FiiO BTR1From real comments

Verdict distilled from 27 mentions across 12 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment70%
PROS 70%
CONS 30%

Rank based on 27 mentions across 12 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want to keep using wired IEMs or headphones after your phone loses its headphone jack
  • You need an affordable USB DAC to improve sound from a computer or laptop
  • You mainly listen to in-ear monitors and want a cheap, powerful little amp

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need LDAC support for the best possible Bluetooth audio quality
  • You rely on always-ready wired audio and dislike having another battery to charge
  • You need combined microphone and volume/track controls for calls on the go

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Premium
Natural, non-fatiguing soundMQA and AK4499 chip appealClear upgrade over harsher rivalsUncertain heat outputHigh priceNo sharper sound signature option
Natural, non-fatiguing sound
MQA and AK4499 chip appeal
Clear upgrade over harsher rivals
Uncertain heat output
High price
No sharper sound signature option
2Premium
Strong power deliveryReliable alternative to competitorsSound-tuning flexibilityCosts more than cheaper alternativesHigh price
Strong power delivery
Reliable alternative to competitors
Sound-tuning flexibility
Costs more than cheaper alternatives
High price
3
Fully Balanced ArchitecturePremium, Understated BuildRich Tube Sound
Fully Balanced Architecture
Premium, Understated Build
Rich Tube Sound
4Premium
Drives almost any headphoneUnique xBass and 3D tuning controlsMusical, layered, engaging soundHigh price questionedOverdamped decay / odd dynamics reportedCannot switch preamp and headphone outputs independently
Drives almost any headphone
Unique xBass and 3D tuning controls
Musical, layered, engaging sound
High price questioned
Overdamped decay / odd dynamics reported
Cannot switch preamp and headphone outputs independently
5Budget
Excellent value for moneyDrives demanding headphones with easeExceeds initial expectationsInconsistent regional pricingCheap-feeling volume knobLimited availability at some retailers
Excellent value for money
Drives demanding headphones with ease
Exceeds initial expectations
Inconsistent regional pricing
Cheap-feeling volume knob
Limited availability at some retailers
6Premium
Extremely versatile tuning options
Extremely versatile tuning options
7Mid
Balanced XLR ConnectivitySought for Driving Hard-to-Drive HeadphonesSolid Metal Volume Knob
Balanced XLR Connectivity
Sought for Driving Hard-to-Drive Headphones
Solid Metal Volume Knob
8Mid
Strong Value on SaleGaming Software FeaturesImproved Dynamic RangeFull Price Feels HighUncertain Value vs E5
Strong Value on Sale
Gaming Software Features
Improved Dynamic Range
Full Price Feels High
Uncertain Value vs E5
9Budget
Strong speaker amp performance
Strong speaker amp performance
10Mid
Detailed, engaging sound
Detailed, engaging sound
Best valueYou are here
31Budget
FiiO BTR1
Wireless freedom for wired headphonesAffordable relative to alternativesStrong amp performance for IEMsFiddly physical controlsNo LDAC supportApp and EQ sync issues
FiiO BTR1
Wireless freedom for wired headphones
Affordable relative to alternatives
Strong amp performance for IEMs
Fiddly physical controls
No LDAC support
App and EQ sync issues

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

A convenient bridge for wired headphones in a jackless world. Multiple commenters describe buying the BTR1(K) specifically because their phone lacks a headphone jack, letting them keep drawers full of favorite IEMs and headphones in use. One user built it directly into a pair of Sennheiser HD25s to make them wireless. Another liked being untethered from their phone while still getting loud, satisfying sound, calling it a great budget solution for going wireless without buying new headphones.

Solid sound and amp power for in-ears, at a friendly price. A long-term user of six-plus months called it a really powerful amp for in-ears with no mobility trade-off, and another said they liked the sound quality using it with triple-driver earbuds. A separate commenter said they loved the Btr1k's sound outright. Several viewers also noted it undercuts the pricier BTR3 while sharing a similar amp/DAC, making it an easy recommendation on value.

Battery, codec and connection quirks temper the convenience. One owner complained it's a pain to charge and dies inconveniently, missing the plug-and-play reliability of a 3.5mm cable. Another pointed out it uses the same amp as the BTR3 but an older Bluetooth controller without LDAC. A new buyer reported Bluetooth cutting out past 5-8 meters, and others found the volume/track rocker switch fiddly or had trouble syncing the FiiO app for EQ control.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?