Pricing and availability

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Elevate your audio experience with the FiiO X5 III, a versatile digital audio player designed to meet the demands of discerning audiophiles and musicians alike. This device brings together advanced technology and user-friendly functionality, making it a fantastic choice for streaming high-fidelity sound. Equipped with dual DAC chips, the X5 III ensures that every note, beat, and sound is delivered with pristine clarity and precision. Its Android-based operating system allows for easy navigation and access to a wide range of applications, offering a seamless blend of digital convenience and high-end audio performance.

The FiiO X5 III supports a wide array of audio formats, allowing you to enjoy your favorite tracks exactly the way they were meant to be heard. Its expandable storage capacity means you can carry a vast library of music wherever you go. With Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, streaming and downloading become effortless, while the balanced and unbalanced headphone outputs cater to various listening preferences. The X5 III also includes a powerful battery, ensuring hours of uninterrupted playback, perfect for those long jam sessions or commutes.

Key Features:

  • Dual DAC chips for enhanced audio precision
  • Android-based operating system for app compatibility
  • Supports high-resolution audio formats
  • Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity for seamless streaming
  • Expandable storage via microSD card slots
  • Balanced and unbalanced headphone outputs
  • Long battery life for extended listening sessions

Product specs

Brand FiiO
Model X5 III Portable Music Player - 32GB
Finish Titanium
Year 2010s
Categories Portable Digital Music Players
Bad Guy Good Audio Reviews

Bad Guy Good Audio Reviews

✅FiiO X5iii 3rd gen brief walkthrough. (This device gets rec'd ;) )

Video thumbnail for ✅FiiO X5iii 3rd gen brief walkthrough. (This device gets rec'd ;) ) by Bad Guy Good Audio Reviews

✅FiiO X5iii 3rd gen brief walkthrough. (This device gets rec'd ;) )

Bad Guy Good Audio Reviews

Bad Guy Good Audio Reviews

Video thumbnail for FiiO X5 3rd Gen Review by Audio Advice

FiiO X5 3rd Gen Review

Audio Advice

Audio Advice

Video thumbnail for FiiO X5 3rd gen v.s. iBasso DX200 by Bad Guy Good Audio Reviews

FiiO X5 3rd gen v.s. iBasso DX200

Bad Guy Good Audio Reviews

Bad Guy Good Audio Reviews

Video thumbnail for Fiio X5 mk iii vs X7 mk ii Review - how much of an upgrade is it from a phone? by Jay's iyagi

Fiio X5 mk iii vs X7 mk ii Review - how much of an upgrade is it from a phone?

Jay's iyagi

Jay's iyagi

Video thumbnail for FiiO X5 III @ AVstore by AVstore

FiiO X5 III @ AVstore

AVstore

AVstore

Video thumbnail for Fiio X5 Third Generation: Audiophilia Unleashed by NDTV

Fiio X5 Third Generation: Audiophilia Unleashed

NDTV

NDTV

Video thumbnail for FiiO X5 3rd generation Android audio player unboxing by hxos plus

FiiO X5 3rd generation Android audio player unboxing

hxos plus

hxos plus

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional sound clarity and detailed sound stage

  • Comprehensive accessory package included

  • Built-in Bluetooth for wireless audio connectivity

  • Android OS allows for versatile functionality

  • Excellent EQ and volume control features

CONS

  • Firmware updates require constant screen interaction

  • Inconsistent Bluetooth connection with frequent stuttering

  • Resuming playback often starts on incorrect song

  • No deep sleep mode leading to rapid battery drain

  • Significant drop in battery life compared to previous models

  • Poor button placement leads to accidental presses

  • Touchscreen is unresponsive with high latency

  • Device is large and heavy, impacting portability

  • Volume wheel has mechanical issues over time

  • Vulnerable to damage from short drops

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about FiiO X5 III.

Features and functionality

  • The FiiO X5 III struggles with performance due to its underpowered Rockchip RK3188 processor, making it less capable of running modern Android applications smoothly.

    Source
  • The FiiO X5 III struggles with large libraries, becoming laggy with high song counts, even when using external apps like Neutron.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The FiiO M11 Plus offers a more robust Android experience with a better chipset, capable of running apps, games, and projecting screens, unlike the X5 III.

    Source
  • Users transitioning from the X5 III to devices like the Hiby or the M11 Plus note improved performance and user satisfaction with the newer models.

    Source
  • The X5 III's sound quality compares favorably against the Shanling UP5, which offers a warm sound, while the X5 is described as having a more neutral tone.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report the X5 III can be improved significantly by installing a custom kernel, enhancing responsiveness and audio performance.

    Source
  • Switching to the Hiby R4 offers improved speed over the X5 III, although initial lag with the Hiby music app remains present.

    Source
  • Despite having the same DAC chip as the FiiO M9, the X5 III reportedly offers better sound quality, noted for a strong bass foundation.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The FiiO M11 Plus is praised for its ability to play high-resolution files via both Bluetooth and wired connections, offering noticeable audio quality improvements over smartphones.

    Source
  • Installing a .nomedia file at the root of the SD card prevents Android's mediascanner from slowing down performance.

    Source
  • The specific Neutron version 2.24.2 is optimized for the X5 III, improving performance on the 32-bit device.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Lowering album art resolution to 800x800 enhances responsiveness on the X5 III.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The FiiO X5 III is considered a good buy if priced under $100 but is less appealing at higher prices due to its outdated performance.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Fiio X5 III review | What Hi-Fi?

whathifi.com

The FiiO X5 III shines with its solid build, impressive storage, and good rhythmic punch, making it a decent choice for high-res playback on the go. However, its sound is sometimes confined and lacks the energy of its pricier rivals, like the Astell & Kern AK70. Despite its modernized hardware and software, occasional glitches and a slightly imprecise sound can be off-putting. While it's a capable player, particularly if you want to avoid smartphone distractions, it doesn't quite capture the enthusiasm of tracks as well as some competitors.

Fiio X5 III (3rd Gen) DAP review | TechRadar

techradar.com

FiiO's X5 III shines with Hi-Res audio capabilities at an affordable price, offering robust storage and expandable memory. However, its 800x480 resolution and preloaded bloatware dampen the user experience. Short battery life and a limited app selection further hinder its appeal. While it excels in audio playback, delivering noticeable soundstage improvements over smartphones, its outdated Android 5.1.1 OS and lack of multimedia capabilities make it less versatile. A solid choice for audiophiles focused solely on sound quality, but those seeking a comprehensive multimedia experience should consider alternatives like the Onkyo DP-X1A.

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Popular Music Gear

Artist usage

Community setups

Similar