By: Dipin Sehdev
In an era where most music lovers are perfectly content streaming from their smartphones, FiiO’s newly launched M21 digital audio player makes a bold, niche appeal: ditch your dongles, untether from your phone, and rediscover the pure joy of high-resolution, lossless audio playback through a dedicated device. Priced at $329 / £279 / €329, the M21 enters the ring with flagship-grade hardware and a few unexpected tricks—while still staying well below the cost of many competing digital audio players (DAPs).
For the uninitiated, FiiO has become a trusted name among audiophiles looking for high-performance gear at budget-conscious prices. And while the $199 JM21 was already a disruptor, the M21 ups the ante in both specs and usability. But does it have a place in a world dominated by smartphone-based listening and wireless convenience?
Let’s dive in.
Who Is the FiiO M21 For?
Before getting into the nitty-gritty, it’s worth asking: who exactly needs a DAP in 2025?
For 99% of users, the answer is likely "no one." With modern smartphones capable of high-res streaming, advanced Bluetooth codecs, and a slew of USB-C DAC dongles on the market, carrying a second device seems unnecessary—if not downright excessive.
But for the remaining 1%—audiophiles who demand pristine audio quality, who use sensitive IEMs or high-impedance headphones, or who prefer to keep their music lives separate from their smartphones—FiiO’s M21 fills a specific need. It's for those who still appreciate local playback, native app flexibility, balanced outputs, and battery longevity while maintaining audiophile fidelity on the go.
And at $329, it undercuts the majority of the premium DAP market, where prices can climb to $1,000 or more.
Flagship Performance, Entry-Level Price
The M21 may be budget-friendly, but its internal architecture tells another story. At the heart of the device is an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 processor built on a 6nm process—far more capable than what you’d find in most sub-$500 DAPs. Paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of onboard storage (with 52GB available to the user), the M21 runs a clean, responsive version of Android 13.
What this means in practice is that users can install and run native streaming apps like Qobuz, TIDAL, Apple Music, or Spotify with snappy performance and little friction. The inclusion of dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz) ensures fast downloads and smooth streaming, while microSD expansion up to 2TB makes it a powerhouse for local file collectors.
Key Specs at a Glance:
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Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (8-core, 6nm)
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Operating System: Android 13
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RAM/Storage: 4GB RAM, 64GB storage (52GB usable)
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Expandable Storage: Up to 2TB via microSD
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Display: 4.7-inch IPS HD touchscreen
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Battery: 4,000 mAh, up to 15 hours playback (SE) / 11.5 hours (balanced)
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Weight: ~193g
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Dimensions: 68 × 121 × 17 mm
Quad DAC Architecture: Clean, Balanced Audio
Where the M21 truly begins to separate itself from casual audio devices is in its DAC and amplifier configuration. It features a quad-DAC architecture based on four Cirrus Logic CS43198 chips arranged in a matrix to reduce crosstalk and noise—an audiophile-grade approach rarely seen in this price range.
Output comes through a fully balanced amplifier circuit that employs two-stage amplification: first voltage, then current, delivering powerful, clean, and dynamic sound. It supports both 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced outputs, plus coaxial digital and USB-C for digital out and DAC mode.
The M21 supports hi-res PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz, DSD512, and full MQA decoding. In short: this thing can handle just about any format you throw at it.
Desktop Mode: A DAP That Plays Like a DAC/Amp
One of the most compelling new features is what FiiO calls "Desktop Mode"—a feature unheard of at this price level. When plugged into an external power supply via its secondary USB-C port, the M21 bypasses the internal battery and unleashes full desktop-level output: up to 21 Vpp and 950mW per channel at 32Ω.
That’s not just respectable—it’s genuinely impressive. These are numbers that flirt with high-end portable DAC/amps from companies like iFi, Topping, or Chord, only packed into a standalone Android-based DAP.
And thanks to the updated FiiO Control app, users can fine-tune EQ settings (including advanced PEQ filters) and access the M21’s settings from their phone—turning it into a central piece of a larger audio setup.
In Desktop Mode, the M21 becomes a flexible streaming component for your home system, pulling double duty as a transport and DAC/amplifier.
A Touch of Retro, A Lot of Function
The M21 features a sleek aluminum chassis with AG frosted glass on the back and a clean, compact form factor. The 4.7-inch touchscreen is bright and responsive, small enough to fit in the palm, but large enough for navigation and playback control.
But FiiO didn't stop there. For those who miss the tactile charm of yesteryear, there's an optional retro protective case that mimics a cassette tape, complete with vintage UI skin and tactile playback buttons. It's cheeky and a bit gimmicky, but undeniably fun—a nod to the Walkman era wrapped around modern internals.
The case is sold separately and will set you back an additional ~$20–$50 depending on the retailer.
Connectivity: All the Right Codecs
Modern convenience isn’t forgotten. The M21 supports Bluetooth 5.0 with a wide array of codecs, including LDAC, LHDC, aptX HD, SBC, and AAC. That ensures high-res Bluetooth playback with most premium headphones and IEMs.
It’s also Roon Ready, meaning it can be added as an endpoint for seamless high-res network streaming from your Roon core. DLNA and AirPlay support round out the feature set, making it a versatile networked audio player beyond personal listening.
Battery Life: Long Enough for Audiophile Marathons
Despite its power and compact size, the M21 boasts solid battery performance:
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Single-ended (3.5mm): Up to 15 hours
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Balanced (4.4mm): Up to 11.5 hours
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Standby: Several days, depending on app usage
Charging is handled via USB-C with 20W Power Delivery, topping up the 4,000mAh battery quickly when you’re on the move.
How Does It Compare?
In a world where most serious DAPs begin at $500 and stretch well into four figures, the FiiO M21 stands as an outlier. Astell & Kern’s entry-level models start at around $700, and while devices like the Activo P1 attempted to fill the low-cost niche, they fell short in build and sound quality.
The M21 gets the fundamentals right. It has the sonic performance of far more expensive units, the OS fluidity of a midrange smartphone, and an actual ecosystem of accessories (like that retro case) to keep things fun.
That said, it’s still a niche product. For $329, you're getting something powerful, unique, and capable—but also something that’s very specific in its purpose. If you don’t already value the benefits of a dedicated music player, this likely won’t convert you. But if you're chasing portable fidelity, it might just be your new favorite gadget.
Availability and Pricing
The FiiO M21 is available now at:
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Price: $329 / £279 / €329
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Availability: Ships globally via FiiO distributors, Amazon, and authorized retailers
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UK Retailer Highlight: Advanced MP3 Players
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Optional Accessories: Retro cassette-style case (~$20–$50 depending on retailer)
Final Thoughts: A DAP Worth Owning—If You Need One
The FiiO M21 is a well-engineered, forward-thinking product that makes high-end audio performance accessible in a form factor that’s compact, stylish, and surprisingly powerful. With its quad-DAC setup, balanced output, desktop-class power delivery, and streaming-friendly Android 13 platform, it hits far above its weight.
But it’s not for everyone—and that’s okay.
Most people will continue streaming through Bluetooth earbuds, barely noticing the difference between MP3s and lossless files. But for that 1% who care, who own expensive headphones or IEMs, and who obsess over playback chain quality, the M21 offers a compelling reason to ditch the dongle life and get back to serious listening.
Because sometimes, good sound isn’t about convenience. It’s about intent. And the M21 was clearly built with intent.
