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10 Best Gaming Earbuds in 2023

Last updated: 9 months ago
8 min read

Get the best gaming earbuds that will upgrade your portable experience and immediately make games more immersive.

Here is a list of all gaming earbuds we recommend:

We test and review headphones based on an independent 9-point methodology. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

Rating Price Mic & Controls Connection More info
4.1
Under $100
Integrated
True wireless
Antlion Kimura Duo Best wired
Antlion Kimura Duo gaming in-ear monitors
4.2
Under $150
Built-in
Wired- 3.5mm
Asus ROG Cetra II Wired alternative
Asus ROG Cetra II
4.1
Under $120
In-line mic & controls
USB-C
HyperX Cloud Earbuds Best in-line mic
HyperX Cloud Earbuds
4.3
Under $40
In-line mic & controls
Wired- 3.5mm
Edifier GX07 True wireless alternative
Edifier GX07
4.5
Under $120
Built-in
Bluetooth 5.0
4.0
Under $50
In-line mic & controls
Wired – 3.5mm & USB-C dongle
Roccat SYVA Best comfort
Roccat SYVA wired gaming earbuds
3.9
Under $30
In-line mic & controls
Wired- 3.5mm
Shure SE215 Best non-gaming
Shure SE215 wired earbuds
4.4
Under $90
In-line mic
Wired- 3.5mm
4.2
Under $50
Boom mic & inline controls
Wired- 3.5mm

What are the best gaming earbuds?

When choosing best gaming earbuds, you need small, portable in-ears that:

  • Are comfortable for hours and don’t irritate your ears
  • Have a quality microphone for clear communication with your friends (preferably boom mic)
  • Good sound quality for games and chatting with friends in the metaverse

If you search for these requirements, these models here fit the bill. Without further ado, these are the best gaming earbuds for mobile gaming.

CONTENTS (show more)

    Related gaming guides:

    Best Earbuds for Gaming

    1. Razer Hammerhead True Wireless Pro

    1st-place BEST WIRELESS GAMING EARBUDS
    Razer Hammerhead True Wireless Pro true wireless earbuds

    New gaming earbuds from Razer and a competitor to the Apple earbuds (Apple AirPods Pro) can also do gaming with its 60ms low latency mode.

    Connection icon Connection: Bluetooth 5.1
    Driver size icon Driver size: 10mm
    Frequency range icon Frequency range: 20-20.000Hz
    Type: True wireless | Battery life: 4h + 16h in case | Wireless range: 33ft (10m) | Noise Cancelling: Hybrid ANC | Charging: USB-C | Mic & Controls: Built-in | Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC | Water-resistance: IPX4 | Features: THX surround sound
    • Good ANC performance
    • Clear sound
    • THX surround sound support
    • Dissapointing battery life

    While on default they have a deep bass sound profile, Hammerhead Pro have great clarity in both the midrange and treble.

    Their great sound quality does well with most genres and is especially excellent for gaming. That’s why we consider them as the best gaming earbuds right now.

    Razer Hammerhead True Wireless Pro have a solid battery life, with 4 hours in buds and 16 hours in the charging case.

    The new sleek design fits deeper with included ear tips. You get a total of 6 pairs inside the box, enough to find the perfect fit.

    The latter is quite important since these earbuds support active noise cancellation. See the best noise cancelling earbuds.

    Furthermore, you can also enable Attention mode to hear your surroundings better. Extra features include auto-pause/play and THX support for the best gaming experience, and an IPX4 rating for when the gameplay gets sweaty and intense.

    The Gaming Mode lowers the latency to only 60ms, which ensures a lag-free experience.

    2. Antlion Kimura Duo

    trophy BEST WIRED EARBUDS FOR GAMING
    Antlion Kimura Duo IEMs

    The best gaming earbuds with an included microphone of excellent quality.

    $149.95
    in stock
    2 used from $120.19
    as of December 6, 2023 5:24 pm
    Amazon.com

    Antlion Kimura Duo review

    Connection icon Connection: Wired – Dual 3.5mm TRS
    Driver size icon Driver size: Dynamic & Balanced armature driver
    Frequency range icon Frequency range: 10-30.000Hz
    Type: In-ear monitors | Back design: Closed-back | Noise cancelling: No | Mic & Controls: Mic only | Impedance: 24 Ohms | Weight: 1.5 ounces (43 g) with cable | Cable lenght: 6.5 feet (2 meters) | Surround sound: No | Features: Detachable cable, boom mic, shirt clip
    • Durable IEMs made of resin
    • Great call quality from the included boom mic
    • Comfortable & with ear hooks for better stability
    • Y adapter for compatibility with laptops
    • Bassy yet controlled sound quality
    • Good soundstage & precise imaging
    • Bass bleeds into the midrange
    • Putting IEMs in your ears can be a chore
    • No mic mute button

    Like many other gaming earbuds, the Kimura Duo have a strong bass emphasis. However, thanks to the added balanced armature driver, they also have crispy clear treble.

    As a result, you get the best of both worlds: details and bass rumble during explosions. On top of that, these in-ear monitors offer good soundstage and precise imaging, revealing the exact location of your opponents.

    Kimura Duo have an MMCX connection, so you can pair them with any MMCX cable. They arrive in combination with Kimura Microphone Cable, which houses an excellent boom microphone.

    The latter offers great call quality and noise suppression, although it will pick up loud keyboards.

    3. Asus ROG Cetra II

    wired BEST WIRED GAMING ALTERNATIVE
    Asus ROG Cetra II

    Special Asus gaming earbuds with tons of features like the RGB, noise-cancelling, ear fins, and more.

    Connection icon Connection: Wired – USB-C
    Driver size icon Driver size: 9.4
    Frequency range icon Frequency range: 20-40.000Hz
    Type: In-ear | Back design: Closed-back | Noise cancelling: Yes | Mic & Controls: Yes | Impedance: 32 Ohm | Weight: 1.06 oz (30g) | Cable lenght: 4.1 ft (1.25m) | Surround sound: Virtual 7.1 | Features: RGB lighting, ANC, ambient sound mode
    • Immersive sound (in games)
    • Cool extra features
    • Ear fins help with stability
    • Sound not suitable for music
    • Bit pricey

    As with other gaming headphones, the ROG Cetra II gaming earbuds carry a tuning only suitable for games.

    The sound portrays a fairly wide soundstage with plenty of detail, both from the environment and within dialogs. In contrast, they may sound a bit too bassy for music.

    Other features of these earbuds include a wired USB-C connection and RGB lighting effects. The latter is customizable via the Armoury Crate app.

    Gaming earbuds even boost ambient sounds (Aware mode) and have active noise cancellation.

    Since Asus is targeting mobile gaming on the go, the ROG Cetra II come with ear fins to prevent them from falling out of your ears.

    4. HyperX Cloud Earbuds

    wired BEST IN-LINE MICROPHONE FOR GAMING
    HyperX Cloud Earbuds

    HyperX Cloud Gaming Earbuds have a very high-quality in-line microphone for gaming earbuds.

    If you want the best microphones in a pair of gaming earbuds, then Hyper Cloud is the way to go.

    Connection icon Connection: Wired – 3.5mm
    Driver size icon Driver size: 14mm
    Frequency range icon Frequency range: 20-20.000Hz
    Type: In-ear | Back design: Closed-back | Noise Cancelling: No | Mic & Controls: Yes | Impedance: 65 Ohm | Weight: 0.67oz (19g) | Cable lenght: 3.9ft (1.2m) | Surround sound: No | Features: Omni-directional mic
    • High-quality inline mic
    • Good sound quality
    • Non-detachable mic

    14mm neodymium drivers are tuned for a crisp sound that performs best for mobile gaming.

    Everything from footsteps to gunshots is heard very clearly. Add a big soundstage, and you have an impressive all-rounder. Sadly you don’t get a volume slider to adjust loudness on the fly.

    These HyperX earbuds are targeted at mobile gamers that need high comfort for hours of endless gaming.

    So, the eartips are super soft (you can choose from 3 sizes) and they fit really well no matter your ear shape.

    Moreover, the cable is free of tangling and has a 90-degree angled connector (3.5mm jack). You can go anywhere with these gaming earbuds (with a carrying case) as they’re small and portable.

    Plus, despite being one of the best gaming earphones, they only cost under $40, making them a great value.

    5. Edifier GX07

    Edifier GX07

    Futuristic-looking true wireless gaming earbuds with RGB lights, higher-end audio codec, an app, and noise cancellation.

    Connection icon Connection: Bluetooth 5.0
    Driver size icon Driver size: 8mm
    Frequency range icon Frequency range: 20-20.000Hz
    Type: True wireless | Battery life: 6.5h + 19.5h in case (ANC off) | Wireless range: 33ft (10m) | Noise cancelling: Yes | Charging: 2h + quick charge – USB-C | Mic & Controls: Yes | Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC, LHDC | Water resistance: None | Features: RGB lights, dual EQ modes, ANC, app, ambient sound mode
    • Good sound with 2 EQ presets
    • Low audio latency
    • Plenty of extra features
    • Support for higher-quality LHDC codec
    • Average ANC performance for the price
    • Not the most detailed treble

    Crazy-looking earbuds have 2 modes, Music and Gaming. The latter helps you to focus on in-game effects such as explosions and gunfire.

    In contrast, the Music mode reduces bass and pushes the mids slightly forward. The treble remains a bit quiet in both modes.

    Apart from modes, you also get a light effect on the buds, extremely low latency via Bluetooth, and even the support for LHDC high-quality Bluetooth codec.

    Furthermore, earbuds come with noise cancellation, which works nicely on lower frequencies but struggles with higher ones.

    Still, once you start playing games, the background noise shouldn’t bother you anymore. You can also enable ambient sound mode for quick replies to the people around you.

    6. Logitech G333

    Logitech G333

    Best wired gaming earbuds with aluminum housing and dual-driver audio performance at a budget price tag.

    Logitech even adds a USB-C dongle if your computer or mobile phone doesn’t have an audio jack.

    Connection icon Connection: Wired – 3.5mm
    Driver size icon Driver size: 5.8mm (tweeter) + 9.2 (woofer)
    Frequency range icon Frequency range: 20-20.000Hz
    Type: In-ear | Back design: Closed-back | Noise cancelling: No | Mic & Controls: Yes | Impedance: 24 Ohms | Weight: 0.7 oz (19 g) | Cable length: n/a | Surround sound: No | Features: Dual drivers, USB-C audio dongle
    • Robust build with aluminum housing
    • Good sound for gaming
    • Accurate imaging
    • No other sound profiles

    Expect a bass-heavy sound profile with a slight roll-off in the treble. While the audio output is good for gaming, audio purists should look elsewhere.

    Earbud’s housing feels robust, and it’s made of aluminum. The silicone cable has a flat profile, preventing it from tangling if you keep the G333 in your pocket or a bag.

    These in-ear headphones offer great comfort due to quality ear tips and overall lightweight construction.

    G333 don’t support any surround standard. Fortunately, they do have accurate imaging, which helps a lot during intense gameplay.

    A built-in microphone is adequate for casual chat, and if your phone or computer lacks a 3.5mm jack, Logitech includes a USB-C adapter in the box.

    7. Roccat SYVA

    trophy MOST COMFORTABLE GAMING EARBUDS
    Roccat SYVA wired gaming earbuds

    Best gaming earbuds if you want something lightweight and comfortable.

    Roccat is another company that makes excellent gaming peripherals. With their gaming earbuds, they nailed the build quality, convenience, and audio quality. And all of that for an affordable price.

    Connection icon Connection: Wired – 3.5mm
    Driver size icon Driver size: 10mm
    Frequency range icon Frequency range: 20-20.000Hz
    Type: In-ear | Back design: Closed-back | Mic & controls: Yes, inline | Noise Cancelling: No | Impedance: 32 Ohm | Weight: 10g (both buds) | Cable lenght: 4.26ft (1.3m) | Surround sound: No | Features: Omni-directional mic
    • Comfortable fit
    • Good quality mic
    • Good sound quality
    • No cable splitter included

    SYVA’s frequency response can perform much better than you might expect.

    The bass, although not very powerful, has a good punch when needed. The midrange is smooth with natural-sounding vocals, and the treble remains very clean and sharp.

    SYVA’s come in a rubberized housing, which appears very durable. To prevent the earbuds from getting tangled, they equipped them with a flat cable.

    The earphones are very lightweight and comfortable, even during a long gaming session. Inside the box, you get 3 sizes of ear tips, but you can also try some aftermarket ones to find the best fit (like memory foam tips).

    The remote control with an integrated microphone works amazingly and does a great job for the price. A single issue is that there’s no volume control.

    8. Shure SE215

    trophy BEST NON-GAMING EARBUDS
    Shure SE215 wired in-ear monitor

    Best audiophile earphones that are also our top picks for gaming.

    Who says audiophile earbuds with stereo sound aren’t great for mobile games or PC gaming? Their excellent imaging is the most important thing if you want to have an advantage over your opponents.

    Connection icon Connection: Wired – 3.5mm
    Driver size icon Driver size: n/a
    Frequency range icon Frequency range: 22-17.500Hz
    Type: In-ear | Back design: Closed-back | Noise Cancelling: No | Mic & Controls: Microphone only | Impedance: n/a | Weight: n/a | Cable length: n/a | Features: Detachable cable, optional wireless adapter
    • Good sound quality
    • Price-to-performance ratio
    • Detachable cable
    • Narrow soundstage

    The overall smooth sound signature starts with a punchy low-end and a warm, lush midrange. The high-end takes a back seat here, beginning to roll off very quickly.

    Even though the soundstage is nothing to write home about, the detail retrieval is excellent, which helps with in-game effects and locating your opponents.

    They’re made from hard, durable plastic that can withstand years of abuse. Their housing is fully transparent but can get them in different colors if you want to.

    Because you have to wear them with the cable behind your ears, they feel more lightweight, comfortable, and secure.

    That also reduces microphonics. With the usage of memory foam tips, you can fully block your ear canal, achieving good noise isolating properties.

    If the cable ever gets damaged, you can replace it with a new one.

    9. Turtle Beach Battle Buds

    dollar BEST DIRT-CHEAP GAMING EARBUDS
    Turtle Beach Battle Buds

    Turtle Beach Battle Buds are the best gaming earbuds on a budget for most gamers out there.

    If you’re looking for immense comfort and detachable boom mic, then the Turtle Beach earbuds are a perfect match for you.

    Connection icon Connection: Wired – 3.5mm
    Driver size icon Driver size: 10mm
    Frequency range icon Frequency range: 20-20.000Hz
    Type: In-ear | Noise Cancelling: No | Mic & Controls: Yes | Water resistance: No | Cable length: n/a | Features: Detachable boom mic
    • Detachable microphone
    • Good sound clarity
    • Good passive isolation
    • Piercing highs

    These can be a little too sharp in the highs for music. But that’s more helpful in games. Sparkly treble provides good detail, making your enemies easier to find.

    These gaming earbuds are affordable. And their features are way above their price range. The comfort they provide is pretty amazing. You can have hour-long gaming sessions and never complain about ear pain.

    Now, these aren’t as comfy as best over-ear headphones but close enough.

    The included microphone is mutable and detachable. On top of that, there’s also a secondary in-line mic for when it’s inconvenient to use the boom microphone.

    Plugged into a console controller or gaming PC, they work well with most platforms (PC, Xbox Series X, and Playstation).

    Also, this gaming earbud blocks most of the background noise.

    Check other best cheap earbuds.

    Honorable Mentions

    Antlion Kimura Solo

    Antlion Kimura Solo gaming IEMs

    Gaming earbuds with a fantastically clear boom microphone that’s perfect for social gaming.

    But the sound quality is noticeably worse than in Kimura Duo, but still fine for an undemanding user. Plus, they’re cheaper.

    Antlion Kimura Solo review

    1MORE Triple Driver

    1MORE Triple Driver in-ear monitors

    Another non-gaming pair of earbuds and a very good option for PC gamers that provides insightful sound.

    Triple Drivers can be perfect headphones to enjoy gaming.

    Check Triple Driver price

    Razer Hammerhead Duo Wired

    Razer Hammerhead Duo Wired gaming earbuds

    For under $60, you’re getting quite a few premium features: aluminum housing and a tangle-free braided cable, and a dual driver system with well-balanced sound quality, fairly accurate bass, and the soundstage on these is also above-average for a pair of earbuds.

    Check Hammerhead Duo Wired price

    Razer Hammerhead True Wireless (Gen. 2)

    Razer Hammerhead true wireless earbuds

    Compared to previous-gen Razer Hammerhead True Wireless earbuds, the new ones now come with ear tips, active noise cancellation, RGB lighting effects, and other extra features worth checking out.

    Check Hammerhead True Wireless Gen.2 price

    Nintendo Switch orange
    Small gaming earbuds are perfect for playing on portable consoles like Nintendo Switch.

    What to Look for in Gaming Earbuds

    Great comfort – you’ll probably want to play games longer than 15 minutes. You want your ear gaming buds to come with a wide variety of silicone ear tips (foam even better) that are comfortable to wear.

    Audio quality – the last thing your want is bad audio performance. There are many different sound signatures, you can pick extra bass, balanced, and flat sounds. In the end, there’s no best sound for gaming (it’s up to you what you like).

    Build quality – sturdy materials and proven track record from the brand help with longevity. You don’t want to spend your money on a product that breaks after a couple of months. Get quality earphones to save money in the long run.

    Compatibility – most gaming earphones are wired with a 3.5mm connector. Make sure your gaming console supports that.

    Noise isolation – when effective, it removes ambient noise from the outside world, so you can focus on playing (don’t confuse with active noise canceling, it’s a different thing)

    A quality microphone – it’s critical for you to have a clear and distortion-free microphone.

    Antlion Kimura Duo during gaming
    If you’re into competitive gaming, having a good microphone is crucial.

    How are gaming earbuds different from regular buds?

    Most regular earbuds don’t come with a high-quality microphone and especially not boom mics.

    Being able to talk with your buddies clearly and without distortion is vital for a good gameplay experience.

    When it comes to sound quality, there isn’t any major difference since there are no gaming earbuds with virtual surround sound.

    Gaming earbuds are overall better suited for playing on the go as they provide better sound and voice quality than most in-ear alternatives.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    Are Wireless Gaming Earbuds Any Good?

    You can get really good wireless gaming earbuds even under $100. Just look for the Game Mode feature, and you can easily use them for gaming on your laptop, smartphone, and other Bluetooth-compatible devices.

    Are Razer Earbuds Good?

    Razer earbuds are good but maybe not the best option for the price. Generally, most models cost more money and come with average features and performance. Still, their looks and sound appeal to most users. Fortunately, Razer is slowly getting better, at least in the sound department.

    What are Gaming Earbuds?

    Gaming earbuds are in-ear headphones that are designed for portable gaming (smartphone, Nintendo, PlayStation Vita, other mobile devices, etc.) and often come with a detachable mic for the best quality chat.

    Bigger gaming headsets are not lightweight enough and can feel cumbersome, thus unfit for portable gaming.

    Why Do Pro Gamers Wear Earbuds?

    eSports players wear wired gaming earbuds with over-ear headphones on top to drown out noisy tournament halls and ensure ultimate noise isolation from external noise. Pro gamers also need to concentrate on gameplay while communicating with teammates.

    Otherwise, you can’t comfortably chat with friends in-game or Discord. Boom microphones do a much better job, see best microphones for gaming.

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