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, which include offerings from industry leaders like Sony, FiiO, and HiBy. Whether you’re looking for the best digital music player for your audiophile needs, a versatile DAP that can handle streaming services or a budget travel companion, I’ve got you covered with my expert insights and recommendations.
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”.
Best Ultra-Budget DAPs (under $150)
Innioasis TIMMKOO Q5
Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/465T1Oe
Check other Stores: https://geni.us/3MMSw
- Price: $39.99 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output
- WiFi: Yes
- Bluetooth: 4.2
- Music Streaming Support: No
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: MP3, OGG, APE, FLAC, WAV, AAC, M4A, M4R, MP2, AMR, ACELP
- Internal Storage: 8GB
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 512GB)
- Battery: 1800mAh, up to 77 hours of music playback
- Display: 4.0 inch touch screen
- DAC/Amp Chipset: Unknown
- SOC Chipset: Unknown
- RAM: 1GB
- OS: Unknown
- Notes: Has an FM radio (wired earphones cable used as antenna), microphone for voice recording
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
- Notes:
- Has an FM radio
- Has audiobook support
- Gapless playback doesn’t seem supported
- Some users have reported poor Bluetooth experiences.
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: Unknown
- RAM: Unknown
- OS: Unknown
- Notes:
- File limit of 8,192
- No M3U playlist support
- No gapless playback support
- Apple AirPods 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
- Notes:
- Has an FM radio
- Locked down Android OS, cannot install additional apps (kid-friendly device)
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
- Notes:
- Has an FM radio
- Locked down Android OS, cannot install additional apps (kid-friendly device)
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
- 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
Full review coming soon. My initial impressions:
- Small and very portable, the build quality is very good despite being plastic
- Same OS (the good and the bad) as the HiBy R3Pro II
- Decent output power
- Price: $85 USD
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Notes:
- 50,000 track limit for the Music app, but essentially unlimited for the File browser.
- The product page says PEQ support, but it is currently planned for a future software update.
Oilsky M308
Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/4ikGICb
Buy from AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c4q1DMjj
- 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
Shanling M0s
Buy from Amazon: https://geni.us/4E5zB8
Buy from AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oB2YZz3
Full review coming soon. My initial impressions:
- Small and very portable, the build quality is very good
- Touchscreen gestures take some getting used to
- Decent output power
- 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
- 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
- Notes: 20,000 track limit for the Music app, but essentially unlimited for the File browser.
Surfans F20 / HiFi Walker H2
Surfans F20
Buy from Amazon: https://geni.us/JqXGXf
HiFi Walker H2
Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Kn1rsu
- Price: $123.99 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 3.5mm Line Out, USB-C (charging, data)
- 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 256GB)
- Battery: 1500mAh, up to 12 hours of playback
- Display: 2 inch TFT display, 320×240
- DAC/Amp Chipset: TI PCM510xA
- SOC Chipset: Unknown
- RAM: Unknown
- OS: Unknown
- Notes:
- The Surfans F20, HiFi Walker H2, and AGPTek H3 are essentially the same DAPs.
- Rockbox can be installed
Shanling M0 Pro
Buy from Amazon: https://geni.us/sSsaF
Buy from AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oFnGjid
Buy from Linsoul: https://www.linsoul.com/products/shanling-m0-pro?sca_ref=5236667.OhF52MYHpZ
Buy from HiFiGo: https://hifigo.com/products/shanling-m0-pro?rfsn=8743649.bf4c478&variant=43674464354543
Full review coming soon. My initial impressions:
- Small and very portable, the build quality is very good (basically the same as the M0s)
- Touchscreen gestures take some getting used to (same as on the M0s)
- Output power is much better compared to the M0s, and the 3.5mm to 4.4mm balanced cable adapter works very well
- Price: $128 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4.4mm balanced (using Shanling cable adapter), USB-C (charging, data)
- Output power: 3.5mm SE (90mW), 4.4mm balanced (236mW)
- 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
- Internal Storage: None
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 650mAh, up to 14.5 hours of playback
- Display: 1.54 inch LCD touch screen, 240×240
- DAC/Amp Chipset: 2x ESS ES9219C
- SOC Chipset: X1000
- RAM: 32MB
- OS: MTouch OS
- Notes: 20,000 track limit for the Music app, but essentially unlimited for the File browser.
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
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
- 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
- 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
Hidizs AP80 PRO-X
Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/4n5oarL
Buy from AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oEkEKNr
Buy from HiFiGo: https://hifigo.com/products/hidizs-ap80-pro-x-portable-balanced-mqa-music-player?rfsn=8743649.bf4c478&variant=42272580141295
- Price: $169 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 2.5mm balanced output, USB-C (charging, data)
- Output power: 3.5mm SE (70mW), 2.5mm balanced (190mW)
- WiFi: No
- Bluetooth: 4.2(SBC, AAC, aptX, LDAC)
- 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: 800mAh, up to 11 hours of playback
- Display: 2.45 inch IPS touch screen, 480×360
- DAC/Amp Chipset: 2x ESS9219C
- SOC Chipset: X1000
- RAM: 32MB
- OS: HiBy OS
- Notes: 50,000 track limit for the Music app, but essentially unlimited for the File browser.
Surfans F28
Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3JzeYwp
- 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: 2000mAh, 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
- 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)
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), $240 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
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
- 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
- Notes: 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
- OS: MTouch OS
- 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
- 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
- OS: HiBy OS
- 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
- Notes: 50,000 track limit for the Music app, but essentially unlimited for the File browser.
HiBy R3Pro II
- OS: HiBy OS
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Notes: Class A amp. The R4 Rock Edition (R4 x MIDI) has the exact same specs.
HiBy R4 X EVANGELION – Limited Edition
Buy from HiBy (no longer available as of Dec. 1, 2025): https://store.hiby.com/products/hiby-r4-x-evangelion
- OS: Open Android 12
- Price: $319 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4.4mm Balanced output, USB-C (charging, data)
- Output power: 3.5mm SE (165mW), 4.4mm balanced (500mW)
- 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: 64GB
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 4500mAh, up to 15 hours of playback
- Display: 4.7 inch IPS touch screen, 720×1334
- DAC/Amp Chipset: 4x ES9018C2M DACs, 4x OPA1652 and 2x OPA1612 amps
- SOC Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 665
- RAM: 4GB
- Notes: Essentially the same device as the R4, just with more RAM and internal storage. The display is also slightly better. Battery life is also slightly longer due to some internal efficiency enhancements.
FiiO M21
Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3TsRsCP
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- OS: Open Android 13
- Price: $329 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
- Notes: Has a desktop mode for battery bypass, which also enables a super high-gain mode for extra output power.
Sony NW-A306
Buy from Amazon: https://geni.us/BDwisZA
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- 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
Best Mid-Level DAPs (under $1000)
HiBy R6 III (2025)
Buy from Amazon: https://geni.us/rgqLPiF
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- 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
Shanling M3 Plus
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- OS: Open Android 13
- 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: 2x CS43198, 2x SGM8262
- SOC Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 665
- RAM: 4GB
FiiO M11S
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- 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
iBasso DX180
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- OS: Open Android 13
- 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
- Notes:
- Built-in EQ is only available through the default music player (Mango app). You can still install any EQ app, though.
- Battery is user-replaceable
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
- Notes: Has a desktop mode for battery bypass, which also enables a super high-gain mode for extra output power.
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
HiBY R6 Pro II
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- Price: $749 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 (125mW), 4.4mm balanced (383mW)
- 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: DSD1024, 32-bit/1536kHz 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: 5000mAh, up to 8 hours of playback
- Display: 5.9 inch IPS touch screen, 1080×2160
- DAC/Amp Chipset: AK4191EQ+ 2x AK4499EX
- SOC Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 665
- RAM: 4GB
- OS: Open Android 12
Sony NW-ZX707
Buy from Amazon: https://geni.us/OpsHfMu
Check Prices from Other Stores: https://geni.us/y9my3y0
- 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
iBasso DX260
- 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: 64GB
- 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 660
- RAM: 4GB
- OS: Open Android 11 + Mango OS
- Notes: Battery is user-replaceable
Best High-End DAPs (under $1500)
Shanling M7T
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OS: Open Android 13
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
Shanling M7
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- Price: $1249 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4.4mm Balanced output, USB-C (charging, data)
- Output power: 3.5mm SE (406mW), 4.4mm balanced (920mW)
- 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: 7000mAh, up to 10 hours of playback
- Display: 5 inch IPS touch screen, 1080×1920
- DAC/Amp Chipset: ESS ES9038Pro
- SOC Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 665
- RAM: 6GB
- OS: Open Android 10
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
Cayin N6III
Buy from AliExpress E203 version: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oozhSln
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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
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
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
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
Sony NW-WM1ZM2
Buy from Amazon: https://geni.us/OXxQ9
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
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
IEM and Headphone Suggestions
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/
FAQs
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!