Cutting the cord on your TV audio setup opens up a world of possibilities. Whether you want to enjoy late-night movies through wireless headphones without disturbing others, or fill your living room with rich sound from a portable Bluetooth speaker, a dedicated Bluetooth transmitter is the key. These small, often affordable devices bridge the gap between your television’s audio outputs and your favorite wireless gear, providing the freedom and flexibility that built-in TV Bluetooth often lacks.
However, not all transmitters are created equal. The best model for you depends on your specific needs, from achieving the absolute lowest latency for gaming to connecting multiple headphones for shared viewing. This roundup breaks down the top options on the market, highlighting their unique strengths to help you find the perfect Bluetooth audio solution for your entertainment center.
The Best Bluetooth Transmitters for TV
- Creative BT-W5 Smart Bluetooth 5.3 Audio Transmitter
- Avantree DG80 USB Bluetooth 5.1 Transmitter and Receiver
- 1Mii B06TX Bluetooth 5.3 Transmitter and Receiver for TV
- TaoTronics TT-BA07 Bluetooth 5.0 Transmitter and Receiver
- MEE audio Connect Bluetooth 5.0 Transmitter for TV
- HomeSpot Bluetooth 5.0 Transmitter for TV with AptX
- Twelve South AirFly Pro Bluetooth Audio Transmitter
- UGREEN Bluetooth 5.0 Transmitter with Optical and RCA
Creative BT-W5 Smart Bluetooth 5.3 Audio Transmitter
The Creative BT-W5 stands out for users who demand the absolute best in audio quality and performance. It leverages the latest aptX Adaptive codec and Bluetooth 5.3 to deliver high-resolution 24-bit/96 kHz audio streaming. This smart technology actively monitors your environment and the content you’re playing, dynamically adjusting the bitrate to ensure a robust, high-quality, and low-latency connection perfect for gaming, movies, and music.
Convenience is another major advantage of this transmitter. Its easy device-switch function allows you to seamlessly jump between up to four paired devices by simply pressing a button, eliminating the need to manually disconnect and reconnect. This makes it an excellent choice for a multi-user household or for someone who frequently switches between headphones and speakers. It also works seamlessly with PCs, Macs, and gaming consoles, offering broad compatibility.
Avantree DG80 USB Bluetooth 5.1 Transmitter and Receiver
The Avantree DG80 is a versatile two-in-one device that functions as both a transmitter and a receiver, providing excellent value. In transmitter mode, it takes audio from your TV’s USB and optical ports to send it to your Bluetooth headphones or speakers. In receiver mode, it can take audio from your phone or tablet and play it through a wired speaker system, making it a highly flexible audio solution.
Designed with TV use as a primary focus, it features Avantree’s proprietary low latency technology to minimize audio lag, ensuring that what you see on screen matches what you hear. Its plug-and-play design means you can get it set up in moments, and the long battery life ensures it can keep up with even the longest movie marathons without needing a recharge.
1Mii B06TX Bluetooth 5.3 Transmitter and Receiver for TV
The 1Mii B06TX is a powerful and modern option that utilizes Bluetooth 5.3 for an exceptionally stable and efficient connection. Its strong signal strength helps prevent dropouts and interference, which is crucial for an uninterrupted viewing experience. Like the DG80, it also operates in both transmitter and receiver modes, adding to its overall utility for various audio setups.
This model supports the aptX LL (Low Latency) codec, which is specifically designed to virtually eliminate the audio delay that can be so distracting when watching video content. With multiple connection options including optical, RCA, and 3.5mm aux, it is compatible with a very wide range of TVs and home audio systems, making it a reliable and adaptable choice.
TaoTronics TT-BA07 Bluetooth 5.0 Transmitter and Receiver
TaoTronics offers a solid and user-friendly option with the TT-BA07. This dual-mode device is simple to set up and use, making it a great entry-point into wireless audio. It automatically powers on and connects when it detects an audio signal, so you don’t have to fiddle with buttons every time you want to use it.
With Bluetooth 5.0, it provides a stable connection and improved energy efficiency. It can pair with two Bluetooth headphones simultaneously, which is perfect for couples or friends who want to watch TV together without disturbing others. The included optical cable makes getting started straightforward, and its compact design ensures it won’t clutter your entertainment center.
MEE audio Connect Bluetooth 5.0 Transmitter for TV
The MEE audio Connect is designed specifically for TV use, focusing on simplicity and effective performance. It connects via a digital optical audio port, which is common on modern televisions and provides a clean, high-quality audio signal. This dedicated approach often results in a more reliable connection than models that rely solely on a 3.5mm jack.
It supports low-latency codecs to keep audio in sync with your video and can remember pairings with multiple devices. Its straightforward, no-frills operation is a major benefit for those who want a “set it and forget it” solution that just works every time they turn on the TV.
HomeSpot Bluetooth 5.0 Transmitter for TV with AptX Low Latency
The HomeSpot transmitter is a popular choice among Apple TV and NVIDIA Shield users, known for its reliable performance and compact design. It uses the aptX Low Latency codec to ensure that audio and video remain perfectly synchronized, which is essential for a immersive viewing experience without distracting lag.
Its plug-and-play functionality means there are no complicated drivers or apps required. Simply connect it to your TV’s optical audio port, pair your headphones, and you’re ready to go. The small, discreet form factor is designed to tuck neatly behind your TV, keeping your setup looking clean and organized.
Twelve South AirFly Pro Bluetooth Audio Transmitter and Receiver
The Twelve South AirFly Pro is designed with portability and style in mind. While it works great for TVs, its small size and included charging case make it perfect for travel, allowing you to add Bluetooth to airplane entertainment systems, gym equipment, and rental car stereos. It’s a versatile tool for the frequent traveler.
Beyond its portability, the AirFly Pro allows you to connect two sets of Bluetooth headphones to a single audio source at once. This is an excellent feature for shared listening, whether you’re on a plane with a companion or watching a movie in bed without waking anyone. The sleek design and durable case make it a premium accessory.
UGREEN Bluetooth 5.0 Transmitter with Optical and RCA Inputs
The UGREEN Bluetooth Transmitter stands out for its exceptional connectivity options. It features not only an optical input but also RCA (red and white) audio inputs. This makes it compatible with virtually any TV or audio device, including older models that may not have a digital optical port, offering a universal wireless audio solution.
It supports stable Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity and can switch between transmitter and receiver modes. The ability to handle both digital and analog audio signals gives you maximum flexibility, ensuring that no matter what equipment you have, you can likely connect this transmitter and start streaming audio wirelessly to your headphones or speakers.
Buying Guide: Finding the Right Bluetooth Transmitter For Your TV
So, you want to cut the cord and send your TV’s audio to your favorite Bluetooth headphones or speaker. It sounds simple, but not all Bluetooth transmitters are created equal. I’ve tested a bunch, and the right choice really depends on your specific TV setup and how you plan to use it. Let’s walk through the key things to consider before you buy one of the best Bluetooth transmitters for your TV.
First up, check your TV’s audio outputs. This is the most important step. Look for ports like Optical (Toslink), a 3.5mm headphone jack, or RCA (the red and white circles). Some newer transmitters even plug directly into a USB port for power, but that usually doesn’t carry the audio signal itself. If your TV has an Optical output, you’re in luck, as this often provides the highest quality, lag-free audio. A 3.5mm jack is the most common and versatile option. Make sure the transmitter you pick has the right input to match your TV’s output.
Next, think about latency, also known as audio lag. This is that annoying delay between when someone’s lips move on screen and when you hear the sound. It can make watching anything feel like a badly dubbed movie. Look for transmitters that support low-latency codecs like aptX LL (Low Latency) or, at a minimum, aptX. If you’re using Apple devices, AAC is a good codec to have. If you’re just listening to music, latency doesn’t matter much, but for TV and movies, it’s a game-changer.
Then, consider the range and connectivity. How far away do you plan to sit from your TV? Most transmitters have a range of about 30 feet, but walls and interference can shorten that. Also, check if the device can pair with two sets of headphones at once. This is a fantastic feature for late-night viewing sessions with a partner without disturbing anyone else. You don’t want to buy a transmitter only to find out it can only connect to one device at a time if that’s what you need.
Finally, don’t forget about power and design. Some transmitters draw power from your TV’s USB port, which is super convenient because they turn on and off with the TV. Others might need their own wall adapter or a built-in battery, which is more portable but requires remembering to charge it. The physical design matters, too. If your TV’s ports are close together on the back, a large, bulky transmitter might block other essential ports. A compact, low-profile design is often a better fit.
FAQ
Will a Bluetooth transmitter introduce audio lag?
It can, but it doesn’t have to. Standard Bluetooth codecs often have a noticeable delay, which makes watching video frustrating. The key is to look for a transmitter (and headphones) that support a low-latency codec like aptX LL (Low Latency). This technology significantly reduces the lag, often making it imperceptible, so the audio stays perfectly in sync with the video on your screen.
Can I connect multiple headphones to one Bluetooth transmitter?
Some can, but not all. This is a specific feature called multipoint pairing or dual-link. If you want to watch a movie with a friend or family member using two separate pairs of Bluetooth headphones, you need to actively look for a transmitter that explicitly states it supports two simultaneous connections. Many standard models only support one audio device at a time.
What’s the difference between a transmitter and a receiver?
This is a common point of confusion. A Bluetooth transmitter takes an audio signal from a source (like your TV) and sends it out wirelessly to your headphones or speaker. A Bluetooth receiver does the opposite: it takes a wireless signal from your phone or computer and sends it to a non-Bluispeaker via a wired connection. For making your TV work with wireless headphones, you need a transmitter.
My TV already has Bluetooth. Do I need a transmitter?
If your TV has built-in Bluetooth that allows for audio streaming to headphones, then you probably don’t need an external transmitter. However, many TVs with Bluetooth only allow you to connect a keyboard or mouse, not audio devices. Check your TV’s manual or settings menu to see if “Bluetooth Audio” or “Bluetooth Headphones” is listed as an option. If not, then an external device is your solution.
How do I know which audio output my TV has?
The easiest way is to look at the back or side of your TV for the ports I mentioned earlier. A 3.5mm headphone jack looks like a standard headphone port. An Optical audio output is a small, squared-off port with a covered hole—it might have a red light when the TV is on. RCA ports are red and white circles. Your TV’s manual will also have a diagram showing all its connections. Identifying this is the first step to picking one of the best Bluetooth transmitters for your TV.