It often happens that when buying a car, a car enthusiast discovers that the car is equipped with an old radio tape recorder that, at best, can only play Audio CDs. People who save time, but do not chase music of unsurpassed quality, will not be pleased to discover such a technical nuance. However, this is the reality.
The vast majority of cars on the secondary market are equipped with just such devices, because the used cars themselves were produced at a time when the MP3 format was not yet widespread. Even in recent years, many automobile manufacturers have continued to produce cars with older-style car radios. As far as we know, the car market lags somewhat behind the gadget market, and it takes years to “update.”
Often a purchase is an “expensive pleasure”, and the radio is often boring with advertising, and does not receive perfect reception everywhere.
Manufacturers of additional devices that make life easier for motorists and music lovers have invented a device called FM transmitter (or FM modulator). This is another fairly simple invention in the world of radio electronics, which broadcasts from a flash drive (memory card, often via Bluetooth from your phone) files in MP3 format to your standard FM car radio. Thus, FM transmitter , in essence, is a decoding and simultaneously broadcasting device. This high-tech invention will help broadcast to the radio of almost any car radio what the driver likes from your flash drive: favorite music, audio books, educational lectures or audio lessons of a foreign language. And the old car radio will also provide a service: you can use it to tune your personal audio wave!
Advantages of FM transmitter
- No need to throw away your old car radio.
- You don't have to spend money on buying a new car radio.
- A new FM transmitter costs much less than even a used car radio.
- The power source for the FM modulator is the cigarette lighter socket.
- Some models support various memory cards: not only USB 2.0, but also miniSD or microSD.
- Compactness.
- The presence of a remote control for some devices.
- Relevance to the present day, due to the large number of used cars that are on sale and in use.
Functional
Over time, FM transmitter manufacturers have expanded the functionality of these wonderful devices. With the expansion of functions, more price categories have appeared.
- Budget models FM transmitters read MP-3 format files, play them and broadcast them to a radio receiver. Some models read files in other formats (for example, AAC, WMA); Support various types of memory cards, have a wide range of FM waves.
- By using more expensive options With FM modulators, the user can create playlists from his files, copy files from his phone, talk handsfree via Bluetooth, etc.
An important component of the new FM transmitter today there is also a display that also expands the visual functions of the device.
We bring to your attention a short review of the best models FM transmitters , popular among Russian car enthusiasts.
Budget FM transmitters - up to 1000 rubles
Ritmix FMT-A760
This inexpensive and unusually designed model plays files from flash drives and memory cards. A small blue screen with white text helps the user set up the device. The screen displays the signal source, the file name, and the frequency at which the device transmits data. The wave range corresponds to the tuner range of almost any car radio. The presence of a line output expands the capabilities of this device: you can connect your phone or headphones to it. The remote control is useful on the road. The passenger can use it so as not to distract the driver. The remote control is convenient to use from the back seat.
Characteristics:
- Additionally: display, USB input, card reader, linear input (Aux), remote control, tilt angle change (relative to the cigarette lighter socket).
Advantages:
- low cost;
- the ability to play from flash drives and memory cards;
- unusual design;
- remote control;
- default operating mode – all files in a row;
- Works in any on-board car network: 12V and 24V.
Flaws:
- does not create playlists.
Price: from 730 rubles.
Defender RT-Pro
A good budget option, quite mobile and providing more opportunities for convenient control of the device, thanks to the flexible leg. Quite easy to operate and unpretentious model. 7 equalizer modes improve the quality of wireless audio applications streamed by this device. A card reader with an adapter expands the technical capabilities of the device. This FM transmitter operates from a car cigarette lighter on a DC 12V network.
Characteristics:
- Frequency range: 87.7-107.9 MHz;
- Supports formats: MP3, WMA;
- Additionally: display, USB input, card reader, line input (Aux), remote control, tilt angle change.
Advantages:
- inexpensive;
- mobility;
- modest technical design;
- flexible leg;
- ease of settings;
- 7 equalizer modes configured;
- reading SD/MMC memory cards (with adapter).
Flaws:
- Supports memory cards only up to 32 GB;
- On-board power supply is only 12V.
Price: from 638 rubles.
Xiaomi Roidmi
This transmitter is very impressive with its compactness and design: it looks like an ordinary cigarette lighter socket, but does everything that a not very demanding music lover needs. Works in a car network with a voltage of 12V and 24V. The hands-free function expands the capabilities of the device. Using the device, you can (in parallel) charge gadgets, and sometimes two at once. This compact, attractive device does not take up much space, but gives the car interior a modern “control panel” look.
Characteristics:
- Supports formats: MP3, WMA;
- Additionally: 2 USB inputs, 5V; 2.1A (for charging gadgets); weight – 37 g.
Advantages:
- low cost;
- high-quality sound;
- original design;
- user friendly;
- availability of speakerphone;
- Bluetooth support;
- supports Android 4.0, iPhone and iPad;
- two ports for charging gadgets;
- pleasant colored LED lighting;
- overheat protection;
- 20,000 hours warranty;
- modulator reboot function - “reset”.
Flaws:
- not all cigarette lighters fit (sometimes it does not fit tightly into the socket);
- quiet speakerphone microphone.
Price: from 650 rubles.
Eplutus FB-04
This model looks quite modest, but gives the driver the opportunity to answer the call without being distracted from the road. In this case, the broadcast of music (file) is interrupted for the duration of the call. The transmitter does not take up much space; with its help you can recharge your gadget, even while the device is running. And even a small passenger can handle the control panel of the device.
Characteristics:
- Frequency range: 87.5-108 MHz;
- Supports formats: MP3, WMA;
- Additionally: display, USB input, card reader, Bluetooth, USB port for charging the phone, remote control, hands-free, 24V network.
Advantages:
- comfortable;
- inexpensive;
- high-quality assembly;
- You can answer calls via Bluetooth.
Flaws:
- for on-board network only 24V.
Specifications:
Price: from 848 rubles.
FM transmitters more expensive than 1000 rubles
Xiaomi RoidMi 3S
A new model of FM modulator from the manufacturer Xiaomi. USB port for charging devices, compatible with iOS and Android smartphones. The big advantage of this model is that it is suitable for almost any cigarette lighter, in which it is very securely attached. At the same time, it is quite difficult to externally distinguish the model from its cheaper brother: the same minimalistic design. There is a slight difference in the device charging current: 2.4A versus 2.1 for the “regular” Xiaomi RoidMi. At the same time, the model lost the “hands-free” functionality along with the microphone.
Characteristics:
- Frequency range: 88.1-107.9 MHz;
- Supports formats: MP3, WMA;
- Additionally: 2 USB ports, on-board network 12/24V, Bluetooth.
Advantages:
- ability to charge gadgets;
- Speakerphone,
- spring holders for mounting in the cigarette lighter;
- fast charging;
- Suitable for all cigarette lighters;
- compact.
Flaws:
- a bit expensive;
- no microphone;
- Does not support memory cards.
Price: from 994 rubles.
JetA JA-16
Multifunctional FM transmitter with an optimal frequency range and a large number of supported formats. A fairly ergonomic model that looks stylish and modern. When driving, of course, you can’t be distracted by the screen, but at your leisure, lovers of electronic novelties may like it.
Characteristics:
- Frequency range: 87.5-108 MHz;
- Supports formats: MP3, WMA, OGG, APE, AMV, MTV, JPG, BMP, GIF;
- Additionally: display, USB input, card reader, line input (Aux), remote control, tilt angle change.
Advantages:
- multifunctionality;
- reading any formats;
- playback quality;
- well-readable settings screen;
- built-in memory 2GB.
Flaws:
- quite expensive.
Price: from 1499 rubles.
Telefunken TF-FMT19BT
A fairly “familiar” format of an FM modulator with Bluetooth and noise reduction during a call. Users who prefer this model note high sound quality and a “readable” display. This high-tech device is also equipped with a remote control point.
Characteristics:
- Frequency range: 87.5-108 MHz;
- Supports formats: MP3, WMA;
- Additionally: LCD display, USB input, card reader, Bluetooth, linear input (Aux), remote control, tilt angle change, 24V network operation.
Advantages:
- Bluetooth (Handsfree);
- advanced profile A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile);
- high-quality sound;
- echo and noise reduction functions;
- supports USB, SD/MMC media;
Flaws:
- expensive;
- modest design.
Price: from 1990 rubles.
Ritmix FMT-A880
This model of car FM transmitter supports Bluetooth wireless communication and looks, perhaps, the most original compared to its competitors. By attaching your phone to the device, you can play files and answer phone calls. Ritmix FMT-A880 copes well with audio files in .mp3 and .wma formats (there is a slot for microSD memory cards on the side). The device shows the FM broadcast range on a compact display on the side. The number of buttons is reduced to the required minimum: one button for answering a call, combined with a “twist” for adjusting the FM broadcast frequency. At the same time, the “body” of the transmitter, mounted on a regular cable, allows you to use it as a phone holder, without being limited by a conveniently (or not so conveniently) located cigarette lighter socket.
Price: from 1590 rubles.
Results
Based on the review results, it should be said that each model has its own characteristics.
If you're looking for a feature-rich yet inexpensive FM modulator, check out Ritmix FMT-A760.
Transmitter Xiaomi Roidmi- a really nice option. It does not have a display, but you can charge gadgets, and it looks quite impressive.
Among the more expensive models, a rather attractive option is FM modulator JetA JA-16 ‒ This is the widest selection of formats and a lot of additional functions. The following devices have particularly high-quality sound (according to reviews from car enthusiasts): TelefunkenTF-FMT19BT And Defender RT-Pro(with additional equalizer modes). At the same time, the model from Defender significantly improves in price. Well, if you want something “not like everyone else,” you should pay attention to Ritmix FMT-A880.
So, we figured out what car FM modulators are and how they make life easier for car enthusiasts. We hope you like one of the models we reviewed. When choosing a device, choose the appropriate connectors and specify in what wavelength range it operates. If the FM transmitter also works with memory cards, be sure to pay attention to which memory cards it supports: SD or microSD (SDHC, SDXC). Happy shopping!
If your car has an old audio system without Bluetooth and the ability to connect flash drives, then you have to be content with the radio and music tracks recorded on discs, or change the audio system. But there is a third option - purchase a transmitter, and use it to broadcast the signal to the radio. And in order to choose the best FM transmitter for a car, you need to study the parameters of the offered models and read our independent rating for cars.
What is an FM transmitter?
An FM transmitter is a device for transmitting an audio signal to a car's speaker system. It decodes the incoming stream (for example, in mp3 format) and converts it into a radio wave that can be picked up by the radio. You could say that you get a small personal radio station to play the tracks you want to listen to.
It works like this: an external medium is connected to the transmitter, and the device itself is connected to the on-board power supply of the machine. After this, the same broadcast frequency is set on the transmitter and the radio tape recorder - and you can listen to any music recorded on an external media on the radio tape recorder, and adjust the playback parameters using the transmitter.
What is the advantage of FM transmitters over players?
The main advantage of transmitters is that they are cheaper than players. If you got a car with an old radio, you will either have to be satisfied with the music that is recorded on CDs and the radio, or buy additional equipment. This is where the choice arises: take a new player or a transmitter that expands the capabilities of the radio.
The transmitter will cost much less than a high-quality player, and after purchasing it you will have all the same capabilities and choose the music yourself. Of course, transmitters also have disadvantages. The main one is that the sound quality in budget models may not be very good. In large cities, it is difficult to find a completely clear channel that does not have radio noise; in addition, the signal can sometimes disappear while moving, especially when the car is in the lowlands. But these shortcomings are not so critical, especially if you choose a high-quality model in which they are minimized.
What parameters to pay attention to when choosing
When choosing a device, you need to focus on a number of the most important parameters. This is the type of playback, connection and power features of the device, as well as what additional functions it can please the owner.
Playback type
- Bluetooth– when using this data transfer method, a wired connection is not required. Often in this way the transmitter device is connected to a phone or laptop, after which music is played from them. You can also organize a speakerphone using a device with a Bluetooth module.
- Flash– budget transmitters may not have Bluetooth, in which case a direct connection of a flash drive with audio files is required.
Supply voltage
As a rule, transmitters require a voltage of 12 V to operate. This allows them to be connected to a car's cigarette lighter. They can often operate at 24 V.
Connection features
The cigarette lighter may have its own characteristics depending on the car model. This primarily applies to cars equipped with old radios, because they themselves are already quite many years old. Therefore, it is worth checking in advance whether the transmitter is compatible with the cigarette lighter connector.
If everything is in order with this, you will need to adjust the frequency. Many transmitters have an auto-tune button. But it is not always enough: the fact is that many frequencies are already occupied by radio stations or are partially interrupted by them, which is why the music transmitted by the transmitter does not sound ideal. To avoid this, you need to select a completely free frequency. And while in rural areas this is usually not difficult to do, in a big city there may not be so many of them. Therefore, the frequency range is another significant parameter of the transmitter.
Additional functions
It may also be useful to have additional functions, such as the ability to transmit a signal from the phone to the radio for a hands-free conversation, or use the transmitter to charge other devices - after all, there are often not enough connectors in the car. And it will be more convenient to control the device if you have a remote control.
Top 6 FM transmitters for cars
To make it easier for you to choose a transmitter, we have selected a number of fairly successful models, analyzed their parameters and highlighted the main advantages - and disadvantages, if any. The review includes two models of budget transmitters; equipped with a Bluetooth module; and also equipped with a display for ease of control.
The best FM transmitters for cars with a Bluetooth module
6. AVS F-901
The device has a slot for an SD card, power from a cigarette lighter socket, and a standard frequency range. Provides high quality sound - you won't notice any drop in sound due to the use of the transmitter. The signal can be transmitted up to a maximum of 10 meters. F-901 is equipped with a built-in display and has a remote control - this makes operating the device comfortable. For its price (from 550 to 700 rubles), the model provides all the required functions at a good level, corresponding to some more expensive ones.
5. Neoline Wave FM
This model has a Bluetooth module, a display, and a built-in microphone. Thanks to the latter, it can be used as a headset for a smartphone, freeing up your hands during a trip - the call will be transferred to the radio. Has a slot for a MicroSD card with a capacity of up to 32 gigabytes, and a remote control. The device costs from 1,700 to 2,000 rubles, provides very good quality sound, and the speakerphone can be really loud - unlike many budget models. Easy to set up and connect, compact. Among the disadvantages, interference sometimes occurs in the city, forcing you to look for a new frequency.
The best FM transmitters for cars with a display
4. Kensington Deluxe Liquid FM 33424EU
Allows you to transfer recordings from an iPod to the radio; it has a stylish and laconic design. The name of the song being played and the name of the artist are displayed directly on the screen of the car's stereo system. The device is distinguished by its high sound quality and reliable assembly, so it will last a long time. Its only serious drawback is the price from 2,500 to 3,000 rubles, because for that amount you can buy a new stereo system for your car.
3. Neoline Bliss FM
If you need an inexpensive transmitter with a full screen, then you should pay attention to this model - it costs about 800-900 rubles and does a good job of transmitting a signal to an audio system. The device is very compact; in addition to standard connectors, it has a 3.5 mm AUX input. Equipped with a convenient remote control. The noise level is low, and overall it does the job well for its price.
The best budget FM transmitters for cars
2. Torso FM 2757336
A very simple and inexpensive device (costs about 300-350 rubles) that provides all the necessary functions. There is support for the two most used formats - MP3 and WMA, two USB ports and a slot for microSD - you can record music directly to a memory card and listen from it. Remote control included. In general, it is worth noting that the Torso transmitter combines low price with full functionality.
1. Neoline Ellipse FM
This transmitter supports only MP3, is equipped with a convenient LCD display, and the settings and the last played song are stored in its memory. It costs a little more than the previous one - about 500 rubles.
It stands out for its interesting design and high-quality assembly for this price segment: no wobbly buttons, the case will not come loose after just a few months of use, as often happens with other transmitters at this price. The device is also characterized by a clear sound, it does not even emit a quiet hiss - and this drawback is also characteristic of many cheap transmitters. There are two disadvantages: the display shows only the track number, but not its name; The remote control only works at a very short distance.
Comparison table of the best FM transmitters
| Name | Main characteristics | Price |
| There is support for the two most used formats - MP3 and WMA, two USB ports and a slot for microSD - you can record music directly to a memory card and listen from it. | ||
| Supports MP3, is equipped with a convenient LCD display, settings and the last played song are stored in its memory. | ||
| The device has a slot for an SD card, power from a cigarette lighter socket, and a standard frequency range. |
In order to use an old radio, it is not at all necessary to engage in archeology, transferring Olga Buzova’s tweets to CDs and audio cassettes. You can simply buy an FM transmitter with Bluetooth - the best way to listen to audio on old audio systems.
What is an FM transmitter and how does it work?
This is a small device that connects to your car's cigarette lighter and pairs with your smartphone via Bluetooth or cable. When you turn on music on your phone, the FM transmitter (aka modulator) receives streaming audio from it.
And it sends it into the air via a radio channel - you just need to tune the radio to the transmitter frequency, and you can listen to 2019 hits on Pioneer from the late 90s. It is not surprising that this invention, which appeared just a couple of years ago, was appreciated by car owners who spent a long time and lovingly collecting car audio for themselves.
FM transmitter: which one is better to choose?
When it comes to choosing a car modulator, you only need to take into account a few parameters to choose a good option.
If speak about transmitter for a car, which one is better can be determined depending on the capabilities of your audio. It’s clear that if you don’t have a 3.5 line input on your phone, then there’s no point in choosing a transmitter with it. We figured out which companies produce the best gadgets of this typeto orient you.
Rating of FM transmitters with high-quality sound
Four companies are firmly in the lead on the music transmitter market: Neoline, Ritmix, Intego, ACV. Let's talk about the latest models of each.
Neoline Wave FM
An extremely popular model with high ratings among buyers - perhaps the best FM transmitter 2019. The device is equipped with Bluetooth, a microphone, and Hands-Free function for answering calls. It can play audio files in MP3/WAV formats from microSD cards, as well as USB flash drives. There are two USB ports for charging smartphones or tablets - the modulator itself is powered from the cigarette lighter. A control panel is included in the kit.
Ritmix FMT-A780
Another “two in one” model - a transmitter and a 5V/2.1A USB charger. Two USB ports allow you to connect flash drives, and there is also a slot for microSD cards. But the device does not have Bluetooth - it must be connected to the radio, as well as a sound source via USB or through the AUX line input. But its price is more affordable.
Intego FM-110
Again, a gadget without Bluetooth - it transfers data to the car radio from external media, such as USB drives, microSD memory cards. In addition, you can connect any audio players that have an audio cable output to it. The device is simple, works from the cigarette lighter, performs strictly the functions of a modulator - and does it well.
ACV FMT-115
The most affordable company on the market. The presented model can be purchased for less than 500 rubles. At the same time, it has a decent design with a built-in display, and also a rotating mechanism. The gadget from ACV can transmit audio from flash drives and microSD cards. It has good broadcasting capabilities: it can transmit music over 206 channels in the 87.50 -108 MHz range. In addition, it has customizable sound (6 equalizer presets). The display displays a list of tracks that can be scrolled through using the control buttons or using the remote control.
