I’m very fond of digital audio players (or MP3 players, depending on when you were born). They’re a great way to enjoy listening to music without the distractions of using your smartphone or a computer. On top of that, many DAPs (Digital Audio Players) have hardware and software features that smartphones simply cannot implement, as they will compromise the intended experience of using those devices. Features like dedicated 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced outputs, dedicated DAC and amp chips for those outputs, microSD card support, and physical playback buttons, just to name a few.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ve compiled a list of what I believe are the best digital audio players for each price category. Not every available DAP will be in this guide, as I’ve decided to focus on ones that are either widely available, highly acclaimed, or popular.
This guide will be continually updated and expanded, so check back regularly to see all the updated content. If there are any “gotchas” or known issues with a DAP, I will list them in the specs section for each DAP under “notes”. Dimensions are listed for all DAPs, but check the images in the section below to get a reference for the size of each one.
I’ve also added a section with my go-to picks if you have trouble deciding within your budget. If you have any questions or need some help, feel free to reach out to me here or on Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/HiFiOasis/
DAP Sizes
Below are several pictures to help you understand the sizes of various DAPs (click the image for a larger version):
HiFi-Dawson’s Quick Picks
Note: Clicking the device name will bring you to it further down the list.
Under $100
Who should choose this?
- Those who want a simple, straightforward device that goes back to the days of the classic MP3 player. If your needs are simple, this is the DAP to get.
What are the downsides?
- No gapless playback support, a track limit of 8192 tracks, only supports microSD cards up to 256GB, no playlist support, button navigation is tiring to use if you need to scroll through long lists.
Note: If you want an alumumnum build and slightly more output power, the SnowSky Echo is available and is otherwise the same as the Echo Mini.
Who should choose this?
- Users who want form and functionality but do not need lots of output power or a 4.4mm balanced connection. Modern Bluetooth support, USB DAC functionality, large library support, and excellent battery life, the R1 provides a lot for the price.
What are the downsides?
- HiBy OS has its own quirks regarding library sorting and metadata. The UI can also lag at times if you use large album art. The limited output power of the 3.5mm SE output means you won’t be able to fully drive many over-ear headphones.
Under $200
Check out my video where I talk about three different $200 DAP options (plus a couple of bonus options): https://youtu.be/KRWKN-Lz_e8?si=XJDDN15gJi_X4k0E
Surfans F20 / HiFi Walker H2 ($124)
Who should choose this?
- Those who prefer physical controls vs a touchscreen, but still want a DAP with modern features. If you want a DAP with good Rockbox support, look no further.
What are the downsides?
- Stock OS lacks many quality-of-life features, and also seems to only support about 15,000 tracks (this is all resolved by installing Rockbox). Background hiss can also be heard when using sensitive to moderately sensitive IEMs.
Who should choose this?
- Those looking for a portable, well-built DAP with support for PEQ. One of the most stable HiBy OS DAPs I have used. Pairs very well with most IEMs and efficient over-ear headphones.
What are the downsides?
- Runs HiBy OS, so if you don’t like the UI or lack of customization, you will need to look elsewhere. Also exhibits some background hiss when used with very sensitive IEMs.
Who should choose this?
- Users who do not need Android but still want an excellent-sounding DAP with lots of features and superb build quality.
What are the downsides?
- The lower resolution screen sometimes degrades album art. Track limit of 20,000 tracks unless using the file browser.
Under $350
Who should choose this?
- If you want an Android DAP that doesn’t feel slow or underpowered, but also doesn’t break the bank.
What are the downsides?
- The default music player, FiiO Music, has many quirks. Using very sensitive IEMs, some background hiss can be heard (especially with the 4.4mm output).
Who should choose this?
- Those who want the best price/performance Android DAP that doesn’t cut corners on build or audio quality.
What are the downsides?
- The FiiO Music app is quirky to use at times. Some popping sounds can be heard when using the NOS filter.
Under $550
Who should choose this?
- If you like the Shanling M1 Plus OS and build, the Onix XM2 is an improved version of it with a much nicer screen, more output power, and a cleaner and more natural sound.
What are the downsides?
- Battery life is just average, and the device runs a bit warm.
Who should choose this?
- Users who demand a bright and high-resolution screen, excellent battery life, and a replaceable battery. Sound quality is also one of the best at this price point IMHO.
What are the downsides?
- The built-in EQ is only available through the default music player (Mango). The edges of the device are also fairly sharp when handling.
Under $1000
Who should choose this?
- Users who want a very clean and highly resolving sound, and value the option of using a class A amp.
What are the downsides?
- The DAP itself is fairly big, not the most portable. Using the class A amp drastically reduces battery life.
Who should choose this?
- Those seeking a neutral-sounding DAP with a dark background, providing an emphasis on clarity and instrument separation. The battery is also user-replaceable.
What are the downsides?
- A little too large and heavy to be considered portable. The built-in EQ is only available through the default music player (Mango).
Best Ultra-Budget DAPs (under $150)
Innioasis Y1
Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/44OOLB3
Buy from AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_okVEn5y
- Price: $49.99 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output
- WiFi: No
- Bluetooth: 4.2
- Music Streaming Support: No
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: 16bit/48kHz, MP3, WAV, FLAC, APE, OGG, M4A, AAC, WMA, MP2, AMR, MID, M4R, MMF, WV, AIF, AIFF, AU, RA, MKA, AC3, CAF
- Internal Storage: 128GB
- Expandable Storage: No, but there are guides available to replace the internal microSD card with a larger one. Do so at your own risk.
- Battery: 1250mAh, up to 35 hours of playback
- Display: 2.4 inch, 480×360 TN display
- DAC/Amp Chipset: Unknown
- SOC Chipset: Unknown
- RAM: Unknown
- OS: Unknown
- Dimensions: 98mm x 61mm x 8.9mm
- Weight: 64 grams
- Notes:
- Has an FM radio
- Has audiobook support
- Gapless playback doesn’t seem supported
- Some users have reported poor Bluetooth experiences.
- I really don’t recommend this DAP unless you have a specific use case.
SnowSky Echo Nano
Buy from AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c4WJQGNF
- Price: ~$50 USD (will update final price when it’s released)
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, USB-C (charging, data)
- Output power: 3.5mm SE (120mW)
- WiFi: No
- Bluetooth: No
- Music Streaming Support: No
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD64/128/256 WAV:24bit/192K, FLAC:24bit/192K APE:24bit/96K, MP3/OGG/M4A/WMA
- Internal Storage: None
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 256GB)
- Battery: 360mAh, up to 7 hours of playback
- Display: 0.91 inch OLED
- DAC/Amp Chipset: Cirrus Logic CS43131
- SOC Chipset: Rockchip RKNanoD (most likely)
- RAM: Unknown
- OS: RTOS (most likely)
- Dimensions: 81mm x 20mm x 11mm
- Weight: 33.5 grams
- Notes:
- File limit of 8,192
- No M3U playlist support
- No gapless playback support
- External USB-C DACs or USB-C headphones are not supported
SnowSky Echo Mini
Buy from Amazon: https://geni.us/XPHRND
Buy from AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oFGpsRT
Buy from Linsoul: https://www.linsoul.com/products/fiio-snowsky-echo-mini?sca_ref=5236667.OhF52MYHpZ
Buy from HiFiGo: https://hifigo.com/products/fiio-snowsky-echo-mini?rfsn=8743649.bf4c478&variant=46185371533551
- Price: $52.99 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4.4mm balanced output, USB-C (charging, data)
- Output power: 3.5mm SE (130mW), 4.4mm balanced (250mW)
- WiFi: No
- Bluetooth: 5.3 (SBC)
- Music Streaming Support: No
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD64/128/256 WAV:24bit/192K, FLAC:24bit/192K APE:24bit/96K, MP3/OGG/M4A/WMA
- Internal Storage: 8GB
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 256GB)
- Battery: 1100mAh, up to 15 hours of playback
- Display: 1.99 inch IPS, 170×320
- DAC/Amp Chipset: 2x CS43131
- SOC Chipset: Rockchip RKNanoD
- RAM: Unknown
- OS: RTOS
- Dimensions: 80mm x 54.5mm x 14.5mm
- Weight: 55 grams
- Notes:
- File limit of 8,192
- No M3U playlist support
- No gapless playback support
- Apple AirPods are not supported
- External USB-C DACs or USB-C headphones are not supported
Innioasis G1
Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3VldAA0
- Price: $59.99 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4Ghz and 5GHz
- Bluetooth: 4.2
- Music Streaming Support: Yes
- Internal Storage: 16GB
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: MP3, WAV, FLAC, APE, OGG,
M4A, AAC, WMA, MP2 - Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 1TB)
- Battery: 1500mAh, up to 25 hours of playback
- Display: 4 inch LCD touch screen
- DAC/Amp Chipset: Unknown
- SOC Chipset: MediaTek 8 core CPU
- RAM: 2GB
- OS: Android 8.1
- Dimensions: 109mm x 61mm x 10.2mm
- Weight: 128 grams
- Notes:
- Has an FM radio
- Locked down Android OS, cannot install additional apps (kid-friendly device)
- I really don’t recommend this DAP unless you have a specific use case.
Innioasis G3
Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/4n2mHlc
- Price: $65.99 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4Ghz and 5GHz
- Bluetooth: 4.2
- Music Streaming Support: Yes
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: MP3, WAV, FLAC, APE, OGG,
M4A, AAC, WMA, MP2 - Internal Storage: 32GB
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 1TB)
- Battery: 1500mAh, up to 25 hours of playback
- Display: 4 inch LCD touch screen
- DAC/Amp Chipset: Unknown
- SOC Chipset: MediaTek 8 core CPU
- RAM: 2GB
- OS: Android 8.1
- Dimensions: 109mm x 61mm x 10.2mm
- Weight: 128 grams
- Notes:
- Has an FM radio
- Has parental controls to prevent the installation of apps.
- I really don’t recommend this DAP unless you have a specific use case.
SnowSky Echo
Buy from AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c32oAiXt
- Price: ~ $70 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4.4mm balanced output, USB-C (charging, data)
- Output power: 3.5mm SE (130mW), 4.4mm balanced (260mW)
- WiFi: No
- Bluetooth: 5.3 (SBC)
- Music Streaming Support: No
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD64/128/256 WAV:24bit/192K, FLAC:24bit/192K APE:24bit/96K, MP3/OGG/M4A/WMA
- Internal Storage: 8GB
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 256GB)
- Battery: 1100mAh, up to 14 hours of playback
- Display: 2.39 inch IPS, 222×480
- DAC/Amp Chipset: 2x CS43198
- SOC Chipset: Rockchip RKNanoD
- RAM: Unknown
- OS: RTOS
- Dimensions: 85mm x 55.5mm x 14.3mm
- Weight: 85 grams
- Notes:
- Essentially the same device as the Echo Mini, but with a different DAC and all-aluminum build
- File limit of 8,192
- No M3U playlist support
- No gapless playback support
- Apple AirPods are not supported (most likely)
- External USB-C DACs or USB-C headphones are not supported
Mechen M30
Buy from Amazon: https://geni.us/Zmkb
Buy from AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oopfoXT
- Price: $79.99 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 3.5mm Line Out, Micro-USB (charging, data)
- Output power: 3.5mm SE (80mW)
- WiFi: No
- Bluetooth: No
- Music Streaming Support: No
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD, WAV, FLAC, APE, MP3, OGG, M4A, WMA
- Internal Storage: None (comes with 64GB microSD card)
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 256GB)
- Battery: 1500mAh, up to 25 hours of playback
- Display: 2 inch LCD display, 320×240
- DAC/Amp Chipset: WM8965 + TPA6530
- SOC Chipset: Unknown
- RAM: Unknown
- OS: Unknown
- Dimensions: 56mm x 88mm x 15.5mm
- Weight: 176 grams
- Notes: No gapless playback support.
HiBy R1
Buy from Amazon: https://geni.us/QdMMC
Buy from AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oknvojF
Buy from Linsoul: https://www.linsoul.com/products/hiby-r1?sca_ref=5236667.OhF52MYHpZ
Buy from HiFiGo: https://hifigo.com/products/hiby-r1?rfsn=8743649.bf4c478&variant=46013046456559
Buy direct from HiBy: https://store.hiby.com/products/hiby-r1
- Price: $85 USD (price cut to $69 USD is being rolled out)
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, USB-C (charging, data)
- Output power: 3.5mm SE (101mW)
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4GHz
- Bluetooth: 5.1 (SBC, AAC, aptX, LDAC)
- Music Streaming Support: Tidal and Qobuz only (streaming only, no offline playback)
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD256, 32-bit/384kHz PCM, MP3, WAV, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: None
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 1150mAh, up to 15 hours of playback
- Display: 3 inch LCD touch screen, 800×480
- DAC/Amp Chipset: CS43131
- SOC Chipset: X1600E
- RAM: 64MB
- OS: HiBy OS
- Dimensions: 83.5mm x 51.1mm x 12.35mm
- Weight: 70 grams
- Notes: 50,000 track limit for the Music app, but essentially unlimited for the File browser
TempoTec Variations V1
Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/4mCtoum
Buy from AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oBP8sMt
Buy direct from TempoTec: https://www.tempotec.net/pages/v1-details
- Price: $89 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4.4mm balanced output, USB-C (charging, data)
- Output power: 3.5mm SE (123mW), 4.4mm balanced (215mW)
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4GHz
- Bluetooth: 5.1 (SBC, AAC, aptX, LDAC, UAT)
- Music Streaming Support: Qobuz and Tidal only (streaming only, no offline playback)
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD256, 32-bit/384kHz PCM, MQA 8x, MP3, WAV, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: None
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 1400mAh
- Display: 2 inch LCD touch screen, 240×320
- DAC/Amp Chipset: 2x CS43131
- SOC Chipset: X1600E (unconfirmed but most likely)
- RAM: 64MB (unconfirmed but most likely)
- OS: HiBy OS
- Dimensions: 87.2mm x 41.8mm x 13.8mm
- Weight: 68.7 grams
- Notes:
- 50,000 track limit for the Music app, but essentially unlimited for the File browser.
- I was somewhat critical of this DAP in my review, but it’s a good device if you have a suitable use case for it.
- The latest firmware update (v1.2) brings PEQ support and a bunch of fixes. Unfortunately, AirPlay seems broken now.
Oilsky M308
Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/4ikGICb
Buy from AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c4q1DMjj
Full review coming soon. My initial impressions:
- Build quality is very good.
- Really nice sound quality for the price.
- Android OS feels a little slow.
- Small screen prone to accidental touches.
- Battery life isn’t great so far.
- Price: $89 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, USB-C (charging only)
- Output power: 3.5mm SE (125mW @ 32ohms)
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4GHz and 5GHz
- Bluetooth: 4.1 (SBC, AAC, LDAC)
- Music Streaming Support: Yes
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: 24-bit/192kHz, DSD512, MP3, WAV, APE, FLAC, AAC, ALAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, DTS
- Internal Storage: 16GB
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 1TB). Comes with 64GB microSD card
- Battery: 1450mAh, up to 15 hours of playback
- Display: 2.8 inch LCD touch screen, 480×640
- DAC/Amp Chipset: ESS9018Q2M DAC, MAX97720 Amp
- SOC Chipset: Cortex 8-core 1.5GHz
- RAM: 2GB
- OS: Custom Android 9.0
- Dimensions: 80mm x 55mm x 14mm
- Weight: 134 grams
Shanling M0s
Buy from Amazon: https://geni.us/4E5zB8
Buy from AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oB2YZz3
Buy direct from Shanling: https://store.shanling.com/M0s-pd571414668.html
- Price: $89.99 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, USB-C (charging, data)
- Output power: 3.5mm SE (60mW)
- WiFi: No
- Bluetooth: 5.0 (SBC, AAC, aptX, LDAC)
- Music Streaming Support: No
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD128, 32-bit/384kHz PCM, MP3, WAV, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF, M4B
- Internal Storage: None
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 650mAh, up to 10 hours of playback
- Display: 1.54 inch LCD touch screen, 240×240
- DAC/Amp Chipset: CS43131
- SOC Chipset: X1000
- RAM: 32MB
- OS: MTouch OS
- Dimensions: 43.8mm x 45mm x 13.8mm
- Weight: 36.8 grams
- Notes: 20,000 track limit for the Music app, but essentially unlimited for the File browser.
SnowSky Disc
Full review coming soon. My initial impressions:
- Excellent build quality.
- Software brings this device down. UI smoothness issues, no option to display Album Artist, no gapless playback support, and a lack of playlist support. I recommend avoiding it until the software matures.
- Price: $97.99 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4.4mm balanced output, USB-C (charging, data)
- Output power: 3.5mm SE (125mW), 4.4mm balanced (280mW)
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4Ghz
- Bluetooth: 5.3 (SBC, AAC, LDAC)
- Music Streaming Support: No
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD64/128/256 WAV:24bit/192K, FLAC:24bit/192K APE:24bit/96K, MP3/OGG/M4A/WMA
- Internal Storage: None
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 1450mAh, up to 12 hours of playback
- Display: 1.8 inch IPS touchscreen, 360×360
- DAC/Amp Chipset: 2x CS43131
- SOC Chipset: Ingenic X2000
- RAM: 64MB (unconfirmed)
- OS: Custom
- Dimensions: 68mm x 68mm x 12.9mm
- Weight: 77.2 grams
- Notes:
- No gapless playback support.
Surfans F20 / HiFi Walker H2
Surfans F20
Buy from Amazon: https://geni.us/JqXGXf
Buy direct from Surfans: https://www.surfans.net/products/surfans-f20
HiFi Walker H2
Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Kn1rsu
Buy direct from HiFi Walker: https://hifiwalker.com/products/h2
- Price: $123.99 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 3.5mm Line Out, USB-C (charging, data)
- Output power: 3.5mm SE (70mW @ 32ohms)
- WiFi: No
- Bluetooth: 5.2 (SBC, aptX, LDAC)
- Music Streaming Support: No
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: 32-bit/384kHz PCM, DSD64/128, FLAC, WAV, WMA, M4A, MP3, AAC, APE, ALAC, OGG, AIFF, DFF
- Internal Storage: None
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 512GB)
- Battery: 1500mAh, up to 12 hours of playback
- Display: 2 inch IPS LCD display, 320×240
- DAC/Amp Chipset: ESS ES9018K2M DAC, HT97220 amp
- SOC Chipset: Ingenic X1000
- RAM: 32MB
- OS: Unknown
- Dimensions: 94mm x 57mm x 15mm
- Weight: 108 grams
- Notes:
- The Surfans F20, HiFi Walker H2, and AGPTek H3 are essentially the same DAPs.
- Seems to have a 15,000 track limit.
- Rockbox can be installed.
- Issues with gapless playback.
- Varying hardware iterations. Older hardware versions may only support microSD cards up to 256GB.
Shanling M0 Pura
Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/42Y5KQH
Buy direct from Shanling: https://store.shanling.com/M0-Pura-Hi-Res-Portable-Player-pd113166638.html
- Price: $139.99 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4.4mm balanced (using Shanling cable adapter), USB-C (charging, data)
- Output power: 3.5mm SE (100mW), 4.4mm balanced (250mW)
- WiFi: No
- Bluetooth: 5.0 (SBC, AAC, aptX, LDAC)
- Music Streaming Support: No
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD128, 32-bit/384kHz PCM, MP3, WAV, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF, M4B
- Internal Storage: None
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 650mAh, up to 9.5 hours of playback
- Display: 1.54 inch LCD touch screen, 240×240
- DAC/Amp Chipset: 2x Cirrus Logic CS43131
- SOC Chipset: X1000
- RAM: 32MB
- OS: MTouch OS
- Dimensions: 43.8mm x 45mm x 13.8mm
- Weight: 35.8 grams
- Notes:
- 20,000 track limit for the Music app, but essentially unlimited for the File browser.
Surfans F20 Pro
Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/47F9XLU
Buy direct from Surfans: https://www.surfans.net/products/surfans-f20-pro
Full review coming soon. My initial impressions:
- Very well built, feels like a tank.
- On the heavier side (feels weighty).
- Volume/scroll wheel feels underutilized. Doesn’t have the same tactile feel as the F20.
- After the latest software update, the Android OS interface is fairly snappy, and apps run just fine.
- Small screen is sometimes hard to use, and some apps don’t fit very well (Apple Music, Qobuz). But the overall touchscreen experience is pretty good.
- Really liking it so far, keep an eye out for this one.
- Price: $149.99 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4.4mm Balanced output, USB-C (charging, data)
- Output power: 3.5mm SE (125mW), 4.4mm balanced (500mW)
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4GHz and 5GHz
- Bluetooth: 5.0 (SBC, AAC, LDAC)
- Music Streaming Support: Yes
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD256, 32-bit/384kHz PCM, MQA, MP3, WAV, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: 32GB
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 1TB)
- Battery: 2000mAh, up to 10 hours of playback
- Display: 2.73 inch IPS touch screen, 320×320
- DAC/Amp Chipset: 2x ES9018K2M DACs, 2x OPA1612 and 2x RT6863 amps
- SOC Chipset: MediaTek MT6762V-WR 8-core CPU (Cortex A53)
- RAM: 3GB
- OS: Android 12
- Dimensions: 101.9mm x 59.2mm x 15.8mm
- Weight: 170 grams
Best Budget DAPs (under $350)
HiBy Digital M300 (two models)
HiBy M300 3GB + 32GB version
Buy from Amazon: https://geni.us/4UI30r
Buy from AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oBs1f01
Buy from Linsoul: https://www.linsoul.com/products/hiby-digital-m300?sca_ref=5236667.OhF52MYHpZ
Buy from HiFiGo: https://hifigo.com/products/hiby-digital-m300?rfsn=8743649.bf4c478&variant=46252993085679
Buy direct from HiBy: https://store.hiby.com/products/hiby-digital-m300
HiBy M300 4GB + 128GB version
Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Us0Mrd
Buy from AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oFB4BvH
Buy from HiFiGo: https://hifigo.com/products/hiby-digital-m300?rfsn=8743649.bf4c478&variant=46252993085679
Buy direct from HiBy: https://store.hiby.com/products/hiby-digital-m300-4g-ram-128gb-rom-version
- Price: $169 USD (3GB RAM +32GB storage), $199 USD (4GB RAM +128GB storage)
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, USB-C (charging, data)
- Output power: 3.5mm SE (103mW)
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4Ghz and 5GHz
- Bluetooth: 5.0 (SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC)
- Music Streaming Support: Yes
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD256, 32-bit/768kHz PCM, MP3, WAV, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: 32GB, 128GB
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 2000mAh, up to 29 hours of playback
- Display: 4 inch IPS touch screen, 1280×640
- DAC/Amp Chipset: CS43131
- SOC Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 665
- RAM: 3GB, 4GB
- OS: Android 13
- Dimensions: 113mm x 58mm x 113mm
- Weight: 136 grams
- Notes:
- Has a microphone and speaker
- Has an FM radio
- Resamples all audio output to 48kHz as it does not bypass Android’s audio resampling, meaning no bit-perfect audio output (this is NOT a big issue unless you care about bit-perfect audio).
Surfans F28
Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3JzeYwp
Buy direct from Surfans: https://www.surfans.net/products/surfans-f28
- Price: $175.99 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4.4mm Balanced output, USB-C (charging, data)
- Output power: 3.5mm SE (125mW), 4.4mm balanced (450mW)
- WiFi: No
- Bluetooth: 5.2 (SBC, AAC, aptX, LDAC, UAT)
- Music Streaming Support: No
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD256, 32-bit/384kHz PCM, MQA, MP3, WAV, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: None
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 512GB)
- Battery: 2500mAh, up to 12 hours of playback
- Display: 3.5 inch IPS touch screen, 320×480
- DAC/Amp Chipset: 2x ESS9018K2M
- SOC Chipset: Ingenic X1000E
- RAM: 64MB
- OS: HiByOS
- Dimensions: 101.5mm x 65mm x 15mm
- Weight: 140 grams
- Notes:
- 64GB microSD card is included
- 50,000 track limit for the Music app, but essentially unlimited for the File browser.
FiiO JM21 (two models)
Click to read my full review of the FiiO JM21 (3GB + 32GB version)
FiiO JM21 3GB + 32GB version
Buy from Amazon: https://geni.us/AlIBy
Buy from AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c310Pui1
Buy from Linsoul: https://www.linsoul.com/products/fiio-jm21?sca_ref=5236667.OhF52MYHpZ
Buy from HiFiGo: https://hifigo.com/products/fiio-jm21?rfsn=8743649.bf4c478&variant=46037293531375
FiiO JM21 4GB + 64GB version
Buy from AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3ruxQiZ
- Price: ~$179 USD (3GB + 32GB version), $259 USD (4GB + 64GB version)
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4.4mm Balanced output, USB-C (charging, data)
- Output power: 3.5mm SE (360mW), 4.4mm balanced (605mW)
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4GHz
- Bluetooth: 5.1 (SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, LHDC)
- Music Streaming Support: Yes
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD256, 32-bit/384kHz PCM, MQA, MP3, WAV, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: 32GB, 64GB
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery:
- 3GB + 32GB version: 2400mAh, up to 12.5 hours of playback
- 4GB + 64GB version: 3100MaH, up to 16 hours of playback
- Display: 4.7 inch IPS touch screen, 750×1334
- DAC/Amp Chipset: 2x Cirrus Logic CS43198, 2x SG Micro SGM8262
- SOC Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 680
- RAM: 3GB, 4GB
- OS: Custom Android 13
- Dimensions: 120.7mm x 68mm x 13mm
- Weight: 156 grams
HiBy R3 II 2025
Buy from Amazon: https://geni.us/tlpc
Buy from AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_opHxoZf
Buy from Linsoul: https://www.linsoul.com/products/hiby-r3ii-2025?sca_ref=5236667.OhF52MYHpZ
Buy from HiFiGo: https://hifigo.com/products/hiby-r3ii-2025?rfsn=8743649.bf4c478&variant=46113528774895
Buy direct from HiBy: https://store.hiby.com/products/hiby-r3-ii-2025
- Price: $179 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4,4mm Balanced output, USB-C (charging, data)
- Output power: 3.5mm SE (112mW), 4.4mm balanced (340mW)
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4Ghz
- Bluetooth: 5.1 (SBC, AAC, aptX, LDAC, UAT)
- Music Streaming Support: Tidal and Qobuz only (streaming only, no offline playback)
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD256, 32-bit/384kHz PCM, MQA, MP3, WAV, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: None
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 2000mAh, up to 19 hours of playback
- Display: 3.2 inch IPS touch screen, 320×480
- DAC/Amp Chipset: 2x ES9219C
- SOC Chipset: X1600E
- RAM: 64MB
- OS: HiBy OS
- Dimensions: 86.9mm x 60.6mm x 14.5mm
- Weight: 118 grams
- Notes: 50,000 track limit for the Music app, but essentially unlimited for the File browser.
HIDIZS AP80 PRO MAX
Buy from AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c2JXy2KX
Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/4eOAFpO
Direct from HIDIZS: https://www.hidizs.net/products/hidizs-ap80-pro-max-all-in-one-hi-res-streaming-music-player
Watch my video review below:
- Price: $189 USD (Listed for around $230 USD)
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4.4mm balanced output, USB-C (charging, data)
- Output power: 3.5mm SE (70mW), 4.4mm balanced (190mW)
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4GHz
- Bluetooth: 5.1 (SBC, AAC, aptX, LDAC, UAT)
- Music Streaming Support: Qobuz and Tidal only (streaming only, no offline playback)
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD256, 32-bit/384kHz PCM, MQA 16X, MP3, WAV, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: None
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 1300mAh, up to 12 hours of playback
- Display: 2.95 inch IPS touch screen, 360×640
- DAC/Amp Chipset: 2x ESS ES9219C DACs
- SOC Chipset: X1600E
- RAM: 64MB
- OS: HiBy OS
- Dimensions: 82.8mm x 51mm x 15.5mm
- Weight: 81 grams
- Notes:
- Includes PEQ with the latest firmware
- 50,000 track limit for the Music app, but essentially unlimited for the File browser.
Shanling M1 Plus
Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/4ereFz0
Buy from AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oEehcok
Buy from Linsoul: https://www.linsoul.com/products/shanling-m1-plus?sca_ref=5236667.OhF52MYHpZ
Buy from HiFiGo: https://hifigo.com/products/shanling-m1-plus?rfsn=8743649.bf4c478&variant=45689143951599
Buy direct from Shanling: https://store.shanling.com/M1-Plus-pd543409168.html
- Price: $199 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4.4mm balanced output, USB-C (charging, data)
- Output power: 3.5mm SE (195mW), 4.4mm balanced (660mW)
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz
- Bluetooth: 5.2 (SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC)
- Music Streaming Support: Tidal (streaming only, no offline playback)
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD512, 32-bit/768kHz PCM, MQA, MP3, WAV, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: None
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 2100mAh, up to 12.5 hours of playback
- Display: 3.2 inch IPS touch screen, 320×480
- DAC/Amp Chipset: ESS ES9069Q, 2x SGM8262
- SOC Chipset: Ingenic X2000
- RAM: 128MB
- OS: MTouch OS
- Dimensions: 86mm x 61mm x 17mm
- Weight: 116 grams
- Notes: 20,000 track limit for the Music app, but essentially unlimited for the File browser.
TempoTec V3 Blaze
Buy from AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_op6CTIX
Buy from Linsoul: https://www.linsoul.com/products/tempotec-v3no-case?sca_ref=5236667.OhF52MYHpZ
Buy from HiFiGo: https://hifigo.com/products/tempotec-v3-blaze?rfsn=8743649.bf4c478&variant=46295458021615
Buy direct from TempoTec: https://www.tempotec.net/products/tempotec-v3-blaze
- Price: $199.99 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4.4mm balanced output, USB-C (charging, data)
- Output power: 3.5mm SE (245mW), 4.4mm balanced (825mW)
- WiFi: Yes
- Bluetooth: 5.1 (SBC, AAC, aptX, LDAC, UAT)
- Music Streaming Support: Qobuz and Tidal only (streaming only, no offline playback)
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD512, 32-bit/768kHz PCM, MQA, MP3, WAV, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: None
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 1TB)
- Battery: 3500mAh, up to 10-20 hours of playback
- Display: 3.5 inch IPS touch screen, 480×800
- DAC/Amp Chipset: 2x AK4493SEQ
- SOC Chipset: X1600E
- RAM: 64MB
- OS: HiBy OS
- Dimensions: 100mm x 65mm x 17mm
- Weight: 254.5 grams
- Notes: 50,000 track limit for the Music app, but essentially unlimited for the File browser.
HiBy R3Pro II
Buy from Linsoul: https://www.linsoul.com/products/hiby-r3-pro-ii?sca_ref=5236667.OhF52MYHpZ
Buy from HiFiGo: https://hifigo.com/products/hiby-r3-pro-ii?rfsn=8743649.bf4c478&variant=46524485468399
Buy direct from HiBy: https://store.hiby.com/products/hiby-r3pro-ii
- Price: $199 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4.4mm balanced output, USB-C (charging, data)
- Output power: 3.5mm SE (121mW), 4.4mm balanced (480mW)
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4GHz
- Bluetooth: 5.1 (SBC, AAC, aptX, LDAC, UAT)
- Music Streaming Support: Qobuz and Tidal only (streaming only, no offline playback)
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD256, 32-bit/384kHz PCM, MQA 8X, MP3, WAV, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: None
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 4000mAh, up to 21 hours of playback
- Display: 3.3 inch IPS touch screen, 720×480
- DAC/Amp Chipset: 2x CS43198 DACs, 4x OPA1622 amps
- SOC Chipset: X1600E
- RAM: 64MB
- OS: HiBy OS
- Dimensions: 86.9mm x 60.6mm x 21.6mm
- Weight: 160 grams
- Notes: 50,000 track limit for the Music app, but essentially unlimited for the File browser.
HiBy R4
Buy from Amazon: https://geni.us/RbBww
Buy from AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oFWcJ8p
Buy from Linsoul: https://www.linsoul.com/products/hiby-r4?sca_ref=5236667.OhF52MYHpZ
Buy from HiFiGo: https://hifigo.com/products/hiby-r4?rfsn=8743649.bf4c478&variant=44969795289327
Buy direct from HiBy: https://store.hiby.com/products/hiby-r4
- Price: $249 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4.4mm Balanced output, USB-C (charging, data)
- Output power: 3.5mm SE (165mW), 4.4mm balanced (525mW)
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4GHz and 5GHz
- Bluetooth: 5.0 (SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, UAT)
- Music Streaming Support: Yes
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD256, 32-bit/384kHz PCM, MQA, MP3, WAV, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: 32GB
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 4500mAh, up to 11 hours of playback
- Display: 4.7 inch IPS touch screen, 720×1280
- DAC/Amp Chipset: 4x ES9018C2M DACs, 4x OPA1652 and 2x OPA1612 amps
- SOC Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 665
- RAM: 3GB
- OS: Open Android 12
- Dimensions: 129.6mm x 68.3mm x 18.5mm
- Weight: 231 grams
- Notes: Class A amp. The R4 Rock Edition (R4 x MIDI) has the exact same specs.
Sony NW-A306
Buy from Amazon: https://geni.us/BDwisZA
Check Prices from Other Stores: https://geni.us/HEI0
- Price: $348 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, USB-C (charging, data)
- Output power: 3.5mm SE (1.1mW) capped version, 3.5mm SE (35mW) uncapped version – these numbers may not be entirely accurate
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz
- Bluetooth: 5.0 (SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC)
- Music Streaming Support: Yes
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD256, 32-bit/384kHz PCM, MQA MP3, WAV, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: 32GB
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 1285mAh, up to 36 hours of playback
- Display: 3.6 inch TFT touch screen, 1280×720
- DAC/Amp Chipset: S-Master HX digital amplifier
- SOC Chipset: Qualcomm QCS2290 (4x ARM Cortex-A53 cores)
- RAM: 4GB
- OS: Android 14
- Dimensions: 56.6mm x 98.6mm x 11.9mm
- Weight: 136 grams
FiiO M21
Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3TsRsCP
Buy from AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_ooDtAWG
Buy from HiFiGo: https://hifigo.com/products/fiio-m21?rfsn=8743649.bf4c478&variant=46471180648687
- Price: $369.99 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4.4mm Balanced output, USB-C (charging, data)
- Output power: 3.5mm SE (290mW), 4.4mm balanced (720mW)
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4GHz and 5GHz
- Bluetooth: 5.0 (SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, LHDC)
- Music Streaming Support: Yes
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD256, 32-bit/384kHz PCM, MQA, MP3, WAV, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: 64GB
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 4000mAh, up to 15 hours of playback
- Display: 4.7 inch IPS touch screen, 750×1334
- DAC/Amp Chipset: 4x CS43198 DACs, 2x OPA1692 and 2x SGM8262 amps
- SOC Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 680
- RAM: 4GB
- OS: Open Android 13
- Dimensions: 68mm x 121mm x 17mm
- Weight: 193 grams
- Notes: Has a desktop mode for battery bypass, which also enables a super high-gain mode for extra output power.
Best Mid-Level DAPs (under $1000)
ONIX Tocata XM2
Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/4qir0KU
Buy from AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3AgUD7l
Buy from Linsoul: https://www.linsoul.com/products/onix-xm2?sca_ref=5236667.OhF52MYHpZ
Buy from HiFiGo: https://hifigo.com/products/shanling-onix-xm2?rfsn=8743649.bf4c478&variant=47374415921391
Buy direct from Shanling: https://store.shanling.com/ONIX-XM2-pd520705048.html
Watch my video review below:
- Price: $439 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4.4mm balanced output, USB-C (charging, data)
- Output power: 3.5mm SE (204mW), 4.4mm balanced (800mW)
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz
- Bluetooth: 5.2 (SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC)
- Music Streaming Support: Tidal (streaming only, no offline playback)
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD512, 32-bit/768kHz PCM, MQA, MP3, WAV, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: None
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 3000mAh, up to 8.5 hours of playback
- Display: 3 inch OLED touch screen, 720×720
- DAC/Amp Chipset: Cirrus Logic CS4308P, 2x SGM8262
- SOC Chipset: Ingenic X2000
- RAM: 128MB
- OS: MTouch OS
- Dimensions: 86mm x 65mm x 18mm
- Weight: 140 grams
- Notes: 20,000 track limit for the Music app, but essentially unlimited for the File browser.
HiBy R6 III (2025)
Buy from Amazon: https://geni.us/rgqLPiF
Buy from AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oDtD4x3
Buy from Linsoul: https://www.linsoul.com/products/hiby-r6-iii-2025?sca_ref=5236667.OhF52MYHpZ
Buy from HiFiGo: https://hifigo.com/products/hiby-r6-iii-2025?rfsn=8743649.bf4c478&variant=46182534250735
Buy direct from HiBy: https://store.hiby.com/products/hiby-r6-iii-2025
- Price: $439 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4.4mm Balanced output, USB-C (charging, data)
- Output power: 3.5mm SE (125mW), 4.4mm balanced (405mW)
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4GHz and 5GHz
- Bluetooth: 5.0 (SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, UAT)
- Music Streaming Support: Yes
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD512, 32-bit/384kHz PCM, MQA, MP3, WAV, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: 64GB
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 4500mAh, up to 13 hours of playback
- Display: 5 inch IPS touch screen, 1280×720
- DAC/Amp Chipset: 4x CS43198
- SOC Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 665
- RAM: 4GB
- OS: Open Android 12
- Dimensions: 129.4mm x 73.1mm x 15.6mm
- Weight: 250 grams
Shanling M3 Plus (potentially discontinued)
Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3G6r92y
Buy from AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_olFZdwk
Buy from Linsoul: https://www.linsoul.com/products/shanling-m3-plus?sca_ref=5236667.OhF52MYHpZ
Buy from HiFiGo: https://hifigo.com/products/shanling-m3-plus?rfsn=8743649.bf4c478&variant=46423061561583
Full review coming soon. My initial impressions:
- Fantastic build quality.
- Android OS feels smooth to use.
- Volume wheel is a little too sensitive, in my opinion.
- Built-in music player app does not support gapless playback, and has limited sorting options (can’t view by Album Artist tag, for example). Recommend using a 3rd party music app to get a better experience.
- Price: $469 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4.4mm Balanced output, USB-C (charging, data)
- Output power: 3.5mm SE (200mW), 4.4mm balanced (800mW)
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4GHz and 5GHz
- Bluetooth: 5.0 (SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC)
- Music Streaming Support: Yes
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD512, 32-bit/768kHz PCM, MQA, MP3, WAV, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: 64GB
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 3500mAh, up to 14 hours of playback
- Display: 4.7 inch IPS touch screen, 1280×720
- DAC/Amp Chipset: 4x CS43198, 2x SGM8262
- SOC Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 665
- RAM: 4GB
- OS: Open Android 13
- Dimensions: 115mm x 70.5mm x 18mm
- Weight: 205 grams
- Notes:
- Built-in music player lacks gapless playback, and does not sort by Album Artist tag, just by the Artist tag.
FiiO M11S
Buy from Amazon: https://geni.us/hBL2R
Buy from AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_opZxhM1
Buy from Linsoul: https://www.linsoul.com/products/fiio-m11s?sca_ref=5236667.OhF52MYHpZ
Buy from Apos Audio: https://apos.audio/products/fiio-m11s-dap-digital-audio-player?sca_ref=5473796.B4j37biiuA
- Price: $499 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 2.5mm and 4.4mm Balanced output, USB-C (charging, data)
- Output power: 3.5mm SE (200mW), 2.5mm and 4.4mm balanced (670mW)
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4GHz and 5GHz
- Bluetooth: 5.0 (SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, LHDC)
- Music Streaming Support: Yes
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD256, 32-bit/384kHz PCM, MQA, MP3, WAV, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: 32GB
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 5300mAh, up to 14 hours of playback
- Display: 5 inch IPS touch screen, 1280×720
- DAC/Amp Chipset: 2x ES9038Q2M, 2x OPA926
- SOC Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 660
- RAM: 3GB
- OS: Open Android 10
- Dimensions: 125.2mm x 74mm x 18.5mm
- Weight: 271 grams
iBasso DX180
Buy from AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_opDqXuo
Buy from HiFiGo: https://hifigo.com/collections/ibasso/products/ibasso-dx180?rfsn=8743649.bf4c478
Buy direct from iBasso: https://ibasso.com/product/dx180/
- Price: $529 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4.4mm Balanced output, USB-C for data and charging
- Output power: 3.5mm SE (281mW), 4.4mm balanced (690mW)
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4GHz and 5GHz
- Bluetooth: 5.0 (SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, LHDC)
- Music Streaming Support: Yes
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD512, 32-bit/768kHz PCM, MQA, MP3, WAV, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: 128GB
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 3200mAh, up to 15.5 hours of playback
- Display: 5 inch IPS touch screen, 1080×1920
- DAC/Amp Chipset: 4x CS43131
- SOC Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 665
- RAM: 4GB
- OS: Open Android 13
- Dimensions: 123mm x 75mm x 16mm
- Weight: 206 grams
- Notes:
- Built-in EQ is only available through the default music player (Mango app). You can still install and use another EQ app.
- Battery is user-replaceable.
Cayin N3Ultra
Buy from AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3FChcFl
Buy from HiFiGo: https://hifigo.com/products/cayin-n3ultra?rfsn=8743649.bf4c478&_pos=1&_psq=Cayin N3Ultra &_ss=e&_v=1.0
Buy from Apos Audio: https://apos.audio/products/cayin-n3ultra-triple-timbre-digital-audio-player?sca_ref=5473796.B4j37biiuA
- Price: $529 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4.4mm balanced output/Line Out, 3.5mm Line Out, USB-C (charging, data)
- Output power: 3.5mm SE (250mW), 4.4mm balanced (600mW)
- WiFi: No
- Bluetooth: No
- Music Streaming Support: No
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD512, 32-bit/768kHz PCM, MQA, MP3, WAV, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF, LRC
- Internal Storage: None
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 1TB)
- Battery: 4500mAh, up to 12 hours of playback
- Display: 4.1 inch TFT touch screen, 720×1280
- DAC/Amp Chipset: 2x Raytheon JAN6418 vacuum tubes, 2x AK4493SEQ DACs in Mono mode, 2x Op-amps
- SOC Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 425
- RAM: 2GB
- OS: Customized Android 8.1
- Dimensions: 125mm x 65.5mm x 19.5mm
- Weight: 204 grams
- Notes:
- Integrated EQ/PEQ support
- Can switch between tube and solid-state DAC modes
Shanling M3 Plus Master
- Price: $559 USD (releasing soon)
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4.4mm Balanced output, USB-C (charging, data)
- Output power: 3.5mm SE (200mW), 4.4mm balanced (800mW)
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4GHz and 5GHz
- Bluetooth: 5.0 (SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC)
- Music Streaming Support: Yes
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD512, 32-bit/768kHz PCM, MQA, MP3, WAV, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: 64GB
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 3500mAh, up to 14 hours of playback
- Display: 4.7 inch IPS touch screen, 1280×720
- DAC/Amp Chipset: 4x CS43198, 2x SGM8262
- SOC Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 665
- RAM: 6GB
- OS: Open Android 13
- Dimensions: 115mm x 70.5mm x 18mm
- Weight: 205 grams
- Notes: Upgraded version of the Shanling M3 Plus, https://en.shanling.com/article-IntroM3PlusMaster.html
Shanling M5 Ultra
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- Price: $599 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4.4mm balanced output, USB-C (charging, data)
- Output power: 3.5mm SE (315mW), 4.4mm balanced (1100mW)
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz
- Bluetooth: 5.2 (SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC)
- Music Streaming Support: Tidal (streaming only, no offline playback)
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD512, 32-bit/768kHz PCM, MQA, MP3, WAV, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: None
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 6000mAh, up to 11 hours of playback
- Display: 4.7 inch touch screen, 720×1080
- DAC/Amp Chipset: AKM AK4191EQ + AK4499EX, TPA6120A2
- SOC Chipset: Ingenic X2000
- RAM: 128MB
- OS: MTouch OS
- Dimensions: 120mm x 75mm x 19.5mm
- Weight: 247 grams
- Notes: 20,000 track limit for the Music app, but essentially unlimited for the File browser.
FiiO M23
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- Price: $649.99 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4.4mm Balanced output, 2x USB-C (only one port supports data, both support charging)
- Output power: 3.5mm SE (235mW), 4.4mm balanced (730mW)
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4GHz and 5GHz
- Bluetooth: 5.0 (SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, LHDC)
- Music Streaming Support: Yes
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD256, 32-bit/384kHz PCM, MQA, MP3, WAV, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: 64GB
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 5500mAh, up to 10.5 hours of playback
- Display: 5.5 inch IPS touch screen, 1440×720
- DAC/Amp Chipset: AK4191EQ+AK4499EX, THX AAA-78+
- SOC Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 660
- RAM: 4GB
- OS: Open Android 10
- Dimensions: 75.7mm x 136.5mm x 18.1mm
- Weight: 299 grams
- Notes: Has a desktop mode for battery bypass, which also enables a super high-gain mode for extra output power.
FiiO M33 R2R
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- Price: $699.99 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4.4mm Balanced output, 2x USB-C (only one port supports data, both support charging)
- Output power: 3.5mm SE (470mW), 4.4mm balanced (1100mW)
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4GHz and 5GHz
- Bluetooth: 5.0 (SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, LHDC)
- Music Streaming Support: Yes
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD256, 32-bit/384kHz PCM, MQA, MP3, WAV, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: 128GB
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 4400mAh, up to 15.5 hours of playback
- Display: 5.5 inch IPS touch screen, 1080×2160
- DAC/Amp Chipset: FiiO proprietary R2R DAC, 4x TI INA1620 amp chips
- SOC Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 680
- RAM: 8GB
- OS: Open Android 13
- Dimensions: 138.2mm x 71.5mm x 17mm
- Weight: 258 grams
- Notes:
- Has a desktop mode for battery bypass, which also enables a super high-gain mode for extra output power.
- Dedicated USB controller (XMOS XU316) for low latency USB DAC playback
HiBy R6 Pro II 2025
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- Price: $699 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4.4mm Balanced output, 3.5mm SE LO, 4.4mm Balanced LO, USB-C (charging, data)
- Output power: 3.5mm SE (165mW), 4.4mm balanced (632mW)
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4GHz and 5GHz
- Bluetooth: 5.0 (SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, UAT)
- Music Streaming Support: Yes
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD512, 32-bit/768kHz PCM, MQA, MP3, WAV, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: 128GB
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 5000mAh, up to 8 hours of playback
- Display: 5.9 inch IPS touch screen, 1080×2160
- DAC/Amp Chipset: 2x Cirrus Logic CS4308P DACs, 2x OPA1652 Op-Amps
- SOC Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 665
- RAM: 6GB
- OS: Open Android 12
- Dimensions: 147.5mm x 75.2mm x 15mm
- Weight: 283 grams
Onix Overture XM5
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- Price: $749 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4.4mm balanced output, USB-C (charging, data)
- Output power: 3.5mm SE (310mW), 4.4mm balanced (1069mW)
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz
- Bluetooth: 5.2 (SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC)
- Music Streaming Support: Tidal (streaming only, no offline playback)
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD512, 32-bit/768kHz PCM, MQA, MP3, WAV, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: None
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 7000mAh, up to 14 hours of playback
- Display: 3 inch OLED touch screen, 720×720
- DAC/Amp Chipset: ESS ES9039PRO, 2x TPA6120
- SOC Chipset: Ingenic X2000
- RAM: 128MB
- OS: MTouch OS
- Dimensions: 115mm x 70mm x 19mm
- Weight: 275 grams
- Notes: 20,000 track limit for the Music app, but essentially unlimited for the File browser.
Sony NW-ZX707
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- Price: $898 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4.4mm Balanced output, USB-C (charging, data)
- Output power: 3.5mm SE (1.1mW), 4.4mm balanced (1.1mW) for capped version, 3.5mm SE (50mW), 4.4mm balanced (230mW) for uncapped version – these numbers may not be entirely accurate
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4GHz and 5GHz
- Bluetooth: 5.0 (SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC)
- Music Streaming Support: Yes
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD256, 32-bit/384kHz PCM, MQA, MP3, WAV, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: 64GB
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: Up to 25 hours of playback
- Display: 5 inch TFT touch screen, 1280×720
- DAC/Amp Chipset: S-Master HX digital amplifier
- SOC Chipset: Qualcomm QCS4290 ( 4x ARM Cortex-A73 cores at 2.0Ghz and 4x Cortex-A53 cores at 1.8GHz)
- RAM: 4GB
- OS: Android 14
- Dimensions: 72.6mm x 132.3mm x 17.1mm
- Weight: 227 grams
Onix Waltz XM10
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- Price: $899 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, USB-C (charging, data)
- Output power: 3.5mm SE (227mW), 4.4mm balanced with included 3.5mm to 4.4mm adapter (877mW)
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz
- Bluetooth: 5.0 (SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC)
- Music Streaming Support: Yes
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD512, 32-bit/768kHz PCM, MQA, MP3, WAV, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: 128GB
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 4300mAh, up to 9 hours of playback
- Display: 6 inch LCD touch screen, 2160×1080
- DAC/Amp Chipset: AKM AK4191 + AK4499EX, 2x AD8397
- SOC Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 665
- RAM: 6GB
- OS: Open Android 13
- Dimensions: 157.7mm x 76.8mm x 11.5mm
- Weight: 338 grams
iBasso DX260 MK2
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- Price: $949 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4.4mm Balanced output, SPDIF output, USB-C (charging, data)
- Output power: 3.5mm SE (280mW), 4.4mm balanced (1015mW)
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4GHz and 5GHz
- Bluetooth: 5.0 (SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, UAT)
- Music Streaming Support: Yes
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD256, 32-bit/768kHz PCM, MP3, WAV, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: 128GB
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 4400mAh, up to 14 hours of playback
- Display: 5 inch IPS touch screen, 1080×1920
- DAC/Amp Chipset: 8x CS43198
- SOC Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 665
- RAM: 4GB
- OS: Open Android 13 + Mango OS
- Dimensions: 123mm x 74.5mm x 17.5mm
- Weight: 229 grams
- Notes: Battery is user-replaceable
Best High-End DAPs (under $1500)
iBasso DX270
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- Price: $1149 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4.4mm Balanced output, 4.4mm Line Out, USB-C (charging, data), 12V DC external power input
- Output power: 3.5mm SE (416mW), 4.4mm balanced (1575mW)
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4GHz and 5GHz
- Bluetooth: 5.0 (SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC)
- Music Streaming Support: Yes
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD512, 32-bit/768kHz PCM, APE, FLAC, WAV, WMA, ACC, ALAC, AIFF, OGG, MP3, DFF, DSF, DXD, DST, including CUE, ISO, M3U, M3U8
- Internal Storage: 128GB
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 4400mAh, up to 13.5 hours of playback
- Display: 5.5 inch IPS touch screen, 1080×2160
- DAC/Amp Chipset: In house developed 8-channel R2R Ultra DAC
- SOC Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 665
- RAM: 4GB
- OS: Open Android 13 and Mango OS
- Dimensions: 136mm x 73.5mm x 19mm
- Weight: 265 grams
Shanling M7T
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- Price: $1199 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4.4mm Balanced output, USB-C (charging, data)
- Output power: 3.5mm SE (245mW), 4.4mm balanced (980mW)
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4GHz and 5GHz
- Bluetooth: 5.0 (SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, LHDC)
- Music Streaming Support: Yes
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD1024, 32-bit/768kHz PCM, MQA, MP3, WAV, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: 128GB
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 7000mAh, up to 14.5 hours of playback
- Display: 5 inch IPS touch screen, 1080×1920
- DAC/Amp Chipset: AKM AK4191 + 2x AK4498EX DACs, 2x OPA2211 + 2x MUSES8920 + 4x BUF634A Amp system, Dual JAN6418 tubes for tube mode
- SOC Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 665
- RAM: 6GB
- OS: Open Android 13
- Dimensions: 129mm x 77.5mm x 21mm
- Weight: 319.8 grams
Onix Overture XM5
Buy direct from Shanling: https://store.shanling.com/ONIX-XM5-Titanium-pd165227738.html
- Price: $1299 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4.4mm balanced output, USB-C (charging, data)
- Output power: 3.5mm SE (252mW), 4.4mm balanced (1000mW)
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz
- Bluetooth: 5.2 (SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC)
- Music Streaming Support: Tidal (streaming only, no offline playback)
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD512, 32-bit/768kHz PCM, MQA, MP3, WAV, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: None
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 7000mAh, up to 14 hours of playback
- Display: 3 inch OLED touch screen, 720×720
- DAC/Amp Chipset: ESS ES9039PRO, 2x AD8397 amps
- SOC Chipset: Ingenic X2000
- RAM: 128MB
- OS: MTouch OS
- Dimensions: 115mm x 70mm x 19mm
- Weight: 327 grams
- Notes:
- 20,000 track limit for the Music app, but essentially unlimited for the File browser.
- Dedicated USB chip for low-latency USB DAC performance.
- Compared to the original XM5, this is optimized for sensitive IEMs.
Sony NW-WM1AM2
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- Price: $1398 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4.4mm Balanced output, USB-C (charging, data)
- Output power: 3.5mm SE (1.1mW), 4.4mm balanced (1.1mW) for capped version, 3.5mm SE (60mW), 4.4mm balanced (250mW) for uncapped version – these numbers may not be entirely accurate
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4GHz and 5GHz
- Bluetooth: 5.0 (SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC)
- Music Streaming Support: Yes
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD256, 32-bit/384kHz PCM, MQA, MP3, WAV, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: 128GB
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 2000mAh, up to 40 hours of playback
- Display: 5 inch TFT touch screen, 1280×720
- DAC/Amp Chipset: S-Master HX digital amplifier
- SOC Chipset: Quad core ARM Cortex A53
- RAM: 4GB
- OS: Android 11
- Dimensions: 80.5mm x 142.7mm x 20.8mm
- Weight: 299 grams
Cayin N6III
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- Price: $1499 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4.4mm Balanced output, 3.5mm SE LO, USB-C (charging, data)
- Output power: C201 version – 3.5mm SE (260mW), 4.4mm balanced (700mW), E203 version – 3.5mm SE (400mW), 4.4mm balanced (900mW)
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4GHz and 5GHz
- Bluetooth: 5.0 (SBC, AAC, LDAC, UAT)
- Music Streaming Support: Yes
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD512, 32-bit/768kHz PCM, MQA, MP3, WAV, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: 128GB
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 9000mAh, up to 16 hours (C201 version) and 11 hours (E203 version) of playback
- Display: 5 inch TFT touch screen, 1080×1920
- DAC/Amp Chipset: E203 version (ES9039SPRO, OPA1612), C201 version (8x CS43198, 4x OPA1622)
- SOC Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 665
- RAM: 6GB
- OS: Customized Android 12
- Dimensions: 126mm x 77.8mm x 23mm
- Weight: 350 grams
Shanling M8T
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- Price: $1499 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4.4mm Balanced output, USB-C (charging, data)
- Output power: 3.5mm SE (500mW), 4.4mm balanced (1125mW)
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz
- Bluetooth: 5.0 (SBC, AAC, LDAC)
- Music Streaming Support: Yes
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD1024, 32-bit/768kHz PCM, MQA, MP3, WAV, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: 128GB
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 8350mAh, up to 15.5 hours of playback
- Display: 6 inch LCD touch screen, 1080×2160
- DAC/Amp Chipset: 2x AK4499EX + 2x AK4191EQ DACs, 2x JAN6418 Tubes, ADI ADA45253 amps
- SOC Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 665
- RAM: 6GB
- OS: Open Android 13
- Dimensions: 147mm x 82mm x 22mm
- Weight: 383 grams
FiiO M17
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- Price: $1794 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 6.35mm SE output, 4.4mm Balanced output, 2.5mm Balanced output, Coaxial/RCA output, 2x USB-C (charging, data)
- Output power: 3.5mm SE (500mW), 4.4mm balanced (3000mW)
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4GHz and 5GHz
- Bluetooth: 5.0 (SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, LHDC)
- Music Streaming Support: Yes
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD256, 32-bit/384kHz PCM, MQA, MP3, WAV, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: 64GB
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 9200mAh, up to 10 hours of playback
- Display: 5.99 inch IPS touch screen, 1080×2160
- DAC/Amp Chipset: 2x ES9038PRO, THX AAA 788+ amp
- SOC Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 660
- RAM: 4GB
- OS: Open Android 10
- Dimensions: 156.4mm x 88.5mm x 28mm
- Weight: 610 grams
Cayin N7
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- Price: $2199 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4.4mm Balanced output, 3.5mm SE LO, 4.4mm Balanced LO, I2S, USB-C (charging, data)
- Output power: 3.5mm SE (250mW), 4.4mm balanced (500mW)
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4GHz and 5GHz,
- Bluetooth: 5.0 (SBC, AAC, LDAC, UAT)
- Music Streaming Support: Yes
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD256, 32-bit/384kHz PCM, MQA, MP3, WAV, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: 64GB
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 9000mAh, up to 10 hours of playback
- Display: 5 inch TFT touch screen, 1080×1920
- DAC/Amp Chipset: Discrete 1-bit DSD DAC, discrete JFET +BJT amp
- SOC Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 665
- RAM: 4GB
- OS: Customized Android 12
- Dimensions: 142mm x 77.8mm x 22.2mm
- Weight: 380 grams
Shanling M9 Plus
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- Price: $2959 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4.4mm Balanced output, USB-C (charging, data)
- Output power: 3.5mm SE (520mW), 4.4mm balanced (1125mW)
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4GHz and 5GHz
- Bluetooth: 5.0 (SBC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, LHDC)
- Music Streaming Support: Yes
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD1024, 32-bit/1536kHz PCM, MQA, MP3, WAV, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: 256GB
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 8350mAh, up to 18 hours of playback
- Display: 6 inch IPS touch screen, 1080×2160
- DAC/Amp Chipset: 4x AKM AK4499EX, 2x AKM AK4191
- SOC Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 665
- RAM: 8GB
- OS: Open Android 10
- Dimensions: 147mm x 82mm x 22mm
- Weight: 379 grams
Sony NW-WM1ZM2
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Check Prices for Other Stores: https://geni.us/cG57gI
- Price: $3698 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4.4mm Balanced output, USB-C (charging, data)
- Output power: 3.5mm SE (1.1mW), 4.4mm balanced (1.1mW) for capped version, 3.5mm SE (60mW), 4.4mm balanced (250mW) for uncapped version – these numbers may not be entirely accurate
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4GHz and 5GHz
- Bluetooth: 5.0 (SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC)
- Music Streaming Support: Yes
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD256, 32-bit/384kHz PCM, MQA, MP3, WAV, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: 256GB
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 2000mAh, up to 40 hours of playback
- Display: 5 inch IPS touch screen, 1280×720
- DAC/Amp Chipset: S-Master HX digital amplifier
- SOC Chipset: Quad core ARM Cortex A53
- RAM: 4GB
- OS: Android 11
- Dimensions: 80.5mm x 142.7mm x 21.1mm
- Weight: 490 grams
Astell & Kern A&ultima SP4000
- Price: $4290 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4.4mm Balanced output, 3.5mm Optical Out, USB-C (charging, data)
- Output power: 3.5mm SE (4.1Vrms), 4.4mm balanced (8.2Vrms)
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4GHz and 5GHz
- Bluetooth: 5.0 (SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, LHDC)
- Music Streaming Support: Yes
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD512, 32-bit/768kHz PCM, WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF
- Internal Storage: 256GB
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 1.5TB)
- Battery: 6780mAh, up to 10 hours of playback
- Display: 6 inch IPS 2K touch screen, 2160×1080
- DAC/Amp Chipset: AKM4191 x4 + AKM4499EX x4 (Real Quad DAC)
- SOC Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 6125 Octa-core
- RAM: 8GB
- OS: Custom Android 10
- Dimensions: 85mm x 149.8mm x 19.5mm
- Weight: 615 grams
Check my IEM and headphone reviews to see if one will make an excellent addition for your DAP:
My wired headphone reviews: https://www.hifioasis.com/category/reviews/headphone-reviews/
My wireless headphone reviews: https://www.hifioasis.com/category/reviews/wireless-headphone-reviews/
My IEM reviews: https://www.hifioasis.com/category/reviews/iems/
My TWS earbud reviews: https://www.hifioasis.com/category/reviews/wireless-earbud-reviews/
DAP Alternatives
Not quite ready to commit to investing in a digital audio player? Then maybe a dongle DAC or portable DAC is the right choice for you. See my list of recommended dongle DACs and portable DACs here: The Best Portable DACs
Be sure to check out our other buying guides to help you get the best audio experience possible!
Might be worth mentioning that the Hiby R4 EVA, for $25 more, has 4GB RAM instead of the standard 3GB in the other models.
Totally agree, it’s now added to the list.
Hi!
Thanks for this huge list. is it sorted in any way? I mean, the first of the each list is your preference in each price group? If not, do you have preferences?
No problem! It is sorted by price in ascending order to remove any bias on my part. For DAPs where I have done full reviews, the reviews are linked.
I do have my own preferences, but my goal is to try and help everyone get the best DAP that meets their own requirements, use cases, and budget.
If you’re looking for something specific, what’s your budget and requirements? I would be able to suggest something based on that information.
Thank you for the comprehensive guide – this was what I was hoping to find. I wonder if you have a recommendation of a first DAP for children ages 8-10? I’m hoping to avoid a device that looks like a smartphone if possible. I’d ideally like to load it up with my kids’ favorite songs and let them use it like a Walkman (or early iPod). I’d happily pay up to $200 for something that fits the bill, is user-friendly, and doesn’t put my children at risk of encountering strange things on the internet. I really appreciate your putting your expertise and hard work out there to the benefit of us all. (It’s so nice when the internet is a friendly and helpful place!)
I think the SnowSky Echo Mini is a great option for your use case. It does have limitations (256GB microSD card limit, max number of tracks is 8192, doesn’t support gapless playback), but if none of those matter to you, it’s a good and inexpensive option. The Bluetooth on it is also decent, despite only supporting the SBC codec.
For a more proper DAP experience, the HiBy R1 is fantastic. It’s plastic, so fairly durable, and doesn’t have internet access other than for streaming Tidal and Qobuz. The Bluetooth on it is also much better than on the Echo Mini. Given the age of your kids, though, I think the Echo Mini is a great option.
Thank you!
Thanks HiFi-Dawson for this great list. Can you please include the dimensions (LxWxH) of each product to help with decision making?
Thank you for the suggestion. It’s on my to-do list, expect in the next week or so.