FiiO FF3chat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

Bass that punches above its open-back design. Multiple listeners highlight that the FF3's 'bass boosting flute design' gives it a weighty, addictive punch rarely found in open earbuds, with one owner comparing it favorably to much pricier IEMs like the Variations and IER Z1R for impact, even if not outright sub-bass rumble. A year-long owner still finds the bass impactful on well-mastered tracks, showing the impression holds up over time rather than fading with familiarity.

Cable design splits the crowd. The original FF3 uses a fixed cable, which some buyers dislike given past bad experiences with non-removable cables failing under regular use. The FF3S variant answers this with a detachable cable, but it's a proprietary FiiO connector, not a standard MMCX or 2-pin, disappointing users who wanted freedom to use custom or third-party cables and who note FiiO seems to be locking buyers into its own accessory ecosystem.

Comfort and soundstage are the weak points. Some users found the 15.4mm housing caused discomfort over extended listening sessions, expressing hope a smaller 14.2mm shell would help, and at least one buyer returned the earbuds because they kept slipping out. On the technical side, one listener noted the FF3's soundstage is noticeably smaller than FiiO's own EM5s, hoping the upcoming FF5 would close that gap, suggesting staging is a known tradeoff for the punchy bass tuning.