Today we are reviewing into another FiiO true wireless bluetooth earbuds hook. The updated version of FiiO UTWS5 is called FiiO UTWS5 2025. They came into the market in 2021. The biggest difference is that the metal charging contacts on the earhooks are removed and replaced with wireless charging.
FiiO UTWS5 2025 specs and features:
- Bluetooth 5.2 with AAC/LHDC/LDAC/aptX Adaptive codec
- IPX4 waterproof rating (rain and sweat resistant)
- 8 hours playback of single charge
- Charging case can charge ear hooks fully 2 times
- Dual DAC design & Dual-core DSP design
- Multi-point connection & App support
- $160 – Check latest price on AliExpress, Amazon US, Amazon Germany, other Amazon countries or Banggood
Design: Upgraded micro wireless charging
In terms of appearance design, FiiO UTWS5 2025 is consistent with FiiO UTWS5. Since there is space in the charging case to store HiFi earphones, the size will be slightly larger. When using it outside, there is no need to frequently plug and unplug the earphones, and there is no need to worry about the earphones being damaged.
The charging case is a rounded rectangular design, the lid is made of frosted metal, and the lower part is made of plastic – the surface is smooth and delicate. There is a power indicator light in the center of the front of the case, and two ear hook charging indicators on the left and right. When the power is less than 25%, the indicator light will be solid red; when the power is in the three ranges of 25%~50%, 50%~75% and 75%~100%, the white light will flash 2 times, 3 times and 4 times respectively.
Open the case lid, and you will find that the metal contact charging area has been removed and upgraded to micro wireless charging. Plus, the IPX4 waterproof rating makes it suitable for outdoor sports scenes.
Comfort Fit – Connection – Battery Life
The ear hook weighs only about 8.2g and is made of skin-friendly silicone. Even with FiiO FH19, it is still easy to wear, and it is stable whether you are shaking your head or jogging. The overall wearing is quite comfortable, there is no obvious foreign body sensation, and it is also stress-free for friends who wear glasses. The pins can be selected in two specifications: MMCX and 0.78 2pin.
When used for the first time, it will automatically enter pairing mode after being taken out of the charging case. After pairing with the device, each time you take out the ear hook, it will automatically connect to the last successfully paired bluetooth device; at the same time, there will be a prompt tone in the earphones, and you can select the language through the FiiO Control APP. In daily use, the stability of the Bluetooth connection is very good, and there has been no disconnection.
The FiiO UTWS5 2025 has a single battery life of up to 8 hours, and the charging case can recharge them twice, with a combined battery life of more than 20 hours. Also, the UTWS5 2025 supports multipoint connection and can connect mobile phone and computer at the same time.
Controls – Calls – App Support
The left and right ear hooks are each equipped with a large circular multi-function button. The UTWS5 does not use touch control, but uses physical button to operate various functions. The feedback of the operation is obvious, much better than most TWS earbuds.
The buttons support play/pause, volume adjustment, previous/next track, answer/hang up/reject calls, activate voice assistant, and transparency mode on/off. The functions of the left and right buttons are basically the same, adapted to users with different left and right hand habits. Among them, single-tap to adjusts the volume, and long press to switching the previous/next track. In my use, the button response speed is fast, without obvious latency.
FiiO UTWS5 2025 has a built-in omnidirectional microphone, providing a clear call experience. I tried to make calls, voice calls, and video calls in outdoor and indoor environments, and both sides reported that the sound was very clear and the ability to resist wind noise was also good.
FiiO UTWS5 2025 supports FiiO Control App for Android and iOS. The app includes displaying the audio code/battery status of the earbuds, indicator light switch, charging protection switch, game mode switch, multi-function button customization, power off time setting, bluetooth code selection, etc. The app also allows you to select equalizer settings and audio function settings.
It should be noted that UTWS5 has a higher connection priority for aptX-Adaptive than LDAC. If you want to use LDAC codec permanently, you need to disable all encoding formats other than LDAC.
Acoustic Configuration – Sound Description
FiiO UTWS5 2025 adopts a dual DAC design, with a DAC AK4332 on each side to complete audio conversion and earphones driving. They not only have higher performance and lower power consumption, but also better signal-to-noise ratio, and with the support of Velvet Sound technology, they can also present a better listening experience.
The UTWS5 2025 is equipped with Qualcomm QCC5141 bluetooth chip, adopts Bluetooth 5.2 transmission standard and Qualcomm TWS Mirroring technology, which effectively improves high latency and instability. It supports LDAC, LHDC, aptX Adaptive, aptX, AAC, SBC codec. The maximum transmission bit rate of aptX Adaptive is not as high as LDAC and LHDC, but it is the most stable and is also the default automatically connected bluetooth codec.
Also, UTWS5 2025 supports Snapdragon Sound, and when paired with a mobile phone that also supports Snapdragon Sound and LDAC, you can get excellent sound quality.
The three-frequency integrity is very good, and there is no obvious bias. The low-frequency quantity is moderate, extended in place, rebounded quickly, and the atmosphere is good. The mid-frequency is clear and full, the vocal position is slightly closer, and the sound output is very stable. The high-frequency performance is the best, the sound is transparent and bright, and there is no obvious burr. Especially the female highs is very smooth and has good extension.
The resolution is definitely up to the standard of HiFi audio equipment; all types of sounds are very clear and bright, allowing you to listen very naturally and comfortably. The separation and layering are also good, and the layers between various instruments and vocals are clear. The soundstage is very open, especially the lateral soundstage, and the sound is very solid and full.
Conclusion
FiiO UTWS5 2025 has a good overall user experience, rich functions, and excellent quality – it is indeed a good-to-use, good-sounding, and fun true wireless bluetooth ear hook. The UTWS5 2025 is in a leading position in terms of configuration, functions, cost-effective, sound, and ease of use.