FiiO UTWS5 2025 True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds Hook & Headphone Amp for IEMs, AK4332 DAC, Hi-Res 96kHz/24bit LDAC -MMCX/0.78 2pins Connector, 10-Band PEQ, 20H Battery Life (MMCX)

=======The Good:The ability to turn any IEM into a TWS is an absolute game-changer for anyone with any IEMs that they no longer use because of being limited to a cable.Great connectivity options and great sound quality. Battery life is sufficient and connection is reliable.I own the original UTWS5 and now this 2025 version and they have allowed me to get more use out of a growing IEM collection.Great compatibility with most IEMs available today. I match these up with my 64Audio IEMs and I'm able to use them around the house and out and about without issue.They are comfortable and lightweight and actually make IEMs lighter to wear and easier to fit than with cables.The 2025 version removed the corrosion-prone connectors and now has wireless charging within the adapters.=======The Bad:These are advertised as supporting LDAC but it's very much a Beta feature that is fairly spotty. I'm hoping Fiio will improve the support of this codec as it would improve sound quality more reliably.The previous version of the UTWS5 had wireless charging on the case - this was shadow removed for the 2025 version so it has to be plugged in to charge.=======The Ugly:The software is hit or miss and I have a love-hate relationship with it. On the one hand, the software enables parametric EQ which is amazing, but unpredictable software updates have added or removed features that I have relied on. I use transparency mode a lot to retain situational awareness and the latest version of the software removed it - I had to downgrade the firmware to get support back.=======Conclusion:This has become a staple for me as an audio hobbyist/audiophile. Despite it's downsides, the convenience it affords me allows me a lot more flexibility with where and when I can enjoy music. I will likely own a version of these adapters from now on and into the future. Other companies have released similar products, and I have tried most if not all of them. Nothing comes close to the UTWS5.

Using the AptX codec, these adapters offer almost CD quality, which, when combined with a good IEM, allows high quality wireless listening.I’ve used them with Sennheiser IE 900 and Final Audio A8000 IEMs and the sound has been remarkable. I’ve also used them successfully with the Campfire Audio Andromeda 2020 IEMs—these are high quality IEMs but I dislike the extremely warm tuning—and I was able to “fix” the tuning with the EQ in the app and enjoy the sound.The DAC in the adaptors is neutral and surprisingly good for the price. Nice detail and soundstage.They are comfortable, even if I’m wearing glasses.My only criticism is that LDAC doesn’t work well enough to use it. But I’m quite happy with the AptX codec.This was a fantastic buy.

***UPDATE*** I got the Shure TW2 and am 100% satisfied, it does exactly what I wanted the Fiio to do, and the price difference is negligible compared to the utter failure of the UTWS5 firmware/software.It is what others have said. Good hardware, weak firmware and software. Yes they do sound great for the brief moments you can get them to work as advertised, but the rest of the time is pure frustration. Highly recommend avoiding these, for just a couple more dollars you can get the Shure brand TW2 and not mess with janky Chinese garbage. If all you care about is the sound then maybe its worth it to you, but I don't have the time to screw with things to get them to perform their basic functions. These things are tools not electronics and programming hobbies, I shouldn't have to load custom firmware to get the advertised features to function...ridiculous. FIIO continues to be a disappointment which is unfortunate, such great promises.

Fiio does warn of this though and these only support LDAC on devices that are "snapdragon sound" certified. Although, LDAC does work flawlessly on the OnePlus 12 which, is not certified. I guess the moral of the story is, these sound fantastic unless you have a Samsung phone.

Pretty good!

The right side would not pair in Bluetooth mode. It never connected. Customer service is non-existent. The Fiio app is completely useless! It's pure garbage and so aggravating to use! I'll never buy Chi Fi (Chinese Fidelity) audio again. I got burned by Shanling once and now Fiio. I'm finished!! I'll try Noble Audio or Empire Ears next time.

The Fiio Control app itself and English translation localization is bottom tier. I think that the devices themselves are good. I feel like the Shure solution is quite a bit better as a packaged product. I need a bit more time with them from an audio quality perspective to decide whether it's worth it.