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A clever-looking Bluetooth FM transmitter that turned out to be a hunk of junk.
Not every car has Bluetooth streaming, so I picked up the ROIDMI transmitter. It plugs into the accessory port, gives you two USB charging ports, and uses an app to pick the FM station it broadcasts on. It looked stuffed with potential. Then I tried to use it. Spoiler: do not buy it. The button goes to a different, current Bluetooth FM transmitter instead.
- Looks premium, with chrome trim
- Two USB charging ports
- Did not power up in my GMC Terrain
- App would not recognize it, so I could not change the station
- App pushed me to buy a newer version
- Not worth $20 as a $3 USB charger
▶ Watch the full review on YouTube
The design
Take the cap off and you get two USB ports for charging, so it turns your accessory port into a charging port. Chrome trim gives it a premium look, and it sticks up a little from most accessory ports.
The idea is clever: it puts out a Bluetooth connection, you pair your phone or iPad, pick a station in the app, tune your radio to it and play your music.
What went wrong
In my GMC Terrain, it never powered up. I twisted it, adjusted it, unplugged it. Nothing. In my Fiat it did power on, with a nice blue LED, and paired with my phone.
But the ROIDMI app basically said this version isn’t compatible and tried to send me to a website to buy their latest model, which wasn’t even listed. Since the app never thinks it’s connected, you can’t change the channel, so it’s useless.
About the buy link
I don’t recommend the ROIDMI, and the Amazon link from the video is dead. The button goes to the Nulaxy Bluetooth 5.3 FM transmitter car adapter, a current, well-rated alternative that I did not test in this video. Check the listing for its ports and features.
Bottom line
It works for passing power through the USB ports, but that’s a three-dollar product, not a twenty-dollar one. For Bluetooth streaming to your car radio, this thing is a hunk of junk. ROIDMI? More like hemorrhoid.
If your car lacks Bluetooth, get a transmitter that tunes the station on the device itself, so you’re not relying on an app.
FAQ
Does the ROIDMI work without the app?
Not for picking a station. The app is how you change the channel, and mine wouldn’t connect.
Did it charge devices?
Yes, the USB ports passed power through.
What should I buy instead?
The button goes to a current Nulaxy Bluetooth FM transmitter, a different product from the one in my video.
Is this an affiliate link?
Yes. The buttons are #ad affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It costs you nothing extra.
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