The Best Gaming Earbuds To Buy In 2024

The reign of headsets in the gaming world is coming to an end. In many comparisons, earbuds are more comfortable, affordable, and convenient. That’s not to say that there aren’t gobs of gaming headsets worth buying; there absolutely are, especially given the advantages that headsets still hold over earbuds. Noise-canceling headphones are still generally considered more effective than noise-canceling earbuds, and the over-ear-style fit of headphones may still be more comfortable than in-ear earbuds in many cases. However, plenty of gamers are curious about adding a pair of earbuds to their peripheral arsenal. Manufacturers have noticed the trend.

Gaming earbuds are available from many trusted brand names like SteelSeries, Logitech, Anker, and Razer, and headsets come in an array of wired and wireless options. Some models pile on the features, ranging from spatial audio and active noise cancelation to custom ear molding and wireless charging. Others keep things basic and budget-friendly. In short, there’s something for everyone.

Factors To Consider When Choosing The Best Gaming Earbuds

When picking out the best earbuds for gaming, here are some things to keep in mind:

• Connectivity: Wired and wireless earbuds offer excellent gaming experiences, but not every gamer wants to use wired earbuds, and not every gamer wants to use wireless earbuds. So, finding earbuds that work well for the gamer’s preference and preferred console or platform to game on will help narrow down the results quite a bit.
• Battery life: For wireless earbuds users, a decent battery life is crucial to having a good gaming experience. Nothing is worse than having to charge earbuds halfway through a gaming session.
• Fit style: The way earbuds fit makes a surprisingly big difference. Many gamers are turning to earbuds for lighter weight and more comfort, so look for earbuds that are reviewed well for their comfort and come with various ear tip sizes to dial in the perfect fit and seal.

Game Rant’s Picks For The Best Gaming Earbuds

Although the Soundcore VR P10 earbuds were designed to be used with the Meta Quest 2 VR headset, they are so much more versatile than just that. The VR P10 supports almost every major console and gaming platform. Plus, thanks to the USB-C 2.4 GHz dongle, it boasts an ultra-low latency of under 30ms. The VR P10 earbuds are perfect for any gamer who wants a reasonably priced pair of earbuds that sound great, offer excellent wireless connection no matter the platform, and are very comfortable.

In Game Rant’s full review of the Anker Soundcore VR P10, we found that while gaming, the sound is clean and crisp, with the mids and highs fairly represented. However, by default, Soundcore’s Super Hearing is turned on, which boosts the bass and tends to override some of the mids and highs in action scenes. The boosted bass is a reasonably common EQ on most gaming headsets and earbuds, so it doesn’t feel too out of place, and gamers can easily turn it off if it’s not to their liking.

The USB-C 2.4GHz dongle makes these earbuds incredibly easy to pair with pretty much any console. Just plug it in, and they are ready to game. This is not revolutionary for gaming earbuds; the Razer Hammerhead Pro earbuds feature the same thing, but where they differ is the latency. Even at the lower price point, the VR P10s boasts a latency of just 30ms, whereas the Hammerhead Pros sit around 80ms.

Whether investing in a first-ever set of gaming earbuds or adding something new to a growing collection, it’s always a good idea to check out the less budget-busting options of the bunch. From the more financially friendly products out there, a preferred pick is the Logitech G333. This set of wired gaming earbuds brings affordability, quality, and modest sacrifice, making the G333s a fantastic option for beginners or gamers looking for a backup set.

The G333 earbuds have the expected core set of features: an inline microphone with button controls for speaking and volume and a 3.5mm to USB-C adapter. The sound quality will not blow anyone away, but it sounds clear and performs quite well for gaming on a budget. The G333s are also preferred for their tangle-resistant cable. Still, firsthand testing found that jostling the wire during use impacts audio quality more than it should, and audio quality gets a bit fuzzy at higher volumes.

With the Raycon Gaming Earbuds, players get a solid midrange option that’ll deliver years of valuable use without breaking the bank. There are certainly cheaper earbuds than this, but the features and overall audio quality offered by the Raycons pack a decent punch, dollar for dollar. Despite being a two-year-old earbuds model, Raycon’s wireless buds remain among the leading options for moderately-tiered sound performance at a reasonable price.

These buds deliver rich, rumbly lows and robust tenor sounds for both video game and music audio, leading to an elevated sense of reality while playing whether players are hearing footsteps, voices, or gunfire.

There are better mics on gaming earbuds if a crystal-clear sound on other players’ end is a priority. But the Raycons never struggle with latency issues and have a pleasantly long battery life. Visually, the Raycons have a lot going for them, too, with a sleeker, more sophisticated take on the Airpods-Pro-esque profile.

With Active Noise Cancellation creating an isolated sound environment and proprietary 2.4GHz low-latency connection tech, the Razer Hammerhead Pro Hyperspeed has just about all the under-the-hood features a buyer could ask for. And it wouldn’t be a Razer peripheral without some RGB flair. So don’t worry as there’s some of that on these buds, too. The high price tag might sway some gamers, but for those who want excellent performance and an ultra-low latency connection, they are well worth the higher price point.

In Game Rant’s full review of the Razer Hammerhead Pro Hyperspeed, we found that one drawback of these earbuds is that they’re less than competitive in the battery life department, lasting roughly four-and-a-half hours per charge during real-time testing, which is arguably underwhelming performance for $200 earbuds. But overall, these buds are a powerful yet efficient option that gets the job done without add-ons that more casual players may consider over-the-top, like surround or spatial audio.

An easy pick for the best-wired gaming earbuds, the ASUS ROG Cetra II gaming earbuds are loaded with attractive features. These earbuds are a strong option for gamers who primarily play on the Nintendo Switch or Android phones, thanks to their USB-C wired connection.

Unlike many other wired earbud options like the Logitech G333, the Cetra II offers ANC, which performs quite well even in louder environments. Of course, they don’t compete with the likes of the Bose QuietComfort earbuds II as far as ANC goes, but these earbuds make it easy to focus on a game while on public transit or a plane. The mics used to perform the ANC can also be used as input mics, which deliver a clear and full-sounding voice recording.

As far as comfort is concerned, the Cetra II feels very similar to most wired earbuds; they are relatively comfortable and easy to wear for extended periods. However, they have ear fins on the tips, making them feel very secure, so as long as gamers get a good fit, they are not going anywhere.

Users looking for premium wireless gaming earbuds will fancy the Razer Hammerhead HyperSpeed wireless gaming earbuds. These minimalist earbuds are just like the Pro version of Razer’s earbuds, except that they cost a bit less and make a few sacrifices because of that. However, the main differences are simple things such as charging through a cord, rather than wirelessly, and a slightly less reliable Bluetooth connection.

At the same time, these stunning earbuds are very effective and noticeable in many forms, and even with the caveats the earbuds offer ultra-fast connectivity. They have a 2.4 GHz wireless connection speed, guaranteeing low latency audio that improves the user experience.

Still, these earbuds have the active noise cancellation (ANC) feature, which effectively detects and eliminates unwanted disturbances. This ensures clarity and excellent sound quality, ideal for gaming and general entertainment. The dual environmental noise-canceling (ENC) also eliminates background noises for smooth calls and audio reception.

The Razer Hammerhead HyperSpeed wireless gaming earbuds are versatile, as seen from their compatibility with numerous platforms. It works with PCs, Meta Quest VR headsets, PlayStation, smartphones, and more. The user-friendliness of the Razer earbuds is evident from its 30-hour battery life and ergonomic ear design. They fit seamlessly in the ear, making them comfy.

Turtle Beach is well known when it comes to gaming peripherals, especially gaming headsets and controllers. The Scout Air True Wireless Earbuds bring the company’s expertise in a small yet powerful package. These Bluetooth 5.1 earbuds have a stem-style design, and they feature 6mm Neodymium drivers, which are not the largest among the competition. Still, the Scout Air excels when it comes to latency. There is a Game Mode that brings the latency down to 60ms instead of the standard 100ms for a more accurate auditory experience.

For talking with teammates, the Scout Air have built-in dual omni-directional microphones that also allow for communication with a voice assistant if the earbuds are connected to an Android or iOS device. They have an IPX4 rating, which means sweaty situations will not affect the performance of the Scout Air. The earbuds can deliver 20 hours of playback till both the case and earbuds run out. The charging case can power up the earbuds for five hours of use with a quick 15-minute charge.

Gamers should note that they will need to update the firmware in order to use the Scout Air with the Nintendo Switch. Game Mode can be turned on from the Turtle Beach Audio Hub app, available on both Android and iOS.

The Bose QuietComfort II Earbuds are the first-round pick for players who prefer absolute noise cancelation. With their 9mm transducers, the sound performance on these Bose buds is undeniably impressive, but the active noise cancelation and proprietary ActiveSense technology are what really make these buds a gamer-on-the-go’s dream.

Compared to the Razer Hammerhead Pro earbud, Bose dulls the hum of unimportant environmental noise while selectively allowing listeners to hear sudden noises that may be important, like someone yelling or a car honking. ActiveSense can be disabled, however, if users want the active noise cancelation to fully take charge and fade the world out completely.

When gaming on the go, intuitive, easy-to-use controls are important. In this regard, the second generation of the QuietComofort earbud delivers. Answering or dismissing calls mid-game, adjusting volume or noise cancelation mode, or hitting pause are all critical functions easily controlled by the QuietComfort IIs. The included stability bands ensure that users won’t lose a bud under their subway seat, on a busy sidewalk, or where mobile gaming takes them.

In Game Rant’s full review of the Bose Quiet Comfort II earbuds, we found that relative to other earbuds, it takes a while to achieve a full charge in the case (around three hours), but the initial fast-charging boost is an added perk for mobile gamers that seek a quick gassing-up of their earbuds. Plus, a charge impressively offers about six hours of use, which is great for long sessions on handheld consoles. Unfortunately, the QuietComfort IIs sit at a bit of a painful price point at $299, but the first-generation QuietComforts can usually be found for sale at roughly $75 cheaper.

Some players prioritize being able to clearly and consistently communicate with their teammates over anything. For those gamers, such as clearly and consistently communicating titles, there’s a lot of promise in the SteelSeries Tusq In-ear Mobile Gaming Headset. Many wired gaming earbuds like the Logitech G333 rely on an inline microphone for communicating with teammates, but the Tusq earbuds take that a step further by adding a boom mic.

The boom mic on these earbuds does a great job of delivering clear and full-sounding voice input. The wrap-around design of the cable makes these earbuds very comfortable to wear. The weight of the earbuds is placed on the back part of the user’s ear instead of the ear canal. However, the design is a little too reminiscent of those old-school Bluetooth headsets to be comfortably worn in public.

Sound-wise, these earbuds are very bass-heavy with punchy lows, making games feel much more immersive, but the mids and highs tend to be overpowered and a bit muddy. Unlike the Soundcore VR P10, the Tusq earbuds don’t have any EQ customization, so unfortunately, there is no way to improve the sound. But these are quite serviceable for gaming, especially at this price point and with the high-quality mic.

Those who spend countless hours on their PlayStation 5 and want to be isolated from the world should check out the Sony INZONE Buds. They follow the PlayStation theme and are offered in black-and-white colorways. They boast 8.4mm dynamic drivers that, along with noise cancellation, offer an immersive and seamless experience. They have a hybrid design which means gamers can connect to their phones using Bluetooth 5.3 or to their console using the 2.4 GHz dongle.

In terms of battery life, Sony says the INZONE Buds can last 12 hours with noise cancellation off and connected via the dongle. On Bluetooth, they can last up to 24 hours, giving it one of the best battery lives on the market. They also feature 360 spacial sound for better pinpointing the location of footsteps, gunshots, and enemies. What makes these earbuds perfect for gaming is the low 30ms latency, which is quite impressive. Sony has clearly put a lot of thought into making these earbuds gamer-friendly.

It should be noted that the INZONE Buds do not support SBC, AAC, aptX, and LDAC codecs, which means those looking to enjoy listening to music would be better off with a different set of earbuds.

How To Choose The Best Earbud For Gaming

Below are crucial factors buyers need to consider when shopping for gaming earbuds:

Audio Quality

Gamers need the best audio quality for satisfying gameplay. If possible, they can test the earbuds to determine the bass, mids, and more to see how good they will be. Earbuds with add-ons like noise cancellation have excellent audio.

Connectivity

Wired gaming earbuds offer some of the most simple, easy-to-use, and affordable options. There are no individual buds to hassle with (and inevitably lose) and no dongle to keep track of. If maintaining an ultra-low latency is a priority, wired earbuds would be the most reliable option. Most major peripheral brands offer solid wireless gaming earbuds, and these options have some unique offerings compared to wired buds, including active noise cancelation, and are generally more compatible since there’s no worry about ports and adapters. Buyers should consider which would be best integrated into their gaming setup.

Battery Life

With the selection of wireless gaming earbuds comes the matter of battery life. Many wireless earbuds’ battery life caps out at roughly seven hours of nonstop playback time, and it’s likely even less if mic usage is involved. Is that enough? Most models come with a charging carrying case that adds another couple of rounds of battery life. The best wireless gaming earbuds offer at least 30 hours of battery with the case’s capacity included.

Comfort

Another important consideration is fit style. A common reason why gamers choose headsets over earbuds is an uncomfortable earbud fit after several hours of play. The ear cups on headsets sit unobtrusively on the outer ear, while poorly-fitting earbuds may leave the inner ear sore or irritated. Some brands combat the issue with custom-fitting earbud tips; an excellent example is the Logitech G FITS, earbuds that use proprietary Lightform tech to custom-mold the tips to the gamer’s ear.

Convenience

Convenience comes into play in several instances, mainly ear comfort and battery life. A decent earbud should be comfy on the ear and have a lengthy battery life, something long-hour users desire. Additionally, the earbud should have a longer range for ample user mobility.

FAQ

Q: What makes earbuds good for gaming?

Just because a particular audio product (earbuds or otherwise) isn’t explicitly marketed to gamers doesn’t mean it isn’t a good fit for gaming. Some of the best gaming earbuds included in this guide aren’t targeted at users who play games. The essential features of earbuds for gaming vary from player to player, but here are a few qualities buyers can look for if uncertain: a custom in-ear fit to minimize discomfort during long gaming sessions; high mic performance for crisp, clear audio when playing with others; low latency to combat frustrating playback delays; and active noise cancellation to batter back environmental noise.

Q: Do gaming earbuds need to be wired?

Choosing between wired vs. wireless gaming earbuds is, in most cases, a matter of preference, not necessity. You don’t have to choose a wired gaming set, especially given the capabilities of modern wireless earbuds. While latency discrepancies between wired and wireless audio devices have improved over the years, wired sets still maintain a (slight) advantage.

Q: How do buyers know if a set of earbuds is compatible with their console?

Wireless earbuds will connect to a system, whether it be a PC or a console, via Bluetooth or a dongle. Some brands utilize proprietary technology for a faster, lower-latency wireless connection, like Logitech G’s LIGHTSPEED technology, used in many of its newer wireless peripherals. In recent generations of PlayStation and Xbox consoles, wired earbuds using a 3.5mm headphone jack can plug directly into the controller. Unfortunately, players with older controllers or third-party controllers may need to invest in a stereo headset adapter to plug wired earbuds into their system. Nintendo Switch consoles, including the Lite, all have headphone jacks. However, with all the dongles and adapters, the odds of choosing an earbud set (wired or not) that is irrefutably and utterly incompatible with a system are low.

Q: Are earbuds OK for gaming?

For users who fancy solo casual titles such as Cookie Run: Kingdom, earbuds will do the job. While some, especially the cheap ones(not in this guide, though), might not sound like the high-end ones, they will do the job.

Q: What is the difference between gaming earbuds and standard earbuds?

Gaming-specific earbuds are designed to give users a competitive advantage when gaming. Unlike normal earbuds, gaming earbuds have advanced features such as EQ presets, noise cancelation, and surround sound.