The FiiO FG3 is a gaming headset aimed at audiophiles, but after several weeks, I'm not totally convinced

FiiO FG3: one-minute review (Image credit: Future) As an audio journalist, I’ve covered FiiO plenty of times; the brand is known for beloved digital audio players like the JM21 and digital-audio converters like the FA15 .

<![CDATA[ <article> <h2 class="article-body__section" id="section-fiio-fg3-one-minute-review"><span>FiiO FG3: one-minute review</span></h2><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:3046px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.27%;"><img id="WgBxescxyrysf7F8PwzLbE" name="FiiO FG3 folded" alt="The FiiO FG3 folded on a desk, next to the audio controller and a keyboard." src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/WgBxescxyrysf7F8PwzLbE.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="3046" height="1714" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Future)</span></figcaption></figure><p>As an audio journalist, I’ve covered FiiO plenty of times; the brand is known for beloved digital audio players like the <a href="https://www.techradar.com/audio/portable-media-players/fiio-jm21-portable-music-player-review">JM21 </a>and digital-audio converters like the <a href="https://www.techradar.com/audio/hi-fi/fiio-ka15-review">FA15</a>. But I was surprised to see the brand enter a totally different market, trying its hand at a gaming headset.</p><p>The FiiO FG3 is the resulting device, and it clearly bears some of the audiophile DNA that FiiO is known for. It offers a coaxial dual-driver set-up, which is uncommon in games-focused headphones, and also totes a lightweight DAC control module to jump between audio presets. </p><p>So it should be a gaming gem, right? <em>Right? </em>Well, I think something was lost in translation.</p><p>FiiO’s hardware is fantastic for music, and the FG3 is the same, with the dual-driver set-up and handy EQ modes working well. However, it’s not quite as good for gaming, which isn’t ideal for a 'gaming' headset.</p><p>Audio is often too muddy and rumbly to do justice to the layered sound design of an immersive environment or frantic battlefield. It’s largely the low-end which lets the side down, with higher-pitched sounds cutting through pretty effectively. This won’t affect all games, and dialogue-heavy or rhythm ones will benefit massively from the tuning.</p><p>The fit of the headphones isn’t perfect either. While the cups are incredibly soft, the headphones squeeze and the headband is too firm. I had to take breaks from long gaming sessions to avoid my head hurting.</p><p>That all may sound like a series of criticisms, but there’s a lot to like here too. The cans are easily portable, and the control app being online-only is a breath of fresh air in this bloatware-riddled world (even if it rules out EQ control when you’ve got no internet). </p><p>The FG3 is also, crucially, pretty affordable, and I can see a discount or two making it an absolute bargain. If you’re reading this when they’re even $10 / £10 off, they’ll be an absolute bargain.</p><p>So it’s easy to look past some of the more annoying elements, or rougher edges, of FiiO’s sound tuning and design. But I can’t help but hope that the brand’s second foray into gaming headsets makes some improvements on what we’ve currently got.</p><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:2917px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.26%;"><img id="JCwi5pb8DJonpduRYRxyxD" name="FiiO FG3 single cup" alt="The FiiO FG3's cup on a table." src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/JCwi5pb8DJonpduRYRxyxD.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="2917" height="1641" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Future)</span></figcaption></figure><h2 class="article-body__section" id="section-fiio-fg3-price-and-availability"><span>FiiO FG3: Price and availability</span></h2><ul><li><strong>List price: $69.99 / £69.99 (around AU$140)</strong></li><li><strong>Available in the US, UK and Europe</strong></li><li><strong>Matches RIG R5 Spear Pro HS, undercuts other rivals</strong></li></ul><p>The FiiO FG3 sells for $69.99 / £69.99 (about AU$140, though at the time of writing, it’s not on sale in Australia), and was unveiled in June, 2026.</p><p>At that price, it undercuts many of the <a href="https://www.techradar.com/news/best-wired-gaming-headsets-2021-plug-and-play">best wired gaming headsets</a>, though it matches our top-rated pick: the catchily-titled <a href="https://www.techradar.com/gaming/rig-r5-spear-pro-hs-review">RIG R5 Spear Pro HS</a>. That makes it fairly good value for a gaming headset, with many alternatives going for three-figure sums.</p><p>For your money, you get the headset as well as a removable microphone, control cable and USB adaptor (which lets you plug the USB-C control cable into a USB-A port, if that’s what you have available).</p><h2 class="article-body__section" id="section-fiio-fg3-specs"><span>FiiO FG3: specs</span></h2><div ><table><tbody><tr><td class="firstcol " ><p>Price</p></td><td ><p>$69.99 / £69.99 (around AU$140)</p></td></tr><tr><td class="firstcol " ><p>Weight</p></td><td ><p>0.69lbs / 0.31kg</p></td></tr><tr><td class="firstcol " ><p>Drivers</p></td><td ><p>50mm dynamic + 16mm dynamic</p></td></tr><tr><td class="firstcol " ><p>Compatibility</p></td><td ><p>PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch, PC</p></td></tr><tr><td class="firstcol " ><p>Connection type</p></td><td ><p>Wired (3.5mm or USB-C)</p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:3179px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.24%;"><img id="PqCAWsELqqzubKjd2D6ypD" name="FiiO FG3 logo" alt="The FiiO FG3's logo." src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/PqCAWsELqqzubKjd2D6ypD.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="3179" height="1788" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Future)</span></figcaption></figure><h2 class="article-body__section" id="section-fiio-fg3-design-and-features"><span>FiiO FG3: design and features</span></h2><p>The FiiO FG3 comes with a non-removable cable, which connects into a 3.5mm jack. It’s not long, but it’ll reach a hand-held controller. However, it’s best to connect it to a control module which comes in the box; this offers you the ability to mute, change EQ or modify volume, and has a much longer cable which connects to a device via USB-C (or USB-A, thanks to an included adaptor).</p><p>These cans aren’t particularly unique-looking, although the cups are slightly canted, which helps them fit a head shape better. They rotate a little horizontally and vertically, which also helps with the fit, though some other elements like the thin metal headband or certain cheap-feeling plastic elements discourage any notion of these being premium headphones. There are no on-cup controls either.</p><p>While the ear pads are soft and comfortable, I did find that the padded headband wasn’t padded enough. Longer gaming stints ended in growing aches; the FG3 fit isn’t as comfortable as other gaming headsets I’ve used. A slight squeeze offered by the cans didn’t help either.</p><p>You can fold the cups in on each other, and remove the microphone, transforming the headset into a compact unit which is easy to transport (though it doesn’t come with any kind of carry case). Combined with a feature we’ll get to later, it’s a great headset for people who game in different venues.</p><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:3253px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.26%;"><img id="2RzkpjcaqyqfxjafQfYeDE" name="FiiO FG3 top grille" alt="Grille decor on the FiiO FG3's cups." src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/2RzkpjcaqyqfxjafQfYeDE.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="3253" height="1830" attribution="" endorsement="" class="inline"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Future)</span></figcaption></figure><p>Now onto the feature set. A potentially-divisive feature of the FiiO FG3 is that you don’t need to download a control app to clutter up your PC. Instead, <a href="https://fiiocontrol.fiio.com/next/game-config/game"><u>FiiO’s website</u></a> offers the ability to change EQ and flick between presets. </p><p>I loved the fact I didn’t need to download more bloating software onto my rig, and that I could tote the FG3 between different systems and locations and still customize them, but it does mean that you get no control while offline.</p><p>The control site lets you choose three presets, which the control module lets you change between: a gaming mode, a cinema one, and a music one. The latter list, which includes the custom mode, is the one I found myself using most.</p><p>This module also means you can still jump between your EQ presets when you're on a console or handheld, so your decision to play on a Switch, PlayStation or Xbox doesn't mean you're banned from customizable sound.</p><p>Don’t expect any Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) here. I found that the Passive Noise Cancellation (PNC) or natural ear cup blocking, managed to cut out annoying background sounds from my street, as did the closed-back design. But it won’t save you from louder interruptions.</p><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:3660px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.26%;"><img id="WVJjqSMXfpLd4c62EVc2bE" name="FiiO FG3 inner cups" alt="The insides of the FiiO FG3 cups." src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/WVJjqSMXfpLd4c62EVc2bE.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="3660" height="2059" attribution="" endorsement="" class="inline"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Future)</span></figcaption></figure><h2 class="article-body__section" id="section-fiio-fg3-performance"><span>FiiO FG3: performance</span></h2><p>True to its audiophile heritage, FiiO has packed the FG3 with two drivers per cup: one 50mm dynamic driver designed to handle mid- and low-end, and a smaller 16mm dynamic driver for higher-end sounds. The benefit of dual drivers, rather than the sole unit found in most gaming headsets, is twofold: firstly, each being dedicated to different frequencies means that they can be better catered to them. Secondly, simultaneous sounds can be delivered with better clarity.</p><p>This latter is certainly true of the FiiO FG3, which has a distinct V-shaped sound profile; that means that bass and treble are well-defined and clear, though mids are a little lost. This isn’t a huge issue for gaming, as most sound effects are low or high ones, but it’s audible in music (including game scores). </p><p>It’s also clear that the high-end dynamic driver does its job well. Dialogue is easy to make out, even in frantic battles, including in-game audio and friends’ voice chats during gameplay. It’s also easy to make out nearby footsteps or the twinkle of a distant collectible.</p><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:2565px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.26%;"><img id="6RaokYPBuyhHJxdmiFjj7E" name="FiiO FG3 mic backup" alt="The FiiO FG3's microphone, attached to the headset." src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6RaokYPBuyhHJxdmiFjj7E.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="2565" height="1443" attribution="" endorsement="" class="inline"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Future)</span></figcaption></figure><p>However, I’m not as sold on the bass capabilities of the larger driver. In music it’s scooping and well-defined, but while gaming it lacks the power or ‘oomph’ of some other headsets I’ve tested. This means the chatter of your gunfire sounds a little dulled, nearby explosions lose a visceral edge, and roaring monsters sound like they have a sore throat.</p><p>Perhaps most importantly, the background rumble of a city or busy landscape which so often defines an alive-feeling open world felt a little too ‘rumbly’ for me. Some of FiiO’s equalization modes go some way to fix its issues, but not the whole way; I never found a way to stop the sound feeling a little muddy, and sometimes even made it worse.</p><p>A much-touted selling point of the FG3 is the use of Virtual 7.1, an algorithm which spreads sound to give a feeling of surround sound, without using 8 speakers (which would simply be 7.1 sound). It helps a little in spreading environmental and atmospheric sounds about you, though you’ll never forget that you’re simply getting spread-out headphone sound.</p><p>The removable microphone is… fine for purpose, but won’t deliver especially crystalline audio. Even recording onto my PC’s own voice recorder app, speech is a little crackly. However, I appreciate how dexterous the strut holding the microphone is: you can move it to different angles or heights, and there’s far more versatility than in many other headsets I’ve used.</p><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:3735px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="ZR6fNjHHE9vxjmCgQ2T6bE" name="FiiO FG3 connector" alt="The FiiO FG3's audio connector." src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ZR6fNjHHE9vxjmCgQ2T6bE.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="3735" height="2101" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Future)</span></figcaption></figure><h2 class="article-body__section" id="section-should-i-buy-the-fiio-fg3"><span>Should I buy the FiiO FG3?</span></h2><h2 id="buy-it-if-2">Buy it if...</h2><div class="product"><p><strong>You need something easily portable</strong><br>Between the removable microphone, the foldable build, and the fact that you can use the control app anywhere, this is perfect for going to a friend's LAN party.</p></div><div class="product"><p><strong>You like customizing your sound</strong><br>The online EQ platform offers you loads of presets and plenty of control over your sound. Plus, the DAC control panel lets you jump between them easily.</p></div><h2 id="don-39-t-buy-it-if">Don't buy it if...</h2><div class="product"><p><strong>You need something suited for long gaming stints</strong><br>After a few hours with the FG3, my head and ears were asking for a break. It's not the ideal headset for day-long binges, or even a full workday.</p></div><div class="product"><p><strong>You want the best video game sound</strong><br>If all you care about is the sound of your games, then the FiiO will disappoint you. It's not bad, but its muddy sound profile means you're never getting the best audio possible.</p></div><h2 class="article-body__section" id="section-fiio-fg3-also-consider"><span>FiiO FG3: Also consider</span></h2><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:3063px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="U65vDfXY2bkfEmkrGqn8PE" name="FiiO FG3 with microphone" alt="The FiiO FG3 perched on a candle, with Total War: Pharoah app in the background." src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/U65vDfXY2bkfEmkrGqn8PE.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="3063" height="1723" attribution="" endorsement="" class="inline"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Future)</span></figcaption></figure><p>Here are two more gaming headsets that we've given positive reviews to, if you're not sold on the FiiO FG3.</p><div ><table><tbody><tr><td class="firstcol empty" ></td><td ><p><strong>FiiO FG3</strong></p></td><td ><p><strong>RIG R5 Spear Pro HS</strong></p></td><td ><p><strong>Turtle Beach Atlas 200</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td class="firstcol " ><p>Price</p></td><td ><p>$69.99 / £69.99 (around AU$140)</p></td><td ><p>$69.99 / £69.99 (around AU$140)</p></td><td ><p>$59.99 / £49.99 (around AU$100)</p></td></tr><tr><td class="firstcol " ><p>Weight</p></td><td ><p>0.69lbs / 0.31kg</p></td><td ><p>0.74lbs / 0.34kg</p></td><td ><p>0.62lbs / 0.28kg</p></td></tr><tr><td class="firstcol " ><p>Drivers</p></td><td ><p>50mm dynamic + 16mm dynamic</p></td><td ><p>40mm graphene</p></td><td ><p>50mm Nanoclear</p></td></tr><tr><td class="firstcol " ><p>Compatibility</p></td><td ><p>PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch, PC</p></td><td ><p>PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch, Switch 2, PC</p></td><td ><p>PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch, Switch 2, PC</p></td></tr><tr><td class="firstcol " ><p>Connection type</p></td><td ><p>Wired (USB-C)</p></td><td ><p>Wired (3.5mm)</p></td><td ><p>Wired (3.5mm)</p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="product"><p><strong>RIG R5 Spear Pro HS</strong><br>This same-price rival offers great sound and a more comfortable fit. However, there's no way of customizing your sound, and you can't remove the microphone.</p><p><strong>Read our full </strong><a href="https://www.techradar.com/gaming/rig-r5-spear-pro-hs-review" data-dimension112="ac77c532-9a2e-11f1-8815-bb6e1ddfcf9c" data-action="Deal Block" data-label="Read our full RIG R5 Spear Pro HS review" data-dimension48="Read our full RIG R5 Spear Pro HS review" data-dimension25=""><strong>RIG R5 Spear Pro HS review</strong></a></p></div><div class="product"><p><strong>Turtle Beach Atlas 200</strong><br>For even less than the FiiO, this Turtle Beach alternative offers a well-designed mesh headband and great mic quality. But its feature set is weighted towards PC gamers.</p><p><strong>Read our full </strong><a href="https://www.techradar.com/gaming/gaming-accessories/turtle-beach-atlas-200-review" data-dimension112="ac77c58c-9a2e-11f1-b49d-554935b3468c" data-action="Deal Block" data-label="Read our full Turtle Beach Atlas 200 review" data-dimension48="Read our full Turtle Beach Atlas 200 review" data-dimension25=""><strong>Turtle Beach Atlas 200 review</strong></a></p></div><h2 class="article-body__section" id="section-how-i-tested-the-fiio-fg3"><span>How I tested the FiiO FG3</span></h2><ul><li><strong>Used for three weeks</strong></li><li><strong>Tested for gaming and other tasks </strong></li><li><strong>Mainly connected to gaming PC</strong></li></ul><p>I tested the FiiO FG3 for roughly three weeks in order to write the review. Through this time, I used the headset while connected to my gaming PC; I tried to plug it into my Android phone, but the connection was stuttery.</p><p>The majority of the testing was done gaming; predominantly <em>Nioh 3</em> and <em>Total War: Pharaoh</em>, but with time also spent on Old School <em>Runescape</em>, <em>Isonzo</em>, <em>Slay The Spire</em>, <em>Crying Suns</em> and the <em>Mortal Shell 2</em> beta. I also used the headset to stream music while at work, and watch YouTube videos and TV shows.</p><p>Since I review audio products for a living, I have plenty of experience testing gaming headsets (and using other headphones for gaming purposes). I've also tested other FiiO products.</p><p><em>First reviewed August 2026</em></p><p><a href="https://www.techradar.com/news/how-we-test">Read more about how we test</a></p> </article> ]]>