FiiO Q1From real comments

Verdict distilled from 31 mentions across 10 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment59%
PROS 59%
CONS 41%

Rank based on 31 mentions across 10 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You mainly use IEMs or easy-to-drive headphones on the go
  • You want an affordable step up in sound over phone headphone jacks
  • You can use the balanced 2.5mm output for better performance

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You own high-impedance headphones like HD650/HD660S/HD6XX
  • You need trouble-free plug-and-play with Android without OTG cable issues
  • You're concerned about long-term durability based on other FiiO products

What users complain about

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You are here
31Budget
FiiO Q1
Clean, impressive sound for the priceGood match for IEMs and easy headphonesBalanced output upgradeAndroid OTG and battery drain issuesInsufficient power for high-impedance headphonesCable and connection quality problems
FiiO Q1
Clean, impressive sound for the price
Good match for IEMs and easy headphones
Balanced output upgrade
Android OTG and battery drain issues
Insufficient power for high-impedance headphones
Cable and connection quality problems

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Sound quality is praised as clean and impressive for the price. Multiple users describe the Q1 as sounding fantastic, clean, and holographic, easily powering IEMs and moderate-impedance headphones like the M40x, T20 MkIII, and R70x with room to spare. The bass boost is noted as more tasteful than competitors like the Oppo HA-2. Overall it's seen as a strong entry-level DAC that punches above its low price point for casual and portable listening.

Power runs short with harder-to-drive headphones. Owners of 150-300 ohm cans like the HD660S, HD6XX, and HD598SE report needing most or all of the volume range, and some conclude the Q1 simply lacks enough juice for these loads even with balanced output. One commenter suggests spending less on the Mk1 since balanced output is the only real upgrade for those chasing more power. It's better suited to lower-impedance gear and IEMs.

Android use brings OTG cable and connection headaches. Several users report the Q1 was designed primarily for iOS, requiring specific OTG cables for Android that aren't always guaranteed to work, causing phone battery drain, LED color changes, overheating cables, or audio cutting in and out. Some found workarounds with specific cables and confirmed it works well on certain phones like Galaxy Note 4, Note 8, and S8, but the inconsistency is a recurring frustration.

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