Questyle M18i Review

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Experience

Overall, the M18i is an easy-to-use device with a straightforward layout. It doesn’t come with parametric EQ, app integration, or any additional tuning features; this is a plug-and-play dongle in the simplest sense. I appreciate the inclusion of a physical mode selector as switching between modes is quick and doesn’t require diving into menus or dealing with software. It just works.

In Mobile Mode, the M18i runs entirely on its internal battery without drawing power from your phone or tablet, which is for preserving your phone’s battery. That said, with only a 500mAh capacity, you’re looking at around 2 to 2.5 hours of runtime before needing a recharge. I personally use it with an Anker Nano power bank, but that adds bulk.

Honestly, I see this battery more as a backup than a core feature.

My use case is specific; I’ve been using the M18i mainly in a desktop setup, connecting it to my Adam Audio D3V monitors via a 4.4 mm to dual TRS cable. In Bluetooth mode, it effectively gives my speakers solid wireless connectivity capability. Since it’s always plugged in via the side-mounted USB-C power input, battery life isn’t something I worry about.

That’s me, though; if you’re considering using it wirelessly on the go, the battery won’t satisfy you. It’s more of a fallback than a daily driver in that scenario.

PC Mode is the only mode where the M18i draws power directly from the USB host. It also charges the internal battery at the same time. There’s a smart power management system that dynamically balances the charging current and performance based on what the USB port can deliver and what the device is doing. In practice, it works seamlessly.

What stands out is how stable and capable the LDAC Bluetooth performance is. The connection holds steady, the range is excellent, and it can stream 990 kbps stably. That’s why it’s so puzzling that Questyle went with such a small battery. With Bluetooth performance this solid, the M18i could’ve been a far more compelling portable solution if it had more runtime.

Bluetooth controls are simple. Holding down the MFB button puts the device into pairing mode. While music is playing, a single press pauses or resumes playback, and a double press skips to the next track. For calls, the M18i uses an Infineon-branded microphone located next to the power button.

Pressing the MFB once answers a call, pressing twice rejects it, and a single press during a call ends it. The call quality is surprisingly nice, too.

Questyle M18i – Sound Impressions

The M18i has a warm-neutral signature with noticeable elevation at both ends: bass and treble. The sound is exciting and vivid; it captures the listener with an excellent amount of detail, a great punch, and impressive dynamism. Its presentation leans slightly forward; vocals, in particular, come across with a sense of intimacy that can feel a bit much depending on the recording.

That said, it remains engaging and dynamic across a wide range of genres and pairs well with nearly everything I threw at it, including the Symphonium Crimson, Sennheiser IE 600, and 64Audio Volür.

The M18i’s soundstage is not the widest, but its depth is impressive, and its imaging is quite good. You get a good sense of what is where, and instruments have adequate air between them, so it does not really feel claustrophobic. Wired mode brings out the best technical performance, but even in Bluetooth, it manages to maintain its character with minimal compromise.

The main drawback is the battery; the restrictive runtime limits how practical wireless listening can be on the go.

Tonally, the M18i impressed me a lot. The M15 had the same kind of warm “sauce” if you will, but lacked detail and proper top-end extension. Now, M18i is an entirely different case; it is clean on top, it is full-bodied, and it has an excellent extension on both ends of the spectrum. It also doesn’t drift into overly warm territory, so it really is an impressive device, sound-wise.

The upper mids have a peculiar bite, and the slight upper treble elevation adds clarity and air, helping it avoid being labeled a smoothed-out dongle. The result is a signature that feels vivid and dynamic.

vs. DC07 Pro

The DC07 Pro ($199 USD) still holds its ground as one of the best dongles in the sub-$200 range, and for good reason. It’s neutral, clean, and impressively detailed, with a tuning that feels like a mini DX180. The DC07 Pro features a balanced signature with a slightly elevated sub-bass and a leaner mid-bass.

In comparison, the M18i immediately feels more dynamic with an even bigger sub-bass, rounder mid-bass, and a slightly cleaner upper midrange with similar energy. Its upper treble feels slightly more refined, too. The imaging is as accurate as the DC07 Pro. While the DC07 Pro has the upper hand when it comes to air and stage width, the impressively deep stage and slightly warmer, more natural tonality quickly stole my heart.

The only issue is the price difference.

vs. iBasso Nunchaku 

The Questyle M18i is an interesting rival to the Nunchaku ($299 USD), using current-mode amplification with dual ESS ES9219Q DACs, and a bold, warmer timbre that makes it more unique among its equivalents. The M18i also impresses with its upper-register clarity, offering better treble bite, resolution, and expansiveness compared to the Nunchaku.

However, the Nunchaku, particularly in NOS + Tube mode, takes the edge when it comes to depth and stage width. The midrange of the Nunchaku is slightly recessed compared to the M18i, enhancing the perception of depth and spaciousness, whereas the M18i sounds more forward and more intimate.

While the M18i’s upper frequencies sound cleaner and more detailed, the Nunchaku counters with a richer, more textured bass and an overall more immersive analog timbre.

Conclusion

The Questyle M18i is one of the most unique and sonically engaging dongles I’ve tested in the last couple of years. However, it also comes with some compromises. If you’re someone who listens mainly in a desktop setting and primarily uses 4.4 mm, the M18i offers a rich, emotive sound signature that sets it apart from the competition.

In the end, the M18i is a focused device. It’s for those who care more about sound than features; who don’t mind being tethered to a power source if it means getting a more dynamic and emotionally engaging listening experience. If that aligns with your priorities, the M18i won’t disappoint. If you need longer runtime, better portability, or software-based flexibility, there are better choices in the same price range.

Summary

Pros:

+ Excellent dynamism

+ Impressive depth

+ Exciting & engaging signature

+ Very good build quality

Cons:

– Weak battery life

– Feature-light

– Price

Page 1: Questyle, M18i, Packaging & Accessories, Design & Build Quality

Page 2: Experience, Sound Impressions, Comparison, Last Words