Introduction
Whether you're mixing on the go, escaping into albums, or just tired of noisy smartphone DACs — there comes a time when you crave real sound. That’s where the FiiO M21 comes in.
If you’ve outgrown smartphone audio but don’t have four figures to drop on a DAP, the M21 arrives as the best DAP under €400. Powered by Snapdragon 680, packed with a quad-DAC architecture and Android 13, it offers the performance audiophiles need in a body that fits your jacket pocket. Now available at Soundium.
Hands-On Impressions
- “The M21 is a sleek-looking thing with a big 4.7-inch touchscreen.” – TechRadar
- “It’s almost as good as the M23, which is crazy for the price.” – Head-Fi reviewer
- “A great value music player!” – YouTube commenter
Boot-up is under ten seconds, taps register instantly, and the matte glass back keeps fingerprints at bay – small touches that make daily use a pleasure.
Key Features & Benefits
Snapdragon 680 + Android 13
- Lag-free streaming on Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify, Apple Music
- 4 GB RAM and open Google Play access
- Efficient 6 nm chip helps the 4000 mAh battery last up to 15 h (SE)
Quad CS43198 DAC Architecture
Its eight-channel, fully differential DAC design ensures low distortion, great dynamic range, and crosstalk control. Supports PCM 384 kHz and DSD256.
Dual Power Modes
- Portable: Up to 15 h playback on battery
- Desktop: Up to 950 mW @ 32 Ω when externally powered — ideal for full-size headphones
Retro-Inspired Design
Optional cassette-style protective case and a themed UI add charm. The aluminum body and 4.7″ IPS screen give it a modern feel.
Versatile I/O & Wireless
- 3.5 mm SE / line-out, 4.4 mm balanced / line-out, SPDIF coaxial out
- Bluetooth 5.0 with LDAC, aptX HD, and LHDC for near-lossless wireless playback
- Wi‑Fi supports DLNA, AirPlay, and Roon
Watch It in Action
See the interface and desktop mode in action:
How It Compares
| Feature | FiiO M21 | A&K SR35 | Sony NW-A306 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 680 | Quad-core | S-Master HX |
| DAC Setup | Quad CS43198 | Quad CS43198 | Proprietary |
| Battery | 15 h (SE) / 11.5 h (BAL) | ≈ 20 h | ≈ 36 h |
| Display | 4.7″ IPS | 3.6″ | 3.6″ |
| Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm, SPDIF | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm | 3.5 mm only |
| Price (approx.) | €329 | €749 | €349 |
Why We Pick It
No other DAP in its class offers this level of power, portability, and audio clarity — all under €400.
What’s in the Box?
- FiiO M21 Digital Audio Player
- USB-C Charging/Data Cable
- User Manual & Quick Start Guide
- Pre-applied Screen Protector
Ideal For
- Audiophiles craving powerful sound in a portable form
- Commuters who stream hi-res audio daily
- Producers and musicians seeking reference-grade audio
- Anyone upgrading from smartphone audio
FAQ
Does it stream lossless services smoothly?
Yes — Android 13 and 4 GB RAM ensure smooth playback on Tidal, Qobuz, and Apple Music.
Can it drive 300 Ω headphones?
Yes. In Desktop Mode, the balanced output reaches 950 mW per channel.
Expandable storage?
Yes. The M21 supports microSD cards up to 2 TB.
Retro case included?
The cassette-style case is sold separately.
Is it better than the FiiO M11 or M11S?
The M11 has a larger screen and dual microSD slots, but the M21 is more compact, runs Android 13, and is a better value overall.
Where to Buy
The FiiO M21 is available now at Soundium. Enjoy:
- Free pickup shipping on orders over €149
- Free courier shipping on orders over €299
- Secure checkout and interest-free payments
Order the FiiO M21 from Soundium
Final Thoughts
With its combination of desktop-grade audio output, open Android flexibility, high-end DAC design, and nostalgic looks, the FiiO M21 is one of the best value DAPs you can buy today.
Still Unsure?
Talk to the Soundium team — we’ll help you choose the perfect player for your needs.
