There was a time when in-car entertainment systems consisted of nothing more than a radio and CD player. Today, with so many different apps and sources and with so much of our lives on our smartphones, it’s worth investigating in-car phone streaming devices.
If you would like to investigate more about this sometimes confusing subject, you can check out our music streaming guide, which gives a more in-depth explanation of in-car streaming.
Most, but not all, new cars will have state-of-the-art in-car entertainment systems ready to connect to the web, but what happens if you happen to have a vehicle that doesn’t? There are still many vehicles on the road today with radio and CD player combos, and although they might be rarer, radio and cassette combos. And just because you drive a classic shouldn’t mean that you are deprived of decent entertainment and information. Let’s face it – most of us now conduct a huge part of our lives via our smartphones, so it makes sense to be able to access all that entertainment potential from our cars.
The best in-car phone streaming devices 2024 at a glance:
The best in-car phone streaming device: Anker Soundsync – Buy now from Amazon UK
Editor’s pick: LENCENT FM Transmitter – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best for compact size: MaedHawk Bluetooth Adapter – Buy now from Amazon UK
We’ve been looking around to find out what devices are available to bring the latest news, weather, traffic information, podcasts, and music into your car. No matter how old your car or in-car entertainment system is, you’re sure to find a solution here to stream phone audio in your car. If you’re interested in phone holders, have a look at our MagSafe car mount guide.
The best in-car phone streaming devices 2024
The best in-car phone streaming device
Rrp: $34.99
Rrp: $34.99
Pros
- Small and easy to use, allowing for not much clutter in the cabin
- Good quality materials and build quality
- Good sound quality, which helps when calling someone
Cons
- You’ll still need an AUX cable for it to work, which many cars don't have
Editor's pick
Pros
- No cables, which helps de-clutter your car's cabin
- Can be detected by your car's FM radio, which is useful
- Simple installation, thanks to only requiring a 12V socket
Cons
- Can take a little time to find a completely free FM channel
Best for not requiring any charging
Rrp: $17.99
Rrp: $17.99
Pros
- No charging needed, which eliminates charge anxiety
- A simple and tidy solution which won't clutter your dashboard
- Very simple to use, which many will prefer
Cons
- Aux and USB sockets required, which some cars may not have
Best for compact size
Pros
- Compact size, meaning it won't take up too much room in the cabin
- Built-in microphone, making voice quality good
- Five hours of operation, which is handy for long phone calls
Cons
- Needs to be charged, and this can take up to 90-minutes
Best for improved call quality
Pros
- Good handsfree calling quality, which is useful when on the move
- Adjustable bass response, allowing for preferred sound quality levels
- A nice, immersive atmosphere once connected
Cons
- Light may be a bit gimmicky to some
Best for multi-function purposes
Pros
- Multiple functions available, increasing versatility
- Led illumination for night-time driving, making things easy to see
- Easy to install thanks to plug and set-up
Cons
- Some may find the cables make the dash look untidy
FAQs and things to remember with in-car phone streaming devices
How can I connect my smartphone to my car’s audio system?
You can connect your smartphone to your car’s audio system via Bluetooth, an auxiliary (AUX) cable, USB, or using a built-in or aftermarket infotainment system like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. See our solutions above
Why is my Bluetooth connection not working?
Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on both your phone and car. Remove old pairings, restart both devices and try pairing again. If issues persist, check for software updates on both the phone and car system.
How can I improve the Bluetooth connection between my phone and car?
Ensure your phone and car system are up to date, remove any unnecessary devices from the Bluetooth list, keep your phone close to the car’s receiver, and minimize interference from other electronic devices.
Can I stream music from apps like Spotify or Apple Music?
Yes, you can stream music from apps like Spotify, Apple Music, or any other streaming service through Bluetooth, AUX, USB, or using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
Why is the audio quality poor when streaming from my phone?
Poor audio quality can result from a weak Bluetooth signal, low-quality audio files, interference, or issues with the car’s sound system. Try using a wired connection (AUX or USB) for better sound quality.
How can I reduce data usage while streaming audio in my car?
Download playlists, albums, podcasts, or audiobooks to your device beforehand using Wi-Fi. Most streaming apps offer offline listening options, which can help save data.
Is it possible to charge my phone while streaming audio?
Yes, you can charge your phone using a USB port or a car charger while streaming audio. Some USB connections allow for both charging and audio streaming simultaneously.
Why does my music stop when I receive a call?
This happens because most car audio systems prioritize phone calls over media. Music will pause during the call and usually resume once the call ends.
How we choose
All of these car audio streaming devices have been hand-selected by our team of experts who have spent hours investigating and researching car audio streaming devices to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we’d never recommend a product we don’t believe in.
Where possible, we also test and share the latest and best products you should know about.
Alex Boyd is a Commercial Content Writer for Parkers, specialising in power tools and pressure washers. In his spare time, he enjoys DIY, travel, gardening and music.
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