FiiO JM21 Review: Feature Packed, Budget Friendly and Shockingly Good!

Pros: 

• Ultra-Slim & Lightweight – At just 13mm thick and 156g, it's one of the most portable DAPs out there.

• Clean & Transparent Sound – Dual Cirrus Logic CS43198 DACs deliver a neutral and uncolored sound, making it great for those who prefer accuracy over coloration.

• Powerful for Its Size – With 700mW per channel via 4.4mm balanced, it can drive most IEMs and even some full-sized headphones

• Smooth & Lag-Free Performance – The Snapdragon 680 processor ensures responsive navigation and app usage, unlike some sluggish Android-based DAPs.

• Versatile Work Modes – Offers five different playback modes, including Pure Music, USB DAC, and Bluetooth Receiver mode

• Excellent Wireless Connectivity – Supports LDAC, aptX HD, and AAC

• Sharp & Vibrant Display – The 4.7-inch HD screen is surprisingly sharp and colorful, even outshining some pricier DAPs.

• Great Value – Packs impressive specs, sound, and features at a competitive price

Cons: 

 

• Limited Case Options – The included blue leather case is stylish but prone to stains. A darker or alternative material option would have been nice.

•  Raised Glass Screen – Looks sleek but makes the display more vulnerable to damage in case of a drop. A screen protector and case is highly recommended.

• Battery Life Could Be Better – While decent, heavy usage, full brightness screen and high gain will drain it faster, meaning frequent charging for power users.

It’s amusing how the gap between mid-tier and budget DAPs is shrinking faster than my self-control during an online audio gear sale These days, the real distinction seems to boil down to build quality and materials because, in terms of performance, specs, and features, budget-friendly options are creeping dangerously close to their pricier rivals. In fact, they’re almost on par and some budget DAPs even outshine their pricier counterparts, making you wonder what exactly you’re paying extra for in the mid-tier range.

And that brings us to the FiiO JM21—a sleek, ultra-thin digital audio player that packs a surprising amount of premium features without the wallet-crushing price tag. On paper, it looks like a serious contender, boasting impressive hardware and a refined design that could easily pass for something much more expensive. But does it truly deliver the high-end experience it teases, or is it just another budget DAP with fancy marketing? On paper, it looks like a strong contender, Let’s take a closer look.

Whats in the box? here is a quick unboxing video of FiiO JM21:

Design & Build: Slim, Stylish, and Built for Convenience.
One of the FiiO JM21’s biggest selling points is its ultra-slim and lightweight design. At just 13mm thick and weighing only 156 grams, it’s one of the thinnest and lightest high-resolution digital audio players on the market today. If you're like me—someone who loves audiophile-grade sound on the go but gets battery anxiety when using a phone and dongle setup—this sleek little powerhouse is a breath of fresh air. It’s effortless to carry, slipping into a pocket or bag without the bulk of many high-end DAPs.
But portability isn’t the only thing FiiO nailed here—the design and aesthetics are just as impressive. The sleek aluminum and plastic frame strikes a great balance between durability and refinement, giving it a modern, polished look.

I just wish there were more color options to choose from—not necessarily for the JM21 itself, but at least for the case. While I appreciate the blue leather case for being a refreshing change from the usual black or brown, it does come with a downside: it’s prone to stains. The back and flap tend to pick up dirt easily, and over time, the color darkens, which can make it look worn out faster than expected.

Front and center is a 4.7-inch HD screen. While that might seem small compared to some flagship DAPs with sprawling displays, it’s sharper and more vibrant than my pricier Hiby R6 III—a pleasant surprise. The size is just right, making it easy to navigate music libraries, streaming apps, and system settings without feeling cramped.

One thing I noticed is that the screen sits slightly raised above the edges of the device. While this gives the JM21 a sleek, modern look, it also makes the display more vulnerable to damage if dropped, even from a short distance. Since the glass isn’t recessed or surrounded by a protective bezel, there’s a higher chance of it making direct contact with the ground if an accident happens.

This is where the leather case becomes more than just a stylish accessory—it’s practically a necessity. With the case on, the edges are fully covered and reinforced, offering much better protection against bumps and drops. If you’re planning to carry the JM21 around daily, especially in a bag or pocket, using the case is a smart move to keep the screen safe and prevent unnecessary wear and tear.

The touch response is smooth with no noticeable lag, and even in bright lighting, the display remains clear and legible.

One of the things I also appreciate about the FiiO JM21 is its incredibly thin and lightweight build. As someone who often stacks DAPs with external DACs and amps, I know how quickly a setup can become bulky and cumbersome. But the JM21’s slim profile makes a huge difference—it reduces the overall footprint of the stack and keeps the weight manageable, making it far more practical for somewhat portable use.

Under the Hood:
At the heart of the FiiO JM21 is a well-engineered combination of components designed to deliver clean, detailed, and dynamic sound. It features dual Cirrus Logic CS43198 DACs, a chipset which is widely praised for its transparent and natural sound reproduction, ensuring that the music is delivered with accuracy. Paired with dual SGM8262 OPAMPs, the JM21 maintains a fully balanced audio architecture, maximizing dymanic performance across the frequency range while keeping a zero to low distortion.

The JM21 is powered by a Snapdragon 680 octa-core processor, a welcome addition that guarantees a smooth, lag-free user experience for when you’re navigating through apps, adjusting settings, or streaming high-resolution audio, everything feels snappy and responsive—which is something not all Android-based DAPs in this price range (or even some higher-end ones) can claim.

FiiO has also implemented a segmented power system with shielded partitions to keep the analog and digital circuits isolated. This meticulous engineering helps minimize interference, ensuring that the JM21 delivers an uncolored, natural sound signature with a clean black background, free from unwanted noise or distortion.

Sound Performance:
This budget dap delivers impressive sonic muscle in a compact package. With an 700mW per channel through its 4.4mm balanced output, this little DAP has no trouble driving everything from sensitive IEMs to moderately demanding full-sized headphones. The inclusion of three gain levels makes it even more adaptable, allowing users to fine-tune the output for optimal performance with different gear.

The iems i use for this review are the Simgot et142, kiwi ears Airoso, Fiio FP3 and Tin Hifi T7 with not EQ and filters applied.

Bass: Deep, Controlled, and Impactful
The JM21 delivers tight, well-controlled bass with excellent extension into the subbass regions. There’s no excessive bloom or muddiness, keeping the low end precise and well-defined. The subbass digs deep when called upon, adding a satisfying rumble that enhances genres like EDM and hip-hop without overpowering the mix. Meanwhile, the midbass carries a solid punch, adding just the right amount of weight and warmth without bleeding into the mids. Whether you prefer articulate bass lines or a more visceral impact, the JM21 strikes a balance that remains engaging and musical.

Mids: Clean, Lush, and Natural
Vocals and instruments shine with clarity, warmth, and an organic tonality. The JM21 presents the midrange with a natural timbre, ensuring that both male and female vocals sound full-bodied and well-textured without any artificial coloration. Acoustic instruments, from pianos to guitars and strings, retain their natural resonance, making this DAP a fantastic choice for vocal-heavy tracks, jazz, and acoustic performances. There’s a good balance between warmth and detail, making sure the mids remain engaging without sounding too analytical or clinical.

Treble: Airy, Crisp, and Non-Fatiguing
The treble is clean, detailed, and well-extended without ever veering into harshness or sibilance. There’s plenty of air and sparkle, adding a sense of openness and liveliness to the sound without becoming fatiguing. High frequencies are rendered with great resolution, ensuring that cymbals shimmer naturally, strings maintain their bite, and micro-details in recordings remain intact. Whether you enjoy the crispness of a well-recorded jazz cymbal or the intricate layering of an orchestral piece, the JM21 delivers treble that is both revealing and smooth.

Soundstage & Imaging: Spacious and Precise
Despite its compact size, the JM21 impresses with a spacious and well-layered soundstage. It creates a realistic sense of depth and width, making music feel more immersive and natural. Imaging is precise and well-defined, allowing instruments to be easily pinpointed in the mix. This makes it particularly enjoyable for complex arrangements, live recordings, and well-produced tracks that rely on spatial cues like tracks from Amber Rubarth's Session from the 17th ward album.

Comparison to my R6 III:
Compared to my Hiby R6 III, which has been my daily driver for the past two years, the FiiO JM21 takes a different approach to sound tuning. The R6 III leans towards a neutral-warm tonality, adding a slight richness and warmth to the overall presentation, making it particularly enjoyable for long listening sessions with a more relaxed, organic character.

In contrast, the JM21 prioritizes transparency and neutrality, offering a cleaner, more uncolored sound that stays true to the recording. It doesn’t inject any noticeable warmth or coloration, making it a great choice for those who prefer their music as it was intended to be heard. This makes it particularly revealing when paired with IEMs or headphones that already have their own unique tuning, allowing their inherent characteristics to shine without interference.

From a technical standpoint, the JM21 holds its own with good resolution, clarity, and separation, making it easy to pick out individual instruments and subtle details within a track. Imaging is well-defined, and while it doesn’t create an artificially wide or exaggerated soundstage, it delivers an ample sense of space that feels natural and immersive. Compared to the R6 III, which leans slightly more intimate in its presentation, the JM21 presents a more open and spacious feel, allowing instruments and vocals to breathe a little more.

Overall, if you enjoy a warmer, slightly more relaxed tuning, the R6 III remains a fantastic choice. But if you prefer a more neutral, transparent sound with a focus on clarity and technicalities, the JM21 is a solid step in that direction. It’s a DAP that lets your gear do the talking while ensuring a refined and engaging listening experience.

Software & Features:
The FiiO JM21 runs on Android 13, which means you’re getting a full-fledged, open ecosystem rather than a locked-down, proprietary interface. This makes a world of difference for users who want flexibility—you're not stuck with just one default music player. So if you prefer Apple Music, Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify, or even something more niche like Poweramp or Neutron, you have the freedom to install and use whatever suits your listening style.

In the settings menu, there's a Work Mode option where you can choose from five different modes, each tailored for a specific use case:

• Android Mode (Default) – This is the standard mode that lets you install apps for streaming music, browsing online, and more, just like any Android device.

• Pure Music Mode – Designed for the purists, this mode locks the device into the FiiO Music Player for offline playback. Some users claim it sounds cleaner than Android Mode since it disables Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, potentially eliminating any signal noise. Personally, I don’t notice a difference, but if you believe in the magic of minimal interference, this might be worth trying.

• USB DAC Mode – This mode turns the JM21 into a transport device, allowing you to connect an external USB DAC or dongle for music processing and amplification. Ideal if you want to bypass the built-in DAC and use something more powerful.

• Bluetooth Receiver Mode – Enables the JM21 to function as a Bluetooth DAC/amp, letting it receive audio from another Bluetooth source, like your phone or laptop.

• AirPlay Mode – Allows the JM21 to connect to any AirPlay-enabled device for seamless wireless audio streaming.

One of the JM21 features is FiiO’s Digital Audio Purification System (DAPS). If you’ve used Android-based DAPs before, you probably know about SRC (sample rate conversion) issues, where Android forces all audio through a resampling process that can degrade quality. DAPS ensures that the JM21 bypasses this entirely, meaning whether you're streaming hi-res tracks or playing local lossless files, you’re getting them in their purest, unaltered form.

On the connectivity front, the JM21 also offers two-way Hi-Definition Bluetooth with support for LDAC, aptX HD, and AAC, ensuring high-quality wireless audio whether you’re sending or receiving a signal. This makes it just as capable for wireless headphones and TWS earbuds as it is for high-end wired setups. If you prefer a traditional wired connection, you have SPDIF, USB, and Line-Out (LO) outputs, giving you plenty of options to integrate it into your existing gear—whether it's a dedicated DAC/amp setup, an external speaker system, or even a car audio rig.
In short, the JM21 isn’t just another Android-based DAP—it’s a versatile, audiophile-friendly device that blends software freedom with robust hardware features.

Verdict: A High-Value, Feature-Packed DAP
The FiiO JM21 challenges expectations of what an ultra-thin DAP can be, packing premium sound quality, impressive power output, and a smooth, full-fledged Android experience into a sleek, pocket-friendly design. It goes toe-to-toe with pricier competitors while maintaining an accessible price point, making it an attractive option for a wide range of listeners.


Who is it for?

• Portable audiophiles who want top-notch sound without the bulk of a full-sized player. The JM21’s slim, lightweight design makes it an ideal travel companion.

• Users who stream frequently, thanks to its snappy UI, full Google Play Store access, and strong app compatibility. Whether you rely on Tidal, Qobuz, Apple Music, or Spotify, the JM21 handles it all effortlessly.

• IEM and headphone enthusiasts who appreciate versatility. With three gain levels and a robust output stage, it can power everything from sensitive IEMs to higher-impedance headphones with ease.

Who might want to pass?

• Users who need marathon battery life—at 10–12.5 hours, battery life is solid but not groundbreaking, especially compared to some larger players with bigger batteries.

At the end of the day, the FiiO JM21 stands out as one of the best bang-for-your-buck DAPs on the market today. It delivers refined sound, solid power output, excellent build quality, and a full-fledged Android experience—all wrapped up in an ultra-thin, highly portable design.

For those of us always on the hunt for a budget-friendly yet high-value DAP, the JM21 hits a sweet spot between power, portability, and premium features. It proves that you don’t need to break the bank to get a well-built, great-sounding player with modern conveniences like full app support, high-resolution playback, and versatile connectivity. If you're looking for a DAP that’s lightweight yet delivers an uncompromised listening experience, the JM21 stands alone in its price range—there’s simply nothing else on the market right now that matches its performance for the price.

Non Affiliated Link: https://www.amazon.com/JadeAudio-JM21-Snapdragon-Bluetooth-Playtime/dp/B0DRYJ9FCG