Putting Airfly SE vs. Pro vs. Duo head-to-head helps you understand how different these three models by Twelve South are. While all three models are decent, helpful devices for travelers seeking seamless wireless audio connection, they still have their fair share of contrasts in terms of features. I’ve reviewed these three models and will compare them to help you understand which has the upper hand regarding features, performance, sound quality, and value.
What is the Difference Between AirFly Pro and Duo? (Quick Answer)
Airfly SE is the most budget-friendly member of the family. It is very good at its primary job as an audio transmitting device, connecting Bluetooth headphones to in-flight entertainment systems, gym equipment, or other 3.5mm audio sources.
However, unlike Airfly Pro and Duo, the SE doesn’t have the dual connection feature, which allows users to connect two sets of wireless headphones to the Airfly simultaneously. Also, the SE’s battery life is 20 hours, which is fine but less than Duo and Pro.
Two advantages that the SE model has over Airfly Pro and Duo are these:
- The addition of a physical on/off switch makes it much more convenient to turn off the device compared to Duo and Pro’s process, in which you have to long-press a button, which can cause accidental battery drain during flights.
- The addition of volume control buttons is a feature that is missing in Pro and Duo.
The main difference between Airfly Pro and Duo is this: at the same time, the AirFly Pro can send audio from a non-Bluetooth device to Bluetooth headphones and receive audio from a phone to play through audio speakers. In contrast, the AirFly Duo can only send audio to Bluetooth headphones. Additionally, the Pro’s battery life is a bit longer, with the Duo lasting 22 hours and the Pro lasting 25 hours. Here’s a full comparison table for you:
| Feature | AirFly Duo | AirFly Pro | AirFly SE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Box Items | AirFly Duo, USB-C to USB-A Charging Cable, Owner’s Guide | AirFly Pro, USB-C to USB-A Charging Cable, Travel Pouch, Keyring Storage, Owner’s Guide | AirFly SE, USB-C Charging Cable, Compact Carry Case, Owner’s Guide | AirFly Pro |
| Battery Life | 22 hours | 25 hours | 20 hours | AirFly Pro |
| Dual Connection Feature | Yes | Yes | No | Pro and Duo |
| Bluetooth Features | Transmit only (TX) | Transmit (TX) and Receive (RX) | Transmit only (TX) | AirFly Pro |
| Sound Quality | High-quality, no noticeable lag | High-quality, no noticeable lag | High-quality, no noticeable lag | Tie |
| Where is it good for | In-flight entertainment, home use, gaming | In-flight entertainment, home use, gaming, automotive use (car stereo), marine systems | In-flight entertainment, gyms, or other basic use cases | AirFly Pro |
| Price | $44.99 | $54.99 | $34.99 | AirFly SE (most affordable) |
AirFly Duo vs. AirFly Pro: Features & Specifications
Generally, both models are Bluetooth adapters, meaning they are designed to transmit audio from a non-Bluetooth device, turning it into a source with wireless capability. You plug the device (AirFly) into the headphone jack of the source, put it in pairing mode, and finally pair your headphones with the device and enjoy your wireless experience! However, while both offer this same functionality, they have differences that we’ll go through in this section.
Battery Life & Portability
All three models shine in terms of battery life. The Airfly Duo can last 22 hours on a single charge, while the Airfly Pro extends the competition with its 25-hour battery life. The Airfly SE, while slightly behind, still delivers an impressive battery life of +20 hours, which is more than enough for long flights without needing a recharge.
When comparing Airfly SE vs. Pro, one important advantage that the SE has over Pro is a physical on/off switch on the side. This provides a much more convenient experience compared to Pro, where you have to long-press a button. There’s no auto-off feature, which often can lead to a drained battery between flights if you forget to turn it off manually.
I found all three devices reliable companions for marathon flights where I didn’t want to worry about recharging. Their compact and lightweight design makes them super portable.
Dual Connection Capability
The dual connection is one of the coolest features I found on AirFly Duo and Pro. You can connect two sets of wireless headphones at the same time, making it easy to share movies or music with your travel companion during the flight. You can also listen to the same music with two separate headphones, eliminating the need to share a single headphone, which can be a real drag.
The Airfly SE, however, doesn’t have this dual connection feature. While this option may be important to some people, for those who travel solo and don’t need to share audio, the SE can still provide a decent single-user experience.
Additional Features
While all three models can turn a non-Bluetooth source into a Bluetooth device thanks to their transmit feature (TX), the AirFly Pro has a slight edge due to its additional option. Unlike the Duo and SE models, the AirFly Pro has a receive functionality (RX), meaning that it can not only transmit audio from non-Bluetooth devices but also receive it and send it to Bluetooth speakers or headphones.
For instance, using the AirFly Pro, you can simply connect the device to your car stereo through the AUX port and play your favourite music from your smartphone. This extra functionality makes the AirFly Pro a jack of all trades!
Another advantage of the brand new Airfly SE over the Pro version is the addition of volume control buttons, a feature missing on Pro and Duo.
Both models can transmit audio, but only the AirFly Pro can also receive and convey audio to Bluetooth speakers or headphones
How Do You Set AirFly Pro to TX or RX Mode?
There’s a little slider on the side that you can simply switch between RX or TX mode.
Compatibility and Connectivity
The pairing process for all three models (AirFly Duo, Pro, and SE) is a breeze:
For Duo and Pro, simply plug them into the source device through a standard 3.5mm audio jack and put them into pairing mode by pressing and holding the power button until they start flashing white and amber. Finally, put your headphones into pairing mode. The AirFly device will then automatically connect with your headphones. Its light will turn white and remain for 10 seconds to indicate success.
The process for Airfly SE is similar but more convenient. There’s no need to hold the power button; you just turn the device on using the on/off switch on its side.
All models are compatible with a wide range of Bluetooth headphones, including AirPods (1st and 2nd generation), AirPods Pro (all generations), AirPods Max, and Bose. They all offer a 33-foot range for connectivity. However, the AirFly Pro has a slight edge here thanks to its additional RX mode, which helps it handle a wider variety of devices, making it useful for more than just wireless headphones.
AirFly Duo vs. Pro: Sound Quality
When comparing AirFly SE vs. Pro vs. Duo, there’s not much difference regarding sound quality; they all hit out of the park. During my tests, I saw how all models can transmit audio to my Bluetooth headphones and earbuds without sacrificing quality. So, there’s not much to discuss regarding sound quality; all contenders are promising.
Price and Value for Money
The cheapest model, the Airfly SE, is just $34.99. According to the Twelve South website, the Duo model is currently $44.99, and the Airfly Pro is $54.99. There’s no significant price gap among the three models, but the final decision depends on your needs. The SE is a great option for people who want an affordable, reliable Bluetooth transmitter for travel and basic home use.
On the other hand, the AirFly Pro is a bit pricier, but its additional feature is a must for some people. I personally prefer the Pro model since it allows me to play my music through my car stereo while driving, and the difference in cost isn’t much, so why not go with the Pro model? But, I repeat, not everyone thinks the same as me, in my opinion, in the battle between AirFly SE vs. Duo vs. Pro, the Pro model wins in terms of value for money.
Conclusion
In conclusion, after comparing AirFly SE vs Pro vs Duo side-by-side, I can say that the Pro is a better choice regarding functionality and value for money. It has better battery life and can act as a Bluetooth receiver. Of course, it’s a bit pricier, but it is worth the investment and is a better overall product.
FAQs
Which Is Better, AirFly Duo or AirFly Pro?
Given its additional signal receiving feature, the AirFly Pro boasts better value for money.
Does the AirFly Duo Work with AirPods Pro?
Yes, it does.
Does the AirFly Pro Work in a Car?
Yes, it can connect to car stereos through its AUX-in adapter.
Can I Use AirFly with My TV?
Yes, both AirFly Pro and Duo can be connected to your TV for wireless listening.
