I often get asked how to get two (or more) people to listen to the same show from one phone without awkward speaker volume battles or tangled wires. As someone who tests compact tech daily, I’ve tried the built-in tricks on phones, cheap Bluetooth dongles, and higher-end transmitters. Below I’ll walk you through the practical ways to pair multiple Bluetooth headphones to one phone, explain the trade-offs, and give step-by-step instructions and product suggestions so you can pick the approach that fits your setup and budget.

Why this is harder than it sounds

Bluetooth was designed for point-to-point audio: one source, one sink. Modern phones and Bluetooth chips have added multi-stream features, but they’re inconsistent across manufacturers. Key limitations you’ll run into:

  • Most older phones and headphones only support one active Bluetooth audio connection at a time.
  • Even when a phone supports two outputs (Samsung Dual Audio, Apple Share Audio), the implementations differ, and features like volume control and codec support can be limited.
  • Audio latency and sync problems can make watching video with multiple wireless listeners a frustrating experience unless you pick low-latency hardware.

    • Options overview — quick comparison

    Method Works with Pros Cons
    iPhone Share Audio (AirPods/AirPods Pro/AirPods Max, Beats) Recent iOS devices & Apple headphones Very simple, synced, no extra hardware Apple ecosystem only; limited to supported headphones
    Samsung Dual Audio Many Samsung phones & most BT headphones Built-in, two headphones at once Sometimes uneven volume/latency; Samsung-only feature
    Bluetooth transmitter (aptX Low Latency) Any phone with headphone jack/USB-C adapter or TV Great for low latency and multiple receivers (some models) Extra hardware; battery or power required
    Apps or USB Bluetooth adapters for PC Computers more flexible than phones Can mix multiple outputs; software routing Not a phone solution; setup complexity

    Built-in phone features — what works out of the box

    Before buying anything, check your phone. Both iOS and some Android phones have multi-listening options that are the easiest to use.

    How to use iPhone Share Audio (best when everyone has Apple headphones)

  • Play audio on your iPhone or iPad.
  • Open Control Center and tap the audio card (top-right of the music widget).
  • Tap Share Audio and bring the second pair of AirPods or compatible Beats close to the phone.
  • Follow the on-screen prompts to share — both listeners get synced audio and independent volume controls.

    • This method is tightly integrated and has excellent sync for video. It’s limited to Apple/Beats devices that support the feature.

    How to use Samsung Dual Audio (or other OEM multi-audio features)

  • Open Settings → Connections → Bluetooth on a Samsung phone.
  • Tap the three-dot menu → Advanced → Dual Audio, and turn it on.
  • Pair two Bluetooth headsets normally. The phone will stream to both.

    • Dual Audio works for many headphones, but I’ve seen minor lag between devices and sometimes reduced audio quality. Samsung’s implementation supports two devices simultaneously only.

    When built-in features aren’t enough: external Bluetooth transmitters

    If your phone doesn’t natively support two headphones, or you care about low latency for watching shows, a dedicated Bluetooth transmitter is usually the most reliable option. These devices pair with two or more headphones and handle the audio streaming externally. Key benefits:

  • Support for aptX Low Latency (with compatible headphones) — much better audio/video sync.
  • Can connect to TVs, laptops, or phones (via 3.5mm or USB-C).
  • Some models support 2 simultaneous headphones or more with multipoint transmit mode.

    • Recommended transmitters I’ve tested

  • Avantree Oasis Plus — a favorite for TV use: supports aptX Low Latency, can act as transmitter/receiver, pairs two headphones simultaneously.
  • TaoTronics/Trond Transmitters — budget-friendly and generally reliable for two users.
  • Anker SoundSync or Creative BT transmitters — compact, simple, and decent latency.

    • Remember: both the transmitter and headphones must support a low-latency codec (aptX LL) to minimize lip-sync delay. Apple devices use AAC and their own AirPods latency is low within Apple’s ecosystem, but aptX LL is the practical choice for Android/third-party headphones.

    Step-by-step: using a Bluetooth transmitter with your phone

  • Decide how the transmitter connects to your phone: 3.5mm jack, USB-C, or via a phone-to-3.5mm adapter if your phone lacks a jack.
  • Power on the transmitter and set it to pairing/transmit mode (refer to the device manual).
  • Put each headphone in pairing mode, one at a time, so the transmitter can discover and save both devices.
  • Confirm both headsets show as connected on the transmitter. Start playback on your phone and test for latency/sync.
  • If you notice lag, check if both headphones support aptX LL and that the transmitter is using that codec.

    • Alternatives: wired splitters and hybrid setups

    A reliable fallback is a simple wired splitter: a 3.5mm headphone splitter that lets two wired headphones plug into one jack. It’s cheap, zero-latency, and still useful if you have a USB-C-to-3.5mm adapter.

    Hybrid setups are useful too: one person on Bluetooth, the other on wired via a splitter connected to a phone adapter or transmitter that accepts a passthrough audio jack.

    Practical tips to improve experience

  • Use matching codecs/hardware: for best sync, both headphones should support the same low-latency codec as the transmitter or phone.
  • Keep devices charged: some transmitters can run several hours; confirm battery life before a long movie.
  • Lower Bluetooth congestion: turn off nearby unused Bluetooth devices to reduce interference.
  • Test volume balance: some phones don’t control each headphone’s volume separately when streaming to multiple devices. Adjust volumes on each headset if possible.
  • Update firmware: check for firmware updates for your headphones and transmitter — manufacturers sometimes fix latency and connection issues.

    • Troubleshooting common problems

    Here are things I regularly run through when multiple-headphone setups misbehave:

  • No sound from one device: unpair and re-pair that headset. Some transmitters limit how they accept new pairings.
  • Audio out of sync: confirm aptX LL support or try a different headset pair. If the phone’s built-in dual audio is laggy, consider a transmitter.
  • Only one headset can pair: check transmitter specs — some only support two devices but need a specific pairing sequence.
  • Poor audio quality: try changing codec priorities (on Android, developer options) or use a higher-quality transmitter.

    • When to choose each approach

    • Use iPhone Share Audio if you and your partner both have Apple headphones — it’s simplest and most reliable for video.
    • Use Samsung Dual Audio if you have a compatible Samsung phone and only need two listeners for casual audio.
    • Use a dedicated aptX LL transmitter for the best video-sync experience across third-party headphones or when connecting to a TV.
    • Use a wired splitter if you want guaranteed zero latency and a rock-solid low-cost option.

    If you tell me your phone model and the headphones you plan to use, I can recommend a specific transmitter or the best phone setting to try first. I’ve carried transmitters and multiple earbud pairs through long flights and movie nights — the right combination makes shared viewing comfortable and simple.