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No Bluetooth and no aux in your car? A gooseneck Bluetooth FM transmitter adds music streaming and hands-free calls.
I tested the Bopower Bluetooth FM transmitter in my GMC Terrain. The original listing now shows a newer gooseneck model with the same kind of features (big LCD, dual USB, aux and microSD), so that’s where the button goes. Here’s what to look for and how mine did.
- Gooseneck reaches recessed power ports (great in GM vehicles)
- Hold the button to turn it on and off without unplugging
- Fast-charging USB ports
- Hands-free calls with a built-in mic
- Play/pause from the button
- Gooseneck springs back if bent too far
- A little static on a busy station; pick an empty frequency
▶ Watch the full review on YouTube
What’s in the box and the design
You get a user guide, a 3.5mm aux cable, an extra tube fuse, and the transmitter. It has a nice deep, long throat so it should fit pretty much any power port.
The flexible neck holds its position within about 45 degrees of center but wants to spring back if you go further, so it’s best angled or pointed straight into the dash. In my Prowler, the port is vertical, so it works perfectly there.
Controls, screen and charging
The screen is one of the bigger ones I’ve seen. There’s a mic hole, a call button with a blue ring, a volume knob that also presses to answer or hang up, track buttons, and channel buttons on either side of the screen. There’s a microSD slot on one side and an aux jack on the other.
The two USB ports (3 A and a 2.4 A Quick Charge) are really nice, since some chargers can’t keep up with a phone running GPS.
Car test: music and calls
In my GMC Terrain, the power outlet is way down low and recessed, and this was perfect for it. That should also suit the Equinox and other GM cars with a buried port.
I paired my iPhone, turned the phone volume all the way up, and controlled volume on the stereo. On 103.5, a popular Chicago station, there was a little static. Moving up to 106.5 helped. The button also play/pauses music.
I called my own voicemail to test the mic, parked, and the call quality was usable.
The on/off button is a big deal
Hold the button for about 5 seconds to turn it on or off. Not every FM transmitter does that without unplugging. When these are left on, they tend to interfere with other radio stations, so being able to switch it off is really nice.
FAQ
How do I reduce static on an FM transmitter?
Pick a frequency no station is using. 103.5 had static for me; 106.5 was better.
Can I turn it off without unplugging?
Mine turned on and off by holding the button for about 5 seconds.
Can it make hands-free calls?
Yes, it has a built-in microphone.
Will it fit a recessed power port?
The long gooseneck reached the buried port in my GMC Terrain.
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