FiiO Announces New USB dongle DACs in 2026

FiiO has announced that it will launch several new USB Dongle DAC models in 2026. According to FiiO’s CEO and founder, James Chung, this year “dongles will not be a primary focus among the company’s new product releases.” Nevertheless, there will be an interesting new product for users who enjoy mobile gaming on smartphones.

Which USB Dongle DACs Will Be Released in 2026?

FiiO will release three USB Dongle DAC models in 2026. Two of them belong to the new QX lineup, which will gradually replace the “KA” dongle series [1]: the FiiO QX11 and the FiiO QX15 R2R. The third model, named Snowsky GAME TAIL, is targeted at the gaming market and will include a microphone input.

[1] Dongles are devices designed to provide a type of connector and/or functionality that the host device does not natively support, thereby increasing the versatility of electronic equipment. Within the audio community, enthusiasts commonly refer to portable DAC/amplifiers as “dongles” or “dongle DACs.”

Snowsky GAME TAIL Gaming Portable DAC and Amplifier

Featuring a dedicated microphone port, the Snowsky GAME TAIL is the first dongle specifically designed for the gaming market. In addition, the GAME TAIL supports virtual 7.1-channel audio in an effort to enhance in-game immersion. Its design was inspired by the “NES-039” controller of the NES (Nintendo Entertainment System).

According to James, the GAME TAIL was developed with a focus on enthusiasts of mobile gaming titles such as Genshin Impact, Free Fire, and ROBLOX, among others. Notably, it will be positioned as an entry-level product, making it more accessible to the majority of consumers.

The launch of the Snowsky GAME TAIL is scheduled for July 2026.

FiiO QX11 Portable DAC and Amplifier

Developed as a replacement for the KA17, the FiiO QX11 represents an incremental update. According to James, the primary improvements of the QX11 include microphone compatibility and optimization aimed at reducing power consumption. Furthermore, the new USB Dongle DAC allows operation while its battery is being recharged.

I believe the QX11 may feature a dedicated USB port for power input. This would allow users to utilize an accessory similar to the FiiO “EStick” power bank. I also note that the QX11’s positioning within the lineup appears unusual, given that until recently the KA17 was the brand’s flagship model.

The release of the FiiO QX11 is scheduled for May 2026.

FiiO QX15 R2R Portable DAC and Amplifier

The first dongle to employ an R2R DAC architecture will be the FiiO QX15. According to James, this model was developed with a focus on sonic performance and will serve as the brand’s new flagship offering.

James further stated that the QX15 will deliver greater output power compared to its smaller sibling, the QX13. For reference, the QX13 was launched last year and provides 900 mW at 32 ohms via its 4.4 mm balanced output in desktop mode.

Another noteworthy feature is compatibility with an accessory referred to as the “energy stick.” This accessory is a custom-designed power bank specifically developed for the QX15. The concept is analogous to the “EStick” previously released for the KA17, which is also compatible with the QX13. By connecting the energy stick to the secondary USB port dedicated to power input, it is possible to increase the available output power.

It is important to note that the FiiO QX13 is priced at approximately US$215 in FiiO’s official AliExpress store. Consequently, the QX15 R2R is expected to carry a higher price.

The launch of the FiiO QX15 R2R is scheduled for December 2026.

About Snowsky

FiiO’s CEO, James Chung, described Snowsky, a sub-brand of the company, as follows:

“Targeted at young consumers who value aesthetics, positioning itself as a brand of stylish and personalized Hi-Fi equipment. It emphasizes visual design and individuality. The products are simple, offering sound quality appropriate for general users. The brand adopts a hybrid sales model combining direct sales and distribution channels.”