What Are 40 mm Drivers in Headphones?

If you’ve ever browsed headphone specs and paused at “40 mm drivers,” you’re not alone. On paper, it might sound like just another technical stat — but if you care about how your music, games, or movies sound, it’s worth understanding what that means.

At Mamija Gaming, we’ve tested dozens of headsets across all budgets, and 40 mm drivers are often the default in both gaming and general-purpose audio gear. But what exactly do they do — and are they good enough?

Let’s break it down in plain terms.

What Does "40 mm Driver" Actually Mean?

In headphones, the driver is the core component that produces sound. Think of it as the mini speaker inside your earcup. The “40 mm” part simply refers to its diameter — 40 millimeters across.

The size of the driver helps determine how much air it can move, and that in turn influences the sound — especially the bass. Larger drivers can produce deeper low-end frequencies, but they don’t automatically sound better. A 40 mm driver, if properly tuned, can outperform a poorly designed 50 mm one every time.

What matters most is the design, materials, tuning, and the housing it sits in.

Why Do So Many Headphones Use 40 mm Drivers?

It’s simple: 40 mm is a versatile sweet spot.

It’s small enough to keep headphones lightweight and comfortable, but large enough to deliver detailed, full-spectrum sound. That makes it a go-to size for everything from wireless earbuds to full-size over-ear gaming headsets.

You’ll find 40 mm drivers in some of the most popular models across the board:

• Sony WH series
• SoundPEATS Air5 Pro
• JBL Live 660NC
• HyperX Cloud Stinger

It’s also one of the most common sizes for budget and mid-range gaming headphones, where performance and comfort need to strike a careful balance.

How Do 40 mm Drivers Sound?

Sound signature varies by brand, but in general, well-made 40 mm drivers provide:

• Tight, punchy bass – Not overly boomy, but still present.
• Clear mids – Vocals, dialogue, and instruments are clean and natural.
• Controlled highs – Not too sharp, not muffled.

This makes them a great fit for:

• Gaming – Footsteps and positional audio cues come through without distortion.
• Music – Balanced playback for most genres.
• Movies – Clear speech and immersive environmental effects.

That said, you won’t get earth-shaking sub-bass unless the drivers are specifically tuned for it — or unless you step up to 45–50 mm territory.

Gaming with 40 mm Drivers — Are They Enough?

This is a big question in our community.

If you’re into story-rich games, immersive open worlds, or competitive FPS titles, a quality 40 mm headset is often the perfect middle ground. You get good clarity, directional precision, and balanced tonal response — especially when paired with virtual surround features like Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos, or proprietary spatial audio software.

In our testing on titles like Valorant, Apex Legends, and The Witcher 3, 40 mm drivers consistently delivered the sound detail we needed — from subtle rustling to explosive action. Unless you’re chasing audiophile bass depth or ultra-wide soundstages, they more than hold their own.

40 mm vs 50 mm Drivers: The Real Deal

There’s a myth in the audio world: “bigger is always better.” But the reality is far more nuanced.

A 50 mm driver can offer more low-end thump, but that often comes at the cost of sharpness or balance. And in closed-back designs, larger drivers can introduce resonance issues or make the headphones feel bulky.

So don’t just chase numbers — chase tuning, build quality, and driver materials.

Materials Matter (More Than You Think)

Not all 40 mm drivers are created equal. The diaphragm — the part that vibrates to create sound — can be made from various materials:

PET (Plastic) – Cheap, common, decent performance.

Mylar – Lightweight and flexible, often found in budget models.

LCP (Liquid Crystal Polymer) – Used in higher-end headphones for better rigidity and detail.

Beryllium/Titanium-coated – High-end, excellent control, better frequency response.

A 40 mm LCP driver can easily outperform a poorly made 50 mm plastic one — and we’ve seen this first-hand with brands like Sony and Sennheiser.

Are 40 mm Drivers Good for Music?

Yes — and not just for casual listening.

Unless you’re chasing reference-grade playback or thunderous bass, 40 mm drivers give you a well-rounded experience for almost every genre:

• Pop & Rock – Balanced tuning and clean vocals.
• Hip-Hop & EDM – Punchy mid-bass with clear kicks.
• Jazz & Acoustic – Good detail and midrange richness.
• Classical – Sufficient staging and string clarity (in open-back models).

Add in good passive isolation or ANC, and they become even more versatile for commutes, work, or travel.

When Are 40 mm Drivers Not Enough?

There are some edge cases where a larger or specialized driver makes more sense:

• You crave sub-bass and cinematic rumble
• You need ultra-wide staging for orchestral or binaural audio
• You’re a mixing engineer or critical listener

But for 95% of users — especially gamers and casual listeners — 40 mm drivers are more than capable when paired with the right tuning.

Final Thoughts: The Underrated Standard

40 mm drivers often don’t get the hype they deserve. They’re everywhere, yes — but that’s because they work well, not because they’re generic.

When engineered properly, they offer fantastic sound balance, efficient power usage, and a comfortable fit for most headphone designs. Whether you're gaming, Zoom-calling, or vibing to a Spotify playlist, 40 mm drivers can absolutely keep up.

And if you’re still unsure whether they’re “good enough,” ask yourself this: Have you ever actually been disappointed by a pair of well-reviewed headphones with 40 mm drivers?

Chances are, the answer is no.