Hands-free Bluetooth devices not only improves driver and passenger safety, but they also mean that you’re not breaking the law. While most modern vehicles come with the technology built-in, some models may require you to purchase a Bluetooth device if you want to make phone calls while on the road.
The advantage of using a Bluetooth device is you can connect your smartphone to your car wirelessly and enhance in-car entertainment. It’s also useful in older cars where music streaming and phone calls are impossible unless you upgrade your system to facilitate streaming music.
Using your phone while driving is illegal, and can land you six points on your license as well as a £200 fine, and it gets worse if you’ve passed your test within the last two years as the penalty for using a phone or a handheld device behind the wheel is to give up your licence. It’s also important to note – when using a Bluetooth device that you have full view of the road ahead, and that you have proper control of your vehicle, so choosing the right one is crucial to avoid distractions.
Thankfully, a load of Bluetooth devices can be plugged into a car radio, usually via the aux-in connector, and then connected to your phone to allow you to make legal phone calls on the move. You might even want to take things a stage further and have a voice assistant in your car. It’s not as difficult as it might seem – all you need is a smartphone, and the Alexa Auto device will take care of the rest bringing your in-car entertainment system right up to date.
The best hands-free Bluetooth devices for your car at a glance:
Editor’s choice: Anker Soundsync Bluetooth Receiver – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best speakerphone kit: SuperTooth Buddy – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best in-ear device: New bee Bluetooth headset – Buy now from Amazon UK
We’ve found the best Bluetooth devices for you to use in your car so you can stay on the right side of the law while keeping your focus on the road.
The best hands-free Bluetooth devices for your car
Editor's choice
Pros
- Simple and easy to use
- Long battery life - 12 hours of playtime
- Can pair two Bluetooth devices at the same time
Cons
- No headset
- Other devices may offer better sound quality
| Dimensions | 4.98 x 2.9 x 1.02 cm |
| Battery Life | 12 hours of continuous usage |
| Charging time | 2 hours |
| Bluetooth specification | Version 5.0 |
| Weight | 49.9 g |
| Operating distance | 30 ft |
Best speakerphone car kit
Pros
- Simple set-up
- Long battery life
- Compact design
Cons
- Sound can degrade at high speeds
- Doesn't connect to the car's main speakers
| Dimensions | 12.98 x 1.4 x 4.83 cm |
| Battery Life | 20 hours talk time and 1000 hours standby time |
| Charging time | N/A |
| Bluetooth specification | Version 2.1 |
| Weight | 300g |
| Operating distance | 10 metres |
Best in-ear hands-free Bluetooth device
Pros
- Long battery life
- Multifunctional
- Lightweight design
Cons
- Outdated technology
- Can easily be misplaced
| Dimensions | 5.85 x 2.42 x 1.6 cm |
| Battery Life | 22 hours of music playback, 24 hours of talk time, 180 days of standby |
| Charging time | 2-3 hours |
| Bluetooth specification | Version 5.0 |
| Weight | 12g |
| Operating distance | Telephone |
Best hands-free Bluetooth device with a speaker
Rrp: $49.99
Rrp: $49.99
Pros
- Relatively high-quality speaker
- Easy to place anywhere around the car
- Can be used in any car
Cons
- Lacking user interface
- Doesn't connect to the car's main speakers
| Dimensions | 13 x 6 x 3 cm |
| Battery Life | 18 hours playback, 600 hours standby |
| Charging time | 2-3 hours |
| Bluetooth specification | Version 5.0 |
| Weight | 108g |
| Operating distance | Up to 30ft |
Best budget in-ear hands-free Bluetooth device
Pros
- Cheap and simple
- Ability to link two phones at the same time
- Lightweight design
Cons
- New Bee model more capable
- Can easily be misplaced
| Dimensions | N/A |
| Battery Life | Talk/music |
| Charging time | 2 hours |
| Bluetooth specification | Version 4.1 with EDR |
| Weight | 5g |
| Operating distance | 10 metres |
Frequently asked questions:
Can I connect multiple phones to my car’s Bluetooth system?
Most Bluetooth car systems will support multiple devices, but only one device at a time can be actively connected for calls or media playback. You may need to disconnect one device before connecting another.
Can I stream music through Bluetooth in my car?
Yes, if your car’s Bluetooth system supports audio streaming, you can play music, podcasts, or any audio from your phone wirelessly through the car’s speakers.
Is it safe to use a Bluetooth car set while driving?
Using a hands-free Bluetooth car set is safer than holding a phone while driving (which could get you fined), as it allows you to keep both hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. However, it’s essential to remain focused on driving and avoid distractions.
Can I use voice commands to control my phone through the car’s Bluetooth system?
The majority of modern Bluetooth car systems support voice commands for making calls, sending messages, playing music, and navigating, but the level of functionality may vary depending on the car and phone models.
Does using Bluetooth drain my phone’s battery faster?
Bluetooth technology is designed to be energy-efficient, so while it does consume some power, the impact on your phone’s battery life is usually minimal. However, keeping Bluetooth enabled all the time can contribute to overall battery usage.
Naveed Hussain is a commercial content writer at Bauer Media writing for Parkers and CAR. He enjoys anything with four wheels, and is always planning his next road trip.
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