Hidizs AP80 Pro Max

A Perfectly Pocketable, Pragmatic and Powerful DAP

The Hidizs AP80 series has long represented compact, value-focused DAPs that prioritize portability and clean sound. The new Hidizs x Linsoul AP80 Pro Max follows in that tradition, bringing the familiar usability of HiByOS and a small form factor — but this time with significantly upgraded audio hardware and a genuinely useful 4.4mm balanced output. As someone who has tried earlier AP80 variants and also reviewed the HiBy R1 and FiiO JM21, I was delighted to see what the AP80 Pro Max would be like in daily use.

Why use a DAP?

I think there are broadly two types of DAP users:

• People who want distraction-free listening that doesn’t drain their phone battery, in a device that’s small enough to take everywhere.
• People who want a compact replacement for a desktop DAC/amp/streamer — they value power and I/O more than pocketability.

So, the AP80 x Linsoul Pro Max is definitely for the former, and it has become over the past few weeks my favourite small DAP. In this review I will compare it with some of my other smaller audio devices as you can see in the photo below:

As you can see the FiiO JM21 seems massive compared to Hidizs, and yet it is about the smallest Android DAP you can get. On the left is also the Hidizs S8 Pro which is one of the smallest, and one that I will be also reviewing very soon. Obviously the S8 Pro, the Crinear protocol max and the FiiO Snowsky Retro Nano all need to be connected to your smartphone or laptop for audio. The beauty of DAPs is really that you don’t have to depend on another device to listen to music.

Executive Summary

So, from my usage I believe the AP80 Pro Max is a clear step up over previous AP80 Pro models, and as you will see in this review, it is also a clear step up over the HiBy R1 (which was my previous goto DAP for its size and capabilites). Mostly the AP80 Pro Max is because of the 4.4mm balanced output and the better audio internals, which is a huge improvement over Hiby R1.

Note: at the hardware level I have almost no quibbles with the AP80 Pro Max, but since the software is the HibyOS those new to that OS should maybe read the rest of the review to understand the pros and cons of that OS.

But first, let’s look at the unboxing.

Unboxing and First Impressions

The AP80 Pro Max arrives in a tidy, compact package:

The back of the box lists the key specifications:

Opening the outer sleeve reveals the inner tray:

Removing the card shows the player in its protective in-box tray:

Accessories are underneath:

You also get an extra protective screen:

Optional Accessories

There is an optional accessories box:

The protective leather case from the accessories box:

And with the case and the screen protector installed, the AP80 Pro Max is well protected:

Note: my only quibble with the protective case installed is some of the UI elements in the top right-hand corner are harder to click but this is understandable.

Overall, a straightforward unboxing with everything needed to get started quickly.

Build, Design, and Ergonomics

The AP80 Pro Max uses an aluminum CNC body with dual-sided glass and a 2.95" IPS touchscreen. In hand, it feels dense and compact rather than bulky, I like the sharper edges compared to the more round edges that the Hiby R1 has.

Buttons and ports are straightforward, and with the case installed all controls remain easily accessible:

Ports are also easily accessible with the case:

The 2.95" screen is very usable for on-device control and browsing and effectively the same as the one on the Hiby R1:

Software Experience (HiByOS)

Setup is quick with language selection and a familiar HiByOS layout:

There are tons of system configurations options:

The quickest way to get up and running is to put a microSD card into the slot and start a quick Music library scan:

If it finds a Playlist on the microSD card you can browse it also:

Note: if you put a m3u playlist in the root of the SD card, it will be automatically loaded so that ‘custom radio’ is actually a list of ‘Radio Paradise’ radio streaming stations:

The music library is sensible layouted and easy to understand:

When playing music, you can either swipe right (or change the settings to auto show) the now playing screen:

This has a nice sensible layout with artwork, file info, and transport controls clearly shown and you can do more with each song like adding it to a playlist or even switching on the equaliser:

Wireless options include Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, DLNA, and AirPlay:

Bluetooth on the AP80 Pro Max is genuinely versatile.

It supports two‑way Bluetooth 5.1 (both receiving and transmitting) with modern codec support, so you can play to wireless gear or use the DAP as a hi‑res Bluetooth bridge/DAC.

• Codecs: SBC, AAC, AptX (send only), LDAC, and HiBy’s UAT ( up 1.2Mbps HiRes)
• Transmit: stream audio directly from the AP80 Pro Max to Bluetooth headphones, earbuds, or speakers
• Receive (Bluetooth DAC): feed audio to the AP80 Pro Max over USB, then send it out wirelessly to your Bluetooth device
• Control: HiBy Link is supported over Bluetooth and Wifi

The UAT codecs are interesting, but it is a pity it is not supported by more devices as obviously, both the sender and receiver need to use the same codec:

Note: HiByOS only supports Tidal and Qobuz streaming over 2.4GHz Wi‑Fi. There’s no native Spotify, Apple Music, Roon ARC, or Plexamp as you’d find on an Android DAP like the FiiO JM21. This is probably the most major thing to

Another minor quibble I have with Hiby OS on the AP80 is many of the “settings” options are available only if you click the “gear” icon in the top right corner of the screen. This isn’t as easy given the size of the screen. This is a bit of a pain, but it’s not a big deal.

There’s also a hidden developer info screen for those curious:

Audio Features: EQ and MSEB

There are 2 main EQ options:

• 10‑band graphic EQ with a range of sensible presets plus a Custom mode for manual tuning.
• MSEB (Mage Sound Eight Ball) provides intuitive, high‑level tuning controls (e.g., warmth, note thickness, air) that operate alongside the standard EQ options.

Note: I would have loved to see full PEQ also but, I think it’s great to see the MSEB feature as I think it makes more sense for people who are not used to PEQ:

Note: For more information and measurements of the MSEB feature, see the dedicated section in the HiBy R1 review: HiBy R1 – MSEB EQ Measurements.

Sound Impressions

This is a neutral yet musical sounding DAP by default, which is ideal if you want your headphones and recordings to come through as ‘intended by the artist’. HiByOS’s EQ and MSEB tools are on hand when you want tasteful adjustments. The key thing for me is from the balanced output you can get to a scale of audio quality that is not possible from most dongles or less powerful DAPs.

For subjective listening I paired it with a few harder‑to‑drive sets including the Sennheiser HD600 and HiFiMAN Sundara. Through the 4.4mm output the AP80 Pro Max handled them confidently with excellent clarity and control. The upgraded audio architecture — Dual ES9219C DACs with a clean, low‑jitter clock — works well here, delivering a transparent baseline with headroom that belies the size of the device.

• With HD600: good authority and a sense of ease at normal listening levels on balanced output.
• With Sundara: no issue reaching comfortable volume with clean dynamics.

And I love how easy the MSEB makes enhancing the sound super easy, the HD600 famously is missing some sub-bass, so one simple change inside the MSEB tool ‘bass extension’, and you suddenly have that problem solved.

Of course, the extra power means even most high-end headphones have no problems with the AP80 Pro Max. So headphones like my ZMF Bokeh Closed can be used with the AP80 Pro Max without issue while i would not have used these with the Hiby R1:

I could talk about how fantastic the Bokeh Closed sounded with the AP80 Pro Max, but that would have to wait until I do my review of the ZMF Bokeh Closed.

But as a result, I feel the AP80 Pro Max is a compelling small DAP for both IEM and even most headphone users.

Comparisons

Versus HiBy R1

The R1 is fun, ultra‑portable, and very affordable, but the AP80 Pro Max is a major step-up in output power, with only 70mW out of the R1 compared to 380mW from the balanced output on the AP80 Pro Max.

And as you can see in the close-up images below, it is basically the same size with less rounded edges:

Versus FiiO JM21:

The JM21 being an Android DAP with broader app support (Spotify, Apple Music, Roon ARC, Plexamp, etc.) and significantly more power at the top end. It’s also much larger. The AP80 Pro Max sits naturally between the HiBy R1 and JM21
much more capable than the R1 while remaining truly pocketable, and simpler than the JM21 if you only need local files plus Tidal/Qobuz.

I feel the AP80 is that lovely ‘goldilocks’ compromise of size, power and functionality:

So not as fully featured (or as powerful) as a larger Android based DAPs but much more pocketable and free from distractions, and the key thing for me is it has a very clean sound with plenty of power.

Specifications

In practice, the balanced 4.4mm output is the star feature for a device this small. It’s what elevates the AP80 Pro Max above earlier AP80 variants and the HiBy R1 when it comes to driving more demanding headphones.

Here it is happily powering my ZMF Bokeh Closed — a good indication that the AP80 Pro Max can comfortably drive many high‑end headphones:

Rating Explanation

Pragmatic rating: 5/5 — For the size and price, the combination of balanced output, clean baseline sound, and straightforward HiByOS experience makes this a standout small DAP.

• Strengths: powerful 4.4mm output for the form factor, neutral baseline, broad codec support, useful USB DAC mode, tidy build, sensible UI.
• Limitations: 2.4GHz Wi‑Fi only, streaming limited to Tidal/Qobuz, no Android apps, small screen by modern standards.

Who it’s ideal for:

• Listeners who want a pocketable DAP with real balanced power
• Users who primarily play local files and/or Tidal/Qobuz
• People who value distraction‑free listening without phone dependency

Conclusion

The Hidizs AP80 Pro Max takes the familiar AP80 recipe and adds the missing piece: a genuinely capable 4.4mm balanced output with enough headroom for a wide range of headphones. It naturally slots between the ultra‑compact HiBy R1 and the more powerful, app‑rich FiiO JM21, offering a sweet spot for users who don’t need full Android but still want serious output in a very small device.

If you’ve been waiting for a tiny DAP that can handle harder‑to‑drive headphones without a fuss, with a music-focused device and easy local playback, the AP80 Pro Max is easy to recommend, especially at its early‑bird pricing.