Best Gaming Earbuds 2024: Top Wireless In-Ear Headphones - IGN (2024)

Gaming on the go has become more popular than ever now that we have portable devices like the Steam Deck OLED, Nintendo Switch, and other great handheld gaming PCs. You can even play console games on your smartphone with remote play. If you're looking for an audio option that is easier to carry around than the best gaming headset, there are a lot of great gaming earbuds worth taking a look at.

TL;DR – These are the best gaming earbuds

• Razer Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed
• HyperX Cloud Mix Buds
• Logitech G FITS
• ASUS ROG Cetra
• Logitech G333
• Turtle Beach Battle Buds
• Soundcore VR P10
• JBL Quantum TWS Noise Canceling Gaming Earbuds
• Asus ROG Cetra True Wireless SpeedNova
• Sony InZone Buds

Beyond accessories like the best controllers, the best gaming earbuds can help provide a sensory edge when playing video games. If you’re looking for a more discrete experience outside of larger headsets and headphones, the best earbuds are an excellent option. Gaming options even offer a 2.4GHz wireless dongle for reliable wireless connectivity, a long battery life, an excess of features, and solid audio quality that are all just as good as bigger devices.

1. Razer Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed Wireless Gaming Earbuds

The best gaming earbuds

Pros:

• Low input lag
• Hybrid active noise cancellation

Cons:

• Mediocre battery life

The Razer Hammerhead Pro Hyperspeed gaming earbuds, an amped up version of the Razer Hammerhead Hyperspeed aren’t just Bluetooth – they also connect via a Hyperspeed wireless dongle that virtually eliminates input lag, making it good for both mobile and console. You can even use both connections at the same time. When it comes to audio quality, the earbuds are THX Certified and feature advanced hybrid active noise cancellation. Gamers will also appreciate the 60ms low latency connection in addition to customizable RGB lighting too.

2. HyperX Cloud Mix Buds

Best gaming earbuds for battery life

Pros:

• Low cost
• Up to 10 hour battery life

Cons:

• Awkward fit

The HyperX Cloud Mix Buds connect either through 2.4GHz transmitter or Bluetooth 5.2, making the earbuds extremely flexible. The earbuds also support virtual spatial audio through DTS Headphone:X, which makes for more immersive gaming. Battery life is also impressive, promising up to 10 hours of listening time and an additional 23 through the charging case. For an added touch, the earbuds are also IPX4 rated for durability.

3. Logitech G FITS

Personalized earbud insulation

Pros:

• Molds to ears for better sound isolation
• Game-focused mode in Bluetooth

Cons:

• Expensive

An expensive purchase at $229, Logitech G Fits features LIGHTFORM technology that actually molds to your ears in only a minute. This makes for great sound isolation and therefore better audio quality. Although the included USB-C dongle is the best way to go, Bluetooth does offer a game-focused mode to reduce latency.

4. ASUS ROG Cetra

Best budget wireless gaming earbuds

• See it on Target

Pros:

• Hybrid active noise cancellation
• Quick charging feature

Cons:

• No 2.4GHz dongle

The $99 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.

5. Logitech G333

Best budget wired gaming earbuds

Pros:

• Media controls
• Come in different colors

Cons:

• Only wired

Logitech fans who can’t afford the G FIT or want a wired earbud 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. Beyond having an integrated mic, there are also media controls as well. All of this comes at a super affordable $80 price point.

6. Turtle Beach Battle Buds

Best gaming earbuds with detachable mic

Pros:

• Detachable boom mic and in-line mic
• Interchangeable ear hooks

Cons:

• Middling audio

The Turtle Beach Battle Buds are wired gaming earbuds that feature a 10mm neodymium driver, making for excellent audio quality. An in line mic features media controls and multifunctional button alongside an additional detachable mic. The earbuds also come with three earbud tips and three stabilizer wings. To keep everything in order, the Battle Buds even come with a nice sized bag.

7. Soundcore VR P10

Best versatile gaming earbuds

Pros:

• Passthrough USB-C port
• Flashy RGB lighting

Cons:

• Mic could be better

One of the coolest features of the under $100 Soundcore VR P10 is that the transmitter features a passthrough USB-C port for Meta Quest 2 users. When it comes to mobile gaming, the earbuds feature low latency gaming through its 11mm drivers. Expect about 6 hours of battery with an extra 24 hours through the included charging case.

8. JBL Quantum TWS Noise Canceling Gaming Earbuds

Best mid-range gaming earbuds

Pros:

• Adaptive noise canceling and ambient aware
• Google assistant capabilities

Cons:

• Poor case battery life

The JBL Quantum TWS gaming earbuds use a 2.4GHz transmitter and Bluetooth 5.2 and allow dual connection. When it comes to audio quality, the earbuds feature adaptive noise canceling and ambient aware capabilities just in case you need real world situational awareness. For communication, the JBL Quantum TWS also has six beamforming microphones with Google Assistant compatibility.

9. Asus ROG Cetra True Wireless SpeedNova

Most comfortable gaming earbuds

If you’re after a comfortable, lightweight pair of earbuds that work great for gaming, listening to music, or taking calls, grab the Asus ROG Cetra True Wireless SpeedNova. These headphones deliver the familiar stem and bud shape with a commendable build quality and three different ear tip sizes to find the best fit. Though we already have a pair of ROG Cetra’s on this list, you get a reliable USB-C dongle for a low latency connection in addition to Bluetooth with this option.

You don’t miss out on any features with the SpeedNovas, 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 cancellation with a transparency mode for focus–the best noise-canceling headphones do it better. 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 handy for shooters and other games.

10. Sony InZone Buds

Best gaming earbuds for PS5

Pros:

• Lightweight and comfortable
• Feature-rich

Cons:

• Bluetooth LE has limited compatibility

When gaming on the PlayStation 5, sometimes the best PS5 headsets can be too bulky, and that’s where Sony’s own InZone Buds come into play. These earbuds are lightweight, secure, and comfortable for long gaming sessions. And given the impressive 12-hour battery life and additional juice in the case, you’ll rarely worry about charging them.

The Sony InZone Buds don’t skimp on features either. From powerful ANC and quality spatial audio to remappable gesture controls and more personalization opportunities, there’s a lot on offer with these gaming earbuds. You’ll also enjoy a low-latency connection via a 2.4GHz dongle. Bluetooth LE is another connectivity option. Although, it doesn’t support many traditional codecs and isn’t compatible with a range of devices.

How to Choose the Best Gaming Earbuds

Price is the biggest factor when choosing gaming earbuds. You’ll find solid budget gaming headset options for as low as $25 or feature-rich, high-end gaming headsets for upwards of $200. If these earbuds get daily usage at home and on the go, you might want to spend more for the added versatility and better sound 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.

Of course, connectivity is another major consideration. Wired will bring a more reliable connection, but you will be tethered to your device. If you go with wireless, consider getting earbuds that offer a 2.4GHz dongle, as you’ll experience less latency and a more stable connection than Bluetooth. Just be sure 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 consult our guide to the best Xbox headsets if that’s what you’re after. Battery life must also be taken into account with wireless earbuds, and what you need really depends on how long your gaming sessions will last; 4 hours is usually a good minimum.

Design is also important, as you want the gaming earbuds to fit in your ear and be comfortable. 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, extra features are important, with some gaming earbuds offering just as many as gaming 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 ears, while a great microphone ensures you sound great to your teammates. RGB lighting adds a nice subtle gamer aesthetic. There is a whole realm of possibilities for amping up your gaming earbud experience.

Gaming Earbuds FAQ

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 the best gaming headsets and even feature similar connectivity options, so there’s no reason you can’t grab gaming earbuds over a traditional headset.

Just like the best wireless gaming headsets, if you opt for wireless gaming earbuds, many now 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, so you never miss a moment of the action. Most wireless options also feature Bluetooth connectivity, making for simple pairing with the Nintendo Switch, the best gaming phones, and more. For the most reliable link between your earbuds and console, wired are the way to go and slot directly into the console itself or even a controller.

Can AirPods Be Used as Gaming Earbuds?

Many of the best AirPods are viable gaming earbud options thanks to their quality sound, comfortable fit, and host of features, including ANC on the AirPods Pro. However, AirPods aren’t designed for gaming, so if you’re concerned about latency in some games and simple connectivity on certain consoles, you may want to grab one of the earbuds we listed above instead.

Still, if you’re deadset on using AirPods for gaming, you’ll connect via Bluetooth to your devices. Gaming PCs, gaming phones, and the Nintendo Switch are relatively easy to pair with AirPods. But consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S are a bit more involved, so be sure to check out our guide on how to connect AirPods for more info.