Twelve South AirFly SE, Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter for AirPods/Wireless or Noise-Cancelling Headphones Use with Any 3.5 mm Audio Jack on Airplanes, Gym Equipment or iPad/Tablets

Battery life runs 20+ hours on a single charge, with a wireless range of 10m/33ft and a body measuring 0.38 x 1.25 x 1.75 inches at 0.529 ounces. The AirFly SE plugs into a standard 3.5 mm jack and sends that audio out over Bluetooth 5.2, so a seatback screen, a treadmill console, a games machine or a television can feed a pair of wireless earbuds instead of wired ones. It switches into pairing mode as soon as it is powered on, and a reset button clears the connection when a different set of headphones needs to be paired.

• Codecs: aptX and SBC
• On/off switch; usable while charging
• In the box: AirFly, USB-C cable, quick start guide, manual

Note: AirPods must sit inside their case to pair.

Travelling light is where a device this small earns its keep. At under two inches long and half an ounce, the AirFly SE slips into a jacket pocket or sits flat in a toiletry bag without taking up meaningful space, and the included USB-C cable means there is no hunting for a proprietary charger. The on/off switch lets you conserve the battery between uses rather than relying on auto-shutoff, which matters on long trips where a recharge may not be convenient. Because it works while charging, you can run it off a power bank if a very long flight drains the battery before landing.

When comparing Bluetooth audio transmitters of this type, the codec support is the most practical differentiator. aptX delivers better audio quality than SBC when both the transmitter and the headphones support it, so checking whether your headphones list aptX compatibility is worth doing before buying. The single-jack design suits anyone who uses one set of headphones at a time; if sharing audio with a companion is a priority, a dual-output version of the AirFly exists for that purpose. This SE model is the better fit for solo travellers, gym users, or anyone who simply wants to cut the wire on a single screen without carrying a bulky adapter.