In today’s article, I review the Flathead Audio FH01 earbuds. The FH01 features retro-styled shells and a large 15.4mm dynamic driver. It’s priced at around 35 USD.

There’s no shortage of people who’ll tell you that earbuds just can’t compete with in-ear monitors. And in some respects, they’re right. IEMs, with their snug-fitting silicone tips, create a sealed environment that delivers a more direct sound path to your ears. Add to that the variety of driver configurations—balanced armatures, hybrids, even electrostatics—and it’s no surprise that IEMs often boast punchier bass, sharper detail, and better passive isolation.

But that’s only half the story. Open-style earbuds have their own appeal. For starters, they’re often more comfortable—especially for folks who can’t stand the feeling of having something jammed in their ear canal. And then there’s the soundstage: the openness of earbuds can lend a more speaker-like presentation, with a natural blend of ambient and direct sound that some listeners find more lifelike.

At the end of the day, it’s all down to personal taste—some stick to one, others like to switch things up. With that in mind, let’s see what Flathead Audio brings to the table with the FH01.

Disclaimer: This sample was provided by Flathead Audio for an honest review. All observations and opinions here are my own, based on my experience with the product.

Flathead Audio FH01

Specifications

Driver: 15.4mm Beryllium-coated PET diaphragm
Frequency response: 19Hz – 21kHz
Impedance: 32Ω
Sensitivity: 98.5dB

Design

The Flathead Audio FH01 promises a classic design, and it delivers with its MX500 shells. These earbuds have a retro styling that goes way back to the iconic 1982 Sony MDR-E252. They’re made from acrylic and have a round earpiece that tapers down into a stem.

The earbuds can be worn “naked” or with the included foam covers. The foams can offer a more secure or comfortable fit but ultimately, it’s up to the wearer to decide.

In terms of comfort, the FH01 is pretty much in line with most traditional earbuds. I can wear them for a couple of hours without any real issues, but eventually, I start to feel those familiar pressure points—usually where the hard plastic shell presses against the outer ear. It’s nothing out of the ordinary for this style, but it does mean the occasional readjustment is part of the deal.

The FH01’s cable is a tightly braided, bi-colour silver-plated copper design, combining red and blue wires. It feels robust yet remains flexible and free of microphonics. While the cable isn’t detachable, its quality is good given the earbuds’ budget price.

Sound

Gear used for testing includes the iFi ZEN DAC V3, HiBy R6 III 2025 and Cayin RU6. The Flathead Audio FH01 is easy to drive so it doesn’t have any particular audio source requirements. I prefer the cleaner and leaner sound of the FH01 without the foam covers.

In my experience, most earbuds fall into one of two camps: they’re either overly warm and thick with bloated bass, or they chase vocal clarity and end up shouty in the upper mids. The Flathead Audio FH01 doesn’t do either – it has a clean yet musical presentation. It doesn’t try to impress with phat bass or hyper-defined detail—instead, it sounds balanced and natural, with neutral note weight and a crisp but smooth treble.

Bass

The FH01 has tight bass with good definition and great extension. Sub-bass notes rumble with controlled authority—it’s got a forward tone, but it doesn’t smother the mids. Mid-bass is punchy and impactful, yet still leaves room for vocals to come through cleanly. I really like the way the dynamic driver performs here; despite its size, it’s quick on its feet, delivering solid slam with a snappy but natural decay.

Midrange

The FH01’s midrange comes to the forefront, even with the enthusiastic bass underpinning it. Good separation keeps things tidy and stops the mix from getting congested. Instruments and vocals carry a natural warmth but retain plenty of clarity. There’s a definite vocal focus—they come across as intimate and emotive, but never shouty. Electric guitars have a crunchy texture, and transients are quick and snappy, with natural body and minimal smearing.

Treble

Sitting just behind the mids and bass, the treble plays more of a supporting role. It’s not overly forward or rolled-off—it adds highlights and air without drawing too much attention. There’s a bit of a peak in the upper treble that adds some brightness to things like the top end of a piano, but it stays clear of any sibilance.

Soundstage & Technicalities

The soundstage is wide, as you’d expect from flathead earbuds thanks to their open design. What’s more surprising is the excellent left-to-right stereo imaging, which really highlights instrument placement. Instrument separation is generally good, though it can get a bit overwhelmed during more complex passages.

Comparison

NiceHCK B80

The B80 has a stronger emphasis on both sub-bass and mid-bass, giving it a warmer, thicker presentation with more impact. However, this also means the bass tends to compete with the midrange for attention. The lower mids are rich and saturated, with a noticeably thick note size. A laid-back, softened treble contributes to the B80’s darker tonality and a more intimate soundstage—especially when compared to the FH01, which sounds noticeably more open and expansive.

Verdict

My first encounter with Flathead Audio, the FH01, has left me hoping it won’t be my last. These earbuds possess that elusive ‘magic sauce’, delivering an impressive and engaging listen reminiscent of the original VE Monk. For its budget price, the FH01 offers outstanding audio quality and earns an easy recommendation.

The FH01 is limited to 1000 units and comes with a free hat. You can get it on AliExpress.