A Comprehensive Comparison of the AirFly SE vs. AirFly Pro and Their Benefits
Being able to keep connected to your devices when travelling is become an absolute must in today's tech-savvy, fast-paced society. Your ability to utilise your wireless headphones or earbuds with devices that only have a 3.5mm headphone port can greatly enhance your experience, whether you're relaxing on a long flight, enjoying a road trip, or working out at the gym. You can connect your wireless headphones to any device with a headphone port with the stylish Twelve South AirFly, which is available in two models—AirFly SE and AirFly Pro. This blog will help you choose the best model by comparing the two and highlighting their features and benefits.
What Is the Twelve South AirFly?
The Twelve South AirFly is a small, wireless Bluetooth transmitter that allows you to connect your Bluetooth headphones or earbuds to devices with a headphone jack, such as in-flight entertainment systems, gym equipment, or your car stereo. This device is a game-changer for those who prefer using their wireless headphones rather than the wired ones provided by airlines or other public spaces.
The AirFly comes in two models: AirFly SE and AirFly Pro. Both models share the same core functionality but differ in a few key features that could make one a better fit for your specific needs.
Twelve South AirFly SE: The Budget-Friendly Option
Battery Life: 20+ hours
Key Features:
- Volume Controls: Adjust the volume without touching the in-flight screen.
- Mute Function: Tap twice to mute the audio when the beverage cart comes around.
- Easy Pairing: Simple button design for easy pairing of wireless headphones.
- Compatibility: Works with all Bluetooth-based wireless headphones, earbuds, and Bluetooth speakers.
- Lightweight and Compact: Weighs just 13.5 grams, making it incredibly portable.
The AirFly SE is the more affordable of the two models, offering the basic features needed for a seamless travel experience. It's an excellent option for those who want a straightforward Bluetooth transmitter that gets the job done without breaking the bank. The volume controls and mute function add a layer of convenience for in-flight or in-gym entertainment, especially for those who need to quickly adjust the sound during a flight.
Best For: Budget-conscious travelers who want the essential features for wireless listening without additional frills.
Twelve South AirFly Pro: The Premium Option
Battery Life: 25+ hours
Key Features:
- Dual-Headphone Pairing: Can pair two sets of headphones simultaneously, ideal for sharing entertainment with a companion.
- Bluetooth Receiver Mode: Switches from transmitter mode to receiver mode to stream audio from Bluetooth devices to wired systems (e.g., car stereo, home speakers).
- USB-C Rechargeable: The built-in battery lasts up to 25+ hours and recharges via USB-C.
- Compact Design: Small and portable, easily fits into your bag or pocket.
- Higher Battery Capacity: With a longer battery life than the SE model, the AirFly Pro is designed for longer flights and extended listening sessions.
The AirFly Pro takes things up a notch with its added functionality. In addition to the core features of the AirFly SE, the Pro model allows you to pair two sets of headphones at once, making it perfect for couples, friends, or family members traveling together. Whether you're watching a movie or listening to music, both users can enjoy the same audio simultaneously without the need for additional devices.
Furthermore, the Bluetooth receiver mode allows you to stream audio from any Bluetooth device to non-Bluetooth systems, such as your car stereo or a non-Bluetooth speaker. This makes the AirFly Pro versatile and perfect for both travel and home use, offering flexibility across various audio setups.
Best For: Frequent travelers or users who want premium features, including dual headphone support and Bluetooth receiver mode.
Twelve South AirFly SE vs. AirFly Pro: A Side-by-Side Comparison
Feature | AirFly SE | AirFly Pro |
---|---|---|
Price | 39.99 gbp | 59.99 gbp |
Battery Life | 20+ hours | 25+ hours |
Dual-Headphone Pairing | No | Yes |
Bluetooth Receiver Mode | No | Yes |
Volume Controls | Yes | Yes |
Mute Function | Yes | Yes |
Compatibility | Works with all Bluetooth headphones | Works with all Bluetooth headphones, earbuds, and speakers |
Rechargeable | USB-C | USB-C |
Weight | 13.5g | 19.5g |
Benefits of the Twelve South AirFly
Regardless of the model, the Twelve South AirFly offers several key benefits that make it a must-have accessory for any tech-savvy traveler or fitness enthusiast:
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Seamless Wireless Connectivity: The AirFly enables you to use your Bluetooth headphones with any device that has a 3.5mm headphone jack. This is perfect for in-flight entertainment, gym equipment, or any other situation where you're stuck with a wired headphone jack but prefer using your wireless headphones.
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Enhanced Convenience: With features like volume control and mute function, you can easily adjust the audio without having to fiddle with the device you're connected to. This is especially useful in environments like airplanes or gyms, where interruptions like the beverage cart or workout adjustments may require quick changes to your audio settings.
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Portability: Both models are compact and lightweight, making them easy to carry in your pocket, bag, or even keychain. Whether you're traveling across the world or heading to the gym, the AirFly is a convenient, on-the-go solution.
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Extended Battery Life: With up to 25 hours of battery life on the AirFly Pro and 20+ hours on the AirFly SE, you can enjoy your music or movies on long flights or extended gym sessions without worrying about running out of power.
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Dual Headphone Support (Pro Model): For those who like to share their audio experience, the AirFly Pro allows you to connect two sets of wireless headphones to a single device, making it perfect for couples or friends traveling together.
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Bluetooth Receiver Mode (Pro Model): The ability to switch from transmitter mode to receiver mode gives you more versatility. You can stream audio from any Bluetooth-enabled device to a non-Bluetooth system, making it perfect for connecting your phone to a car stereo or older speakers.
Which Model Should You Choose?
The decision between the AirFly SE and AirFly Pro largely depends on your needs and budget:
- If you just want a basic, budget-friendly option for in-flight movies or gym equipment, the AirFly SE is an excellent choice.
- If you travel often, share your entertainment with others, or want a more versatile device that can also act as a Bluetooth receiver, the AirFly Pro is the better option for you.
Both models offer great value for their respective prices, so you can’t go wrong with either choice.
Conclusion
The Twelve South AirFly is an essential accessory for anyone who enjoys wireless audio, whether on a plane, at the gym, or on a road trip. The AirFly SE offers a budget-friendly option with all the core features you need for seamless wireless listening. Meanwhile, the AirFly Pro is packed with additional features like dual-headphone pairing and Bluetooth receiver mode, making it the perfect choice for frequent travelers or those who need more flexibility.
No matter which model you choose, the Twelve South AirFly ensures that you can enjoy your favorite audio content wirelessly, wherever you go. Don’t let the limitations of wired headphone jacks hold you back—upgrade to the Twelve South AirFly today!