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FiiO FX17 vs Westone W80: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the FiiO FX17 vs Westone W80, 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 4 of 4 measures.

  • FiiO FX17
  • Westone W80
HearWiki score
83
-
Sound
9.0
-
Value
6.0
-
Price (USD)
$1,500
$1,500

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
  • W802018

Specifications

FX17W80
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$1,500
$1,500
HearWiki score
83
Not scored
Released
2026
2018
Availability
Sold new
Discontinued
Driver
1DD + 4BA + 8EST tribrid
8× balanced armature
Driver type
tribrid
balanced-armature
Driver configuration
1DD + 4BA + 8EST
-
Driver size
10 mm
-
Drivers per side
13
8
Frequency response
-
5 Hz - 22 kHz
Impedance
16 Ω
5 Ω
Sensitivity
99 dB/mW
111 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling
No
No
Weight
12.2 g
20 g
Detachable cable
Yes
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 W80

The Westone W80 is a premium universal-fit in-ear monitor built around an eight-driver balanced-armature array, targeting audiophiles and stage professionals who value detailed, reference-style sound. Its low 5-ohm impedance and high 111 dB sensitivity make it highly efficient, though it demands a quality source to avoid hiss. With a detachable cable and lightweight 20-gram build, it prioritizes comfort and customization over built-in noise cancellation.

  • Pro:Reference-grade clarity from eight balanced-armature drivers
  • Pro:Very high sensitivity (111 dB) for easy driving from most devices
  • Pro:Lightweight (20 g) and comfortable for long listening sessions
  • Con:Low 5-ohm impedance can reveal noise from weaker sources
  • Con:No active noise cancellation, limiting isolation to passive fit only
  • Con:High price point may not suit budget-conscious buyers

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 FX17Westone W80