Best Bluetooth Car Kits in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update February 23, 2024
People talk on a phone all the time while commuting to work and on their return journeys. Yet, it's not always convenient, nor is ...Read more
PROS

A built-in magnet allows for holding the speakerphone firmly in place even when driving on hilly terrain. It also lets you move the Bluetooth speaker depending on the sun position.

CONS

Limited functionality to the second gadget connected.

OUR VERDICT

The SuperTooth Buddy features a non-slip design with large buttons on it for comfortable handling. A user-friendly interface and ease of use make this kit one of the most favoured options by users worldwide.

detailed parameters
HOLDER TYPE
Metal clip for a sun visor
BATTERY LIFE
Talk time - up to 20 hours; Standby time - up to 1000 hours
SUPPORTED PROFILES
HFP, HSP
INTERFACE
Bluetooth 2.1
FEATURES
Full Duplex, Full DSP echo cancellation and double noise canceller, Auto Connect technology reconnects to a mobile phone if it has been paired previously, Multipoint technology that allows for 2 phones pairing simultaneously
SIZE
130 x 49 x 14 mm
Warranty

1 year

PROS

The large rotary knob allows you to adjust the volume, accept or reject calls, as well as refer to Siri or Google Assistant. The device also has a dedicated 'mute' button.

CONS

The clip doesn't firmly keep the device in place.

OUR VERDICT

The Avantree CK11 Hands Free Bluetooth Car Kit boasts an elaborate design that is though-out to the finest details. With it, you can talk on your phone without interfering with driving at all.

detailed parameters
HOLDER TYPE

Metal clip for a sun visor

BATTERY LIFE

Talk time - up to 22 hours

Standby time - up to 600 hours

SUPPORTED PROFILES

A2DP, AVRCP, HSP, HFP

INTERFACE

Bluetooth 4.1

FEATURES

Omni-directional microphone, Auto power on/off feature, Multipoint technology that allows for 2-phone pairing simultaneously

SIZE

130 x 60 x 30 mm (with clip)

Warranty

1 year

PROS

Thanks to two USB-A ports, you'll be able to charge your smartphone or other gadgets as well as play music from USB drives. Also, it has a USB-C port that supports 18W fast charging.

CONS

The front panel scratches easily.

OUR VERDICT

This kit with the latest Bluetooth 5.0 transmits a signal with virtually no loss or delay, so you can enjoy the highest sound quality when listening to music. Also, the device has a stylish LED-backlight.

detailed parameters
HOLDER TYPE

12-V cigarette lighter

BATTERY LIFE

Needs power via 12-V car cigarette lighter port

SUPPORTED PROFILES

A2DP

INTERFACE

Bluetooth 5.0

FEATURES

LCD-screen, 3 playback modes (USB, microSD card, Bluetooth), 2 x USB-A ports (1 for charging, 1 for charging/playback), USB-C port, Built-in mic with CVC noise reduction technology, Built-in LED-light

SIZE

85 x 60 x 55 mm

Warranty

7 months

PROS

Once the device is connected to the cigarette lighter, the voltage of your car's battery will be displayed on the LCD screen. This way, you'll be quickly informed about malfunctions. 

CONS

Some users wish the mic would be a bit more sensitive. 

OUR VERDICT

If your car is equipped with an old car radio, then you can expand its capabilities with this kit. The Blufree BF-201 will let you listen to your favourite music from your phone, USB-drive, SD card or MP3-player.

detailed parameters
HOLDER TYPE

12-V cigarette lighter

BATTERY LIFE

Needs power via 12-V car cigarette lighter port

SUPPORTED PROFILES

A2DP

INTERFACE

Bluetooth 4.2

FEATURES

LCD-screen, 3 playback modes (USB, microSD card, Bluetooth), 2 x USB-A ports (1 for charging, 1 for charging/playback), Built-in mic with CVC noise reduction technology

SIZE

~85 x 45 x 35 mm

Warranty

Amazon's 30-day return policy

PROS

The microphone is very sensitive, so the interlocutor will clearly hear your voice even if you whisper. CVC noise reduction technology will come in handy for those who often drive with open windows.

CONS

There is a slight whine noise in the background.

OUR VERDICT

With this inexpensive gadget, long car trips may become more enjoyable and fun owing to the music it can playback. It will also save you the trouble of holding the phone in your hands when making/receiving calls.

detailed parameters
HOLDER TYPE

12-V cigarette lighter

BATTERY LIFE

Needs power via 12-V car cigarette lighter port

SUPPORTED PROFILES

A2DP

INTERFACE

Bluetooth 4.2

FEATURES

LCD-screen, 3 playback modes (USB, microSD card, Bluetooth), 2 x USB-A ports (1 for charging, 1 for charging/playback), Built-in mic with CVC noise reduction technology

SIZE

92 x 52 x 40 mm

Warranty

Amazon's 30-day return policy

Car's Interior Enhancement

Agree, it's great to have a device that would not only add functionality to your car but also enhance its look, and the SuperTooth Buddy Handsfree Bluetooth set is up to the task. It's a clever little thing combining these two crucial features in one device.

For starters, the device boasts a very compact, sleek, contemporary design that can add a sophisticated touch to any car interior. It's easily attached to the sun visor, and there are no chances that it might fall off on hillocks and bumps. The built-in magnet securely holds it in place even when driving on hilly terrain.

What is notable, the magnetic mount slips onto the visor but the Bluetooth speaker can be easily moved to either side of the visor depending on the sun position. Just pull off the unit and reattach to the magnetic holder when your visor is down or up.

Overall, this Bluetooth kit is very simple to use and easy to sync to the car's speaker. After the initial setup, it selfs-connects each time you get in the car and start the engine. The automatic re-establishment of the Bluetooth connection can help you save quite a lot of time. Just imagine, you don't have to pull your smartphone out of the pocket each time.

Best For

The SuperTooth model is a perfect choice for really busy people since it offers pairing with up to 8 devices and can work with 2 devices simultaneously due to the Multipoint option. After you connect your phone to the car kit for the first time, it will save it to memory.

We also like how the kit's been designed - the large buttons are located distantly from each other so that you can't hit the wrong one accidentally.

In addition, the speakerphone features full-duplex audio, full DSP echo cancellation and double noise canceller resulting in super-clear and less harsh sounding. As for the built-in battery, it lasts for quite a long time and there are no connection issues at all.

All in all, with the given car kit you will be able to focus on the road while speaking safely on the phone. And if you need your hands free even while shopping or strolling around the town, consider purchasing Bluetooth headsets.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £39.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B0039YP2VG

VIDEO

Total Flexibility

If you're looking for a good device mainly for calls and are less concerned about listening experience, the Avantree CK11 kit may catch your fancy. Fitted with built-in 2W speakers and echo/background noise-reduction technology, it'll deliver crystal-clear, full call sound. Also, it's quite loud, so you won't need to set it on the max volume during a call to hear your collocutor clearly. That said, the speaker/amp isn't up to music and we wouldn't recommend it for listening to your favourite tracks on the go, even though it offers the ability to play mp3 through it.

Having been upgraded recently, the Avantree CK11 has a handy rotary knob, making volume adjustment intuitive and easy. It also doubles as a button that activates the built-in voice assistant on your phone, Google Assistant or Siri. Therefore, you'll be able to make calls, get driving directions, and even send texts without taking your eyes off the road.

Another perk is that the CK11 kit allows you to connect two phones simultaneously, meaning you can pair both your personal and professional phone with it for the complete hands-free experience. Also, you get extended flexibility when it comes to installation - the clip allows you to put the device almost anywhere on your sun visor.

Convenience of Use

To proceed with some extras, it's worth mentioning that the CK11 comes with an accurate motion sensor that detects when a car door opens/closes and automatically turns on/off the device. Not only does this rid you of need to re-connect your phone each time you get in. but also it saves battery. Speaking of which, the lithium-ion battery provides up to 22 hours of talk time and 600 hours of standby time. With that, it needs only 2-3 hours for a recharge (can be juiced up in right the car or at home).

All in all, we can definitely recommend this Bluetooth car kit to all busy drivers who need to make a lot of calls on the road and want to stay on the safe side. Only a few models can provide crystal clear call sound, two-phone pairing, and conveniences like this. Add to that compatibility with Siri or Goggle Assistant and you'll get an extra-safe device for hands-free calls, texts, and more.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £39.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B0796QSR27

Like a Disco Ball

If you can't live without music on the road, we have a perfect Bluetooth kit for your car that will surely make your journeys more enjoyable and fun. The HOLALEI FM transmitter is a very compact conversion device that does a great job of casting music from your phone via Bluetooth 5.0 and then re-broadcasting it via FM to your car radio. It offers a good connection without any other foreign sounds and is ideal for vehicles that have older systems with cabling (aux cord or connections to a cassette). It will automatically recognise and read such formats as MP3, WAV, WMA, FLAC, and APE.

When it comes to sound quality, the HOLALEI device reproduces tracks as nicely as you'd listen directly to your car's media player instead of an FM transmitter. Owing to the latest Bluetooth 5.0, it ensures stable signal and reduction of background noise. Moreover, it even comes with a bass button for extra bass when you want to enjoy the wonderful music feast. Despite the modest dimensions of the device, deep bass really surrounds and fills every corner of the vehicle.

What's more, the Bluetooth FM transmitter is designed with unique LED colourful backlight that offers 8 different lighting effects to fill the interior of your car in the dark. Just like a disco ball.

Doubles as a Quick Charger

The HOLALEI Bluetooth FM Transmitter has no built-in batteries and runs directly off a lighter port. As soon as you insert it into the port, you can benefit from a real-time car voltage monitor that ensures battery safety and the overall health of your vehicle. As for the device itself, it's made with a built-in over current protection, over-voltage protection, short circuit protection, and intelligent temperature control.

Best of all, the device is equipped with two USB ports allowing for charging your smartphone or other gadgets on the go. One of the charging points is a USB C port that allows for 18W charging which is 70% faster than the normal USB car adaptor port offers. There is also a PD3.0 port included.

Lastly, it's worth mentioning that not only is this FM transmitter compatible with most Bluetooth devices on the market but it also supports U disks and Micro SD cards. Thanks to this versatility, great audio quality with deep bass, fast charging points, and rainbow backlighting around the unit, it's a win-win choice for those who often travel long distances and can't do without music.

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B0834NLD54

Wide Compatibility

The Blufree FM Transmitter is another decent gadget that is worth your attention. It's an affordable wireless in-car MP3 player/radio adapter for those vehicles that don't have Bluetooth function but still have wonderful speakers with great bass. It creates something like its own mini radio station that your car radio tunes into. Basically, you shouldn't need to do anything other than turn your car radio on and plug this thing in.

With universal compatibility, it's applicable to all vehicles with a standard cigarette lighter. As for Bluetooth-enabled devices, it works seamlessly with iPhones, iPads, Android smartphones, tablets, and others. Owing to an embedded microphone, it allows for hands-free safe calls while driving. Fitted with echo cancellation and noise suppression (CVC) technology, the unit transmits very clear audio to the car stereo. And compared to previous Bluetooth versions, the 4.2 consumes less energy and ensures a faster data transmission with a more stable connection between your phone and the audio receiver.

Speaking of the music playback, this model supports A2DP function, Hi-fi stereo systems, and can stream music right from a USB stick or micro SD/TF memory card. What is great, the Blufree In-Car Radio Adapter remembers which audio file played on a memory card or U-disc and resumes once you turn the engine on. Owing to the memory function, it'll also automatically connect to the previously paired Bluetooth devices.

Know Your Voltage

What we also like about the Blufree FM Transmitter is that it stands guard over your car's health. Once plugged into the car cigarette lighter, it'll display car voltage to let you know your car battery's state at a glance. If it's lower than 12 volts, this means that the battery needs replacement. The range from 12.2 to 12.8 volts (before car starts) means that your car's battery is in good condition. And after you start the car, the 13.4-14.8 volts are considered to be normal. So, with this little thing, you'll always be notified when it's time to replace the car battery.

The other good thing to note is that the Blufree FM Transmitter doesn't turn itself off automatically during a period of inactivity. It produces just a clear signal with no hiss. So, if you're after an unobtrusive thing that can revive your older CD Radio Cassette set up, the Blufree adapter hits the spot. It can stream music in different formats from various sources while informing you about your car's battery status.

Last updated price £8.84
Stock In stock
ASIN B07862DMM1

The Bestseller

This very small gizmo is a real bestseller on the market with over than 10,000 positive ratings, which is largely achieved owing to its affordable price, sleek design, and superior audio quality. It ensures no strange noise or co-channel interference, allowing you to get hands-free phone calls without any interruptions. Customers note that the built-in mic with noise suppression (CVC) technology is very sensitive here and offers crystal-clear sound quality.

Moreover, the FirstE FM Transmitter always ensures a very stable connection and is compatible with the majority of Bluetooth-enabled devices to let you make phone calls or stream music. Besides the Bluetooth module, the device is fitted with a slot for micro SD cards or TF cards and a USB socket that accepts U-Disks. After you set a USB stick or memory card, you simply need to turn on the engine of your car and press the "Next" button on the transmitter for a few seconds. The device will read any WMA or MP3 file and play it automatically.

Easy to Set Up and Use

What users also appreciate about the FirstE FM Transmitter is how easy it's to set up and use. Actually, you only need to plug it into the cigarette lighter socket of your car for the power supply and switch your car radio to any blank FM frequency from 87.5 MHz to 108.0 MHz. You can start right from the 87.5 MHz frequency and if you hear an obvious noise, go to another unused FM frequency in your region. Once you find it, pair the FirstE transmitter with your Bluetooth device or plug in a micro USB flash drive/memory card to enjoy music playback and hands-free conversation. When in music playing mode, the unit will automatically switch to your phone if there is an incoming call.

Finally, we would like to note that the FirstE transmitter is fitted with two USB ports and supports charging two devices at a time (3.1A together). The smart chip inside the unit will distribute the voltage based on the needs of plugged-in devices automatically.

Overall, the FirstE Bluetooth FM Transmitter is a great product at a great price. It's a plug-and-play device with a decent sound quality that is very easy to fit and use.

Last updated price £11.04
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B07BF52BY7

What Is a Bluetooth Car Kit?

A Bluetooth car kit is a compact device using which you can safely speak on a phone without taking your eyes off the road or your hands off the wheel. It is possible due to hands-free technology – you don’t need to reach for a phone to answer the call. This small but useful gadget allows for comfortable usage in a car, transmitting incoming phone calls via built-in car kit speakers or a car stereo system where a driver needs only to either give a voice command or hit a single button to answer the call. Using the phone this way is absolutely safe since your mind concentrates on the road keeping you on the right side of the law. However, the benefits of Bluetooth car kits don't end at hands-free speaking since these devices double as top-notch car audio systems that will make your ride even more exciting.

In case you aren't pleased with the sound of your car stereo system or if it doesn't play videos, we suggest you also check our selections of the best car video & stereo receivers.

What Features to Compare

Installation

When choosing a Bluetooth car kit, first thing first, consider possible mounting options and pay attention to the following aspects:

  • Bluetooth kit should be installed so that it doesn't block other important elements on the dashboard. For that, check out the dimensions of the model you choose and make sure it fits perfectly.
  • Most Bluetooth car kits come complete with special metal clips for attaching them to a sun visor. If you want to keep your Bluetooth car kit in view, choose one that has them. Other models can be mounted piece by piece, with the main unit being mounted on the dashboard and controller on the wheel.
  • Consider what power source is required to run the kit. Some models are battery-powered and come with a set of batteries while others require connection to a cigarette lighter. Choose what suits you better.

Control

There are two ways to control a Bluetooth car kit: by hand or by voice. With a remote controller mounted on the wheel, it shouldn’t be a problem to hit the button and answer the phone, however, most drivers now prefer kits that allow for voice control and hands-free operation.

Bluetooth car kits connect to smartphones via Bluetooth and instantly synchronize with a phonebook. To pair your device for the first time, though, you may need to enter a pin code (just like you’d need to do when connecting to your friend’s phone).

Additional Features

Pursuing the aim of making products better, manufacturers offer a broad choice of additional features you may also be interested in. Let’s consider what they can be:

  • Noise reduction technology provides quality sound while speaking on a phone. The technology is aimed at reducing background and surrounding sounds. Thus, wheel or wind noise, someone else’s voice except yours won’t be heard on the other end of the line. There are also models which eliminate echo effect. However, cheap gadgets may not support such functions, and it is an obvious disadvantage over more sophisticated devices.
  • Bluetooth car kits can be paired with several devices at once. It is a useful option if you have 2 phones and need to answer both of them frequently.
  • Pay attention to the way a sound is transmitted. You can hear the voice of your interlocutor (or music) from either built-in speakers or car audio system. If you'd like to hear the sound from the car system, make sure the kit has an FM transmitter.
  • A display will become a useful addition, too. There you’ll see who’s calling, - the name of a contact from your phonebook or a phone number, and then, decide whether to answer or not.

Sources:

1. Bluetooth Car Kits Buying GuideeBay. March 3, 2016.

2. Nick Guy The Best Bluetooth Kits for Every Car StereoThe Wirecutter. September 8, 2016.

3. How to Buy a Bluetooth Car KitwikiHow.

4. Craig Lloyd How to Add Bluetooth to Your Factory Car Stereo, GottaBeMobile. July 19, 2014.

5. Jeremy Laukkonen 5 Ways to Use Bluetooth in Your Car, Lifewire. October 18, 2016.

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