Twelve South AirFly SE Wireless Audio Transmitter - Travel Audio

In this review the Twelve South AirFly SE is evaluated as a simple, travel-focused Bluetooth audio transmitter for people who want to use AirPods or other wireless headphones with devices that only have a wired 3.5 mm jack. The bottom line: it is best for travelers and gym users who need a compact adapter that delivers reliable sound and long runtime without fuss. The AirFly SE's biggest selling point is its combination of wireless freedom from corded sources and an extended battery life that keeps audio streaming for long flights or workouts.

Key Features

• Wireless Freedom: Lets you stream audio from in-flight entertainment, gym equipment, or tablets to AirPods or Bluetooth headphones so you can ditch tangled cords on the go.
• Extended Battery Life: Provides over 20 hours of continuous playback on a single charge, reducing the chance of running out of power during long flights.
• USB-C Charging: Includes a USB-C cable and can be used while charging so you can keep listening even when the internal battery is low.
• Compact and Portable: Lightweight design and included travel pouch make it easy to slip into carry-on gear or a gym bag for frequent travel.
• Seamless Bluetooth Connectivity: Quickly pairs with AirPods, wireless earbuds, or headphones for a hassle-free listening setup in seconds.
• Intuitive Controls: Built-in buttons let you adjust volume and control playback without reaching for your phone or device.

Who It's For

The AirFly SE is ideal for frequent flyers, commuters, and gym-goers who own Bluetooth earbuds or headphones and need to connect to older or non-Bluetooth sources like airplane seats and treadmill consoles. It suits users who value travelability and long battery life over built-in streaming features on their source device.

Those who should look elsewhere include users who need multi-device simultaneous pairing for complex setups or anyone experiencing intermittent connectivity with specific headphone models; a small number of customers report mixed connectivity results, so users requiring flawless, high-availability links in critical listening situations may prefer a different solution.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clear benefit for travel: converts wired audio jacks into Bluetooth output for AirPods and other headphones.
• Long battery life that comfortably covers long-haul flights and extended gym sessions.
• Small, lightweight unit with USB-C charging and a travel pouch for easy portability.
• Simple pairing and playback controls make it straightforward for non-technical users.

Cons

• Some users encounter intermittent connection drops or difficulty pairing with certain headphones, so results can vary by model.
• Does not add extra source features like noise cancellation or multi-device streaming beyond basic transmitter functionality.

Specifications

Product	Twelve South AirFly SE
Function	Bluetooth audio transmitter for 3.5 mm jack devices
Compatible Headphones	AirPods, wireless earbuds, Bluetooth headphones
Battery Life	Over 20 hours per charge
Charging	USB-C cable included; usable while charging
Included Accessories	USB-C charging cable and travel pouch
Use Cases	Airplanes, gym equipment, tablets, gaming devices

Our Verdict

The AirFly SE is a practical, well-designed adapter for travelers and active users who want to use AirPods or other Bluetooth headphones with devices that only offer a wired jack. Its long battery life, pocketable size, and straightforward setup make it good value for anyone who prioritizes convenience and reliable audio on the go, while those needing absolute connectivity consistency should be aware of occasional pairing issues reported by some customers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the AirFly SE on an airplane?
Yes, plug it into the airplane seat's 3.5 mm jack to stream audio wirelessly to your AirPods or Bluetooth headphones.

How long does the battery last?
The built-in battery provides over 20 hours of playback and the unit can be used while charging via the included USB-C cable.

Will it work with any Bluetooth headphones?
It is designed to pair with most Bluetooth earbuds and headphones, including AirPods, but a small number of users report intermittent connectivity with certain models.