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Adding wireless audio to an older TV can extend its usefulness. While many modern televisions include Bluetooth — often used even for infrared remotes — sets bought within the last ten years likely already support it. Check the settings menu for Bluetooth or wireless device options.
If your TV lacks Bluetooth, you still have options. Most current streaming sticks — Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick — include Bluetooth built‑in. Pairing wireless headphones or a keyboard to the stick gives you wireless audio. For example, the Roku Streaming Stick HD costs around $30 and adds Bluetooth while updating the TV’s interface.
The limitation of using a streaming stick is that Bluetooth audio works only when that input is selected; switching to another source returns sound to the TV’s speakers. For a solution that works regardless of input, a dedicated Bluetooth transmitter is preferable.
How a Bluetooth Transmitter Works
A Bluetooth transmitter takes audio from a source lacking native Bluetooth and sends it to wireless headphones or earbuds. Setup is simple: plug the transmitter into the TV’s audio output, put the transmitter and headphones into pairing mode, and wait for them to link. The TV’s audio stream goes into the transmitter, which converts it to a Bluetooth signal for the headphones.
Transmitters come with various inputs — optical, 3.5 mm jack, or RCA — to match your TV’s audio outputs. They also need power, which a TV’s USB port can often supply. Prices vary online, but reliable models are available for about $25.
Choose a model that supports newer codecs such as aptX Low Latency to minimize audio‑video lag.
