a bluetooth audio receiver turns a hi-fi system or any powered speakers into a wireless sound system that can stream music from a smartphone, tablet or pc. For audio transmission, the receivers rely on the short-range bluetooth radio, which is integrated in almost all tablets and smartphones. For pcs and laptops without bluetooth, this can be easily retrofitted via an inexpensive USB dongle, in order to be able to send your favorite music to a stereo system from there as well.
Over time, we have been able to test several bluetooth audio receivers intensively. This results in a recommendation of the best music adapters, which we regularly keep up to date. our best list only includes receivers that can receive music wirelessly and send it to a hi-fi system or active speakers. In another best list, we have summarized the 5 best bluetooth audio transmitters that serve as a transmitter to transmit, for example, the sound of a tv to bluetooth headphones.
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| 1. | Avantree oasis plus aptx HD bluetooth adapter | 79,99 € |
| 2. | Inateck BR1008 aptx HD bluetooth adapter | 41,99 € |
| 3. | Logitech bluetooth audio adapter | 33,94 € |
| 4. | UGREEN bluetooth 5.0 receiver | 19,99 € |
| 5. | Cocoda bluetooth audio receiver for car radio | 17,99 € |
Rank 1: avantree oasis plus aptx HD bluetooth adapter
The avantree oasis plus is currently one of the most technically advanced bluetooth adapters on the market. With a range of up to 50 meters, it offers a significantly larger reception and transmission radius than the vast majority of comparable devices. in addition, with the latest aptx HD audio codec, this supports the highest quality option for lossless transmission of music in maximum high definition quality in 24bit.
the avantree oasis plus can be used as a high-quality bluetooth receiver for the home hi-fi system, and also as a flexible audio transmitter, for example to send tv sound to bluetooth headphones. A small slide switch on the side of the adapter decides which mode of operation to use. The aptx low latency codec for lip-synchronous transmission of TV sound is supported by both operating modes, as a bluetooth transmitter even for up to two compatible headphones. Matching audio connections are available in the form of analog AUX and high-quality digital-optical TOSLINK jacks, each for the input and output channels. this makes the adapter compatible with almost all tvs and hifi systems.
Other highlights of the avantree oasis plus include an automatic reconnect to the last connected device and a helpful LED indicator that shows the operating mode and the audio codec in use. A so-called pass-through, or bypass function, can simultaneously forward the audio signals from the input to the output channel and also send them to a bluetooth receiver.
Our conclusion: a premium adapter with a long range
The avantree oasis plus is a premium bluetooth adapter for the highest sound demands. A high range in transmit and receive mode, paired with the latest audio codecs aptx HD and low latency as well as the flexible connection and application options make the oasis plus the most recommendable bluetooth adapter at the moment.
Price: 79,99 €
Our rating:
Rank 2: inateck BR1008 aptx HD bluetooth adapter
the inateck BR1008 is one of the few affordable bluetooth audio adapters that already supports the high quality aptx HD codec. It offers a lossless high definition wireless audio experience and the best possible sound quality over bluetooth, as confirmed by our detailed review of the inateck BR1008. In addition, the aptx low latency standard is also integrated to enable lip-synchronous transmission of TV or game sound.
the small adapter can be used as an audio receiver and transmitter at the same time. This is permanently connected to a USB socket for power supply, or via the integrated rechargeable battery with a runtime of approx. 13 hours. The maximum range of the bluetooth 4.1 capable inateck adapters is at about 10 meters. An analog 3.5 mm AUX jack is available as audio input and output, and the manufacturer kindly includes a suitable cinch adapter cable. Unfortunately, there are no digital audio jacks.
Our conclusion: an inexpensive adapter for lossless aptx HD audio
The inateck BR1008 adapter is recommended for demanding music lovers who value near-perfect audio quality. But even without an aptx HD-compatible smartphone, the inateck adapter convinces with its versatility as an audio transmitter and receiver with support for the best audio codecs available.
Price: 41,99 €
Our rating:
Rank 3: logitech bluetooth audio adapter
the manufacturer logitech has already been present on the market for several years with its own bluetooth music adapters and has a lot of experience in the audio sector. As our review describes in detail, the logitech bluetooth adapter offers a very good audio quality in combination with a quite high reception range of up to 15 meters. Thanks to the multipoint function, the logitech music adapter can be connected to two different devices at the same time, which automatically reconnect when the adapter is within range of the smartphone or tablet.
Only the higher-quality aptx codec is missing from the logitech music adapter in the current generation. The list of compatible devices on the aptx website shows that the lack of aptx is not a problem: there are only a limited number of smartphones that support this codec. If you don’t find your device in this list, you can buy the logitech music adapter without hesitation.
our conclusion: a reliable music adapter for everyone
The logitech bluetooth audio receiver offers a good sound quality and is compatible with almost all smartphones and tablets. The stable range of up to 15 meters, the multipoint function and the automatic re-connect, coupled with an excellent price-performance ratio make this adapter one of the best all-round receiver.
Price: 33,94 €
Our rating:
Rank 4: UGREEN bluetooth 5.0 receiver
the UGREEN bluetooth audio receiver is a flexible all-rounder for use in the car or on the home stereo system. the small adapter is plugged into any usb socket for power supply, e.g. in the car, on a tv or even an old cell phone power supply unit. The received sound is then transferred to the hi-fi system or car radio via a 3.5mm AUX jack, which is connected to the receiver via a 1.5 meter spiral cable.
Powered by a current bluetooth 5.0 module, the UGREEN receiver provides a stable connection with a maximum range up to 10 meters. The UGREEN adapter can remain permanently in the USB socket, a battery is therefore not installed. Thanks to the automatic re-connect feature, the receiver reconnects to the last linked smartphone as soon as it comes within range of the UGREEN adapter. The supported SBC audio codec ensures broad compatibility with all popular android and apple smartphones and tablets.
our conclusion: a flexibly applicable audio receiver
The UGREEN audio receiver is quick to install and absolutely flexible to use due to its integrated USB plug for power supply. The adapter is recommended for all those users who want to upgrade their stereo or car radio with a simple but reliable wireless music receiver for little money.
Price: 19,99 €
Our rating:
Rank 5: cocoda bluetooth audio receiver for the car radio
the small cocoda audio receiver is the ideal bluetooth adapter to wirelessly supply older car radios with music that do not yet support bluetooth. An integrated li-ion battery allows about 16 hours of runtime on the road. The receiver can also be permanently powered via an included charging cable, ideally via a corresponding USB adapter for the 12-volt socket in the car. An included 3.5mm jack plug provides direct connection to the input jack of a car radio. Alternatively, the manufacturer also supplies a matching AUX audio cable.
The extremely small cocoda receiver supports the latest bluetooth 5.0 standard and connects simultaneously with up to two smartphones or tablets. They will automatically reconnect as soon as the adapter is turned on and the devices are in range.
Our conclusion: a cheap music receiver for the car radio
If you are looking for a small bluetooth audio receiver for use in your car, with a convincing sound and an optimal price-performance ratio, the cocoda bluetooth receiver is exactly the right adapter for you.