Wired headphones and earphones are making more of a comeback with each coming year. However, you might want to get the best out of both worlds. The convenience of Bluetooth will always be tempting, but it can also give you access to other features like EQ and microphones for phone calls. So, why not combine the sound you love from your wired headphones with the vast features that Bluetooth can bring? Portable Bluetooth DAC/Amps might be what you need. There are a lot of different brands and models to choose from, so here’s a list of what I think are the best that you should look out for this year.
iFi Go Blu
Since its launch in 2021, the iFi Go Blu has been one of the best portable Bluetooth DAC/Amps. I keep coming back to the Go Blu, trying out all different kinds of headphones and IEM combinations. The Go Blue handles them all effortlessly, bringing power and enhanced detail to all sorts of sounds. It has both 3.5mm and 4.4mm balanced plugs for your headphones, with the balanced connection usually offering the best fidelity possible on the Go Blu. It has a stable connection over wireless that can last you about ten hours of continuous playtime. If you use Android, you have LDAC, aptX, aptX HD, and aptX Low Latency. This is also one of the most well-built Bluetooth DAC/Amps, featuring a stainless steel bearing and smooth volume knob.
Fiio BTR15
The BTR15 is one of the latest Bluetooth DAC/Amps to be released from Fiio, which you’ll see pop up a few times on this list. This device comes from their most popular line of wireless amps, with the BTR5 as its former iteration. The BTR15 is the same price and gives the BTR5 a lot of necessary updates. It switches out the 2.5mm balanced output with a 4.4mm one, and it can now fully decode MQA instead of rendering it. You also get upgraded dual-DAC chips, XMOS USB chips, and Bluetooth chips. They both have similar CODECs, like LDAC and aptX LL, but the BTR15 adds aptX Adaptive. With all of these added features, the BTR15 becomes one of the best and most inexpensive Bluetooth DAC/Amps to use both wired and wirelessly.
iFi Go Blue Air
The iFi GO Blu Air delivers an impressively refined wireless listening experience in an ultra-compact form factor, making it one of the most convenient portable DAC/amps for everyday use. Its sound is clean, spacious, and dynamic, offering a noticeable upgrade in clarity and imaging for wired headphones and IEMs connected over Bluetooth. Features like XBass and XSpace add extra depth and openness to the presentation without overwhelming the core tuning, while support for high-quality codecs helps preserve detail during wireless playback. Combined with its lightweight build, magnetic clip design, and dependable battery life, the GO Blu Air feels purpose-built for listeners who want high-quality portable audio without carrying bulky gear.
Fiio BTR17
The FiiO BTR17 stands out as one of the most feature-packed portable Bluetooth DAC/amps in its class, combining strong output power with a highly detailed and spacious sound signature. Its dual DAC architecture and versatile connectivity options allow it to perform equally well with sensitive IEMs and more demanding headphones, giving it a level of flexibility that appeals to both casual listeners and dedicated audiophiles. The BTR17 also impresses with its premium build quality, compact design, and intuitive interface, including a display that makes navigation and customization feel far more advanced than most portable units in this category. With support for high-resolution Bluetooth codecs and a presentation that balances precision with musicality, it offers a portable listening experience that feels remarkably close to a dedicated desktop setup.
iFi xDSD Gryphon
The last entry on this list is the iFi xDSD Gryphon, which is the priciest but houses the most options and usability. Like the Go Blu, the Gryphon has been around for a few years now, and it continues to be a heavy hitter for portable Bluetooth DAC/Amps. In terms of inputs and outputs, the Gryphon has the most out of any device on this list, featuring coaxial, single-ended 3.5mm, and 4.4mm balanced inputs. All of the best high-quality CODECs like LDAC, aptX HD, and aptX LL all make an appearance here. On top of all of that, the Gryphon houses iFi’s favorite features like Xspace and Xbass with an adjustable bass presence switch that offers different flavors of sound to your headphones and IEMs.
