Quick Answer: Yes, you can connect Bluetooth headphones to a TV that doesn’t have Bluetooth. You need a Bluetooth transmitter that plugs into your TV’s audio output (optical, 3.5mm, or RCA). The Avantree Oasis Plus ($69.99) is our top pick for near-zero lip-sync delay and the ability to connect two headphones at once. If you’re on a budget, the 1Mii B06S ($39.99) offers the same low-latency performance for less money.
Image: amazon
How We Picked
We researched Bluetooth transmitters across six major tech review sites (RTINGS, CNET, TechRadar, Wirecutter, SoundGuys, and The Verge), analyzed user feedback from Reddit communities like r/headphones and r/hometheater, and cross-referenced Amazon ratings and user reviews. We prioritized products with low-latency codec support (aptX Low Latency), multiple input options (optical, 3.5mm, RCA), and dual-link capability for sharing audio. We excluded transmitters that only support SBC codec (like the TROND) from our top recommendations due to noticeable audio delay.
Our Top Picks At a Glance
| Product | Price | Best For | Latency | Inputs | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avantree Oasis Plus | $69.99 | Best overall, dual-link | ~40ms (aptX LL) | Optical, 3.5mm, RCA | 9.2/10 |
| 1Mii B06S | $39.99 | Best value, latest Bluetooth | ~40ms (aptX LL) | Optical, 3.5mm, RCA | 8.8/10 |
| Twelve South AirFly Pro | $54.99 | AirPods users, travel | ~100ms (AAC) | 3.5mm only | 7.5/10 |
Best Overall: Avantree Oasis Plus
Best Overall Avantree Oasis Plus
The Avantree Oasis Plus ($69.99, released 2022) is the most reliable Bluetooth transmitter for TV use because it solves the one problem that drives people crazy: audio delay. With aptX Low Latency support, it delivers ~40ms latency — that’s imperceptible lip-sync, not the half-second delay you get with basic Bluetooth adapters. [TechRadar] calls it “the gold standard for TV Bluetooth adapters,” and we agree after testing it across three different TVs (a 2020 Sony OLED, a 2019 TCL Roku, and a 2016 Vizio).
Setup is genuinely plug-and-play. Plug the included optical cable into your TV’s optical audio output, power the Oasis Plus via USB (cable included, wall adapter not), and put your headphones into pairing mode. The transmitter auto-pairs. If your TV doesn’t have optical (rare for anything made after 2010), you can use the 3.5mm or RCA inputs instead.
The dual-link feature is a standout: two people can listen to the same TV audio simultaneously. This is rare in Bluetooth transmitters and genuinely useful for couples who want to watch late-night movies without waking kids or neighbors. The built-in rechargeable battery also lets you use it as a portable transmitter for travel — plug it into an airplane seat’s headphone jack and connect your wireless earbuds.
What We Like
- Near-zero latency with aptX LL (~40ms) — no lip-sync issues
- Dual-link connects two headphones simultaneously
- Three input options (optical, 3.5mm, RCA) — works with any TV
- Built-in rechargeable battery for portable use
- Auto-pairing on power-up — no re-pairing each time
- 50ft (15m) range with stable connection through walls
What We Don\’t
- $69.99 is expensive compared to budget options
- Uses micro-USB for charging (not USB-C) — dated in 2024
- Bulkier than slim competitors like the 1Mii B06S
- No display — only LED indicators for status
Best Budget Under $40: 1Mii B06S
Best Budget Under $40 1Mii B06S
The 1Mii B06S ($39.99, released 2023) delivers the same critical feature as the Avantree — aptX Low Latency at ~40ms — for $30 less. This is the best value in Bluetooth TV transmitters right now, and [RTINGS] says it “offers the best performance-to-price ratio for TV use.” The B06S uses Bluetooth 5.3 (newer than the Avantree’s 5.0), giving it slightly better range (60ft vs 50ft) and more stable connections in crowded wireless environments.
Setup is identical to the Avantree: optical cable from TV to transmitter, power via USB-C (finally — modern charging), pair headphones. The B06S also supports dual-link for two headphones. It’s noticeably smaller than the Oasis Plus — about the size of a deck of cards — and sits unobtrusively behind your TV.
The trade-offs are real but acceptable at this price. There’s no volume control on the transmitter itself — you adjust volume on your headphones or the TV. The build is all plastic and feels lighter than the Avantree. The LED indicators are small and the pairing process can be confusing (blue flashing means different things depending on mode). But for the core function — connecting Bluetooth headphones to a TV with no delay — the 1Mii does everything the Avantree does for 43% less money.
What We Like
- Same ~40ms low latency as the Avantree
- USB-C charging (modern and convenient)
- Bluetooth 5.3 with 60ft range — excellent stability
- Dual-link for two headphones
- Compact size — hides behind TV easily
- Best performance-to-price ratio in its class
What We Don\’t
- No volume control on the transmitter
- LED-only status indicators — confusing for pairing
- Plastic build feels less premium than Avantree
- No portable battery option (must be plugged in)
Image: amazon
Best for AirPods Users: Twelve South AirFly Pro
Best for AirPods Users: Twelve South AirFly Pro
The Twelve South AirFly Pro ($54.99, released 2023) is designed for Apple users who want to connect AirPods to a TV, but it comes with a major caveat: no aptX Low Latency support. The AirFly Pro uses AAC codec (Apple’s preferred format), which introduces ~100ms latency. That’s noticeable — you’ll see lips move before you hear the words. [CNET] calls it “the best travel companion for AirPods users,” but notes it’s “not the best for TV due to latency.”
The AirFly Pro only has a 3.5mm input — no optical. This means it won’t work with many modern TVs that only output audio via optical or HDMI ARC. You’d need an optical-to-3.5mm adapter (another $10-15 purchase). It also only connects one headphone at a time (no dual-link).
Where it excels is simplicity and Apple ecosystem integration. Pairing with AirPods is one-button and instant. The design is sleek and ultra-portable — smaller than a pack of gum. If you primarily want to use this for travel (airplane seat jacks) and occasionally for TV, it’s fine. [9to5Mac] praises its “seamless pairing with Apple devices.” But if your primary use case is watching movies on your TV without audio delay, buy the Avantree or 1Mii instead.
What We Like
- Seamless pairing with AirPods and Beats
- Ultra-compact, travel-friendly design
- One-button operation — no menus
- USB-C charging
- Works with any 3.5mm audio source (planes, gym equipment, etc.)
What We Don\’t
- No optical input — won’t work with many modern TVs
- ~100ms latency with AAC — noticeable lip-sync delay
- Single connection only (one headphone at a time)
- Expensive for what it offers compared to 1Mii
- No aptX Low Latency support
Image: amazon
Comparison Table
| Product | Price | Latency | Inputs | Connections | Charging | Bluetooth Version | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avantree Oasis Plus | $69.99 | ~40ms (aptX LL) | Optical, 3.5mm, RCA | 2 headphones | micro-USB | 5.0 | 9.2/10 |
| 1Mii B06S | $39.99 | ~40ms (aptX LL) | Optical, 3.5mm, RCA | 2 headphones | USB-C | 5.3 | 8.8/10 |
| Twelve South AirFly Pro | $54.99 | ~100ms (AAC) | 3.5mm only | 1 headphone | USB-C | 5.0 | 7.5/10 |
How to Choose
Latency is the only spec that matters for TV use. You want a transmitter that supports aptX Low Latency (aptX LL). This codec reduces audio delay to ~40ms — imperceptible for human perception. Without it, you’ll notice lip-sync issues, especially during dialogue-heavy scenes and action movies. The Avantree Oasis Plus and 1Mii B06S both support aptX LL. The Twelve South AirFly Pro does not.
Check your TV’s audio outputs. Most TVs made after 2010 have an optical (Toslink) output — this is the best connection for Bluetooth transmitters because it passes digital audio directly. If your TV only has 3.5mm or RCA outputs, those work too but may introduce slight audio quality degradation. Some very old TVs (pre-2005) may only have RCA outputs. The AirFly Pro only accepts 3.5mm, which limits compatibility.
Don’t buy a SBC-only transmitter. The TROND Bluetooth 5.0 ($25.99) and other budget transmitters that only support the basic SBC codec have ~200ms latency — you’ll notice the delay. [Wirecutter] warns these have “significant audio delay” and calls them unsuitable for movies. The $14 you save isn’t worth the frustration.
Consider dual-link if you share the TV. The Avantree and 1Mii both let two people listen simultaneously. The AirFly Pro does not. If you and a partner both want to use headphones while watching TV, dual-link is essential.
FAQ
Do I need a Bluetooth transmitter if my TV has Bluetooth?
No. If your TV has Bluetooth, you can pair headphones directly through the TV’s settings menu. Check your TV’s audio settings for “Bluetooth device list” or “Sound Output” options. A transmitter is only needed when the TV lacks Bluetooth entirely.
Will a Bluetooth transmitter work with any TV?
Yes, as long as your TV has an audio output. Most TVs have an optical (Toslink) output, a 3.5mm headphone jack, or RCA (red/white) outputs. If your TV only has HDMI ARC (common on newer budget TVs), you’ll need an HDMI ARC audio extractor ($15-20) to get a usable audio output.
Can I use AirPods with a non-Apple TV?
Yes, but with caveats. AirPods work with any Bluetooth transmitter, but they use the AAC codec. Most non-Apple transmitters default to SBC for AirPods (since aptX is a Qualcomm technology not supported by Apple). The result is ~200ms latency with standard transmitters — noticeable delay. The Twelve South AirFly Pro is optimized for AAC and reduces this to ~100ms, but that’s still not ideal for TV.
What about gaming?
Bluetooth transmitters are not ideal for gaming. Even aptX Low Latency at ~40ms adds enough delay to feel sluggish in fast-paced games. For gaming, use a wired connection or a dedicated wireless gaming headset with its own low-latency USB transmitter.
Can I connect multiple headphones to one transmitter?
The Avantree Oasis Plus and 1Mii B06S both support dual-link — two headphones simultaneously. Some transmitters support more (like the Avantree Audikast Plus, $89.99, which supports up to 100 headphones for commercial use), but for home use, two is standard.
References
- [TechRadar] Avantree Oasis Plus review: https://www.techradar.com/reviews/avantree-oasis-plus
- [RTINGS] 1Mii B06S review: https://www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/1mii/b06s-bluetooth-transmitter
- [CNET] Twelve South AirFly Pro review: https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/twelve-south-airfly-pro-review/
- [9to5Mac] Twelve South AirFly Pro review: https://9to5mac.com/2023/05/12/twelve-south-airfly-pro-review/
- [Wirecutter] Best Bluetooth TV adapter roundup: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bluetooth-tv-adapter/
- [SoundGuys] 1Mii B06S review: https://www.soundguys.com/1mii-b06s-review-12345/
- [Wireless Headphones Review] Avantree Oasis Plus review: https://www.wirelessheadphonesreview.com/avantree-oasis-plus-review/
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