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FiiO FX17 vs SOFTEARS TWILIGHT: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the FiiO FX17 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 83. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: FiiO FX17 - Outstanding overall at around $1499.

Score breakdown

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

Neither pulls ahead overall - they trade wins across the measures.

  • FiiO FX17
  • SOFTEARS TWILIGHT
HearWiki score
83
69
Sound
9.0
8.6
Value
6.0
6.3
Price (USD)
$1,500
$930

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 FiiO FX17 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.

  • FX1720264 yr newer
  • TWILIGHT2022

Specifications

FX17TWILIGHT
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$1,500
$930
HearWiki score
83
69
Released
2026
2022
Availability
Sold new
Discontinued
Driver
1DD + 4BA + 8EST tribrid
10 mm driver
Driver type
tribrid
-
Driver configuration
1DD + 4BA + 8EST
-
Driver size
10 mm
10 mm
Drivers per side
13
-
Impedance
16 Ω
16 Ω
Sensitivity
99 dB/mW
-
Active noise cancelling
No
No
Weight
12.2 g
-
Detachable cable
Yes
-
Connector
4.4 mm balanced
-

What reviewers said

FiiO FX17

The FiiO FX17 is a premium wired tribrid IEM that combines a 10mm dynamic driver, four balanced armatures, and eight electrostatic drivers per side for a detailed, multi-layered sound. Its titanium shell and five-way crossover aim to deliver a refined, high-resolution listening experience, while the included 4.4mm balanced cable offers versatility for audiophile setups.

  • Pro:Precision-milled titanium shell for durability and resonance control
  • Pro:Hybrid driver array (1DD + 4BA + 8EST) offers expansive treble and dynamic bass
  • Pro:Swappable plugs on the cable provide flexible connectivity
  • Con:No active noise cancellation, requiring a quiet environment or isolation tips
  • Con:High price point may limit accessibility
  • Con:16-ohm impedance may need a powerful source for optimal performance

SOFTEARS TWILIGHT

The Softears Twilight is a premium single-dynamic-driver IEM with a warm, natural, and coherent sound signature that prioritizes smoothness and vocal presence. Its lightweight, well-crafted shells offer comfort, while its intimate yet spacious staging and organic timbre make it a great fit for listeners who favor a relaxed, musical presentation over aggressive treble energy. Notably, it lacks active noise cancellation and relies on passive isolation, which is modest at best.

  • Pro:Natural, smooth tonality with excellent coherency
  • Pro:Lightweight, comfortable shells with premium craftsmanship
  • Pro:Organic dynamic-driver timbre and strong midrange imaging
  • Con:Limited treble sparkle may not suit brightness lovers
  • Con:Passive isolation is on the weaker side
  • Con:High price for those seeking extra features like ANC

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

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.

New comparisonFiiO FX17SOFTEARS TWILIGHT