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Introduction: Bridging the Wireless Gap
We live in a wireless world. Most of us have transitioned to AirPods, Bose QuietComforts, or Sony XM5s, leaving the old wired earbuds in a drawer tangling themselves into knots. However, the world around us hasn’t quite caught up. Airplanes still use 3.5mm jacks (sometimes the dreaded dual-prong ones), treadmills at the gym require wired connections, and older non-smart TVs lack Bluetooth capabilities.
This disconnect creates a frustrating user experience known as “dongle fatigue.” The Upgraded Bluetooth 5.4 Transmitter Receiver aims to solve this specific pain point. It promises to be the universal bridge between your high-end wireless headphones and legacy audio sources. But in a market flooded with cheap, laggy Bluetooth transmitters, does this device—powered by the new Qualcomm Bluetooth 5.4 chipset—actually deliver a lag-free, high-fidelity experience? We put it to the test on flights and home theaters to see if it’s an essential travel companion or just another gadget to lose in your bag.
Feature Analysis: Under the Hood
The Qualcomm Advantage: Bluetooth 5.4 & aptX
The headline feature here is the inclusion of the Qualcomm Bluetooth 5.4 chipset. Many budget adapters are still stuck on Bluetooth 5.0 or 5.2, often resulting in connection drops or static. The upgrade to 5.4 offers superior power efficiency and signal stability. More importantly, this device supports aptX Adaptive and aptX Low Latency.
Why does this matter? Standard Bluetooth codecs often introduce a delay of 200 milliseconds or more. When listening to music, this is irrelevant. But when watching a movie on a plane, that delay means the actor’s lips move before you hear the voice. AptX Low Latency cuts this down to roughly 40ms, which is imperceptible to the human eye, ensuring perfect A/V synchronization.
2-in-1 Versatility: Transmitter (Tx) and Receiver (Rx)
This device is not just a one-trick pony; it features a switch to toggle between two distinct modes:
- Tx Mode (Transmitter): This is the primary use case for travelers. You plug the device into a source (Plane seat, TV, Gym treadmill) and it sends audio to your AirPods or wireless headphones.
- Rx Mode (Receiver): This reverses the flow. You plug the device into a speaker system (like an older car stereo with an Aux input or a vintage Hi-Fi system) and it receives audio from your phone. This effectively turns any “dumb” speaker into a smart Bluetooth speaker.
Dual Link Connectivity
One of the most requested features for travel couples is the ability to share audio. This adapter supports “Dual Link,” allowing two pairs of Bluetooth headphones to connect simultaneously. This means you and a partner can watch the same movie on an airplane screen using your own separate noise-canceling headphones, rather than sharing a single wired earbud like it’s 2010.
Cable Management and Design
A subtle but brilliant design choice is the integrated cable storage. The 3.5mm Aux cable tucks neatly into the body of the device when not in use. Anyone who has dug through a backpack looking for a loose 3.5mm cable knows the value of this. The package also includes a dual 3.5mm flight adapter, ensuring compatibility with older aircraft that still use the two-prong audio jacks.
Hands-On Experience: The Travel Test
The In-Flight Experience
We tested this adapter on a 6-hour flight using an older In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) system. Setup was surprisingly painless. Holding the pairing button put the device into search mode, and bringing a pair of AirPods Pro nearby initiated the connection within 5 seconds. The LED indicator is helpful here, giving a clear visual cue when connected.
The audio quality was excellent. The volume output was sufficient to combat engine noise (a common issue with cheaper adapters is low volume). Most importantly, the latency was non-existent. Watching an action movie, the explosions and dialogue synced perfectly. We also tested the dual-link feature with a pair of Sony WH-1000XM4s and AirPods simultaneously. Both headsets received audio, though there was a very minor volume discrepancy between the two different brands, which is to be expected.
Battery Life and Charging
The manufacturer claims 20+ hours of playtime. In our testing, the device lasted through the 6-hour flight, a layover, and the return flight without needing a charge, easily clearing the 15-hour mark with juice to spare. It charges via USB-C, which is convenient as it uses the same cable as most modern phones and laptops. The ability to use the device while it is charging is a lifesaver for ultra-long-haul flights, provided you have a USB port nearby.
Home and Gym Usage
At the gym, the device plugged into a LifeFitness treadmill screen effortlessly. Being able to watch the gym TV news feed with personal noise-canceling earbuds made the workout significantly more bearable. At home, we tested the Rx mode on an old AV receiver. Streaming Spotify from a phone to the stereo sounded rich and full, with none of the static hiss that plagues cheaper Bluetooth receivers. The connection remained stable even when walking into the next room, thanks to the robust Bluetooth 5.4 signal.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth 5.4 + Qualcomm chip ensures rock-solid stability. | No visual screen to see which device is pairing. |
| aptX Low Latency eliminates lip-sync issues for movies. | Dual pairing process can be finicky with different brands. |
| Integrated cable storage prevents tangles and loss. | Plastic build feels lightweight (though good for travel). |
| 20+ hour battery life covers even the longest flights. | Buttons are small and can be hard to press in the dark. |
| Includes dual-prong adapter for older airplanes. |
Product Comparison
How does this upgraded unit compare to the market leader and a generic budget option?
| Feature | Upgraded BT 5.4 (Main) | Twelve South AirFly Pro | Generic BT 5.0 Dongle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth 📶 | Version 5.4 | Version 5.0 | Version 4.2 or 5.0 |
| Chipset 💾 | Qualcomm (aptX LL) | Standard | Generic |
| Battery 🔋 | 20+ Hours | 16-20 Hours | 8-10 Hours |
| Cable Storage 🔌 | Integrated/Hidden | Dangling Pigtail | Loose Cable |
| Dual Link 🎧 | Yes (2 Devices) | Yes (2 Devices) | Usually No (1 Device) |
Verdict: The Essential Travel Upgrade
The Upgraded Bluetooth 5.4 Transmitter Receiver is a superior evolution of the airplane dongle. While it enters a crowded market, the inclusion of the Qualcomm Bluetooth 5.4 chipset sets it apart from the sea of generic competitors. The connection stability is noticeable, and the support for aptX Low Latency makes it a viable solution for watching TV and movies without the annoyance of audio delay.
The thoughtful design touches, such as the integrated cable storage and the inclusion of the dual-prong flight adapter, show that this product was designed with the actual traveler in mind. While it lacks a digital screen for easier pairing management, the performance and battery life make it a reliable workhorse. For anyone who travels frequently or wants to modernize their older audio equipment, this adapter is a highly recommended investment.
Read more articles on this topic: Headphones.
