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FiiO FX17 vs Westone ES30: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the FiiO FX17 vs Westone ES30, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.

Score breakdown

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

FiiO FX17 leads on 3 of 4 measures.

  • FiiO FX17
  • Westone ES30
HearWiki score
83
-
Sound
9.0
-
Value
6.0
-
Price (USD)
$1,500
$1,170

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 FiiO FX17 is 8 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 8 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • FX1720268 yr newer
  • ES302018

Specifications

FX17ES30
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$1,500
$1,170
HearWiki score
83
Not scored
Released
2026
2018
Availability
Sold new
Discontinued
Driver
1DD + 4BA + 8EST tribrid
3× balanced armature
Driver type
tribrid
balanced-armature
Driver configuration
1DD + 4BA + 8EST
-
Driver size
10 mm
-
Drivers per side
13
3
Frequency response
-
20 Hz - 18 kHz
Impedance
16 Ω
56 Ω
Sensitivity
99 dB/mW
124 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling
No
No
Weight
12.2 g
-
Water resistance
-
none
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

Westone ES30

The Westone ES30 is a custom-fit in-ear monitor built for critical listening, using three balanced armature drivers to deliver precise, detailed sound across its range. It's a wired, passive design with no noise cancellation or water resistance, prioritizing audio fidelity for professional and personal use.

  • Pro:Accurate, revealing sound from triple balanced-armature design
  • Pro:Custom-fit shell for long-term comfort and isolation
  • Pro:High sensitivity (124 dB) for easy driving from portable sources
  • Con:No active noise cancellation or wireless functionality
  • Con:Limited high-frequency extension (18 kHz) compared to some rivals
  • Con:No water resistance rating, so not ideal for workouts or wet conditions

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

Compare something else

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New comparisonFiiO FX17Westone ES30