Trying to set up some form of smart home entertainment system can be a nightmare. There is very little standardisation, and systems integrate in multiple different ways. However if you have a stereo, and just want to wirelessly stream some music to it, there are some cheap and simple ways to get that done.
Bluetooth
The cheapest of which is Bluetooth. There are several products which allow you to stream music to them via Bluetooth, and then plug into a stereo. That means your phone can stay in your pocket the whole time.
Price |
$ |
$ |
$$ |
$$$ |
NFC |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Battery |
10 hours |
none |
none |
10 hours |
Range |
33’ |
30’ |
66’ |
Not specified |
Cables included |
3.5mm, RCA & charger/USB |
RCA & charger |
3.5mm, RCA & charger/USB |
3.5mm, RCA & USB |
Comments |
Very well reviewed |
Less cables and no battery |
High sales, but range doesn’t meet |
Top rated, can transmit and receive |
Automation Haus Verdict
If it was our money, we’d probably cheap out and get the Etekcity. It’s nothing amazing, but does what it says it will. If you want something a bit better quality, then cough up the extra dough and go straight for the TaoTronics. It’s the most highly rated product in the range, and can also be used to transmit audio from your TV to a set of Bluetooth headphones.
We have another few articles lined up looking at Wi-Fi alternatives as well as Bluetooth speaker options for those who don’t have a stereo already. Be sure to check back for those articles.