If you're serious about gaming on the go, investing in a pair of gaming earbuds can significantly enhance your experience in unexpected ways. Gaming earbuds are ideally suited for portable consoles such as the Steam Deck OLED, Nintendo Switch, and other handheld PCs, providing immersive sound without the bulk of traditional headsets. Whether you're traveling or prefer a lighter option, gaming earbuds keep you focused without the extra weight.
Our Top Pick### RazerHammerhead Pro HyperSpeed
1See it at Amazon### HyperXCloud Mix Buds
0See it at Amazon### Logitech G FITS
0See it at Amazon### Asus ROG Cetra
2See it at AmazonSee it at Target### Logitech G333
2See it at Logitech### Turtle Beach Battle Buds
0See it at Amazon### Soundcore VR P10
1See it at Amazon### JBL Quantum TWS Noise Canceling Gaming Earbuds
1See it at Amazon### Asus ROG Cetra True Wireless SpeedNova
0See it at AmazonSee it at Newegg### SonyInZone Buds
1See it at AmazonFor some gamers, earbuds might even replace their traditional gaming headsets altogether. They're not only perfect for handheld gaming but also seamlessly integrate with your gaming PC, offering crystal-clear audio and effective communication with teammates. Plus, their versatility makes them excellent for listening to music, taking calls, or watching movies on other devices.
Contributions by Georgie Peru, Ural Garrett
Our Top Pick### RazerHammerhead Pro HyperSpeed
1If you've been on the fence about wireless gaming earbuds, the Razer Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed might just sway you. With both Bluetooth and HyperSpeed connectivity via a wireless dongle, these earbuds promise virtually no input lag, making them ideal for PC, console, and mobile gamers. They're THX certified, ensuring you catch every subtle sound in your game, from enemy footsteps to environmental cues, and offer a low-latency connection of 60ms for seamless audio. The earbuds come with six additional sets of silicone tips for a secure and comfortable fit during long gaming sessions. Their sound isolation and active noise cancellation (ANC) are impressive, and the Quick Attention mode lets ambient sound in when needed. While we haven't tested the Pro model, our experience with the standard Razer Hammerhead Hyperspeed earbuds was highly positive.
Product SpecificationsDrivers10mmConnectivityHyperSpeed Wireless Dongle / Bluetooth 5.3Audio codecSBC, AACEarbud battery life4 hoursCase battery life16 hoursIP ratingIPX4PROSLow input lagHybrid active noise cancellationCONSMediocre battery life
### HyperXCloud Mix Buds
0The HyperX Cloud Mix Buds cater to gamers who prioritize battery life, offering up to 10 hours of playtime and the flexibility of both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity. PC gamers can enjoy a more immersive experience with DTS Headphone:X virtual 3D spatial audio. These earbuds come with multiple ear tip options for a personalized fit and are IPX4 rated for added durability. Priced under $100, they deliver solid audio quality and battery life, making them a compelling choice. While we haven't reviewed this specific model, HyperX's reputation for quality headphones lends confidence in these earbuds.
Product SpecificationsDrivers12mmConnectivity2.4GHz / Bluetooth 5.2Audio codecSBC Earbud battery lifeUp to 10 hoursCase battery life23 hoursIP ratingIPX4PROSLow costUp to 10 hour battery lifeCONSSomewhat awkward fit
### Logitech G FITS
0The Logitech G FITS earbuds stand out with their LIGHTFORM technology, which molds to your ears in just 60 seconds for a custom fit. This not only enhances comfort but also improves passive noise cancellation. With LIGHTSPEED Wireless technology, they offer a fast and reliable connection across multiple devices, including PC, Mac, PS5, and Nintendo Switch. These earbuds feature premium sound quality with 10mm drivers and dual beamforming microphones for clear communication. Despite their higher price, the G FITS deliver up to 15 hours of total battery life with the charging case, making them a top choice for serious gamers.
Product SpecificationsDrivers10mmConnectivityLIGHTSPEED Transmitter / Bluetooth 5.2Audio codecAAC / SBCEarbud battery life9 hoursCase battery life10 hoursIP ratingIPX4PROSMolds to ears for better sound isolationGame-focused mode in BluetoothCONSExpensive
### Asus ROG Cetra
2Priced at $99, the Asus ROG Cetra earbuds offer great value with features like low-latency wireless via Armoury Crate, active noise cancellation (ANC), and fast charging. While they don't include a 2.4GHz dongle, their Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity ensures a solid performance. For those seeking a bit more, the Asus ROG Cetra True Wireless SpeedNova, featured later in this guide, provides Bluetooth multipoint and additional enhancements.
Product SpecificationsDrivers10mm ConnectivityBluetooth 5.0Audio codecSBC & AAC AudioEarbud battery life5.5 hours (ANC Off)Case battery life21.5 hours (ANC Off)IP ratingIPX4PROSHybrid active noise cancellationQuick charging featureCONSNo 2.4GHz dongle
### Logitech G333
2The Logitech G333 wired earbuds are a budget-friendly option for gamers who prefer a wired connection. They feature dual dedicated drivers, come in three vibrant color options, and include an integrated microphone with media controls. At just $80, they offer an affordable way to enjoy quality audio and reliable performance.
Product SpecificationsDriversDual dedicated 0.23 in (5.8 mm) + 9.2 mmConnectivityWiredAudio codecN/AEarbud battery lifeN/ACase battery lifeN/AIP ratingN/APROSMedia controlsCome in different colorsCONSOnly wired
### Turtle Beach Battle Buds
0The Turtle Beach Battle Buds offer an affordable wired option with a unique detachable boom mic alongside an in-line microphone. They feature a 10mm neodymium driver for excellent audio quality and come with three earbud tips and three stabilizer wings. The inclusion of a storage bag and the option for ear hooks make these earbuds versatile and convenient. Our review found them to be a solid choice for gaming at a competitive price point.
Product SpecificationsDrivers10mm with Neodymium MagnetsConnectivityWiredAudio codecN/AEarbud battery lifeN/ACase battery lifeN/AIP ratingN/APROSDetachable boom mic and in-line micInterchangeable ear hooks CONSMiddling audio
### Soundcore VR P10
1The Soundcore VR P10 earbuds stand out for their versatility, featuring a USB-C pass-through for Meta Quest users and low-latency, multiplatform connectivity via a USB-C dongle. Their 11mm drivers ensure a great mobile gaming experience, with about 6 hours of battery life and an additional 24 hours from the charging case. While the microphone could be better, these earbuds are a solid choice under $100.
Product SpecificationsDrivers11mmConnectivityLightningSync️ transmitter / BluetoothAudio codecLC3 / SBC, AACEarbud battery life6 hoursCase battery life24 hoursIP ratingIPX4PROSPassthrough USB-C portFlashy RGB lightingCONSMic could be better
### JBL Quantum TWS Noise Canceling Gaming Earbuds
1The mid-range JBL Quantum TWS earbuds offer a range of features including adaptive noise canceling, dual connectivity via a 2.4GHz transmitter and Bluetooth 5.2, and six beamforming microphones. They also support Google Assistant, making them versatile for gaming and everyday use. While the case's battery life could be better, our experience with JBL Quantum headsets suggests these earbuds are a great choice.
Product SpecificationsDrivers10mmConnectivity2.4GHz transmitter / Bluetooth 5.2 Audio codecAAC and SBCEarbud battery life8 hoursCase battery life16 hoursIP ratingIPX4PROSAdaptive noise canceling and ambient awareGoogle assistant capabilitiesCONSPoor case battery life
### Asus ROG Cetra True Wireless SpeedNova
0The Asus ROG Cetra True Wireless SpeedNova earbuds are a comfortable and feature-rich choice for gamers. They offer a low-latency connection via a USB-C dongle and Bluetooth, along with great audio for both gaming and music. These earbuds boast a solid battery life, HD audio support, RGB lighting, and a clear bone-conducting AI microphone. While they lack directional audio for certain games, the customizable EQ via Armoury Crate ensures a personalized sound experience.
Product SpecificationsDrivers10mm Connectivity2.4GHz transmitter / BluetoothAudio codecSBC, AACEarbud battery lifeUp to 11.5 hoursCase battery lifeUp to 46 hoursIP ratingIPX4PROSGreat gaming and music audioExcellent connection qualityCONSNo noise cancellation
### SonyInZone Buds
1Sony's InZone Buds are the perfect lightweight and comfortable option for PS5 gamers, offering a long 12-hour battery life and additional power from the case. These earbuds feature powerful ANC, quality spatial audio, remappable gesture controls, and a low-latency connection via a 2.4GHz dongle. While Bluetooth LE connectivity has limited compatibility, the InZone Buds are a feature-rich choice for gamers looking for a compact and effective audio solution.
Product SpecificationsDrivers8.4mmConnectivity2.4GHz transmitter / Bluetooth LEAudio codecLC3Earbud battery life12 hoursCase battery life12 hoursIP ratingIPX4PROSLightweight and comfortable Feature-rich CONSBluetooth LE has limited compatibility
Price is a key factor when selecting gaming earbuds. Budget options start at around $25, while high-end models can exceed $200. If you use your earbuds daily and on the go, investing in a pricier model can offer better sound and versatility. For occasional use on a handheld gaming PC or smartphone, a budget option might suffice.
Connectivity is crucial. Wired earbuds provide a reliable connection, while wireless options with a 2.4GHz dongle offer lower latency and stability compared to Bluetooth. Ensure the earbuds are compatible with your gaming devices, noting that many options aren't suitable for Xbox. Consider battery life, especially if your gaming sessions are long; a minimum of 4 hours is advisable.
Design matters for comfort and fit. Look for lightweight earbuds with multiple ear tip sizes. A compact case is essential for portability.
Extra features can enhance your experience. Noise-canceling helps minimize distractions, EQ adjustments allow for sound personalization, and a high-quality microphone ensures clear communication. RGB lighting adds a touch of style for gamers.
The primary difference is the superior microphone quality in gaming earbuds, which is crucial for effective communication with teammates in games.
Yes, gaming earbuds are designed to work seamlessly with consoles, often featuring similar connectivity options as gaming headsets. Wireless options typically include a 2.4GHz dongle for low-latency connections on consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, while wired earbuds connect directly to the console or controller.
While many AirPods offer good sound and features like ANC, they're not optimized for gaming. For minimal latency and console connectivity, dedicated gaming earbuds might be a better choice. However, AirPods can connect via Bluetooth to gaming PCs, gaming phones, and the Nintendo Switch, though pairing with PS5 and Xbox Series X/S requires more effort.
Gaming earbuds often see discounts during major sales events like Amazon Prime Day in July and Black Friday in November, making these ideal times to purchase.