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How to Use Bluetooth Speakers on a Non-Bluetooth TV

How to Use Bluetooth Speakers on a Non-Bluetooth TV

As wireless devices become more popular, realizing your television has no Bluetooth connectivity can be frustrating. Fortunately, there are a few simple fixes that don’t involve replacing your TV.

Key Takeaways:

  • You can connect Bluetooth speakers to a non-Bluetooth TV through a Bluetooth transmitter, by connecting the TV to a Bluetooth-compatible audio system, using a smart TV stick, or using a soundbar with a Bluetooth system.
  • The best sound systems on the market are from brands like Serene Innovations, Pyle, TV Ears, Sonos, and Yamaha.

1. Bluetooth Transmitter

If your TV has an audio output port, you can connect a Bluetooth transmitter to it. Classic audio jacks are typically 3.5 mm, though these measurements can vary depending on your TV model. 

For instance, older TVs may require an RCA adaptor, which you can quickly find on Amazon. Once you connect the Bluetooth transmitter, your TV can transmit audio signals wirelessly.

Connect to your Bluetooth transmitter in the following steps:

  1. Put the transmitter into pairing mode—how you do this will depend on the transmitter brand. Most transmitters require users to push down on the power for a few seconds.
  2. Navigate to your TV’s connection guide, where you’ll find various available outputs. Connect to your transmitter through this menu.

Do you need a recommendation? The Twelve South AirFly SE Bluetooth transmitter is one of the best devices on Amazon, with over 5,000 positive reviews. See it here.

You can charge the AirFly with a USB-C cable. It has an impressive battery life of over 20 hours with a single charge. In addition, it transmits Bluetooth signals up to 30 feet away. Overall, it’s an impressive plug-and-play product that requires minimal setup.

2. Bluetooth Audio System

If you have an audio system with built-in Bluetooth, you can connect this to your TV via HDMI, aux cable, or optical. 

We recommend the Philips Bluetooth Stereo System, which you can connect to your TV with HDMI or aux and then pair your speakers with the audio system. This dual amplifier offers impeccable sound quality at a total RMS output of 15W and is easy to connect to any Bluetooth-compatible device. Check it out here!

3. Smart TV Stick

Streamers like Chromecast can equip your TV with Bluetooth connectivity. Typically, they attach to your device via an HDMI plug. Other options include:

  • Roku Express 4K Plus
  • Roku Streaming Stick 4K
  • Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max

4. Bluetooth Soundbar

As long as you find a soundbar with Bluetooth connectivity, you’re good to go. Our favorite is the Bose TV Soundbar, which boasts added bass, a “dialogue mode” for your favorite shows, and various connectivity options. See it here!

How to Check if Your TV Has Bluetooth

Of course, the easiest way to connect to your TV via Bluetooth is to be entirely sure your TV can do this. One telltale sign that your TV has Bluetooth is if it comes with a smart remote control. 

Otherwise, you can navigate to the TV menu to select “Sound” and confirm through “Sound Output” whether it has Bluetooth capabilities.

Reviewing Your TV’s Audio Output Ports

If your TV doesn’t have Bluetooth features and requires a manual connection, you’ll have to determine its audio output ports before purchasing a transmitter, TV stick, or soundbar. Below are three common connections you’ll find on most TVs:

  • RCA: behind the TV, color-coded in red and white
  • Optical audio connection: behind the TV as a single port that reads “Optical” or “TOSLINK”
  • Auxiliary: behind or on the side of the TV as a single port that reads “AUX Out” 

Top 5 Wireless Speakers for TVs Without Bluetooth

Instead of retrofitting your existing wired speakers, why not try a set of reliable wireless speakers? Below, we list the top five wireless speakers for TVs without Bluetooth.

1. Serene Innovations TV-SB Wireless TV Listening Speaker

Serene’s Sereonic TV speaker  delivers crystal clear sound that you can control around the house, without needing to be in front of your television. It has optical and analog cables with adjustable tone control.

In addition, it has a headphone jack for private listening and a snooze function that gradually decreases noise over an hour-long timer.

Its transmitter works seamlessly and is ideal for people with multiple TVs or Bluetooth devices. 

2. Pyle PTVSP18BK Wireless TV Speaker

Since the 1920s, Pyle has been one of the leading producers of high-quality audio equipment in the United States, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that its TV speakers are top tier.

The PTVSP18BK device is akin to a traditional radio, giving vintage lovers a kick of nostalgia. It’s ideal for hard-of-hearing folks who prefer private listening sessions with fully custom volume controls. 

Of course, the device has a transmitter for connecting to various devices, including TVs without Bluetooth capabilities. It has an extended wireless range of 100 feet, so you can listen in the kitchen, the bathroom, the bedroom, or anywhere in the house.

3. TV Ears Digital Wireless Speaker System

While TV Ears’ Digital Wireless Speaker System is the most expensive option by a wide margin, there is a reason for its hefty price tag.  

This speaker’s most attractive feature is its speech-clarifying technology, which boosts voices and dialogues while decreasing background noise and music. Its speaker controls are user-friendly, boasting a shallow learning curve for those who aren’t so technologically savvy.

The best part? It’s compatible with all TVs and doesn’t require WiFi or pairing.

4. Sonos PLAYBAR – Wireless TV Soundbar

The SONOS PLAYBAR is one of the best soundbars on the market, and it comes with a price tag to prove its worth.

It connects to all TVs to play music, video on demand, movies, shows, radio, video games, and audiobooks. In addition, it has speech enhancement features that clarify dialogue and home theater audio formats like Dolby Digital.

The PLAYBAR has an adjustable equalizer for bass, treble, and overall loudness. It also has Night Sound, a feature that increases the level of quieter sounds throughout—you guessed it—the night.

5. Yamaha YAS-107BL Sound Bar

Yamaha is a top name for home theatre equipment, TV speakers, soundbars, and AV receivers. If you’re looking for high-quality sound at an affordable price, go no further than Yamaha.

The Yamaha YAS-107 is a Bluetooth-enabled soundbar with two woofers and two tweeters, compatibility with an additional active subwoofer, and wireless connectivity via Bluetooth. It’s also ultra-slim, so it’ll fit snugly under your TV.

Conclusion

Connecting a Bluetooth speaker to a non-Bluetooth TV may seem a bit silly to some people. However, it’ll save you a few hundred bucks if you aren’t ready to replace your TV. 

If you have any tips to share, don’t hesitate to leave us a comment!

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Beaulah Leendy

Tuesday 26th of September 2023

Very useful information indeed.

Deepak Hamal

Saturday 2nd of October 2021

I have non smart tv ie LG 32 . But i have LG Sound bar with optical wire. I cannot use this sound bar due to opposite connection. In TV there is no optical wire option and bluetooth but in soundbar these options are available. So please tell me howcan i make TV bluetooth so that i can run Sound Bar.

Bruce Goodwin

Wednesday 17th of February 2021

What to do I’ve got Samsung series 6 no blue tooth and doesn’t have RCA is there a way to use head phones?

Crist Knoop

Tuesday 21st of September 2021

@Bruce Goodwin, I have the same problem !! Did you get a answer ?

Kia S Price

Friday 22nd of January 2021

What if I want to connect my bluetooth speaker to my TV with the headphones jack that connects to the speaker while I am waiting for my transmitters

Carl

Monday 18th of January 2021

On a boat, can I play TV sound on a Bluetooth enabled stereo ( Fusion) ? Using my I phone I can play music through the boat stereo. How can I do that with the TV. The TV is a smart TV but has no Bluetooth