Our top three Bluetooth TV transmitters
Price and availability check — 18 September 2026: Avantree lists the Oasis Plus 2 at US$79.99, the Audikast 3 at US$54.99 and the Orbit Pro at US$129.99. Exact Australian eBay listings were available for the Oasis Plus 2 at approximately AU$126.50 and the Audikast 3 at approximately AU$104.29 when checked. These are marketplace offers, so sellers, prices, delivery, warranty and return terms can change. We did not link the Orbit Pro eBay import because its delivered price was not competitive. Confirm the final checkout total before ordering.
Avantree Oasis Plus 2
The most balanced permanent TV setup for viewers who have optical or analogue audio output and want two-headphone support, remote volume control and optical soundbar passthrough.
A Bluetooth transmitter lets a television send sound to wireless headphones even when the TV has no useful Bluetooth audio output. It can also support two listeners, improve access to volume controls and add private late-night listening without replacing the television.
The difficult part is matching the transmitter to the TV and headphones. HDMI ARC, optical and 3.5mm audio are not interchangeable. Bluetooth version alone does not guarantee low latency, and a codec printed on the transmitter helps only when the headphones support the same codec.
Our shortlist covers three distinct jobs: the best all-round optical setup, the strongest value option and the more expensive model for televisions that need direct HDMI ARC support.
The short answer
Choose the Avantree Oasis Plus 2 for the best overall balance. It accepts optical or 3.5mm audio, supports two Bluetooth headphones, includes a remote and passes optical audio through to a compatible soundbar. Its claimed range is up to 50 metres in ideal conditions.
Choose the Avantree Audikast 3 for better value. It keeps dual-headphone support, Bluetooth 5.3, optical/AUX/RCA connectivity and compatible low-latency codecs, but drops the remote and soundbar passthrough.
Choose the Avantree Orbit Pro when HDMI ARC is the deciding requirement. It adds direct HDMI ARC input, an LCD pairing display, automatic 5.1 decoding, remote volume control and passthrough. It is substantially more expensive and uses Bluetooth 5.0, but its input flexibility solves a problem the other two cannot.
Our shortlist at a glance
| Model | Best for | TV inputs | Two headphones | Claimed range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avantree Oasis Plus 2 | Best overall | Optical and 3.5mm AUX | Yes | Up to 50m |
| Avantree Audikast 3 | Best value | Optical, 3.5mm AUX and RCA | Yes | Up to 30m |
| Avantree Orbit Pro | HDMI ARC and easier pairing | HDMI ARC, optical and 3.5mm AUX | Yes | Up to 50m |
Range figures are manufacturer maximums measured under favourable conditions. Walls, furniture, interference and the receiving headphones can reduce real-world range.
How we chose
We compared current official specifications, input compatibility, dual-listener support, codec support, volume control, passthrough, claimed range, setup guidance, warranty information and Australian buying practicality. We also checked Amazon Australia and eBay Australia before using official exact product pages where marketplace offers could not be verified as stable and sensible.
This is an independent research-led shortlist, not a claim that every transmitter was laboratory-tested under identical conditions. No manufacturer or retailer paid for inclusion.
1. Avantree Oasis Plus 2
The strongest permanent setup for televisions with optical or analogue audio output.
The Oasis Plus 2 connects directly to a compatible optical or 3.5mm audio output and can transmit to two Bluetooth headphones at once. The included remote lets you change transmitter volume from the sofa, which is valuable when optical output is fixed-level or the headphone controls are awkward.
Optical passthrough is the main reason to pay more than the Audikast 3. A television's optical output can feed the transmitter, while a second optical cable carries sound onwards to a compatible soundbar. Avantree says the unit supports PCM optical audio, not Dolby or DTS bitstreams.
Avantree lists aptX Adaptive, aptX Low Latency, aptX and SBC, with latency as low as about 40 milliseconds when a compatible aptX Low Latency receiver is used. The headphones still determine which codec is actually negotiated.
What we like
- Remote and onboard volume controls.
- Two-headphone support.
- Optical soundbar passthrough.
- Up to 50m claimed range.
What to consider
- No direct HDMI ARC or eARC input.
- Optical input requires PCM.
- Not compatible with Auracast hearing aids.
- Low latency depends on the headphones.
Best for: a regular one- or two-person TV-headphone setup that also needs an optical soundbar to remain connected.
2. Avantree Audikast 3
The core dual-listener features without paying for a remote or passthrough.
The Audikast 3 supports optical, 3.5mm AUX and RCA audio output from a television. It can connect two headphones and includes onboard volume controls, making it a strong fit when the transmitter remains within reach.
Codec support includes aptX Adaptive, aptX Low Latency, aptX and SBC. Optical audio must be PCM or LPCM. The claimed operating range is up to 30 metres, which is lower than the two larger models but ample for most lounge rooms under suitable conditions.
The trade-off is clear: there is no remote and no soundbar passthrough. If those omissions do not matter, the Audikast 3 avoids paying for features you will not use.
What we like
- Compact and straightforward.
- Supports two headphones.
- Optical, AUX and RCA compatibility.
- Useful onboard volume controls.
What to consider
- No remote control.
- No soundbar passthrough.
- No direct HDMI ARC or eARC.
- Shorter claimed range.
Best for: one or two listeners who need a simple optical or analogue connection and can control the unit or headphones directly.
3. Avantree Orbit Pro
The more capable choice for a television that relies on HDMI ARC.
The Orbit Pro is the only shortlisted model that Avantree currently lists with direct HDMI ARC input. It also accepts optical and 3.5mm AUX, supports two headphones and includes automatic 5.1 decoding.
Its LCD shows nearby or paired Bluetooth devices and connection status, reducing the guesswork that can make transmitter setup frustrating. Remote volume control, soundbar passthrough and a claimed range of up to 50 metres round out the package.
It uses Bluetooth 5.0 and supports aptX Low Latency, aptX, FastStream and SBC rather than aptX Adaptive. The higher price is justified only when HDMI ARC, the screen or its additional setup flexibility solves a real problem.
What we like
- Direct HDMI ARC support.
- LCD simplifies device selection.
- Automatic 5.1 decoding.
- Remote, dual link and passthrough.
What to consider
- Substantially more expensive.
- Bluetooth 5.0 rather than 5.3.
- No aptX Adaptive.
- Still not an Auracast hearing-aid transmitter.
Best for: newer televisions where HDMI ARC is the practical audio output, or buyers who want an on-device screen for easier pairing.
Feature comparison
| Feature | Oasis Plus 2 | Audikast 3 | Orbit Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth version | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| HDMI ARC | No | No | Yes |
| Optical input | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Two headphones | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Remote | Yes | No | Yes |
| Soundbar passthrough | Optical | No | Supported |
| Display | Status lights | Status lights | LCD |
Check your TV before buying
- Optical/TOSLINK: the safest direct connection for Oasis Plus 2 and Audikast 3. Set the TV to PCM or Stereo.
- 3.5mm headphone output: works, but inserting a plug may mute the TV speakers and the TV volume may affect the signal.
- RCA audio out: supported by Audikast 3 through the appropriate cable. Confirm the sockets are outputs, not inputs.
- HDMI ARC: supported directly by Orbit Pro. Oasis Plus 2 and Audikast 3 need a compatible audio extractor.
- USB: normally supplies power only. Do not assume it carries live TV audio.
Will the sound match the picture?
Bluetooth audio takes time to encode, transmit and decode. A low-latency transmitter can help, but the headphones must support a compatible codec. When the two devices do not share the preferred codec, they fall back to one both support.
AirPods and many Sony or Bose headphones use standard Bluetooth audio but do not support aptX Low Latency. They can still connect, yet delay may be more noticeable. Some televisions provide an audio-sync adjustment that can help.
Bluetooth 5.3 does not guarantee low latency. Codec compatibility, TV processing and the receiving headphones matter more than the Bluetooth version number alone.
Can two people listen at once?
All three shortlisted models support two compatible Bluetooth headphones. This is useful for couples, late-night viewing or households where listeners need separate headphone volume.
Two different headphone models may force the transmitter to use a codec supported by both. For the most predictable result, use two compatible headphones that share the same low-latency codec.
Can the TV speakers or soundbar stay on?
This depends on both the transmitter and the television. The Oasis Plus 2 offers optical passthrough, and the Orbit Pro supports compatible passthrough arrangements. The Audikast 3 does not provide soundbar passthrough.
Some televisions can use internal speakers and an external output together; others mute one path. Passthrough cannot override the TV's own limitations, and PCM is usually the safest optical setting.
Are these suitable for hearing aids?
Not necessarily. The three shortlisted products use classic Bluetooth audio and are not Auracast transmitters. Many hearing aids rely on Bluetooth Low Energy, Auracast or a manufacturer-specific television accessory.
Check the hearing-aid manufacturer's compatibility guidance or ask a hearing-care provider before buying. A product mentioning Bluetooth is not proof that it will pair with a hearing aid.
How to set up a Bluetooth TV transmitter
- Identify the TV output. Use optical, 3.5mm, RCA or HDMI ARC only when the selected transmitter accepts it.
- Connect the audio cable. Remove protective caps from optical cables and insert them firmly.
- Power the transmitter. Follow the supplied USB-C power requirements.
- Select the matching input. Choose optical, AUX or HDMI ARC on the transmitter.
- Set optical audio to PCM. Dolby or DTS bitstreams may produce silence on the optical models.
- Pair one headphone first. Temporarily disable Bluetooth on nearby phones if they keep reconnecting.
- Test speech-heavy content. Check volume, stability and lip sync.
- Add the second headphone. Recheck latency and volume with both connected.
Common problems
| Problem | Likely cause | First fix |
|---|---|---|
| No sound | Wrong TV output, transmitter input or digital format | Select the correct input and set optical output to PCM |
| Lip-sync delay | No shared low-latency codec | Check both products' codec support and the TV audio-sync menu |
| Headphones will not pair | They reconnected to another device | Disconnect nearby devices and clear old pairings |
| TV speakers stopped | The TV mutes speakers when external audio is active | Look for simultaneous-output settings |
| Audio cuts out | Distance, obstacles or interference | Move the transmitter into the open and closer |
What matters most
- Input compatibility: match the transmitter to an output the TV actually has.
- Codec compatibility: check the headphones as well as the transmitter.
- Number of listeners: dual link matters only when two people will listen together.
- Volume control: remote or onboard adjustment helps when optical output is fixed.
- Passthrough: important when an optical soundbar must remain connected.
- Return policy: real-world compatibility varies, especially with imported marketplace stock.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Bluetooth transmitter for a TV?
The Avantree Oasis Plus 2 is our best overall choice for televisions with optical or 3.5mm audio output. Choose the Orbit Pro instead when direct HDMI ARC support is required.
Will these work with AirPods?
They can pair through standard Bluetooth audio, but AirPods do not use aptX Low Latency. Lip-sync performance can therefore differ from a matched aptX Low Latency setup.
Can I use two headphones at once?
Yes. All three shortlisted transmitters support up to two compatible Bluetooth headphones.
Do I need HDMI ARC?
No if the television has a usable optical or analogue audio output. HDMI ARC becomes important when it is the only practical output or when the Orbit Pro's decoding and display solve a specific setup problem.
Can USB carry the sound?
Usually not. Television USB ports commonly provide power or media playback but do not send live programme audio to a transmitter.
Final verdict
Buy the Avantree Oasis Plus 2 for the best all-round optical setup. Its remote, dual-headphone support, long claimed range and optical passthrough make it the most complete choice for regular use.
Buy the Avantree Audikast 3 for value. It keeps the essential optical and analogue inputs, dual link and compatible low-latency codecs without charging for a remote or passthrough.
Buy the Avantree Orbit Pro when HDMI ARC is essential. Its direct HDMI ARC input, LCD and automatic 5.1 decoding are meaningful upgrades, but only for households that need them.
Sources and price check
- Avantree: Oasis Plus 2 specifications, compatibility and current price
- eBay Australia: Avantree Oasis Plus 2 marketplace listing
- Avantree: Audikast 3 specifications, compatibility and current price
- eBay Australia: Avantree Audikast 3 marketplace listing
- Avantree: Orbit Pro specifications, compatibility and current price
- Avantree: current Bluetooth transmitter range
- Avantree: where to buy and regional availability
- Qualcomm: Bluetooth audio and aptX information
Official product information, Amazon Australia and eBay Australia availability were checked on 18 September 2026. Prices, exchange rates, sellers, stock, firmware and compatibility can change. Confirm the exact product, final delivered price, warranty and return terms before purchasing.
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