If you enjoy gaming on your phone, a typical gaming headset will most likely be too large to carry with you everywhere. Fortunately, as mobile gaming has grown in popularity, more earbuds and in-ears are being created with it in mind. In general, you want a gaming headset with a strong microphone, a comfortable fit, and a well-balanced sound profile to ensure that all explosions and dialogue sound properly.
Latency can also be crucial, as many Bluetooth headphones cause perceptible latency, which can be problematic when gaming online with others.
Best earbuds for gaming
- Razer Hammerhead Hyperspeed
- Epos GTW 270 Hybrid
- 1More Triple Driver (wired)
Razer Hammerhead Hyperspeed
Battery life: RGB / ANC off: 6.5 hours + 26 hours in case | Connection: 2.4GHz / Bluetooth 5.2 | Noise cancelling: Yes | Compatibility: PS5, PC, Nintendo Switch, mobile, (Xbox version available) | Mic: Omnidirectional
The Razer Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed True Wireless gaming headphones are the best we’ve tried. These in-ears have a wireless USB-C dongle for low-latency gaming on PCs and PlayStation consoles. Want to connect with Bluetooth? Their companion app also has ‘Game Mode,’ which keeps your audio and images in sync during intense gameplay. If that isn’t enough, they provide customizable RGB lighting so you can flaunt your style.
Their active noise cancellation system reduces background noise, like traffic from an open window; nevertheless, with both capabilities enabled, their battery life drops from four to three hours. Fortunately, their case includes four additional charges in case the battery needs to be recharged.
They’re decently comfortable for most people and provide a reasonably balanced sound right out of the box. While a dip in the mid-range makes dialogue and instruments sound hollow, their app includes a graphic equalizer and presets to assist you in fine-tuning the sound. They also include a THX preset to help provide a more immersive listening experience. If you play multi-player games, their microphone provides good overall performance, and you’ll have no issue being heard properly, even if you’re talking in a noisy location like a shared living room.
If you are concerned about the low continuous battery life, consider the Sony INZONE Buds Truly Wireless. Their battery enables roughly 12 hours of continuous use on a single charge, so they’ll survive during long gaming sessions. However, they are not as well-built, and while they support Bluetooth, they only support the LC3 codec, so you’ll need a compatible device to utilize them this way. They may be used on PS5 consoles or PCs via the wireless dongle.
Epos GTW 270 Hybrid
Battery life: 20 hours | Connection: Low-latency Bluetooth | Noise cancelling: No (Noise isolating instead) | Compatibility: Nintendo Switch, PS5, PS4, PC, Mobile | Mic: Yes; built-in, dual microphone
The EPOS GTW 270 Ηybrid Truly Wireless are the best wireless gaming earphones we’ve tried at this price point. What distinguishes them from our top pick is their compatibility for multi-device pairing, which allows you to connect to both your console and your smartphone. They also support the aptX-LL codec, which ensures reduced latency on Bluetooth-enabled PCs. However, while their dongle delivers a low-latency connection, users have noticed connectivity troubles after updating to the most recent firmware. Unfortunately, the same update reduced its initial promised battery life to just over three hours, which is somewhat short. However, their carrying case has three additional charges.
These buds are really well-made and offer a comfortable fit that is ideal for extended gaming sessions. Their bass-rich sound profile helps enhance sound effects in action-packed games, and the headphones’ companion app includes a graphic equalizer and presets.
They enable Dolby 7.1 virtual surround sound, which helps make your game’s audio more dimensional and immersive. Their built-in mic makes your voice seem crisp and natural. However, unlike the Razer Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed True Wireless mic, your speech can be easily drowned out by ambient noise.
1MORE Triple Driver
Battery life: n/a | Connection: 3.5mm | Noise cancelling: No | Compatibility: PC, PS4. Xbox, Android | Mic: Yes
The 1MORE Triple Driver earbuds are a stylish and affordable pair of earphones that deliver impressive sound quality and build for their price. Featuring aluminum earbuds and a braided cable, they feel sturdy and come in a few color options, such as rose gold, adding a subtle touch of flair. While they may not stand out visually, their sleek design is ideal for those seeking a more understated look, especially if you’re in the market for wired gaming earbuds that don’t draw too much attention.
Since these are wired earbuds with a 3.5mm connection, the feature set is relatively basic. They lack wireless functionality but come with an inline microphone, allowing for game chat, though the mic quality is somewhat lackluster and better suited for solo gaming. The in-line remote, however, offers volume control and works with both Android and iOS devices, making these earbuds versatile for both gaming and everyday use.
Comfort-wise, the earbuds include a variety of silicone tips to ensure a snug fit, effectively sealing out ambient noise, though they lack active noise cancellation. The triple driver setup provides a balanced sound profile with clear highs, solid lows, and enough bass to suit both gaming and music. The wired connection also eliminates any concerns about latency, making these a great choice for gamers who value precise audio timing.
Overall, while 1MORE may not be a household name, these earbuds are an excellent choice if you’re looking for high-quality sound on a budget. Their solid build, clear audio, and reasonable price make them worth considering for both gaming and everyday listening.