If you want a reliable, compact transmitter to wirelessly connect your existing wireless headphones to any 3.5mm audio jack like those on airplanes or gym machines, choose Twelve South AirFly SE; if you need full-featured over-ear headphones with active noise cancellation and massive battery life for daily commuting or travel, choose Xmenha BT048S. These two devices serve fundamentally different purposes in the ecosystem of audio gear, and picking the wrong one means you will either be carrying a useless dongle or trying to force a pair of headphones to do something they were never designed to do.
• Twelve South AirFly SE: Its greatest strength is its ability to instantly turn any wired audio source into a wireless experience with over 20 hours of battery life, but its biggest trade-off is that it requires you to already own a compatible pair of Bluetooth headphones.
• Xmenha BT048S: It shines as an all-in-one solution with industry-leading -54dB noise cancellation and a staggering 50-hour playtime, yet it is bulky compared to a simple dongle and relies entirely on its own built-in hardware.
• Best For: The AirFly SE is perfect for travelers who refuse to give up their favorite AirPods or earbuds when flying or working out, while the Xmenha BT048S is ideal for commuters seeking immersive sound isolation and long-lasting power without needing extra adapters.
The Twelve South AirFly SE is not a headphone; it is a bridge. It is a small, white plastic adapter that plugs directly into the 3.5mm aux jack of almost any device that lacks Bluetooth capability. If you have ever sat on an airplane and watched the movie on the seatback screen only to be forced to wear flimsy, uncomfortable plastic earbuds provided by the airline, this device solves that problem instantly. You simply plug the AirFly SE into the jacks, turn it on, and pair it with your own high-quality wireless earbuds or headphones. The moment it connects, you are free from the tangled cords and poor sound quality of the standard airline audio setup.
This product is engineered specifically for portability and ease of use. Weighing in at just 13.61 grams, it is so light you might forget it is in your pocket until you need it. Its dimensions of roughly 0.38 inches by 1.25 inches make it smaller than most keys, ensuring it does not add bulk to your carry-on bag. The design focuses on "Wireless Freedom," allowing you to listen to music, movies, or games from older gaming consoles, hotel televisions, or gym equipment that still relies on analog inputs. It supports Bluetooth 5.2 and aptX, which helps maintain a stable connection and decent audio fidelity, though it cannot transmit audio from a smartphone via Bluetooth itself; it only receives audio from a 3.5mm source.
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-28 · 7 min read · Independent comparison
You should buy the AirFly SE if you travel frequently and value the comfort of your personal earbuds over the convenience of cheap, disposable airline headsets. It is also excellent for the gym, where many modern treadmills and elliptical machines still feature standard headphone jacks rather than Bluetooth pairing options. However, you must skip this product if you do not already own a pair of Bluetooth headphones. The AirFly SE cannot function without them. It does not include drivers or speakers; it is purely a transmitter. If you are looking for a standalone listening experience, this device will leave you with nothing to hear through.
In stark contrast to the passive nature of the AirFly SE, the Xmenha BT048S is a complete, self-contained audio system designed for over-ear listening. This is a pair of headphones that brings its own power, processing, and acoustic engineering to the table. It features Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) capable of reducing ambient noise by -54dB, a figure that suggests a serious attempt to block out the roar of jet engines, subway trains, or busy office chatter. This makes it a compelling choice for anyone who needs to focus or find peace in noisy environments. The device uses Bluetooth 5.4, offering a robust connection range of about 10 meters, which provides plenty of freedom to move around your home or office without worrying about dropouts.
The standout feature here is undoubtedly the battery performance. With an average life of 50 hours, the BT048S can last through weeks of daily commutes or multiple long-haul flights on a single charge. Charging takes about 2.5 hours, which is a reasonable timeframe given the capacity. The headphones utilize dynamic drivers with a frequency range of 20Hz to 20,000Hz, aiming to deliver what the manufacturer calls "cinema-quality surround sound." They also include five microphones for ENC call noise cancellation, suggesting they are built for clear voice communication during work calls or phone chats, even in windy conditions. The build is described as having a low-profile luxury appearance, utilizing plastic materials to keep the weight manageable at 18.14 grams, though the form factor is naturally larger than a tiny transmitter.
You should choose the Xmenha BT048S if you are looking for a primary pair of headphones to replace your current set, especially if you prioritize noise isolation and battery longevity. It is particularly well-suited for long-distance travel, where the ability to block out engine noise and go days without charging is a massive advantage. It works seamlessly with any device that supports Bluetooth, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops. However, you should skip this product if you are strictly looking for a way to connect your existing lightweight earbuds to non-Bluetooth sources like older car stereos or specific medical devices. While it has a 3.5mm jack for wired use, its primary value lies in its wireless, ANC-enabled capabilities.
• Best for battery life → Xmenha BT048S: With 50 hours of continuous playback compared to the AirFly SE's 20+ hours, the Xmenha wins decisively for extended trips.
• Best for portability and weight → Twelve South AirFly SE: At 13.61 grams, it is featherlight and fits anywhere, whereas the Xmenha is a substantial pair of over-ear headphones.
• Best for existing Bluetooth users → Twelve South AirFly SE: If you already own great earbuds, the AirFly SE unlocks their potential on old screens without replacing your gear.
• Best for noise isolation → Xmenha BT048S: The -54dB Active Noise Cancellation is a dedicated feature the AirFly SE cannot offer since it has no speakers of its own.
• Best for compatibility with legacy tech → Twelve South AirFly SE: It connects to anything with a 3.5mm jack, including vintage game consoles and airplane entertainment systems.
• Best for all-in-one convenience → Xmenha BT048S: You get the headphones, the battery, and the noise cancellation in one package; no extra dongles required.
• Best for comfortable bone conduction or open-ear use → Neither: Both products are closed-back designs; the AirFly SE transmits to whatever you wear, and the Xmenha is an over-ear model.
• Best for MacBook connectivity → Xmenha BT048S: As a modern Bluetooth 5.4 device, it pairs natively with MacBooks for a seamless wireless experience without needing auxiliary cables.
I would personally choose the Xmenha BT048S for my daily life and travel needs. While the Twelve South AirFly SE is a brilliant tool for specific scenarios, it feels too much like a niche accessory. I prefer having a dedicated pair of headphones that handles everything—sound quality, noise cancellation, and battery life—in one unit. The 50-hour battery and -54dB noise cancellation make it a superior companion for a world that is rarely quiet. The Xmenha BT048S is the best rechargeable bluetooth headphones for macbook users who want a premium, isolated listening experience without carrying extra adapters. If you already have a top-tier pair of earbuds and hate the idea of buying new headphones, the AirFly SE is the logical choice, but for most people, the Xmenha offers a more complete and satisfying audio solution.
Yes, both products work with MacBooks, but differently. The Xmenha BT048S connects directly via Bluetooth 5.4 for a wireless experience, making it a strong option for a best usb c charging bluetooth headphones for macbook setup, while the AirFly SE requires you to plug into a physical 3.5mm port (if available) or use a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter to connect to your Mac's audio output.
Yes, the Xmenha BT048S features Active Noise Cancellation with a benchmark reduction of -54dB, which is designed to block out significant background noise for a quieter listening environment during travel or work.
It may work with hearing aids that support standard Bluetooth pairing without requiring a separate app, but it is not compatible with hearing aids that rely on Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) or require a companion app to establish a connection.
The Xmenha BT048S offers an impressive 50 hours of average play time on a single charge, which is significantly longer than the 20+ hours provided by the Twelve South AirFly SE transmitter.
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