The FiiO M21 is a powerful Hi-Res DAP with Android 13, four CS43198 DACs and 3.5/4.4mm outputs. Desktop Mode delivers up to 950mW per channel. Read more.
The FiiO M21 is a versatile Hi-Res Digital Audio Player designed for listeners who want high-quality audio without giving up the convenience of Android. Four Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC chips, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 processor, Android 13 and powerful balanced amplification make the M21 suitable for everything from sensitive IEMs to more demanding full-size headphones.
Within the FiiO range, the M21 offers an appealing balance between portability and serious desktop capability. You can also explore our complete selection of Digital Audio Players (DAPs).
The audio section of the FiiO M21 is built around four Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC chips. This allows FiiO to implement an eight-channel fully differential output architecture designed for strong channel separation, low noise and precise reproduction of fine musical detail.
The headphone amplifier uses a two-stage design with OPA1692 and SGM8262-2 components, separating voltage amplification from current delivery. This approach gives the M21 both refinement and the driving capability needed for a broad range of headphones.
One of the M21's most important features is its dedicated Desktop Mode. With a suitable external power source connected to the separate USB-C POWER IN port, the player can operate from external power without continually charging and discharging its internal battery.
A suitable PD supply also enables Super High Gain. Through the 4.4mm balanced output, the M21 can deliver up to 950mW + 950mW into 32 ohms. The 3.5mm output reaches up to 405mW + 405mW into 32 ohms, giving the M21 considerably more versatility than a typical compact portable player.
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 octa-core processor provides a responsive platform for Android 13. Combined with 4GB RAM and 64GB internal storage, the M21 is designed for both local music playback and Android streaming services such as Spotify, TIDAL and Qobuz.
Around 52GB of the internal storage is available to the user. A microSD card can expand storage theoretically up to 2TB, providing ample space for large lossless and Hi-Res music libraries.
The 3.5mm connection can function as a headphone output, line output or coaxial digital output. A separate 4.4mm balanced headphone and line output is also provided.
Two USB-C ports separate data/audio duties from dedicated external power. Wireless connectivity includes dual-band 2.4/5GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0. Bluetooth transmission supports AAC, SBC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC and LHDC, while Bluetooth reception supports SBC, AAC and LDAC.
The built-in 4000mAh battery provides up to approximately 15 hours of playback through the 3.5mm output and around 12.5 hours through the balanced 4.4mm connection. With a suitable PD3.0 charger, FiiO specifies a charging time of approximately 1.5 hours.
If minimum size and weight are your main priorities, consider the FiiO JM21 4GB/64GB. The JM21 uses two CS43198 DACs and focuses more strongly on a slim portable format.
The M21 moves further towards desktop-class versatility with four CS43198 DACs, dedicated Desktop Mode and balanced output reaching 950mW per channel. It is therefore the stronger choice for listeners who use more demanding headphones or want the same DAP to serve both portable and stationary systems.
For additional protection, the purpose-designed FiiO SK-M21 case is an excellent match. Listeners looking to move further up the FiiO range and explore a different R2R conversion architecture can also consider the FiiO M33 R2R.
| Model | FiiO M21 |
| Type | Hi-Res Digital Audio Player (DAP) |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680, octa-core |
| Operating system | Android 13 |
| DAC | 4 × Cirrus Logic CS43198 |
| Amplifier | 2 × OPA1692 + 2 × SGM8262-2 |
| RAM | 4GB |
| Internal storage | 64GB, approx. 52GB available |
| Storage expansion | microSD, theoretically up to 2TB |
| Display | 4.7 inch, 750 × 1334 pixels |
| 3.5mm output | Headphone / line out / coaxial digital |
| 4.4mm output | Balanced headphone / line out |
| USB | USB-C 3.0 + dedicated USB-C POWER IN |
| 4.4mm output power | Up to 950 + 950mW into 32Ω, Super High Gain |
| 3.5mm output power | Up to 405 + 405mW into 32Ω, Super High Gain |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Bluetooth transmit | AAC, SBC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, LHDC |
| Bluetooth receive | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Wi-Fi | 2.4GHz / 5GHz |
| Local playback | Up to 384kHz / 32-bit and DSD256 Native |
| USB DAC | Up to 384kHz / 32-bit and DSD256 Native |
| Battery | 4000mAh |
| 3.5mm battery life | Up to approx. 15 hours |
| 4.4mm battery life | Up to approx. 12.5 hours |
| Fast charging | PD2.0 / PD3.0 PPS, approx. 1.5 hours with suitable PD3.0 charger |
| Dimensions | Approx. 68 × 121 × 17mm |
| Weight | Approx. 193g |
| Colours | Titanium Gold, Dark Blue and Black |
The FiiO M21 is particularly suitable for listeners who want one high-quality player for both portable and stationary use. Android streaming, expandable storage, powerful 4.4mm amplification and dedicated Desktop Mode allow it to operate as a standalone portable player, USB DAC, digital source or desktop headphone solution.
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