Shanling M1 Plus vs FiiO M21: Which Music Player Should You Buy?

The Shanling M1 Plus and the FiiO M21 are both digital audio players (DAPs), built for different jobs.

What is the difference between the Shanling M1 Plus and the FiiO M21?

The FiiO M21 (4GB + 64GB, $371.99) is a compact Android 13 device built around audio, with Google Play, a 4.7-inch screen and four Cirrus Logic CS43198 DACs feeding a fully balanced two-stage amp. A second USB-C port, labeled POWER IN, lets it run entirely from external power in desktop mode.

The Shanling M1 Plus ($182.99) runs MTouch, Shanling's music-only system, on an Ingenic X2000 chip, with one ESS ES9069Q DAC, two SGM8262 amps and a 3.2-inch touchscreen. It has no internal storage and cannot install apps.

On paper, sound is not what separates them: both list very low distortion (THD+N under 0.0005% on either M21 headphone output, 0.0007% for the M1 Plus). Choose on software, power, battery and size.

Shanling M1 Plus vs FiiO M21: how do the specs compare?

Makers' specs, checked in October 2026 against independent reviews; power is per channel.

Can the Shanling M1 Plus run Spotify, Tidal or Apple Music apps?

The Shanling M1 Plus cannot install apps, so there is no Spotify, Apple Music or Qobuz app. Tidal is the exception: Shanling builds it into the firmware (its V2.1 notes list "Optimized Tidal performance"), but Headfonia, HiFi Oasis and Audiophile Heaven all found it streams only, with no offline downloads.

For Spotify or Apple Music, run the app on your phone and send the audio to the M1 Plus over AirPlay (iPhone) or Bluetooth, with the M1 Plus as an LDAC, aptX HD or AAC receiver.

The FiiO M21 has Google Play, so Spotify, Apple Music, Qobuz and Tidal install as they would on a phone, and a Pure Music mode shuts down everything else when you want fewer distractions. If you live in streaming apps, buy the M21.

Does the FiiO M21 or Shanling M1 Plus have more power for full-size headphones?

On battery, the FiiO M21 leads the Shanling M1 Plus modestly when balanced (720mW vs 660mW per channel at 32 ohms) and more clearly single-ended (290mW vs 195mW). Both have plenty for IEMs and efficient headphones, and Shanling says its 660mW can "decently power even full-size audiophile headphones."

The M21 pulls ahead in desktop mode. Flip the D.MODE switch, connect USB-C power to the POWER IN port, and the M21 runs entirely on external power without charging or draining its battery. With a USB-C PD (2.0 or 3.0) charger on that port, it also unlocks Super High gain: 950mW balanced and 405mW single-ended at 32 ohms, and 185mW balanced into 300 ohms, roughly double High gain's 90mW. For demanding full-size headphones at a desk, the M21 is the clear pick; the M1 Plus has no high-power desktop mode.

Does the FiiO M21 or Shanling M1 Plus have better battery life?

The FiiO M21 has the better battery life. Its 4000mAh battery is rated for 15 hours single-ended and 12.5 hours balanced (FiiO lab test, High gain, screen off), and 20W PD fast charging refills it in about 1.5 hours. The Shanling M1 Plus has a 2100mAh battery rated for up to 12.5 hours single-ended, with reviewers citing 10 to 10.5 hours balanced. That gives the M21 roughly 2 to 2.5 extra hours on either output.

Is the Shanling M1 Plus or FiiO M21 easier to carry?

The Shanling M1 Plus is far easier to carry. At 86 x 61 x 17 mm and 116 g, it is as thick as the FiiO M21 (121 x 68 x 17 mm, 193 g) but 77 g lighter, with a much smaller footprint. An illuminated volume wheel lets you adjust volume by feel. The M21 handles like a small phone, with a HOLD switch for pocket use.

Is the FiiO M21 worth $189 more than the Shanling M1 Plus?

The FiiO M21 is worth $189 more than the Shanling M1 Plus if you will use what that buys: Google Play apps, four DACs instead of one, 64GB of built-in storage, a 4.7-inch screen, nearly twice the battery capacity, and desktop mode with up to 950mW. For app streaming, or one player for both commute and desk, it earns the price.

It is not worth it if your music already lives in files you own. The M1 Plus plays them from a microSD card, streams Tidal over Wi-Fi, doubles as a Bluetooth receiver for your phone, and costs $182.99.

Who should buy the FiiO M21, and who should buy the Shanling M1 Plus?

Buy the FiiO M21 ($371.99) if:

• You stream from Spotify, Apple Music, Qobuz or Tidal and want the apps on the player.
• Your full-size headphones need desktop-level power.
• You want one device for commute and desk, with USB DAC mode and battery bypass.

Buy the Shanling M1 Plus ($182.99) if:

• Your music is on a microSD card and you want a player that only plays it.
• Size and weight come first: 116 g.
• You mostly use IEMs or efficient headphones, where 660mW balanced is plenty.
• You would rather spend the $189 difference on headphones or IEMs.

See more from each brand in our FiiO and Shanling collections. For how the two brands compare beyond these players, see FiiO vs Shanling.

Who should skip both the FiiO M21 and the Shanling M1 Plus?

Skip both if you are happy streaming on your phone. A DAP is one more device to carry and charge. If you only need a headphone jack or more power, the FiiO KA17 dongle DAC ($146.99) plugs into your phone's USB-C port and reaches 650mW balanced in desktop mode with external power, while the FiiO BTR17 ($198.99) is a Bluetooth 5.4 DAC/amp with LDAC and its own battery. Both cost less than the M21, and the KA17 also undercuts the M1 Plus. Our guide to whether you still need a DAP covers that trade-off in more detail.

Skip the M1 Plus if you need Spotify, Apple Music or Qobuz on the player itself, offline Tidal downloads, or a big screen.

Skip the M21 if size and weight come first, or if you never use streaming apps and do not need desktop-level power.

How is the FiiO JM21 different from the FiiO M21?

The FiiO JM21 is FiiO's slimmer, lighter Android 13 player: two CS43198 DACs instead of the M21's four, 700mW balanced at 32 ohms versus the M21's 720mW on battery, about 156 g and 13 mm thick versus 193 g and 17 mm, and one USB-C port with no desktop mode. Our FiiO JM21 vs Shanling M1 Plus comparison covers it. If you want the JM21's Android approach plus desktop mode and up to 950mW, the M21 is the step up.