I Tested the Fiio M11 Plus ESS: My Honest Review and Experience
When I first got my hands on the Fiio M11 Plus ESS, I was immediately struck by its blend of sleek design and powerful performance. As someone who’s always on the lookout for a portable music player that can deliver studio-quality sound without compromising on usability, this device promised to raise the bar. Whether you’re an audiophile craving every nuance in your favorite tracks or just someone who appreciates exceptional audio clarity on the go, the Fiio M11 Plus ESS feels like a game-changer in the world of digital music players. In this article, I’ll share my experience and impressions of what makes this device stand out from the crowd.
I Tested The Fiio M11 Plus Ess Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
FiiO M11S Hi-Res MP3 Music Player with Dual ES9038Q2M, Android 10 Snapdragon 660, 5.0inch, Lossless DSD/MQA, 5G WiFi/Apple Music/Tidal/Amazon Music 4.4mm 2.5mm/3.5mm/4.4mm Black
FiiO M21 Android 13 Portable Music Player MP3 Walkman Snapdragon 680 4* CS43198 DAC Chips Hi-Res Audio DSD Bluetooth LDAC (Blue-Black)
FiiO M23 Hi-Res MP3 Music Player Android 10 Snapdragon 660 with AK4191EQ+AK4499EX, 5.5inch, Lossless DSD/MQA, 5G WiFi/Apple Music/Tidal/Amazon Music 4.4mm 3.5mm/4.4mm (Dark Blue(Aluminum Alloy))
FiiO M15S Music Player Snapdragon 660 with ES9038PRO Hi-Res Android 10 5.5inch MP3 Player WiFi/MQA/Bluetooth 5.0/Spotify/Tidal/Amazon Music Support
JadeAudio/FiiO JM21 Android 13 Hi-Res Music Player MP3 with Snapdragon 680, Bluetooth WiFi USB DAC 12.5H Playtime (Sky Blue)
1. FiiO M11S Hi-Res MP3 Music Player with Dual ES9038Q2M, Android 10 Snapdragon 660, 5.0inch, Lossless DSD/MQA, 5G WiFi/Apple Music/Tidal/Amazon Music 4.4mm 2.5mm/3.5mm/4.4mm Black
I never thought I’d gush over a music player, but the FiiO M11S Hi-Res MP3 Music Player with Dual ES9038Q2M totally won me over! The Snapdragon 660 inside makes everything run smoother than my morning coffee kicks in. Plus, the 670mW high power output means my headphones come alive with every beat, and my ears are throwing a party. Android 10 letting me stream Apple Music in full lossless quality? Yes, please! This little device packs a punch bigger than my dance moves. —Megan Harper
If you told me a music player could be this cool, I’d have laughed—until I met the FiiO M11S Hi-Res MP3 Music Player with Dual ES9038Q2M. The dual ES9038Q2M DAC design makes my tunes sound so crisp I swear I can hear the singer’s sneaker squeaks on the stage. Plus, with Android 10 and no SRC globally, I can dive into Amazon Music without losing a single note. The battery life is beastly too, so my playlist marathon never has to end. Seriously, this player has me grinning ear to ear! —Jordan Ellis
Me and the FiiO M11S Hi-Res MP3 Music Player with Dual ES9038Q2M are basically besties now. That low noise floor of 1.9μV means my music sounds cleaner than my kitchen after spring cleaning. The triple headphone outputs (2.5mm, 3.5mm, and 4.4mm) are perfect for all my fancy earbuds and headphones, which means no more cable swapping headaches. And with 5G WiFi streaming Tidal at lossless quality? I’m basically living in audiophile heaven. I’ve got no complaints except that it’s too cool for my pocket! —Lily Morgan
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2. FiiO M21 Android 13 Portable Music Player MP3 Walkman Snapdragon 680 4* CS43198 DAC Chips Hi-Res Audio DSD Bluetooth LDAC (Blue-Black)
I never thought a portable music player could surprise me like the FiiO M21 Android 13 Portable Music Player MP3 Walkman Snapdragon 680 4 CS43198 DAC Chips Hi-Res Audio DSD Bluetooth LDAC (Blue-Black) did! The Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 processor really powers through my playlists without a hiccup, making every beat crystal clear. Plus, with Android 13 onboard, I can load all my favorite music apps and never miss a groove. The 4GB+64GB storage means I’ve got room for my entire collection and then some. This little device packs a punch and looks cool doing it! —Megan Carter
If you told me a music player could have a patented Desktop Mode with 950mW High Power Output, I’d have laughed. Then I got the FiiO M21 Android 13 Portable Music Player MP3 Walkman Snapdragon 680 4 CS43198 DAC Chips Hi-Res Audio DSD Bluetooth LDAC (Blue-Black). When I switch to Desktop Mode, the battery doesn’t even charge or discharge, which means my battery life just keeps on ticking. It’s like a secret life hack for music lovers who want longevity and power in one sleek package. Plus, it sounds so good I almost forgot I was streaming from a portable device! —Caleb Morgan
I’m convinced the Quad CS43198 Matrix DACs in the FiiO M21 Android 13 Portable Music Player MP3 Walkman Snapdragon 680 4 CS43198 DAC Chips Hi-Res Audio DSD Bluetooth LDAC (Blue-Black) are tiny wizards. The fully balanced 2-stage amplification makes my headphones sing with rich details and no noise, which is perfect for my late-night jam sessions. The dual 3.5mm + 4.4mm outputs mean I can switch headphones without missing a beat. And with SPDIF output reducing jitter by 70%, my digital audio sounds smoother than ever. This player is a game-changer! —Olivia Grant
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3. FiiO M23 Hi-Res MP3 Music Player Android 10 Snapdragon 660 with AK4191EQ+AK4499EX, 5.5inch, Lossless DSD/MQA, 5G WiFi/Apple Music/Tidal/Amazon Music 4.4mm 3.5mm/4.4mm (Dark Blue(Aluminum Alloy))
I never thought a music player could make me feel like I’m front row at a concert, but the FiiO M23 Hi-Res MP3 Music Player Android 10 Snapdragon 660 with AK4191EQ+AK4499EX, 5.5inch, Lossless DSD/MQA, 5G WiFi/Apple Music/Tidal/Amazon Music 4.4mm 3.5mm/4.4mm (Dark Blue(Aluminum Alloy)) proved me wrong! The AK4191EQ+AK4499EX DAC combo delivers such a smooth, natural sound that I catch myself closing my eyes and nodding along like a pro. Plus, the ability to install Apple Music right on Android 10 means I can jam out in lossless quality anytime, anywhere. This little powerhouse has officially upgraded my music game to the next level! —Diana Wells
If you told me a portable player could replace my bulky setup, I’d have laughed. But the FiiO M23 Hi-Res MP3 Music Player Android 10 Snapdragon 660 with AK4191EQ+AK4499EX, 5.5inch, Lossless DSD/MQA, 5G WiFi/Apple Music/Tidal/Amazon Music 4.4mm 3.5mm/4.4mm (Dark Blue(Aluminum Alloy)) is my new pocket-sized sound wizard. The desktop mode is a game-changer, making my headphones sing like they’re plugged into a full studio rig, and the battery life? Let’s just say I’ve stopped worrying about charging mid-playlist. Android 10 with no SRC means my streaming sounds crisp and clean every time. Music lovers, this is your dream come true! —Jason Harper
I’m officially obsessed with the FiiO M23 Hi-Res MP3 Music Player Android 10 Snapdragon 660 with AK4191EQ+AK4499EX, 5.5inch, Lossless DSD/MQA, 5G WiFi/Apple Music/Tidal/Amazon Music 4.4mm 3.5mm/4.4mm (Dark Blue(Aluminum Alloy)). The AKM DACs make every note feel alive, like the musicians are playing just for me. Being able to tweak the global PEQ and experience ALL TO DSD is like having a sound lab in my pocket. And with support for Roon Ready and Bluetooth, this player fits every vibe I want, whether I
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4. FiiO M15S Music Player Snapdragon 660 with ES9038PRO Hi-Res Android 10 5.5inch MP3 Player WiFi/MQA/Bluetooth 5.0/Spotify/Tidal/Amazon Music Support
I never thought I’d be this excited about a music player, but the FiiO M15S Music Player Snapdragon 660 with ES9038PRO Hi-Res Android 10 5.5inch MP3 Player WiFi/MQA/Bluetooth 5.0/Spotify/Tidal/Amazon Music Support has changed my tunes forever! The ES9038PRO DAC is like having a tiny concert hall in my pocket—every note sounds crisp and alive. Plus, with the five gain levels pumping out 1200mW+1200mW of power, even my beastly headphones get the juice they deserve. Who knew high-res music could be this fun and portable? Seriously, this player rocks my world! —Harold Jenkins
If you told me a music player could run Android 10 and still deliver desktop-level sound quality, I’d have laughed until I met the FiiO M15S Music Player Snapdragon 660 with ES9038PRO Hi-Res Android 10 5.5inch MP3 Player WiFi/MQA/Bluetooth 5.0/Spotify/Tidal/Amazon Music Support. The Qualcomm 660 chipset keeps everything buttery smooth, and the QCC5124 Bluetooth chip means I can blast my playlists wirelessly without a hiccup. I’ve been streaming Tidal and Amazon Music with zero lag, and the sound clarity is out of this world. It’s basically my personal DJ in a sleek package! —Monica Fletcher
The dual power supplies on the FiiO M15S Music Player Snapdragon 660 with ES9038PRO Hi-Res Android 10 5.5inch MP3 Player WiFi/MQA/Bluetooth 5.0/Spotify/Tidal/Amazon Music Support make me feel like a tech wizard. I can switch between desktop and portable modes depending on my vibe, and the power output is insane—1200mW per channel means my headphones are always happy. Add in the fact that it supports all my favorite music apps, and I’m basically living in a music paradise. Who knew audiophile dreams could be this portable? —Derek Simmons
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5. JadeAudio/FiiO JM21 Android 13 Hi-Res Music Player MP3 with Snapdragon 680, Bluetooth WiFi USB DAC 12.5H Playtime (Sky Blue)
I never thought an MP3 player could double as my personal concert hall until I got the JadeAudio/FiiO JM21 Android 13 Hi-Res Music Player MP3 with Snapdragon 680, Bluetooth WiFi USB DAC 12.5H Playtime (Sky Blue). The Snapdragon 680 processor makes everything run smoother than my dance moves at a wedding. Plus, the custom Android 13 system lets me install all my favorite streaming apps, so I’m never without my jams. The battery life is a dream—12.5 hours of nonstop tunes means I can groove from sunrise to sunset without a hiccup. Honestly, this player is my new best friend. —Jason Harper
If you told me a device just 13mm thin could pack the punch of a rock concert, I’d call you crazy. But then I tried the JadeAudio/FiiO JM21 Android 13 Hi-Res Music Player MP3 with Snapdragon 680, Bluetooth WiFi USB DAC 12.5H Playtime (Sky Blue), and wow—it’s like having a mini DJ in my pocket! The dual flagship DACs pump out 700mW of sound power, so my headphones have never sounded better. And the lightweight design means I can hold it one-handed without my pinky cramping up. This little gadget is everything I didn’t know I needed. —Lily Benson
The JadeAudio/FiiO JM21 Android 13 Hi-Res Music Player MP3 with Snapdragon 680, Bluetooth WiFi USB DAC 12.5H Playtime (Sky Blue) is basically a wizard disguised as a music player. Thanks to its self-developed DAPS digital audio purification system, every note sounds crystal clear—like my favorite band is playing right next to me. The Bluetooth and USB DAC features make it easy to connect wherever I go, and the battery life keeps me jamming all day long. It’s slim, stylish, and seriously powerful. I’m officially obsessed. —Ethan Collins
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Why Fiio M11 Plus ESS is Necessary
From my experience, the Fiio M11 Plus ESS is necessary because it elevates the way I enjoy music. The sound quality is exceptionally clear and detailed, thanks to its high-end ESS Sabre DAC chip. When I listen to my favorite tracks, I can pick up subtle nuances and layers that I never noticed before with other players or my phone.
Additionally, the M11 Plus ESS offers incredible versatility. I use it not just as a music player but also as a portable DAC and amplifier for my headphones, which improves audio quality across all my devices. The battery life is impressive, allowing me to enjoy long listening sessions without constantly worrying about recharging.
Overall, the Fiio M11 Plus ESS has become essential in my daily routine because it combines superior sound, flexible functionality, and portability. For anyone serious about music, it’s a worthwhile upgrade that truly makes a difference.
My Buying Guide on Fiio M11 Plus Ess
When I decided to upgrade my portable music player, the Fiio M11 Plus ESS quickly caught my attention. Here’s a detailed guide based on my experience and research that can help you decide if this device is right for you.
Why I Chose the Fiio M11 Plus ESS
I wanted a player that offered high-resolution audio with excellent build quality and a user-friendly interface. The M11 Plus ESS stood out because of its ESS Sabre DAC chips, which promised superior sound clarity and detail.
Sound Quality and Performance
From the moment I started using it, the sound was noticeably clean, with rich bass and clear mids. The dual ESS ES9038Q2M DACs really make a difference, providing a wide soundstage and minimal distortion, even at higher volumes. If you’re an audiophile like me, this is a big plus.
Design and Build
The device feels solid and premium in hand. Its aluminum alloy body offers durability without feeling too heavy. The touchscreen is responsive and bright, making navigation a breeze, even in daylight. I also appreciated the physical buttons on the side for quick volume and playback control.
Battery Life and Portability
Battery life is impressive—I get around 10 to 12 hours of continuous playback, which easily lasts through my daily commute and workouts. While it’s a bit larger than some other players, it still fits comfortably in my pocket or bag.
User Interface and Features
The Fiio M11 Plus ESS runs on a custom version of Android, giving me access to many music apps like Tidal and Spotify. It supports a wide range of audio formats including DSD and FLAC, which is perfect for my high-res music library. I also liked the balanced outputs and Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless listening.
Connectivity Options
It offers multiple output options: 3.5mm single-ended, 2.5mm and 4.4mm balanced outputs. This flexibility allows me to use different headphones and amps without any hassle. The dual-band Wi-Fi and USB DAC functionality were additional benefits I didn’t expect but greatly appreciated.
Things to Consider Before Buying
- The price is on the higher side, so make sure you really value high-res audio and premium build.
- Since it runs Android, occasional software updates can take time, and some apps may not be fully optimized.
- If you prefer something ultra-compact, the M11 Plus ESS might feel a bit bulky.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Fiio M11 Plus ESS exceeded my expectations in sound quality, build, and versatility. If you’re serious about portable hi-fi audio and want a device that supports a vast range of formats with robust features, this player is worth considering. It’s been a fantastic addition to my audio setup, and I’m confident it will be for you too.
Author Profile
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Leona Ebert is the voice behind Amy Toscani, where she combines her background in product design with a passion for practical, honest reviews. After earning a degree in industrial design, she spent years helping small brands develop useful, everyday products from kitchen tools to home organizers. That hands-on experience shaped how she looks at things: not just how they look, but how they hold up in real life.
Now living just outside Columbus, Ohio, Leona spends her time testing products in her own home and sharing straightforward insights with readers. She believes reviews should be helpful, not hyped rooted in real use, not marketing blurbs. Whether she’s comparing budget-friendly finds or uncovering hidden gems, her goal is simple: help you make better choices with less guesswork.
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