Wired IEMs
FiiO FX17
83Outstanding
$1,500
Full review dataFiiO FX17 vs Westone ES50: which should you buy?
Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the FiiO FX17 vs Westone ES50, 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 ES50
HearWiki score
83
-
Sound
9.0
-
Value
6.0
-
Price (USD)
$1,500
$1,000
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
- ES502018
Specifications
FX17ES50
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $1,500
- $1,000
- HearWiki score
- 83
- Not scored
- Released
- 2026
- 2018
- Availability
- Sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 1DD + 4BA + 8EST tribrid
- 5× balanced armature
- Driver type
- tribrid
- balanced-armature
- Driver configuration
- 1DD + 4BA + 8EST
- -
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- -
- Drivers per side
- 13
- 5
- Frequency response
- -
- 8 Hz - 20 kHz
- Sound signature
- -
- neutral
- Impedance
- 16 Ω
- 20 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 99 dB/mW
- 120 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- No
- ANC type
- -
- none
- Transparency mode
- -
- No
- Companion app
- -
- No
- Custom EQ
- -
- No
- Wear detection
- -
- No
- Controls
- -
- none
- Weight
- 12.2 g
- -
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- -
- USB-C
- -
- No
- 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 ES50
The Westone ES50 is a custom-fit in-ear monitor aimed at professional use, delivering high-fidelity audio through a five-driver balanced-armature setup. With a neutral sound signature and wide frequency response, it focuses on accurate reproduction rather than consumer-friendly features like wireless connectivity or noise cancellation. Its personalized shell ensures a secure, comfortable fit for long listening sessions.
- Pro:Custom-fit for superior comfort and isolation
- Pro:Five balanced-armature drivers for detailed, accurate sound
- Pro:Neutral sound signature ideal for monitoring and critical listening
- Con:No active noise cancellation or transparency mode
- Con:No built-in controls or app support for adjustments
- Con:Requires a custom ear impression for purchase
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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