Heyday Audio Transmitter And Receiver

How This Budget-Friendly Device Transformed My Entertainment Setup

As I sit here typing, music flows through my headphones—wirelessly connected to my vintage turntable that never had Bluetooth capabilities until now. That’s the magic of the Heyday Audio Transmitter and Receiver, a small device that has genuinely transformed how I experience sound throughout my home. After months of use across various setups, I’m sharing my complete experience with this versatile little gadget that punches well above its price point.

When I first spotted the Heyday Audio Transmitter and Receiver at Target, I was skeptical. Could a $29.99 device really solve my wireless audio problems? Turns out, it absolutely could—and then some. This dual-function device has become an essential part of my daily audio experience, and I’m excited to walk you through everything you need to know before making this surprisingly affordable investment.

What Exactly Is the Heyday Audio Transmitter and Receiver?

Before diving into specifics, let me clarify what this device actually does. The Heyday Audio Transmitter and Receiver is exactly what its name suggests—a 2-in-1 device that can either:

1. Transmit audio from non-Bluetooth sources (like older TVs, turntables, CD players) to Bluetooth headphones or speakers
2. Receive audio from Bluetooth-enabled devices (like your phone or tablet) and output it to non-Bluetooth speakers through a wired connection

This dual functionality makes it incredibly versatile. I’ve used mine to:

• Connect my old turntable to Bluetooth speakers
• Stream music from my phone to my vintage stereo system
• Make my TV compatible with my Bluetooth headphones for late-night viewing
• Turn my car’s aux port into a Bluetooth receiver

The ability to toggle between transmitter and receiver modes with a simple switch makes this device a genuine problem-solver for almost any audio connection challenge.

Pricing and Availability: Target’s Budget-Friendly Audio Solution

One of the most appealing aspects of the Heyday Audio Transmitter and Receiver is its price point. At $29.99, it’s significantly more affordable than many competitors that often cost $50-80 for similar functionality.

Heyday is Target’s in-house audio brand, so you’ll find this device exclusively at Target stores and on Target.com. This exclusivity might seem limiting, but I’ve found it’s almost always in stock both online and in physical stores. Target often runs sales on their Heyday products, and I’ve seen this device discounted to as low as $22.99 during seasonal promotions. If you’re a Target RedCard holder, you’ll save an additional 5%.

I initially hesitated because of the Target-exclusive branding—would a store-brand audio device really perform well? After using it for months now, I can confidently say the quality far exceeds what you might expect from a “store brand” product.

Bluetooth Capabilities: More Advanced Than You Might Expect

The Heyday Audio Transmitter and Receiver features Bluetooth 5.0 technology, which surprised me for a device at this price point. Many competitors in this range still use older Bluetooth 4.2 or even 4.0 standards.

The Bluetooth 5.0 implementation provides:

• A stable connection with minimal dropouts
• A range of approximately 33 feet (10 meters) in optimal conditions
• Low power consumption for extended battery life
• Fast and reliable pairing with devices

In real-world testing, I’ve found the connection to be remarkably stable. I can leave my phone in the bedroom and walk to the kitchen with my connected headphones without any audio cutting out—something my previous, more expensive transmitter struggled with.

Pairing is straightforward and reliable. The device enters pairing mode automatically when powered on, with a clearly visible blinking LED indicator. I’ve successfully paired it with:

• Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones
• JBL Flip 5 speakers
• Bose QuietComfort earbuds
• My car’s aftermarket stereo system
• Various smartphones and tablets

One particularly useful feature that isn’t immediately obvious is the device’s ability to remember previously paired connections. When I switch it on, it automatically reconnects to the last paired device without requiring me to go through the pairing process again.

Multi-Device Connection: A Surprising Bonus

One feature that exceeded my expectations is the ability to connect to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously in transmitter mode. This means I can share the audio from my TV with both my headphones and my partner’s without any special setup.

To use this feature, I simply:

1. Pair the first device normally
2. Without turning off the transmitter, put the second device in pairing mode
3. Both devices now receive the same audio signal

This has been invaluable for late-night movie watching when we don’t want to disturb sleeping children. We each use our own preferred headphones but share the same audio source without any lag or synchronization issues between us.

It’s worth noting that this multi-device connection only works in transmitter mode—when using it as a receiver, it can only connect to one source device at a time, which is standard for most Bluetooth receivers.

Device Compatibility: Practically Universal

The beauty of the Heyday Audio Transmitter and Receiver lies in its compatibility with virtually any audio device you might own. I’ve tested it with an impressive array of equipment, both modern and vintage:

For transmitter mode:

• My 1980s Technics turntable
• A 10-year-old Samsung TV without Bluetooth
• A portable CD player I’ve had since college
• Nintendo Switch (for wireless gaming audio)
• Desktop computer without Bluetooth

For receiver mode:

• My old Bose companion speakers (pre-Bluetooth era)
• A vintage stereo receiver from the 1970s
• My car’s aux input
• Various powered speakers without wireless connectivity

The device includes a 3.5mm audio cable in the box, which covers most connection scenarios. For my turntable and vintage receiver, I purchased a simple RCA-to-3.5mm adapter for about $5, and everything worked perfectly.

If your audio source or output device has any form of analog audio connection (3.5mm headphone jack, RCA ports, etc.), this device can likely bridge the Bluetooth gap for you.

Battery Life and Power Options: Ready for Extended Use

The Heyday Audio Transmitter and Receiver features a built-in rechargeable battery that has proven surprisingly long-lasting in my experience. The official specs claim up to 10 hours of continuous use, but I’ve regularly gotten 8-9 hours in transmitter mode and closer to 11 hours in receiver mode.

Charging is handled via a standard micro-USB port (cable included), and a full charge takes approximately 2 hours from empty. I appreciate that the device can be used while charging, which is particularly useful in semi-permanent setups like my TV connection.

For stationary setups, I simply leave it plugged in constantly, effectively making it a “powered” device. For portable use—like in my car or when using it with my turntable on the patio—the battery life is more than adequate for extended listening sessions.

A thoughtful design feature is the power-saving auto-shutdown that activates after approximately 10 minutes without an active connection, helping preserve battery life if you forget to turn it off.

TV Compatibility: Solving the Wireless Headphone Problem

One of my primary motivations for purchasing this device was to use wireless headphones with my bedroom TV, which lacks Bluetooth capabilities. The Heyday transmitter solved this problem perfectly and has become a permanent fixture in my setup.

Connection to the TV is straightforward using the included 3.5mm cable connected to the TV’s headphone output. If your TV only has RCA outputs, an inexpensive adapter will do the trick. Once connected, the audio is transmitted to any paired Bluetooth headphones or speakers.

The most impressive aspect of using it with a TV is the minimal audio lag. Many Bluetooth transmitters struggle with significant delay between the video and audio, making dialogue seem out of sync. The Heyday transmitter demonstrates remarkably low latency that’s barely perceptible in most content, making it ideal for TV and movie watching.

I’ve found that the audio quality remains excellent even when transmitting from the TV, with clear dialogue and full-range sound. The volume level is consistent and doesn’t require frequent adjustments like some other transmitters I’ve tried.

Gaming Performance: Low Latency When It Matters

As an occasional gamer, audio latency is a critical concern—even slight delays between on-screen action and audio can ruin the gaming experience. I was pleasantly surprised by how well the Heyday transmitter performs in this context.

When connected to my Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4, the audio delay is minimal enough that it doesn’t impact gameplay. I wouldn’t recommend it for competitive first-person shooters where milliseconds matter, but for most gaming experiences, it performs admirably.

The transmitter supports the SBC codec, which is universal but not particularly known for low latency. However, Heyday seems to have optimized their implementation, as the real-world performance is better than many other transmitters using the same codec.

For serious gaming where absolute minimum latency is required, there are gaming-specific transmitters with aptX Low Latency support that would be preferable—but they typically cost 2-3 times as much as the Heyday unit.

Automotive Use: Modernizing Your Car Audio

One unexpected application where the Heyday device truly shines is in the car. I drive an older vehicle with an aux input but no Bluetooth capabilities. By using the Heyday in receiver mode, I’ve effectively added Bluetooth functionality to my car’s stereo system.

Setup was incredibly simple:

1. Plug the receiver into the car’s aux port
2. Connect the USB charging cable to my car’s USB port (or a cigarette lighter adapter)
3. Pair my phone once, and it automatically reconnects on subsequent drives

The compact size means it tucks away neatly in my center console, and the auto-reconnect feature means I rarely have to think about it—music starts playing automatically when I start the car and my phone is in range.

Call quality through this setup is surprisingly good as well. The receiver picks up the call audio clearly, and while it doesn’t have a built-in microphone (you’ll still need to speak directly into your phone for calls), it seamlessly transitions between music and call audio.

Portability and Design: Thoughtfully Compact

The Heyday Audio Transmitter and Receiver is designed with portability in mind. Measuring roughly 2 inches square and less than half an inch thick, it’s small enough to slip into a pocket or bag without adding noticeable bulk.

The device weighs just over an ounce, making it one of the lighter options on the market. Despite its lightweight construction, it doesn’t feel flimsy—the plastic housing has a quality feel with no creaking or flexing.

The minimalist design features:

• A single button for power and pairing
• A sliding switch to toggle between transmitter (TX) and receiver (RX) modes
• Clear LED indicators that show power, pairing status, and active mode
• A 3.5mm audio port
• A micro-USB charging port

I appreciate the thoughtful inclusion of textured dots on the mode switch, making it easy to identify by touch without looking at the device—particularly useful when adjusting settings in low-light environments like a darkened living room during movie night.

Connection Options: Simple but Sufficient

The Heyday transmitter/receiver offers a standard 3.5mm (headphone jack) connection for audio input/output. While this might seem basic compared to devices that include additional options like optical or coaxial digital, I’ve found the 3.5mm connection to be versatile enough for virtually all consumer applications.

The package includes a high-quality 3.5mm audio cable that’s approximately 3 feet long—sufficient for most setups. For situations requiring longer cables or different connection types, adapters are readily available and inexpensive.

One minor limitation is that the device doesn’t include an RCA cable or adapter in the box. Since many home stereo components use RCA connections, you’ll need to purchase a separate adapter if that’s your intended use. I picked up a basic 3.5mm-to-RCA adapter for about $5, which has worked flawlessly with my vintage audio equipment.

Audio Quality: Exceeding Expectations

Perhaps the most important aspect of any audio device is sound quality, and this is where the Heyday transmitter/receiver truly surprised me. Despite its budget-friendly price point, the audio performance is remarkably good.

When used as a transmitter with my high-quality Sony headphones, I notice very little degradation compared to a direct wired connection. The frequency response seems quite flat and natural, with no obvious emphasis on any particular range.

Bass response remains tight and controlled, midrange is clear and detailed, and high frequencies come through without harshness. Volume levels are consistent, with no noticeable compression or limiting at higher volumes.

The device supports the standard SBC Bluetooth codec. While it doesn’t offer higher-quality options like aptX or AAC (which would be unusual at this price point), the implementation of SBC is well-executed. For all but the most critical listening scenarios, the sound quality is more than adequate.

In receiver mode connected to my vintage stereo system, the audio quality again exceeds expectations. Streaming Spotify from my phone through the Heyday receiver to my stereo produces warm, full-range sound that retains the character of my analog system while adding the convenience of wireless streaming.

Comparison to Competitors: Punching Above Its Weight

Having tried several other Bluetooth transmitters and receivers in various price ranges, I can confidently say the Heyday offers exceptional value. Here’s how it compares to some popular alternatives:

vs. Mpow Bluetooth 5.0 Transmitter/Receiver ($25-30)

• Similar price point
• The Heyday offers slightly better build quality
• Comparable audio performance
• Heyday has more reliable auto-reconnection

vs. TaoTronics Bluetooth 5.0 Transmitter/Receiver ($35-40)

• TaoTronics costs about 25% more
• Similar feature set and performance
• TaoTronics includes RCA cables, which Heyday doesn’t
• Heyday has a more compact, pocket-friendly design

vs. Avantree Oasis Plus ($60-70)

• Avantree costs more than twice as much
• Avantree offers aptX Low Latency and digital optical connections
• For basic use cases, the Heyday performs nearly as well
• Heyday is significantly more portable

For most everyday scenarios, the Heyday provides 80-90% of the functionality of premium options at a fraction of the price. Unless you specifically need advanced features like aptX codecs or digital optical connections, the Heyday represents an excellent value proposition.

User Experiences and Reviews: Not Just Me

While my experience with the Heyday Audio Transmitter and Receiver has been overwhelmingly positive, I was curious about other users’ perspectives. After browsing hundreds of reviews on Target.com and various tech forums, I found my experience largely mirrors the consensus.

The device maintains an impressive 4.3/5 star average rating across hundreds of reviews. Common praise points include:

• Ease of use and quick pairing
• Reliable connection stability
• Good battery life
• Excellent value for money
• Versatility between transmitter and receiver modes

The most frequently mentioned criticisms involve:

• Occasional connection drops in challenging environments (through walls or at maximum range)
• No support for higher-quality Bluetooth codecs
• Limited written instructions in the packaging

Most negative reviews seem to stem from misunderstandings about the device’s capabilities or unrealistic expectations at this price point. For users who understand what the device is designed to do, satisfaction rates are remarkably high.

Warranty and Support: Target’s Reliable Backing

As a Target-exclusive brand, Heyday products come with Target’s standard return policy, allowing returns within 90 days with a receipt if you’re unsatisfied for any reason. Additionally, the device includes a one-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects.

In my experience, Target’s customer service is generally excellent when dealing with returns or exchanges for their in-house brands. While I haven’t needed to use the warranty service for my Heyday device, the straightforward return process provides peace of mind.

For troubleshooting, the included quick start guide covers basic setup and operation. More detailed support is available through Target’s customer service channels, though I found most questions are easily answered with a quick internet search if you encounter any issues.

Creative Uses Beyond the Obvious

Beyond the standard applications, I’ve discovered several creative uses for the Heyday transmitter/receiver that have made it even more valuable:

Social Dancing Setup: I use it in transmitter mode connected to my phone, broadcasting music to multiple friends with Bluetooth headphones for “silent disco” style dancing in spaces where loud speakers aren’t appropriate.

Language Learning Tool: When watching foreign films, I connect the transmitter to my TV and receiver to my Bluetooth earbuds for personal audio, while the TV speakers remain on at a lower volume for others watching with subtitles.

Recording Aid: By connecting the receiver to my portable recorder, I can capture high-quality audio from my phone interviews without cables getting in the way.

Outdoor Movie Nights: Connected to my projector’s audio output, it broadcasts sound to a Bluetooth speaker, eliminating the need to run long speaker cables across the yard.

The device’s versatility continues to surprise me as I find new applications for it in daily life.

Final Verdict: A Must-Have Audio Accessory

After months of daily use across various scenarios, the Heyday Audio Transmitter and Receiver has earned a permanent place in my tech arsenal. For a modest $29.99 investment, it has:

• Modernized my vintage audio equipment
• Solved wireless headphone compatibility with my TV
• Added Bluetooth functionality to my car
• Provided a flexible audio solution for numerous situations

The combination of dual functionality, reliable performance, good battery life, and excellent audio quality makes this device an outstanding value. While it lacks some advanced features found in premium models costing 2-3 times as much, it delivers everything most users need in a straightforward, user-friendly package.

If you’re looking to bridge the gap between wired and wireless audio in any capacity, the Heyday Audio Transmitter and Receiver offers exceptional value and versatility that’s difficult to match at any price point.

Whether you’re a tech enthusiast looking to maximize your existing audio equipment or simply someone who wants to use wireless headphones with a non-Bluetooth TV, this affordable device deserves serious consideration. In a world of increasingly expensive tech accessories, the Heyday transmitter/receiver stands out as a genuine bargain that actually delivers on its promises.

Quick Tips for New Users

If you decide to purchase the Heyday Audio Transmitter and Receiver, here are some quick tips to get the most out of it:

1. Fully charge the device before first use for optimal battery performance
2. Position the transmitter/receiver away from other electronics when possible to minimize interference
3. For TV use, connect to the headphone output rather than RCA outputs when available for simpler volume control
4. Remember to switch between TX and RX modes before attempting to pair with your devices
5. When using in a car, connect to power before starting your journey to ensure continuous operation
6. For best audio quality, keep the device within 15-20 feet of your Bluetooth headphones or speakers
7. If you experience any connection issues, a quick power cycle of the device usually resolves them
8. Consider purchasing a small protective case if you’ll be transporting it frequently

With these tips in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to enjoy all the benefits this versatile little device has to offer. It continues to be one of my most-used and most-recommended tech purchases, providing wireless freedom for all my audio needs at a price that won’t break the bank.