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Headphones Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Headphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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FiiO FT3 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£260Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wirelessBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

FiiO FT3 Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

FiiO FT3
5.8/10

Overall score

Score
5.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

80%

5.3

Technical score

20%

7.8

User score

▼Worse than 76% of headphones
6.8

Value for money

Value for money
6.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

5.8

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

▼Worse than 84%
5.3

Technical score

Technical score
5.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

52%

5.9

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

5.3

Design

8%

4.9

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

5.4

Calls & Controls

▼Worse than 86%
7.8

User score

User score
7.8/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

8.6

User ratings

30%

6.1

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
▼Worse than 64%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones FiiO FT3

Technical score
Technical score
5.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

52%

5.9

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

5.3

Design

8%

4.9

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

5.4

Calls & Controls

5.3
User score
User score
7.8/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

8.6

User ratings

30%

6.1

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
7.8
Popularity
Popularity
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Popularity:
FiiO FT3 has a popularity score of 6.1 points, which is higher than that of 52.2% of products in this category.
6.1
Value for money
Value for money
6.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

70%

5.8

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

6.8
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
no
This pair of headphones does not support active noise cancellation. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
60 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 60 mm, larger driver size than 96.9% of headphones and equal to 0.2% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
7 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 7 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 83.2% of headphones and equal to 1.3% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
yes
This pair of headphones is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
1
This pair of headphones has 1 microphones, more microphones than 26.9% of headphones and equal to 50.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
yes
This pair of headphones includes a boom microphone. 86.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
N/A
Show more
Connectivity
wireless
This pair of headphones supports wireless connectivity, more flexible connectivity than 50.8% of headphones and equal to 49.2% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
N/A
Audio latency
N/A
Multipoint support
no
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
no
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
no
This pair of headphones does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
no
This pair of headphones does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
no
This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
N/A
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
N/A
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
N/A
Show more
Brand name
FiiO
Form factor
over-ear
Weight
391 g
This pair of headphones weighs 391 g, heavier than 95% of headphones and equal to 0.1% of headphones.
Acoustic design
open-back
Clamp force
4
This pair of headphones has a clamp force of 4, lower clamp force than 51.2% of headphones and equal to 7.4% of headphones.
Show more

FiiO FT3 vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    This pair of headphones has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.1% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 20 mm larger driver size
    This pair of headphones uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (60 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    60 mm vs 40 mm
  • 11 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (7 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    7 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • More flexible connectivity
    This pair of headphones offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    wireless vs wired
  • 20,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (40,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    40,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 1.8 m longer cable length
    This pair of headphones offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    3 m vs 1.2 m
  • 11 mm more spacious earcup width
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup width than the average pair of headphones (55 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    55 mm vs 44 mm
  • 30x higher input power handling
    This pair of headphones has a higher max input power than the average pair of headphones (3,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
    3,000 mW vs 100 mW
  • 1.8 m longer cable length
    This pair of headphones offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    3 m vs 1.2 m
  • 11 mm more spacious earcup width
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup width than the average pair of headphones (55 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    55 mm vs 44 mm
  • Open-back design
    This pair of headphones uses an open-back design, while the average pair of headphones does not. 9.1% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    This pair of headphones has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.1% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 20 mm larger driver size
    This pair of headphones uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (60 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    60 mm vs 40 mm
  • 11 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (7 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    7 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 20,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (40,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    40,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 30x higher input power handling
    This pair of headphones has a higher max input power than the average pair of headphones (3,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
    3,000 mW vs 100 mW
  • 25 dB higher max SPL
    This pair of headphones has a higher max SPL than the average pair of headphones (135 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    135 dB vs 110 dB
  • More flexible connectivity
    This pair of headphones offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    wireless vs wired
  • Boom microphone included
    This pair of headphones includes a boom microphone, the average pair of headphones does not. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
  • 7 newer release date
    This pair of headphones was released more recently than the average pair of headphones (2023 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    May 2023
    2023 vs 2016
  • No passive noise reduction
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 79.4% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (391 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    391 g vs 218 g
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 2.89x more expensive
    FiiO FT3 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£260 vs £90).
    £260 vs £90
  • 5 mm tighter earcup height
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup height than the average pair of headphones (55 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    55 mm vs 60 mm
  • Tangle-prone cable
    This pair of headphones uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 7.2% worse value for money
    FiiO FT3 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.78 vs 7.3).
    6.78 vs 7.27
  • 2.89x more expensive
    FiiO FT3 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£260 vs £90).
    £260 vs £90
  • 7.2% worse value for money
    FiiO FT3 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.78 vs 7.3).
    6.78 vs 7.27
  • 2.3% lower user score
    User score
    7.8/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
    When it matters
    When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
    Score distribution
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    FiiO FT3
    the average pair of headphones
    FiiO FT3 has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (7.82 vs 8).
    7.82 vs 8
  • 79.4% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (391 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    391 g vs 218 g
  • Tangle-prone cable
    This pair of headphones uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 5 mm tighter earcup height
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup height than the average pair of headphones (55 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    55 mm vs 60 mm
  • No passive noise reduction
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

8.0
AWSMDanny
≈ estimated
03/11/2024
Long-term review · months of use and comparison with another headphone
Verdict
FiiO FT3 is a good headphone with bass-heavy sound, worth it if that signature suits you.
9.0
H T Hobbyist
≈ estimated
17/09/2024
Hands-on review · weeks of listening and sound tests
Verdict
FiiO FT3 has good sound and generous accessories, making it easy to recommend despite minor drawbacks.
7.0
Master Marslander
≈ estimated
17/06/2024
Hands-on review · build, comfort, sound and FT5 comparison
Verdict
FiiO FT3 has good build and accessories, but its tuning needs work; it is a promising first full-size dynamic from the brand.
9.0
Sine Craft Audio
≈ estimated
26/04/2024
Hands-on review · pad swap, cable and amp tests
Verdict
The FiiO FT3 is good value for its build, accessories and listening experience, though it is not the most articulate.
9.0
Rick Ruiz Audio
≈ estimated
19/03/2024
Hands-on review · sound comparison and amp pairing
Verdict
The FiiO FT3 feels premium and sounds fun, and it is easy to recommend at this price.
9.0
Paul Wasabii
≈ estimated
25/02/2024
Hands-on review · build, sound tuning and pads
Verdict
The FiiO FT3 is a nicely built, well-tuned open-back that is enjoyable to listen to, and pad and source choices shape its sound.
4.0
cheapaudioman
≈ estimated
15/12/2023
Critical review · sub-bass, tonal and sound tests
Verdict
FiiO FT3 is not recommended: the midrange is harsh, the bass is weak and it is hard to drive.
9.0
Reviews By WaveTheory
≈ estimated
14/12/2023
Full review · sound, build, amp pairing and comparisons
Verdict
FiiO FT3 is not world-beating, but it's a solid all-round high-impedance dynamic headphone.
9.0
Jubilant Crow Reviews
≈ estimated
05/12/2023
Hands-on review · sound, bass, comfort and gaming tests
Verdict
The FiiO FT3 is a good open-back headphone that the reviewer would count among favourites, though it needs a proper amplifier.
7.0
TylersEclectic
≈ estimated
28/11/2023
Hands-on review · sound tests and build impressions
Verdict
The FiiO FT3 suits neutral-sound listeners, though it is not a favourite for anyone wanting warmth or a more distinctive tone.
8.0
the Honest Audiophile
≈ estimated
31/10/2023
Hands-on review · sound and comparisons with two rivals
Verdict
FiiO FT3 is a solid, unique performer, recommended despite a dry, sterile tone.
8.0
No Theme Reviews
≈ estimated
11/10/2023
Hands-on review · sound tests, pad comparison and build
Verdict
The FiiO FT3 is a good headphone with a balanced tune and fair price, though sibilance-sensitive listeners and bass fans should be cautious.
More graded video reviews (7)
creator’s own scoreestimated by us

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

headfonics.com
17/04/2023
Hands-on review · Open-back headphones
Verdict
The FiiO FT3 offers a large soundstage and strong bass, but it needs a powerful amplifier and suits home listening best.
H
headfonia.com
03/05/2023
Summary of the review
primeaudio.org
02/10/2023
Review · Full-size open-back
Verdict
The FiiO FT3 is a neutral, well-built pair with a useful modular cable, though it needs a powerful amplifier and is not the sharpest at fine detail.
H
headfonia.com
29/11/2023
Summary of the review
D
darko.audio
15/01/2024
Summary of the review
hometheaterhifi.com
28/02/2024
Listening test · Open-back headphones
Verdict
The FiiO FT3 is a clean, analytical open-back pair that suits studio-style listening and is a bargain, though it needs a powerful amplifier.
headphoneer.com
15/09/2024
Comparison test · Open-back headphones
Verdict
The FiiO FT3 is a warm, full-bodied open-back pair that sounds best with suede pads, though its soundstage is good rather than class-leading.
whathifi.com
08/02/2024
Expert review · Open-back over-ears
Verdict
The FiiO FT3 is an easygoing, detailed open-back pair with sturdy build, but the fit is loose and rivals sound more spacious.
t3.com
06/08/2023
Hands-on review · Wired over-ears
Verdict
The FiiO FT3 is a balanced, well-built pair of wired headphones that delivers strong sound for the money, though it needs a powerful source and runs warm.
moonstarreviews.net
11/10/2023
Listening review · Open-back headphones
Verdict
The FiiO FT3 is a natural, well-built open-back pair with a mildly warm tone and rich accessories, but it needs a strong source to sound its best.
trustedreviews.com
21/08/2023
Review · Open-back over-ears
Verdict
The FiiO FT3 is an engaging, neutral open-back pair that feels like a bargain with a capable amp, though it runs hot and has too much cable.
headphonedungeon.com
13/07/2023
Review · Open-back reference headphones
Verdict
The FiiO FT3 is a clean, accurate reference pair for mixing and critical listening, but it needs a proper amp and its bass feels bare.
headphonecheck.com
29/11/2023
Test report · Open-back over-ears
Verdict
The FiiO FT3 is a convincing, well-made open-back pair with a striking look at a great price, provided you have a powerful headphone amp.
techradar.com
29/06/2023
Review · Wired over-ear headphones
Verdict
The FiiO FT3 is a very good-value pair of wired over-ears with high-end build, though it needs a powerful amp and the suede pads run hot.
majorhifi.com
12/07/2023
Review · Open-back studio headphones
Verdict
The FiiO FT3 is an analytical, accurate open-back reference pair for mixing, offering plenty of accessories, but it lacks warmth and bass slam.
androidcentral.com
25/04/2023
Hands-on test · Open-back value
Verdict
The FiiO FT3 is a good-value open-back headphone with imaging rated unmatched in its class, but its styling divides opinion.
headphonesty.com
09/08/2023
Hands-on test · Open-back audiophile
Verdict
The FiiO FT3 is a fun U-shaped open-back with true sub-bass and a generous kit, though its treble can get hot and tiring over time.
kopfhoerer.de
29/11/2023
Listening test · Open-back over-ear
Verdict
The FiiO FT3 350-ohm is a balanced, detailed open-back that needs a strong headphone amp, and it's a good-value pick.
hifi.de
25/02/2024
Hands-on test · Open-back over-ear
Verdict
The FiiO FT3 32-ohm is a detailed, comfortable open-back that is easy to drive, though its bass and dynamics feel tame.
lowbeats.de
24/01/2024
Hands-on test · Mobile open-back
Verdict
The FiiO FT3 32-ohm is a comfortable, travel-ready open-back with a good case, though pricier rivals like the HiFiMan Sundara have deeper, drier bass.

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: November 2026 · How we calculate this

What customers like about FiiO FT3

  • Exceptional build quality for the price, featuring an aluminum alloy frame and high-quality finishes
  • Highly generous accessory bundle, including a premium leather carrying case and multiple modular cable adapters (3.5mm, 4.4mm, 6.35mm, and XLR)
  • Includes two sets of swappable earpads (suede and protein leather) that offer distinct, customizable sound signatures
  • Dynamic and engaging sound profile that follows the Harman curve, offering good bass impact and natural timbre
  • Strong technical performance with decent imaging and a fairly spacious soundstage for a dynamic driver at this price point
  • Innovative 3-axis swiveling design and self-adjusting headband provide a comfortable fit for long listening sessions

What customers don't like about FiiO FT3

  • The 350-ohm impedance version requires a relatively powerful amplifier to reach its full sonic potential
  • The earpads have a relatively small internal diameter, which may feel cramped or uncomfortable for users with larger ears
  • Treble can occasionally become too bright, sharp, or sibilant, especially when using the hybrid/leather earpads
  • The included 3-meter (10-foot) cable is considered excessively long for desktop use and can be cumbersome to manage
  • The proprietary earpad mounting system limits the use of third-party universal pads
  • Self-adjusting headband may exert constant upward pressure, occasionally requiring readjustment

Verdict

The FiiO FT3 is an open-back over-ear headphone featuring massive 60mm dynamic drivers with a beryllium-plated gasket and DLC (diamond-like carbon) diaphragm, designed for high-resolution audio with a wide frequency response of 7Hz–40kHz. Known for its robust aluminum alloy construction and distinctive sci-fi aesthetic, the 350-ohm high-impedance model offers a neutral-to-warm sound signature that follows the Harman target curve, delivering excellent transparency, a spacious soundstage, and impactful sub-bass. Its standout pros include a premium accessory bundle—featuring a modular Furukawa monocrystalline copper cable with four interchangeable plugs, a leather case, and two distinct-sounding sets of ear pads—alongside exceptional build quality for its price. However, its high impedance necessitates a powerful external amplifier to reach its full potential, and some users note potential cons such as a slightly heavy 391g weight, an exceptionally long 3-meter cable that can be unwieldy for desktop use, and treble peakiness that may cause fatigue during aggressive tracks.

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