FiiO M21chat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

The optional cassette-style case is repeatedly praised for its charm, protection, tactile buttons, and usefulness as a desk stand for streaming. Some note it's not ideal for pocket carry but excels as a desktop accessory.

@ssuusssy

i am very happy with my fiio m21 i love it! i got tired of carrying a amp connected to my phone in public having two bricks side by side . i keep phone in pocket out of sight. an i casually carry the m21 in hand! and it feels so good not having two bricks in hand. the EQ software is nice but i need to mess with it more. i have 1 TB of space on mine and i love carrying a huge library with me. rather its using open backs at family houses to zone family out, or bringing some closed backs out on a adventure i like the vibe! my only minor negative is i wish fiio let me customize the cassette background image to whatever image i want an keep the music information on.launch

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January 23, 2026

@Ian_Does_Stuff

I ordered the case accepting that it might be a gimmick, but it’s cheap enough to try. I actually really like it! Apart from the nostalgia aspect of the tape mode (which is much better than I was expecting) the case keeps the player well protected when travelling and it stands really well, making placing the M21 on a table or on a speaker much easier. Definitely worth the £19 or so. I purchased my M21 because of this great review, thanks.launch

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January 2, 2026

@Rap101online

Great review. Spot on in my opinion. I have had the M21 for a couple of weeks now—and owned the M11S prior to the M21. I find the M21 smoother, and, yes, more forgiving and less sharp than the M11S. It’s really subtle; noticeable with certain tracks. I have the cassette case. It’s fantastic fun! And I like the tactile feel of using actual buttons. Lastly, the fact that I can use both IEMs and full sized headphones is a huge benefit for mobile me.launch

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December 3, 2025

@Pickle_Panther

Not gonna lie. I like the cassette mode. I like the idea of putting on an album, slipping the device into the case like a cassette into a player and going. Having to remove the device to change albums is kinda like removing a cassette to put in another one. Adds time and isn't efficient. But for me at least, it adds charm and physical ritualistic experience to it. Not for everyone, for sure. But I really like this and will probably buy this DAP.launch

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October 9, 2025

Many owners describe the M21's sound as smooth, rich, engaging and less sharp than competitors like the M11S and R4, with a wide, deep soundstage. Several say it 'draws them into the music' more than pricier units they also own.

@Rsalmond83

I enjoy both, but find the M21 to be more engaging and musical. Love the lushness and richness of the R4, but the stage on the M21 is bigger/deeper and instrumentals are separated more to my ears. You can’t go wrong with either purchase, but the value of the R4 is undeniable.launch

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December 19, 2025

@JRVick

Very interesting. I own both R4 and M21 players and testify to both being great. Hovever, i find the FiiO way more engaging and musical with even better staging capabolities. This is particularly true in NOS mode and \"all to DSD\" mode. Both not available on the R4. The class A amp on the R4 is possibly a little cleaner to my ears though. \nGive the FiiO about 200 hours to ripen. Out of the box it is not that impressive imho.\nEither way, you can't go wrong.\nVery exciting times ro be in the hobby.launch

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December 19, 2025

@Rap101online

Great review. Spot on in my opinion. I have had the M21 for a couple of weeks now—and owned the M11S prior to the M21. I find the M21 smoother, and, yes, more forgiving and less sharp than the M11S. It’s really subtle; noticeable with certain tracks. I have the cassette case. It’s fantastic fun! And I like the tactile feel of using actual buttons. Lastly, the fact that I can use both IEMs and full sized headphones is a huge benefit for mobile me.launch

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December 3, 2025

@Headfiguy

I love the M21. The “softer” sound you describe is very appealing if you like a warmer sound profile versus the sharper sound so many similar devices provide. It’s also Roon ready, which is how I almost always use it. For home listening it’s great plugging into it, setting it down beside me, sitting back and controlling it with my iPad and the excellent Roon interface. I haven’t used it with my headphones yet, but have a wide variety of IEMs. I think Android DAPs are the way to go vs. proprietary operating systems. Great value for the money. Thanks for the great review Amos, love your channel.launch

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November 30, 2025

Multiple reviewers cite the ability to run the M21 plugged in continuously without battery wear as a major selling point, especially for all-day desk use. This feature is frequently mentioned as the deciding purchase factor.

@rokosbasilisk2894

Just got this a couple of weeks ago thanks to this review. My first DAP. The biggest selling point for me was the desktop mode as I use it at work to provide audio sustenance throughout the day. Not having to think about battery run-down and recharge check points just sold it to me on that alone. Initially I ran it via aux cable into a mobile speaker then I purchased some nice budget IEM's (CCZ Harmony) and tried them out on it... please be warned.. whenever you plug in a new sound delivery device, turn the volumes and gains way down to start with and gradually increase to taste. My eardrums have now grown back (they were never destroyed tbh) but I don't know how they were not destroyed. These devices are very powerful . Use them wisely.launch

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August 7, 2026

@rokosbasilisk2894

My first DAP.. it was the Desktop mode that appealed to me so I could run it all the time at work without worrying about the charge remaining and when to recharge. It's a massive plus to not have to think about that. I was running High gain mode through an aux cable mobile speaker and it was great. A bit muffled at times but I think I need to lower the gain. I ordered some IEM's due to great reviews 'Yinyoo CCZ Harmony BC01 Pro' and plugged them in... don't do that! How I still have ear-drums is a mystery. I run some loud equipment at work such as saws and granulators which are still loud with ear defenders on. The volume that came from these new IEM's through the M21 on high gain was something I cannot fathom, maybe if I stuck my head in the granulator right next to the cutting teeth without ear defenders would be getting close but barely. Use this equipment wisely. Always start low then build gradually.launch

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August 1, 2026

@yspegel

Well, I was intending to buy a desktop dac/headphone amp around the same price point. Then found this thing, was wondering, what does hold me back to buy this instead and get way more features including mobility? This is not the first video that made me want to buy it but the DSD (did not know about that yet) and the fact that you mistake it for a desktop dac..... must...buy....now! 🤣launch

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December 14, 2025

@rendezvous009

Yes, even someone like me who claim he don't need a DAP has bought a Fiio M21, that thing is good. I like Fiio because of its desktop mode, so I own the Fiio Q7 also. I actually prefer to stream with my iPad, but iPad sucks when it comes to offline playback and the lack of SD card functionality to store tons of music library. This Fiio M21 solves that problem.launch

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December 9, 2025

Comparisons against Hiby R4/R6, Shanling M3 Plus, and FiiO's own M23 lead many to conclude the M21 offers excellent performance for its price, sometimes rivaling pricier devices.

@jean-marccoolen6417

Thank you very good video well detailed on the Fiio M21: I ordered it and I should receive it tomorrow at a very good price since I got it at 279 € new product of course. It's a very good product that I compared with the Shanling M3 Plus - which is much more expensive and especially there is nothing more. Shanling has good equipment too, only what I like less is their application, I much prefer the Fiio application. Thank you again for the very good video. JM-C France.launch

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February 1, 2026

@mden2490

Thanks for taking the time to put this review together, I always appreciate the thought and care you put into your evaluations. One thing I did want to respectfully push back on is the description of this as an “entry-level budget” device. Given the internal design, DAC implementation, and overall performance, I’m not sure that label quite fits. If this is considered entry level, it raises the question of where the JM21, its lower-priced sibling — would then sit. To me, this model feels much closer to a mid-tier DAP that simply happens to be priced aggressively. It also felt like the categorization leaned more on price than on what the device actually delivers in practice. I completely understand the dongle comparisons from a sound-only perspective, but I think the broader DAP experience, dedicated hardware, screen, DSD support, and bit-perfect playback, puts this in a different class altogether. I get it, sometimes it’s difficult to admit that with products like the M21 and the iBasso, the price delta doesn’t always align with the performance delta. Even though they’re only a couple hundred dollars apart, the M21 is likely much closer in performance than the pricing , and perhaps the overall framing of the review — would suggest. Just my perspective, and I appreciate the discussion.launch

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January 13, 2026

@aaronignacio4652

I have had r4 for 6months. then 2 months ago I bought m21. For me, m21 is an upgrade to r4 especially in terms of sound, speed, build and UI. Dmode is perfecr and the ability to bypass battery charging. .now i already sold my r4launch

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December 23, 2025

@Rsalmond83

I enjoy both, but find the M21 to be more engaging and musical. Love the lushness and richness of the R4, but the stage on the M21 is bigger/deeper and instrumentals are separated more to my ears. You can’t go wrong with either purchase, but the value of the R4 is undeniable.launch

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December 19, 2025

Users report the M21 drives demanding low-impedance headphones and IEMs with high output, outperforming expectations for its price. Some even compare it favorably to costlier competitors in raw driving power.

@rokosbasilisk2894

Just got this a couple of weeks ago thanks to this review. My first DAP. The biggest selling point for me was the desktop mode as I use it at work to provide audio sustenance throughout the day. Not having to think about battery run-down and recharge check points just sold it to me on that alone. Initially I ran it via aux cable into a mobile speaker then I purchased some nice budget IEM's (CCZ Harmony) and tried them out on it... please be warned.. whenever you plug in a new sound delivery device, turn the volumes and gains way down to start with and gradually increase to taste. My eardrums have now grown back (they were never destroyed tbh) but I don't know how they were not destroyed. These devices are very powerful . Use them wisely.launch

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August 7, 2026

@rokosbasilisk2894

My first DAP.. it was the Desktop mode that appealed to me so I could run it all the time at work without worrying about the charge remaining and when to recharge. It's a massive plus to not have to think about that. I was running High gain mode through an aux cable mobile speaker and it was great. A bit muffled at times but I think I need to lower the gain. I ordered some IEM's due to great reviews 'Yinyoo CCZ Harmony BC01 Pro' and plugged them in... don't do that! How I still have ear-drums is a mystery. I run some loud equipment at work such as saws and granulators which are still loud with ear defenders on. The volume that came from these new IEM's through the M21 on high gain was something I cannot fathom, maybe if I stuck my head in the granulator right next to the cutting teeth without ear defenders would be getting close but barely. Use this equipment wisely. Always start low then build gradually.launch

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August 1, 2026

@thtrausan1

The DCA Noire has 13 ohms impedance. You would think that they are very easy to drive at that impedance, vut actually, below 32 ohms most amps have a current cap and the output power is even lower at those impedances than at 32 ohms. If you don't believe me open the parameters tab on fiio amps or daps and you will see. I think the M21 is one of the few portable amps or dacs that deliver high power at 16 ohms. I have a similar problem with the Audeze LCD-S20. And I was not even talking about the low sensitivity, that also plays a role. So if you have low impedance headphones, please check for specs at 16 ohms, power graphs if available etc. Topping G5 and Ifi Micro idsd black/signature should also be a safe portable choice if you don't want to break the bank.launch

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May 26, 2026

@harrythehaggler7103

The 32 Ohm Power is pretty good for a small and not expensive device. PEQ is also nice cause i Eq a lot. But how does it work with 16 ohm headphones like the Arya Organic that i ordered a few days ago? Is it powerful enough or should i take the dx180? Just own the onix alpha xl1 and not demanding Over-Ears and iems. Or do i really need a desktop amp to get full potential of the organic in balance Mode. Thanx!!!launch

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March 26, 2026

Several users highlight Roon Ready support, allowing remote control via iPad while enjoying high-quality playback, plus useful filters like All to DSD and NOS mode for tonal variety.

@arthurkillen396

I've had this for two months. It sounds really good as is, but I'd encourage people to try using Neutron player with this. Upsampling in Neutron to PCM 384/352 sounds surprisingly good for local and streaming content (Neutron acting as DLNA renderer). I prefer this upsampling to ALL to DSD in Fiio's system, and I also prefer it to higher sampling rates in Neutron. Might be one of those synergy things, but PCM 384/352 seems to have the best soundstage/resolution/dynamics.launch

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December 8, 2025

@Headfiguy

I love the M21. The “softer” sound you describe is very appealing if you like a warmer sound profile versus the sharper sound so many similar devices provide. It’s also Roon ready, which is how I almost always use it. For home listening it’s great plugging into it, setting it down beside me, sitting back and controlling it with my iPad and the excellent Roon interface. I haven’t used it with my headphones yet, but have a wide variety of IEMs. I think Android DAPs are the way to go vs. proprietary operating systems. Great value for the money. Thanks for the great review Amos, love your channel.launch

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November 30, 2025

@JRVick

Great review. Love mine. Very musical and great value, period. Love the all to DSD mode. NOS and Fast filters are great to (for more detailed highs in some recordings).\nHave iBasso DC07Pro tto and that is more technical, but i grab this thing all the time as it draws me in to the music and puts a big smile on my face.\nGreat times to be in the hobby.launch

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November 29, 2025

@Headfiguy

Great review Lachlan! I have the M21 and I think it is fantastic. I love its rich, smooth sound. I’d like to add that it is also Roon Ready. If you use Roon, it makes the M21 a great streamer that you can use at a distance with an excellent interface. Some might think this is crazy, but I love plugging my headphones into the M21 (or other Roon Ready DAP), setting it down beside me and just sitting back with my iPad to control the music - so much easier and enjoyable than fiddling with the DAP itself. And you get the great Roon functionality.launch

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September 13, 2025

Buyers appreciate having a dedicated music device free of phone notifications and interruptions, with large storage capacity for offline libraries, useful for gym, work, or unplugging from streaming services.

@cirkuitknight

I just got mine as my 2 yr sobriety gift for myself. So far I love it. Yes pricey but the perfect getaway from using streaming services at times and unplugging. And the quality is amazinglaunch

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March 29, 2026

@ssuusssy

i am very happy with my fiio m21 i love it! i got tired of carrying a amp connected to my phone in public having two bricks side by side . i keep phone in pocket out of sight. an i casually carry the m21 in hand! and it feels so good not having two bricks in hand. the EQ software is nice but i need to mess with it more. i have 1 TB of space on mine and i love carrying a huge library with me. rather its using open backs at family houses to zone family out, or bringing some closed backs out on a adventure i like the vibe! my only minor negative is i wish fiio let me customize the cassette background image to whatever image i want an keep the music information on.launch

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January 23, 2026

@scottchristmon1726

I’ve been very pleased. I bought one for the gym because my phone kept interrupting me. I forgot how good digital sound was compared to my phone. Very happy with my purchase thanks for the review it helped me make this decision.launch

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December 22, 2025

@rendezvous009

Yes, even someone like me who claim he don't need a DAP has bought a Fiio M21, that thing is good. I like Fiio because of its desktop mode, so I own the Fiio Q7 also. I actually prefer to stream with my iPad, but iPad sucks when it comes to offline playback and the lack of SD card functionality to store tons of music library. This Fiio M21 solves that problem.launch

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December 9, 2025