Questyle M18i Max launched with 3x larger battery and sound improvements

The Questyle M18i Max was officially launched yesterday (May 20). The only change compared to the original Questyle M18i (OG) is the higher-capacity battery. However, according to reviewer “Earphone Asthetics,” this modification also resulted in noticeable improvements in sound quality. Check out all the details below about Questyle’s new portable Bluetooth DAC/amp.

M18i Max Features a Higher-Capacity Battery

The M18i Max is equipped with a 1800mAh battery, significantly larger than the one used in the original M18i. For comparison, the first-generation M18i offered approximately 4 hours of battery life in Bluetooth mode and only 2 hours in USB mode. This limitation was primarily due to the device’s compact chassis, which could only accommodate a 500mAh battery.

With the increased battery capacity, the M18i Max now delivers up to 12 hours of playback in Bluetooth mode and 8 hours in USB mode. However, this improvement also resulted in a larger chassis.

While the original M18i measures 7.5cm × 3.5cm × 1.4cm, the M18i Max features dimensions of 8.6cm × 5.5cm × 1.5cm. Despite the increase in size, reviewer “Earphone Asthetics” stated that the device “remains highly compact and easily fits into a pocket without causing discomfort.”

With a more robust battery, the M18i Max also benefits from greater stability in powering its internal components. According to the reviewer, this contributed to audible sonic improvements over the original model.

More Robust Battery Brings Audible Sound Improvements to the M18i Max

According to reviewer “Earphone Asthetics,” Questyle achieved meaningful sound improvements in the M18i Max by implementing a higher-capacity battery.

In the review, “Earphone Asthetics” initially described the following differences between the original M18i and the M18i Max:

“Compared to the M18i, the most noticeable improvement lies in the density and stability of the sound. The previous model occasionally showed limitations when handling tracks with large dynamic swings, whereas the M18i Max presents a more solid sonic structure, with denser and more consistent imaging.”

According to the reviewer, the bass presentation has also improved. He stated:

“In the low frequencies, the device maintains proper balance, good depth, and consistent speed, with rich harmonic reproduction that avoids exaggeration. Compared to the previous model, the bass offers better definition and more distinct layering, delivering greater physical impact and a stronger sense of ambience.”

The midrange performance of the M18i Max was described by “Earphone Asthetics” as follows:

“The midrange continues to be one of Questyle’s core strengths. Vocals exhibit natural positioning, excellent density, and highly engaging emotional reproduction, both for male and female voices. Compared to the M18i, the new model delivers more focused and articulate vocals, with improved rendering of breathing and pronunciation details, while maintaining the characteristic smoothness that reduces listening fatigue.”

Finally, “Earphone Asthetics” described the treble performance of the M18i Max as follows:

“In the treble region, the M18i Max delivers excellent extension, smooth presentation, and an absence of harshness. Instruments such as violins and cymbals exhibit natural brilliance and an excellent sense of air. Control has also been improved, maintaining stability even at higher listening volumes.”

Internal Hardware Remains Unchanged Except for the Battery

To clarify, aside from the battery, the M18i Max features the same internal hardware as the original M18i. Nevertheless, Questyle decided to maintain the same retail price, offering the portable DAC/amp for US$349. Below are the complete specifications.

Questyle M18i Max: Full Specifications

General Specifications

• Apple MFi certified
• Chassis material: CNC-machined aluminum alloy
• Color: Black
• Compatible operating systems and devices: Android 5.0+ smartphones and tablets, iOS (iPhone), macOS (Mac computers), Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs
• DAC chips: 2x ESS ES9219Q
• Digital connections: Bluetooth, 1 USB-C port for data and 1 USB-C port for charging
• Dimensions: 8.6cm × 5.5cm × 1.5cm
• Display: OLED
• Headphone outputs: 3.5mm single-ended (SE) and 4.4mm balanced
• Microphone: flagship Infineon model
• USB controller chip: XMOS XU316

Battery Specifications

• Battery capacity: 1800mAh
• Battery life: 12 hours in Bluetooth mode and 8 hours in USB mode

General Audio Specifications

• Native decoding support: PCM 384kHz/32-bit, DSD64, DSD128, DSD256
• Output power: 28mW @300Ω (4.4mm balanced output)
• THD+N: 0.0002%

Release Date, Price, and Availability

The Questyle M18i Max is now available in black for US$349 through Questyle’s official online store.