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Your TV Doesn't Need Built-In Bluetooth to Pair Headphones: Two Add-On Options and Price Guide

Want to binge shows on your old TV with wireless headphones without waking the family? No need to buy a new set. Streaming sticks or Bluetooth transmitters can both add this feature, starting at $25, each with its own trade-offs.

Your TV Doesn't Need Built-In Bluetooth to Pair Headphones: Two Add-On Options and Price Guide

Binge-watching late at night without waking up your family sounds great—until you realize your TV's menu doesn't even have a Bluetooth option. This is a common headache for owners of older TVs. Most TVs made in the past decade come with built-in Bluetooth, usually found under settings like "Connections" or "Wireless Devices." But if your TV really doesn't have it, there are still two ways to get around this.

The first option is to use a streaming device to add Bluetooth functionality. Mainstream streaming sticks like Apple TV, Roku, and Fire TV Stick all come with built-in Bluetooth, letting you directly connect wireless headphones or a Bluetooth keyboard. The Roku Streaming Stick HD, priced at $30, is a relatively affordable choice in this category—besides adding Bluetooth, it also gives your TV a fresh new interface.

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That said, this method has a clear limitation: Bluetooth accessories only work when the TV is switched to that streaming device's input source. Switch to another source, and the audio automatically reverts to the TV's built-in speakers—meaning Bluetooth functionality is tied to a single input.

How Bluetooth Transmitters Work

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If you want Bluetooth headphones to work regardless of input source, a Bluetooth transmitter is the more versatile solution. The mechanism is straightforward: the transmitter plugs into the TV's audio output port, then enters pairing mode along with your headphones. Once connected, the TV's audio signal gets converted by the transmitter into a Bluetooth signal and sent to your headphones or earbuds.

Depending on your TV model, transmitters come with different input options like optical, 3.5mm headphone jack, or RCA connectors. They also need an external power source, usually powered by plugging into a USB port on the TV. These adapters come in a range of price points online, with budget-friendly models starting around $25.

When shopping, look for support for next-gen codecs like aptX Low Latency, which helps reduce the lag between what you see on screen and what you hear through your headphones.

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