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FiiO FX17 vs Westone ES60: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the FiiO FX17 vs Westone ES60, 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 ES60
HearWiki score
83
-
Sound
9.0
-
Value
6.0
-
Price (USD)
$1,500
$1,300

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
  • ES602018

Specifications

FX17ES60
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$1,500
$1,300
HearWiki score
83
Not scored
Released
2026
2018
Availability
Sold new
Discontinued
Driver
1DD + 4BA + 8EST tribrid
6× balanced armature
Driver type
tribrid
balanced-armature
Driver configuration
1DD + 4BA + 8EST
-
Driver size
10 mm
-
Drivers per side
13
6
Frequency response
-
8 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance
16 Ω
46 Ω
Sensitivity
99 dB/mW
118 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling
No
No
Weight
12.2 g
-
Detachable cable
Yes
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 ES60

The Westone ES60 is a premium custom-fit in-ear monitor designed for audiophiles and professionals, packing six balanced armature drivers per side with a three-way crossover for detailed, accurate sound. Its ergonomic flex-canal housing and Dual Bore technology aim to deliver a comfortable, transparent listening experience across a wide frequency range. As a wired, passive IEM, it relies on a detachable cable and high sensitivity for use with various sources.

  • Pro:Custom-fit comfort with flexible canal design
  • Pro:Six balanced armature drivers for detailed audio
  • Pro:Wide frequency response from 8 Hz to 20 kHz
  • Con:No active noise cancellation for isolation
  • Con:High impedance (46 ohms) may require a stronger source
  • Con:Premium price point for a wired-only design

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

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