Picking the best gaming earbuds isn’t as simple as scrolling through Amazon and hoping for the best. Let’s just say not everything with “gaming” in the name is any different from regular earbuds.
Gaming earbuds are a specific niche built to cut latency and sharpen directional sound. And with handhelds like the Steam Deck, Switch OLED, and ROG Ally everywhere, more gamers are ditching bulky headsets for these earbuds.
I’ve looked through the latest gaming earbuds, checked what real users are saying, and compared how they perform across platforms to help you find the perfect pair. Whatever setup you’re running, this list of the best gaming earbuds will keep you covered in 2025.
Quick Side-by-Side Comparison of the Best Gaming Earbuds
Not all gaming earbuds serve the same purpose. Some are built for quick reflexes, others for longer play or cleaner sound. The table below gives you the lay of the land before we get into the details.
|
Earbuds |
Best For |
Key Specs |
Price (USD) |
|
SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds |
Low-latency gaming on console & handhelds |
2.4 GHz dongle + Bluetooth 5.3, ANC, spatial audio, 10 + 40 hr battery |
~$169.99 |
|
Genki WaveForm Earbuds |
Multitasking & dual-device play |
Dual hybrid drivers, aptX Adaptive, connect to two devices, Hi-Fi sound |
~$99.99 |
|
Razer Hammerhead True Wireless Pro |
Competitive gaming & precision timing |
THX Certified, hybrid ANC, 60 ms latency, 32 hr battery |
~$84.99 |
|
Logitech G333 |
Reliable wired gaming on a budget |
Dual drivers, inline mic, zero latency wired connection |
~$33.15 |
|
Tronsmart Onyx Ace Pro |
Affordable wireless gaming |
Bluetooth 5.2, 45 ms Game Mode, 30 hr battery |
~$39.99 |
|
EarFun Air Pro 4 |
Mid-range all-rounder |
Bluetooth 5.4, LDAC + aptX Adaptive, AI ANC, 50 + hr battery |
~$55.98 |
|
Creative Outlier Pro |
Long battery life |
15 hr buds + 45 hr case, ANC, bass-heavy sound |
~$79.99 |
|
HyperX Cloud Earbuds II |
Mobile & handheld gaming |
14 mm drivers, inline mic, tangle-free cable |
~$44.99 |
|
Turtle Beach Scout Air |
Casual wireless gaming |
Bluetooth 5.1, wide soundstage, touch controls |
~$105 |
|
EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid |
Premium audio for console & mobile |
Bluetooth + USB-C dongle, dual drivers, rich bass sound |
~$97 |
|
Final VR500 |
VR & rhythm gaming with zero latency |
Wired connection, precision audio, lightweight build |
~$33.02 |
1. SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds
Best low-latency option for console and handheld gaming
The SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds are everywhere right now, and it’s easy to see why. They’re true wireless earbuds that come with their own 2.4 GHz USB-C dongle and Bluetooth 5.3, so you can jump between your console, PC, or phone without lag getting in the way.
You get clean, punchy audio with enough detail to pick up small cues like footsteps or reloads, and the companion app lets you tweak EQ settings for each game. If you like to mess with bass or trim the highs, you’ll appreciate that control.
They also pack active noise cancellation and 360-degree spatial audio on supported platforms, which makes a difference in immersive single-player titles. Battery life holds up too: around 10 hours on the buds and 40 more in the Qi-charging case. What I like most, though, is how straightforward they feel in use. No awkward touch gestures, just solid buttons and a fit that stays put even during long sessions.
Price: ~US $199.99 $169.99
Product link: SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds
2. Genki WaveForm Earbuds
Best multitasking option for dual-device streaming and RPG Games
The WaveForm Earbuds were actually named Time’s 2022 Best Invention. These earbuds are built for gamers who multitask like it’s second nature. You can connect to two audio sources at once — say, game audio from your Switch and a playlist on your phone — and both run smoothly. It’s a small thing, but it completely changes how you game on the go.
Inside, dual hybrid drivers push out detailed Hi-Fi sound, and the aptX Adaptive codec keeps latency incredibly low in Gaming Mode. In real use, that means dialogue stays synced, and explosions or footsteps hit exactly when they should.
The companion app also lets you fine-tune EQ presets for different genres, so you can boost gunfire in shooters or deepen the soundstage in RPGs. They’re versatile, well-tuned, and clearly made with gamers in mind.
Price: US $99.99 (on sale, regular $199.99)
Product link: Genki WaveForm Earbuds
3. Razer Hammerhead True Wireless Pro
Best competitive wireless option for precision play
Razer’s Hammerhead True Wireless Pro earbuds are made for players who care about response time as much as sound quality. Switch on Gaming Mode and latency drops to around 60 ms, which keeps gunfire, dialogue, and movement perfectly in sync with what’s happening on screen.
They’re also THX Certified, which means the soundstage feels wide and balanced instead of all bass and no detail. You also get hybrid active noise cancellation to block out background noise, plus Comply foam tips that seal nicely without digging into your ears.
As for battery life, you’ll get roughly 32 hours in total with the case. The only catch is that the mic doesn’t work in low-latency mode, and isolation could be stronger. Still, if you want wireless earbuds that actually keep up with fast-paced games, these deserve a spot on your shortlist.
Price: ~US $89.99 $84.99
Product link: Razer Hammerhead True Wireless Pro
4. Logitech G333
Best wired option for budget-conscious gamers
If you’re after something simple that just works for gaming, the Logitech G333s are hard to ignore. They’re wired, lightweight, and surprisingly capable for the price. You also get multiple ear tip sizes, so finding a good seal isn’t a struggle.
Now, about the sound. The G333s use dual dynamic drivers, which helps separate lows and highs more cleanly than most cheap wired buds. No, they’re not studio-grade, but they sound full and lively enough for everyday gaming. In open-world games, music and ambient effects come through clearly, and in shooters, you can pick up directional sounds better than you’d expect.
Since these are wired, latency isn’t something you’ll ever need to think about. And the inline mic and controls are straightforward — volume, pause, skip — nothing fancy, but it gets the job done. So, if you’re after reliable, plug-and-play earbuds that won’t eat your budget, the G333s deliver far more than they cost.
Price: ~US $33.15
Product link: Logitech G333 Earphones
5. Tronsmart Onyx Ace Pro
Best budget option with low-latency game mode
These earbuds cost well under a hundred bucks, yet they check more boxes than some models twice the price. First off, there’s a dedicated Game Mode that drops latency down to around 45 ms: your audio actually keeps up with the action instead of lagging half a second behind.
Battery life is another pleasant surprise. You get about 6.5 hours on a single charge and roughly 30 hours total with the case. In daily use, that’s a few long gaming sessions before you even think about charging.
As for sound, explosions don’t rumble like they do on premium sets, but dialogue and effects come through clean. It’s clear Tronsmart tuned these with balance in mind rather than just bass boosting, which helps with detail in shooters and RPGs alike.
Price: US $39.99
Product link: Tronsmart Onyx Ace Pro on Amazon
6. EarFun Air Pro 4
Best mid-range option under $100
This one’s what I’d call a mid-range surprise. At around eighty bucks, it packs a feature list that could easily belong to something twice the price. First off, you’re getting Bluetooth 5.4 with LDAC and aptX Adaptive. And with 10 mm drivers plus hybrid EQ, these buds have some real punch without drowning out the mids.
The companion app includes a proper Game Mode that cuts down Bluetooth lag to almost nothing. In real use, that makes explosions and footsteps land when they’re supposed to, not a beat later. The active noise cancellation is also better than you’d expect in this range, especially with the AI tuning that automatically adapts to your environment.
As for stamina, you’re looking at roughly seven to eight hours of playtime with ANC on, or about eleven with it off. Add the case and the total jumps to around fifty-plus hours, which is plenty for a week of gaming or travel. All things considered, the Air Pro 4 nails that sweet spot between price and performance. It’s one of those rare pairs that genuinely feels like a steal under a hundred dollars.
Price: ~US $79.99 $55.98
Product link: EarFun Air Pro 4 on EarFun
7. Creative Outlier Pro
Best long-battery option for extended sessions
The Creative Outlier Pro can run close to fifteen hours on a single charge and stretch past 45 with the case, which means you could game all weekend without ever reaching for a cable. That’s a rare claim most buds can’t back up.
As for sound, these earbuds lean toward the bassy side, and that’s not a bad thing. Explosions have real weight, footsteps pop through the mix, and dialogue still stays clear enough to follow the action. It’s a lively sound signature that works especially well for shooters and open-world games where atmosphere matters.
Even though the active noise cancellation doesn’t quite hit premium levels, it blocks out plenty of background hum given the price tag.. Sure, you trade a bit of tonal balance for that bass punch, but when you’re playing for hours, the endurance and immersion more than make up for it.
Price: US $129.99 $79.99
Product link: Creative Outlier Pro on Amazon
8. HyperX Cloud Earbuds
Best handheld and mobile gaming option
For handheld and mobile gamers on a budget, the HyperX Cloud Earbuds II have earned their cult status. They’re simple, sturdy, and tuned with gaming in mind. The 14 mm drivers deliver punchy, clear, and focused sound to make in-game details stand out. There’s also a built-in mic designed for voice chat, so your teammates can actually hear you instead of a muffled echo.
What really helps is the design. The flat, tangle-resistant cable feels solid, and the angled plug sits neatly in your controller or handheld without wiggling loose mid-match. You also get three pairs of patented silicone ear tips, which do a good job sealing out noise and keeping the buds steady even after a few hours of play.
As for performance, spatial cues are surprisingly clear for a budget pair. You can tell where sounds are coming from, which gives you a small but real edge in shooters or action games.
Price: US $44.99
Product link: HyperX Cloud Earbuds II
9. Turtle Beach Scout Air
Best true wireless option for casual play
The Turtle Beach Scout Air earbuds are all about cutting the cord without cutting corners. They connect purely over Bluetooth, yet they still manage to pull off a soundstage that feels broader than you’d expect at this price.
In open-world titles, that extra width helps you pick up subtle details — footsteps off to the side, distant environmental effects, or even the layered soundtrack in games like Mario Wonder.
Touch controls behave consistently, and battery life per bud stretches beyond what you’d call average. You can squeeze several sessions out of them before thinking about a recharge. On the flip side, the microphone lands squarely in the “fine but forgettable” range. It’s serviceable for quick chat, but not ideal for long conversations.
Price: US ~$105
Product link: Turtle Beach Scout Air
10. EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid
Best premium option for console and mobile audio
If you care about sound quality above all else, the EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid might be the closest you’ll get to full-size headset fidelity in an earbud form. They come with both Bluetooth and a USB-C dongle, letting you swap between console and mobile without breaking immersion.
On the Switch or PS5, that dongle connection gives you near-instant audio response, while Bluetooth keeps things flexible when you move to your phone or laptop. The dual-driver design pushes out thick, weighty bass that fills the soundstage, while mids stay rich and natural. Treble is handled carefully too, so you get sparkle without harshness.
In games with complex soundscapes, spatial cues are easy to read, and each layer of audio feels neatly placed. Of course, luxury comes with its quirks. The mic only works over Bluetooth, which means you can’t use voice chat when running low-latency mode through the dongle..
Price: US ~$116.00 $97
Product link: EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid
11. Final VR500 Gaming Earphones
Best wired option for VR and rhythm gaming
At first glance, the Final VR500 doesn’t look like much, but it hides serious acoustic engineering inside. These wired earbuds use Final’s signature dynamic drivers, tuned specifically for gaming and VR environments. Once plugged into a Meta Quest 3, a laptop, or any 3.5 mm device, the stereo field opens up with clean positional cues and surprisingly deep spatial imaging.
The resin housings are lightweight yet sturdy, and the silicone tips form a tight seal that naturally blocks ambient noise. Because the connection is wired, latency is effectively zero, which is a clear advantage for rhythm games or fast-paced VR titles.
There’s no ANC or app support here, but the audio reproduction is so accurate that it barely matters. For gamers who value precision and immediacy over frills, the VR500 proves that wired still wins in sheer performance.
Price: US $33.02
Product Link: VR500
To Sum Up
Gaming earbuds aren’t one-size-fits-all. Some aim for low latency and precision, others focus on battery life or comfort. Prices vary just as widely. Under $60, you’ll mostly find wired sets with solid sound and minimal extras.
Between $80 and $150, there’s a growing field of wireless models with better tuning, active noise canceling, and gaming modes that actually work. Spend a little more, and you’re paying for premium audio, stronger build quality, and customization tools through companion apps.
There’s no universal “best” here — just what fits your setup and habits. Once you know how you play and what matters most, the right pair becomes obvious
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