Gaming earbuds have plenty of advantages over full-sized headsets. They’re more portable, more versatile – many can connect to your phone for commuting and moseying around – and ditching the headband makes them more comfortable for many people, too.
They’re ideal for handheld consoles like the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch 2 but the best earbuds can also become your go-to audio device for your gaming PC or console, delivering clear sound and crisp communication with your teammates.
Here are seven of the best, broken down into categories so you can pick the one that suits you most.
TL;DR – These Are the Best Gaming Earbuds:
1. The Best Gaming Earbuds
SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds
SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds
9
Game-ready wireless earbuds with ANC, customizable EQ settings, and a 2.4 GHz dongle for a low latency connection to a range of devices.
Connectivity
USB-C 2.4GHz Wireless, Bluetooth 5.3
Earbud battery life
Up to 10 hours
Case battery life
Up to 30 hours
Clear, balanced sound across all frequencies
Impressive 10-hour battery life
Occasional in-ear detection playback issues
It may be hard to break up with your gaming headset, but the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds offer a comparable experience in a much smaller form factor that’s ideal for gaming on the go. We’ve reviewed the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds and found that “few earbuds are able to cover every base as competently.” So, beyond gaming, these subtle little secure and comfortable ear pieces make for an excellent everyday earbud option.
Sound quality is most important, and the Arctis GameBuds don’t disappoint, providing a full and spacious audio experience with clear, balanced sound across all frequencies. ANC is baked in and does an excellent job blocking out lower ambient noise, but be prepared for some higher frequencies to still get through. As for in-game audio, everything from explosions to footsteps comes across boldly. It’s possible to pick up some directional cues, giving away enemy locations, even if it’s not as pronounced as a regular gaming headset. If you’re looking to make any changes to the sound, SteelSeries offers a robust app to tweak any EQ or ANC settings.
Connectivity is a major way the SteelSeries Arctis Gamebuds differentiate themselves from more traditional wireless earbuds. Rather than only relying on Bluetooth, these buds offer a 2.4GHz wireless USB-C dongle for a reliable, low-latency link to gaming devices. While the L-shaped dongle design may occasionally block ports in certain devices, it easily slots into just about anything, from the Switch to a gaming PC. The linked model is made specifically for PlayStation, but the Xbox version of the Arctis GameBuds are just as great.
Given that these earbuds are exclusively wireless, battery life is always a concern. Luckily, a single quick charge can get you up to 10 hours of playback, and an additional 30 hours from the Qi wireless charging case should last most gaming marathons. ANC and mic usage can kill some of that battery life, but it still blows most earbuds out of the water. Really, the only things we could fault the Arctis GameBuds for are occasional in-ear detection playback issues and a few Bluetooth connectivity problems.
2. Gaming Earbuds With the Best Battery Life
Sony Inzone Buds
Sony Inzone Buds
3
Connectivity
2.4GHz / Bluetooth LE
Earbud battery life
Up to 12 hours
Case battery life
24 hours
Smooth, directional sound
Long battery life for extended sessions
Lack of regular Bluetooth limits their versatility
Customization software is PC only
Sony’s Inzone Buds will last 12 hours without needing a recharge in their case, enough to get you through a marathon session, and they’re comfy enough that your ears won’t need a break. They sound good, too, rich and full as I noted in my review, and spatial audio means you always know which direction footsteps are coming from. The 2.4GHz connection to their USB-C dongle won’t net you any noticable delays between your screen and your ears.
On PC, they work with Sony’s detailed Inzone Hub, where you can easily switch EQs, toggle noise canceling, or use “transparency mode,” letting you hear what’s going on in the room around you without needing to take the buds off.
They are not, unfortunately, the most versatile earbuds. The Inzone Hub is PC only, limiting their customization on other consoles. And they don’t have a regular Bluetooth connection, only Bluetooth LE (low energy). A lot of devices don’t support that, so you’ll need to use the dongle to connect them to your Steam Deck, Switch 2, or your phone (some recent Android phones support Bluetooth LE). They also don’t work with Xbox consoles.
But they’re still excellent low-latency gaming buds – and lasting 12 hours is seriously impressive.
3. Best-Sounding Earbuds That Also Work for Gaming
Momentum True Wireless 4 Earbuds
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 Earbuds
1
Connectivity
Bluetooth 5.4 compliant, Bluetooth Classic, Bluetooth LE
Audio codec
SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive/Lossless, LC3
Earbud battery life
Up to 7.5 hours
Case battery life
30 hours
Gorgeous sound
Tons of customization options
Expensive
The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 earbuds are some of the best that money – lots of money – can buy, but they’re not gaming earbuds. So why are they on this list?
Their Bluetooth won’t stand up to a wired gaming headset or to dedicated low-latency gaming earbuds that connect via a USB dongle, but they do have a specific “low latency” audio mode designed for gaming, and it worked better than other non-gaming earbuds we’ve tried.
It’s a little fiddly to set up: You have to connect these buds simultaneously to your phone and to whatever you’re playing on. But once you’ve done that, they’ll work just fine. We tested them in both Fortnite and Arc Raiders on PC and we could feel a delay – but it was very slight. If you play more casual games, say on a handheld console, or if you care about rich sound and immersion more than pure speed, these could be for you.
As everyday earbuds they’re some of the best we’ve ever reviewed, and their customization app is packed with features you won’t find on other earbuds, such as a podcast mode for studio sound, battery protection mode to extend their lifespan, and a fit test to help you decide which of the many ear tips to use.
4. Best Budget Wireless Gaming Earbuds
Asus ROG Cetra
Asus ROG Cetra
4
Connectivity
Bluetooth 5.0
Audio codec
SBC & AAC Audio
Earbud battery life
5.5 hours (ANC Off)
Case battery life
21.5 hours (ANC Off)
Hybrid active noise cancellation
Quick charging feature
No 2.4GHz dongle
The under-$100 ROG Cetra earbuds feature low-latency wireless through Armoury Crate, which is Asus’ specialized app for various personalization features. The Asus earbuds also feature active noise cancellation if you really want to immerse yourself in the game. As an added touch, the Cetra features fast and wireless charging.
If want something with a slightly amped up performance, Bluetooth multipoint, and few other extras, check out the Asus ROG Cetra True Wireless SpeedNova, recommended further down on this guide.
5. Best Budget Wired Gaming Earbuds
Logitech G333
Logitech G333
4
Media controls
Come in different colors
Aggressively fine
Logitech fans who want a wired solution can try out the G333 wired earbuds. Featuring dual dedicated drivers, they’re available in three colors, including purple/yellow, black/blue and white/purple, have an integrated mic, and media controls. All of this comes at a super affordable price point.
An IGN expert reviewed the Logitech G333 wired earbuds, noting they were, “surprisingly impressive gaming earbuds.”
6. Most Comfortable Gaming Earbuds
Asus ROG Cetra True Wireless SpeedNova
Asus ROG Cetra True Wireless SpeedNova
0
Connectivity
2.4GHz transmitter / Bluetooth
Earbud battery life
Up to 11.5 hours
Case battery life
Up to 46 hours
Great gaming and music audio
Excellent connection quality
No directional audio
If you’re after a comfortable, lightweight pair of earbuds that work great for gaming, listening to music, or taking calls, the Asus ROG Cetra True Wireless SpeedNovas are great all-rounders. These earbuds deliver the familiar stem-and-bud shape with a commendable build quality and three different ear tip sizes to find the best fit, and they come with a USB-C dongle for a low-latency connection in addition to Bluetooth.
In our review, we found the SpeedNovas to be robustly featured, so you’ll enjoy a solid battery life, HD audio support, RGB lighting, a bone-condensing AI microphone that comes across clear to teammates, and active noise cancelation with a transparency mode for focus. The EQ straight out of the box is well-balanced and warm, but you can always adjust the settings using the Armoury Crate. However, these earbuds lack the directional audio that is ultra-handy for shooters and other games.
7. Best Open-Ear Gaming Earbuds
ROG Cetra Open Wireless Gaming Earbuds
Asus ROG Cetra Open Wireless Gaming Earbuds
0
Connectivity
USB-C 2.4GHz Wireless, Bluetooth 6
Earbud battery life
Up to 16 hours Bluetooth, 8-10 hours on 2.4Ghz wireless
Case battery life
Three full charges, up to an additional 48 hours total on Bluetooth
Novel design lets in ambient sound
Reliable low-latency connection
Solid sound directionality for competitive play
Better battery life than most gaming buds
Noise canceling virtually non-existent
Chunky, clunky case
Expensive
Companion app is confusing
These are the best open-ear gaming earbuds by virtue of being pretty much the only open-ear gaming earbuds. Their comfortable design sits outside your ear canal, letting in ambient noise from your surroundings far better than any “transparency mode” on more typical earbuds. That’s ideal if, like me, you need to play a game while simultaneously keeping an ear out for a crying baby or a delivery at the front door.
Still, they’re excellent gaming earbuds in their own right, as I found in my review. The 2.4Ghz low-latency connection is fast and reliable, and you can accurately tell the direction of in-game footsteps or gunshots. They’ll last up to 10 hours in that low-latency mode – among the best battery life on this list. And if you crave RGB, they’re one of the few gaming earbuds to offer it, with plenty of customization options.
Their clunky case is too busy to carry every day, which limits their use away from gaming. The companion app can be fiddly and doesn’t explain what some settings actually do, and at $230 they’ll take a big bite out of your bank account. But for some people, having properly good open earbuds for gaming will be worth it.
8. Best Gaming Earbuds for PS5
PlayStation Pulse Explore
PlayStation Pulse Explore
4
Enjoy immersive audio and seamless Link wireless connectivity with these earbuds made for PlayStation.
Connectivity
PlayStation Link, 2.4GHz transmitter, Bluetooth 5.3
Earbud battery life
Up to 5 hours
Case battery life
Up to 10 hours
Supports PlayStation Link and Bluetooth Multipoint
Great detail reproduction in games
Lacks ANC
The best PS5 headsets can get a bit clunky, especially if you’re playing remotely from a different location on your PlayStation Portal. The PlayStation Pulse Explore earbuds are an excellent solution. What makes them particularly great for PlayStation users is the support of Link, Sony’s proprietary wireless protocol for lossless audio. The Portal has this technology built in, but a Link USB adapter is required with the PS5. Bluetooth Multipoint is also available for a simultaneous connection to a range of other devices. These earbuds can connect to Link and Bluetooth at the same time, making it possible to chat on PlayStation Party and take a phone call without losing an audio connection.
Sony’s main focus for these earbuds is sound quality. In our review of the PlayStation Pulse Explore, we found that the planar magnetic drivers deliver some nice detail reproduction and deep bass, making games like Destiny 2 and Apex Legends come alive. With 3D audio turned on, these buds can solidly pinpoint directionality. The microphone is serviceable and isolates voices well, while an “AI-enhanced noise rejection” keeps unwanted noise at bay for a clear line of communication with teammates.
Since Sony went all-in on sound, the Pulse Explore buds sacrifice a few other features. Most notably, there’s no ANC – a big disappointment given the higher price tag. Plus, if you’re not a fan of the out-of-the-box sound, EQ adjustments are oddly left out.
9. Best Gaming Earbuds for Travel
HyperX Cloud Mix Buds 2
HyperX Cloud Mix Buds 2
2
Connectivity
2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth 5.3
Earbud battery life
Up to 7 hours
Case battery life
An extra 19 hours
The HyperX Mix Buds 2 did have a few drawbacks in my review: They sound unspectacular, their Ngenuity customization app is limited, and I noticed a few connection drops during testing. They are, however, incredibly light and portable, and paired instantly with any device I wanted, making them ideal travel gaming earbuds.
Each bud weighs just 4.2g – comfortably lighter than the other buds on this list. The compact, sturdy case can slip into your pocket and the slim low-latency dongle won’t protrude when it’s plugged into a handheld console.
Battery life is not the best, tapping out at 7 hours before they need to snuggle in the charging case, but that’s enough for a long car journey or an international flight. And active noise cancellation, which the original Mix Buds lack, will help you block out background noise and stay in your own world.
How to Choose the Best Gaming Earbuds
Price is one of the biggest factors when choosing gaming earbuds. You’ll find solid budget gaming earbuds for as low as $25 or high-end ones for upwards of $200. If these earbuds get daily usage at home and on the go, you might want to spend more for the feature set and sound quality that pricier earbuds can bring. But if you’ll only occasionally pick up these earbuds to play on your handheld gaming PC or smartphone during a short commute, stick with a budget option.
Connectivity also matters. Wired sets will bring a more reliable connection, but you’ll be tethered to your device. If you go with wireless, consider getting earbuds that offer a 2.4GHz dongle – you’ll experience less latency and a more stable connection than Bluetooth. Just be sure the earbuds are compatible with your choice of gaming device. Unfortunately, a good chunk of our picks aren’t compatible with Xbox, so you may want to stick with an Xbox headset.
Battery life is big with wireless earbuds, and what you need really depends on how long your gaming sessions will last. Obviously, try to find the best-sounding buds that last as long as possible, but you shouldn’t settle for anything less than four hours.
Design is also important; the earbuds need to fit comfortably. Finding lightweight options with different ear tip sizes is a great place to start. From there, it’s a matter of personal preference. You’ll also want a compact case for your wireless earbuds, so they’re easier to take on the go.
Beyond that, figure out which extra features are important to you. Some gaming earbuds can offer just as many bells and whistles as headsets. Noise canceling will help keep distractions at bay while you’re out in the world. EQ adjustments let you tune the sound to your preferences, while a decent microphone ensures you’re audible to your teammates. RGB lighting adds a subtle gamer aesthetic.
Gaming Earbuds FAQs
What is the difference between gaming earbuds and normal earbuds?
Wireless gaming earbuds tend to include a 2.4GHz dongle to connect to gaming devices. This wireless receiver makes for lower-latency and more reliable link to your consoles or PC: If you’re playing with a regular set of earbuds, you might notice a delay between what you see on screen and what you hear.
Gaming earbuds also tend to have better quality mics than regular earbuds, making them better for voice comms.
Do gaming earbuds work with consoles?
Gaming earbuds are lightweight, comfortable, and compact, making them great for every type of gamer. But best of all, they often work just as seamlessly with your consoles as gaming headsets and even feature similar connectivity options, so there’s no reason you can’t grab gaming earbuds over a traditional headset.
If you opt for wireless gaming earbuds, many come with a 2.4GHz wireless dongle. The dongle easily ports into consoles like the PS5 or Xbox Series X/S and delivers a low-latency connection (although triple check compatibility, because not every bud works with every console). Most wireless options also feature Bluetooth connectivity. For the most reliable link between your earbuds and console, wired are the way to go and slot into a controller or directly into the console itself.
Can AirPods be used as gaming earbuds?
AirPods aren’t designed for gaming. If you’re concerned about latency in some games and simple connectivity on certain consoles, you’re likely better off going with earbuds specifically designed for gaming.
Still, if you’re dead set on using AirPods for gaming, you’ll connect via Bluetooth to your devices. Connecting consoles is a bit more involved than simply connecting to your phone, so be sure to check out our guide on how to connect AirPods for more info.
When do gaming earbuds go on sale?
Gaming earbuds, much like the best gaming headsets, can be an expensive purchase. If you’re hoping to find earbuds specifically for gaming at a discount, there are a few sales events every year that usually bring the price down. Amazon Prime Day in July is a great time to find deals in the summer and Black Friday in November is the overall best time to buy headphones and earbuds in general.
Additional contributions by Danielle Abraham, a freelance writer for IGN based in Los Angeles who spends most of her time updating tech buying guides.
