FiiO M27 specifications and in-depth review

FiiO M27

Manufacturer: FiiO

The FiiO M27 is a full-featured digital audio player running Android 13 on a Qualcomm Dragonwing QCS6490 chipset, paired with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of onboard storage. Its 5.99″ LCD touchscreen delivers a 1080 x 2160 resolution at 403 ppi, while an external memory slot allows for further storage expansion.

At the core of the M27 sit two ESS ES9039SPRO DACs, and audio output is available through 3.5mm, 4.4mm, and USB-C connections. The player supports a broad range of formats including FLAC, DSD, MQA, and DXD, and achieves a signal-to-noise ratio of 126 dB. Wireless connectivity covers Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, LDAC, LDHC, and AAC, alongside Wi-Fi and AirPlay support. The 9200 mAh battery is rated for roughly 9 hours of playback and recharges in approximately 3 hours.

Pros
  • Dual ESS ES9039SPRO DACs deliver a signal-to-noise ratio of 126 dB, indicating strong audio clarity and low noise floor
  • Supports an exceptionally wide range of audio formats including DSD, MQA, DXD, FLAC, ALAC, and AIFF, covering virtually all high-resolution audio types
  • Bluetooth 5.2 with support for aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, LDAC, and LDHC provides extensive wireless codec compatibility
  • 256GB of internal storage combined with an external memory slot offers substantial and expandable capacity for large music libraries
  • Wi-Fi and AirPlay support allow for flexible network-based audio streaming in addition to Bluetooth connectivity
  • The 5.99-inch LCD touchscreen at 403 ppi and 1080 x 2160 resolution provides a sharp, large display well-suited for navigating a media library
Cons
  • At 630 g, the device is quite heavy for a handheld audio player, making extended portable use physically demanding
  • A thickness of 28 mm makes the unit noticeably bulky compared to typical portable devices
  • Battery life of 9 hours is relatively modest given the 9200 mAh capacity, suggesting high power consumption from the hardware
  • Wireless charging is not supported, requiring a physical connection every time the battery needs topping up
  • The device is not weather-sealed, offering no protection against moisture or splashing during outdoor use
  • aptX Low Latency is absent, which may introduce perceptible audio-video sync issues when using Bluetooth for video playback
Who is this for?

This device is well-matched for dedicated audio enthusiasts who prioritize high-resolution audio playback, given its dual ESS ES9039SPRO DACs, 126 dB SNR, and broad format support spanning DSD, MQA, DXD, and FLAC. Users who maintain large local music libraries will benefit from the combination of 256GB internal storage and an external memory slot. Those who frequently use wireless headphones will also find strong value in the extensive Bluetooth codec support, including LDAC, aptX Lossless, and aptX Adaptive, while Wi-Fi and AirPlay add further flexibility for home streaming setups. The large 5.99-inch touchscreen makes it equally practical for users who prefer easy library navigation on a responsive, high-resolution display.

Who is this NOT for?

Users looking for a device to carry comfortably throughout the day may find the 630 g weight and 28 mm thickness impractical, as the form factor is bulky by portable player standards. Those who need reliable audio-video synchronization over Bluetooth will be limited by the absence of aptX Low Latency, making it a poor fit for wireless video consumption. The device is also unsuitable for users who require outdoor durability, since it lacks any weather sealing and offers no protection against moisture or splashing. Additionally, users who depend on all-day untethered use may find the 9-hour battery life insufficient for extended listening sessions without access to a charging cable.

General info:

internal storage 256GB
Audio outputs 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm, USB-C
DAC name ESS ES9039SPRO x2
Audio file types MP3, WAV, FLAC, WMA, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DSD, MQA, DFF, DSF, DXD
Battery life 9 hours
charge time 3 hours
has an external memory slot
Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) 126 dB
has wireless charging
is weather-sealed (splashproof)
battery power 9200 mAh
RAM 8GB
Chipset (SoC) name Qualcomm Dragonwing QCS6490
Android version Android 13

The FiiO M27 runs on a Qualcomm Dragonwing QCS6490 chipset with 8GB of RAM and operates under Android 13, offering a solid software foundation for a dedicated audio player. It comes with 256GB of internal storage and includes an external memory slot for further expansion. Audio output is available through three connections — 3.5mm, 4.4mm, and USB-C — while the dual ESS ES9039SPRO DACs deliver a signal-to-noise ratio of 126 dB. The player handles an extensive range of formats, including MP3, WAV, FLAC, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DSD, MQA, DFF, DSF, and DXD. Powering the device is a 9200 mAh battery rated for up to 9 hours of playback, with a full charge taking around 3 hours. Wireless charging is not supported, and the device is not weather-sealed.

Design:

screen size 5.99"
resolution 1080 x 2160 px
pixel density 403 ppi
weight 630 g
Display type LCD
has a touch screen
volume 375.05272 cm³
width 85.1 mm
thickness 28 mm
height 157.4 mm

The FiiO M27 features a 5.99″ LCD touchscreen with a resolution of 1080 x 2160 pixels and a pixel density of 403 ppi, providing a sharp and detailed visual experience. The device measures 157.4 mm in height, 85.1 mm in width, and 28 mm in thickness, with a total volume of 375.05 cm³. At 630 g, it carries a notably substantial weight, which is consistent with its size and the hardware it houses.

Connectivity:

Bluetooth version 5.2
has aptX
has LDAC
has LDHC
has aptX HD
has aptX Adaptive
has aptX Lossless
has AAC
has aptX Low Latency
has AirPlay
supports Wi-Fi

The FiiO M27 uses Bluetooth 5.2 and supports a wide range of wireless audio codecs, including aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, LDAC, LDHC, and AAC, covering most high-quality wireless transmission standards available today. aptX Low Latency, however, is not supported. Beyond Bluetooth, the device also supports Wi-Fi and AirPlay, enabling network-based audio streaming alongside its wireless headphone connectivity.

Final Verdict

The FiiO M27 is a technically ambitious digital audio player that clearly targets serious listeners who place audio fidelity above all else. Its dual ESS ES9039SPRO DAC configuration paired with a 126 dB SNR and near-universal format support — including DSD, MQA, and DXD — establishes it as a capable device for high-resolution audio playback, while extensive Bluetooth codec coverage from LDAC to aptX Lossless makes it equally relevant for wireless listening. The large touchscreen and expandable storage further support its role as a full-featured media device rather than a minimal portable player. That said, its considerable weight and thickness mean it is best suited to stationary or semi-stationary use rather than everyday carry. For users whose primary concern is audio quality and versatility over portability, the M27 makes a coherent and well-specified choice.