bluetooth Audio Adapter at Amazon "A sure-fire addition to your home or office." Best Battery Life: TaoTronics Bluetooth 5.0 Transmitter/Receiver at Amazon "Offers 20 hours of charge time compared to about 10 hours offered by competitors." Best Portability: Mpow MBR1 Bluetooth Receiver at Amazon "The receiver is compact and extremely lightweight (about half an ounce), great for using in the car or plugging directly into the cable port on a pair of wired headphones to make them wireless." The rising ubiquity of Bluetooth technology has caused something of a disconnect between new and aging technology. Investing in one of the best Bluetooth audio receivers is a great way to seal the breach between your wired and wireless devices. Whether you need a budget option for your home, like the Etekcity Roverbeats Unify at Amazon, or a solid option for hands-free calling in your car like the Aukey Bluetooth Receiver at Amazon. These receivers typically connect to your non-Bluetooth devices via an AUX or RCA cable. (Make sure your existing devices are compatible before you buy!) Some of these receivers are tiny and entirely battery-powered, small enough to plug into the AUX connection on a pair of headphones or into the console of your car for instant Bluetooth connectivity. Others need to be plugged into the wall to work, making them a great choice for entertainment centers or as a permanent fixture beside your stereo system. A few models on this list even function as transmitters, meaning they can also send audio from a non-Bluetooth device to a Bluetooth speaker or set of headphones. No matter your Bluetooth connectivity needs, we’ve rounded up the best options from across the internet to get your devices communicating again. For more hot tips on how to get the most out of your Bluetooth devices, make sure to read our guide to connecting your headphones to any TV with Bluetooth before taking a look at our collection of the best Bluetooth Audio Receivers. Best Overall: Audioengine B1 Bluetooth Music Receiver 4.5 Buy on Amazon Buy on B&H Photo Video Buy on Walmart What We Like High-definition sound 100-ft range Connects to any kind of stereo system What We Don't Like Expensive Digital optical cable not included Audioengine B1 Bluetooth Music Receiver Review If you have a good speaker system, you’ll want to buy a Bluetooth audio receiver that can actually transmit your music at full quality. The Audioengine B1 combines the convenience of wireless connectivity with high-definition sound — a rarity for most Bluetooth audio receivers. Featuring the latest in Bluetooth 5.0 technology, the B1 supports both aptX and aptX HD, two high-resolution Bluetooth codecs that make your streamed music sound as good as CDs in terms of audio quality. The B1 also supports AAC files, the higher-resolution audio file type used by Apple. With 24-bit playback and low latency, you can wirelessly transmit rich, detailed audio with no detectable lag. It also has an impressive range of 100 feet. The Audioengine B1 connects to your speakers using either a stereo RCA cable (included) or optical audio cable, meaning it’s compatible with any kind of speaker system. The setup process is also super simple, so you can have your music playing in a matter of minutes. The 8 Best Outdoor Stereos for the Beach, Camping & Adventure in 2020 Runner-Up, Best Overall: Etekcity Roverbeats Unify Bluetooth Receiver Wireless Bluetooth 4.0 4 Buy on Amazon Buy on EBay Buy on Walmart What We Like Affordable Very portable NFC-compatible What We Don't Like Has to be recharged Not the best sound quality Etekcity Roverbeats Unify Bluetooth Receiver Review This budget-priced Bluetooth receiver from Etekcity is tiny and inexpensive, perfect for using in your vehicle or moving back and forth between different speakers. It measures 1.9 x 1.9 x 0.9 inches and weighs next to nothing, making it an unobtrusive addition to your entertainment center or car console. It connects to your speaker via RCA or 3.5mm audio jack and is battery powered so you don’t have to have it plugged into a wall outlet. The battery is definitely an upside if you want to use it in a vehicle, but might be inconvenient if you plan to attach the receiver to a single speaker and leave it there. It lasts for about ten hours between charges. As an added bonus, the Etekcity Roverbeats Unify is compatible with NFC-capable phones. Just bring your device close to the surface of the receiver and it instantly connects. For all your other mobile devices, the Etekcity connects using Bluetooth 4.0, which won’t provide the richest sound quality but is expected for an audio receiver in this price range. Best Budget: Aukey Bluetooth Receiver Buy on Amazon Buy on EBay Buy on Monoprice.com What We Like 18-hour battery life Built-in music controls Supports simultaneous pairing What We Don't Like Has to be recharged Not the best sound quality This Bluetooth receiver from Aukey is another highly portable option that’s great for moving between sound systems or connecting to your car. Features like built-in music controls for pausing and skipping tracks plus an impressive 18-hour battery life make this ultra-budget option a great deal. It even allows you to connect the receiver to multiple devices at once, meaning you can seamlessly switch between your phone and a friend’s, or connect your phone and your laptop and avoid the extra step of pairing the receiver every time you change devices. There are a few downsides — as with many cheaper Bluetooth receivers, the range on this device is a little shorter at 33 feet. And if you’re planning to leave it attached to a single sound system, then the fact that it’s battery-powered rather than plugged in might be a downside. Neither of these factors are an issue if you plan to use it in the car. The 12 Best Headphones for TV in 2020 Best for the Home: Bose SoundTouch Link Wireless Audio System Adapter 3.5 Buy on Amazon Buy on B&H Photo Video Buy on Adorama.com What We Like Makes any speaker a “smart” speaker Connects to (almost) all stereo systems Voice control What We Don't Like Expensive Bose SoundTouch Wireless Link Adapter Review The SoundTouch Wireless Link from Bose is more than just a basic Bluetooth receiver — it can turn your existing stereo system into an internet-connected, voice-controlled “smart” speaker. The Link has Amazon Alexa built in, which allows you to use voice commands to control the speaker itself, queue up music, and integrate your speaker with an existing smart home system (if you have one). The SoundTouch Wireless Link is one of the more expensive options on this list, but it has the ability to transform your old stereo system into a smart speaker that can simply be asked to play music straight from your favorite streaming services. It also has wide compatibility and can connect to any system with optical, AUX, or RCA outputs. Like other Bluetooth receivers, it’s super quick to set up but includes a much fuller featureset that’s great for smart home enthusiasts and fans of voice control. The 8 Best Bluetooth Speakers for Under $100 in 2020 Best for the Car: Aukey Bluetooth Receiver With 3 Port USB Car Charger Buy on Amazon Buy on EBay Buy on Walmart What We Like Console-mounted control panel Supports simultaneous pairing What We Don't Like Uses both the AUX connection and the cigarette lighter A Bluetooth audio receiver is a great solution for the car if you’re tired of plugging and unplugging an AUX cord (or if your phone no longer has a headphone jack). We’ve included a few battery-powered Bluetooth receivers on this list that are compact enough to fit in your car, but the Aukey car kit is really the best choice for this purpose. It plugs into your car stereo and cigarette lighter and has a circular control panel of buttons that sticks directly to your console. The control panel allows you to easily skip tracks and answer phone calls without having to unlock and scroll through your device while you’re driving — a great safety feature. It sets up in seconds and can be paired with up to three devices at once. Best Versatility: Anker SoundSync A3341 Buy on Amazon Buy on Walmart Buy on Anker What We Like High-quality audio Can transmit and receive Bluetooth data Connects to a wide range of devices What We Don't Like Needs to be recharged The SoundSync A3341 is a highly versatile device that does double duty as both a Bluetooth transmitter and receiver. This means it can send audio from a TV or entertainment center to a Bluetooth audio device (like headphones or a speaker), and it can also receive audio from a portable device like a laptop or phone and play it through a non-Bluetooth stereo. In short: it allows both Bluetooth and non-Bluetooth devices to interact, no matter which way the audio is travelling. Just flip the switch on the side between Transmitting and Receiving to change functionalities. Featuring aptX HD and Low-Latency sound, the SoundSync A3341 delivers rich, high-quality sound with no perceptible delay so you can enjoy your music at its best and watch videos without audio lag. It can connect to your devices using an RCA, AUX, or optical cable for maximum versatility. The only downside: it’s battery powered, meaning it needs to be recharged after about 20 hours of use. Best Range: Logitech Bluetooth Audio Adapter Receiver 4 Buy on Amazon Buy on Best Buy Buy on Logitech.com What We Like 50-foot range Supports simultaneous pairing RCA or AUX connection What We Don't Like Not portable No built-in music controls Logitech Bluetooth Audio Adapter Review This Bluetooth audio receiver from Logitech is a solid device at a mid-range price that makes a convenient and reliable addition to your home speaker setup. It connects to your existing speakers using a common RCA or AUX connection and plugs into the wall. This means it isn’t portable (so don’t get this one for your car) but it also means you never have to worry about the battery dying once you set it up. The best feature: its impressive 50-foot connection range that keeps the music streaming even as you carry your phone around the house. It has a single button that initiates “pairing mode,” making it super simple to operate, and it can pair to two devices at once for seamless and convenient switching between audio sources. “I have this receiver and can vouch for its impressive range. It keeps my phone connected to my speakers even when one is upstairs and the other downstairs.” — Emmeline Kaser, Tech Writer Best Battery Life: TaoTronics Bluetooth 5.0 Transmitter/Receiver Buy on Amazon Buy on EBay What We Like 20-hour battery life Built-in music controls Low-latency audio What We Don't Like Low latency feature does not work with dual pairing This little device from TaoTronics is both a Bluetooth transmitter and receiver. That means it can receive audio from a Bluetooth smartphone and play it through a non-Bluetooth speaker, and it can also transmit the audio from a non-Bluetooth device (like a TV) and play it through a Bluetooth speaker or set of headphones. Audio transmission is low-latency, meaning it’s fast enough to keep your sound in sync with the video on your screen. The TaoTronics adapter is tiny (a two-inch square), battery-powered, and can plug into your devices via an RCA or AUX connection. It’s extremely versatile, a device to finally bring both your Bluetooth and non-Bluetooth devices into harmony. And unlike other battery-powered receivers that run out of juice in only a day or so, the TaoTronics Bluetooth 5.0 Transmitter/Receiver can last for up to 20 hours on a single charge. The 7 Best Portable Bluetooth Wireless Speakers of 2020 Best Portability: Mpow MBR1 Bluetooth Receiver Buy on Amazon Buy on EBay What We Like Built in music controls Supports simultaneous pairing Microphone for phone calls What We Don't Like Conflicting info on whether it can be used while charging Mpow is something of a dark horse in the audio market and is best known for its line of affordable headphones. This is a straightforward Bluetooth receiver that’s highly portable and includes a few extra features that make it a good value for such an affordable price. The receiver is compact and extremely lightweight (about half an ounce), great for using in the car or plugging directly into the cable port on a pair of wired headphones to make them wireless. It has one large play/pause button on the side and smaller skip/volume buttons on the edge so you can control your music directly from the device. The battery lasts for about ten hours between charges and it has a decent range of 30 feet. If you want something portable, affordable, and easy to use, the Mpow MBR1 is a solid option. The 10 Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers of 2020 Final Verdict The Audioengine B1 is a pricey but high-powered receiver that streams your audio at full quality, providing the best listening experience and a plethora of connectivity options. If you’re looking to spend less, then check out the Etekcity Roverbeats Unify. Its ultra-compact design is great for connecting to car stereos and headphones and it has the added bonus of NFC compatibility. 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. About our Trusted Experts A former editor of Lifewire product round-ups, Emmeline has years of experience researching and writing about the best consumer products out there. She specializes in consumer tech.