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FiiO FP3 Review (Sean’s take)

Sean

Disclaimer

Hello everyone! I want to make everything clear and say that the FP3 reviewed here today was sent to me by FiiO for a review, but they didn’t ask me to write anything specific or try to influence me in any way. Everything written here is my honest opinion, based entirely on my own experience with the product. FiiO also didn’t give me any timeline or direction for this review, so all the feedback here is genuinely my own.

I want to thank FiiO for giving me the chance to review the FP3 and, most importantly, thank you for your trust and for taking the time to read my review. It really means a lot to me!

Introduction

So FiiO has announced their very first planar magnetic IEM, the FP3 (89$), and I couldn’t wait to check it out. To me planar drivers are always an exciting choice, because if they are tuned properly, they can give excellent performance. But what really got me excited was that FiiO developed their own planar driver. I know, they are pretty late to the “Planar IEM party”, but better late than never. So here FiiO steps into the planar IEM world, and it shows how committed they are to giving the community what they are waiting for. So let’s dive in and see how it performs!

Unboxing

Unboxing the FiiO FP3 reminded me a lot of unboxing the FH5 or the FD15, as it got that familiar FiiO mid tier IEM vibe. The box isn’t as simple as, for example, the JD1, and not as premium as the FH19 or the FA19, but it still gives a good vibe, and everything inside is well organized, which I always appreciate.

The FP3 themselves are front, up, and center, showing off their cool wooden faceplates. The detachable cable, which uses a 3.5mm plug and 2-pin connector, is preinstalled on the FP3, and the rest of it is packed separately underneath. You also get two sets of silicone ear tips, six pairs in each set (S, M, and L), so you’ve got options but not that much, and, for instance, I would have loved to see the HS18 in there as well.

Instead of a typical carrying case, FiiO went again with a Lego like storage box (HB11). It’s a bit different, and it’s pretty tricky to get the IEMs inside, as the cables stick to the plastic of the case and make it hard to close without deforming the cable. I would love to see a shift towards a regular carrying case. Overall, it’s a simple but satisfying unboxing experience!

Technical specifications

Specs

Build Quality

The FiiO FP3 feels super solid. The shells are 3D-printed and have a zinc alloy frame, so they’re lightweight but tough. The faceplates are made of real wood, either Black Walnut or Rosewood, and they look really classy, and I really think that’s way nicer than your usual IEMs. They are vented, and the vent is similar to the FD15, which is the Tesla valve design, and it is supposed to enhance the bass.

Driver

The FP3 uses FiiO’s own 14.5mm planar magnetic driver, and that’s pretty special. They made this one themselves. It has a super thin 1μm diaphragm with titanium and aluminum coating, which they claim helps the driver give a better clearer and more detailed sound. There are 14 strong magnets working to drive it, so it’s sensitive enough to work with pretty much any gear, whether it’s a simple dongle or something more powerful. But it is still a planar driver, and it is definitely harder to drive than a regular dynamic driver.

Cable

The FP3 comes with a detachable cable that’s really well made. It uses 0.78mm 2-pin connectors, so you can easily swap it out if you want. The stock cable has 392 silver plated copper wires and ends in a 3.5mm plug. As always with FiiO cables, they are good in quality, but they are very stiff and springy. FiiO’s also planning to release a Type C version of the cable soon, which will include built in DSP and EQ options. The only thing that I don’t like about this cable is the connectors that go to the IEM. I just really don’t like the clear look, as it looks cheap to me.

Sound Performance

Bass

The bass on the FP3 is pretty deep, but focuses more in the midbass, and it has a lot of power there. It gives a punchy, full feeling to the music. However, it can get a little muddy at times, especially when there’s a lot going on in the low end. That said, because these are planar magnetic drivers, the bass decay is fast enough to prevent it from muddying things too much, which I really appreciate. It’s definitely good for electronic music, and the bass hits hard, but not to the level of basshead.

Mids

The mids on the FP3 are a bit recessed and, honestly, they can feel a little veiled at times. Male vocals sound okay and thick, but female vocals can sometimes get lost in the mix. The recessed mids, combined with the increased treble, make them sometimes a bit sharp and sometimes too recessed. So, while the mids are not the strongest point of the FP3, it still doesn’t ruin the music too much, and it will be good for genres like electronic music where the focus isn’t always on vocals.

Treble

The treble on the FP3 is quite prominent and and goes forward in the mix. It’s bright and can be a little sharp on louder tracks, but I actually like it, and I feel how it makes everything more detailed and gives that sparkle in the highs. It’s a bit boosted, which gives the treble a good sense, though it might not be the best for people sensitive to treble or those looking for a more balanced sound.

Technical Performance

For the price, the technical performance of the FP3 is impressive. The soundstage is wide and open, which is something I’ve noticed FiiO does really well with their IEMs. The imaging is also spot on, so it’s easy to pick out where sounds are coming from in the mix. There’s also a good level of detail, and the layering is solid, although I did notice a bit of struggle in more complex and full of elements tracks. Overall, I find this planar driver to be very solid, especially for an IEM at this price range. I feel like the FP3 really shines in terms of technical aspects for the price.

Comparing the FiiO FP3 (89$) to the TinHiFi DUDU (79$)

Both the FiiO FP3 and TinHiFi DUDU are budget planar IEMs, but they are focusing on different things.

Sound Signature

The FP3 has a fun, V-shaped sound with a pretty punchy bass and boosted treble, which is great for electronic. However, the mids feel recessed, and the treble can get sharp. The DUDU is more neutral, with tight, controlled bass that lacks the deep punch but doesn’t bleed into other frequencies at all, yet is still there and does its job nicely. Its mids are clean and natural, especially for female vocals, and the treble is crisp and pretty extended without being harsh.

Technicalities

The FP3 is ahead here in terms of soundstage and more air and details, especially in the treble region. The DUDU has decent technicalities, but its soundstage is smaller, and I do feel that it has a bit less details. But they are pretty close in terms of technicalities overall.

Build and Comfort

The FP3 has a lightweight resin shell with wooden faceplates, making it easier to wear for long periods. The DUDU’s metal build feels sturdier but heavier. They are both comfortable in their own way, and I liked them both, though keep in mind that the nozzle of the FP3 is pretty long, so it can go much deeper.

Accessories

The FP3 includes a nice silver plated and pretty thick copper cable, 2 different sets of ear tips, and a Lego style storage box. The DUDU comes with two different cables (3.5mm and Type-C), 2 different sets of silicone ear tips, and an additional set of foam tips. The cables are nice, but they are thin, and neither IEM includes a proper carrying case, though the FP3 comes with this storage box.

Final Thoughts on the Comparison

The FP3 is ideal if you want a more V shaped, energetic sound with a unique design and wooden faceplates. The DUDU is better for those who want a neutral, pretty technical sound with excellent overall tuning. Both are solid picks, but the choice depends on your preferred sound signature.

Conclusion

The FiiO FP3 is FiiO’s first step into planar IEMs, and honestly, I think they have done a pretty solid job. The bass has a nice punch, and the forward treble makes it a nice choice for genres like electronic, pop, or anything that needs that extra energy. The mids, though, can feel a little recessed or veiled at times, which is a bit of a drawback for me. But the technical part of things is great. The soundstage, imaging, and overall detail are pretty impressive for the price.

Of course, it’s not perfect. The mids being pushed back and it does make the bass feel stronger than it really is, because it is still not a basshead level of bass. It can also sometimes get a little muddy. Still, thanks to the planar driver’s speed, things stay relatively clean and don’t completely lose control.

All in all, I think the FP3 offers good value. If you are curious about planar IEMs and want something fun to listen to without spending a lot of money, this is worth checking out. It’s not the most balanced or reference tuned IEM out there, but it’s enjoyable, well made, and those wooden faceplates are absolutely gorgeous. I’m excited to see how FiiO builds on this in the future!

Pros

Cons

Where to buy: FiiO Official AliExpress store

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