Best gaming earbuds

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If you’re not all about those giant wireless gaming headsets, or you need something more portable for gaming on the move, you should definitely consider getting a pair of gaming earbuds. Especially if you regularly play games on your mobile or on portable consoles like the Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck when you’re out and about. And if you just want to ditch the bulky headphones at home, these earbuds have got your back. Now, not all earbuds are made for gaming, so we’ve handpicked some of the best ones out there just for you.

The best wired earbuds for gaming are the KZ ZSN Pro X

The KZ ZSN Pro X makes for an excellent budget wired earbud option for gaming. Despite its very affordable price of under $30, it delivers superb sound quality with a remarkably accurate and balanced frequency response that allows you to hear game audio details clearly, especially for those explosions and footsteps that require extra bass.

The durable replaceable cable utilizes an older 2-pin design but is easy to swap out. While the buds may not fit smaller ears comfortably for long sessions, those with average to larger ears will appreciate the over-ear cable routing and secure fit ideal for gaming sessions. With its great sound, build quality, and incredible value, the KZ ZSN Pro X stands out as one of the best wired earbuds you can buy on a tight budget for immersive gaming audio.

If you plan to talk to other players during online multiplayer matches, the mic on the KZ ZSN Pro X isn’t the best choice. It hangs far away from your mouth, and others might not always hear you clearly. In this case, you might want to consider other options on this list.

EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid does everything well, not just gaming

The EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid is a set of wireless earbuds that does a lot very well. It’s well built, it has an IPX5 water-resistant rating, and it’s pretty lightweight too.

The earbuds come with a USB-C dongle that uses aptX Low Latency for connecting to Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and 5, and PC. It also supports dongle-free Bluetooth connections using the regular aptX and default SBC Bluetooth codecs, but not AAC. These earbuds even support Bluetooth multipoint.

Anyone who hates the heft of over-ear gaming headsets will enjoy this pair of wireless gaming earbuds, though the microphone doesn’t work when you’re gaming, so there is a trade-off there. The frequency response chart (found below) shows a pleasant sound profile apart from an under-emphasis in the treble frequencies, but in testing it, there aren’t any notable problems with it. The slight b00st in bass makes for a traditional gaming experience, with gunshots and explosions being pleasantly loud without masking higher-pitched sounds like footsteps.

Get the Razer Hammerhead Hyperspeed if you want noise canceling

With noise canceling and IPX4 water resistance, the Razer Hammerhead Hyperspeed is a great option for on-the-go mobile gamers looking for low-latency wireless gaming earbuds. This new model brings new compatibility options with a USB-C dongle and

It uses Bluetooth 5.2 and supports the SBC and AAC codecs. It also has a low-latency mode for gaming and streaming that reduces latency to 60ms. Even without aptX support, the low-latency mode works pretty well, but if you really want no latency, you can use the included USB-C dongle for gaming. The inclusion of the dongle also makes gaming with these earbuds on PC, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch viable, which is great to see.

Sound quality is also great, with Razer partnering with THX on these buds. The frequency response chart (end of the gallery above) for the earbuds closely follows our consumer curve, though there’s some under-emphasis in the treble range. However, this doesn’t cause any significant issues, and you can EQ the sound in the mobile app. It also comes with a variety of ear tips, with six different silicone tips and a memory foam tip option as well to ensure good isolation.

If you are willing to spend a little extra, the Razer Hammerhead Pro Hyperspeed ($199 at Amazon) is a more premium version of these earbuds that packs a few additional features, such as ANC and low latency.

The best wireless earbuds for gaming are the Logitech G Fits

One of the unique features of the Logitech G Fits earbuds is the LIGHTFORM technology. These earbuds use a light-activated gel-hardening process to mold the ear tips to your specific ear shape. This ensures a comfortable fit that provides excellent acoustic isolation, an important factor when it comes to the quality of sound reproduction.

When it comes to compatibility, the Logitech G Fits earbuds stand out as they are designed to provide lag-free wireless audio for gaming. They come equipped with a USB dongle and support Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring broad compatibility with various devices, including PCs, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch.

The audio performance of the Logitech G Fits is worth mentioning. The earbuds offer a pleasant music-listening experience with a satisfying bass response. The frequency response does not overly emphasize the bass, which can be a common issue in gaming audio products. Moreover, they handle typical stereo mixes well during gaming sessions, ensuring a comprehensive and immersive audio experience.

The Edifier TWS1 Pro are a great bang for the buck

The Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 is packed full of features yet still comes in under $50. Aside from active noise canceling (ANC), they also sport a low-latency mode for gaming, so there’s little discrepancy between seeing and hearing someone’s lips move on screen. These are a great value buy if you need to block out noise from others to focus on the game.

The earbuds also sound pretty good out of the box, with only a slight boost to bass. The companion app offers three other equalizer presets: pop, classical, and rock. The app also allows you to track lost earbuds and customize the onboard touch controls.

The Logitech G333 is a great value pick for gamers

For $50, the Logitech G333 is a great choice for gamers who want a great bang for their buck. It has a 3.5mm connection and a USB-C adapter, so mobile and console gamers alike can enjoy these buds.

The Logitech G333 features an in-line microphone and media controls, making for a convenient experience whether you’re gaming, listening to music, or taking a call. It also has dual drivers like the Razer Hammerhead Duo, making for improved sound quality.

With three silicone ear tip options and an aluminum build, the Logitech G333 is a comfortable and durable option that doesn’t break the bank.

What about the HyperX Cloud Earbuds II?

While the HyperX Cloud Earbuds II are reasonably priced, there are better wired earbud options available for gaming, especially for mobile gaming on-the-go which is their intended use case. The poor noise isolation means ambient noise will easily overpower game audio when using them in noisier environments like on a bus or train. The sound quality itself is also subpar, with a lack of bass impact and high-end clarity that takes away from an immersive gaming experience across genres. The microphone quality is decent for voice chat but not exceptional.

Ultimately, unless you specifically value the unique eartip shape for long-term comfort, the HyperX Cloud Earbuds II fall short as a dedicated gaming audio solution. Most users would be better served by other wired earbuds that offer better noise isolation, sound quality, and an overall more compelling experience at this affordable price point.

Should you get the ASUS ROG Certa II?

The Asus ROG Certa II has a heftier price tag than the other options on this list, but is it worth the extra money? The earbuds feature active noise canceling and RGB lighting, as well as liquid silicone rubber drivers.

If you’re looking for something with more of a gamer aesthetic than other options, the ASUS ROG Certa II certainly offers that. It also connects via USB-C, making it a good option for mobile or Nintendo Switch gamers. It also boasts a microphone with noise suppression. Most mobile gamers won’t see the point of spending this much on wired earbuds, but it could be worth it if you value ANC, customizable RGB lighting, and a solid mic system.

Is the 1MORE Quad Driver In-Ear worth it?

If you want durable in-ears with good sound for gaming, the 1MORE Quad Driver In-ear could be a good choice. The cable is wrapped in kevlar, making it super durable, and the 3.5mm jack is L-shaped, which, while inconvenient in your pocket, is more durable than a straight cable. The sound quality is amazing, perfect for anyone who wants to hear everything going on in their game. The price is a bit steep at $114, so there are likely better options for you out there. But if durability and sound quality are top of mind, it’s worth considering.

Notable mentions

• 1MORE Triple Driver ($68 at Amazon): For less than $100, the durable cable and solid audio quality make these earbuds a must-have for anyone who wants a plug-and-play solution.
• JBL Quantum 50 ($34 at Amazon): These have since been discontinued, but if you can still find them in-store or online, they are very cheap and very good wired earbuds for listening to music and gaming. If you have something with a headphone jack and the urge to use it, this won’t let you down, though the cord is a little short for PC gaming.
• ROCCAT Syn Buds Core ($34 at Amazon): This pair of earbuds is super affordable and has in-line controls and a microphone. It’s a very basic and easy-to-use option, though it’s worth noting that they sound very bass-heavy.
• PlayStation Pulse Explore ($199 at Amazon): If you are looking for the best earbuds to use while gaming on the PS5 or PlayStation Portal, these are it. But for any other use cases, they fall short of the competition.
• Turtle Beach Battle Buds ($39.99 on Amazon): The Battle Buds is another cheap option for on-the-go gaming, though it sets itself apart from other earbuds as it comes with a detachable microphone. Does it look silly? A little. Is it useful to have a boom mic rather than an in-line mic? Also yes. However, you can use the in-line mic if you are too embarrassed to use the boom mic in public.
• SteelSeries Tusq ($54.99 on Amazon): The SteelSeries Tusq earbuds feature a boom mic and an in-line mic, so talking to others while you’re gaming will be a breeze. They connect to a 3.5mm headphone jack, so they will work on most consoles and phones that still have a headphone jack. Among SteelSeries’ line of headsets, this is its only pair of earbuds.
• Sony INZONE Buds ($198 at Amazon): The Sony INZONE Buds are a good option for PS5 and PC gamers only as they don’t support Bluetooth.
• Turtle Beach Scout Air ( $42 at Amazon): This is a set of true wireless earbuds that uses Bluetooth 5.1 and works with mobile devices like your phone and Nintendo Switch. It may not look as premium as the Hammerhead Pro from Razer, but they work just as well.
• Razer Hammerhead Pro Hyperspeed ($199 at Amazon): These wired earbuds are great for gamers who don’t want to deal with Bluetooth latency or unreliability and want the benefits of active noise cancelation (ANC).
• HyperX Cloud Mix Buds ( $99 at Amazon): Using a USB-C dongle or Bluetooth, you can game with these earbuds on mobile or console. It has a five-band equalizer in the NGENUITY app for sound customization, and it has an IPX4 rating, so you don’t have to shed a tear if you get them a bit wet. There are caveats to these buds, like the hyper-sensitive in-ear detection, the bulky USB-C dongle, and the fact that the NGENUITY app doesn’t retain all of your settings.

What you should know about gaming earbuds

Are wired or wireless gaming earbuds better?

Latency can definitely be a concern when gaming, so it’s important to consider your options and preferences when buying earbuds for gaming. Wired earbuds will consistently have the lowest latency because they’re wired, and you can run into issues when looking for wireless options.

Wireless earbuds with receivers can have lower latency, but Bluetooth can be a mixed bag. AptX Low Latency is a good option, while SBC and AAC run the risk of lagging. Some earbuds will come with a gaming mode with lower latency, which helps reduce latency. If you’re looking to avoid latency as much as possible, wired is the way to go. Remember, lower latency codecs require a device that supports it—it doesn’t matter how many great codecs your earbuds support; the Nintendo Switch still only uses SBC, after all.

What are isolation and active noise canceling?

Isolation is a really important factor when it comes to earbuds. It is the physical barrier that your earbuds make with your ears to ensure environmental sounds stay out of your ears and that your earbuds don’t leak sound. Achieving a good fit is crucial for isolation. Isolation works best against higher-pitched sounds like dishes clanging or fingers snapping.

Active noise cancellation uses microphones to pick up sound from outside of your earbuds and cancel it out with the opposite sound waves, or anti-noise. Since there’s a delay in picking up sounds and identifying them, it works best with droning noises since it can predict what to cancel out. With good isolation and noise canceling working in tandem, you can keep most outside sounds out of your ears.

How should gaming earbuds sound?

If you’ve read any of our reviews, you’ve probably seen our frequency response charts. These charts show how closely headphones (cyan line) will reproduce audio compared to our house curve (pink line). Our house curve represents what consumers tend to prefer in headphones. While some people will prefer a flat curve, most people will prefer more bass and treble. If you want to learn more, you can read more about the SoundGuys house curve.

The best frequency response will be one that doesn’t boost certain frequencies so much that it’s hard to hear others. If you have too much bass and too little treble, you’re not going to enjoy what you hear as much, and when you’re gaming, you might miss out on some important environmental cues.

How we choose the best gaming earbuds

At SoundGuys, we perform objective tests to measure things like frequency response, isolation, microphone quality, and more. To do so, we use a Bruel & Kjaer 5128 head and torso simulator (HATS) with an anatomically realistic ear canal and outer ear. We also use a standardized setup to test the microphone quality of products with pre-recorded phrases from a calibrated artificial mouth in our test chamber. This allows us to present standardized microphone samples to you so you can judge the quality of various products and compare them across the board. After we collect all of this data, we then score each product through various objective and subjective measures.

Our team then confers with one another regarding the best products for a given category before presenting our list to you. It’s not over after we hit “publish,” though. Instead, we treat every article as a living document that we update as new and worthy products come out.

Why you should trust SoundGuys

Each writer at SoundGuys has accumulated years of experience reporting on the consumer audio market, and our staff adheres to a strict ethics policy. We don’t use ads or sponsored content on the website at a time when doing so is the norm. SoundGuys’ survival depends solely on readers enjoying their purchases. We pride ourselves on transparently outlining objective facts while accounting for the subjective experience to contextualize an audio product’s performance. When we do misspeak, we correct and own up to it.

Frequently asked questions about gaming earbuds