FiiO FD3 vs Letshuoer S12 Ultra: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Letshuoer S12 Ultra comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 83. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Letshuoer S12 Ultra - Outstanding overall at around $169.

Wired IEMs

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Letshuoer S12 Ultra leads on 3 of 4 measures.

FiiO FD3
Letshuoer S12 Ultra

HearWiki score

Sound

6.9

8.6

Value

6.8

8.9

Price (USD)

$110

$170

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Same generation

The Letshuoer S12 Ultra is 4 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price. For 4 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

FD32021
S12 Ultra20254 yr newer

Specifications

FD3S12 Ultra

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $110; $170
HearWiki score: 64; 83
Released: 2021; 2025
Availability: Still sold new; Sold new
Driver: 12 mm dynamic; 1 planar magnetic
Driver type: dynamic; planar
Driver configuration: -; 1 planar magnetic
Driver size: 12 mm; 14.8 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 1
Frequency response: 10 Hz - 40 kHz; -
Impedance: 32 Ω; 16 Ω
Sensitivity: 111 dB/mW; -
Active noise cancelling: No; -
Controls: buttons; -
Weight: 7 g; -
Detachable cable: Yes; -
USB-C: No; -
Connector: 3.5 mm; -

Specification comparison of FiiO FD3 vs Letshuoer S12 Ultra
Spec	FiiO FD3	Letshuoer S12 Ultra
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$110	$170
HearWiki score	64 / 100 Good	83 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2021	2025
Audio
Driver	12 mm dynamic	1 planar magnetic
Driver type	dynamic	planar
Driver configuration	-	1 planar magnetic
Driver size	12 mm	14.8 mm
Drivers per side	1	1
Frequency response	10 Hz - 40 kHz	-
Impedance	32 Ω	16 Ω
Sensitivity	111 dB/mW	-
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	-
Controls	buttons	-
Design
Weight	7 g	-
Detachable cable	Yes	-
USB-C	No	-
Connector	3.5 mm	-

What reviewers said

FiiO FD3

The FiiO FD3 is a budget-friendly wired IEM with a 12mm DLC dynamic driver that delivers a lively, bass-oriented sound with easy drivability. It offers a comfortable, light fit and a premium feel for its price, with a detachable cable and a generous accessory set. Its tuning can be slightly bright or boomy depending on ear tips, but overall it's a strong value for everyday listening.

Pro:Excellent value for the price
Pro:Lightweight and comfortable fit
Pro:Powerful, easy-to-drive dynamic sound

Con:Tuning can be bright or boomy with certain tips
Con:No active noise cancellation
Con:Sound signature may not suit neutral purists

Letshuoer S12 Ultra

The Letshuoer S12 Ultra is a wired in-ear monitor that delivers Hi-Fi sound through a single 14.8mm planar magnetic driver housed in a lightweight aluminum-alloy shell. Aimed at music enthusiasts, it offers the signature planar-driver clarity and detail of the S12 series in a refreshed design, without any active noise cancellation or wireless features. Priced around $169, it's a straightforward, high-performance option for wired listening.

Pro:Detailed and fast planar magnetic sound
Pro:Lightweight and durable aluminum-alloy build
Pro:Accurate bass response with low distortion

Con:Requires a wired connection, no wireless freedom
Con:No active noise cancellation for noisy environments
Con:Open-back style may leak sound in quiet settings

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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New comparison FiiO FD3 Letshuoer S12 Ultra