Luxury automakers generally charge more for their devices, but hey, what else is new? FM transmitters Image used with permission by copyright holderīuying an FM transmitter is one of the cheapest ways to add Bluetooth to your car, especially if you drive an older model that lacks an auxiliary input. In addition to maintaining the stock aesthetic, these adapters are usually pretty cheap, with the average setup costing less than $100. When all is said and done, you’ll be able to make and answer calls via Bluetooth through your factory system. Installation time and difficulty will depend on the manufacturer, but most systems require you to remove the factory stereo, wire in the adapter, and route a wired microphone to the back of the head unit. If you just want Bluetooth for hands-free calling and possibly music streaming (some systems are restricted to phone audio), then there’s no need to replace your entire head unit. The best part of a factory adapter is that it has been specifically engineered for your make and model vehicle, so you’ll have the best possible audio quality and vehicle-specific installation instructions. Crutchfield and other retailers sell a wide array of them. If you love the look of your vehicle’s stock stereo system and don’t mind getting your wires crossed (no pun intended), then a vehicle-specific adapter with Bluetooth functionality may be perfect for you. Vehicle-specific adapters Image used with permission by copyright holder Top brands such as Pioneer, Alpine, and Kenwood currently offer an array of affordable options. Prices for these devices start as low as $40 and swing up to several hundred dollars for a more feature-rich unit. The sheer number of devices on the market also means you’re likely to find a unit that closely matches your stock setup in color and design. You can even add units featuring Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. As you work your way up the price ladder, features like Bluetooth music streaming, complete smartphone integration (so you can access your phone’s apps through the car stereo), text messaging (reading your messages out loud so you keep your eyes on the road), and voice commands become available. Fortunately, even the most affordable units feature Bluetooth integration for hands-free calling. There’s a broad range of replacement stereo systems on the market. Don’t want the hassle? Many electronics stores offer installation for around $100. With patience, common tools, and a couple of hours, most people can replace their stereo system. This process does require some labor, and you’ll need to embrace the aftermarket look of your new system, but most devices come with easy-to-follow instructions. Replacing your vehicle’s head unit is a great option for those who want the greatest range of audio functionality. Aftermarket audio units Image used with permission by copyright holder These devices usually range in price from $15 to $30. There are a few universal devices that will wire into your head unit and can add music streaming to the list of functionalities, but that makes the installation process a bit more complicated. Note that mounting the device with tape could leave a nasty mark on your dashboard. Unfortunately, systems that don’t wire into your factory audio unit won’t be able to integrate with your phone’s music apps. On the plus side, many universal kits can be easily moved from vehicle to vehicle, so if you do a lot of car swapping and don’t want to pay for multiple units, you can just take the device with you. There are pros and cons to these systems. Many of these systems clip onto your sun visor or can be mounted wherever you’d like with suction cups or tape. As the name implies, these standalone units work in just about any car thanks to a built-in speaker and microphone. If pulling wires apart just isn’t your cup of tea, the easiest way to add Bluetooth is with a universal kit, such as the iClever Himbox Plus. Universal systems Image used with permission by copyright holder The next generation of Apple CarPlay will power your entire car, riding the trend of all-screen autos Is your check engine light on? Here are 10 possible reasons why
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