Table of Contents:
- Core Comparison: Specs at a Glance
- Sound Performance: A Deep Dive into Different Styles
- User Experience & Controls: Hardware vs. Software
- Connectivity & Expansion: Who is More Future-Proof?
- Conclusion: Which Player is for You?
-
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
For those new to the Hi-Fi world, choosing a high-value Digital Audio Player (DAP) on a budget can be tough. The HIFI WALKER H2, Hiby R1, and Mechen M30 are three players that are often compared. They all aim to provide great sound that is better than a smartphone without a high price.
This article will give you an in-depth comparison of these three players, from their technical specs to their real-world performance. We will help you understand their differences and find the perfect Hi-Fi player for your music listening. To get a complete understanding of the HIFI WALKER H2 itself, you can also read our full review here: HIFI WALKER H2 Ultimate Review.

Core Comparison: Specs at a Glance
Let's start with a quick look at the key specs of these three players in a detailed table.
Feature |
HIFI WALKER H2 |
Hiby R1 |
Mechen M30 |
---|---|---|---|
DAC Chip |
Professional-grade Audio Chip |
|
|
Bluetooth Codec |
|
|
|
Screen Size |
2.0 inches |
2.45 inches |
2.0 inches |
Body Material |
CNC Zinc Alloy |
Glass |
Aluminum Alloy |
Battery Life |
~10 hours |
~15 hours |
~12 hours |
Storage Expansion |
256GB |
512GB |
256GB |
Sound Performance: A Deep Dive into Different Styles
All three players offer great sound quality, but they have different sound styles based on their DAC chips.
HIFI WALKER H2: Balanced and Detailed
The H2 is tuned for a balanced and neutral sound. Its high-resolution audio chip delivers great clarity and accuracy, especially with instruments. The soundstage is wide, and the sound positioning is clear. This makes it a great all-around player for any music style, from classical to rock. If you want a natural sound, the H2 is a perfect choice.
Hiby R1: Clean and Dynamic
The Hiby R1's ES9218P chip is known for its high clarity and transparent sound. The sound is very clean with almost no background noise. The high notes are bright and clear, while the vocals are a bit forward and strong. The bass is tight and powerful. If you like to listen to instrumental music or want a player with a lot of energy, the Hiby R1 might be better for you.
Mechen M30: Warm and Rich Vocals
The Mechen M30 with its AK4490EN chip has a warm and full-bodied sound. It is great for vocals and music styles like jazz or pop. The bass is deep and powerful, which gives the music a lot of feeling. If you are a "vocal lover" and prefer a warm and emotional sound, the Mechen M30 is a good match for you.
User Experience & Controls: Hardware vs. Software
How you use the player is also very important. These three players have different approaches to controls and software.
HIFI WALKER H2: Touchscreen and Physical Scroll Wheel
The HIFI WALKER H2 has a 2.0-inch HD touchscreen. All controls are also managed by a classic physical scroll wheel. This combination gives you the best of both worlds: the ease of a touchscreen for navigating menus and the precise control of a physical scroll wheel for things like volume.

Hiby R1: Smooth HibyOS System
The Hiby R1's main feature is its HibyOS operating system. The user interface is friendly, and the controls are very smooth. It also supports more Bluetooth codecs like LDAC and UAT, which is a big plus if you have high-end wireless headphones.
Mechen M30: Reliable Physical Buttons
The Mechen M30 also uses traditional physical buttons. It is a good choice for users who don't like touchscreens and want a very stable and reliable way to control their music.
Connectivity & Expansion: Who is More Future-Proof?
All three players support Bluetooth and storage expansion, but there are some small differences.
- HIFI WALKER H2: Supports Qualcomm AptX HD Bluetooth, which provides high-quality wireless sound. Its USB DAC mode is a strong feature, allowing it to be used as a high-quality external sound card for your computer.
- Hiby R1: This player has the most complete Bluetooth codec support, working with almost all high-quality wireless devices on the market.
- Mechen M30: It supports APTX and LDAC Bluetooth, which is enough for most users' wireless needs.
For storage, the Hiby R1 has the largest capacity at 512GB, but the 256GB on the HIFI WALKER H2 and Mechen M30 is more than enough for thousands of lossless music files.
Conclusion: Which Player is for You?
After this detailed comparison, here is our final advice:
- Choose the HIFI WALKER H2: If you want a balanced sound, great features, and easy physical controls, especially on a budget, the HIFI WALKER H2 is the best value. Its zinc alloy body also gives it a premium feel.
- Choose the Hiby R1: If you care more about a smooth operating system and advanced Bluetooth codecs, and don't mind a slightly higher price, the Hiby R1 is a great option.
- Choose the Mechen M30: If you prefer a warm, rich sound for vocals and like the feel of classic physical buttons, the Mechen M30 will be a better fit for you.
Ultimately, your choice depends on what you value most in a player: sound style, controls, or price. We hope this comparison helps you find your ideal Hi-Fi player.
To discover more high-fidelity audio devices, visit the official HIFI WALKER website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What are the main differences between these three players?
A: The main differences are in their sound tuning, controls, and Bluetooth support. The HIFI WALKER H2 is balanced and has physical controls. The Hiby R1 is clear and has a touchscreen with many features. The Mechen M30 is warm-sounding and has physical buttons.
Q2: Does the HIFI WALKER H2 have a touchscreen?
A: No, the HIFI WALKER H2 uses a classic physical button and scroll wheel system for controls.
Q3: Which player has the longest battery life?
A: The Hiby R1 has the longest battery life, at about 15 hours. The Mechen M30 is next with 12 hours, and the HIFI WALKER H2 has about 10 hours.
Q4: Can I use wireless headphones with these players?
A: Yes, all three players support Bluetooth for wireless headphones. The HIFI WALKER H2 supports AptX HD, while the Hiby R1 and Mechen M30 support LDAC.
Q5: Which player is best for beginners?
A: All three are good for beginners. The HIFI WALKER H2 is a great starting point because of its balanced sound and simple controls.