FiiO JT7

The FiiO JT7 delivers planar magnetic sound for $120, and it's one of the best audio values we've seen. Sound quality is top-tier for the price, but you'll want an amp to get the full experience. If you're curious about planar headphones, this is the entry point.

Sound quality lands in the 97th percentile of our database. That's the absolute best right now for this price bracket. The bass is fast and precise, the highs are clear, and the soundstage is wide. But there's a catch: the treble is slightly recessed, and some owners report upper bass bleeding into the mids. The 92dB sensitivity means it'll play from a phone, but multiple reviewers say you need an amplifier to get the full dynamic range. Build quality sits at 77th percentile, which is solid but not premium. The frame is plasticky, and the included cables are unimpressive. Comfort is middle of the pack at 46th percentile. The mesh earpads breathe well, but the ear cups are large, which makes the folding design a bit awkward.

Against the Sennheiser MOMENTUM M5AEBT and Sony ULT WEAR, the JT7 is a different animal entirely. Those are wireless ANC headphones built for commuting. The JT7 is a wired, open-back planar for critical listening at a desk. The Technics EAH-A800 is closer in spirit but costs significantly more and still doesn't have planar drivers. The JBL Tune 670NC and TOZO HT3 are budget wireless options that can't touch the JT7's sound quality, but they have ANC and mics that actually work. If you need wireless or noise cancelling, the JT7 isn't your pick. If you want the best sound per dollar, it's not even close.

At $120 USD, this is one of the cheapest ways into planar magnetic audio. You get a real 95x86mm planar driver, not a cheap dynamic driver with a fancy name. The included balanced cable and 6.35mm adapter sweeten the deal. The catch is that you'll probably want to spend more on an amp to get the most out of it. But even with a $50 dongle DAC, you're still under $200 for sound that competes with headphones costing twice as much. That's exceptional value.

The FiiO JT7 is a planar magnetic headphone that costs $120 USD. That's basically unheard of for this driver tech. You get a 95x86mm planar driver, a 3µm diaphragm, and a foldable 318g frame. It's aimed squarely at people who want to dip a toe into planar sound without selling a kidney.

FiiO built the driver in-house, from the magnetic circuit to the diaphragm. The F.E.S. elastic support system is supposed to give the bass more punch. And the dual-sided N52 magnet array keeps sensitivity at 92dB, so it'll run off a phone or dongle. But owners say it really wakes up with an amp. More on that below.

Skip the JT7 if you need wireless, ANC, or a usable microphone. The mic scores in the 16th percentile, which is one of the worst we've seen. If you're on calls all day or want to block out a noisy commute, get the Sony ULT WEAR or JBL Tune 670NC instead. Also skip it if you refuse to buy an amp, because you'll be leaving a lot of performance on the table.

Buy the FiiO JT7 if you want to hear what planar magnetic headphones are all about without spending $300 or more. It's comfortable enough for long sessions, folds up for travel, and sounds genuinely impressive with a little amplification. Casual listeners will be thrilled. Audiophiles on a budget will be even happier. Just don't expect premium build quality or any wireless features.