Best FM transmitters for the car

By Derek Fung on 12 November 2009

Not all iPod FM transmitters are created equal — some have dodgy cradles that fling your iPod around the cabin, others roll over at the first sign of interference. We pick three of the best, so you can have your tunes everywhere you drive.

No matter how good an FM transmitter is, it will never be a match for a direct connection to your iPod or MP3 player, but if your car's sound system lacks an auxiliary input or USB port, and you're not willing to rip it out and install a new unit, then it's the easiest option.

We rate Belkin's TuneCast Auto highly for its good sound and uncomplicated design. If you need a cradle for your iPod and a few more pre-sets the Cygnett GrooveTransmit is a worthy choice. Those looking to kill two birds (navigation and iPod music on the radio) should look no further than Garmin's Nuvi 760, which offers decent sounding music, good navigation and music straight from an SD card.

Belkin TuneCast Auto with ClearScan

The TuneCast Auto is easy to use and produces clear sound. Just watch you don't run anyone over while scanning for decent frequencies.

Editor's rating:8.2 User rating:3
     Full ReviewSpecsImagesVideoWhere to Buy

  • Good: Charges itself and iPod simultaneously • Clearscan lets you dodge radio interference • Practically idiot-proof
  • Bad: No facility for portable use • iPod only • No holding cradle
  • RRP: AU$99.95

Topics: fm transmitter, ipod, car, stereo, mp3 player, transmitter, cradle, good, music, sound

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Comments (3)

  • Toshseller commented on 12/11/2009 18:56 Report abuse

    what about the Motorola roka 510 geeze blue tooth hands free and a FM transmitter, has to be a the best kit i have ever used even scans for free stations and tells when its battery needs charging, whoes phoning me and only $130.00

  • DVSTA8 commented on 12/11/2009 17:11 Report abuse

    I couldn't agree more with Nasa0912

    C'mon Cnet.

    FM Transmittters ???
    What about charging the iPOD, video playback etc.???

    FM Transmitters are so 2004 tech and are a cheap man's merlot!

  • Nasa0912 commented on 12/11/2009 16:46 Report abuse

    Is it just me, or does anyone else find a review on a whole THREE units useless? Surely there are other units out there that could make this review slightly more comprehensive?!

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