When it comes to investing in high-quality sound, it's easy to become overwhelmed by all the options out there – there are a ton! Not only are their different brands and styles, but there's also a sea of tech specifications that you need to navigate your way through. One common specification often overlooked, especially when it comes to headphones and smart speakers are the 40mm driver unit in headphones and smart speakers.
Naturally, you may be asking yourself what exactly a driver is, why the size matters and if it’s found in only more premium devices. Well, the driver delivers the sound that you hear, and the size of the driver will determine the sound quality. And no, a driver isn't a rarity, it's found in all sound-producing devices – including your smartphone!
So, on that note, let’s take a look at what audio drivers are, and how the 40mm driver unit makes a difference when it comes to <>Bluetooth headphones and smart speakers.
When it comes to any sound-producing device, the driver is one of the most important components. It is responsible for converting electrical signals into sound and producing the music that the device projects. Regardless of whether you are using headphones, earbuds, earphones or even speakers, the driver is an important component found in all of them.
The disc-shaped sound drivers are made up of three simple components:
A magnet that produces a magnetic field.
Voice coils move the diaphragm and create sound when an electrical current passes through them.
Diaphragm that vibrates and creates sound waves.
The size of the driver varies depending on the brand and device in question as well as the sound output required. The larger the driver is, the better the bass quality. However, it is important to note that a bigger driver doesn’t always equate to better sound performance. Several different factors need to be considered when it comes to sound quality, which we’ll discuss more of below.
To give you an idea of how driver size is often utilized, earphone’s sound drivers are between 6mm and 15mm in diameter and a headphone’s driver is anything between 20mm and 50mm. This means that the 40mm driver unit headphones in the Cleer Audio range are just the right size. The size of the driver will determine how loud the sound of the headphones will be, and the same can be said for the 40mm driver speakers.
Bigger drivers are capable of producing incredible bass, however, not many manufacturers are able to get the treble to balance out along with it. This is why some sound brands brag about bigger drivers, but unfortunately lack the capacity to produce the high-quality sound often associated with it. This is where Cleer Audio is different. We have developed a 40mm ironless driver that delivers bold bass and high-quality sound, offering a fully immersive sound experience.
Different genres benefit from different audio responses. For instance, bass-heavy genres like EDM or hip-hop sound better with larger drivers such as 40mm and above. On the other hand, classical and jazz may require a more balanced frequency response, something Cleer's ironless 40mm drivers are tuned to deliver. So, if your playlist is eclectic, a 40mm driver offers a versatile solution.
Comparing 40mm Drivers with Other Common Driver SizesWhile smaller drivers (e.g., 6–15mm) are typically used in earbuds and offer portability, they may lack bass depth. Conversely, larger 50mm drivers often offer deeper bass but at the cost of bulk and battery life. A 40mm driver hits the sweet spot — compact enough for comfort and portable design, yet powerful enough for immersive sound.
Not all 40mm drivers are equal. Cleer Audio’s ironless design, enhanced with 20 rare-earth magnets, ensures minimal distortion and superior control. Driver performance is heavily influenced by the diaphragm material, magnet strength, and the coil construction — all areas where Cleer’s in-house innovation leads.
Cleer Audio stands apart by engineering a 40mm ironless driver that delivers both bold bass and crisp high frequencies, resulting in a fully immersive audio experience.
We are passionate about delivering premium sound using the latest innovations. Every component in our product lineup is carefully chosen or custom-developed to meet this goal. When off-the-shelf solutions weren’t enough, we created our own — and patented — Ironless Driver technology.
Unlike traditional drivers with soft iron cores and single magnets, our 40mm driver uses 20 rare-earth magnets strategically layered and positioned within the unit. This design provides exceptional voice coil control and precise translation of electrical signals into clear, distortion-free sound.
Our Enduro ANC noise cancelling headphones showcase this technology, delivering bold, high-resolution sound alongside advanced active noise cancellation and ambient awareness features. These headphones give you the freedom to choose when to block out the world or stay aware of your surroundings — all while enjoying next-level audio clarity.
If you prefer sharing your audio with others, smart speakers might be your choice. Our Crescent smart audio speaker features eight 40mm audio drivers combined with two 84mm woofers, delivering rich, room-filling sound.
It also includes three intelligent sound modes designed to tailor the audio experience for different settings—whether music, movies, or voice assistant commands.
A 40mm driver is often the perfect size for headphones and smart speakers to deliver dynamic, detailed sound without sacrificing comfort or portability. It balances bass power with crisp mids and highs, making it versatile for all music genres and audio uses.
When upgrading your audio gear, look for devices featuring a 40mm driver unit to ensure you get the ideal combination of volume, clarity, and immersive listening.
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