Griffin Technology RocketFM

The RocketFM offers a way to broadcast your computer’s audio less expensively and more flexibly than an AirPort Express. The tradeoff is that the quality of the resulting sound is not nearly as clean as that from an AirPort Express and the device is susceptible to interference.

While I prefer the look of the RocketFM and Griffin’s software over what’s offered by the similar Aurius from Engineered Audio (also reviewed here at Playlist), in my tests the Aurius provided a more consistent signal under varying conditions, which, ultimately, is what you want from this kind of device. If you require an FM transmitter for your computer and your FM radio is within 20 feet or so, either the RocketFM or Aurius will get the job done. If, however, you’re in a trickier environment–one with a lot of interference or with an FM receiver at the extreme ends of these devices’ range–you’re better off with the Aurius.

–Christopher Breen