When opting for wired in-ear headphones, our main focus is on achieving high sound quality without compromising, as is often the case with popular True Wireless Stereo (TWS) headphones. But what if we could retain up to 90% of the sound quality while enjoying the benefits and functionality of completely wireless models? This is where specialized Bluetooth adapters come into play. These adapters have the capability to transform your favorite dynamic, hybrid, or armature headphones into fully wireless ones. As always, our rankings are based on increasing prices, ensuring you can find the right balance between sound quality and wireless convenience within your budget.
8. TRN BT20 XS
The most affordable Bluetooth adapter for in-ear headphones is the TRN BT20 XS. This model comes with a charging case featuring a built-in 700 mAh battery, while each earhook contains an 80 mAh battery. With a total battery life of 40 hours, the headphones can work for up to 13 hours on a single charge. The TRN BT20 XS utilizes a high-quality Bluetooth 5.3 chip, ensuring a reliable connection within a range of up to 15 meters. It supports AAC and SBC codecs for enhanced audio quality. The model’s body features a special water-repellent coating, and it includes a physical key made of aluminum for playback and call control. Additionally, buyers can choose from various headphone connector options, including MMCX, 2PIN, 0.75 mm, or 0.78 mm, upon purchase.
Pros – long battery life, there are versions with different connectors
Cons – not always enough power
Verdict: Basic option for inexpensive headphones
7. CCA BTX
This adapter features the Qualcomm QCC3040 chip and offers multiple connection modes. The HiFi Music mode is optimized for music playback, while the Gaming mode boasts a low signal latency of 40 ms, ideal for gaming. It supports the aptX audiophile codec for high-quality audio streaming. The adapters provide up to 5 hours of playback on a single charge, with the charging case extending the total usage time to up to 45 hours. They use the popular bipolar 0.78 mm connector for headphone connection, and all modes and volume can be controlled using physical keys on the adapter housings.
Pros – special HiFi Music mode, aptX support, long battery life
Cons – only for headphones with a 0.78 mm jack
Verdict: Good sounding and inexpensive adapter for most applications
6. KZ AZ15
The adapter features comfortable earhooks with a bipolar 0.78 mm connector. Powered by the Qualcomm QCC3046 chip and Bluetooth 5.2, it supports aptX, AAC, and SBCHD codecs. It ensures reliable communication with a signal source up to 15 meters away, with a signal delay of no more than 40 ms in gaming mode. The adapter offers up to 6 hours of usage on a single charge, and the included charging case provides up to 9 additional charging cycles thanks to its built-in 800 mAh battery. When connected to KZ AZ15 headphones, users can access three operating modes: “Music,” “Games,” and “Full Power,” with the latter prioritizing communication stability and enhancing low-frequency range transmission, albeit with slightly reduced battery life.
Pros – support for aptX and SBCHD, several operating modes, large power reserve
Cons – only for headphones with a 0.78 mm jack
Verdict: Universal and high-quality adapter with good sound
5. TRN BT30
This high-quality adapter features the Qualcomm QCC3040 chip and boasts an independent amplifier chip delivering 42 mW into 16 ohms. It utilizes Qualcomm cVc 8.0 technology for noise reduction during calls and supports codecs like aptX, SBC, and AAC. The waterproof case is coated with nanomaterial, and the main control key is made of aluminum. With a 700 mAh battery, the charging case offers a power reserve of 20 hours, while the adapter itself lasts up to 6.5 hours on a single charge. Users can choose from connector versions including MMCX, 0.78 mm, or 0.75 mm when making a purchase.
Pros – separate amplifier, there are versions with different connectors
Cons – not the largest power reserve
Verdict: Not expensive yet, but already good
4. FiiO UTWS3
The company’s entry-level adapter is powered by a Qualcomm QCC3020 chip and features TWS+ technology, ensuring each earphone receives its own separate signal from the source to significantly reduce latency. The amplifier delivers up to 38 mW into a 16 ohm load. The large charging case houses an 800 mAh battery, providing up to 30 hours of battery life. Qualcomm cVc technology handles noise reduction during calls, with two microphones installed in each channel. Support for the aptX codec is also included, and the built-in volume control with a physical key offers 26 steps of adjustment.
Pros – support for aptX and TWS+, discrete volume control, MMCX and 0.78 mm versions
Cons – no separate amplifier
Verdict: Entry model from a recognized brand
3. FiiO UTWS5
The top-tier Bluetooth adapter in FiiO’s lineup features the Qualcomm QCC5141 chip with TWS+ technology. Each channel boasts a separate DAC powered by the AK4332 chip from Asahi Kasei, supporting SBC, AAC, aptX, and aptX Adaptive codecs. The built-in amplifier delivers 53 mW of power with a 16-ohm load. A full battery charge provides 8 hours of playback time (or up to 30 hours with the charging case). The device is IPX4 rated for dust and moisture resistance, and it supports voice assistants Siri and Google for headphone control. Two adapter versions are available with either MMCX or 0.78 mm connectors for headphone connection.
Pros – DAC from Asahi Kasei, support for aptX Adaptive and TWS+, separate amplifier
Cons – Overall battery life
Verdict: Excellent balanced adapter for audiophiles
2. iBasso CF01
The model from a renowned manufacturer of portable DACs and headphone amplifiers is crafted around a Qualcomm QCC3020 chip, ensuring compatibility with TWS+ technology. Each adapter boasts a dedicated high-quality amplifier, effortlessly driving a wide range of in-ear headphones. Supported codecs include aptX, AAC, and SBC. The cases are IPX5 rated for protection against water and dust, while the battery life with the charging case reaches 24 hours. The adapters utilize MMCX connectors for headphone connection, which may limit the choice of compatible models.
Pros – separate amplifier, IPX5 protection, TWS+ support
Cons – only for headphones with MMCX connectors
Verdict: A little outdated, but good sounding model
1. iFi Audio GO pod
The most advanced and priciest adapter in the selection comes from the British company iFi Audio. Powered by a Qualcomm QCC5144 chip, it supports LDAC, LHDC, aptX HD, and aptX Adaptive codecs. Digital-to-analog conversion is handled by two MasterHIFI series chips from Cirrus Logic, while the built-in amplifier delivers up to 120 mW into 32 ohms. Separate switches cater to headphones with resistances of 16, 32, 64, and 300 Ohms. The adapter boasts a 7-hour battery life on a single charge, extendable up to 35 hours with the included charging case. IPX5 certification ensures robust protection against moisture and dust. The kit includes two loops with 0.78 mm and MMCX connectors for headphone connection, with other connector options available for purchase.
Pros – excellent amplifier for any headphones, high-quality DAC, support for all audiophile codecs
Cons – expensive…
Verdict: Best audiophile adapter on the market
