Introduction
The M15S was the FiiO player most people actually bought when the M17 was too big and the M11 too modest. The M25 takes its place, and FiiO has used the generation jump well. Against the M15S it's 41% more powerful, 27 g lighter, 0.9 mm slimmer and 4 mm narrower, according to FiiO's own figures.
The headline is the DAC section. FiiO has gone with AKM's full flagship chain: an AK4191EQ handles the digital filtering and modulation, then hands off to two AK4499EX chips that only do the conversion. Splitting the jobs across separate silicon keeps digital noise away from the analogue stage. A custom FPGA, femtosecond crystal oscillators and an XMOS XU316 USB controller look after timing.
There's also a sister model, the M25 R2R, with FiiO's own resistor-ladder DAC at the same price. The M25 we're listing is the AKM version, which FiiO markets as "VERITA".
Watch It in Action
Key Features & Benefits
- Quiet enough for IEMs, strong enough for planars: the noise floor is under 1.4 µV on low gain, and Super High Gain pushes 1,700 mW + 1,700 mW into 32 Ω from the 4.4 mm output.
- Four AKM sound profiles: AKM-exclusive filter presets let you shift the presentation without touching an EQ.
- A desk mode that respects the battery: a second USB-C port, marked POWER IN, runs the player from external power in Desktop Mode, so the 6,500 mAh cell isn't cycling while you listen at home.
- Proper EQ tools: a 31-band parametric EQ, AUTO EQ curves for popular headphones, and online sharing of EQ presets.
- A modern Android core: the QCS6490 (Snapdragon 778G-class) with 8 GB RAM runs streaming apps smoothly, and Pure Music mode strips the system back for local files.
- Wireless that goes both ways: Wi-Fi with AirPlay, Bluetooth 5.2 out with LDAC, aptX Adaptive and LHDC, and LDAC Bluetooth in, so it can act as a wireless DAC for your phone.
- Room for a big library: 128 GB built in plus microSD cards up to 2 TB.
Real-World Reactions
The M25 is new, so full reviews are still coming. Early European coverage focuses on the two-DAC strategy.
"The introduction of a dual architecture—AKM or R2R—is undoubtedly the most interesting new feature."
Valentin Lefort, Son-Vidéo blog, 26 October 2026
Our take: if you want a clean, detailed, neutral sound and maximum resolution, the AKM M25 is the one to pick. FiiO pitches the R2R version as the warmer, more relaxed alternative.
Gallery
Both finishes, plus the ports that matter. Click any shot to open it full size.
Who It's For
- M15S, M11 Plus or M11S owners ready to move up without going to a full-size flagship.
- People who own both sensitive IEMs and demanding full-size headphones and want one player for both.
- Listeners who want one box as a portable player, a streamer and a USB DAC for the laptop.
Who should look elsewhere:
- Anyone who wants a warmer, more analogue-leaning sound. Look at the M25 R2R or the FiiO M33 R2R.
- Headphone users who need a 6.35 mm jack or maximum power on battery. The FiiO M27 is the bigger, stronger option.
Quick Specs
- DAC: AK4191EQ ×1 + AK4499EX ×2
- USB controller: XMOS XU316
- Processor: Qualcomm Dragonwing QCS6490
- Memory: 8 GB RAM, 128 GB storage, microSD up to 2 TB
- Display: 5.5-inch, 1080 × 2160
- Outputs: 3.5 mm (headphone, line, coaxial), 4.4 mm balanced (headphone, line)
- Power: ≥1,700 mW + 1,700 mW balanced at 32 Ω (Super High Gain)
- Decoding: up to 768 kHz / 32-bit, native DSD512, full MQA
- Wireless: Wi-Fi 2.4/5 GHz with AirPlay, Bluetooth 5.2 (LDAC, aptX Adaptive, LHDC)
- Battery: 6,500 mAh, about 9.5 h (3.5 mm) / 8.5 h (4.4 mm)
- Size and weight: about 139.8 × 76 × 18 mm, 318 g
- Finishes: Silver, Black
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
- Full AKM flagship DAC chain in a pocketable body
- Very low noise for IEMs, serious power for full-size headphones
- Desktop Mode with a dedicated power port
- Fast Android platform with AirPlay and LDAC in both directions
⚠ Cons:
- Peak output needs a fast charger connected
- No 6.35 mm output
Where to Buy
The FiiO M25 is in the Soundium catalogue at €1,249, in Silver or Black.
- Free pickup shipping on orders over €149
- Free courier shipping on orders over €299
- 3-year warranty
- Support from people who actually know the gear
FiiO M25: €1,249 · FiiO at Soundium · Talk to our team
Final Thoughts
The M25 doesn't try to be the biggest or the loudest FiiO player. It tries to give you as much of the flagship experience as possible in a size you'll actually carry, and AKM's best DAC chain plus 1.7 W of balanced power is a strong way to do it.
Still Unsure?
Tell us which headphones or IEMs you use, and we'll tell you honestly whether the M25, the M25 R2R or the M27 suits them best. Reach out to our team.
