koogz—October 16, 2025✓ Verified purchase
The media could not be loaded. This was one of several DAPs I have owned, and it is better than any of them overall as a great player. - Desktop Mode (Pass through power) saves your battery life - Form factor is really great and solid - Software and PEQ works great - Feels great in hand - Love the sound it makes (Warmer than the rest) - Compliments my Xenns Mangird Tea Pro IEM and FT1 - Casette tape mode (see video) Awesome, nostalgic) Really fun! Negatives - Display had an anomaly on the bottom (replaced the unit) Other units tried Hiby R6 III 2025 - Got pretty hot for me, cannot use A-Amp) - Battery life was bad AB amp was pretty good - Construction was wow - Volume Button was great (I miss that) - Software PEQ, MSEB was really great - Plugins galor (System wide) Hiby R4 - Great price - Cheap-ish in spots with plastic - No desktop mode - Software same as R6 which is a plus! - Cool style and very Cyber iBasso DX180 - Pricey for what you get - Amazing construction - Sharp Edges - Volume wheel was cool and you could control it - Display is super bright 1080p - $$$$ Can't get it on Amazon either - Sound was pretty good - No desktop mode - Replaceable Battery (I'm a technician, I can replace anything on anything) Read more
K Shub 216—July 7, 2025✓ Verified purchase
I have had a Sony NW-A306 JP version since its release, but wanted something a little bit more. The M21 meets all my requirements for a new device: (1) a larger screen, so I can use it without reading glasses, (2) more battery-saving options, as in desktop mode, which bypasses the battery, (3) I can skip using my iFi Hip-dac 3 for 4.4mm balanced headphones, (4) more power, so I don't have to use the DAC, and (5) faster UI. I've been using it almost daily without any issues! This is my first Fiio product, and I'm pleasantly surprised by the responsiveness the company has with the community. It seems from the head-fi forum that the company rolls out new firmware every 2-3 months, which incorporates user feedback, super! Value for money: I've been looking at other devices, and based on reviews and my personal experience, I don't believe this can be beaten by currently released devices. Sound quality: Absolutely amazing!! I love my NW-A306, but the M21 sounds even better, all without a DAC :-) Quality: 5/5 - seems built to last and comes with a pre-installed silicone wrap and screen protector. Feels solid and well-made. Read more
musiclover—October 3, 2025✓ Verified purchase
I got this because I wanted a more intimate and special bond with my music when am on the go, rather that be on walks or visiting family. I also have been a bit tired using external amp/dacs connected to my phone. Carrying two bricks in my hand is never fun. The sound of the Fiio M21 by itself isn't anything memorable, very neutral sound, nothing exciting, especially compared to my Ifi Hip Dac 3. Where the M21 shines an where I fell in love with it is simply the EQ. The Fiio EQ app that comes with the M21 brings this music player to life, having the ability to customize my sound an music on the go is very satisfying. If I prefer more prominent vocals I add more tremble, if I need more bass or less bass I mess with the bass. Now where the magic really shines is with the Stero Expand option. This EQ adds soundstage and insturment separation, which is extremely amazing for Closed Back headphones, like my Sundara closed back. Will this music player make Open Back headphone sound good? Yes! and it can he a hit or miss, very EQ dependant,but I think this music player really shines more with Closed Back, it sound decent with Open Backs. It turns my Sundara closed back into open backs an makes music sound very fun an 3D with pretty good Insturment separation! I have many ifi amps/dacs and all of them have slightly better detail. My Ifi Hip Dac 3 has more detail overall an more textured bass. Though I think the M21 is more superior because they offer a more fun and lively experience that the Ifi Hip Dac 3 cant come close too. If you prefer more separation and a lively sound. With decent detail an looking to make your Closed Back headphones sound godly better then buy the M21. Overall fun factor 10/10! soundstage 10/10! vocal 10/10! bass 7/10! detail 8/10! I am selling my Ifi Hip Dac 3. I hope this review helps! UPDATE! 12/30/25 there was a recent update to the Fiio m21 software, they added a selection of many audiophile headphones from many brands, so now if you want a sound profile thats more suited for the spefic headphone you are wearing, now you can! I tried the sound profiles for my open backs and they finally gave them a more lively and warm sound that they were missing. I originally stated that the Fiio m21 mainly was Ideal for only closed back headphones, because they didnt really benefit from the previous EQ settings, but the recent update, makes Open Backs sound pretty damn good. I hope they add a option to customize the cassette artwork to our own images. Overall thus music player is a must for Closed Backs, I recommand, and for Open Backs its a decent player, if you dont own one already! I love it! Read more
