What we liked
- The retro style
- The Hi-Res certification
- The lightweight design
- The controls
- The two pairs of included earbuds
We would have liked
- A more robust design
- A more sophisticated app
Our expert’s opinion
With the FiiO EH11 Bluetooth headphones, the Chinese manufacturer has successfully brought retro on-ear headphones back into style with a particularly appealing design. I particularly appreciated their featherweight design and foam ear pads, which ensure excellent comfort, as well as their unique control knobs, which make them a pleasure to use every day. The sound quality far exceeded my expectations for headphones priced under €35, with a lively sound that really brings out the midrange. At this extremely low price point, the sound quality is a real surprise. In my opinion, the headband’s delicate construction is its main weakness and requires some care when handling them. Ultimately, I think the FiiO EH11 succeeds in combining style, lightness, and musical quality in a pair of headphones that’s as pleasing to look at as it is to listen to.
The FiiO EH11 Bluetooth headphones feature a design directly inspired by iconic models from the 1980s, combined with modern technologies such as Bluetooth 6.0 with support for the LDAC codec, and a Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification. Lightweight, compact, and available in a transparent version exclusive to Son-Vidéo.com, this on-ear model is, above all, very affordably priced—under €35! Do its vintage charm and low price make the FiiO EH11 a reliable everyday listening companion?
The FiiO EH11 Bluetooth headphones take a unique approach in the world of Bluetooth headphones. Their on-ear design, featherweight, and vintage style immediately set them apart from typical headphones. Affordable for all budgets, FiiO has created a user-friendly model designed for everyday use, from listening to music and taking calls to mobile gaming.
Introduction to the FiiO EH11
With the EH11, FiiO pays homage to the Walkman headphones that defined the 1980s while incorporating Bluetooth wireless technology. This new benchmark in the entry-level market combines an exceptionally lightweight design, next-generation Bluetooth 6.0 connectivity, and a Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification to deliver an experience that is as unique in terms of aesthetics as it is in terms of functionality.
A retro look you’ll love
The FiiO EH11 Bluetooth headphones proudly embrace their vintage inspiration. Their slim headband, exposed foam ear pads, and sliding adjustment system are reminiscent of the headphones that came with the first Sony Walkmans.
The transparent finish, exclusive to Son-Vidéo.com, reveals part of the internal structure and enhances the headphones’ unique character.
The ear pads rest directly on the ears to minimize bulk and keep the weight exceptionally low at 92 grams. The manufacturer has incorporated a 40 mm dynamic transducer with a composite diaphragm into the earcups, delivering a wide frequency response ranging from 17 Hz to 40 kHz.
Included accessories
The FiiO EH11 Bluetooth headphones come with everything you need to start using them right away. The package includes a USB-C charging cable, the user manual, and a very welcome second set of foam ear tips.
This detail is worth noting, as the foam pads are the parts most prone to wear and tear on headphone models like this. Replacing them helps extend the lifespan of the FiiO EH11. The foam pads come in different colors, allowing you to change the headphones’ look in just a few seconds.
Connectivity and controls
The FiiO EH11 feature modern wireless connectivity with Bluetooth 6.0. Compatible with the SBC, AAC, and LDAC codecs, they also support Hi-Res Audio Wireless streams when the source allows it. The multipoint feature allows simultaneous connection to two devices, making it easy to switch between a smartphone and a computer.
The FiiO EH11 work with the FiiO Control app, which provides access to several additional settings. In particular, it allows you to select the Bluetooth codec, check the battery level, perform firmware updates, and access the equalizer. The latter has numerous presets tailored to different music genres.
The headphones are controlled via a single multifunction button paired with two particularly well-designed knobs. The central button handles power on/off, Bluetooth pairing, play/pause, calls, and the voice assistant. The notched knob on the right earcup adjusts the volume, while the one on the left lets you change tracks. An RGB LED completes the setup, indicating whether the headphones are on or off.
The battery provides up to 30 hours of playback on a single charge. It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours for the battery to fully recharge.
Key specifications
- On-ear Bluetooth headphones
- 40 mm dynamic transducer
- Bluetooth 6.0
- Semi-open structure
- Frequency response: 17 Hz to 40 kHz
- Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification
- SBC, AAC, and LDAC codecs
- Multipoint connection
- FiiO Control app
- Battery life of up to 30 hours
- Weight: 92g
Test conditions
I used the FiiO EH11 Bluetooth headphones for several days in various settings to evaluate their performance in everyday use. I took them with me on my daily commute, wore them in an open-plan office, and used them at home to assess both their comfort and the stability of their Bluetooth connection. I listened to music on Qobuz and Spotify using several playlists that mixed pop, rock, and acoustic music to evaluate the sound reproduction across a variety of recordings. I also watched videos on YouTube to assess the synchronization between video and audio, while several phone calls allowed me to evaluate the microphone’s quality in different environments.
My impressions
Immediately, the FiiO EH11 Bluetooth headphones surprised me with how lightweight they were. Weighing in at just 92 g, you quickly forget you’re wearing them once they’re on your ears. However, this lightness comes at a cost. The slim headband fully contributes to the headphones’ retro aesthetic, but seems a bit fragile. The fit is also quite loose, and the EH11 can tend to slip when you tilt your head sharply.
The supra-aural design, semi-open structure, and foam ear pads naturally allow sound to pass through to the outside. As a result, the FiiO EH11 let ambient noise through and allow a slight amount of sound to leak out at high volume. I therefore enjoyed using them more at home or in an open-plan office than in particularly noisy environments.
Controls that are as unique as they are practical
The controls are one of the pleasant surprises of the FiiO EH11 Bluetooth headphones. As with the FiiO EH13 we previously reviewed, the manufacturer has kept the controls simple and intuitive. Here, the two knobs take center stage. The one on the right adjusts the volume, while the one on the left controls track skipping on a smartphone. Turning them produces a slight mechanical click that provides pleasant tactile feedback. An audible signal also indicates when the minimum volume has been reached.
This dedicated volume knob is still rare enough to be worth mentioning. It reminded me, in particular, of the one on the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H100, which sit at the opposite end of the Bluetooth headphone spectrum in terms of pricing—they retail for €1,700! The left knob also has an interesting feature: several successive notches let you skip multiple tracks in one go. I quickly grew to like this way of navigating a playlist—it’s almost like a roulette wheel. Selection remains precise over a few consecutive tracks, while scrolling past five tracks can occasionally cause one track to be skipped.
A very stable Bluetooth connection
The Bluetooth connection proved particularly impressive during my tests. In normal conditions, I was able to move a good ten meters away from the source while passing through several rooms without experiencing any dropouts. The connection remained usable up to about 18 to 20 meters in ideal conditions, despite the presence of several walls. I also appreciated how smoothly the multipoint feature worked. Switching between my different devices felt natural and enhanced the headphones’ versatility for switching between music, videos, and calls throughout the day.
During phone calls, the microphone proved to be very sensitive to ambient noise. My voice remained clear in quiet settings, while outside noise was more noticeable in busy areas. Combined with the lack of active noise cancelling, the EH11 makes conversations difficult on a busy street.
A musicality that exceeded my expectations
The FiiO EH11 headphones’ sound quality really surprised me. Although they’re Hi-Res certified, their size, extremely light weight, and price had led me to expect a rather basic sound. I found the listening experience to be quite enjoyable, especially given the price point, with a sound signature that emphasized the midrange. Vocals stood out clearly from the mix, while the bass—due to the semi-open design—was more subdued. FiiO Control offers numerous EQ presets to customize this sound signature. However, adjusting these settings was quite complex, as the app’s interface generally lacks clarity.
On Billie Eilish’s Bad Guy, the kicks presented clean and powerful hits. However, as soon as the vocals kicked in, they quickly took over. This tendency became more noticeable with more complex tracks. On AC/DC’s Thunderstruck, the FiiO EH11 started off with great energy but gradually lost precision as the instruments came to enrich the track.
In addition, the soundstage was fairly narrow. The stereo image, however, remained consistent and allowed for a good overall listening experience. On Adele’s Easy On Me, the emphasis on the midrange naturally benefited the vocals, though the definition became somewhat less precise when she reached the highest notes.
These limitations must be viewed primarily in the context of the FiiO EH11. Despite some compromises in terms of accuracy, separation, and bass extension, I found the sound quality to be surprisingly good for Bluetooth headphones priced under €35. Their LDAC compatibility allows them to handle high-resolution audio files effectively. Above all, FiiO succeeds in delivering a lively and cohesive listening experience that far exceeds the mere novelty value of the headphones’ retro design.
FiiO EH11 vs. Philips Ringo
The Philips Ringo (€29), released as part of the Century collection celebrating the brand’s 100th anniversary, stands out as the natural competitor to the FiiO EH11 Bluetooth headphones. Both headphones are riding the wave of the resurgence in retro portable devices, featuring an ultra-lightweight design, an on-ear style, foam ear pads, and a look that immediately evokes the 1980s.
The FiiO headphones stand out thanks to their Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification and compatibility with the LDAC codec. Their unique controls also add to their distinctive character. Finally, the second set of ear pads included is a nice touch that helps extend their lifespan. The Philips Ringo has little to offer, featuring a more understated vintage design. The FiiO EH11 boasts far more impressive specs and more sophisticated features.
Who is the FiiO EH11 designed for?
The FiiO EH11 Bluetooth headphones are designed for fans of vintage-style headphones who are looking for a lightweight, music-focused Bluetooth solution for everyday listening sessions. Their featherweight of 92 g and foam ear pads ensure a comfortable fit during long listening sessions. This pursuit of lightness is accompanied by a very delicate build, particularly around the headband, which means the headphones should be handled with care. Their 1980s-inspired aesthetic also fits in with the current trend that’s bringing CDs, MP3 players, and—more broadly—the iconic portable devices of that era back into the spotlight.
Sound quality is another of their major strengths. The vivid sound reproduction, Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification, and LDAC compatibility deliver an immersive listening experience, especially for tracks that feature prominent vocals.
