Most new cars feature built-in hands-free technology either as an optional extra or a standard feature on more luxurious models. Bluetooth devices allow you to connect your smartphone to your car wirelessly and enhance in-car entertainment. Most older cars don’t have this feature, making music streaming and phone calls impossible unless you upgrade your system to facilitate streaming music.
It’s an offence to use your phone while driving, and you’ll face six points on your license as well as a £200 fine, and a total ban from driving if you’re a new driver. Thankfully, a load of Bluetooth devices can be plugged into a car radio, usually via the aux-in connector, and then connected to your phone to allow you to make legal phone calls on the move.
You might even want to take things a stage further and have a voice assistant in your car. It’s not as difficult as it might seem – all you need is a smartphone, and the Alexa Auto device will take care of the rest bringing your in-car entertainment system right up to date.
We’ve found the best Bluetooth devices for you to use in your car so you can stay on the right side of the law while keeping your mind on the road.
The best hands-free Bluetooth devices for your car at a glance:
Editor’s choice: Anker Soundsync Bluetooth Receiver – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best speakerphone kit: SuperTooth Buddy – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best in-ear device: New bee Bluetooth headset – Buy now from Amazon UK
The best hands-free Bluetooth devices for your car
Editor's choice
Pros
- Simple and easy to use
- Long battery life
Cons
- No headset
Best speakerphone car kit
Pros
- Simple set-up
- Long battery life
Cons
- Sound can degrade at high speeds
Best in-ear hands-free Bluetooth device
Rrp: £23.70
Rrp: £23.70
Pros
- Long battery life
- Multifunctional
Cons
- Outdated technology
Best hands-free Bluetooth device with a speaker
Pros
- Relatively high-quality speaker
- Easy to place anywhere around the car
Cons
- Lacking user interface
Best budget in-ear hands-free Bluetooth device
Pros
- Cheap and simple
Cons
- New Bee model more capable
Frequently asked questions:
Can I connect multiple phones to my car’s Bluetooth system? Most Bluetooth car systems will support multiple devices, but only one device at a time can be actively connected for calls or media playback. You may need to disconnect one device before connecting another.
Can I stream music through Bluetooth in my car? Yes, if your car’s Bluetooth system supports audio streaming, you can play music, podcasts, or any audio from your phone wirelessly through the car’s speakers.
Is it safe to use a Bluetooth car set while driving? Using a hands-free Bluetooth car set is safer than holding a phone while driving (which could get you fined), as it allows you to keep both hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. However, it’s essential to remain focused on driving and avoid distractions.
Can I use voice commands to control my phone through the car’s Bluetooth system? The majority of modern Bluetooth car systems support voice commands for making calls, sending messages, playing music, and navigating, but the level of functionality may vary depending on the car and phone models.
Does using Bluetooth drain my phone’s battery faster? Bluetooth technology is designed to be energy-efficient, so while it does consume some power, the impact on your phone’s battery life is usually minimal. However, keeping Bluetooth enabled all the time can contribute to overall battery usage.
Ryan Gilmore is the Deputy Autos and Tools Editor for Parkers and CAR, specialising in car cleaning and hand tools. With an MA in Automotive Journalism, when he’s not testing buckets he can be found looking at old Porsches.
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