FiiO FP3 Planar In-Ear Monitors

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!

The full review can also be found on https://mobileaudiophile.com/, via this link

Introduction ​

So FiiO has announced their very first planar magnetic IEM, the FP3, 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​

• Driver: 14.5mm self-developed planar magnetic driver
• Diaphragm: 1μm thick with titanium + aluminum dual-coating
• Frequency Response: 10Hz – 40kHz
• Sensitivity: 105dB/mW @ 1kHz
• Impedance: 32Ω @ 1kHz
• Connector: 3.5mm to 0.78mm 2pin detachable cable
• Cable: 392 wires of silver-plated copper
• Weight: 6.5g per earbud (without cable)
• Materials: Zinc alloy middle frame, 3D-printed ear shell, solid wood faceplate (Black Walnut or Rosewood)
• Hi-Res Audio Certified
• Accessories: Storage case, headphone cable, balanced ear tips (S/M/L), treble ear tips (S/M/L), quick start guide

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 to the TinHiFi DUDU​

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​

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!


Where to buy: (Non-affiliated! None of my reviews use affiliated links!)

FiiO Official AliExpress Store

FIIO FP3
Single Planar Driver
$85 USD



Before we dive in, a huge thanks to FIIO for sending the FP3 for this review.
But, as always, this review is 100% my honest opinion.
Check the IEM here : https://www.fiio.com/fp3

Unboxing​

Here's what you’ll get inside the box :

• The IEM
• Cable
• 2 Sets of Eartips
• Manual
• Hard Case

Build Quality


Now let’s talk about the build, The FP3 honestly the thing looks amazing. I believe the faceplate is made from real wood, there's two versions: rose wood and black walnut , which looks very premium for its price. As for the rest of the body, I believe it is made from some kind of resin.

As for the cable, it's just OK, and for some reason FIIO decided to use 2 pin connector instead of mmcx (YES!), though, nothing premium, also sadly it didn’t come with a modular option, it only comes in one option only, and its 3.5mm single ended.

Comfort

When it comes to comfort, this IEM has an OK comfort, I can wear this for like 2 hours max before I get some kind of discomfort around my ears near the area where 2 pin connectors are placed.
At first I thought the circular design of the shell is the one that gonna give me some kind of discomfort, but actually I think the included cable or the earhooks is a bit too stiff for my ears


As for getting the initial seal itself it's pretty easy because this IEM has long nozzles and is very light weight, so it doesn’t press downwards on your ear canal, hence why I can get a very good seal with this IEM

Sound

Setup I used:

• Stock Cable
• FIIO UTWS5, FIIO KA15, Poco M6 Pro
• Stock Eartips (blue stems)
• Music from Apple Music and Spotify, covering J-POP, Rock, EDM, Metal, Jazz, and Rap

Overall Sound Signature:
I would like to describe the FP3 sound signature as near to W-Shaped,
And what do I mean by W-shaped? It has a pronounced thick bass, forward midrange with forward treble.

Bass :
I believe the bass is where the FP3 shines. The bass is very speedy but thick and punch like a planar bass, because it is a planar IEM, also probably thanks to the fact that FP3 uses the “tesla valve” patented bass enhancement acoustic technology.

• Whether it’s the raw punch energy in EDM tracks or the speed precision in metal double pedals, the bass delivers a deep, impactful and full of texture.
• It’s technically not a basshead IEM from the quantity, but it does present the bass in a very good way that is very enjoyable to listen to, so if you’re a bass lovers, but not a basshead, you’ll definitely enjoy the presentation of the FP3 bass.

Midrange :
The mids are probably the one that I will nitpick the most from this IEM since I’m a fan of a very good midrange presentation.

For some reason, FIIO decided to add an extra 3db around 2.6kHz from the harman target curve.
It indeed resulted in a more forward vocal but not in a good way.

Since I’m doing mixing and mastering as my side project too, the extra 3db on 2.6khz might give the IEM a sense of some clarity and more intengilibility to the vocal but it resulted to make the vocal sounds a bit shrill, and on top of that since the FP3 is using a planar driver, the timbre of the planar accentuated the shrillness even more.
End results ? Vocals could feel a bit unnatural at times.
Thankfully the vocal didn’t sound too shouty and has zero sibilance issues.

As for the instruments, I tested the FP3 on the Violet Evergarden OST’s "The Ultimate Price", the piano and violin felt forward and intense, but it didn’t sound wrong to my ears.

Treble :
Lively without sounding too forward or piercing

• There’s a good amount of energy on the lower treble, but it’s not overly bright and thankfully it's not piercing to listen to.
  It give a sense of balanced sound because of how thick the bass is presented on the FP3.
• As for the treble extension itself, its decent, nothing special.
• For the price, the treble detail is very good.

Technicalities

For $85 USD, the technical performance is good

• Soundstage : it’s medium sized, with more width than depth. It creates an oval-shaped stage that feels slightly weird. Especially if you use it for FPS gaming, I cannot judge confidently where's the enemy because of the oval shaped soundstage, but for music use, it's completely fine.
• Imaging : Very good, not quite holographic, but it feels like almost there, and for context purely for imaging at $85USD that's very good
• Separation & Positioning : The Separation and positioning of FP3 is great, keeping everything clear even in busy tracks that are full of bass, probably thanks to the 2.6khz sacrifice in the tuning and due to the boosted lower treble.

Also I found the FP3 to be easy to power, even just plugged straight to my Poco M6 Pro, It sounds loud and decent.
It doesn’t really require much amplification to get the FP3 to sound loud and decent.

Comparison

I will compare the FP3 to Moondrop Aria 2, a single DD costing a bit more at $99 USD

• Build Quality : In terms of material itself, the Aria 2 gave me a sense that those thing could last since it's made out of metal, but the Aria 2 lacks the feeling of luxury that FP3 has.
• Accessories : Aria 2 has modular cable, FIIO only single ended 3.5mm
• Comfort : I found the Aria 2 to be more comfortable than the FP3, but to get that perfect initial seal, I had to shove the Aria 2 to my ear canal and tweak the position a lot, while the FP3, I can just put it in and that's it.
• Sound :
  • Aria 2 is more or less like your typical Moondrop single DD VDSF Target, basically a modified harman target with a bit of extra mid bass.
  • The FP3 has better more satisfying thick bass presentation
  • Vocal and instruments sounds more correct in timbre on Aria 2
  • As for the treble, Aria 2 has more relaxed treble presentation, while the FP3 have a more forward lower treble presentation
• Technicalities : I actually would give the edge to FP3, probably due to the fact FP3 uses a planar driver.

Conclusion

So, is the FP3 worth it?

It depends.

For $85 USD if you’re into a very satisfying bass response, then yeah. The build quality, the feel of luxury of the wood faceplate, accessories except the just OK cable, and technical performance make the FP3 a great option to choose from the crowded sub $100 USD market. But just a reminder, the vocal presentation is not the best but its also not the worst on the sub $100 USD market.

Thanks so much for sticking around to the end! If you found this review helpful, do me a favor, kindly check my video review of this IEM, leave a like, hit subscribe, and share this review with your friends.


I’ll catch you in the next one. Bye for now!

-littlenezt.

The FiiO FP3 marks the company’s first venture into the burgeoning world of planar in-ear monitors, offering a self-developed, meticulously engineered solution to audiophiles seeking the clarity and detail of planar drivers without sacrificing practicality or affordability. After spending a week with the FP3, both in a wired configuration and paired wirelessly with the FiiO UTWS5 (2025), I’m convinced that this IEM strikes a near-perfect balance between fun and maturity, delivering engaging yet refined sound quality.

Background and Development

The FP3 project began in Q3 2022, during a period when planar IEMs started flooding the market. While many brands opted for off-the-shelf planar drivers, FiiO took the road less traveled, embarking on an ambitious journey of in-house research and development. This decision was motivated by a desire to address the shortcomings of existing planar drivers, such as inconsistent quality, missing frequency ranges, and overly distinct tonal imbalances. Over two years of development, FiiO experimented with various diaphragm materials, coatings, and structural designs, ultimately crafting a 14.5mm planar driver that combines performance, durability, and affordability.
Whats in the box:

The FP3 comes with a selection of accessories, including:

A 392-wire silver-plated copper cable

A premium HB11 storage case

Six pairs of ear tips (balanced and treble-focused)

A quick-start guide

Design and Build Quality

The FP3 doesn’t just perform well; it’s also a visual treat. Featuring a 3D-printed ear shell, a zinc alloy middle frame, and a solid wood faceplate, it has a premium feel without being ostentatious. Two color options—Black Walnut and Rosewood—and looks really classy, with the natural grain of the wood lending a unique character to each unit.

Despite housing a large 14.5mm planar driver, the FP3 is remarkably lightweight at just 6.5g per unit. The ergonomic design ensures a snug, comfortable fit, i have doubts when i first saw the fp3 that it my have fit issues but thanks to its quite long nozzle its really comfortable and sealse very well on my ears rivaling some custom IEMs in fit and seal.

The detachable cable adds to the versatility, featuring 392 wires of silver-plated copper for excellent conductivity and durability. The standard 3.5mm to 0.78mm 2-pin design also ensures compatibility with a wide range of third-party cables, i like the color and material used but i find it just a little bit stiff.. and also Type-C version with DSP decoding is slated for release in late 2025.












Sound Performance

Bass:

The FP3’s bass response is where things get interesting. The subbass extends deep, delivering a satisfying rumble that anchors tracks without overshadowing the mids. There’s a tactile weight to the low end that gives music a palpable sense of depth and dimension. The midbass, on the other hand, is punchy and prominent, with a lush, textured quality. However, it has a slower decay, which works well in adding richness to the mids but may occasionally feel slightly rounded for genres that demand tighter bass control.

In tracks with heavy basslines, like electronic or hip-hop, the FP3 brings the thump you crave while maintaining a sense of musicality. It’s not bass-head territory, but the balance here is more about quality than sheer quantity.

Mids:

The FP3 handles the midrange beautifully, offering a lush and engaging presentation. Male vocals carry warmth and weight, while female vocals are clear and vivid without coming across as sharp or sibilant. The slower midbass decay bleeds a touch into the lower mids, giving them a richer, fuller body, which adds emotional weight to ballads and acoustic tracks.

Instrumental separation in the mids is impressive, especially for this price point. Strings and keys resonate naturally, while guitars maintain a crunchy edge in rock tracks. The mids feel well-balanced, avoiding any overshadowing from the bass or treble.

Treble:

Here’s where the FP3 starts to truly shine. The treble is characterized by a notable peak that acts as the glue tying the entire sound together. It adds a sense of clarity, air, and sparkle, which complements the warm bass and textured mids. This peak doesn’t feel harsh but rather gives life to cymbals, hi-hats, and upper harmonics, ensuring that the FP3 never sounds dull or overly dark.

The treble also plays a crucial role in defining the FP3’s technical performance. The resolution and microdetail retrieval are excellent for a planar IEM in this price range, allowing you to pick up subtle nuances in well-mastered tracks. It’s energetic yet controlled, striking a fine balance that avoids fatigue during longer listening sessions.

Soundstage, Imaging, and Dynamics

The FP3’s soundstage is moderately expansive, offering a good sense of width and depth. It’s not the widest or most holographic presentation out there, but it creates a realistic and engaging listening space. Instruments are well-placed, with imaging that feels precise and deliberate. Whether it’s a jazz trio or a sprawling orchestral piece, the FP3 handles layering with finesse, ensuring each element has its place.

Dynamic range is another highlight. The FP3 transitions smoothly between soft and loud passages, lending emotional impact to tracks with dramatic shifts. The overall presentation is lively and engaging.

Tuning Balance and Synergy

The FP3’s tuning strikes a balance between fun and refinement, appealing to both casual listeners and discerning audiophiles. Its bass and treble complement each other beautifully, with the mids sitting comfortably in the mix. The treble peak, while prominent, adds clarity and excitement without ever becoming grating.

The synergy between the slower bass decay and the energetic treble is particularly noteworthy. This pairing keeps the sound grounded and dynamic, ensuring the FP3 feels neither too analytical nor overly relaxed. It’s a tuning that works across a variety of genres, from pop and rock to classical and jazz.



Technical Highlights:

1. Self-Developed Planar Driver:
The 14.5mm driver features a 1μm diaphragm with titanium-aluminum dual-coating and 14 N52 neodymium magnets. This design ensures excellent resolution, high-frequency extension, and a soundstage that feels expansive and immersive.

2. Tesla Bass Technology:
FiiO’s patented F.T.B.S system enhances bass extension and depth while maintaining clarity and balance across the frequency spectrum.

3. Advanced Manufacturing:
The use of 28nm chip-level coating technology allows for precise etching of the voice coil, improving durability and performance.

4. Easy to Drive:
With a sensitivity of 105dB/mW and an impedance of 32Ω, the FP3 is surprisingly easy to drive for a planar IEM, performing well with USB dongles or portable amplifiers and specially the Fiio UTWS5 bluetooth adaptor.



Concluision:

The FiiO FP3 is a triumph of design and engineering, offering a sound signature that balances fun and refinement with technical prowess that belies its price point. From its deep and tight textured bass to its sparkling treble and moderately sized soundstage, the FP3 excels in delivering a truly engaging listening experience. Combined with its premium build quality, lightweight design, and thoughtful accessories.

At its price point, the FP3 is a true overachiever, delivering a blend of sonic performance, build quality, and versatility that’s tough to match. If you’re hunting for a planar IEM that strikes an impressive balance between musicality and technicality, the FP3 is absolutely worth your attention. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to a friend seeking a well-crafted planar IEM with a premium design and high-quality materials, it’s a standout in its class.

Non-afiliated links:

https://th.aliexpress.com/item/1005007948436998.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2tha

https://hifigo.com/products/fiio-fp...LPz32_LyAJhiTxZTgeo82hgkMLaR4NKLVhmE3SsoVsWbM