If your car doesn't have built-in Bluetooth, there's a good alternative to allow you to listen to music from your smartphone and make or receive calls.

For example, there are a couple of variations to consider, like an adapter that plugs directly into your car's 12V power outlet or an AUX port.

Not all adapters are created equal, and your choice will likely depend on your requirements; some feature LED screens, others are simple to install, and some boast advanced features like voice activation.

Here are the best Bluetooth car adapters to connect your smartphone.

Premium pick

1. Kinivo BTC450

8.80 / 10
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The Kinivo BTC450 boasts a stable Bluetooth connection that is reliable and simple to set up. This adapter easily plugs into your car's AUX port for vehicles without Bluetooth and can be charged via USB using your car's cigarette port.

If you want to take calls while you're driving, the Kinivo BTC450 offers hands-free calling and features crisp sound quality depending on where you place it in your car. The adhesive disc means you can find the best position for it to pick up your voice and reach the controls.

However, if your AUX port and 12V input are not located near each other, the shorter wires could pose an issue for the ideal setup. Overall, the Kinivo BTC450 is a discreet Bluetooth adapter that offers good sound quality and easily accessible controls to listen to music from your phone and make and receive calls.

Key Features
  • Charges via USB
  • Hands-free calling
  • Includes adhesive disc
Specifications
  • Brand: Kinivo
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth
  • Integrations: N/A
  • Color: Black
  • Material: Not provided
  • Battery: N/A
  • Weight: 0.07lbs
Pros
  • Easy to install
  • Plugs into AUX port
  • Noise cancellation
Cons
  • Short cables could present a problem with setup
Buy This Product
Kinivo BTC450
Editors choice

2. Anker Soundsync A3352

9.00 / 10
Read Reviews

The Anker Soundsync A3352 is simple to use, with the ability to press one button to answer incoming calls. You can simultaneously connect two Bluetooth devices to switch between music or calls no matter who is in the car.

This Bluetooth adapter features a simple plug-and-play feature that fits into your car's AUX port. The Anker Soundsync A3352 is small enough that it won't get in the way, making it ideal if you want to move it between vehicles.

The Anker Soundsync A3352 features a long-range connection and offers clear and crisp sound whether you're listening to music or taking a call. However, when it is not in use and is on charge, the receiver is known to make a humming interference noise which can get a little irritating.

Key Features
  • Hands-free calling
  • 30-foot long-range connection
  • Can pair two phones
Specifications
  • Brand: Anker
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth
  • Integrations: N/A
  • Color: Black
  • Material: Not provided
  • Battery: 12 hours
  • Weight: 0.11lbs
Pros
  • Small and compact
  • Easy to use
  • Plugs into car AUX port
Cons
  • Interference or static noise when not playing music
Buy This Product
Anker Soundsync A3352

The TaoTronics Bluetooth Receiver/Car Kit is exceptionally user-friendly, offering an easy connection to Bluetooth-enabled smartphones while you're in the car.

The TaoTronics Bluetooth Receiver/Car Kit offers clear audio quality that filters out ambient noise for users who regularly make or take calls using hands-free in the car. Consequently, it provides clarity for the caller and the receiver.

This Bluetooth adapter is excellent value for money and lets you easily control your music for a long drive. However, the sound quality isn't very deep or rich in comparison to other Bluetooth adapters. Though it comes with noise cancellation for calls, this may not be the best choice if you're a big music fan.

Key Features
  • Bluetooth 5.0
  • 10-hour battery life
  • Built-in microphone
Specifications
  • Brand: TaoTronics
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth
  • Integrations: N/A
  • Color: Black
  • Material: Not provided
  • Battery: 10 hours
  • Weight: 0.64lbs
Pros
  • Noise cancellation
  • User-friendly controls
  • Includes AUX port
Cons
  • Moderate sound output
Buy This Product
TaoTronics Bluetooth Receiver/Car Kit

The Mpow BH298 Bluetooth Receiver offers a small and light design that can be connected to your car or even your headphones for hands-free wireless calling and listening.

This Bluetooth adapter is incredibly easy to use, with a simple one-click on/off button and a built-in microphone. The overall sound quality is very good, offering decent mids and highs.

Compared to the TaoTronics adapter, the Mpow BH298 Bluetooth Receiver doesn't offer the best sound quality when it comes to making and receiving calls. However, it is excellent value for money and ticks the boxes for ease of use if this is a priority for your vehicle.

Key Features
  • Bluetooth 5.0
  • One-click answer and hang up
  • Extended range of up to 66 feet
Specifications
  • Brand: Mpow
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth
  • Integrations: N/A
  • Color: Black
  • Material: Not provided
  • Battery: 12 hours
  • Weight: 0.17lbs
Pros
  • Great value for money
  • Charges via micro-USB
  • Easy installation
Cons
  • Microphone isn't the best quality
Buy This Product
Mpow BH298 Bluetooth Receiver

The Nulaxy In-Car Bluetooth Receiver is a great option for streaming music from your phone to listen to in your car. This is especially useful if your vehicle doesn't have an AUX port.

The Bluetooth adapter is straightforward to use and features a flexible gooseneck for easy access at arm's length. The buttons are clear, and the Nulaxy In-Car Bluetooth Receiver features an LCD screen to see your connection status.

It also doubles up as an in-car charger, so you can listen to music, make calls, and charge your phone all at the same time.

The Nulaxy In-Car Bluetooth Receiver features an intuitive setup if you have the space for it. However, the call quality is below average making it less than ideal for making calls.

Key Features
  • Large buttons
  • Flexible gooseneck
  • Variety of colors
Specifications
  • Brand: Nulaxy
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth
  • Integrations: N/A
  • Color: Black
  • Material: Not provided
  • Battery: N/A
  • Weight: 0.55lbs
Pros
  • Affordable
  • Able to charge your phone or other devices
  • Easily accessible
Cons
  • Signal clarity not great
Buy This Product
Nulaxy In-Car Bluetooth Receiver

The Arsvita Car Audio Bluetooth Cassette Receiver is a great reason to get rid of your old cassettes and listen to any music you have or can stream from your phone.

The controls are relatively simple, allowing you to connect your Bluetooth-enabled smartphone with the receiver. You can easily make and receive calls with an average talk time of 8 hours before the battery dies.

Setup is not straightforward, as you need to charge the adapter, press a button, then wait until the LED glows blue with a phone icon. Once primed, you can then pair your smartphone.

For those with older cars that don't have the budget to replace their in-car audio unit, this is an affordable choice that works well.

Key Features
  • Battery provides up to 8 hours play and talk time
  • Answer your phone and listen to music
  • Fits into tape players
Specifications
  • Brand: Arsvita
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth
  • Integrations: N/A
  • Color: Black
  • Material: Not provided
  • Battery: 8 hours
  • Weight: 0.13lbs
Pros
  • Unique design for older cars
  • Supports iOS and Android
  • Charges quickly
Cons
  • Setup isn't very intuitive
Buy This Product
Arsvita Car Audio Bluetooth Cassette Receiver

The Besign BK01 is incredibly easy to use and set up. The adapter features a magnetic mount, so you can easily tuck the device out of the way. You can plug the AUX cable into your car's AUX input and charge the adapter via the USB charging cable.

The Besign BK01 features an LED indicator to show the adapter's status, along with a built-in microphone. You can make and receive calls as well as stream music directly from your phone. There's an intuitive previous and next track button on the adapter, which you can easily access depending on where you position it in your car.

However, the cables are long and can get in the way if they aren't placed carefully. You'll find a ground loop noise isolator in the box that will remove the irritating buzzing sound that some Bluetooth adapters have. When you turn your car's engine on, the Besign BK01 will automatically turn on and connect to your phone.

Key Features
  • Auto-on and auto-connect
  • Dual-port charger
  • Connect up to two devices
Specifications
  • Brand: Besign
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth
  • Integrations: N/A
  • Color: Black
  • Material: Not provided
  • Battery: N/A
  • Weight: 0.31lbs
Pros
  • Can use voice commands
  • Noise cancellation
  • Easy to use
Cons
  • Cables are very long
Buy This Product
Besign BK01

FAQ

Q: Can You Add Bluetooth to a Car That Doesn’t Have It?

The easiest way to add Bluetooth to a car is by using a Bluetooth receiver or adapter. You can pair your smartphone via Bluetooth to the adapter to stream music and make and receive calls.

Q: How Do I Connect My Bluetooth Adapter to My Car?

Most Bluetooth adapters can either plug directly into a car's 12V cigarette lighter plug, which you can use to charge the adapter. Or via your car's AUX port. You can pair your phone with Bluetooth to the adapter once it's turned on.

Q: Can I Repair a Bluetooth Adapter?

If your Bluetooth adapter isn't working or won't pair with your smartphone, it's recommended to unplug everything in the first instance. Secondly, turn your phone's Bluetooth off, then on again, and try going through the setup with your car's engine turned on.

If you're unable to connect your adapter or it has broken, they are, in most cases, affordable to replace rather than repair.