Do Soundbars Have Bluetooth Transmitters? (Solved!)
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Soundbars are a great way to boost your audio devices. They provide high-quality sound that brings almost the same feel as surround systems. They can connect to multiple devices, making them versatile as well. With that being said, do soundbars have Bluetooth transmitters?
Soundbars do not have Bluetooth transmitters. Soundbars are designed to receive sound, not transmit it. While you can connect your sandbar to the TV using Bluetooth, you cannot use the soundbar to send audio out to other devices. However, there are some soundbars that can transmit audio wirelessly, but these are hard to find and tend to be more expensive.
I have some good news for you, though. You can buy a separate Bluetooth transmitter and connect it to your soundbar to enjoy better sound quality on any device.
What is a Bluetooth Transmitter?
Bluetooth transmitters are devices you can use to send or receive data between two devices. In our case, you can use a Bluetooth transmitter to send sound from your soundbar to another device. This comes in handy when dealing with old generation TVs or soundbars that don’t have the Bluetooth transmitter option.
You can use the transmitter to send audio to various devices, such as your TV, headphones, and other speakers around your house. There are both wired and wireless transmitters.
Wireless Bluetooth transmitters are the best option that you can use. They are pocket-sized and don’t need any adapters to connect to devices. They are convenient and more advanced. They also cause less clutter. If both your soundbar and Bluetooth transmitter are wireless, you won’t have multiple wires running through everything.
Best Wireless Bluetooth Transmitters for Soundbars
Even if your soundbar has a Bluetooth transmitter, it is not able to connect the sound to other devices. Soundbars that can transmit audio wirelessly cannot, for example, transmit audio to an old TV that isn’t Bluetooth enabled. They also cannot transmit audio to Bluetooth headphones or a PC.
That’s where the Bluetooth transmitter comes in. Let’s look at some of the best Bluetooth transmitters that are compatible with your soundbar for better audio quality.
You can also check out this article about What is the Best Bluetooth TV Transmitter In 2022?
Avantree Orbit Bluetooth 5.0 Audio Transmitter
FEATURES
Pass-through: The Pass-through feature allows you to connect two devices at the same time and they will both receive a sound at low latency.
LCD Display: The LCD display on Avantree Orbit shows all of the important information that you need including which profile is active (Auxiliary, Bluetooth, or Transmitter).
Great Battery Life: The Avantree Orbit has a long battery life of up to 40 hours. This is perfect if you have multiple devices that need to be charged.
Multiple Device Support: The Avantree Orbit supports both RCA and Optical audio outputs as well as a Mic input. This makes it perfect for people with multiple devices.
aptX-LL: The Avantree Orbit supports the latest aptX-LL audio codec which provides low latency streaming for gaming and watching movies.
Class 1 Long Range: With a range of up to 164ft, the Avantree Orbit is perfect for people who want high-quality streaming across large spaces.
Automatic Audio Decoding: The Avantree Orbit will automatically decode the audio format that is being streamed, so you don’t have to worry about changing any settings.
The Avantree Orbit Audio Bluetooth Transmitter is one of the most popular Bluetooth transmitters on the market right now. It’s one of few Bluetooth adaptors on the market with an LCD display, so there’s no guesswork when it comes to making a connection.
The Avantree Orbit Audio Bluetooth Transmitter offers a long battery life, making it ideal for multi-device users. You can read my full review of the Avantree Orbit here.
It provides hassle-free pairing and long battery life. It has a small and portable design that allows you to take it with you wherever you go.
There is no more static or buzzing noise when streaming music with this device. Avantree Orbit also has multiple audio capabilities, allowing users to connect many devices of various manufacturers at the same time.
There are also no lip-sync delays with this gadget, allowing you to enjoy your movies and games without interruption. It also comes at a reasonable price. It contains separate volume control buttons, allowing you to change your device’s volume independently.
To summarize, the Avantree Orbit Audio Bluetooth Transmitter is an excellent alternative for those seeking an easy-to-use and low-cost audio streaming device.
Aisidra V5.0 Bluetooth Transmitter & Receiver
FEATURES
Universal 2-in-1 Bluetooth Adapter: In TX mode, the Bluetooth transmitter is plugged into non-Bluetooth devices such as TVs, PCs and MP3 players via AUX/RCA jack and transmits audio to Bluetooth headphones/speakers/soundbars; in RX mode, the Bluetooth receiver can be connected to wired speaker/earphones and to receive audio from smartphones via Bluetooth.
Stable connection, stereo sound: Equipped with latest mature Bluetooth chip and well-design software, the Bluetooth adapter is an up-to-date audio adapter, not only helps to upgrade your old audio devices to Bluetooth capable without replacing them but also promises you a CD-like auditory feast.
Seamless streaming, never miss a beat: With low latency encoder applied, the audio delay has been minimized to approximately 40ms, the Bluetooth transmitter will present fully synchronized audio and video. Note: Bluetooth headphones/speakers are also required to support low latency technology.
Dual connection, share your joy: Being able to pair with two devices simultaneously, Aisidra Bluetooth transmitter can fulfill your thoughts of watching movies together with your love one using Bluetooth headphones, or to volume up music with two Bluetooth speakers playing concurrently.
Working while charging, nonstop fun: Installed battery could support the Bluetooth adapter to work for 10 hours per full charge. When in the low battery status, the adapter could be plugged into power to get charged while working at the same time.
This Bluetooth transmitter works with more than just your soundbar. You can use it to connect to other non-Bluetooth devices, like TVs and PCs. It connects two devices at once so you can connect your soundbar and TV at the same time.
The adapter has a stable connection and stereo sound. This ensures you get quality sound and there is no lagging. The adapter gives you fully synchronized video and audio with the low latency encoder technology. It also features an installed battery that you can charge while it is still in use and gives up to 10 hours of use on a full charge.
TROND BT-Duo S
FEATURES
APTX and APTX LOW LATENCY SUPPORTED: TROND BT-DUO S not only supports the latest Bluetooth V5.0, but also adds aptX and aptX Low Latency to both the TX and RX modes. With aptX, you can enjoy CD-quality sound wirelessly over Bluetooth connections with aptX-source devices like TV, phones or tablets; with aptX Low Latency, you can now watch video while listening to wireless audio in a synchronized fashion AND without any noticeable audio delay
TX MODE BLUETOOTH TRANSMITTER: By plugging TROND Bluetooth transmitter to your non-Bluetooth audio sources (TV, iPod, MP3 or Kindle e-Book reader), you can enjoy high quality music wirelessly or listen to late night shows without disturbing your family members on your Bluetooth headphones or speaker. Charging while working, the built-in battery could support the Bluetooth adapter to work for 9-10 hours per full charge
RX MODE BLUETOOTH RECEIVER w/ VOLUME CONTROL: TROND Bluetooth adapter can upgrade your old wired headphones (such as Bose QC25/QC15) or speakers into wireless with the support for aptX Low Latency.
This is one of the most portable Bluetooth adapters, allowing you to move around with it. You can use it in your car stereo or other mobile devices. It supports analog and digital audio outputs. You can connect it to your soundbar using the AUX and RCA cords or digitally using a USB.
The adapter also has both receiver and transmitter modes. Its wireless Bluetooth connection gives you high sound quality with no sound delays. It also pairs with two devices at the same time. It features built-in volume control for easier use.
Avantree Oasis Plus
FEATURES
Perfectly Synced Visual-Audio: The Avantree Oasis Plus is aptX Low Latency certified. When (and ONLY WHEN) used with a Bluetooth headphone/speaker that also supports aptX Low Latency or FastStream, it will deliver the ultimate “no lip sync delay” experience, ensuring perfectly synced visual and audio no matter what you watch.
Works Alongside your Speaker: The “Pass-Through” or “Bypass” feature of Oasis Plus guarantees simultaneous audio output through the headphones (that are connected to Oasis Plus) AND your external TV speaker such as Sound Bar or Stereo AVR, so other household members can still hear the TV while you’re using the headphones.
Two Headphones, Together: The Oasis Plus features a “dual-link” function that allows two Bluetooth headphones/speakers to be connected at the same time; audio will play through both devices simultaneously. Enjoy a late-night Netflix session with a partner, at your own volumes, without awaking others in your household.
Wide Compatibility: The Oasis Plus in Transmitter (TX) mode works with any TV that has an audio output port, and it can be paired with any headphone/speaker that’s Bluetooth enabled. Receiver (RX) mode can receive wireless audio signals from your iPhone, iPad, or Android via Bluetooth and stream audio into any wired speaker system.
Class 1 Long Range Bluetooth: Equipped with the highest Bluetooth range, Class 1 and the running Bluetooth version 5.0 ensures the Oasis Plus provides stable & reliable connectivity up to 164 ft (50 m). Need to start making dinner? No problem, do what you need to do without worrying about the audio cutting out.
The Avantree Oasis Plus is jam-packed with the best features you could find from any adapter, and it is available at a reasonable price. It also features analog (RCA, AUX) and digital (Toslink) outputs and can be used as transmitter and receiver.
The Oasis Plus has a range of 164 ft in open spaces, giving you freedom over where you put it. It can share audio from the TV with your soundbar and wireless headphones at the same time, supporting three devices at once. The adapter also features a voice prompt and touchscreen option.
ZIIDOO Bluetooth Transmitter & Receiver
Low Delay: low latency for high-fidelity stereo sound, content transmission without delays in transmitter mode. A low latency Bluetooth receiver is required
Multifunction: The portable adapter that can be used as a transmitter or receiver at the same time, and with hands-free function
Bluetooth is everywhere: In transmitter mode, convert a TV, PC, CD player, iPod, MP3 / MP4 other than Bluetooth into a Bluetooth transmitter. Receiver mode: ideal for sound systems transmitting music at home or in the vehicle
Portable: The compact Bluetooth adapter is small, lightweight, and easy to carry
Enjoy the Silence: Benefit from Bluetooth audio when exercising, watching late-night TV shows, or simply when you want to keep the entertainment for yourself only.
This Bluetooth adapter is one of the most affordable ones in the market. The only downside to this adapter is that it only supports analog audio output and has a range of only 33ft. However, it is quite a steal for the price point.
It supports aptX LL to ensure you don’t get any lip-sync or lag issues when watching TV. It is one of the adapters with few features, but it has a great price point. It is a good companion for someone who isn’t looking to spend much.
How to Connect a Bluetooth Transmitter to the Soundbar
There are two main ways to connect your soundbar to the Bluetooth transmitter. These depend on whether your TV has AUX out ports or not.
Analog Connection
This connection method works with both AUX and RCA out ports. It uses cords to connect the soundbar, TV, and Bluetooth adapter. To connect your soundbar to a non-Bluetooth enabled device, you will need to:
- Switch on the Bluetooth adapter and connect to the TV using the AUX or RCA cable.
- Switch the adapter to ‘TX’ mode, which refers to transmit
- You can now connect your soundbar to the transmitter using Bluetooth and start transmitting audio between your devices.
READ MORE! Does a Bluetooth FM Transmitter Drain Your Car Battery?
Digital Connection
There is no need to worry if your TV doesn’t have the AUX/RCA out port. All you have to do is find a Bluetooth transmitter that supports a digital optical out port. Once you find an adapter that is compatible with your TV’s ports, you can connect it as you would the RCA and AUX out ports.
Connect the TV to the adapter using the digital optical out. Change the settings to TX so that it can transmit audio, then connect it to your soundbar. You can now enjoy quality surround sound with no audio lags.
Final Thoughts
While soundbars do not have a Bluetooth transmitter, there is still a way to get your soundbar working, even with non-Bluetooth compatible devices. Get yourself a quality Bluetooth adapter that is compatible with your device. You can choose either a digital or analog output depending on the device you are using.
Once you get a compatible Bluetooth transmitter, you can easily connect your soundbar to your device and enjoy the best sound system available.
Espen
Espen is the Director of ProPairing and has written extensively about Bluetooth devices for years. He is a consumer product expert and has personally tested Bluetooth devices for the last decade.
