AirFly Pro - Review

Every now and again someone will offer me a chance to review hardware, that I've not had much exposure to, laptops and headsets, they're pretty common for me, but a device that allows for wireless audio from sources that don’t offer it internally, that is different. This time we're talking about the AirFly Pro from Twelve South, the question really needs to be asked though does this product make for a better experience or is this more of one of those things that is just nice to have?

AirFly Pro is an adapter to turn your regular device into a Bluetooth enabled product, the example that they currently provide is to allow wireless headphones for your Nintendo Switch or if you're travelling on a plane, the name kind of gives that part away. All you need to do is power the device on, connect it to your Bluetooth headphones of choice, Apple Air Pods, Surface Earbuds or Razer Hammerheads, whatever and then plug it into the 3.5 mil Jack of your selected device. That's it, that is the setup process, the only problem is there is no audial feedback or clear visual indicator to let you know if you're successful in connecting your headphones to it. This is something that took me multiple attempts to get sort out, but once I was connected I never had a problem, just the information in the booklet and the device settings themselves are a bit harder to understand then they needed to be.

Of course there's actually a second feature of the device that makes it more multipurpose than you might think, headphone out is the default, it is what you use when playing on your Switch or watching a movie on an aeroplane (you know those things that we used to fly on). The other mode is the auxiliary in and what it does is it allows you to connect your phone or other device to radios in cars or older stereo systems that have an input device but no wireless connects. As most modern cars do offer some form of connection between your phone and the inbuilt audio system, this is really going to be an advantageous option for those rocking an older car or something like boat or maybe a caravan. Regardless of which manner you use the device in, broadcasting from a source or connecting it your external speaker, once it's set up it works beautifully, I never encountered a problem, there was no lag in signal and there was no quality drop in the audio I was hearing.

When we're talking about broadcasting signals, obviously we need to discuss battery life and Twelve South have said that the device should offer 16 hours of broadcasting. I managed to get around 13 1/2 and I don't know if that's due to my constant issues in connecting it to begin with or the level of volume, but I didn’t quite hit their target. Regardless if you're flying from Australia to the United States, you would be able to last one way with a single charge which is a very good thing.

That's really the upside to the product, the downside however is its overall size and weight, now it's not a heavy device nor is it an exceptionally bulky one, but if you're using it in a plane it's going to be dangling from the screen or as I found out as I was using it on my Switch, hanging from the back. The device is tiny, there is very little to it, the problem is because it has a short cord from the 3.5 mil end to the unit, it dangles and every time I would move the Switch it would sway back and forth and while I didn't test this on a plane, as annoying as it was on my Switch, I can only imagine how it would be swaying below a screen. If the device were a single unit without the cable it probably would be more beneficial, it's not to say it doesn't work, it does, that is not the problem, the problem comes along when it remains lose and you have to ensure it doesn't get caught on things and generally just try to make sure that it's not going to get in your way and I don't believe the current form factor makes that easy.

As far as products go to allow for a wireless audio experience it does offer exactly what it promises. solid battery life, clear audio and with no discernible latency to what you should be hearing. The overall shape of it is a bit of a concern because it does dangle and I can see it being damaged quite easily and while the setup is not the most intuitive once set up, you don't have to worry again. If you're a constant traveller, be it on a plane, train or automobile and you want wireless freedom for your entertainment I do recommend it, you are someone who just wants to cut the cord around the house, there might be other options for you to look into, if you do go with the AirFly Pro, you will find a solid device that delivers on its promise.

The Score

8.5

Review unit provided by Twelve South

The Pros

+Clear audio, without any latency issues

+Decent battery life that should last a plane trip to LA

The Cons

-Setup is not as straight forward as their instructions make out

-The dangle factor needs to be considered into your purchasing decision