When iFi first released the Go Blu in 2021, it quickly became one of the most popular portable Bluetooth DAC/amps on the market. Its compact form factor, premium build, and powerful sound made it an essential everyday carry for audiophiles. In 2025, iFi followed up with the Go Blu Air, a lighter and more affordable take on the original that introduces some internal upgrades and modern Bluetooth support. Both models offer high-resolution wireless audio and iFi’s signature sound enhancements, but they differ in design, codec compatibility, and overall feel. Let’s compare the iFi Go Blu vs Go Blu Air to help you decide which one better fits your portable listening setup.
What You Get
With the Go Blu, you’ll find the device itself, a USB-C charging cable, and a quick start guide. The presentation feels minimal yet refined, reflecting the unit’s premium design. The Go Blu Air comes with nearly the same package: the DAC/amp, a USB-A to USB-C charging cable, and basic documentation. While both products keep the unboxing simple, the focus is clearly on the device itself.
Build
The Go Blu features a stainless-steel chassis with an anodized finish, giving it a luxurious feel despite its small size. The tactile volume knob and sturdy buttons reinforce the impression of durability, making it feel like a premium accessory rather than a disposable gadget. By contrast, the Go Blu Air opts for a lightweight translucent plastic shell. This makes it far lighter than the original, which is great for portability, but it comes at the expense of the premium feel. The plastic design gives it a playful, retro look that some may enjoy, while others might miss the weight and sturdiness of the original Go Blu.
Both devices follow the same basic form factor: a compact, pocket-sized unit with simple controls and dual headphone outputs (3.5 mm single-ended and 4.4 mm balanced). The Go Blu has a more elegant, high-end aesthetic with its metallic body and industrial volume wheel. The Go Blu Air takes a different approach, using transparent grey plastic that recalls old-school electronics. While not as premium, it does succeed in making the device feel lighter and more approachable.
Design
Both devices feature iFi’s three-stage DAC/amp architecture, separating the Bluetooth receiver, Cirrus Logic DAC, and twin-mono amplifier. The Air improves upon this with upgraded OV-Series op-amps and better capacitors, promising lower distortion and greater clarity. Each unit also includes iFi’s signature XBass and XSpace enhancements, which allow users to add bass weight or expand the soundstage with the push of a button.
Bluetooth
The Go Blu uses Qualcomm’s QCC5100 Bluetooth chipset and supports LDAC, aptX HD, aptX LL, AAC, SBC, and aptX Adaptive via firmware updates. This wide codec support makes it highly versatile for different devices and platforms. The Go Blu Air upgrades to the Qualcomm QCC5144 chip and Bluetooth 5.2. It supports LDAC, aptX Adaptive, AAC, SBC, and also introduces LHDC/HWA support, a growing standard for high-resolution streaming. For those with newer smartphones, especially in regions where LHDC is common, this could be a decisive advantage.
Sound Impressions
Both units sound fantastic for their size, but the Air offers a slight edge in clarity and detail retrieval. The Go Blu delivers a warm, textured sound signature with strong mid-bass presence and a wide, immersive stage. XBass adds satisfying punch without overwhelming the mix, while XSpace enhances openness and depth. Headphones like the Meze 105 Silva or Noble Van Gogh help provide a balanced yet lively listening experience when paired with the Go Blu.
With the same headphones, the Go Blu Air retains this general character but with a touch more refinement. Thanks to its upgraded internals, the sound is cleaner and slightly more transparent, with lower noise and distortion. Spatial imaging feels slightly more natural. Vocals feel a bit clearer, and the instruments have a touch more separation compared to the original.
Summary
The iFi Go Blu and Go Blu Air share much in common, from their portable form factor to their customizable sound features. The Go Blu is the sturdier, more premium-feeling option, with a timeless metallic build and a sound signature that still impresses in 2025. The Go Blu Air, meanwhile, focuses on lightweight portability and modern codec support, while delivering slightly cleaner sound thanks to its updated components.
If you want a luxurious feel with robust construction, the Go Blu remains an excellent choice. If you prefer maximum portability, the latest Bluetooth 5.2 stack, and a bit more sonic refinement, then the Go Blu Air is the way to go. Either way, iFi proves once again why its portable DAC/amps are some of the best in the audiophile world.
The iFi Go Blu and Go Blu Air are available at Audio46.
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