If you’ve been looking for a better way to listen to music on the go—something beyond just plugging a dongle into your phone—the new FiiO M21 might catch your attention. It’s a compact, Android-powered digital audio player (DAP) that offers desktop-level output in a palm-sized package, all for $329 at Amazon.

The M21 looks a bit like a mini smartphone with its 4.7-inch HD touchscreen, but it’s designed with one purpose in mind: great audio. It runs Android 13, which means you can download your favorite streaming apps right onto the device. Whether you’re into Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz, or just want to play locally stored files, the M21 gives you the flexibility to do it all.

It’s powered by a Snapdragon 680 processor, with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage—expandable up to 2TB via microSD. That gives you plenty of space for storing high-resolution music, even if you’ve got a large digital collection.

What really separates the M21 from using your phone is what’s inside. FiiO packed in four Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC chips, working together to keep audio signals clean and reduce interference. There’s also a two-stage amplification system that boosts voltage first and then current, which helps deliver consistent performance whether you’re using low-impedance earbuds or more power-hungry headphones.

The M21 supports high-resolution audio formats like PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz, DSD512, and full MQA decoding, so you can play just about any music file you throw at it. On the wireless side, it handles SBC, AAC, and LDAC Bluetooth codecs, giving you options for high-quality wireless listening too.

One of the key features is something FiiO calls Desktop Mode. Plug the M21 into an external power source through its second USB-C port, and it bypasses the battery to deliver a higher output—up to 21 Vpp peak voltage and 950mW per channel into 32 ohms. That’s a lot of power for a device this size and lets the M21 function more like a desktop DAC/amp when you’re at home.

And when you're out and about, the regular battery-powered mode still offers solid output, along with up to 15 hours of playback using the 3.5mm output, or 11.5 hours if you're using the balanced 4.4mm output.

In short, it’s portable when you need it to be and can double as a serious audio hub when you’re at your desk.

FiiO also updated its FiiO Control app, which lets you manage settings and apply custom EQ filters right from your phone. That’s a handy feature, especially if you don’t want to dig through menus on the small touchscreen.

And for fans of vintage gear, there’s a fun optional accessory: a cassette-tape-style protective case that brings a little old-school charm to a very modern device. It’s sold separately, but offers a bit of nostalgia for anyone who grew up with Walkmans in their pocket.

The M21 isn’t trying to replace your smartphone—it’s here for people who want something built specifically for high-quality audio, without needing to spend a fortune. It’s also a handy option if you want to save your phone’s battery, avoid interruptions from notifications, or just separate your music life from everything else.

Whether you’re using wired headphones, a home hi-fi setup, or just want a small dedicated streamer, the FiiO M21 gives you a mix of portability, power, and flexibility that’s not all that common in this price range. It may not be for everyone, but for listeners who want more control over how they experience their music, it’s definitely worth a look.

The FiiO M21 is available now for $329 at Amazon, placing it somewhere between entry-level players and ultra-premium DAPs.