The Twelve South AirFly Pro 2 is a compact Bluetooth adapter designed to connect your wireless headphones to in-flight entertainment systems. However, its versatility extends beyond airplanes, offering solutions for various audio connectivity challenges. This review explores the AirFly Pro 2’s features, performance, and potential applications.
The Twelve South AirFly Pro 2
The original AirFly, launched in 2018, aimed to bring Bluetooth compatibility to older in-flight entertainment systems. Since then, the AirFly family has evolved to enable wireless connections to car stereos, gaming consoles, and other devices, even supporting multiple headphone pairings. The AirFly Pro 2 refines this concept with improved audio quality, faster Bluetooth connectivity, and enhanced usability. Powered by Qualcomm’s QCC3056 audio chip with cVc Echo Cancelling and Noise Suppression technology, it promises reduced latency, superior sound, and minimized background noise.
Features and Design
The side of the Twelve South AirFly Pro 2.
The AirFly Pro 2 allows two Bluetooth devices to connect simultaneously, ideal for sharing audio with a travel companion. Volume buttons, separate pairing buttons for each device, a Tx/Rx mode slider, and an on/off switch offer intuitive control. A 3.5mm headphone jack connects to the audio source, while a USB-C port enables charging. A full charge provides up to 25 hours of battery life. Supporting AptX Adaptive audio, an upgrade from the previous generation’s AptX and AptX Low Latency, it delivers a high-quality wireless audio experience. Its compact design and minimalist aesthetic evoke the familiar “Apple-esque” style characteristic of Twelve South products.
Performance and Usability
A Sony CD player with a pair of headphones next to it.
While primarily intended for in-flight use, the AirFly Pro 2’s versatility shines in other scenarios. In a test with an older Sony CD player lacking Bluetooth, the AirFly Pro 2 seamlessly bridged the gap to wireless Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones. Switching to Tx mode and initiating pairing was all it took for the audio to flow wirelessly. The connection range proved sufficient throughout a two-story home. The Rx mode allows the AirFly Pro 2 to receive Bluetooth audio from a smartphone, facilitating wireless playback through car stereos or home audio systems.
Sound Quality and Convenience
A person holding the Twelve South AirFly Pro 2.
While the sound quality is good, it’s not audiophile-grade. The volume is ample and latency is negligible, but the bass response is somewhat lacking and minor distortion is noticeable upon close listening. This is likely attributable to the AirFly Pro 2’s processing, as both the headphones and CD player sound significantly better when connected directly. However, the convenience factor outweighs the slight compromise in sound quality, especially in environments like airplanes and cars where ambient noise masks minor imperfections. The ease of pairing and reliable connection make it a hassle-free solution.
Availability and Pricing
The Twelve South AirFly Pro 2 on its case.
The AirFly Pro 2 is priced at $60, a slight increase from the previous model’s $55. It’s available for purchase on Twelve South’s website and Amazon. Other AirFly models cater to different needs and budgets. The standard AirFly, priced at $35, is a more affordable option for connecting a single pair of headphones to in-flight entertainment.
Conclusion
The AirFly Pro 2 is a valuable accessory for frequent travelers and anyone seeking a simple solution for wireless audio connectivity. It excels at its primary function of enabling Bluetooth headphones with in-flight entertainment while offering additional utility for various audio devices. While not a replacement for dedicated audiophile equipment, its convenience, ease of use, and reasonable price make it a worthwhile investment.
