Buying Guide
The Best Headsets for Small Heads
We weighed five headsets on driver size and weight; the BlackShark V2 X has the largest driver size, and the WIRWTRU costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Smaller heads do best with light headsets that don't slide when you look down. Every pick weighs 280g or less, ordered from the lightest.
We ranked these headsets on driver size, weight and connection using manufacturer specifications; we did not test these headsets ourselves, and where a maker leaves a figure out, we say so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lightest Build
Logitech G435 Lightspeed Wireless
The lightest weight here (165g).
Best for: Players who notice a heavy headset after an hour.
Our take Check price for Logitech G435 Lightspeed Wireless (opens in a new tab)
Detachable Boom Microphone
Redragon H888 Wireless Gaming Headset
A detachable boom microphone.
Best for: Buyers who want a detachable boom microphone.
Our take Check price for Redragon H888 Wireless Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
WIRWTRU Wired Gaming Headset
A lower price than the Redragon H888 and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Our take Check price for WIRWTRU Wired Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Sony INZONE H6 Air Open-Back
The top of this price range, adding drivers adapted from studio monitor headphones.
Best for: Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Our take Check price for Sony INZONE H6 Air Open-Back (opens in a new tab)
Largest Drivers
Razer BlackShark V2 X
The largest driver size here (50mm).
Best for: Players who favour a fuller low end.
Our take Check price for Razer BlackShark V2 X (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lightest Build1 of 5
Logitech G435 Lightspeed Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Logitech's G435 weighs 165g and hides beamforming mics in the earcups instead of using a boom.
Best for
- Players who notice a heavy headset after an hour.
Skip if
- Pass on it if shorter 18-hour batter rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
The maker notes it does not support Xbox. It matches the Redragon H888, the WIRWTRU and the INZONE H6 Air on driver size (40mm). Nothing else here matches its 165g weight; the Redragon H888 comes closest at 168g.
You get a dual beamforming (built-in) microphone here, which sets it apart from the BlackShark V2 X and its a HyperClear cardioid microphone. On a PC, use the Lightspeed dongle for games and keep Bluetooth for a phone, since Bluetooth adds latency. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper BlackShark V2 X and the pricier INZONE H6 Air, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Battery life: 18 hours
- Driver size: 40mm
- Weight: 165g
- Connection: Lightspeed 2.4GHz, Bluetooth
- Microphone: Dual beamforming (built-in)
Pros
- Light 165g build
- Dual wireless: dongle plus Bluetooth
- 165g frame
- Built-in beamforming mics instead of a boom
Cons
- Shorter 18-hour battery
- Costs more than the WIRWTRU at the time of writing
Detachable Boom Microphone2 of 5
Redragon H888 Wireless Gaming Headset on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Redragon's H888 weighs 168g and offers 2.4GHz, Bluetooth and wired modes.
Best for
- Buyers who want a detachable boom microphone.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the WIRWTRU, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Its mic detaches when you only need headphones. It matches the G435, the WIRWTRU and the INZONE H6 Air on driver size (40mm). Its 168g weight ranks second of 5 here, behind the G435 (165g) and ahead of the BlackShark V2 X (240g).
A detachable boom microphone is unique to it among these picks, while the WIRWTRU uses a boom mic microphone. It also offers three connection modes and a detachable microphone. On a PC, use the 2.4GHz dongle for games and keep Bluetooth for a phone, since Bluetooth adds latency.
A 3.5mm plug means it works with a controller or front-panel jack; on PC, a separate mic and headphone jack may need a splitter. Its price falls between the WIRWTRU and the BlackShark V2 X, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Driver size: 40mm
- Weight: 168g
- Connection: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired 3.5mm
- Microphone: Detachable boom
Pros
- Light 168g build
- Dual wireless: dongle plus Bluetooth
- Three connection modes
- 168g frame
Cons
- Costs more than the WIRWTRU at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here3 of 5
WIRWTRU Wired Gaming Headset on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
WIRWTRU's headset weighs 198g and lists ear pads designed for glasses wearers.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: driver size of 40mm, behind the BlackShark V2 X (50mm).
Why we like it
A 3.5mm plug covers PC and consoles. On driver size it ties with the G435, the Redragon H888 and the INZONE H6 Air at 40mm. On weight it sits mid-pack at 198g: the G435 weighs 165g, and the BlackShark V2 X comes in at 240g.
It shares a wired 3.5mm connection with the BlackShark V2 X; the INZONE H6 Air goes with a wired connection. No other pick in this guide offers a boom mic microphone; compare the INZONE H6 Air, which has an included microphone. A 3.5mm plug means it works with a controller or front-panel jack; on PC, a separate mic and headphone jack may need a splitter.
It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the Redragon H888 the next step up. What it gives up: driver size of 40mm, behind the BlackShark V2 X (50mm); by contrast, the BlackShark V2 X comes in at 50mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- Driver size: 40mm
- Weight: 198g
- Connection: Wired 3.5mm
- Microphone: Boom mic
Pros
- Light 198g build
- No charging or pairing needed
- 198g frame
- Ear pads described as glasses-friendly
Cons
- Driver size of 40mm, behind the BlackShark V2 X (50mm)
Premium Pick4 of 5
Sony INZONE H6 Air Open-Back on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The INZONE H6 Air is the lightest headset here at 199g and the only open-back gaming headset in the group.
Best for
- Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: open-back leaks sound both ways.
Why we like it
Sony adapted its drivers from studio monitor headphones and adds a custom equalizer for RPG and adventure games. It matches the G435, the Redragon H888 and the WIRWTRU on driver size (40mm). Its 199g weight ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the G435 (165g) and ahead of the BlackShark V2 X (240g).
No other pick in this guide offers a wired connection; compare the WIRWTRU, which has a wired 3.5mm connection. An included microphone is unique to it among these picks, while the Redragon H888 uses a detachable boom microphone. Because it is open-back, other people in the room will hear it, and it will not block outside noise.
It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the G435. If driver size is your priority, the BlackShark V2 X (50mm) is the stronger choice.
Key dimensions & specs
- Driver size: 40mm
- Weight: 199g
- Connection: Wired
- Design: Open-back
- Microphone: Included
Pros
- Light 199g build
- No charging or pairing needed
- Open-back for a wider soundstage
- Drivers adapted from studio monitor headphones
Cons
- Open-back leaks sound both ways
- Driver size trails the BlackShark V2 X (50mm)
- Costs more than the WIRWTRU at the time of writing
Largest Drivers5 of 5
Razer BlackShark V2 X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The BlackShark V2 X gets the essentials right at a low price: 50mm TriForce Titanium drivers, a HyperClear cardioid mic and passive noise cancellation.
Best for
- Players who favour a fuller low end.
Skip if
- Skip it if weight matters most to you; the G435 offers 165g.
Why we like it
At 240g it is one of the lighter closed-back headsets here. Nothing else here matches its 50mm driver size; the G435 comes closest at 40mm. Its 240g weight is the heaviest in this group; the G435 leads at 165g.
Like the WIRWTRU, it has a wired 3.5mm connection, while the INZONE H6 Air uses a wired connection. You get a HyperClear cardioid microphone here, which sets it apart from the INZONE H6 Air and its an included microphone. You also get breathable foam ear cushions.
A 3.5mm plug means it works with a controller or front-panel jack; on PC, a separate mic and headphone jack may need a splitter. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper Redragon H888 and the pricier G435, at the time of writing. The trade-off is weight; for more, the G435 weighs 165g.
Key dimensions & specs
- Driver size: 50mm
- Weight: 240g
- Connection: Wired 3.5mm
- Microphone: HyperClear cardioid
Pros
- 50mm drivers
- Light 240g build
- No charging or pairing needed
- Passive noise cancellation
Cons
- Weight trails the G435 (165g)
- Costs more than the WIRWTRU at the time of writing
How We Chose These Headsets for Small Heads
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- How these picks were ranked
- We lined up five headsets on driver size, weight, connection and microphone, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the G435 to the BlackShark V2 X, state driver size, weight and connection.
- Who each pick suits
- The G435 for the lightest weight here (165g); the Redragon H888 for a detachable boom microphone; the WIRWTRU for a lower price than the Redragon H888 and the rest when we checked.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the WIRWTRU (under $50) to the INZONE H6 Air ($150 to $250).
What to Look for in a Headset for Small Heads
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much driver size you need
Here driver size runs from 40mm on the INZONE H6 Air to 50mm on the BlackShark V2 X. Start with the BlackShark V2 X if driver size decides it.
Weight
Here weight runs from 240g on the BlackShark V2 X to 165g on the G435. For less, the Redragon H888 is the runner-up at 168g.
Setup checks
On a PC, use the Lightspeed dongle for games and keep Bluetooth for a phone, since Bluetooth adds latency. A 3.5mm plug means it works with a controller or front-panel jack; on PC, a separate mic and headphone jack may need a splitter. Because it is open-back, other people in the room will hear it, and it will not block outside noise.
Extras that separate them
The WIRWTRU: ear pads described as glasses-friendly. The INZONE H6 Air: a custom RPG and adventure equalizer. The BlackShark V2 X: breathable foam ear cushions.
How much to spend
Under $50 buys the WIRWTRU, the Redragon H888 and the BlackShark V2 X; $50 to $100 buys the G435; $150 to $250 buys the INZONE H6 Air at our last check.
Pick the connection first
A 2.4GHz dongle gives the lowest latency for games; Bluetooth is convenient for phones but lags for shooters. Wired headsets have no latency or battery concerns.
If you play on a console as well as a PC, check which connections each platform supports before buying.
How to Choose a Headset for Small Heads
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Players who notice a heavy headset after an hour | G435 | The lightest weight here (165g) |
| Buyers who want a detachable boom microphone | Redragon H888 | A detachable boom microphone |
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build | WIRWTRU | A lower price than the Redragon H888 and the rest when we checked |
| Spending more for the fullest feature set | INZONE H6 Air | The top of this price range, adding drivers adapted from studio monitor headphones |
| Players who favour a fuller low end | BlackShark V2 X | The largest driver size here (50mm) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The BlackShark V2 X leads on driver size at 50mm, ahead of the G435 at 40mm.
| Headset | Driver size | Weight | Connection | Microphone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G435 | 40mm | 165g | Lightspeed 2.4GHz, Bluetooth | Dual beamforming (built-in) |
| Redragon H888 | 40mm | 168g | 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired 3.5mm | Detachable boom |
| WIRWTRU | 40mm | 198g | Wired 3.5mm | Boom mic |
| INZONE H6 Air | 40mm | 199g | Wired | Included |
| BlackShark V2 X | 50mm | 240g | Wired 3.5mm | HyperClear cardioid |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The WIRWTRU was the lowest-priced pick and the INZONE H6 Air the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Headsets |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | WIRWTRU, Redragon H888, BlackShark V2 X |
| About $50 to $100 | G435 |
| About $150 to $250 | INZONE H6 Air |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the G435 compare with the BlackShark V2 X on driver size?
The BlackShark V2 X leads at 50mm, with the G435 at 40mm.
Which has the lightest weight: the G435 or the Redragon H888?
The G435 comes out best at 165g, with the Redragon H888 at 168g. The BlackShark V2 X is at the other end of this group with 240g.
What does the INZONE H6 Air add over the WIRWTRU?
On the figures both makers state, it adds little. It does not win everywhere: the WIRWTRU still leads on weight (198g). The WIRWTRU was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if a feature outside the spec sheet matters to you.
Why is the BlackShark V2 X our Largest Drivers pick?
It earns the label for the largest driver size here (50mm). It suits players who favour a fuller low end.
Do the G435 and the Redragon H888 differ on microphone?
The G435 uses dual beamforming (built-in); the Redragon H888 uses detachable boom; the WIRWTRU uses boom mic; the INZONE H6 Air uses Included; the BlackShark V2 X uses HyperClear cardioid.
Will the BlackShark V2 X work with my setup?
A 3.5mm plug means it works with a controller or front-panel jack; on PC, a separate mic and headphone jack may need a splitter. In this guide it ranks fifth of 5, as our Largest Drivers pick.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the G435. Look at the Redragon H888 for a detachable boom microphone, the WIRWTRU for a lower price than the Redragon H888 and the rest when we checked and the INZONE H6 Air for the top of this price range, adding drivers adapted from studio monitor headphones if those matter more to you.
Set the headband to its smallest notch before judging fit.