If you want to listen to physical CDs on the go with a dedicated device that lasts 16 hours and includes built-in speakers, choose Arafuna CD Player; if you need to wirelessly connect your existing Bluetooth headphones to older audio sources like airplane seats or gym equipment for over 20 hours of use, choose Twelve South AirFly SE.
• Arafuna CD Player: Its biggest strength is its ability to play physical media (CDs, MP3s) independently without needing a phone, offering 16 hours of battery life and shockproof protection for travel. The trade-off is its bulkier form factor compared to modern dongles and reliance on wired connections for headphones unless paired with an external transmitter. This pick is for the nostalgic audiophile or someone who specifically needs to play their CD collection while traveling.
• Twelve South AirFly SE: Its biggest strength is its tiny, pocket-sized design that instantly converts any 3.5mm jack into a Bluetooth source, delivering over 20 hours of battery life and quick pairing with virtually any wireless earbuds. The trade-off is that it cannot play music itself; it only acts as a bridge, requiring you to already own a Bluetooth headphone set. This pick is for the remote worker or traveler who wants to ditch cables in their car, office, or on a flight.
The Arafuna CD Player is a standalone solution for anyone who still owns a library of compact discs and refuses to rely solely on streaming services. Unlike the AirFly, which requires an external audio source, this device has its own motor and disc tray, meaning it functions entirely on its own. You can simply pop in a disc, press play, and hear high-quality audio through the included wire-controlled headphones or by plugging the unit into a larger speaker system via the AUX output.
For the remote worker who values analog experiences or works in environments where internet connectivity is spotty, this player offers a reliable way to listen to music or audiobooks without draining a smartphone's battery. The 16-hour battery life is a significant advantage here; you can take this device on a long commute or a full workday without worrying about finding a charging port. The inclusion of anti-skip protection is also critical for mobile use. With 100 seconds of skip protection for CDs and 180 seconds for MP3s, it handles movement well, whether you are walking down a busy street or driving over bumpy roads.
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-26 · 7 min read · Independent comparison
However, this product is not for everyone. If your primary goal is to listen to Spotify or Apple Music playlists from your phone, this device adds unnecessary complexity. It is heavier at 230 grams and measures 5.5 inches square, making it less discreet than a small dongle. Furthermore, the design relies on a Micro USB port for charging, which is becoming less common on newer devices, though it remains compatible with most standard mobile charging cables. The LCD display and backlight buttons are practical for dark environments, but they add to the overall size. You should buy this if you have physical media you love listening to and want a durable, portable player that doesn't depend on your phone's software. Skip it if you only stream digital files and prefer the smallest possible footprint in your bag.
The Twelve South AirFly SE is designed for a very specific problem: having great wireless headphones but no way to use them with older hardware. It is a compact Bluetooth transmitter that plugs directly into the 3.5mm headphone jack of almost anything—an airplane seatback screen, a treadmill console, an older TV, or a Nintendo Switch. Once connected, it broadcasts audio wirelessly to your Bluetooth headphones, earbuds, or even hearing aids that support standard Bluetooth pairing. This makes it an essential tool for the remote worker who travels frequently or uses a variety of audio sources throughout the day.
Battery life is a major selling point for this adapter. This extended runtime ensures you can get through multiple flights, back-to-back meetings, or long gym sessions without interruption. Additionally, the device can be used while it is charging via the included USB-C cable, eliminating the anxiety of running out of power mid-flight. The USB-C port is also a modern touch, aligning with current charging standards for laptops and phones, unlike the Micro USB found on the Arafuna.
This product is ideal for anyone who has invested in premium Bluetooth headphones—whether they are AirPods, Sony, Bose, or Samsung Galaxy Buds—and wants to eliminate the frustration of tangled wires during travel. The unit weighs only 13.61 grams, making it nearly weightless in a pocket or bag. Its intuitive controls allow you to adjust volume directly on the device, providing a seamless experience without reaching for your phone. However, it is important to note that it does not play music on its own; it is purely an accessory. If you do not already own a pair of Bluetooth headphones, this purchase would be redundant. It is also worth noting that while it works with many hearing aids, those relying on Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) or companion apps may face compatibility issues. Buy this if you want to modernize your audio setup and enjoy true wireless freedom in places that only offer wired outputs.
• Best for playing physical media → Arafuna CD Player: Only this device can read and play actual CDs and MP3 discs directly; the AirFly requires an external source.
• Best for battery longevity → Twelve South AirFly SE: At over 20 hours per charge, it outlasts the Arafuna's 16 hours, making it superior for long-haul travel.
• Best for remote work with legacy gear → Twelve South AirFly SE: It instantly bridges the gap between old 3.5mm jacks and modern wireless headphones, essential for hotel rooms or older conference rooms.
• Best for active movement and durability → Arafuna CD Player: With specific anti-skip protection ratings for both CDs and MP3s, it is engineered to handle the vibrations of cars and exercise better than a simple transmitter.
• Best for portability and weight → Twelve South AirFly SE: Weighing just 13.61 grams and measuring under an inch in width, it is significantly smaller and lighter than the 230-gram Arafuna.
• Best for independent audio consumption → Arafuna CD Player: It operates completely independently of smartphones, allowing you to listen to your collection without needing to pair a device first.
• Best for modern charging standards → Twelve South AirFly SE: It utilizes USB-C for charging, whereas the Arafuna relies on the older Micro USB standard.
• Best for multi-format disc support → Arafuna CD Player: It explicitly supports CD-R, HDCD, and MP3 discs, offering versatility that the AirFly cannot match since it has no disc drive.
In my opinion, the Twelve South AirFly SE is the more practical choice for the average buyer today, especially for those working remotely. While the Arafuna CD Player is a fantastic piece of technology for preserving the joy of physical media, the reality of modern audio consumption leans heavily toward wireless convenience. The AirFly SE solves a universal problem: the disappearance of the headphone jack. It transforms outdated equipment into modern setups with ease, and its 20+ hour battery life combined with USB-C charging makes it a reliable companion for business trips and daily commutes. I would buy the AirFly SE because it integrates seamlessly with the wireless headphones most people already own, offering a level of freedom and simplicity that a standalone CD player simply cannot provide in a professional setting.
The Twelve South AirFly SE offers over 20 hours of battery life, surpassing the Arafuna CD Player's 16 hours. This makes the AirFly SE the stronger choice for extended travel days where charging opportunities might be scarce.
Both devices support audio input/output, but the AirFly SE is better suited for connecting to older computer headsets or TVs via a 3.5mm jack, while the Arafuna is designed primarily for passive listening to discs rather than two-way communication.
No, both products come with necessary cables. The Arafuna includes a 3.5mm AUX cable and a USB charging cable, while the AirFly SE comes with a USB-C charging cable, ensuring you can start using them immediately upon unboxing.
Neither device is worn directly on the body. The Arafuna is carried in a hand or bag due to its 230g weight, while the AirFly SE is so light at 13.61g it is barely noticeable when stored in a pocket, making both options comfortable for all-day use without physical burden.
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