HiBy W4 Bluetooth DAC/Headphone Amplifier Launches with Balanced Output and Hi-Res Support for $99

HiBy might not have household recognition in the U.S., but the company isn’t exactly new to this game. With 15 years of experience building digital audio players and portable electronics, and a HiByMusic app ecosystem that spans 100 countries with more than 3 million users on iOS and Android, the brand has quietly built serious infrastructure behind the scenes. Now it’s aiming a little more directly at the portable DAC and headphone amplifier crowd with the release of the HiBy W4.

The W4 is a Bluetooth enabled portable DAC and headphone amplifier designed to handle both wired and wireless hi resolution playback in one compact chassis. That matters because the appetite for Bluetooth capable DAC and headphone amps that can properly decode hi res formats and deliver enough output for modern IEMs and reasonably efficient headphones continues to grow. We saw that firsthand with the iFi GO Blu Air, which impressed us with its balance of sound quality, usable power, and everyday practicality.

HiBy’s pitch with the W4 is similar in concept: fashionable industrial design, dual mode operation, and enough decoding and amplification muscle to make streaming from a smartphone feel less like a compromise and more like a system choice. Whether it can stand out in an increasingly competitive under $250 portable hi-fi segment is the real question.

The HiBy W4 features a flexible physical design that supports both clip on use and magnetic attachment for on the go listening. Its integrated magnetic system allows it to attach directly to compatible smartphones or MagSafe style phone cases, functioning much like a MagSafe accessory for a cleaner, cable managed setup.

The W4’s Uncharge Mode shifts the power source to USB operation, isolating the unit from the connected smartphone so it does not draw from the phone’s battery. In addition to preserving battery life, this separation can also help reduce electrical interference from the handset.

The W4 includes a built in 1500 mAh battery to support extended playback sessions, and Uncharge Mode is engaged using a dedicated button located on the left side of the chassis.

On the inside, the HiBy W4 has dual Cirrus Logic CS43198  DAC chips, paired with dual headphone amplifiers. The DACs support PCM up to 768kHz/32-bit and native DSD512. 

The HiBy W4 employs dual low phase noise active crystal oscillators operating at 45.1584 MHz and 49.152 MHz to support more accurate clocking and stable audio playback across common sampling rates.

Connectivity includes both 3.5 mm single ended and 4.4 mm balanced stereo outputs. In balanced mode, the W4 delivers up to 475 mW of output power, driven by dual SGM8262 amplifier chips. That is a substantial figure for a device in this category and nearly double the balanced 4.4 mm output we measured from the iFi GO Blu Air. It provides enough headroom for a wide range of in ear monitors and many relatively efficient over ear headphones, giving the W4 more flexibility than ultra sensitive IEM duty alone.

For wireless performance, the HiBy W4 incorporates a Qualcomm QCC5181 chipset, supporting Bluetooth 5.4, with codec support for Snapdragon Sound, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, aptX HD, LDAC, AAC, and SBC.

The HiBy W4 is positioned as a stylish everyday carry accessory, pairing a black front display with a contrasting, brightly colored rear module that makes it stand out at a glance.

A 2-inch touch screen provides full device control and can display album artwork when operating in Bluetooth mode. Users can manage pairing, playback, and system settings directly from the W4 itself, reducing the need to constantly reach for a smartphone and creating a more self contained, user friendly experience.

HiBy W4 Specifications

The Bottom Line 

There is no shortage of portable Bluetooth-enabled DAC/AMPs, and the category now stretches from basic sub-$100 dongles to feature-heavy models approaching $1,000. At $99, the HiBy W4 lands at the aggressive low end of that spectrum but brings a feature set that is not typical at this price.

Support for aptX Lossless and LDAC gives it legitimate hi-res wireless credibility, while dual oscillators, balanced 4.4mm output rated at up to 475mW, and a built-in 1500mAh battery push it beyond entry-level expectations. The integrated 2-inch touch screen also sets it apart from competitors like the iFi GO Blu Air, which relies entirely on a smartphone for visual feedback and navigation. Some listeners may prefer controlling everything from their phone anyway, especially when switching between streaming platforms, but the W4 at least gives users the option of direct, on-device control without guesswork.

Add in the magnetic MagSafe-style attachment, clip-on portability, and a Car-Optimized Mode accessible through the HiByBlue app, and the W4 starts to look less like a budget experiment and more like a calculated move into the mainstream portable hi-fi space.

Who is this for? Smartphone listeners who want true hi-res Bluetooth support, enough power for serious IEMs and efficient headphones, and a self-contained interface without spending several hundred dollars. At $99, it is positioned squarely for commuters, students, travelers, and anyone building a compact everyday-carry audio setup without sacrificing codec support or balanced output. That is a hard combination to ignore at this price.

Price & Availability

The HiBy W4 is available for $99 USD via HiBy’s official online store and Linsoul.

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