If your favorite audio system lacks Bluetooth connectivity, you do not have to invest in a brand new system to stream audio from your smartphone, tablet, or TV. A Bluetooth to RCA adapter is an affordable and easy add-on that you can use. Put simply, these devices add Bluetooth to otherwise wired situations.

With a Bluetooth adapter, you can bring Bluetooth connectivity to your old stereo, TV or home audio system. With no doubt, this is an investment that can open a whole world of possibilities.

To help you make the right decision, we have tested and curated a list of six Bluetooth to RCA adapters that will make enable you to bring Bluetooth compatibility to older or incompatible devices. Before we get into the details here is a quick summary of our selections:

• Editor’s pick –  High fidelity 24-bit DAC with audio and optical outputs
• Best Portable – Transmitter and Receiver with AUX & Optical outputs
• Best surround sound – 3D sound
• Best range – aptX low latency with dual link and 164 ft range
• Best on a budget – simple and easy to install

Editor’s pick – 

If you’ve already invested a lot of money in your existing audio system, the will be a huge step up since it offers quality sound that is worthy of a high-end system. To be precise, it comes with a built-in digital-to-analog converter. The result is excellent sound that is roughly equivalent to, if not better than what you get when you connect your smartphone or tablet directly to speakers. To achieve this, it comes with a small external antenna that allows it to attain 100 foot range for a Bluetooth device. Besides this, it comes with lots of features that will transform the way you listen to music.

Incredible sound

This adapter gives you the ability to listen to your favorite music as it should be heard. To achieve this stunning audio quality, this adapter leverages the latest Bluetooth encodings such as 5.0, aptX HD, aptX, and AAC (Apple) encodings. The result is the addition of high-definition Bluetooth to any music system.

High quality

Thanks to its external antenna, this adapter offers an impressive Bluetooth range of up to 30 meters and works through multiple walls. It also includes an AKM4396 DAC for 24-bit playback. The adapter also offers low latency implying that there are no audio delays when playing videos. In addition, it features an aluminum housing with audiophile connectors, analog, and optical outputs.  

What’s in the box?

When you buy this adapter, you get a B1 Bluetooth Music Receiver, USB Power Adapter, Stereo Audio Cable, Microfiber Product Bag, Micro USB Cable, and Setup Instructions.

PROS

• High quality, up-sampled 24-bit audio output
• Uninterrupted, stutter-free audio stream
• Easy setup
• Compact design

CONS

• Relatively expensive

Best Portable –

One of the most versatile receivers on this list has to be the Anker SoundSync. It can act as a Bluetooth receiver or transmitter and perform the two functions smoothly regardless of the direction of the audio. For instance, you can connect it to your stereo and listen to music from your phone. Or you can connect it to your TV and stream audio to your Bluetooth headphones. All you need to do is toggle the switch button on the side from transmitting to receiving and you’re set. Besides this, it has lots more to offer.

Versatile

The device comes with an auxiliary cable, a cinch cable, and an optical cable that will cover most of your use cases. It is battery-powered and lasts around 20 hours on a single charge, or you can just plug it in with a MicroUSB cable if you want to keep it in one place. The receiver has aptX HD and low latency sound, which translates to superior audio quality and a better use case for headphones that stay in sync with the video.

2-in-1 design

This adapter combines transmitter and receiver functions in one compact package. With this, you can give any device Bluetooth functionality. The transmitter mode can connect up to two Bluetooth headphones to your TV, while the receiver mode connects up to two smartphones to your stereo system.

Latest Bluetooth technology

It is designed with a Bluetooth 5 codec which offers twice the transmission speeds of Bluetooth 4.2 and a super stable connection even at distances of more than 10 meters.

Lag-Free


By reducing the delay between the audio and images to an imperceptible level, aptX Low-Latency ensures that there are no distracting audio delays.

Exceptional sound

It is designed with AptX HD music which preserves sound quality with lossless streaming over any Bluetooth device with the same incredible fidelity you’re used to.

Various input options

Connect your existing devices via AUX, Cinch, or optical cables to expand their functionality and connect them to the newest technology.

Extended playtime

A powerful lithium polymer battery guarantees a lifespan of up to 20 hours in transmitter mode and 17.5 hours in receiver mode.

What’s in the box?

Once you buy this adapter, you get an AUX cable, Micro-USB cable, Anker SoundSync, Optical cable, Webbing cable, and a Handbook

PROS

• The receiver is compatible with cars
• It uses the latest Bluetooth 5.0 technology
• It is compact and lightweight
• You can connect to more than one device

CONS

• Flimsy build quality

Best surround sound –

This Bluetooth Audio Adapter makes it easy to play Hi-Fi wireless audio from any Bluetooth-enabled device including smartphones, tablets, computers, and laptops. In other words, it is a Bluetooth receiver that adds Bluetooth functionality to unsupported devices.

164 FT range for Bluetooth music streaming

The leverages the latest Bluetooth chip and low latency technology to offer the best sound quality. Moreover, it can reach an impressive range of up to 164 ft (50m) outdoors and up to 70 ft (30m) indoors.

High definition Bluetooth audio

It comes with a Bluetooth 5.0 chip that provides high-definition Bluetooth audio to speakers or home stereo systems that do not have Bluetooth capability. In addition, it supports aptX codecs for low latency.

Power on and reconnect automatically

If the HiFi Bluetooth audio receiver is connected to an outlet, it automatically turns on and reconnects to the previously paired device.

Easy setup, easy to use

This updated device comes with a USB power adapter for charging. With it, you can connect to computer speakers, home stereos, or other speaker systems with a 3.5mm or cinch cable, then connect with Bluetooth audio devices such as smartphones or tablets.

Works with voice commands

To use voice commands, connect this Bluetooth adapter to your speaker via a 3.5mm jack plug or cinch cable and pair the receiver with your Amazon Echo via Bluetooth using the Alexa app. With this feature, it’s easy to control your music but make sure to use the audio cable to connect the Bluetooth receiver to your speaker, and not the Echo.

Unique 3D Surround Sound Function

With the 3D audio button, you can switch to 3D mode to enjoy high-fidelity surround sound from a normal audio source. Its advanced internal chip supports conversion to make it possible with convenient lossless codes.

Dual Bluetooth connectivity

This Bluetooth receiver can be paired with two Bluetooth-enabled devices at the same time, so you can play music right from your phone, tablet, or laptop.

PROS

• Dual Bluetooth connectivity allows to play music from various devices simultaneously
• Features Bluetooth 5.0 chip that ensures high fidelity audio signal
• 3.5mm jack or RCA cable connects to Alexa easily

CONS

• It is relatively expensive

Best range –

The Avantree Oasis Plus is a high-end 3-in-1 Bluetooth transmitter, receiver, or bypass specifically designed for wireless TV and music streaming from your home entertainment system. With the most powerful Class 1 Bluetooth technology and an optimized antenna design, the Oasis Plus can achieve an effective range of up to 50 m outdoors and up to 20 to 30 m indoors. So if you’re looking for a device that will cover all of your Bluetooth needs, should be at the top of your list.

Excellent sound quality

It is designed with a Qualcomm aptX HD Audio codec that ensures compatible Bluetooth devices provide high-definition (HD) sound. Moreover, the adapter preserves sound quality during audio streaming, resulting in a “better than CD” listening experience. You can switch between HD priority and low latency modes if your device supports both codecs. In addition to this, this adapter has more to offer.

Dual-link

With this adapter, you can simultaneously stream audio to 2 headphones or speakers without audio delay while watching TV, movies, or games. However, to achieve low latency, the receiving device (headphone/speaker) must also support aptx Low Latency codec or it may experience a delay of 70-220ms. You can check your device compatibility on the aptX official website.

Versatile

Even if your TV has only one optical port, you can connect this adapter between your TV and soundbar then play the audio from your soundbar and stream it to your headphones simultaneously. This is a unique feature of the product! It even supports independent control of device volume. You can easily choose between Bluetooth (wireless) modes and bypass (wired) mode with the push of a button without the need to plug and unplug cables.

Long range

Experience the wireless freedom to walk anywhere in the house since this adapter can achieve an impressive range of 295 feet when using headphones and 328 feet when using two Oasis Plus units one as a transmitter and the other as a receiver. However, note that the operating range can be affected by various factors.

Easy to use

It supports full voice prompts and codec indicators, making it incredibly easy to set up and use. It also automatically reconnects to the last paired device and supports Optical, AUX, and RCA digital audio output making it compatible with 99% of TVs on the market. The onboard volume adjustment feature can be used for many devices that do not have their own volume controls (e.g. Airpods).

PROS

• Simple to setup
• Avantree Oasis Plus offers long-range connectivity
• Works as a hub
• Three year long warranty