FiiO FD1From real comments

Name: FiiO FD1
Rating: 3.2 (21 reviews)

Verdict distilled from 21 mentions across 11 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment58%

PROS 58%

CONS 42%

Rank based on 21 mentions across 11 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

You want natural mids and vocals without listening fatigue over long sessions
You prefer a single dynamic driver with plastic build and generous stock tips/cable
You're willing to burn the IEM in for smoother, more balanced sound

What users love

Smooth, non-fatiguing sound0 mentions

Strongly positive

Good value accessories and build0 mentions

Widely praised

Natural, clear vocals and mids0 mentions

Strongly positive

Improves with burn-in0 mentions

Widely praised

Positive first impressions from happy owners0 mentions

Widely praised

Good fit0 mentions

Widely praised

Skip this if...

You're treble-sensitive or dislike any risk of sibilance/harshness
You want a big, multi-driver soundstage with punchy sub-bass
You want guaranteed consistency, given reports of possible unit-to-unit variation

What users complain about

Possible unit inconsistency / bright and thin sound0 mentions

Frequently criticized

Not an all-rounder / distortion at high volume0 mentions

Frequently criticized

No factory burn-in out of the box0 mentions

Generally negative

Harsh or grainy treble on some tracks0 mentions

Frequently criticized

Light sub-bass for some listeners0 mentions

Generally negative

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

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Tanchjim Darling

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Comfortable Final-Style Wear

Excellent Imaging

Poor Value at Price Point

High Price Relative to Sibling Model

Fatiguing Treble Peak

Campfire Audio Alien Brain

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3Mid

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Striking Design and BuildStrong Brand LoyaltyFlagship-Style Driver TechConnector Compatibility UnclearPossible Treble ImbalancePrice Uncertainty

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Flagship-Style Driver Tech

Connector Compatibility Unclear

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4Premium

Shure SE846

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5Premium

Moondrop Illumination

Attractive, lightweight designRefined HD650-like tonalityGood comfort and fitExcessive $800 priceUnderwhelming technical performance for priceCheap stock cable and case

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Attractive, lightweight design

Refined HD650-like tonality

Good comfort and fit

Excessive $800 price

Underwhelming technical performance for price

Cheap stock cable and case

6Premium

Campfire Audio Astrolith

High Resolution and DetailRich, Balanced BassComfortable FitHigh PriceBoosted Bass and Harsh TrebleInconsistent or Dark Tonality

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Rich, Balanced Bass

Comfortable Fit

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Boosted Bass and Harsh Treble

Inconsistent or Dark Tonality

7Premium

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8Mid

Moondrop KXXS

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9Budget

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Positive sound quality impressions

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10Premium

Tanchjim Soda

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Detailed, crisp treble presentation

Generous accessory package

High $300 price point questioned

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You are here

31Budget

FiiO FD1

Good value accessories and buildSmooth, non-fatiguing soundImproves with burn-inNo factory burn-in out of the boxNot an all-rounder / distortion at high volumePossible unit inconsistency / bright and thin sound

FiiO FD1

Good value accessories and build

Smooth, non-fatiguing sound

Improves with burn-in

No factory burn-in out of the box

Not an all-rounder / distortion at high volume

Possible unit inconsistency / bright and thin sound

Overpriced
1. Shure SE846arrow_downward11
2. Moondrop Illuminationarrow_downward16
Detailed sound
1. Shure SE846arrow_upward7
2. Moondrop KXXSarrow_upward5
Design
1. Tanchjim Darlingarrow_upward6
2. FiiO FD3 Proarrow_upward5
High price
1. Campfire Audio Astrolitharrow_downward4
2. Tanchjim Sodaarrow_downward6
Value for money
1. FiiO F1arrow_upward4
2. Tanchjim Darlingarrow_downward3
Burn in improves
1. Moondrop KXXSarrow_upward4
2. FiiO FD1arrow_upward2

Overall Impression

Many listeners found the FD1's tuning smooth and balanced for long sessions. Commenters compared it favorably to the punchier but fatiguing KZ ZS10 Pro, noting the FD1 never sounds harsh even at length, with clear vocals and well-extended highs. They described it as realistic and non-artificial sounding, good for daily use rather than short-term excitement, and appreciated the plastic housing, foam tips, and decent stock cable included at its roughly 60-65 price point.

Burn-in was repeatedly credited with smoothing the sound out. Several users reported the FD1 sounded rough or edgy out of the box but improved noticeably after roughly 8 to 50 hours of burn-in, gaining better extension and air while losing harshness. Some wished manufacturers pre-burned units before shipping so buyers heard the best version immediately, while others were simply confused about what burn-in even meant.

A vocal minority experienced harsh treble, thin sound, or missing bass. One long-term reviewer found upper mids and highs grainy and harsh on busy or cymbal-heavy tracks, likening it to a distorted guitar amp, and rated several competitors as better all-rounders. Another commenter said their unit had excessive treble with virtually no bass, calling it 'broken glass' sounding, suggesting inconsistent tuning or possible quality control issues between units.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?

self_improvementSmooth, non-fatiguing sound

3 mentions

Strongly positive

Multiple listeners said the FD1 never becomes harsh or straining even during long listening sessions, unlike more aggressively tuned rivals. This made it a preferred daily-use IEM over 'wow-factor' alternatives.

@TINO_AMIGA

I own the KZ ZS10 Pro what gives me that \"wow\" feeling again and again. But after a few minutes I want to decrease the volume more and more. Sounding is absolutely incredible for ~ 25 € but a relatively strong pushed around the whole frequency range and it sounds like without slope adjustment. I would describe it as a little rollercoaster through the frequency bands. In direct comparison the FiiO FD1 doesn't give me that \"wow\" effect from the beginning. But skipping through many music genres and listening for a longer time doesn't stress my ears like the ZS10 Pro but it sounds really nice for me and never annoying. The soundstage can not quite reach the 5 driver-level from the ZS10 Pro but it sounds more smooth and real, not artificial pushed. The FD1 comes with many ear tips including foam tips, a decent cable and a box - all for ~65 €. The fit is much better for me than on the KZ because the nozzle has the right length for my ears. At the end of the day the FiiO FD1 is a really good IEM for its money! I like to hear vocals on it because the mids are really really good and clear. And yes, there is also enough deep bass for me but if the deeper bass level would be just a little more pushed it would absolutely be my IEM below 100 €/$. Maybe that's the \"boring\" side on it... ;) Otherwise I can adjust the lowest frequency a little bit and push the deep bass via EQ ... I kept both: the KZ ZS10 Pro for having short-term fun and the FiiO FD1 for daily use.

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November 20, 2020

@TINO_AMIGA

I bought the FiiO FD1 as variety for my KZ ZS10 Pro. That comes with 5 drivers and totally blew my mind for 25 € on ali... The sound from the ZS10 Pro is absolutely awesome with knee-deep warm and fat bass, clear vocals and crisp highs without distortions even at high levels. It also has a very bright soundstage so it's a great pleasure to listening to orchestra or jazz or soul in FLAC. But when it comes to longer listening sessions it becomes exhausting. First and second impression on the ZS10 Pro is just \"wow\" and it makes me smile again and again while listening. I think in the sound setting they slightly pushed the whole frequency range. Like a 10 band frequency parameter with pushed all bands but without smoothing the slope steepness. You can hear really everything clear and \"on the point\" but it's too much present if you listen for longer than a few minutes. So my first impression of the FD1 in direct comparison was sobering: Smaller soundstage (1 driver vs. 5), less loudness, less sparkling in highs and less deep bass. Then I thought OK it's a budget IEM so they had to keep it a little small in sound because of their much more expensive models. And I thought OK, it's less more fun than the ZS10 Pro and I will use it rather for audio books or for music listening to fall asleep... But now after a few days I can say the FD1 is a great choice and a great deal for its price! It will never split the instruments and vocals as accurately as a multi driver IEM. But after using it for a while I like the sound pretty much for its balance and realness with smooth little boost in upper bass. Even after longer listening it sounds good while the KZ ZS10 Pro sounds straining because of its all over boost. Upper mids becomes harsh and I always want to reduce the volume step by step. The FD1 on the other hand never sounds harsh or \"too much\" for me. There is deep bass but without extra boost. There is sparkling in highs but without strange pushing. Vocals sound like they should sound. No analytical sound but very well balanced and without any weaknesses. Just great in this price range. And don't forget you get an almost perfect fitting IEM with many ear tips (including foam tips) and a really good cable. So for ~65 € you get a little more than the entrance to HiFi. The only minus I found is that it's distorting a little bit on very high volume levels but that's unimportant because I can't listen so loud without pain in the ears... I kept both: the KZ ZS10 Pro for having short-term fun and the FiiO FD1 for daily use.

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November 20, 2020

@bigjt37

Nailed it. Great review. There is nothing but goodness in this iem, IMHO. They smoothed out nicely after first day break in. These are my best by a mile. Still have no idea why some people have said it sounds like the ea3? Because both have treble and bass impact? Idk that is about it.. Stage is different tone is different, mid-range is different. Not even close to those..IMHO👍🏼🤘🏼💯

smart_display

August 3, 2020

attach_moneyGood value accessories and build

3 mentions

Widely praised

Users appreciated the plastic housing, good ear tip selection including foam tips, and a decent cable bundled at the roughly $60-65 price point.

@mrfrosty3

These look like a great buy, its possible to go cheaper but sometimes super cheap is achieved through minimal to zero quality control. I've been very happy with the things I have from Fiio. I like a plastic housing on an IEM, I don't want blobs of pot metal stuck in my ears for hours.

smart_display

January 8, 2021

@TINO_AMIGA

smart_displayTranslated from German

November 20, 2020

@TINO_AMIGA

smart_displayTranslated from German

November 20, 2020

micNatural, clear vocals and mids

2 mentions

Strongly positive

Commenters highlighted really good, clear mids and natural-sounding vocals as a standout strength of the FD1's tuning.

@TINO_AMIGA

smart_displayTranslated from German

November 20, 2020

@TINO_AMIGA

smart_displayTranslated from German

November 20, 2020

trending_upImproves with burn-in

2 mentions

Widely praised

Several owners reported the sound smoothed out and gained extension/air after burning the IEM in for hours, with some crediting it strongly for the final sound quality.

@bigjt37

smart_display

August 3, 2020

@bigjt37

Yep mine smoothed out a good bit. Know ppl wanna argue over burn in, but it can't hurt and I'm a believer, in some items more than others. Burned mine 8 hours, sounds so balanced yes some extension and air, but smoother now. It's great, imho.

smart_display

July 3, 2020

thumb_upPositive first impressions from happy owners

2 mentions

Widely praised

Some buyers straightforwardly praised the FD1 as their best IEM by a mile or a great pleasure to use with FLAC/MP3 sources even unamped.

@jazzymart5

Interesting video. Just like to add that I have the Fd1 at £45. UK store. Can't get the jade range and playing via my fiio M7 , M3k, with flac & mp3 320. Jazz rock fusion . These Fd1 are very good . Without amp.

smart_display

April 5, 2022

@bigjt37

smart_display

August 3, 2020

check_circleGood fit

1 mentions

Widely praised

A commenter noted the nozzle length gave a much better fit for their ears compared to a competing KZ model.

@TINO_AMIGA

smart_displayTranslated from German

November 20, 2020

error_outlinePossible unit inconsistency / bright and thin sound

2 mentions

Frequently criticized

One buyer said their pair was overwhelmingly treble-heavy with almost no bass, calling it garbage, while another asked why the sound was so bright and thin, suggesting possible variation between units.

@adeniltonmartins9927

Thanks for the amazing content, mate. But, just asking...why is the FiiO so bright and thin? Is this its natural sound? I mean, from your ZAS video, the recordings sound more balanced compared to the others. Did something change on the recorder presets?

smart_display

December 31, 2021

@marcusmckenzie9528

The pair I got were absolute garbage, never have i experienced so much TREBLE, where was the bass? Non-existant, sounded like listening to broken glass... Very very unimpressed. where is the bass?

smart_display

October 5, 2021

volume_offNot an all-rounder / distortion at high volume

2 mentions

Frequently criticized

Some users noted it loses resolution and gets harsh on complex passages, isn't a genre all-rounder, or distorts slightly at very high volume levels.

@TINO_AMIGA

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November 20, 2020

@DeepSpaceus

Well, I've had the FD1 for a month now and have burned them for at least 50 hours. I like the bass, I like the soundstage, but the upper mids and highs are grainy/harsh/not extended. With some songs they almost sound like they are going through a slightly distorted guitar amp (I am a guitar player). With some songs they sound good, but with songs that get busy or have a lot of drum cymbals they lose resolution and get harsh. I think that is where these fail. They are not all-rounders. I think this explains why some reviews praise these and some reviews bash them. Either that or there is inconsistency in the manufacturing (which is a real problem with many headphone manufacturers). Anytime there is polarizing views about an IEM, it usually means that they are not that great. The Blon 03 even with a $20 replacement cable and $15 SednaEarfit tips is a much better all-rounder. But if you don't want to mess with the Blom 03 there is a lot of competition in the under $100 IEM market. The ones that sound better than the FD1 to me are the new iBasso IT00, the new Tin HiFi T2 Plus, the Simgot MT3, and even the $25 KBear KS2. If you can afford $50 more than the FD1s then I highly recommend to go up to the next level with the Moondrop Starfields, ThieAudio Legacy 3, or Reecho & Peacock Spring. I own all the mentioned IEMs plus about 30 more of all price ranges. For reference, I have tested these on a variety of DAPs and AMPS with FLAC, DSD, and Tidal HiFi/MQA with a variety of music that covers just about every genre. Unfortunately, the FD1s are going into my giveaway pile. Everyone has different ears and tastes, so if you love the FD1s then great. They are just not for me.

smart_display

July 31, 2020

scheduleNo factory burn-in out of the box

2 mentions

Generally negative

Buyers wished the FD1 came pre-burned-in from the factory since it reportedly sounds noticeably better after hours of use, an inconvenience for new owners.

@emjaytwothree

Gotta wonder why burn-in isn’t part QC if it’s that’s detrimental to the sound 🤷‍♂️

smart_display

March 22, 2022

@jojod2210

I hope companies would pre-burn-in such next time so we get to hear the best right out of the box. I got a good 16 core 2.5mm cable and nice foam tips for my BL-03 and the total I've spent isn't even half of this FD1. Not that FiiO's no good, I've got the M11.

smart_display

July 4, 2020

warningHarsh or grainy treble on some tracks

1 mentions

Frequently criticized

A detailed long-term review found upper mids and highs grainy, harsh and not extended, especially on busy or cymbal-heavy songs, likening it to a distorted guitar amp.

@DeepSpaceus

smart_display

July 31, 2020

graphic_eqLight sub-bass for some listeners

1 mentions

Generally negative

A couple of commenters felt the deep bass could be pushed a little more, describing it as the somewhat 'boring' side of an otherwise well-balanced sound.

@TINO_AMIGA

smart_displayTranslated from German

November 20, 2020

FiiO FD1chat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

thumb_up_off_altBuy this if...

What users lovefavorite_border

thumb_down_off_altSkip this if...

What users complain aboutheart_broken

Compare in seconds

Who wins on what

Overpriced

Detailed sound

Design

High price

Value for money

Burn in improves

auto_awesomeOverall Impression

FiiO FD1From real comments

Buy this if...

What users love

Skip this if...

What users complain about

Overall Impression