This review compares three popular true wireless adapters designed to transform your wired in-ear monitors (IEMs) into a wireless listening experience: the FiiO UTWS5 (2025 edition), the Moondrop Evo, and the Fostex TM2c. Each adapter offers a unique blend of features, performance, and price, catering to different user needs and budgets. We delve into the intricacies of each device, analyzing sound quality, battery life, control schemes, and overall usability. Whether you're a budget-conscious listener or an audiophile seeking the highest fidelity, this comparison will help you determine which adapter best suits your preferences.This comprehensive review examines the strengths and weaknesses of each adapter, providing a detailed overview of their performance characteristics. We explore the pros and cons of each model, highlighting factors such as sound quality, ease of use, battery life, and price-to-performance ratio. By comparing these three distinct options, we aim to offer a clear and informed perspective to help you navigate the market and choose the perfect true wireless adapter to elevate your listening experience.
Pros And Cons
- Best control scheme
- Easy to press buttons
- Independent volume control for unit and phone
- Seamless connection
- 25% more awareness in open mode
- Smallest size
- Nice quick start guide
- Can't fast forward through tracks
- Volume affects open mode
- Comes with IEMs that sound amazing
- IEMs sound good in the $100 range
- Improved case with built-in battery
- Added touch surface
- Fast forward/reverse track control
- Expensive ($300)
- Uncomfortable shape and size
- Inconvenient touch controls
- Hard to press button
- Cheapest option
- Touch control
- Weakest
- No aptX HD, only aptX Adaptive
- Relatively short battery life (3.5-4 hours)
- Poorly designed case, slides around
- Charging indicator difficult to see
- Underpowered for anything other than cheap dynamic headphones
- No volume control
Read more: EPZ P50 In-Ear Monitor Review: A Breakout Performer?
Converting Wired IEMs to True Wireless: Three Methods
The quest for true wireless convenience with high-quality wired in-ear monitors (IEMs) is a common one. This review explores three popular adapters: the FiiO UTWS5 (2025 edition), the Moondrop Evo, and the Fostex TM2c. Each offers a unique approach to transforming your wired listening experience.
These adapters provide a way to enjoy your premium IEMs wirelessly, bypassing the limitations of many built-in wireless options in budget true wireless earphones. The cost varies significantly, with options available for various budgets and needs.
Moondrop Evo: Budget-Friendly Option
The Moondrop Evo represents a more affordable entry point into the world of true wireless IEM adapters. Priced around $90, it offers a solid performance for its price range, particularly when considering the included ear tips. However, it does have certain limitations.
While the sound quality is decent, the battery life is relatively short (around 4 hours), requiring frequent recharging using the provided charging case. Additionally, the case design is less user-friendly and lacks volume controls; control is limited to play/pause and track skipping.
Fostex TM2c: High-End Performance, Quirky Controls
The Fostex TM2c offers a significant step up in sound quality. These adapters are considerably more expensive but provide high-fidelity audio and come with excellent IEMs. The build quality is top-notch, and the included IEMs are widely praised.
However, the Fostex TM2c's control scheme is unconventional and sometimes frustrating. While it boasts touch controls, its implementation is not always intuitive, and some functionalities are not easy to activate. The volume controls, in particular, are less convenient than expected. Though the controls need refinement, the overall audio performance and IEMs are premium.
FiiO UTWS5 (2025): A Balanced Choice
The FiiO UTWS5 (2025 edition) strikes a balance between price, performance, and usability. This model sits in the middle ground between the budget-friendly Moondrop Evo and the premium Fostex TM2c. The audio quality is excellent, especially considering its price point.
It offers an improved and more user-friendly control system compared to the Fostex TM2c. The touch controls are quite responsive, making for smooth user interaction. This device provides excellent value for its price, and users are likely to find it highly convenient.
A significant advantage is its seamless pairing and connection with devices, ensuring a nearly effortless wireless listening experience.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Adapter
The choice among these three true wireless adapters hinges on individual priorities. The Moondrop Evo is a budget-friendly option, suitable for users seeking basic wireless functionality without breaking the bank. Although, its short battery life and limited controls are points to consider.
The Fostex TM2c excels in sound quality and includes high-quality IEMs but is more expensive and suffers from less-than-ideal controls. The FiiO UTWS5 stands out as a balanced alternative, providing exceptional audio quality, good control, and a smoother user experience at a more moderate price point.
Ultimately, the best adapter depends on your budget and how much you prioritize convenience versus premium sound quality. Each one offers a different balance of these aspects.