We do. While we can now mostly stream news or listen to music online, we still cannot totally move on from the glorious days of radio. Thankfully, we can still do that using our smartphones. But not without the help of the FM transmitter app for Android. Here’s the thing: Back in 2004, most cell phones came with radio functionality. You can easily tune in to your favorite local radio station whether they are on FM (Frequency Modulation) or AM (Amplitude modulation). Unfortunately, the radio app that some of us surely enjoyed with our phone back then was just experimental marketing. It turns out that manufacturers and brands concluded most consumers, if not all, will not use the radio function of their phones. That’s why… Many smartphones now don’t come with a radio feature. And the sad thing is that most mobile phone providers disabled the radio app. Their reason? That consumers prefer to customize and stream news or listen to music online instead of listening to the radio. Well, that might be true. But that doesn’t mean that the radio app is now obsolete. It’s still hanging in there, battling against the ever-changing times. We can’t deny the fact that we are getting more and more dependent on online services. The radio may be dying, but not to the point that we’re ditching it completely. In times of calamity, at times when we can’t rely on the internet and online services, we can always turn to the radio…like a dependable old-time friend that will never let us down. For those of us who think that smartphones should still come with a radio app, hope is not all lost. There’s a way… So we’ve prepared the best FM transmitter app for Android. Read on…
4 Best FM Transmitter App for Android Smartphones
So with that in mind, we listed down 3 of the best FM transmitter apps for Android. If you’re looking for a way to listen to the radio using your smartphone then this article is for you. We listed down 3 of the best apps that you can use to either listen to FM or AM. The selected apps are capable of making your smartphone play and listen to your local radio stations. It’s like having an FM radio app or TuneIn app. So without further ado, let’s unlock the hidden FM Tuner in your Android phone: Note:
Unfortunately, there isn’t an app capable of using the chip of any phone to turn the stored music within the phone and transmit it via Frequency Modulation (FM) Radio. The only way to do this is via FM Transmitter External devices.Please do note that not all smartphones are capable of receiving an FM signal. Some can while others cannot.There’s really no specific way to determine if your smartphone is capable or not other than trying the first app in this list.
1. NextRadio – The Best App for Listening to Terrestrial FM Radio
If there’s an app specifically developed to make use of a phone’s modem with an activated FM receiver chip, it’s the NextRadio app. The app basically lets you listen to your local radio station like how traditional radio devices work. The app works by receiving a signal from the FM terrestrial radio signal. By doing so, you will be able to listen to any of your local radio stations without a data connection or internet. Unfortunately, if the FM receiver chip of your smartphone is not activated, then you won’t be able to use this app. Furthermore, you pretty much can’t do anything about it. Your only choice is to listen to online radios. If this app works for you, do keep note that the app requires the use of wired headphones as its medium for receiving radio signals. Your wired earphone acts as an antenna. Note: If you are unable to find this app on your Google Play store app, chances are, that your smartphone doesn’t have an activated FM receiver chip. If that’s the case, ultimately, you’re done. You can’t do anything about it.
Pros
This app features two-way listening.Uses less dataIt saves your battery life.
Con
It requires a headphone.
2. Spirit2 – The Best Over-the-Air FM Radio App for Rooted/AOSP ROM’d Android Phones
If your smartphone is included in the list of supported devices for the NextRadio app but unable to use or install the actual app, then you might want to try the Spirit2 app. The Sprit2 app is an app that’s quite similar to the first app in this list. The only difference between this app and the first one is that this app requires a rooted Android device. Otherwise, you won’t be able to use this app. The app basically utilizes the FM receiver chip to allow your phone to listen to your local radio station. It does, however, require an earphone/headphone as an antenna. If you want to use this app, make sure to know how to root an Android smartphone. You can learn more about Android rooting by reading our “How to Root Android” guide. It is also worth noting that this app was developed by a single developer named Mike Reid. He started developing this app in early 2012 and his journey in developing this app ended around 2015. You can check out his history of developing this app of XDA-Forums. The Spirit2 app is no longer available on the Google Play store. You can, however, download it from either XDA-Forums or from Third Party Sources. Disclaimer:
The JoyofAndroid team would like to remind our readers that we are not affiliated with any of the download links/sources for this app.joyofandroid.com and its staff will not be responsible for the following:any possible damages that may occur from downloading the app from mentioned sources.any damages caused by rooting your Android device.The requirements for this app to work must be done at your own risk.
List of Supported Devices: Phones running “Compatible AOSP”** ROMs:
Samsung GS3 GT-I9300Samsung GS2 GT-I9100Samsung GS1 GT-I9000Samsung Note2 GT-N7100Samsung Note1 GT-N7000HTC One (GPE requires BT off)HTC OneXL LTE, OneS, Evo 4G LTE (2013 CM11 only. 2014 kernels broke FM)LG G2 D802 InternationalSprint LS980Motorola Moto GXperia T
Lastly, phones with Qualcomm WCN3660 or compatible FM/BT/WiFi chips as well as Qualcomm WDC9310.
Pros
Spirit2 does not require internet access.Spirit2 is the only FM app that supports Equalizer, Effects, Recording, BT A2DP, and Visualizer.
Cons
The app requires a rooted Android device. This app is no longer available on the Google Play store.
3. Radio FM – The Best Online Internet Radio App for Android
If all else fails, that could only mean that your smartphone has its FM receiver chip fully disabled. Rendering your phone is the inability to listen to your local radio stations without a data connection or the internet, the over-the-air. If this is the case, then the next best thing that we can recommend is the Radio FM app. The best app for streaming online internet radio all around the globe. Radio FM is the only app in the Play store that’s offering the true Radio Experience with best-tuned features for FREE, meaning it doesn’t have any in-app ads. There are a lot of things you can do with this app and you can learn all of them by visiting the developer’s website. The best thing about this app other than its features is that it’s compatible with Android Auto, and Google Chromecast, and works well with Android Wearable devices. Cool right? Those are the 3 best FM transmitter apps for Android in every possible case. However, if you don’t want to go through the hassle of having any of the listed apps, then we highly recommend getting an FM Modulator Adapter for your smartphone instead.
Pros
Easy to use simple radio interface.Provides fast notification.Can use the map to find nearby stations.
Con
It requires internet access.Some FM radio stations do not work due to their stream being temporarily offline.
4. Simple Radio: Live FM AM Radio-Free
If you are looking for a free FM or radio streaming app for your Android, Simple radio is the best choice you can make. You can enjoy online AM and FM radio with simplicity. This app is designed with an incredibly simple process. All you need to do is just download and start enjoying your favorite radio station. It offers multiple recommended broadcasters and ensures maximum enjoyment with quick tuning.
Pros
It offers a clean user interface.No login or registration is required.Ensures quick tuning.
Con
It does not have an alarm option.
Doosl Wireless FM Transmitter Modulator Adapter for Smartphones – $12.95
The Doosl Universal FM Transmitter Adapter is a portable FM Receiver device that works on most mobile devices, including Android phones, with 3.5mm audio jack. It can also be used on most devices with 3.5mm audio jack such as cars, stereos, TVs, and more! It has an internal 300mAh rechargeable battery that’s rated to last for 10 hours continuous play. It also supports hands-free phone conversation through the car stereo for safe driving.
Related Questions People Ask About
Related links:
NextRadio on the Google Play storeSpirit 2
Why You Can’t Listen to Radio On Your Smartphone
Most handset smartphone models nowadays don’t support the use of Radio. It has been like this since around 2008. It is an undeniable fact that the Radio functionality for phones is dying out. As manufacturers and brands move to a more profitable solution by means of data connectivity and online radio streaming. However, there are still a lot of phones that still have this functionality. Samsung’s 2019 Flagship smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy S10+, still has FM Radio functionality available which is great. For a complete list of Android smartphones that features FM Radio functionality, refer to this list. We hope that this article guide was helpful to you. If you have comments, questions, or suggestions, do let us know in the comment section below! Next Read –> Best College Football Apps for Scoreboard, Radio, and Betting
