FiiO M15S
A previous-generation flagship still riding its reputation. PopSci's current guide crowns its successor, the FiiO M23, best overall. Buy the M23.
Consolidated from 2 independent outlets
See the sources3 of 4 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick.
It is the previous-generation FiiO flagship coasting on old flagship status, while PopSci's current guide crowns its direct successor, the FiiO M23, best overall. Buy the M23 instead.
Flagged 23 September 2026
Pros & cons
- ✓ Still used by TechRadar's headphones testing as a bench source device, showing it remains widely cross-shopped
- ✗ Previous-generation FiiO flagship, outclassed by its successor
- ✗ Outclassed by newer models and offers poorer performance-for-money
- ✗ Previous-generation flagship superseded by newer models
- ✗ Current guides recommend newer FiiO players instead
The sources behind this ranking
We searched the web and YouTube for what has been published about this product, then read the articles, video transcripts and comments we found. We quote no words from these sources, so each row shows only where we placed it.
2 stance not read sources
Frequently asked questions
It ranks #18 of 21 on our digital audio players tier list, in F tier. That placement draws on 2 independent outlets.
Previous-generation FiiO flagship, outclassed by its successor. Outclassed by newer models and offers poorer performance-for-money. Previous-generation flagship superseded by newer models. Current guides recommend newer FiiO players instead.
Ranked nearby in Digital Audio Players
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S tier #2 FiiO M27
D tier #13 Shanling M5 Ultra
D tier #14 1 of 9 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. HiBy R3 Pro II
F tier #15 3 of 8 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. FiiO M17
F tier #16 2 of 5 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Shanling M1 Plus
F tier #17 2 of 3 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. MECHEN M30
F tier #19 1 of 4 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Astell & Kern PD20
F tier #20 3 of 5 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Astell & Kern A&ultima SP3000T
F tier #21 9 of 10 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick.