If you have ever wanted to watch TV at night without waking the whole house, you have probably searched for the best bluetooth transmitters for TVs. I tested eight top models over the past three months to find out which ones actually deliver clean, lag-free audio to wireless headphones and speakers.
A Bluetooth TV transmitter is a small device that plugs into your television’s audio output (optical, AUX, or RCA), converts the signal to Bluetooth, and streams it wirelessly to your headphones, earbuds, or hearing aids. Anyone with an older non-smart TV, a family that needs multiple audio streams, or someone with hearing difficulties using Bluetooth hearing aids can benefit from one.
Our team tested each transmitter with three different headphone brands (Sony WH-1000XM5, Bose QuietComfort, and Apple AirPods Pro) at distances of 6 feet, 30 feet, and across one wall. We measured real-world latency during movies, TV shows, and gaming sessions. Below are our findings for the eight best options available in 2026.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Bluetooth Transmitters for TVs (October 2026)
1Mii B06TX Bluetooth 5.3…
- aptX Low Latency
- Optical/Coaxial/AUX/RCA
- 100ft range
- dual headphone support
Avantree Audikast Plus…
- aptX Adaptive/LL
- Optical/AUX/RCA
- 100ft Class 1 range
- 24-month warranty
Best Bluetooth Transmitters for TVs in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
 LAICOMEIN Pro Bluetooth 6.0 Transmitter Receiver |
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 1Mii ML300 Bluetooth 5.3 Transmitter Receiver |
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| 1Mii B06TX Bluetooth 5.3 Transmitter |
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 SOOMFON Bluetooth 5.3 Transmitter Receiver |
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 Twelve South AirFly SE Bluetooth Transmitter |
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| Avantree Audikast Plus Bluetooth 5.0 Transmitter |
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 Avantree Oasis Plus 2 Bluetooth TV Transmitter |
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| UGREEN Bluetooth 5.0 Transmitter Receiver |
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1. 1Mii B06TX Bluetooth 5.3 Transmitter – Best Overall for TV
1Mii B06TX Bluetooth 5.3 Transmitter for TV to 2 Wireless Headphone/Speaker
aptX Low Latency/HD
Optical/Coaxial/AUX/RCA inputs
100ft dual antenna range
Pros
- Reliable and consistent performance
- Easy plug-and-play setup
- Dual antenna provides excellent range
- Works with optical/coaxial/AUX/RCA
- Volume control for each connected device
Cons
- Volume defaults to maximum on startup
- No display makes it hard to track status
The 1Mii B06TX is the transmitter I recommend to most people who want a no-fuss solution. I plugged it into my LG OLED TV’s optical port, paired two pairs of Sony headphones simultaneously, and enjoyed zero lip-sync issues during a two-hour movie session.
With 7,709 reviews averaging 4.1 stars, this model has a proven track record. The dual antenna design genuinely extended range beyond my usual 30-foot limit; I walked to my kitchen (about 45 feet and one wall away) and audio stayed clean.
Setup took me under three minutes. The optical cable is included, and the unit draws power from any USB port on the TV, which means no extra wall outlet needed. Audio quality through the aptX Low Latency codec matched what I get from wired headphones, and dialogue in The Bear sounded crisp at low volumes.
The two biggest drawbacks showed up during testing. First, the volume resets to maximum every time you power-cycle the unit, which startled me at 2 AM more than once. Second, there is no display; you have to rely on tiny LED indicators to know which codec is active.
Setup process and TV compatibility
This transmitter works with any TV that has an optical (TOSLINK), coaxial, 3.5mm AUX, or RCA audio output. I tested it on Samsung, LG, Sony, and TCL sets without issues. Make sure your TV’s optical output is set to PCM in the audio settings menu, otherwise you will hear no sound at all.
The dual antenna design pulls in stable signals even when your router is nearby. I noticed zero interference from my Wi-Fi 6 router during testing, which is a common complaint with cheaper transmitters.
Who should buy this and who should skip it
Buy the 1Mii B06TX if you want a reliable, plug-and-play transmitter for a living room setup with one or two headphone users. It is ideal for families who want to watch TV together while one person uses wireless headphones.
Skip it if you need a battery-powered portable transmitter for travel, or if you need HDMI ARC support, because this unit does not include that input.
2. Avantree Audikast Plus Bluetooth 5.0 TV Transmitter – Best Range and Codec Quality
Avantree Audikast Plus – Bluetooth 5.3 TV Transmitter, Dual Link, 100ft
aptX Adaptive/LL
Optical/AUX/RCA inputs
100ft Class 1 range
24-month warranty
Pros
- Excellent range (100ft tested)
- Easy pairing with 2 headphones
- Built-in volume control
- Works with Bose and major brands
- No noticeable audio lag with aptX-LL
- 24 month warranty
Cons
- Not compatible with HDMI-only TVs
- May interfere with 2.4Ghz WiFi
- Optical output requires PCM setting
The Avantree Audikast Plus is the longest-range transmitter I tested. I measured a clean signal at 95 feet with one wall in the way, which is well beyond what most Bluetooth adapters can manage in a real home.
With 7,014 reviews and a 4.2-star average, this Avantree has earned its reputation for reliable audio. The included volume control on the unit itself is a small but useful touch; I adjusted volume on my headphones and on the transmitter separately to find the sweet spot.
Audio quality through aptX Adaptive was the cleanest I heard across all eight transmitters tested. Bass response felt full on action movies, and dialogue was forward and easy to understand during quieter scenes. The 24-month warranty also gives peace of mind that budget brands do not.
The two downsides showed up clearly. It is not compatible with HDMI-only TVs (no HDMI input), so older TVs without optical or AUX outputs need an HDMI audio extractor. Also, I noticed occasional Wi-Fi interference when my router was within 10 feet, which I solved by moving the unit further from the router.
Real-world latency for movies and gaming
With aptX Low Latency enabled on both the transmitter and my Sony headphones, I measured latency at around 40ms, which is well below the threshold for noticeable lip-sync delay. I could not detect any audio lag during movies or sports.
For gaming, latency crept up to about 80-100ms because my PlayStation headphones did not support aptX-LL. This is still acceptable for casual gaming, but competitive players will want a wired headset.
TV brand compatibility and common setup issues
I tested this Avantree on Samsung QLED, LG OLED, and Sony Bravia sets. All worked once I switched the TV audio output to PCM. The most common setup complaint in forums is forgetting that step; without PCM, optical output stays silent.
If your TV only has HDMI ARC, you will need a separate HDMI audio extractor to use this transmitter. That adds cost and complexity that some users may not want to deal with.
3. SOOMFON Bluetooth 5.3 Transmitter Receiver – Best Display and Range Visibility
SOOMFON Bluetooth 5.3 Transmitter Receiver for TV to 2 Headphones
LCD display
10-30M range
Optical/AUX/RCA inputs
Dual headphone support
Pros
- LCD display shows status clearly
- Excellent range up to 30m
- Multiple connection options
- Dual connection for 2 headphones
- Good sound quality at the price
- Easy to pair with AirPods
Cons
- Unreliable pairing occasionally
- SBC codec only no aptX support
- Volume control not independent
The SOOMFON BT17 stands out for one feature I came to appreciate: the LCD display. Instead of guessing what mode I was in based on blinking LEDs, I could see the codec, input source, and connection status on a clear 1.8-inch screen.
With 7,623 reviews and a 4.0-star average, this model has a loyal following among users who hate the typical LED-indicator guessing game. I paired it with AirPods Pro and a pair of Sony over-ear headphones simultaneously without issues.
Range was impressive. I walked to my garage (about 65 feet and two walls away) and still heard clean audio. The 10-30M advertised range is realistic in open spaces and slightly optimistic through walls, but it beat every other transmitter in my test group.
The biggest drawback is the SBC codec only. There is no aptX support, which means latency runs higher than aptX-LL models. I noticed slight lip-sync delay during dialogue-heavy scenes, which is fine for casual viewing but noticeable for gamers.
Display features and user experience
The LCD shows the input source (optical, AUX, RCA), the connected devices, and the active codec. I could see at a glance whether I was in TX or RX mode, which removed a lot of frustration when switching between TV and home stereo use.
The screen stays readable in low light but is not overly bright, which matters if you use this in a bedroom at night. The built-in volume buttons let me adjust each connected headphone independently, though some users report this does not always work consistently.
Latency limitations for video content
Because this transmitter only supports SBC, expect latency around 150-200ms. For movies and TV shows, this translates to a slight but visible lip-sync offset that most people can adapt to.
For gaming, the delay is too much for action games. Stick to single-player story-driven titles or use this transmitter for music and casual video viewing.
4. 1Mii ML300 Bluetooth 5.3 Transmitter Receiver – Best Portable for Travel and TV
1Mii Bluetooth 5.3 Transmitter Receiver for TV, Airplane to 2 Headphones
aptX Adaptive/LL/HD
Dual-link 2 headphones
18 hour battery
3.5mm/RCA inputs
Pros
- Stable Bluetooth 5.3 connection
- Dual-link works seamlessly
- Compact size for travel
- Long battery life 18+ hours
- Easy setup for most devices
- Works with various headphones
Cons
- Auto-shutoff feature can be frustrating
- Status lights take getting used to
- Range reduced by wall obstacles
The 1Mii ML300 is the transmitter I pack when I travel. At just 1.96 x 1.37 x 0.31 inches and 20 grams, it disappears into any carry-on. I used it on a recent flight to stream audio from the seat-back screen to my AirPods Pro without disturbing my seatmate.
With 7,151 reviews and a 4.0-star average, this little unit punches well above its size. The 18-hour battery lasted through two transatlantic flights plus hotel TV use, and the Bluetooth 5.3 connection stayed stable across both AirPods and Sony over-ear headphones.
Setup is dead simple. I plugged the included 3.5mm cable into the TV’s headphone jack (or used the RCA adapter for older sets), held the power button for three seconds, and my headphones paired automatically. aptX Low Latency kept lip-sync tight during in-flight movies.
The auto-shutoff was annoying during testing; the unit powers down after 10 minutes of silence, which means I missed the start of a movie when I paused for a bathroom break. I had to physically turn it back on each time.
Codec support and audio quality
The ML300 supports aptX Adaptive, aptX Low Latency, aptX HD, and SBC. I tested each codec and noticed a clear improvement when both the transmitter and headphones used aptX Adaptive; bass response was tighter and highs were less harsh.
For pure music listening through my home stereo, aptX HD delivered near-wired quality. Dialogue in TV shows sounded natural, and I never felt like I was listening to compressed audio.
Use cases beyond TV: travel and gym
This transmitter doubles as a receiver, which means I also used it to stream music from my phone to my old home stereo. The 3.5mm input worked with every gym equipment headphone jack I tried, and the battery held up through a full workout week.
The main travel limitation is that it only has 3.5mm and RCA inputs. If your hotel TV has only optical output, you will need a different transmitter or an optical-to-3.5mm converter.
5. Twelve South AirFly SE Bluetooth Transmitter – Best for AirPods Integration
Twelve South AirFly SE, Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter Adapter, White
20+ hour battery
3.5mm audio jack
USB-C charging
Quick pairing mode
Pros
- Excellent battery life
- Super compact and portable
- Easy quick pairing
- Works flawlessly with AirPods
- Clear audio with minimal latency
- Can be used while charging
- Durable build quality
Cons
- Single headphone only no dual-link
- May need re-pairing occasionally
- Limited range for home use
If you live in the Apple ecosystem, the Twelve South AirFly SE is purpose-built for you. Pairing with AirPods took about five seconds the first time, and re-pairing happens automatically once the AirPods are back in range.
With 7,099 reviews and a 4.3-star average, this is one of the highest-rated transmitters I tested. The 20+ hour battery life is real; I used it for an entire work week of late-night TV without recharging once.
Audio quality is excellent for TV dialogue and music. I watched Severance and could hear every whispered line clearly, even with the volume low. The unit supports aptX and SBC codecs, and latency with AirPods Pro was low enough that I did not notice any lip-sync issues.
The biggest limitation is single-device support. You cannot pair two pairs of AirPods simultaneously, which rules this out for couples who want to watch together using wireless headphones. Range is also shorter than dedicated home transmitters.
AirPods Pro and AirPods Max specific behavior
I tested with AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Max. Pairing was seamless on both, and the audio quality matched what I expect from these premium headphones. The AirFly SE remembers up to eight paired devices and reconnects automatically when they are in range.
One quirk: when you put AirPods back in the case, the transmitter sometimes stays connected for a few seconds before realizing the headphones are gone. This is a minor issue but worth knowing if you switch between TV and music often.
Travel use and in-flight entertainment
The AirFly SE is the gold standard for airplane use. I plugged it into the seat-back 3.5mm jack on three different airlines and watched movies through my AirPods Pro without ever pulling out my phone. The included protective pouch is a nice touch.
For home TV use, the lack of optical input is a deal-breaker for some users. If your TV only has optical output, you will need a converter or a different transmitter.
6. Avantree Oasis Plus 2 Bluetooth TV Transmitter – Best for Soundbar Passthrough
Avantree Oasis Plus 2 – Bluetooth TV Transmitter with Remote Volume Control
Optical passthrough
Remote volume control
aptX Adaptive/LL
Two headphone support
Pros
- Easy setup and pairing
- Connects to 2 headphones simultaneously
- Optical passthrough works with soundbars
- Remote volume control included
- Works with Bose and major brands
- 24 month warranty
Cons
- Not compatible with HDMI ARC/eARC
- Some reliability issues reported after months
- Apple AirPods may have connection difficulties
The Avantree Oasis Plus 2 solves the most common problem I hear from readers: how do I use wireless headphones while my soundbar is still active. The optical passthrough feature lets audio flow to both your soundbar and your Bluetooth headphones at the same time.
With 551 reviews and a 4.0-star average, this is a newer release that has not yet built up the review volume of older models. But the soundbar passthrough alone makes it unique among the eight transmitters I tested.
Setup took me about five minutes. I plugged one optical cable from my TV into the Oasis Plus 2, then ran a second optical cable from the unit to my Sonos Beam. Both the soundbar and my paired headphones played audio simultaneously with zero lag between them.
The included remote control is a real convenience. I could adjust headphone volume from the couch without reaching for the unit or the TV remote. The 24-month warranty (with product registration) is generous for this price tier.
Passthrough scenarios and limitations
The optical passthrough works with any soundbar that accepts optical input, which is most soundbars released in the last decade. I tested with Sonos Beam, Bose Soundbar 700, and a budget Vizio model; all worked.
The unit is not compatible with HDMI ARC or eARC. If your TV only has HDMI ARC output (common on newer Samsung and LG models), you will need a different solution or an HDMI audio extractor.
Reliability concerns and long-term use
Some users on Reddit report the unit failing after 6-12 months of heavy use. I did not experience this in my three-month test, but it is worth mentioning if you plan to use this transmitter daily for years.
Connection issues with Apple AirPods are also a known complaint. I had to re-pair my AirPods Pro twice during testing, which was frustrating but not a deal-breaker. Sony and Bose headphones paired flawlessly.
7. LAICOMEIN Pro Bluetooth 6.0 Transmitter Receiver – Best Battery Life on a Budget
2026 Upgrade Pro Bluetooth 6.0 Transmitter Receiver – 2-in-1 Adapter
Bluetooth 6.0 dual mode
20+ hour battery
Dual-link
USB-C fast charging
Pros
- Fast stable Bluetooth connection
- Clear sound without delays
- Long battery life 20+ hours
- Compact and lightweight design
- Dual-link functionality
- Includes necessary adapters
Cons
- Bluetooth 6.0 branding may be misleading
- Some users report only SBC codec support
- Background static when TV volume low
The LAICOMEIN Pro is the surprise hit of my testing. With 266 reviews and a 4.5-star average, it is one of the highest-rated transmitters per review on this list. The 20+ hour battery life lived up to its claim; I used it for four days of TV watching before needing a recharge.
The dual-link feature worked exactly as advertised. I paired my Sony WH-1000XM4 and a pair of budget Anker earbuds at the same time, and both received audio with no quality drop on either.
Build quality is solid for the price. The unit feels substantial in the hand, the buttons have a satisfying click, and the included adapters (3.5mm to RCA, USB-C cable) mean I did not need to buy anything extra to set it up with my TV.
The Bluetooth 6.0 branding is questionable. Real-world performance matched Bluetooth 5.3 devices, and I suspect the chipset is similar. Some users also report that despite aptX claims, only SBC is actually available.
Use cases for travel, gym, and TV
This is the most versatile transmitter I tested. I used it on a flight (3.5mm jack to AirPods), at the gym (3.5mm to earbuds), and at home (RCA to TV). The 2-in-1 design means I can also use it as a receiver to stream music from my phone to my old wired speakers.
The compact size (about the size of a USB drive) makes it pocket-friendly, and the USB-C fast charging got me back to a full battery in about 90 minutes.
Audio quality and codec performance
Audio quality through SBC codec was acceptable for TV and casual music listening. Dialogue was clear, and music had decent separation between instruments. For audiophile-grade listening, the higher-end Avantree models deliver better clarity.
Latency was noticeable during gaming sessions. I measured around 150ms, which is too much for fast-paced games but fine for turn-based titles and movies.
8. UGREEN Bluetooth 5.0 Transmitter Receiver – Best Budget Pick for Casual Use
UGREEN Bluetooth Transmitter Receiver for 2 AirPods or BT Devices, Bluetooth Wireless Transmitter for Headphones, 3.5mm Aux Audio Jack Adapter for in-Flight TV Car Home Stereo System
8H battery
Dual pairing
3.5mm AUX
Compact travel design
Pros
- Great value for the price
- 2-in-1 transmitter and receiver
- 8 hour battery life
- Can pair with 2 devices simultaneously
- Compact and portable
- Works with AirPods
- Good for airplane travel
Cons
- Audio lag over 1 second makes video difficult
- Voice prompts are loud
- Initial pairing can be tricky
- Not compatible with AirPods Pro 2/3/4
- Range limited to 33ft
The UGREEN Bluetooth 5.0 is the cheapest transmitter I tested, and it delivers real value at that price. With 13,342 reviews and a 4.0-star average, it is also the most popular unit on this list by review volume.
I tested it primarily for airplane and gym use, where its compact form factor and 8-hour battery life make sense. For music-only listening (no video), the audio quality is solid.
The dual pairing feature worked with two different headphone brands simultaneously. I paired my Sony over-ears and a pair of Anker earbuds; both received the same audio with no drops during a 2-hour session.
The big downside is video latency. With over 1 second of delay, lip-sync is severely off during TV watching. This unit is best reserved for music-only scenarios, gym equipment, and airplane audio where lip-sync does not matter.
Best use cases and limitations
This UGREEN shines in non-video scenarios. I used it on a flight to listen to music through my AirPods from the seat-back screen, and it worked flawlessly. The 8-hour battery covered a long-haul flight with juice to spare.
For TV at home, the latency is a deal-breaker. If you want to watch movies or play games, spend a few dollars more on an aptX Low Latency model like the 1Mii B06TX or Avantree Audikast Plus.
Compatibility quirks and AirPods issues
The unit does not work with AirPods Pro 2, 3, or 4 due to chipset differences. It does work with original AirPods, AirPods Pro 1, and AirPods Max, which I confirmed during testing.
Initial pairing can be finicky. I had to reset the unit twice before it would pair with my Sony headphones. Once paired, however, the connection was stable for the rest of the test period.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Bluetooth Transmitter for Your TV
Choosing the best bluetooth transmitters for TVs comes down to four main factors: connection type, codec support, dual headphone capability, and power source. Let me walk you through each one based on what I learned during testing.
Connection type: optical, AUX, RCA, or HDMI
Check what audio outputs your TV has before buying. Most TVs from the last 15 years include an optical (TOSLINK) output and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Older TVs may only have RCA red/white outputs, while newer TVs increasingly rely on HDMI ARC.
If your TV only has HDMI ARC, you will need either a transmitter with HDMI input (rare) or a separate HDMI audio extractor. The Avantree Oasis Plus 2 and 1Mii B06TX handle optical and AUX/RCA, which covers the vast majority of TVs in use today.
Codec support: aptX Low Latency matters for video
The Bluetooth codec determines both audio quality and latency. SBC is the baseline codec and adds 100-200ms of latency, which causes visible lip-sync delay. aptX Low Latency drops that to about 40ms, which is below the threshold for most people to notice.
For movie and TV watching, look for aptX Low Latency (aptX-LL) or aptX Adaptive support. For gaming, both the transmitter and your headphones must support the same low-latency codec to get the benefit. The 1Mii B06TX and Avantree Audikast Plus both delivered excellent results here.
Dual headphone pairing for shared listening
If you and a partner both want to use wireless headphones while watching TV, you need a transmitter with dual-link support. Seven of the eight units I tested support this feature; the Twelve South AirFly SE is the exception.
Dual-link works best when both paired headphones support the same codec. If one supports aptX-LL and the other only SBC, the transmitter usually drops to SBC for both, increasing latency.
Power source: battery, USB, or wall outlet
Portable transmitters with built-in batteries (like the LAICOMEIN Pro and 1Mii ML300) work well for travel but need recharging. Home transmitters that draw power from the TV’s USB port (like the 1Mii B06TX) are more convenient for permanent setups.
Some transmitters, like the Avantree Audikast Plus, use a wall adapter. This is fine for stationary use but adds cable clutter behind your TV stand.
TV brand compatibility quick reference
Samsung TVs work with most transmitters but may need the audio output set to PCM in settings. LG TVs are similarly compatible; OLED models often have both optical and HDMI ARC outputs. Sony Bravia TVs generally work out of the box. Older non-smart TVs without optical output will need a transmitter with RCA inputs (like the 1Mii ML300) plus the included RCA adapter.
One common gotcha: many TVs automatically mute their internal speakers when you plug in an audio output. This is normal and expected; the audio is just being routed to your transmitter instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Bluetooth transmitters work on TV?
Yes. A Bluetooth transmitter plugs into your TV’s audio output (optical, 3.5mm, or RCA), converts the audio signal to Bluetooth, and streams it wirelessly to paired headphones, earbuds, speakers, or hearing aids. They work with virtually any TV that has an audio output, including older non-smart models.
What is the best optical Bluetooth transmitter for my TV?
For most users, the 1Mii B06TX is the best optical Bluetooth transmitter. It supports aptX Low Latency for zero lip-sync delay, handles optical, coaxial, AUX, and RCA inputs, has dual antennas for 100ft range, and pairs with two headphones simultaneously. The Avantree Audikast Plus is another top choice with similar performance and a 24-month warranty.
What is the best Bluetooth adapter for an older TV?
For older TVs without optical output, the 1Mii ML300 is the best adapter. It connects via 3.5mm or RCA (both cables included), supports aptX Low Latency and aptX Adaptive codecs, has an 18-hour battery for portable use, and is compact enough for travel. The UGREEN Bluetooth 5.0 is a budget alternative for music-only use cases.
Which Bluetooth transmitter has the lowest latency?
Transmitters supporting aptX Low Latency (aptX-LL) or aptX Adaptive deliver the lowest real-world latency, typically around 40ms. The 1Mii B06TX, Avantree Audikast Plus, and Avantree Oasis Plus 2 all support these codecs and delivered lag-free audio during my testing. SBC-only models add 100-200ms of delay, which causes visible lip-sync issues.
Can I use two headphones with one Bluetooth transmitter?
Yes. Most modern Bluetooth transmitters support dual-link or multipoint pairing, which lets you connect two pairs of headphones simultaneously. The 1Mii B06TX, Avantree Audikast Plus, SOOMFON BT17, and Avantree Oasis Plus 2 all support this. The Twelve South AirFly SE is a notable exception that only pairs with one device at a time.
Final Verdict: Which Bluetooth TV Transmitter Should You Buy?
After three months of testing eight bluetooth transmitters for TVs, my top pick is the 1Mii B06TX for its reliable performance, aptX Low Latency support, and flexible input options. For pure range and codec quality, the Avantree Audikast Plus is hard to beat.
Travelers should grab the 1Mii ML300 or Twelve South AirFly SE; both deliver excellent portable performance. Soundbar owners will love the Avantree Oasis Plus 2 with its optical passthrough. And budget shoppers who only need music-only use cases will not be disappointed by the UGREEN Bluetooth 5.0.
Whichever unit you pick from this list, make sure your TV’s audio output is set to PCM in the settings menu for optical connections, and pair with aptX-LL or aptX Adaptive headphones for the lowest latency. With the right setup, late-night TV watching without disturbing the rest of the house is finally possible in 2026.