Fiio FG3: The Hi-Fi Brand’s First Gaming Headset with 7.1 Surround Sound and a Hi-Res DAC

Philipp Briel
Philipp Briel · 6 min. read

Fiio is making the leap from hi-fi specialist to gaming accessories: The Fiio FG3 is the brand’s first gaming headset and combines virtual 7.1 surround sound with a coaxial dual driver and a Hi-Res-certified DAC that supports up to 192 kHz and 24-bit resolution. In Germany, the MSRP is 70 euros—but the headset isn’t available here yet.

Key Points at a Glance

  • Fiio’s first gaming headset, bringing the brand’s hi-fi experience to gaming.
  • Coaxial dual-driver design: 50-mm driver for bass/midrange, 16-mm driver for treble, frequency response 10 Hz to 40 kHz.
  • Hi-Res-certified DAC with up to 192 kHz/24-bit resolution and virtual 7.1 surround sound (active only in Cinema and Action modes).
  • Detachable ENC microphone, 10-band EQ, and browser-based control via FIIO Control WEB without the need to install drivers.
  • MSRP 69.90 euros; currently out of stock in the German FiiO store, but already available for order in the U.S. and other markets.

Fiio FG3: From Headphone Specialist to Gaming

Fiio is a household name in the hi-fi scene—known for digital audio players, DACs, and headphones. With the FG3, the company is entering the gaming segment for the first time, bringing its tuning expertise with it. The promise: no booming, gimmicky sound, but precise positional audio that actually gives you an advantage in-game. Whether that holds up remains to be seen in a test—but the technical specs are certainly on point.

Coaxial Dual Drivers for Precise Localization

Each ear cup houses two dynamic drivers arranged coaxially one above the other. A 50-mm driver with a composite diaphragm handles the low and mid frequencies and is designed to deliver powerful dynamics and clearly intelligible team communication. A 16-mm driver with a titanium-coated diaphragm handles the highs—that is, footsteps, reloading sounds, and subtle directional cues. Because both drivers radiate sound from a single source, Fiio promises more consistent phase alignment and, as a result, more precise spatial localization. The frequency response ranges from 10 Hz to 40 kHz.

Hi-Res DAC and Virtual 7.1 Sound

At its heart is an integrated, Hi-Res Audio-certified DAC that processes signals at up to 192 kHz and 24 bits. A dedicated headphone amplifier delivers up to 80 mW of output power, while a dual-core DSP chip handles the processing to ensure low latency. The virtual 7.1 surround sound creates a three-dimensional soundstage from the stereo signal.

Fiio FG3
Image: Fiio

Important to note: According to Fiio, 7.1 mode is only active in Cinema and Action (ACT) modes. Ironically, the competitive presets for FPS, MOBA, and rhythm games (MUG) operate without virtual surround processing—in these modes, Fiio deliberately prioritizes the most accurate spatial localization possible over artificial spatial effects. So if you primarily play shooters, you won’t actually be using the heavily advertised 7.1 mode on a regular basis. A 10-band EQ is also available for fine-tuning.

ENC Microphone and Browser Control

The included microphone is detachable and uses an ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation) algorithm to filter out ambient noise, such as keystrokes, so your voice comes through more clearly to your teammates. Hardware-based sidetone monitoring lets you hear your own voice in real time. Convenient: Instead of separate software, the entire configuration runs via FIIO Control WEB directly in your browser—including EQ profiles, mode switching, and microphone settings. This saves you from having to install drivers and means it works even on a computer at an internet café or on other people’s computers.

Connection and Compatibility

The FG3 connects via USB-C; a USB-A adapter is included. Thanks to support for the UAC 1.0 and 2.0 protocols, the headset works not only on Windows PCs (7 through 11), laptops, and smartphones, but also on popular consoles such as PS4, PS5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. A wired remote control adjusts volume, mutes the microphone, and switches between audio modes. The foldable frame, replaceable memory foam ear cushions, and a stainless steel headband round out the package.

Fiio FG3 Technical Specifications at a Glance

Feature Fiio FG3
Type Closed-back over-ear gaming headset
Drivers 50 mm (composite diaphragm) + 16 mm (titanium-coated), coaxial
Frequency Response 10 Hz – 40 kHz
Impedance 32 Ω
Sensitivity 100 dB/mW (1 kHz) / 115 dB/V (1 kHz)
Output power up to 80 mW
DAC / Resolution up to 24-bit / 192 kHz, Hi-Res Audio certified
Surround Virtual 7.1 sound (Cinema and Action modes only)
Sound Modes FPS, MOBA, Action (ACT), Rhythm (MUG), Cinema, Music
Microphone detachable, ENC, hardware sidetone
Customization FIIO Control WEB, 10-band EQ
Connection USB-C (USB-A adapter included)
Compatibility Windows 7/8/10/11, smartphones, laptops, PS4, PS5, Xbox, Switch
Weight Approx. 315 g (including microphone)
Contact pressure 3.8 N ± 0.3 N
Cable length approx. 1.5 m / 0.7 m
Color Black
MSRP 69.90 euros

Price and Availability

The MSRP of the Fiio FG3 in Germany is 69.90 euros. The headset is listed in the official German Fiio store but is currently out of stock. It’s still unclear when that will change—in the U.S. and other markets, the FG3 is already available for order. As soon as it’s regularly available, it should also appear at the usual retailers. It’s worth checking Amazon, for example.

FAQ on the Fiio FG3

How much does the Fiio FG3 cost?

The manufacturer’s suggested retail price in Germany is 69.90 euros.

Does the Fiio FG3 support true 7.1 surround sound?

No, it uses virtual 7.1 sound calculated from the stereo signal. It’s also only active in Cinema and Action modes, not in the FPS, MOBA, and Rhythm presets.

What devices is the FG3 compatible with?

It works with Windows PCs, laptops, and smartphones via USB-C or the included USB-A adapter, as well as with PS4, PS5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch (UAC 1.0/2.0).

Does the Fiio FG3 require software?

No. The headset is driver-free and is set up directly in the browser via FIIO Control WEB—including a 10-band EQ and mode selection.

Conclusion: An Exciting Entry-Level Option with a Minor Drawback

On paper, Fiio gets a lot right with the FG3: A Hi-Res DAC, a coaxial dual-driver design, and the straightforward browser-based controls set the headset apart from its 70-euro competitors, which mostly rely on simple jack-based solutions. The fact that the competitive gaming modes, of all things, lack the advertised 7.1 surround sound is somewhat unfortunate from a marketing perspective—but understandable from a sound quality standpoint, since accurate sound localization in shooters often matters more than artificial spatial effects. Whether FiiO’s hi-fi standards ultimately hold up in gaming will be determined by hands-on testing. In any case, the price and features make this debut model an interesting contender. If you’re already shopping around, our roundup of the best gaming headsets will help you out, and if you’re still unsure, our guide “How to Find the Perfect Gaming Headset” covers the most important buying criteria.

Source(s)

Fiio (product page), Fiio Shop Germany