FiiO is popular with hi-fi enthusiasts for its affordable, high-resolution portable music players. However, the rest of the range, including the portable audio kit and the headphones, has yet to acquire the same recognition regarding the non-Chinese consumer market. Some of these creditable details include a well-balanced and detail-oriented audiophile-tuned sound signature. I wanted more power; the build quality and design should have been more robust. A pair of 10mm carbon-based full-range dynamic drivers is responsible for getting the decoded sound to you. FiiO FW3 specifies its frequency response is within 20 Hz and 20 kHz and suggests that using carbon material as the driver diaphragm ensures better transient response and high resolution.
The 7 hour charge on the earbuds enables the listener to enjoy all these alleged sonic advantages for this period. The case offers an additional battery strength of 21 hours. There is also no wireless charging here; charging from flat to full takes a 100 minutes. Each earbud features a mic to take care of telephony and voice-assistant interaction. Intelligibility seems okay in both cases – you can easily hold a conversation or even control your FW3 by speaking.
Like the earbuds, the charging case is made of inconspicuous plastic and weighs about 45 g, making it decent. However, for all its plainness, it is entirely lifeless in terms of design – it is just a tiny pebble. If it were not for the rather forceful FiiO logo on the lid, it could be made by any manufacturer. It has a nice little row of LEDs on the front of the charging rate and a USB C at its back to sit with.
Earbuds Review
Overview of FiiO FW3 Earbuds
Introducing the FiiO FW3 True Wireless Earbuds, a remarkable audio companion offering an array of features tailored for discerning listeners:
- Proficient AK4332 DAC in both channels for live-performance-like audio decoding
- 10mm carbon-based dynamic drivers for unparalleled resolution and response
- Supports LHDC and aptX Adaptive, ensuring pristine sound reproduction
- Powered by Qualcomm Bluetooth QCC5141 chip for stable audio and operation
- Meticulously tuned frequency response by acoustic experts for audiophile-grade quality
- IPX4 water resistance rating for worry-free gym and water-proximity use
- 21 hours of playtime (7 hours earbuds + 14 hours charging case) for extended listening sessions
- Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity for seamless pairing and consistent connection
- Customizable EQ settings via a dedicated app for a personalized audio experience
- Secure fit for active lifestyles, ensuring earphones stay in place during movement
- Premium materials and craftsmanship for a durable and long-lasting product
- Sleek and ergonomic design for a comfortable fit during prolonged wear
- Intuitive touch controls for effortless playback and call management
- Noise isolation for an immersive listening environment
- Automatic pairing and reconnection for hassle-free use
- Compact and portable charging case for on-the-go convenience
- Voice assistant compatibility for hands-free control
- Fast charging capabilities for quick power top-ups
- Low-latency gaming mode for an immersive gaming experience
- LED battery indicator for easy monitoring of power levels
- High-quality microphone for clear and crisp call quality
- Lightweight construction for enhanced portability and comfort
What is in the box?
The FiiO FW3 came inside a small square-shaped box that reflects the company’s new branding design for its latest products.
The box contains the following items/accessories;
- 1x pair of TWS Earphones
- 3x pairs of FiiO HS18 Silicone Ear Tips (S/M/L) “1x pair came pre-installed”
- Balanced Silicone Ear Tips (S/M/L) 3x Pairs
- A Charging Case
- One USB Type-C Charging Cable
- Print Material Containing Warranty Card, Quick Start Guide, and User Manual
Features of FiiO FW3 Earbuds
FiiO FW3 earphones are the best acoustic solution for those seeking earbuds with long playtime and seamless connectivity. Read the below section to know the product’s features in detail.
| Brand | FiiO |
| Model Name | FW3 |
| Color | Grey |
| Form Factor | In-Ear |
| Connectivity Technology | Wireless |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Water Resistant | IPX4 Ratings |
| Playtime | 7 Hours |
| Playtime with Charging Case | 14 Hours |
| Total Playtime | 21 Hours |
| Fast Charging | Supported |
| Active Noise Cancellation | No |
| Games Mode | Yes, with Low Latency |
| Date First Available | 30 June, 2023 |
| Package Dimensions | 5.24 x 5.16 x 2.13 inches |
| Price | $119.99 |
Design and Comfort
FiiOs’ style of FW3 is quite weird. It is a relatively standard piece featuring a silver plastic clamshell and some LEDs indicating power charge. They are plastic, similar to the case, but with a scalloped, vented outer part, which will be attention-arresting. The Nothing Ear series has shown that an earbud with a different look from the rest may be a refreshing change. But the see-through design in Nothing’s makes it look cool, while this looks somewhat unprofessional.
Moreover, the shape does not help make FW3’s buds small and convenient to be worn. However, the buds are always comfortable to wear after selecting one of the different size tips offered in the package. The ears can tolerate the weight as each earbud weighs only 6g; hence, it is wearable for some hours and can pass for most daily uses.
They also feature tiny buttons on each earbud’s top edge, although they are relatively not fast. These are easy to press down without exerting pressure on your ear and, hence, a great alternative to touch controls that can be unreliable on other rivals at the same price. Moreover, their charging case is so light, and though it makes the Fiio FW3 simple to care about, this use relies so much on the fragile plastic material that the set feels economical-not- not so flimsy, however, leaning that way.
Sound Quality
Additionally, the 10mm carbon-based dynamic driver takes the earbud’s sonic abilities to an entirely new level. With a fast transient response, it can respond to any complicated musical phrases quickly, making it the top-of-the-range driver. This gives unparalleled resolution in a product of a similar category at the end. It presents every note clearly and cleanly so that the listener can get into the piece of music.
The synergy between the AK4332 decoder and the carbon-based dynamic drive is palpable, leading to good decoding and driving performance. Such a setup also allows for the reproduction of each component of the audio spectrum accurately, from whispery harmonics to roaring bass lines. Earbuds are good at catching the delicate pluck of a guitar string and the resonant timbre of vocals.
The engineering in these components is well crafted, and the sonic experience of listening to this equipment goes beyond expectations. The FW3 earbuds outlined in this case stand out as a superior option for individuals who want at least the best from any of their audio equipment.
Connectivity
A great example is the FiiO FW3 True Wireless Earbuds with wireless connection ability that takes listening to the next level. These earbuds have improved significantly over previous Bluetooth formats as they are accompanied by built-in support for LHDC and aptX Adaptive Hi-Res Bluetooth. The FW3 enhancement enables music reproduction with unmatched minuteness such that each music note and its nuances are instantly transmitted.
This excellent connectivity is centered on the Qualcomm Bluetooth QCC5141 chip. The FW3 has an FCC-compliant high-end chipset embedded with dual DSP (Digital Signal processor) and dual-core CPU, making it the most stable Bluetooth wireless audio transmitter. This implies that people can continue to enjoy their music uninterrupted without the breaks that characterize those with less-equipped wireless earbuds.
Through the combination of LHDC and aptX Adaptive alongside the QCC5141 chipset, Fiio provides premium-quality sound. You may be listening to a classic classical composition with high fidelity or bass-heavy tunes, but you are assured that every detail will ring true when wearing the FW3 earbuds. The increased connectivity reliability is significant for people who will not tolerate anything but the highest-performance audio in any sphere.
Furthermore, adopting such advanced technologies is for more than increased audio fidelity. Additionally, the users receive an enhanced experience due to the high stability of the Bluetooth offered by the QCC5141 chip. The confidence in connectivity is unsurpassable when you take calls on the go or have uninterrupted music playback during a workout.
Water Resistant Rating
The IPX4 water resistance rating is an additional practical element to the already great features of the FiiO FW3 True Wireless Earbuds. Whether it is an exhausting gym session or a walk in the moist weather, these earbuds allow one to listen to their music without being concerned with such water occurrences. You can proceed with your work while still using the earbuds, even though they may get splashed. Superior audio quality, durability, and resilience to any environment are epitomized in the IPX4 rating. If you want more durable earphones, you must buy RHA TrueConnect Earbuds, as they possess IPX5 certification, making them resistant to water but sweat.
It is also worth noting that the FW3’s IPX4 water resistance rating adds value for those who lead busy lives or want to rest easy knowing their earbuds can handle the occasional exposure to moisture.
Playtime
FW3 has a battery life of seven hours, and then the phones need to be put back in the case. Adding two more charges in the case, it lasts a long time before one should plug it in again and makes them an excellent daily driver for people who usually use their earbuds.
FIIO FW3 True Wireless Earbuds have superior battery life for long listening sessions. These earbuds can provide up to 7 hours of playback on a single charge, which suits the different listening tastes of its users for a considerable period. This implies that users will continuously play in their transportation, at work, or during recreational sessions. Also, FW3 has playtime extended by including a charging case. Two more charges on the subject provide almost three times the battery life of earbuds. A charging case is also provided, which lasts up to 21 hours. If you want more playtime with case, I must recommend Cleer Audio Ally Plus II because it offers total 33 hours of playtime.
Such an extensive playtime is quite convenient, and it is beyond description. Whether on a long flight, a road trip, or a day’s activities, FW3 earbuds ensure that the music keeps playing, improving the general sound performance. It is pocket-sized, portable, and quickly slipped into pockets or bags for easy carriage. There are also LED indicators that clearly show the remaining battery capacity; thus, users can plan their recharging accordingly.
Gaming Mode
The FW3 supports low-latency gaming for mobile game lovers. The feature lowers transmission latency to less than 100ms while ensuring Hi-Fi sound performance. It allows you to grasp rich info in the game and be completely immersed in it with game-ready theater joy. Install the FiiO app on your smartphone and enable the Gaming Mode from the app.
The gaming mode on the FiiO FW3 makes mobile gaming a new experience for gamers. This technology will allow less than one hundred millisecond delays and still deliver great Hi-Fi quality sound. Unique gaming mode brings the world of your favorite mobile game in such a way that leaves you feeling like you’ve just experienced a real movie. Downloading will allow you to activate this mode on your smartphone.
The FW3 has been designed to reduce the time lag between user input and the display. You will enjoy a competitive edge in high-speed games by reducing the transmission delay to less than 100ms and enabling you to respond quickly and correctly. Anker Soundcore Space A40 is another option, if you want to play games which also reduces delay in sound while playing.
Amazingly, one can still enjoy the Hi-Fi sound during the most aggressive gaming sessions with FW3. The sounds could be as simple as a breeze through the rustling leaves in a virtual forest or the footsteps of an enemy coming from a distant place. Such sounds will be heard more clearly through these earphones than through standard earphones. Such sounds, when heard, would greatly enrich your
When you have Gaming Mode on, you’ll live in that imaginary gaming world. This immersion is just like going to a theater but with the extra delight of having a game-ready sound—a gaming experience with excellent detail in both sound and latency. The game will have you hooked, and it will not be just a game.
Pros and Cons of FiiO FW3 Earbuds
FiiO FW3 earbuds have several distinctive features like long playtime of 21 hours, fast charging, and others. But in the section below, we will discuss the plus and negative aspects of the earbuds so that you can decide whether to buy them or not:
Pros
- Low Latency Gaming Mode
- Extended Playtime
- Hi-Res Bluetooth Connectivity
- Fast Charging
Cons
- Inconvenient Physical Controls
- No Active Noise Cancellation
FAQs About FiiO FW3 Earphones
Still, if you have queries about the features or specifications of the earpieces, read our questions and answers session.
