Ask Engadget: Best FM radio transmitters for non-iPods?

The iPod gets most of the good love when it comes to digital audio player accessories, but for this week's Ask Engadget reader Gregory Y. would like to know if there are any decent FM radio transmitters for players besides the iPod:

I've had a Sony NW-HD3 MP3 player since February and have been wondering what other good FM radio transmitters are out there besides the ones that are specific for the iPod.

Obviously anything with a standard 3.5mm plug should do the trick, can anyone out there recommend a really good one for him?

[Nate MC @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

Whatever you do avoid the Radio Shack transmitter, I bought one years ago and it was the worst thing I've ever used, only 4 frequencies and they used AAA instead of the cheaper AA batteries.

[Andrew Christian @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

I've actually got a belkin "ipod" series one that works pretty well. Yeah, only 4 frequencies, but it was on clearance at target for $5. (Right before they introduced the new model that has a screen on it.)

[ken52787 @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

While I have not used it, I have heard good things about this iRiver transmitter: https://secure1.nexternal.com/shared/StoreFront/product_detail.asp?CS=iriver&RowID=100&All=

[DMR @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

best ones imho are the ones that are "Powered by any vehicle cigarette lighter adapter. No battery needed".

an example is: http://www.tangshop.com/mp3-fm-transmitter-usb.html

1: it doesnt use batteries which drain too fast
2. works with any portable cd player, mp3 player, laptop, etc. all you need is an audio/headphone output and thats it

theres also a coby cd/mp3 player with an intedgrated fm transmitter which powers from dc adapter.... http://www.cyberguys.com/templates/searchdetail.asp?T1=142+0404&dept=&search=&child=

[EJN @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

I have an Archos GMini 400, and I use a Belkin Tunecast (the first one, not the good, new, super-overpriced one) which I somehow found at Wal-Mart for $8, even though they're now selling it there for $17. It works excellently in some cars and moderately well in others, which I cannot completely explain (most importantly, it works perfectly in my '98 Honda Civic). If you're in an urban area with lots of radio stations, though, something that can work on any frequency would be better, though, and I can't help you too much there.

I also agree with #1, a while back I had a Radio Shack transmitter that sucked horribly. It wasn't strong enough unless you held it directly against the receiver, and duct tape was not an appropriate solution (although it would have worked).

[Craig @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

Look up 'ipod cassette' or however cassette is spelled on eBay - there's some cool device that you put in a cassette player then into the headphone jack of... whatever. Its what I use to play my ipod in my car.

[mike f @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

I got a Tunecast II from a deal site for my HD1. It's average. My roommate says the reception is better than his iTrip, but it's pretty sporadic. It took me about a week to find a frequency that's open all over town. I still like to listen to my cds, just because the quality is many times better. If you do get a Tunecast, be sure to get the II and get the black version. The white Apple version doesn't come with a cig charger adapter.

[Tim @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

What about the Sony DCCFMT1? Keeps your HD3 charged up and has mutliple frequencies (not sure what the quality is like though, haven't tried it...)

[an @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

Virtual Reality Sound Labs VR3 FM Modulator

I've had this for about a month. It plugs into the cigarette lighter. Also has a USB port for thumb drives with MP3s. Has 7 frequencies to choose from. Works great. I've always been able to find at least one good frequency. I got it through the retailer linked below. I think that it is also available from Walmart!!!

http://store.yahoo.com/nextpowerusa/viresolavr3v.html

[DF @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

I don't know if he wants something small, but if size isn't an issue, I've been very happy with the C.Crane FM Transmitter:

http://www.ccrane.com/radios/fm-transmitters/fm-transmitter.aspx

What's more, via a simple mod, some people report getting 100-200 feet of range:

http://www.xmfan.com/viewtopic.php?t=3257

[Adam @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

I just recently had this issue with my creative zen micro, and so did my brother. Between the 2 of us we got both versions of the belkin tunecast and neither worked good, they both had a fair amount of static. Then My friend showed me his IROCK fm transmitter and it was excellent in my car. So i bought the only IROCK fm transmitter i could find in stores (At circuit city http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/irock-Wireless-FM-Transmitter-440FM-/sem/rpsm/oid/115947/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do) This one was a step-up from his, but it still works excelent, although it is a bit pricier than the belkin tunecast.

[Joe @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

I've used the iRiver and Monster Cable ones, both of which work quite well. Unlike most of its competition, the iRiver one can broadcast across the whole FM spectrum, which may be worthwhile in areas where it's tough to find a frequency that doesn't already have someone broadcasting on it.

[Eric Jeffers @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

Belkin Tunecast2 this thing can do almost any frequincy w/ an LCD display. Great audio quality for up to 30 feet away.

http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=&Section_Id=201526&pcount=&Product_Id=166893

[Spyvie @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

The answer to the question is NO, there are no good FM transmitters, you�ll have to settle for OK...

[t @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

I only need FM broadcasting in the car so I got the iRiver one as well since it draws power from the cigerette lighter. I can actually overpower most stations on the spectrum so I think it's decently powerful. Only complaint is that it auto-turns off itself after 30 seconds of no audio.

[Fred @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

I've been pretty happy with my Monster "RadioPlay" transmitter. It doesn't require any batteries, has a decent range (about 30 feet), and sounds great on my Rio Karma.

http://www.monstercable.com/MP3/productPageMP3.asp?pin=2436&LastPage=MP3%20Products%20-%20For%20the%20Road

[Scott @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

My real question is do any of the transmitters really work well. My understanding is that the sound quality really sucks. I've tried the i-rock a bit and thought it just sucked.

[J @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

Virtual Reality Sound Labs VR3 FM Modulator

Have to second this. Can use either a headphone jack or directly from a usb thumb drive. Works surprisingly well and is the only one I've ever been able to get to work where I live. Paid $25 at walmart, but you can probably find it cheaper. (Sound is a little better off a player than from the usb.)

[DMR @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

FM transmitters will not satisfy an audiophile; they almost always or once in a while will find some type of interference... but its the best thing other than a line in adapter in your car stereo.

where are the mp3 players with buit in fm transmitters?

[Graeme @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

Make sure you don't go for the cheapy ones that don't have PLL (Phase Locked Loop) as you'll find that they suffer terribly from frequency drift. PLL will keep you locked on frequency.

[Mike @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

And if you order the iRiver fm transmitter thru the iRiverAmerica website by Aug. 21 using the code 1FM3EMA and add any other $4.99 item to your purchase (such as a $4.99 cable), you'll get $25 off.

:^}

[james hare @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

Just buy an iPod. You'll like it better anyways. All other players are inferior.

Steve Jobs

[3rdsun @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

hey forget the fm transmitter. If ur stereo has line in/aux in all u need is a compatable cable. better sound than fm transmission...just a suggestion

[Ken P. @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

If you can do basic soldering then you don't have to settle for "ok" as another person mentioned.

I use a Belkin Tunecast that I modded by simply making a longer antenna. I get over 75 feet of transmission and in my truck it overpowers even strong stations on the same frequency I set it to.
Here are two sites that show the mods:
http://www.jiggybyte.com/tunecast.htm
http://mypage.iu.edu/%7Ebschank/Tunecast2/tunecast2mod.htm

Mine is a Tunecast I and it works for it too.

Ken P.

[EnzoTen @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

I have yet to find a good FM transmitter that works in the car, iPod or otherwise.

Do not buy the VR3 FM Modulator, it is garbage. I reviewed it here:

http://www.anythingbutipod.com/archives/2005/08/vr3-mp3-fm-modulator-review.php

[HaroldH @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

I agree wholeheartedly with DF above in post #9. I tried the Belkin, iRiver, and another that I don't remember and they all sucked. The C. Crane is the best by a long shot. You can tune almost any frequency (most only let you do 88.1 to 88.7 and those are college stations where I live) and the mod that he linked to really works. I really like mine, the only drawback is that it is much more expensive than the others that you see around but it is a much better product. Better than any of the iPod only ones I've seen too.

[angkor @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

Another vote for the iRiver. Broadcasts over the entire FM spectrum, runs from the car power socket and auto offs.

[Chase Bailey @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

If you have any experience with a soldering iron, and have the time and effort, get a Belkin Tunecast II. I bought it for 30 bucks, a little overpriced, surely. But you can tune it into any channel you please, which is a really awesome feature. When the tunecast is stock, it will constantly be interfered with, but if you replace the antenna with a long piece of wire with a soldering iron, it will work extremely well. I have not had a problem.

[John Gilman @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

I'm all about the Belkin Tunecast II.

It kicked the ass of my iTrip and it's mucho easier to change frequencies. It's got the whole FM range.

[Jeff @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

Here it is:THE ultimate FM transmitter: The Belkin TuneCast II Mobile FM Transmitter... It can be purchased here:

http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=&Section_Id=201526&pcount=&Product_Id=166893

[rmg @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

Another vote for the tunecast 2. Also I am in the UK so it has the added benefit of breaking the law ;-) (mind you they all break the law!)

[bazald @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

I concur. The Belkin Portable Music TuneCast II FM Transmitter is awesome. It has a notably higher frequency range than any other transmitter I've seen (and I often find that the frequencies the other transmitters don't offer provide the clearest transmission due to a decrease in ambient interference).

I also really like their notice regarding the car adapter's not charging your clearly non-rechargable battery. Hilarious.

[Harry @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

I use a belkin transmitter. (its white, so i guess its kinda ipod-esque, but i use it with my medion 95200)

It works great in my dad's car (holden commodore) because the aerial is up front, but i drive an old saab 900 with the aerial at the back and about 5inches thick steel around me, so its not too great in that.

So, i gave my transmitter to my dad and i am now perfectly content with my cassette tape adapter. :-)

It pwns the transmitters. No static, high volume and no chance of an interference from stations. And best of all, it came free with my sister's CD player! Woot!

[trevor @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

the belkin tunecast II, for sure. I did the whole "antenna extension" thing...without soldering..heres a picture http://img342.imageshack.us/img342/8624/img40935zl.jpg

[Mandrake @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

Hi,
i use the "AudiaX II WIRELESS FM TRANSMITTER FOR MP3/DVD/CD PLAYER".
it's really the best trnsmitter, i have try.
Price = 25$ / 20 euros on ebay.
It's a really good product.

Key Features

FM Band Full Channels (88.0-108.0Mhz) available
Channel Selection Up (1 or 0.1Mhz) / Down (0.1Mhz)
Excellent Sound by Wireless Solution
LCD Display (Frequency, Low Battery Sign)
Back Light Lamp
Portable & Max 8-hours Plays with 1.5V AAA Battery or powered by any vehicle cigarette lighter adapter.

[rmg @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

@Trevor are there instructions for that mod on the net please?

[rmg @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

@Trevor are there instructions for that mod on the net please?

[rmg @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

Dont worry, I found em. http://www.jiggybyte.com/tunecast.htm

[subbu @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

hi, just go for economical solution as a first shot: VR3 FM Modulator. With that drove from eastcoast to almost westcoast and back. There was contention for 2/3 hours while driving in PA. I was happy with sound quality for the amount I paid. The requirement was not to ge beyond 512mb USB stick, but I was using 1 GB stick.

[Tony Gambee @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

I personally use the ANABA AVFM2. I purchased two from ebay for my cars for around $15 each (look at ebay auction 5789649960 for an example).

I wrote a installation guide for the Ford Freestyle at edmunds.com, but it will be very similar to other vehicles (I did my towne and country the same way). edmunds review link http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.ef0921d/3849

I hope this helps.

[Dr. When @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

CCRANE! CCRANE CCRANE!!

As mentioned here in a few places, the CCRANE is by far the best. It has a telescopic antenna, a digital display, you can set the frequency to anywhere on the FM dial, and it even lets you set a power-off timer from 1 to 8 hours. Runs on 2 AA"'s. There is a pot hidden on the back under a label that lets you up the transmit power. I have had success transmitting my TV sound to every radio in the house and out in the back yard. This one is every bit as good as those used in health clubs for transmitting TV sound. GREAT!!!!!

[Kevin @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

Newer Technology's ROADTRIP. $15

comes in 87.9 and 107.7 versions. It REALLY WORKS WELL!! I love it.


http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Newer%20Technology/ROADTRIP879/

[Ken @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

I've got a Samsung YH-920 mp3 player which has built in transmitter. I've used a couple of transmitters before though including the iRock which seems to work best.

For quality though you still can't beat the cassette adapter.

Ken

[John @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

I've been wrestling with this for years, and I've learned a thing or two. Hope this information helps...

I first tried Radio Shack's iRock, simply because there was a Radio Shack around the corner when I bought my iPod, and I had to get a modulator right away.

Next, Griffin's iTrip. I got pretty good response with this unit. Its nice to have infinitely adjustable stations, but be warned: changing the station is a PITA.

After a while, I plain 'ol just got sick of portable modulators, so I decided to try something permanent. An FM modulator, in my opinion, is the best sound quality you can get for your car. But, you are limited to your car only. The way a permanently-mounted FM modulator works is, it hooks up in between your car's stereo and your antenna. So, when its in use, it literally disconnects your antenna so you get zero interference from other stations. Here's a link to a good one relatively cheap:
http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?I=613KCA20FM
I used the Clarion unit, which is no longer available through Crutchfield:
http://www.clarion.com/usa/products/accessories/FM200.html
I LOVE THIS UNIT.

Well, eventually I sold that car, and ended up leaving the FM modulator in it (like a moron). My newest car has an AIWA deck, which has an audio input. This has proven to be the most convenient option of all, but still doesn't give me the sound quality I had with the FM modulator.

Recently, I picked up a SILink transmitter so I could watch PSP movies in my wife's car, and I found it used for like $2 at a garage sale.
http://www.thinkgeek.com/electronics/audio/64fb/
It works well, but has a turn-dial station tuner which makes it a bit difficult to fine-tune the station.

Good luck!

[Nick @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

The built-in transmitter for the Neuros is awesome - nothing additional to buy, no add-on accessory to lose/forget, it broadcasts in mono or stereo over any frequency. I love it.

[mckwant @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

You might think about using an FM transmitter for XM radio. That's what my wife and I use (we also have an XM Roady that we swap between cars periodically). You've got a couple of spare cords hanging off of it, but, in our experience, that's no big deal. Works fine, does 88.1,3,5,7 and 107.1,3,5,7, if memory serves.

[dan g @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

I have to say the monster cable icarplay pretty much sucks in both my cars. but, i use it to charge ipod, while i run one of those cheap-o tape adapter things.

[milovoo @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

I just want to add a usage tip here if no one minds.

I have looked at the FM transmitter devices of several people who claim that they drift or have interference and what is often happening is that the FM radio has it's AFT (auto fine tuning) turned on. Once that is turned off on the radio, the reception will be crystal clear and stay that way. Give this a thought before thinking that your transmiter is faulty.

[Beano @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

I have a Neuros II MP3 player that has a build in FM transmitter that can broadcast any FM freqency (I think it's from like 80 something MHz to 109 MHz) in stereo and "digital" quality, works great, plus it's a sweet MP3 player (Open-source software, firmware, and even hardware). It's got an FM tuner as well, a microphone, it can play Ogg Vorbis (and eventually FLAC), you can record from the radio (and connect it to a PC and it will tell you the song info from what it recorded from the radio), and it's not even that expensive (my 30GB was only $250). It's a little big, but if you compare the size of it to the size of an iPod that has all the necisary add-ons to have all the power of the Neuros, it's actually quite small. You might have trouble finding the Neuros II (I think they stopped making them), they are coming out with an even smaller version III that will have all the same features, and then some.
www.neurosaudio.com
Also, search Engadget for it if you're interested, I think they have an article on it.

[Ted @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

Im with 44. hard wired modulators are the best option.