FiiO FT1

The FiiO FT1 is a closed-back over-ear headphone that delivers outstanding sound quality for around $165. It ranks among the best in our database for sound and build, with real walnut wood cups and a warm, bassy signature. Just be aware that comfort is a weak point, especially for smaller heads.

The FT1 uses FiiO's second-generation 60mm dynamic driver with a nano wood fiber composite diaphragm. The diaphragm is about 0.1mm thick, made from spruce wood fibers and carbon fiber. FiiO says the W-shaped suspension design increases the effective vibrating area by 25.8% compared to conventional diaphragms of the same size. In practice, that translates to a big, punchy low end and a surprisingly spacious soundstage for a closed-back.

In our database, the FT1 ranks in the 91st percentile for sound quality. That puts it among the best closed-back headphones we've tracked, not just in its price bracket. The bass is warm and full, but it doesn't smear the mids. Vocals come through clean and detailed, which is rare for a budget headphone with this much low-end energy. Treble is mostly smooth, though a few owners mention it can get slightly harsh on certain tracks. The build quality is also a standout, landing in the 92nd percentile. The solid wood cups and steel slide rail headband feel premium. But comfort is a different story. It sits in the 2nd percentile, which is one of the worst scores we've seen. The headband can dig in, especially if you have a smaller head.

The FiiO FT1 goes up against some well-known names. The Sennheiser MOMENTUM M5AEBT is a wireless option with ANC and a more portable design, but it costs more and doesn't match the FT1's raw sound quality. The Sony ULT WEAR WHULT900N/B is another wireless competitor with heavy bass tuning and noise cancelling, but again, you're paying for features the FT1 simply doesn't have. The Technics EAH-A800 is a strong wireless over-ear with excellent sound, but it's in a different price class.

For wired budget options, the JBL Tune 670NC and TOZO HT3 are cheaper, but they don't come close to the FT1's build or sound quality. The FT1's biggest competition isn't really these wireless models. It's other wired audiophile headphones in the $150 to $300 range. And in that space, the FT1 consistently punches above its weight. The trade-off is comfort. If you have a smaller head or plan to wear these for hours at a time, the headband might be a dealbreaker.

At $165 in the US, the FiiO FT1 is one of the best value propositions in wired audio right now. You're getting real wood cups, a 60mm driver, two quality cables, and a carrying case. Compare that to the Sennheiser MOMENTUM M5AEBT or the Sony ULT WEAR WHULT900N/B, which cost more and focus on wireless features and ANC rather than pure sound quality. The FT1 doesn't have Bluetooth or noise cancelling, but it doesn't need them. It's built for people who care about how music sounds first. If you want wireless convenience, look elsewhere. If you want the best sound per dollar, this is hard to beat.

The FiiO FT1 is a closed-back, over-ear headphone that has been making serious waves in the budget audiophile scene. It's a wired set with a 60mm dynamic driver and real American black walnut ear cups, which is not something you see every day at this price. In the US, it goes for around $165, and in Europe you're looking at roughly €183 to €198. For that money, you get a pair of headphones that sounds far more expensive than it is.

People searching for the best closed-back headphones under $200 will run into the FT1 constantly, and for good reason. The 32Ω impedance means it's easy to drive from a phone, laptop, or dongle DAC. You don't need a beefy amplifier to get good sound out of it. The package includes two detachable cables, one with a 3.5mm plug and one with a 4.4mm balanced plug, plus a carrying case.

Is the FiiO FT1 good for home listening? Absolutely. It's also a solid pick for studio and recording use, though it's not a flat reference monitor. The sound leans warm and bassy, with clean mids and a smooth treble. It's the kind of headphone that makes music fun without sacrificing detail.

Skip the FiiO FT1 if you need wireless connectivity or active noise cancelling. It's a wired headphone, and the ANC score is in the 32nd percentile, which is weak. If you have a smaller head or are sensitive to headband pressure, the comfort issues will likely bother you. The 2nd percentile comfort score is a serious red flag. For commuters or people who take a lot of calls, the poor mic quality and microphonic cables make this a bad fit. Look at the Sony ULT WEAR or Sennheiser MOMENTUM M5AEBT for wireless options with better comfort and call quality.

Should you buy the FiiO FT1? If you want wired, closed-back headphones with exceptional sound quality and you're on a budget, yes. It's one of the best-sounding headphones under $200, period. The warm, bassy signature with clean mids makes it great for everything from hip-hop to acoustic music. The build quality is excellent, and the included accessories are generous.

But the comfort issue is real. The 2nd percentile comfort score isn't a fluke. Multiple owners report the headband digs in, especially on smaller heads. If you plan to wear these for long sessions, you might need to mod the headband or look at alternatives. The microphonic cables are also annoying if you move around a lot. For stationary listening at a desk, these are fantastic. For walking around or commuting, they're less ideal.