Name: HOSA IBT-300 Drive
Brand: Hosa
SKU: 979IBT300
Rating: 4 (11 reviews)

by Crutchfield's Ken Nail

Cut the cord

If you've got a smartphone, then you've got music. But when you want to send that music to your car stereo, mixing board, or other device, those darned cords are such a hassle. Until now, that is. Hosa's IBT-300 Drive Bluetooth audio receiver is your wireless bridge to almost any sound system. Pair your phone with the Drive, then plug the Drive into your aux input and you're good to go. Imagine listening to your favorite podcasts or music streams while running errands, without having to unplug and then plug your phone back into your stereo every time you leave the car.

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Cut the cord

Take it on the go

The Drive's built-in battery will handle up to 10 hours of use for awesome portability, so you don't have to worry about finding a power source when you use it. Charging is a snap with the included USB cable.

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Product highlights:

stream audio to your car stereo or other audio systems with a 3.5 mm mini-jack input
play, skip, and pause controls
included 3.5 mm mini-jack male to male cable plugs into device audio inputs
built-in battery charges via USB
battery life: 10 hours in-use, 3 days stand-by
compatible with Apple and Android Bluetooth devices
warranty: 1 year
MFR # IBT-300

What's in the box:

HOSA IBT-300 Drive owner's manual

Add-on Bluetooth receiver
32" miniUSB-to-USB cable
4' Stereo minijack cable
Instructions

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Researched by Crutchfield's Stacey B.

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Features

Add-On Bluetooth Receiver: The Hosa Technology Drive IBT-300 is an add-on Bluetooth audio receiver that is designed to give your home entertainment system, car stereo system, or pro audio system wireless capability.

Bluetooth 3.0: The Drive IBT-300 is equipped with built-in Bluetooth 3.0+EDR with support for A2DP and AVRCP. You'll be able to stream stored music and music apps on your smartphone, tablet, or computer through the Drive IBT-300 to your car, home, or pro audio system. You also get basic playback controls like Play/Pause & Previous/Next Track. The IBT-300 will only pair and connect with one Bluetooth source device at a time.

Note: The Drive IBT-300 does not support Bluetooth hands-free phone communication.

Analog Output: The Hosa Technology Drive IBT-300 is outfitted with a stereo minijack (3.5mm) output and comes with a 4' stereo minijack cable that plugs into an Aux input of your car stereo, home receiver, or mixing console.

Rechargeable Battery: The Drive IBT-300 add-on Bluetooth audio receiver is powered by an integrated rechargeable Lithium battery (250mA) which provides up to 10 hours of playback time and 3 days of standby life. The integrated battery can be recharged from the IBT-300's miniUSB port and the included 32" miniUSB-to-USB cable using a free USB port on your computer, receiver, or TV; or using a USB/AC power adapter (sold separately).

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7 questions already asked

How many devices can pair at the same time?

wr1234 Dec 22, 2019

1 answer

It will only pair with one device at a time.

casey Jan 05, 2020 (Staff)

Can you leave it plugged in to the charging USB all the time?

bill Apr 23, 2019

4 answers

I have one and use it in my car. It is never unplugged and works just fine.

elijah Apr 24, 2019

Yes, I have no real issues

jose Apr 23, 2019

paul Apr 23, 2019

I use mine in my car and leave it plugged in.

john Apr 23, 2019

Will this play directly through the USB or does it have to be through the aux cable?

cameron Aug 26, 2018

5 answers

Aux cable. USB is for charging.

james Aug 28, 2018

I actually wondered the same thing when I first bought it. I had to connect the aux cable to my stereo system. I also watched a video about installation in a car and the same thing had to be done.

randall Aug 27, 2018

I'm not sure. I have not tried it that way.

carlin Aug 26, 2018

I've since upgraded to a modern system with Bluetooth. But when I used this with the stock system in my 2008 auto, I had to use auxiliary for it to work. The USB, if I remember correctly, powered it.

edward Aug 26, 2018

Only plays through aux cable.

timothy Aug 26, 2018

Can I use this to stream music from my smartphone to my old Stereo Receiver?

gary Nov 15, 2017

6 answers

If your stereo has a 3.5 mm audio jack then you van plug the IBT 300 o to it that way. If it has the larger headphone jack, then you can bit a 3.5 mm to headphone adapter plug. Since the HOSA uses a standard USB jack for power, you can then plug it into a standard cell phone charging plug.

john Apr 23, 2019

The plug on the Bluetooth device is different than the receptacle so I haven't been able to make it work. However, I haven't looked for any kind of adapter to make it work. I too am using an old stereo receiver.

carlin Nov 17, 2017

Yes, works great. Just need an adapter with a headphone jack (3.5 mm) to attach to the Hosa receiver

eric Nov 16, 2017

I'm not 100% sure because I use it in my car. But I would think it should if you get an adapter for it's jack to fit the standard headphone jack. In my 2008 car, it plugs into an auxiliary port. Not sure I helped, but hope otherwise.

edward Nov 16, 2017

As long as the receiver has a RCA or mini stereo input.

timothy Nov 16, 2017

Yes. You will need plug adapter, mini stereo female to RCA left & right male.

james Nov 16, 2017

Does it power on and off automatically with USB power? Specifically, if I put it in my car, will it automatically come on when I start the car and turn off when I turn off the car?

karl Sep 20, 2017

2 answers

No. It will time out when not being used to save battery. It doesn't have to be plugged into power to work.

bobby Sep 21, 2017

It will power on but you'll still have to push the middle button to connect after long period of inactivity. For example, in the morning on the way to work, I have to push the button to connect to sound system. But if I leave my phone in the parked, shut off car, and come back in a few minutes to half hour, it'll be playing without any switching back on. If I take the phone with me, it disconnects but doesn't shut down. Just have to wait for it to find phone again. It's really minor if you do have to reconnect, though. Overall, this thing is pretty good.

edward Sep 20, 2017

Are you able to use this device to make hands free calls?

lori Aug 10, 2017

1 answer

No. The Hosa IBT-300 supports stereo audio streaming from Bluetooth devices but does not provide hands-free calling.

ryan Aug 12, 2017 (Staff)

Are you able to use this device to make hands free calls?

lori Aug 10, 2017

3 answers

Yes you can make calls when using it. Sound goes through the HOSA

bobby Sep 21, 2017

I have not tried that. I have an older stereo and I use the device to stream music from my cell phone.