iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Choose the Sony NW-ZX900 if you want Sony’s Walkman software and processing, a Full HD display, Android 16 and unusually long published battery figures. Choose the FiiO M23 if your priority is driving demanding headphones, using a player as a desktop DAC/amp, or getting broader USB and digital-audio flexibility.
The NW-ZX900 is listed at $1,899.99 US suggested retail price, while a current M23 street price is not established here and should be checked at the time you buy. Specifications cannot prove that one player sounds better: headphone matching, source material, balanced cabling and personal preference remain decisive.
At-a-glance comparison
| Feature | Sony NW-ZX900 Walkman | FiiO M23 portable music player |
|---|---|---|
| Positioning | Flagship Sony Walkman with Android 16 and Sony processing features | High-power Android player with desktop and USB-DAC functions |
| US price and availability | $1,899.99 US suggested retail price; Sony Japan lists a planned 27 November 2026 release | Current street price and live stock: not stated; verify before purchase |
| Internal storage | 64GB | 64GB |
| Expansion | microSD support | microSD support, up to 2TB in theory according to FiiO’s parameter sheet |
| Display | 5.0-inch, 1,920 × 1,080 | 5.5-inch, 1,440 × 720 |
| Operating system and wireless | Android 16; Bluetooth 5.4 | Android; Bluetooth receiving, AirPlay and Roon Ready modes |
| Digital and analogue hardware | Flagship-grade audio components, Native DSD, DSD remastering and AI upscaling | AK4191EQ + AK4499EX DACs and four-way THX AAA-78+ amplification |
| Maximum published headphone output | 50mW + 50mW from the stereo-mini output; 250mW + 250mW from the balanced standard jack at high gain | Up to 1,000mW + 1,000mW per channel in super-high-gain desktop use with external power; published high-gain figure includes 240mW at 300 ohms |
| Battery and published tests | Up to 40 hours of 128kbps MP3 with W.MUSIC; 35 hours with other music apps; about 38 hours for 96kHz/24-bit FLAC in Sony’s listed balanced test | 5,500mAh; 10.5 hours from 3.5mm and 9 hours from 4.4mm under FiiO’s specified MP3/32-ohm tests |
| USB and desktop functions | USB DAC mode; USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C | Dual USB-C ports, USB-DAC mode, desktop mode and dual-mode fast charging |
The table shows why these products target different buyers. Sony emphasizes a polished Walkman experience and endurance; FiiO emphasizes output capability and connectivity.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteWhat the two players are designed to do
Sony’s approach: a premium Walkman first
The NW-ZX900 is built as a high-end standalone Walkman rather than simply an Android device with an audio board. Sony specifies Android 16, a 5-inch Full HD screen, Native DSD playback, DSD remastering and AI upscaling. Those features matter if you want to browse streaming services, manage a local library and use Sony’s playback processing in one interface.
#1 Best Overall
- A Brand-New Processor That Surpasses Competing Products — Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 Built on a 6nm process, it delivers superior performance and enhanced power efficiency. With 4GB+64GB storage and Android 13, it ensures smooth and seamless operation for all major music apps.
- Patented Desktop Mode with 950mW High Power Output: When Desktop Mode is activated, the M21 operates entirely on external power, with the built-in battery neither charging nor discharging—effectively extending battery lifespan.
- Quad CS43198 Matrix DACs, Fully Balanced 2-Stage Amplification: Featuring a 4-channel, 8-path fully differential output design, it unleashes its full potential with exceptional dynamic range and high noise immunity. The headphone amp adopts a 2-stage circuit design—the first stage handles voltage amplification while the second stage boosts current—ensuring pristine sound quality and rich detail.
- Versatile Ports, High-Performance Output: Supports dual 3.5mm + 4.4mm headphone/LO outputs, equipped with independent line amplification circuits. Also supports SPDIF and USB Audio output, with SPDIF performance rivaling professional digital transports—reducing jitter by 70%.
The 64GB internal memory is enough for an initial library, but high-resolution albums can consume it quickly. The microSD slot lets you keep a much larger collection on the player, so budget for a suitable microSDXC card if you intend to store extensive FLAC or DSD libraries.
FiiO’s approach: a portable player that can become a desktop rig
The M23 combines a Snapdragon 660 platform, 4GB of RAM, AK4191EQ and AK4499EX conversion, and a four-way THX AAA-78+ amplifier. Its software modes cover conventional Android use, a focused pure-music interface, USB-DAC operation, Bluetooth receiving, AirPlay and Roon Ready use.
Its distinctive feature is desktop mode. With an external supply connected, FiiO says the player can run from that supply while the built-in battery is neither charged nor discharged. That makes the M23 practical as a desk-based source without repeatedly cycling the battery during long listening sessions.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Price, release timing and value
Sony Electronics lists the NW-ZX900 at $1,899.99 in the United States. Sony Japan describes a planned 27 November 2026 release, and Sony’s 15 October 2026 announcement gives the same US suggested retail price. Because the release date is still in the future relative to this article’s 18 October 2026 date, regional stock, preorder terms and actual delivery dates can differ.
There is no verified current M23 street price in the supplied figures. Retail pricing varies by region, warranty and stock, so check a current listing rather than relying on an old review or launch price. The FiiO becomes the value-oriented choice when its live price is substantially below Sony’s MSRP and you can use its extra output and desktop features.
Rank #2
- Flagship Performance with Massive Storage Built on Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 with 8GB RAM and 128GB internal storage, ensuring smooth multitasking, fast streaming, and long-term system stability far beyond its class.
- Dedicated XMOS XU316 for Superior USB Audio Features a standalone XMOS XU316 USB audio processor, delivering ultra-low latency and consistent high-quality performance for music and video playback across all platforms.
- True Portable R2R HiFi Player FiiO’s first portable player built around a self-developed R2R resistor ladder DAC, faithfully translating desktop-grade R2R architecture into a compact form. Offers two sound profiles: FLAT (neutral) and WARM (smooth, analog-inspired).
- Immersive 5.5” Full HD Display, Lightweight Design A 5.5-inch 1080×2160 touchscreen with cassette, spectrum, and VU meter themes enhances both visual immersion and listening ritual. Weighing only 258g, with an AG matte glass back for comfortable daily use.
- AUTO EQ for Effortless Sound Matching Supports AUTO EQ, automatically matching headphone frequency curves for precise, lossless tuning. Additional preset and manual EQ options allow deep customization.
Do not treat the price difference as a direct sound-quality ranking. Sony’s premium reflects its Walkman platform, display, processing and build proposition; FiiO directs more of its specification toward amplification and external-power operation.
Which player drives difficult headphones better?
Published output favors the M23
FiiO publishes up to 1,000mW + 1,000mW per channel when the M23 is externally powered in super-high-gain desktop use. Its published high-gain figures also include 240mW at 300 ohms. Those numbers make the M23 the more compelling specification for high-impedance headphones, inefficient planar-magnetic models and listeners who need substantial headroom.
The NW-ZX900 is rated at 250mW + 250mW from its balanced standard jack at high gain, with 50mW + 50mW available from its stereo-mini output. That is serious portable output, especially through a balanced connection, but it is not the same power class as the M23’s externally powered desktop mode.
What the numbers mean in practice
Impedance alone does not determine whether a headphone is difficult to drive. Sensitivity, frequency response, music peaks and your preferred listening level all matter. A sensitive 300-ohm headphone may be easier to drive than a low-sensitivity planar model. Use the manufacturer’s sensitivity and power guidance, then leave headroom rather than operating continuously at maximum volume.
Balanced output does not automatically make a player sound better. It can provide more voltage or power and may reduce channel interaction, but only when the headphone is wired for balanced operation. Never connect a balanced output to a headphone cable that ties the left and right grounds together; use a correctly wired 4.4mm balanced cable or adapter only when your headphones support balanced wiring.
Rank #3
- A Brand-New Processor That Surpasses Competing Products — Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 Built on a 6nm process, it delivers superior performance and enhanced power efficiency. With 4GB+64GB storage and Android 13, it ensures smooth and seamless operation for all major music apps.
- Patented Desktop Mode with 950mW High Power Output: When Desktop Mode is activated, the M21 operates entirely on external power, with the built-in battery neither charging nor discharging—effectively extending battery lifespan.
- Quad CS43198 Matrix DACs, Fully Balanced 2-Stage Amplification: Featuring a 4-channel, 8-path fully differential output design, it unleashes its full potential with exceptional dynamic range and high noise immunity. The headphone amp adopts a 2-stage circuit design—the first stage handles voltage amplification while the second stage boosts current—ensuring pristine sound quality and rich detail.
- Versatile Ports, High-Performance Output: Supports dual 3.5mm + 4.4mm headphone/LO outputs, equipped with independent line amplification circuits. Also supports SPDIF and USB Audio output, with SPDIF performance rivaling professional digital transports—reducing jitter by 70%.
Battery life: Sony lasts longer, but the tests are not equivalent
Sony’s published figures are substantially longer than FiiO’s official M23 test results. Sony reports up to 40 hours using 128kbps MP3 with its W.MUSIC app, 35 hours with other music apps, and about 38 hours playing 96kHz/24-bit FLAC in the listed balanced test condition.
Recommended Free Tools
FiiO reports 10.5 hours from the 3.5mm output and 9 hours from the 4.4mm output, using its specified MP3 and 32-ohm test conditions. These are not laboratory-equivalent tests: output mode, headphone load, volume, screen use, wireless radios, file format and app activity all change runtime. The figures are useful for understanding each manufacturer’s design target, not for predicting an identical real-world playlist session.
In practical terms, the Sony is the safer choice for long flights, commuting or several days away from a charger. The M23’s 5,500mAh cell supports its powerful amplifier, and desktop mode is valuable when you can keep the player connected to external power, but portable runtime is its trade-off.
Software, streaming and wireless use
NW-ZX900
Android 16 gives the Sony access to current Android music and streaming applications, subject to each service’s compatibility and account requirements. Bluetooth 5.4 handles wireless headphones and speakers. Sony also provides USB DAC mode, so the player can serve as an external audio device for a computer.
Sony’s W.MUSIC app is relevant to the longest battery claim, while playback through other music apps has a separate published result. If you stream frequently, expect screen brightness, Wi-Fi and background synchronization to reduce runtime compared with Sony’s controlled figures.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Rank #4
- A Brand-New Processor That Surpasses Competing Products — Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 Built on a 6nm process, it delivers superior performance and enhanced power efficiency. With 4GB+64GB storage and Android 13, it ensures smooth and seamless operation for all major music apps.
- Patented Desktop Mode with 950mW High Power Output: When Desktop Mode is activated, the M21 operates entirely on external power, with the built-in battery neither charging nor discharging—effectively extending battery lifespan.
- Quad CS43198 Matrix DACs, Fully Balanced 2-Stage Amplification: Featuring a 4-channel, 8-path fully differential output design, it unleashes its full potential with exceptional dynamic range and high noise immunity. The headphone amp adopts a 2-stage circuit design—the first stage handles voltage amplification while the second stage boosts current—ensuring pristine sound quality and rich detail.
- Versatile Ports, High-Performance Output: Supports dual 3.5mm + 4.4mm headphone/LO outputs, equipped with independent line amplification circuits. Also supports SPDIF and USB Audio output, with SPDIF performance rivaling professional digital transports—reducing jitter by 70%.
M23
The M23 supports Android apps plus a pure-music mode for a simpler local-library experience. FiiO lists Bluetooth receiving, allowing the player to accept audio from another device, and AirPlay and Roon Ready modes for networked playback. It also works as a USB DAC.
Its digital-audio limits are broad: local and USB decoding are listed up to 384kHz/32-bit and DSD256, while USB audio input is listed up to 768kHz/32-bit and DSD512. Those maximums describe supported signal formats, not an audible-quality guarantee; the source, recording and output chain still determine what you hear.
Storage, screen and physical handling
Screen and size
The NW-ZX900 uses a 5.0-inch 1,920 × 1,080 display. Sony lists dimensions of approximately 3.04 × 5.50 × 0.69 inches and a weight of about 0.76 pound. The Full HD panel is useful for album art, Android interfaces and reading long playlists.
The M23 has a larger 5.5-inch display at 1,440 × 720. Its dimensions and weight are not stated in the supplied official figures, so do not assume that the larger screen means it is lighter or more pocketable than the Sony. If one-hand use and carrying comfort matter, compare the current physical specifications at the retailer before ordering.
Library capacity
Both players start with 64GB of internal storage and accept microSD cards. FiiO states support up to 2TB in theory; actual usable capacity depends on card compatibility, formatting and the player’s firmware. A fast, reputable microSDXC card is a sensible accessory for either model when your library includes high-resolution albums.
Best Value
- Flagship Performance with Massive Storage Built on Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 with 8GB RAM and 128GB internal storage, ensuring smooth multitasking, fast streaming, and long-term system stability far beyond its class.
- Dedicated XMOS XU316 for Superior USB Audio Features a standalone XMOS XU316 USB audio processor, delivering ultra-low latency and consistent high-quality performance for music and video playback across all platforms.
- True Portable R2R HiFi Player FiiO’s first portable player built around a self-developed R2R resistor ladder DAC, faithfully translating desktop-grade R2R architecture into a compact form. Offers two sound profiles: FLAT (neutral) and WARM (smooth, analog-inspired).
- Immersive 5.5” Full HD Display, Lightweight Design A 5.5-inch 1080×2160 touchscreen with cassette, spectrum, and VU meter themes enhances both visual immersion and listening ritual. Weighing only 258g, with an AG matte glass back for comfortable daily use.
- AUTO EQ for Effortless Sound Matching Supports AUTO EQ, automatically matching headphone frequency curves for precise, lossless tuning. Additional preset and manual EQ options allow deep customization.
USB, DAC and desktop connectivity
The Sony provides USB DAC mode through its USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C connection. That covers the common use case of connecting the Walkman to a computer and using it as an external converter and headphone source.
FiiO adds a second USB-C port, desktop mode and dual-mode fast charging. The two-port design separates charging or external-power duties from other USB use in supported setups. Desktop mode is particularly useful for a fixed listening station because the external supply runs the player without charging or discharging its internal battery, according to FiiO.
If you switch often between portable listening, computer DAC use and a desk system, the M23 offers more connection options. If you mainly want a self-contained player with occasional USB-DAC use, Sony’s single-port arrangement is simpler.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Will one sound better?
No controlled, current head-to-head listening test between the NW-ZX900 and M23 is established here. It would therefore be misleading to declare a definitive sound-quality winner from the component lists or power ratings.
The Sony and FiiO take different engineering approaches. Sony highlights its Walkman processing, DSD remastering and AI upscaling; FiiO highlights its AKM conversion stages and THX AAA-78+ amplifier. Those descriptions tell you what each manufacturer prioritizes, not how every headphone will sound in your room or on the move.
For a meaningful comparison, use the same headphones, the same files or streaming masters, matched listening levels and the same output type. Compare single-ended with single-ended and balanced with balanced. Keep volume matched closely: a slightly louder device is often perceived as better even when the tonal balance is unchanged.
Choose the NW-ZX900 if these priorities fit
- You want Sony’s Walkman interface and processing features, including Native DSD, DSD remastering and AI upscaling.
- Long published playback figures matter more than maximum amplifier output.
- A 5-inch Full HD display and a relatively compact, documented chassis are attractive.
- You primarily use streaming apps or local music and want Android 16 with Bluetooth 5.4.
- You accept paying a flagship US MSRP and can wait for regional launch availability.
Choose the M23 if these priorities fit
- You own difficult-to-drive headphones and want the strongest published output specification.
- You need a desktop mode that avoids charging or discharging the internal battery while externally powered.
- You want dual USB-C ports, USB-DAC flexibility, Bluetooth receiving, AirPlay or Roon Ready support.
- You prefer a larger display and do not mind that its resolution is lower than Sony’s Full HD panel.
- You want a likely lower street price, subject to checking current regional listings.
Setup checklist for either player
- Update the firmware and operating system. Complete system updates before loading a large library or configuring streaming accounts.
- Choose storage. Add a microSDXC card sized for your library; format it in the player if the manufacturer recommends doing so.
- Match the output to your headphones. Start with the standard output. Use a 4.4mm balanced cable only for headphones designed for balanced wiring, and select the correct gain rather than defaulting to the highest setting.
- Set a safe listening level. High-gain modes can reach hazardous volume quickly, especially with sensitive in-ear monitors.
- Configure wireless selectively. Disable Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or background syncing when you need maximum portable runtime.
- Use desktop mode correctly on the M23. Connect the supported external supply and confirm the player indicates desktop operation before leaving it connected for extended sessions.
- Test your streaming services. Sign in, download a few albums for offline use and verify that your preferred app supports the Android version and regional catalog.
Common buying mistakes
- Choosing by DAC model alone: the AK4191EQ/AK4499EX and Sony’s processing features do not predict a universal winner with every headphone.
- Comparing battery numbers without test conditions: Sony and FiiO used different files, loads, outputs and app conditions.
- Assuming balanced means automatically superior: it is useful for compatible headphones and additional power, but incorrect cables can be unsafe for the equipment.
- Ignoring storage costs: 64GB fills quickly with high-resolution music, so include a microSDXC card in your budget.
- Buying on an old M23 price: availability and street pricing change; verify the current listing, warranty and region.
- Running maximum gain unnecessarily: excessive gain raises the risk of hearing damage and can make sensitive IEMs harder to use quietly.
Verdict
The Sony NW-ZX900 is the better premium Walkman for listeners who value Sony’s software and processing, a Full HD screen, Android 16 and long endurance more than raw amplifier power. The FiiO M23 is the better tool for demanding headphones, desktop use and flexible USB or networked audio, especially if its current price is well below Sony’s.
Buy based on your headphones and daily workflow first. If you cannot identify a need for the M23’s extra output or desktop connectivity, Sony’s interface and battery advantages are easier to appreciate. If your headphones need substantial power or the player will double as a desk DAC/amp, the M23’s architecture is the more practical fit.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
