If you buy something from the links on this page, we may earn a commission. Why Trust Us?
Just because your new smartphone doesn't have a headphone jack doesn't mean you have to retire your favorite pair of wired headphones. Bluetooth headphone adapters are an easy solution to wirelessly connect your wired headphones or earbuds to your device that lacks a headphone jack.
With this convenient battery-powered mobile accessory, all you need to do is plug your wired headphones directly into it, turn Bluetooth on your device (likely a smartphone or tablet), and pair it to your adapter. Of course, you'll still have to deal with the cord, but at least you won't have to spend money on a replacement pair of headphones.
A Bluetooth receiver can also come in handy the next time you fly on an airplane since it serves as a way to connect your AirPods (or other wireless headphones) to the plane's in-flight entertainment system. Plus, if you have a car stereo or home theater system that isn't Bluetooth-enabled, you may also want to consider shopping for one of these products to make all of your devices more compatible.
Below are the best Bluetooth headphone adapters for all your connecting needs. For those who would rather cut the cord entirely, be sure to take a look at our extensive coverage of wireless headphones. We've also reviewed wireless earbuds, sports headphones, and even cheap earphones for those who are on a budget.
1
Best Overall
Bluetooth 5.0 Music Receiver
Pros
Low latency means no lip-sync issues- Delivers longer battery life than most other adapters
- Handy microphone for phone calls
Cons
- Its plastic body isn't as durable as the competition
Although several Bluetooth receivers on Amazon hover around the $15 mark like this one, I've found that most are unreliable and have weak wireless ranges. The 1mii doesn't suffer these shortcomings.
It delivers a reliable wireless connection and an excellent 15-hour battery life — and it sounds almost as good as a hardwired connection. The accessory charges quickly and has a microphone that will come in handy for phone calls. Plus, it's lightweight and highly portable, which is what every on-the-go adapter should be. I also appreciate that it has controls on its front face for adjusting volume, pausing music, and skipping tracks by long-pressing the volume controls.
A reviewer at Wirecutter said the product had "no major drawbacks," adding that it doesn't suffer from audio lip-sync issues when watching videos. Priced at under $20, it's really a no-brainer!
More: Isn't It About Time You Upgraded to a Pair of Wireless Earbuds?
2
Best for Airplanes
AirFly Pro Wireless Transmitter/Receiver
2
Best for Airplanes
AirFly Pro Wireless Transmitter/Receiver
Pros
- Attached to a key ring
- Convenient for two people
- 3.5-millimeter cable
Cons
- Only “adds” Bluetooth to wired headphones with a 3.5mm jack
The AirFly Pro is an excellent but pricey adapter with an integrated 3.5-millimeter cable that you can plug into an in-flight entertainment system, a piece of gym equipment, or a game console to use your wireless earbuds so those around you can't hear whatever you're watching or listening to. The AirFly Pro can also be connected to wired headphones with a 3.5-millimeter audio port to make them wireless.
The device is easy to use, and it even allows two users to pair their headphones to it, including AirPods. The AirFly offers an impressive 16-hour battery life and a 33-foot range. Plus, it supports Bluetooth 5.0 and most audio codecs.
It also comes with a small charging cable, a keyring, and a carrying pouch, so you won't lose it.
3
Best for Watching Videos
Bluetooth Transmitter and Receiver
3
Best for Watching Videos
Bluetooth Transmitter and Receiver
Pros
- Audio and video perfectly sync thanks to its low latency
- Great for stereo systems
Cons
- No volume controls
This Bluetooth headphone adapter from Aisidra is a highly versatile accessory that can upgrade non-Bluetooth devices like your headphones or car stereo. And, of course, you can connect it to items like a treadmill or in-flight entertainment system that might not have Bluetooth.
What sets the Aisidra adapter apart from the competition is that it is equipped with a low latency encoder. This basically means that you won't have to stress about an audio delay when you're watching videos. Trust me — I know how annoying it is when the audio track isn't in sync with the actor's lips.
This accessory is also one of the few that has RCA cables, making it a great choice to use with stereo systems.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
4
Best for Sharing
Soundsync A3352 Bluetooth Receiver
Pros
- Backed by generous 18-month long warranty
- Dual device mode is convenient for two people
- 12-hour battery life
Cons
- Microphone can occasionally be muffled
The Anker Soundsync receiver has a dual device mode, which lets you pair two pairs of headphones to it so two people can listen to the audio from your device simultaneously.
This Bluetooth 5.0 accessory can act as both a transmitter and a receiver. It has a 33-foot range, can be used while recharging, and is small enough to pocket.
Plus, it’s backed by an 18-month warranty and delivers an impressive 12 hours of battery life.
5
Best for PlayStation
BT-W3 Bluetooth 5.0 USB-C Audio Transmitter
Pros
- Easy and quick to connect
- Adds a microphone to any 3.5 mm port
Cons
- Not compatible with iPhone
Creative's Bluetooth transmitter includes a separate analog microphone to enable in-game voice chat while it streams your game audio to your headphones wirelessly. That way, you can chat with your teammates or competitors while you game online.
It's a good option for Nintendo Switch or PlayStation 5 owners but also works well with laptops and other devices. The device is powered by USB-C, so you can plug it directly into your device. It also supports most Bluetooth codecs.
6
Best for Audiophiles
BTR5 Portable High-Fidelity Bluetooth Amplifier
6
Best for Audiophiles
BTR5 Portable High-Fidelity Bluetooth Amplifier
Pros
- Delivers incredibly detailed audio quality
- Can be remotely controlled via an app
- Built-in microphone
Cons
- Might be too feature-packed for some
If sound quality is extremely important to you, and you're willing to drop a hundred bucks on an audio adapter, the FiiO BTR5 is, without a doubt, the best one you can buy. I recommend it for audiophiles (fans of high-fidelity sound reproduction) who previously invested a lot of money in a pair of wired headphones that don't support Bluetooth.
I like that it can be remotely controlled through an app to adjust settings. It's one of the few adapters that has jacks for both 3.5- and 2.5-millimeter connections. Like other more affordable options, it also has a built-in microphone and a simple design. It also includes a case that has a clip on it.
But what makes this adapter really stand out is its impeccable sound quality. You'll be shocked at how well the BTR5 sounds. In fact, it sounds just as good as a wired source, maybe even better. So, if you're looking for the very best listening experience and are willing to pay for it, you won't be disappointed.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
7
Most Durable
Portable High-Fidelity Bluetooth Amplifier-BTR3K
7
Most Durable
Portable High-Fidelity Bluetooth Amplifier-BTR3K
Pros
- Features a metal build while most others are made of plastic
- Better-than-average wireless range
Cons
- Lacks NFC for faster pairing
The BTR3K offers a premium build thanks to its full metal housing. It offers an impressive 11 hours of battery life and supports nearly every wireless audio codec available today. It conveniently comes with a case that has a spring clip for attaching to your clothes and even has a noise-canceling microphone on board for taking calls or asking Siri a question.
You can expect 60 feet of wireless range with the BTR3K. We think it's the perfect balance between price, performance, and design. Compared to the BTR3, the BTR3K supports the newer Bluetooth 5.0 standard, but it does not support the Low Latency High-Definition Audio Codec or have NFC, which some folks prefer for pairing.
Bottom line: I think the tradeoffs are worth it, given its outstanding sound quality.
What to Consider
Playback Controls
You should keep in mind that when using a Bluetooth headphone adapter, the inline controls on your headphones or earbuds will no longer work. Fortunately, a number of Bluetooth audio receivers have included control buttons so you can pause or skip tracks without taking your smartphone out of your pocket or bag.
Battery Life
When searching for the best Bluetooth headphone adapter, I made sure to select models that deliver enough battery juice to get through the workday. If you're planning to use these accessories on a long international flight, make sure to pay attention to their estimated battery life before making a purchase so you know it can last more than 10 hours.
Connectivity
Lastly, I suggest investing in a Bluetooth headphone adapter that has a built-in microphone (most do!) — that way, you can easily take phone calls without having to remove your headphones. It's also important that the adapter supports up-to-date wireless connectivity of Bluetooth 5.0 (and higher). This future-proof functionality will guarantee that you will have a robust, latency-free connection for years to come.
Brandon Russell
Brandon Russell is a freelance writer covering gear and technology. He started his journey as a news writer at a small newspaper and later began reviewing smartphones, movies, and video games. In his free time, he enjoys the slower, more intentional experience of using a 35mm film camera and making short videos about movies he grew up watching.
Brandon Carte
Senior Electronics Editor
Brandon Carte has been covering technology at BestProducts.com since 2017, where he's been writing about the latest gadgets, appliances, and scouring the internet for the products that make life easier. His reporting has been featured on , Good Housekeeping and USA Today. When he's not researching washing machines or testing robot vacuums, you can find him at concerts, swimming laps, or at the movies. He thinks smartphones are too big, prefers MP3s to Spotify, and misses his iPhone’s headphone jack.
