Disclaimer
The HiBy R4 was sent to me for review, but there were no expectations for a positive or a negative review. All thoughts and impressions shared here are based on my unbiased experience with the product.
Introduction
I won’t dive into all the technical specs here, as you can easily find them on HiBy’s website if you’re curious. I’ll only touch on the specs when necessary, as my main focus is the user experience—something I believe HiBy prioritized with this product.
Build Quality & Design
The build quality is excellent, and the cyberpunk-inspired design gives it a unique appeal. My unit is white, and compared to the other color options online, I feel this one is the choice if you prefer a subtler, less “cyberpunk” look (check HiBy’s website for all color options). Although it might appear heavy, it’s actually lighter than it looks.
Controls & User-Friendly Features
The button layout is well-organized, with a separate volume control for easy adjustments. There’s also a unique function switch that allows you to lock the keys or flip the screen vertically. This feature could be helpful if you plan to use the HiBy R4 as a standalone source with another DAC or AMP, especially if that setup requires it to be positioned upside down. I use my HiBy M300 (you can check my full review here) similarly, so this design feels particularly functional for me.
When powered down in Pure Audio Mode, it restarts in the same mode. Thoughtful features like this enhance the user experience and validate the $250 price tag.
Touch & Display
The touch response is excellent—more than enough for a DAP. The 4.7-inch IPS display is visually appealing and smooth to operate.
Software Features
The HiBy R4 comes pre-installed with the Google Play Store, which expands its utility. Classical HiBy Music features, like MSEB and PEQ, are available system-wide, giving you freedom in sound tweaking even outside the HiBy Music app. I’ve tested Spotify and Qobuz, and both work seamlessly, as expected from an Android device.
The system-wide bit-perfect audio feature displays the sample rate on top, which is a nice touch for audio purists. The cyberpunk-themed software interface complements the DAP’s aesthetic, making the overall experience feel unified.
Battery Life, Charging & Silicone Case
With a 4500 mAh battery, the HiBy R4 offers up to 10 hours of playback. Charging is fast, thanks to PD2.0 support, which allows for up to 20W charging. The box includes a silicone case and a screen protector for added protection right out of the box.
Audio Outputs & Power
The HiBy R4 provides both 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced outputs, which is convenient. Since this is a truly balanced DAP, the balanced output is the more powerful option. Its Class A amplification provides substantial power (525mW/32Ohm), making it suitable for almost any IEM and even some less demanding headphones. However, with higher power comes heat; the R4 does get warm at times.
Sound Quality
In terms of sound, the HiBy R4 offers a warm-neutral signature in Android Mode, while the Pure Audio Mode leans more neutral with slightly improved technicalities. I was pleasantly surprised by the difference Pure Audio Mode makes—it’s worth using if you primarily listen to your local library.
While not on the level of top-tier audio quality, the R4 still performs far better than standard phones with 3.5mm outputs, laptops, or even lower-to-mid-level dongles. If you’re after the very best sound quality, you may need to look at higher price ranges. That said, for $250, the HiBy R4 delivers impressive sound quality, and you’re also paying for the Android functionality and the convenience of a dedicated music player.
Compared to other budget-friendly models like the HiBy M300 and R3 II, the R4 brings more features, superior sound quality, and increased power output.
