The Earfun Wave Pro X and FiiO JT9 are both over-ear headphones released in 2026, but they could hardly be more different. One is a wireless, noise-cancelling everyday model; the other is a wired, open-back planar for listeners who want detail above all. Here is an honest head-to-head based on published reviews and recorded specifications, so you can see which one fits your listening habits.
Price and positioning
The Earfun Wave Pro X costs $130. It is a wireless over-ear with hybrid active noise cancellation, Bluetooth 6.0, and support for a wide range of codecs including LDAC and aptX Lossless. It is aimed at commuters and office users who want long battery life and the convenience of going cable-free.
The FiiO JT9 costs $164. It is a wired, open-back planar magnetic headphone with a 95 mm driver. It has no battery, no Bluetooth, and no ANC. It is aimed at home listeners or anyone who values a wide frequency response (7 Hz to 40 kHz) and does not mind being tethered to a source.
So the price gap is $34. The Earfun asks you to accept a plastic build and physical buttons; the FiiO asks you to give up wireless and noise isolation. Neither is objectively better; they are different tools.
The scores, side by side
The headline HearWiki buyability scores are close. The Earfun Wave Pro X scores 85/100; the FiiO JT9 scores 84/100. That is a one-point gap, which is effectively a tie. Do not read a clear winner from the numbers alone.
The sub-scores tell a more specific story. The Earfun has sound at 8.3/10, ANC at 7.8/10, battery at 9.5/10, calls at 7.7/10, and value at 9.6/10. The FiiO has sound at 8.0/10, value at 9.0/10, and no listed figures for ANC, battery, or calls, because it has no ANC, no battery, and no microphone. The sound gap is 0.3/10, again close. The value gap is 0.6/10, still not a landslide.
Remember that the headline score is not a weighted average of the sub-scores. It reflects review consensus, price, and availability. Here, both products are well regarded in their respective categories.
Sound
The Earfun Wave Pro X uses 40 mm dynamic drivers. Published reviews describe a versatile, immersive sound with a customizable EQ. Its frequency response is noted as somewhat narrow for an over-ear model, which is a real limitation if you listen to complex orchestral or jazz recordings.
The FiiO JT9 uses a 95 mm planar magnetic driver. Planar drivers are known for low distortion and fast transient response, and this one is rated from 7 Hz to 40 kHz. Reviews highlight deep bass and crisp treble. The open-back design means you get a wide, airy soundstage, but it also means sound leaks out and external noise leaks in.
If you listen in a quiet room and want maximum detail, the FiiO is the stronger choice. If you listen on a bus or in an open-plan office, the Earfun's sound will be more usable because it blocks ambient noise. The 0.3/10 sub-score gap does not capture that context.
Noise cancelling and battery
The Earfun Wave Pro X has hybrid ANC, and reviews rate it at 7.8/10. It effectively reduces ambient noise, which is what you want for travel. It also has a transparency mode, so you can hear your surroundings when needed. The FiiO JT9 has no ANC, and that is not listed as a failing; it is simply not a feature of an open-back wired headphone.
Battery life is where the Earfun dominates. It offers 90 hours per charge with ANC off and 50 hours per charge with ANC on. Those are per-charge figures; there is no charging case, so no with-case figure is listed. The FiiO has no battery at all, because it is wired and passive. If you hate charging devices, the FiiO is actually the lower-maintenance option.
Neither product lists an IP rating, so water resistance is not confirmed for either. The Earfun supports multipoint, so you can connect to two devices at once. The FiiO has no Bluetooth, so multipoint is not listed and not applicable.
Calls and everyday use
The Earfun Wave Pro X has eight microphones and a calls sub-score of 7.7/10. That is a solid figure for a budget wireless headphone, and it should handle phone calls and video meetings without embarrassing your colleagues. The FiiO JT9 has no microphone and no calls sub-score; it is not designed for calls.
In everyday use, the Earfun is the practical choice. It weighs 259 g, has physical buttons, and offers multipoint. It does not have wear detection, so it will not pause music when you take it off. The FiiO weighs 365 g, which is heavier but still lightweight for a planar. It is foldable and has a detachable 3.5 mm cable. Its impedance is 20 ohms, so it should work with most portable sources, though a dedicated amp will help.
The FiiO's open-back design leaks sound, so it is not ideal for quiet shared spaces. The Earfun's plastic build may not feel premium, but it is lighter and more portable for daily carrying.
Which one should you buy?
Buy the Earfun Wave Pro X if you want a wireless, noise-cancelling headphone for commuting, travel, or office use. You get long battery life, multipoint, and solid call quality for $130. The plastic build and narrow frequency response are trade-offs, but the value sub-score of 9.6/10 reflects how much you get for the price.
Buy the FiiO JT9 if you are a home listener who prioritizes sound detail and does not mind a cable. The planar driver offers a wide frequency response and low distortion, and the open-back design gives an airy presentation. You give up ANC, battery life, and calls, but you also give up charging anxiety. At $164, it is a strong value for a planar, with a value sub-score of 9.0/10.
If you are torn, consider your environment. In a noisy world, the Earfun wins. In a quiet room, the FiiO wins. There is no single verdict; there is only the right tool for your situation.
For a full specification comparison, see the Earfun Wave Pro X vs FiiO JT9 comparison. You can also browse other over-ear headphones or budget earbuds under $50 if you are still exploring.
FAQ
Can the FiiO JT9 be used with a phone?
Yes, the FiiO JT9 has a detachable 3.5 mm cable and a 20 ohm impedance, so it can work with a phone that has a headphone jack. If your phone lacks a jack, you will need a USB-C to 3.5 mm adapter. It has no Bluetooth, so it cannot connect wirelessly.
How long does the Earfun Wave Pro X battery last with ANC on?
The Earfun Wave Pro X lasts 50 hours per charge with ANC on and 90 hours per charge with ANC off. There is no charging case, so the with-case figure is not listed. That is still exceptional for a wireless over-ear headphone.
Which headphone is better for gaming?
Neither is specifically designed for gaming. The Earfun Wave Pro X has Bluetooth and low-latency codecs like aptX Adaptive, which can help with wireless gaming. The FiiO JT9 is wired, so it has no latency issues, but its open-back design leaks sound and it has no microphone. For competitive gaming, a dedicated gaming headset may be a better fit; see our gaming headset guide for options.
