HiBy R1 HiFi MP3 Player with Bluetooth 5.1 Hi-Res Audio Certified DSD 256 Native Tidal Qobuz Player MSEB Tuning 3”Touchscreen 2TB Expanded Memory（Value set）

Small Size, Big Sound (with a few quirks)The Hiby R1 is a fantastic little music player that punches well above its weight. Right out of the box, I was impressed with the pre-applied screen protector – a small touch that shows attention to detail. This thing is tiny and incredibly portable, perfect for slipping into any pocket. Despite its size, it feels surprisingly well-built and modern with its sleek design and USB-C charging.Sound Quality:The audio quality, especially through the USB-C output, is exceptional. I was actually surprised to find the USB-C audio outperforming the 3.5mm jack, though that might have been down to my headphone cable. Either way, the R1 delivers a clean and enjoyable listening experience. It really brings out the best in my music library.Bluetooth:Bluetooth is a must-have for me these days, and the R1 delivers...mostly. While the connection is stable, I found the volume a bit lacking compared to wired mode. It's manageable, but something to keep in mind.A Few Hiccups:Unfortunately, my experience wasn't completely flawless. I ran into a weird issue with my AirPods Pro where the audio would cut out after the first song, forcing me to switch codecs and reconnect. Strangely, this didn't happen with my other Bluetooth headphones (AirPods Max, Sony XM5, Bose QC35).The software also has a few quirks. There's no back button, which makes it frustrating to view album art while a song is playing. The crossfader feature didn't seem to work at all.Positives:* Sound Quality: Excellent, especially via USB-C.* Portability: Super compact and lightweight.* Modern Design: Sleek and stylish with USB-C.* Gapless Playback: A crucial feature for certain albums.* Value: Amazing sound and build quality for the price.Areas for Improvement:* Bluetooth Volume: Could be a bit more punchy.* AirPods Pro Issue: Audio cutting out needs a fix.* Software Quirks: Missing back button, non-functional crossfader.Overall:Despite a few minor issues, the Hiby R1 is a fantastic little music player that I highly recommend. It's perfect for casual listening or as a portable music transport. With a few software updates to iron out the kinks, this could be a truly perfect device. If you're looking for a modern alternative to an iPod Classic, the Hiby R1 is definitely worth considering.

I am almost 73 years old and I have experienced all forms of sound storage and reproduction - from 78 rpm shellacs to mp3 and beyond. Over the years I have used portable radios, portable cassette players, portable CD players and a range of digital audio players. I use streaming services only sporadically - instead I have built up a sizeable and eclectic library of audio-files - mostly mp3s - ranging from music to audiobooks. Although I am aware my hearing has deteriorated over the years (my HiFi days are well beyond me) I still enjoy listening to my collection - at home, while out and about and whilst travelling by plane, train or bus. With around 120.000 or more files, it's always been a struggle to carry around much of my collection - as storage space is usually limited. Having done some homework, I decided to buy the Hiby R1 (blue). Using a couple of tf cards (256GB holds about 50.000 tracks - depending on the length of the tracks) I am able to take most of my sounds with me on longer trips.The R1 is really tiny and compact. I have to say that it has taken me a while to discover all of its functions - the enclosed user guide is pretty much useless but there is info available online and in the past couple of weeks I have grown closer to and very fond of my new mp3 player. I tend to listen via wired headphones or bluetooth and for me the sound quality is perfect - younger ears may have a different view (can ears have a view?). I am enjoying the new experience. If this changes, I will be sure to let you know.

It is really easy to like the HiBY R1 but hard to love it. The pro's:Small sizeMusic quality is reasonable, especially for the low priceThe con'sThe build quality wasn't great, and I definitely don't recommend buying the value package, as the headphones that come with it are not worth the extra money. Music quality with them wasn't great, but the R1 sounds fine teamed with decent headphones (I am using FIIO FH3).The OS isn't as easy or intuitive as I expected.I primarily purchased the R1 as a backup DAP for when I am not wanting to take my HiBY R6 III out and as such the R1 performs exactly as I hoped, able to play music from the microsd card. I am not intending to use it for streaming and cannot comment on it connectivity.

I was considering purchasing a more expensive DAP for in the house and a player to take to the gym and to take out with me. I wasn't looking to spend a lot. I think this unit cost £80. All I can say is Wow! Easy to use and set up, sound quality is superb given it's price, I have my music stored on a 256gb SD card which is easy to install, just push and click into its slot. It's such a small unit, very compact, nice bright, vibrant screen, the doesn't seem to be much lag when selecting songs or albums, build quality is exceptional, battery life is pretty good from 100% the battery display showed 94% after an hour in the gym and playing in the house for a further 45 minutes. Exceptional little entry level DAP. I may buy another.

Really great little player for the money. No issues pairing with Airpods Pro 2. Was initially a bit disappointed that it didn’t save my place from where it was last playing, but then found the right configuration in the music settings. It’s plastic, but feels well made and very lightweight. Perfectly reasonable for the price. Surprisingly responsive, although UI can hang a bit if you scroll through a big list too fast. Analysed about 20,000 songs in 10-15 mins though. Wanted a case for it, but doesn’t seem to be sold on Amazon, ordered one off the AliExpress store.

This player is almost impossible to use as there are no available manuals. Besides a quick start guide there is no other guide even on HiBy website - all other products have manuals not this one. Therefore useless piece of kit. Don’t wast your money and time - you will have to return it.