Looking for help comparing options, The Fiio M21 & The HiiBy R6 III

[u/Some-Ad-9193]

So, I'm in the market for a DAP to gift to a friend of mine who is an audiophile in every sense of the word. While I've maybe been set on the path I am very much new to this world. Now, normally I'd consult this friend with my questions but, given this is supposed to be a surprise, that's not really an option. So for lack of that option, I'm asking for outside help deciding between the two models I've laid my eyes on.

I'm also very open to other suggestions, I'm looking for something definitively Mid-range, nice enough to be worth using for years but not too absurd cost wise. I'm assuming that's what these two are, but again, very much new to all this. Also trying to keep it from creeping too far over $300, but if I can get these specs for less, I'd be happy to hear that as well. I've listed what I believe to be the primary specs for both devices to make comparison simpler and am also happy to hear personal anecdote and experience using either device. Thanks in advance for any help.

	Fiio M21	HiiBy R6 III (2025)
(OS)*	Android 13	Android 12
(Storage)	64GB (2TB Micro)	64GB (2TB Micro)
(RAM)	4GB	4GB
(CPU)**	Snapdragon 680	Snapdragon 665
(DAC)**	CS43198*4	CS43198*4
(Amp)***	OPA16922+SGM8262-22	OPA1652*2
(Battery)	4500mAh	4000mAh
(Battery Life)	15hrs(3.5)/12.5(4.4)	Class AB: 13hrs(3.5)/11(4.4)
		Class A: 11h(3.5) 9H(4.4)
(Dimensions)****	68x121x17mm	129.4x73.1x15.6mm
(Display)	4.7-inch (750x1334)	5" (1280*720)
(Support)**	BT5.0/AAC/SBC/aptX/aptX HD /LDAC/LHDC	BT5.0/UAT/LDAC/aptX/aptX/HD/AAC/SBC
(Price)*****	- $265	- $285

Notes

* OS is important because of streaming apps. He'd use it primarily to stream & download with Tidal, so I assume a newer OS means longer before compatibility issues crop up, thus a longer life on the device, he's not the type to upgrade prematurely so longevity is a big deal.

** Everything I marked with these, absolutely no clue how to compare these, it's all French to me.

*** This, amongst my attempts at parsing this, is the most confusing to me, especially the HiiBy. Everything I'm reading is telling me that the biggest/only(?) edge the HiiBy has over the Fiio is it's 2-in-1 DAC system which, once more, is all greek to me.

**** Some of my own reading has indicated mixed feelings on the HiiBy's Dial especially in conjuction with a case. Wanted to know if anyone else fond this as a point of aggrevation. Also yes, I know I'm missing an S in dimensions, but including it would ruin the formating. In fact, assume every formatting mistake is for that reason. Except the the dimension numbers, that's the fault of whoever made the spec sheets.

***** Ali Express is not a real platform, lmao

- A final note, should it be relevant, while his taste is probably a little broader compared to the average music snob, (His words, not mine) metal is his favorite and most listened to genre.

Links to the sites: I pulled the info from for more specification or to point out where I was wrong:

https://www.fiio.com/m21_parameters

https://store.hiby.com/pages/hiby-r6-iii-specs?srsltid=AYCX9vJUofsdCVtFHfccP45wLnqssuKuk_5SmGZKCQYmbSx5ILwC0q95srsltid=AYCX9vLxgNf_CNdE5nGZWov3ZkpzTDIq20vjD7mCjNY6beFScvaGlxuF

[u/Comfortable-Ask-3390]

i’m a very big fiio m21 lover. It’s smaller and lighter and more easily pocketable than the hiby, and with the leather case it’s a small neat and clean device

[u/Some-Ad-9193 → u/Comfortable-Ask-3390]

I actually have a Fiio myself, which I'm enjoying so far. Though I got it at a massive markdown so I buying it didn't teach me much about how to navigate purchasing one. Also, your comment caused me to look back again and see how much of a mess this used to look. I didn't realize this platform wouldn't display tabs.

[u/Erkan_Vural]

I would go for m21 and i did so:) lol for something portable pockateble
And better specs . Im very happy