The 10 Best Gaming Earbuds

1. Razer Hammerhead Pro Gaming Earbuds

Razer is a well-known brand when it comes to quality and sound performance. Their classic green signature builds are always a good option for gamers looking for equipment that’s going to last a long time. One of Razer’s best selling earbuds in the Hammerhead series, the Razer Hammerhead Pro offers a built-in microphone and call control. The Razer Hammerhead Pro is marketed as music and gaming earbuds and has been labeled as ‘hammering the bass’ so we can expect some very nice lows. 

Design and Build   

The Razer Hammerhead Pros feel comfortable and sturdy in the ear. Their incredible aircraft-grade aluminum body makes them ultra-lightweight and durable. Taking a look at the ear-tips, Razer has included 3 different silicone sizes to ensure that you find a snug fit. These are intended to block out external sounds and keep the music in your ears. Also included are bi-flanged ear-tips which add even more comfortability and sound isolation through their additional silicone flap. This second layer seals off background noise and provides better sound isolation when compared to other gaming earbuds.

An in-line controller is present to take calls, but users should be aware that there is no volume control or mute button for gaming. It is rather disappointing to see at this price point that the Hammerhead Pros earbuds don’t feature a quick volume adjustment button. This means if you’re gaming on PC, you’ll need to change the volume on the desktop.

Sound and Performance

Inside the Razer Hammerhead Pro earbuds are precision-tuned 9mm neodymium drivers. Together, these are paired with an optimized inner acoustic chamber that aims to produce a strong bass signature, while still maintaining clear mids and highs. They are fairly bass-heavy earbuds so if you’re sensitive to lows you might want to avoid these. You can, however, just adjust the equalizer levels to your liking as well.

Moving onto the omnidirectional microphone, it is clear and picks up sound relatively well. Overall, the sound quality for both drivers and microphone are good, but they may not be audiophile-worthy if you have a sensitivity to bass.

Connectivity

The Razer Hammerhead Pro earbuds are wired and come with a splitter. Their 3.5mm jack can be connected to your smartphone or console, and the adapter can be used with your computer. The cable length is around 4.27 ft and they weigh just 48 oz, so they aren’t going to feel like they’re dragging one side of your ear down. Although they aren’t wireless, these earbuds will provide a comfortable fit throughout long gaming sessions.

Razer Hammerhead Pro V2

Another option in the Hammerhead series is the Hammerhead Pro V2. The Pro V2 allows you to control your volume and microphone, and it also features a 10 mm dynamic driver (as opposed to the 90 mm divers of the Pro).

2. EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid Wireless Gaming Earbuds

Are you someone that is often moving between gaming consoles and want an audio device that is an all-around wireless device? Then EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid Gaming Earbuds may be what you’re looking for.

Design and Build

Unlike other gaming brands, EPOS decided not to rely on brightly colored accents in their product design. All the primary parts of the device are easy on the eyes with gray, silver, and black tones. The inside of the charging box is wrapped with a teal accent on an otherwise grayscale design. 

The weighty and durable earbuds fit neatly into the charging case and are securely held there by a magnetic connection. Present on the case is the EPOS logo with a single button and five small LED lights that indicate pairing and charging status. The construction of the charging case feels solid, although the exterior is prone to scratching. So avoid placing it with objects that could scratch the surface. 

Included with the earbuds is a small dongle that creates low latency through its aptX™ codec. It can easily fit into a USB-C port without impacting the USB-A ports on the motherboard. These earbuds are IPX5 rated, meaning you don’t need to worry about sweat damage or light rain when wearing them outside. 

The downsides to these earbuds are their lack of volume control on the earbuds themselves and the battery life. To change the earbuds volume, you need to adjust it on your device settings.  The battery life of these earbuds is on the short side at five hours. But you can extend its battery life up to 15 hours by using the charging case, which has three recharge cycles. 

Sound and Performance

The performance of these earbuds when gaming is surprisingly good. It is easy to feel immersed in your gameplay because of the passive isolation from the snug in-ear fit. These earbuds are capable of carrying the bass from in-game explosions without interfering with higher frequencies. 

Directional sound quality is excellent when panning left to right, but front and back directional sounds are noticeably different when comparing it to a pair of 7.1 gaming headphones and lacks the depth of surround sound headphones that gamers might be used to. 

Connectivity

The dongle can be inserted directly into any modern motherboard with a USB-C port. These earbuds have the ability to connect between both Bluetooth and the dongle with a touch of a button. You can swap between a Bluetooth audio channel capable of voice chat and your dongle, allowing you to run Discord on your phone via Bluetooth and the games audio via the dongle.  The microphone feature, however, is unfortunately only available when using the Bluetooth connection.

The wireless connection when using the dongle starts to get spott around 5 meters, and in an open room environment is completely lost at 6 meters. Pairing automatically resumes about 5 seconds after you are back in range. Although, when using Bluetooth 5.1 functionality, the range extends out to 15 meters, but at the sacrifice of the low-latency feature. 

Read our full review on the EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid Wireless Gaming Earbuds.

3. HyperX Cloud Earbuds– Gaming Earbuds for Console and Mobile Gaming

Are you looking for gaming earbuds that are specifically designed for console gaming? The HyperX Cloud Earbuds is not only an affordable option that caters to all your console gaming needs but it is optimized specifically for the Nintendo Switch too. 

Design and Build

The Cloud earbuds are housed in a bright red color that is the flagship tradition of many HyperX products. The cables are flat and prevent any tangles from taking place, and situated in the middle is an in-line microphone which enables you to answer calls. Unfortunately, there is no volume adjustment switch, but if you’re playing on Nintendo Switch or computer, adjusting the volume should be easy enough. Additionally, the Cloud earbuds also have a nice little 90-degree angled connector which makes them a breeze to plug into whatever device you’re using them on.

Comfort is everything when it comes to long gaming sessions, and finding a custom earbud that is exactly to your liking can be a challenge. Like many brands, HyperX has tried to accommodate all by including three different sized silicone tips. Traditional earbuds enter deep into your ear cavity and create an almost ‘vacuum’ feeling inside your ears. This design can be uncomfortable for some and that’s why HyperX has designed the Cloud earbuds to sit over the ear cavity instead. Furthermore, their wedge shape style also makes them a bit easier to remove once you’re done.

As for the plastic body itself, it isn’t anywhere near as durable as the Razer Hammerhead’s aluminum body, but it should be able to take a few falls without breaking. HyperX has also been nice enough to include a little carrying case to go along with the earbuds.

Sound and Performance

The HyperX Cloud Earbuds are certainly intended for gaming with regards to their sound signature. The mids have been increased compared to traditional music-focused earbuds, and the lows have been enhanced ever so slightly to not overshadow the overall game sound. Voice communication will be clear, and you’ll be able to differentiate between sounds coming from various directions.

When looking at the microphone, it produces a crisp clear output but unfortunately catches some background noise. If you’re planning to use these in a loud environment your party members in-game will hear what’s going on around you.

Connectivity

The 3.5mm connector is gold-plated for longer durability and rust prevention. The cables feel well-made, but it would be a good idea to keep them enclosed in their carry case should you want to extend their lifespan. Unfortunately, HyperX has not included a splitter with these earbuds, so if you’re getting them for PC you will have to order the attachment separately. You will be able to use them for in-game volume, but the splitter is needed should you want to use the microphone.

Read our full review on the HyperX Cloud Earbuds.

4. Turtle Beach Battle Buds In-Ear Gaming Earbuds Headset

Turtle Beach is one of the biggest names in gaming headsets, and it was only a matter of time before they released their very own pair of gaming earbuds. The Battle Buds are designed for on-the-go gaming and more specifically, mobile and Nintendo Switch players. 

Design and Build

The Turtle Beach Battle Buds are a rather unique-looking pair of earbuds due to their larger shape and detachable boom microphone. The overall build quality is what you can expect from something at this price range. 

Once inside your ears, the Battle Buds offer some good stability and they’re not going to be falling out your ears anytime soon. These are larger earbuds so they will stick out a bit further than regular sizes, but it shouldn’t cause any hassles. Turtle Beach has also included three sizes of interchangeable ear-tips and stabilizers for each earbud, for the best fit possible.

The in-line remote is also impressive at this price range. There is an easy-to-use volume slider, as well as a mute button for your microphone. On the other side of the remote, you’ll find a single button that can be used to take calls, play or pause music, and skip tracks when clicked twice.

Sound and Performance

The Battle Buds are good sounding earbuds for videogames, and that’s about it. While they win our vote for best mid-range gaming earbuds, these aren’t going to win any awards for soft bass or heavy treble. However, if you want to use these earbuds for footstep clarity, or just to play casual games such as Animal Crossing, you won’t be disappointed. 

The highs can sometimes be a little piercing to the ears, but it won’t take away from the experience – as long as you’re not blasting the volume. The noise isolation and leakage are also excellent. You’ll be able to block out most of the background noise around you. The Battle Buds also keep the noise inside your ears and prevent any leakage from taking place. Nobody is going to hear you playing Pokémon on the subway.

As previously mentioned, the Turtle Beach Battle Buds also comes with a detachable boom microphone.  The recording quality is exceptional (given that its an earbud microphone) and your voice will be clear and easy to understand. There’s no static or distortion, as found in some headsets that rely on the microphone being built into the inline controller. At the same time, it also does a good job of blocking out noisy environments, so those around you won’t hear anything when you’re trying to communicate.

Connectivity

The Turtle Beach Battle Buds are multiplatform compatible. This means that they’re designed for Xbox One and PlayStation 4 controllers with 3.5mm jacks, as well as the Nintendo Switch. They also work great with computers and mobile devices equipped with 3.5mm connections, but you will need to buy your own splitter should you want to use them on PC.

5. Sony MDRXB50AP Extra Bass Gaming Earbuds

The Sony MDRXB50AP earbuds are favorites among gamers and music lovers alike. These earbuds allow users to experience clear bass that is more defined, without any risk of damaging your ears and the delicate earbud speakers. They’re simply well-built and reliable earbuds at a fraction of the cost in terms of quality.

Design and Build

The MDRXB50AP earbuds are sleek and simple in design. While Sony is known for making most of their headsets in black, but this particular model comes in an assortment of colors. In terms of comfort, the Extra Bass earbuds have a typical in-ear fit, but they’re also angled so they won’t enter as deeply into the ear canal.

The Sony MDRXB50AP is built with 12 mm dome type driver units that are driven by high energy neodymium magnets for a more powerful sound. The audio cables have been nicely rubberized and flattened to prevent tangling from taking place. 

There is an inline control, but it can be somewhat disappointing for gamers. It is a single button that can be used for skipping tracks, pausing or playing music, and taking phone calls. You’ll find no microphone mute button or volume slider here.

Sound and Performance

The Sony MDRXB50AP is for bass enthusiasts. If you’re looking for lows that are deep, punchy, and extra boomy, these are the earbuds for you! The 12 mm dynamic drivers allow the bass to come through the speakers clearly without causing any distortion making them perfect gaming earbuds, as well as listening to all things EDM.

The bass comes as a trade-off though, indeed you’ll be blown away by the lows coming out of these little guys, however, the mids and highs will lack in some areas. Vocals and instruments will seem a bit muffled when overpowered by the thunderous bass. For the price, we wouldn’t expect Sony to be able to cover all areas of sound, so if you haven’t grown accustomed to high-end sounding headphones, you may not be able to tell the difference at all. These earbuds are still able to hit all ranges adequately and provide a pleasurable gaming experience.

Microphone quality is average and a tad sensitive to background noise. These aren’t going to block out surrounding sounds for those listening to your callouts, but you’ll be able to use them on both PC and console.

Connectivity

As noted above, the Sony MDRXB50AP can be used across all platforms. They feature a 3.5 mm jack so you’ll need an adapter should you want to use the microphone on your computer. For PC use, you will be able to control your microphone sensitivity. If background noise is an issue you could simply turn down the microphone level to your liking until only your voice is present. As for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, these earbuds will be able to work right out the box. Overall, the MDRXB50AP offers excellent value for money and is a bass enthusiast’s dream if they’re looking to purchase gaming earbuds.

6. Bose QuietComfort 20 Acoustic Noise Canceling Earbuds

Bose is well-known for its noise-canceling headphones since the company first introduced the QuietComfort series. Over the years they have updated the series by adding on-ear and over-ear models to the series, and now have an earbud variation to carry on their noise-canceling legacy. 

Design and Build

From the get-go, you’ll notice that the Bose QuietComfort 20s are premium good-looking earbuds. The black rubberized cables have been complimented by soft blue accents. The comfortable ear tips are soft and made out of flexible silicone. The fin-like design hugs the inside of your ear providing additional support and maximum comfort. With this unique design also comes a gentle seal that contributes to the full-spectrum noise reduction technology.

The Bose inline control features 4 buttons for you to take control of your gaming and multimedia experience. Siri or Google Voice are all included too.  Further down the cable, you will also find an in-line battery that powers the active noise cancellation. It’s slim and lightweight, so you don’t have to worry about it weighing you down. It may appear large in the images, but it isn’t a power bank by any means. 

Its also good to mention here that Bose has made the cable pretty lengthy at 12 inches. A clip has also been included to help with cable management. If you’re gaming from a PC, there’s nothing worse than a short cable that tugs at your ear when turning your head to the side.

Sound and Performance

The Bose QuietComfort 20s maintain Bose’s signature balanced and neutral sound. They are excellent for anyone looking for earbuds that do not overemphasize a particular range but instead lets them all radiate equally. In other words, there’s going to be enough detail to suit analytical listener’s and gamers, and enough oomph for those looking for a bass experience. 

Some would argue that in-ear monitors or earbuds will not be able to compete in quality when compared to headphones. The QC 20s however break the stereotype, delivering vocals that feel front and center. In-game sounds are vibrant and there’s no muddiness to the audio even in action set pieces. Gaming and music simply handle perfectly in all areas, making these earbuds ideal for any situation.

Microphone quality is clear and easy to understand, but background noise handling is mediocre. These earbuds are best suited for a quiet environment, as they will struggle to separate ambient background noise from speech. As for the noise cancellation itself, it performs great and you’ll be able to block out most background noises. One thing to note here is that when the noise cancellation technology is turned on, the sound isn’t as crisp from the speakers. This might be a placebo effect, but we’d recommend you keep it on.

Connectivity

The QC 20 has both console, mobile, and computer support. The 3.5 mm connector will fit directly into an Xbox One controller, allowing you to use the earbuds for both in-game sound and recording. The earbuds, unfortunately, do not come with a splitter, so you’ll need to buy one separately if you want to use the microphone on PC.  

7. Linsoul TIN Audio T2 Double Dynamic Drive Earbuds

The Linsoul TIN Audio T2 earbuds are high-quality in-ear headphones designed for the critical listener. If you’re a gamer looking for a pair of earbuds specifically for single-player titles, these might be what you’re looking for. The T2s have no in-line controller support or microphone, so you’ll be buying this for the sound performance only. 

Design and Build

When you first unbox these earbuds, you’ll notice right away that these are built like tanks. The silver color is complemented by a nice white braided cable which is also detachable. Like the Shure SE215 earbuds, these can be replaced in the future if needed.

As in-ear monitors, they can be hooked into your ears by adjusting the cable around your ears. While the ear tips seem a bit larger than average, Linsoul has provided various tip options including silicone and memory foam, to ensure a perfect fit. In total, there are 7 ear tip sizes, including a nice bright blue set to add some color to the build.

Inside each earbud, you will find a dynamic 10 mm woofer and a 6 mm tweeter (2DD drive unit). A tweeter is a type of speaker that produces the higher frequencies, while the woofer offers support for low-frequencies. Most earbuds have a single driver that has to perform for all frequencies. The 2DD drive unit is therefore the cause for the impressive sound when compared to others. What does this mean for videogames? Better immersion and an overall better speaker for everything else.

Sound and Performance

Starting with sound leakage, the earbuds perform especially well with the canal design. Strangely enough, the noise isolation is not as impressive. Although the T2’s keep the sound from escaping, you may be able to hear background noise. It isn’t the end of the world though; the memory foam tips still do a good job at blocking out common house noises.

The TIN T2 earbuds shine in their audio performance. As expected by an IEM, they have a bright sound signature with amazing mids and highs. Instruments are detailed and vocals are crisp. At the higher frequencies, there is no fatiguing or sharp piercing sound. Sound is still perceptive to the individual though, and therefore some users have reported an improvement in sensitivity when using the foam tips.

Earlier we said that these earbuds will shine in a single-player gaming experience and these strengths pay testament to that. If you’re a fan of story-rich games with a lot of dialogue and classic music, these earbuds will not leave you disappointed! On that note though, the bass is fairly light and bass-heads should heed caution. There definitely is some punch to these earbuds, but they’re not on the level of something like the Sony MDRXB50AP.

Connectivity

The Linsoul TIN Audio T2 earbuds include a 3.5mm carbon fiber gold-plated straight jack. The cable is detachable, but the earbuds are not wireless or Bluetooth enabled. The detachable feature serves only as a means to replace the cable should it break. 

8. IKKO Meteor OH1 In-Ear Monitor Earphones

IKKO is a fairly new in-ear monitor brand, and the Meteor OH1 is their first release. When visiting the IKKO Audio website, you’ll find that the young team behind their products seems to have placed a lot of effort into the originality of their designs. 

Design and Build

The Meteor OH1 design itself closely resembles a teardrop. The shell is a lightweight aluminum that also has a low-profile design. Interestingly enough, the nozzles are actually part of the inner shell and not a separate piece like many other models in this price range. IKKO should be applauded for this as it means more internal and external polishing to get the anodizing and sound channel correct. 

When looking inside the build, the bass will be handled by a 10 mm titanium-plated dynamic driver, whereas the higher frequencies will utilize the Knowles 33518 balanced armature driver. 

Included with the Meteor OH1 is a carry pouch, along with 6 pairs of silicone ear tips. IKKO has included 3 sets of ‘vocal ear tips’ and 3 sets of ‘balanced ear tips’ which come in small, medium, and large sizes. According to IKKO, each style of ear tip will change the way you perceive music and sound. In terms of overall quality, the build will stand out and provide a solid support for gaming sessions. The materials used and design illustrates that a lot of time went into making these earbuds.

Sound and Performance

The first impression of the Meteor OH1 is that of a smooth sound that is not overly analytical or technical. The details are uncompromised and the soundstage is wide and deep. Perhaps the depth is caused by the performance of the 10 mm dynamic driver, which creates an amazing layering over tracks.

The lows create a rumble when the bass kicks in, and due to the extension, this creates a good layer with both mids and highs. Its good to see that the bass does not overpower the other frequencies as found in bass-heavy earbuds. Mids are breathy and spacious, which results in crisp vocals be it in music or in-game. This also means that the transition of rumbling lows from explosions to instruments and vocals will be even. There’s no distortion or sharp piercing noise when the frequency changes. 

The drawback of the sound performance is found in the highs where the treble rolls off a little fast. However, there is still a sufficient amount of air so congestion is prevented. For those sensitive to high frequencies, a slight adjustment of volume can go a long way.

Connectivity

The Meteor OH1 includes a 4-strand oxygen-free cable. The 2-pin 0.78 mm detachable design has a 3.5 mm jack at the end of it which is compatible with smartphones, consoles, and computers. Like many in-ear monitors, there is no microphone included. If you buy a third-party replacement cable, just be sure that it is a 2-pin cable design in order to be compatible with the Meteor OH1 earbuds.

9. KLIM Fusion Gaming Earbuds

At just under 20 dollars, the KLIM Fusion earbuds are ready to take on any task at hand. Many earbuds on this list require additional cables or extensions to make them compatible for all platforms, but not the Fusions. If you’re on a strict budget and want everything in a convenient bundle, these might be to your liking. They’re an excellent choice as both gaming earbuds and as everyday use earbuds. Whether its consoles, computer, laptop, or iPhone, these earbuds are plug-and-play from the box.

Design and Build

The first thing people worry about in budget earbuds is their design quality and materials. The Fusions have a metal shell and are magnetic, so you can hang them around your neck when you’re not using them. This is already a step-up from conventional budget in-ears that are made of plastic.

Next, we have comfortable memory foam ear tips. KLIM has included three pairs that come in various sizes and fits. Traditional silicone style ear tips have also been included, but the foam variations provide the best comfort for long gaming sessions.

The earbuds themselves have an in-line controller and microphone that can be used to make calls and pause/play music. It is a common thought that budget builds may yield value for money – but only for a short period of time. KLIM is one of the few manufactures to be so confident in their products that they’re willing to offer a 5-year warranty on the Fusion earbuds.

Sound and Performance

The KLIM Fusion earbuds have 8mm drivers. The sound quality, in general, is very clear and more than what you’d expect for something at this price range. KLIM also boasts that the Fusion has ‘powerful bass’ – and they weren’t kidding! These earbuds can produce decent lows when listening to EDM tracks.

You always have to bear in mind that these are budget earbuds though, and they’re not going to provide sound quality on par with 100-dollar earbuds. The earbuds lack good sound separation and the highs are somewhat piercing at times. However, there are no crackles and echo sensations that are often found in cheap earbuds. You’re still getting a lot out of these little guys.

The inline controller has both a play/pause button and a volume adjuster. This makes the Fusion an excellent option for apps such as discord or TeamSpeak, should you want to chat with your friends in-game. Microphone clarity is average, but you’ll get your message across without any issues. In other words, it won’t be crisp, but it won’t have crackling static either.

Connectivity

The Fusion earbuds are something special when it comes to connectivity. They have included everything you’ll need inside the box. PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch are all covered. The standard connection is a universal 3.5 mm jack and this can be supplemented by the included adapter for PC. In other words, the Fusions are ready to handle anything out of the box. 

10. Betron YSM1000 Earbuds

Are you a bass head on a serious budget? The Betron YSM1000 may be the best bass-heavy pair of earbuds under fifteen dollars. If you’ve always wanted a pair of Beats headphones these may yet be a cheap alternative for your listening preference. Packed with a bunch of accessories and features you’d find on mid-range earbuds, the YSM1000 seeks to impress all.

Design and Build

Beats headphones are often attributed to the hip-hop genre and flashy lifestyle. Well, the Betron YSM1000 has tried to capture this image in the best way possible. The buds are either silver or red and are complimented by gold accents. You may think this sounds impossible, but Betron has managed to make the earbuds look premium on a budget. Taking a peek at the cables, you’ll find that they have been rubberized with a transparent coating. Being able to see the wires inside has never looked so cool, especially with the red earbuds to match.

In terms of comfort, Betron has tried their best to be accommodating for everyone. 6 pairs of silicone earbuds have been included in various sizes and types. Additionally, 2 pairs of foam ear tips, a wire clip, and a carrying bag are also included.

How long will these earbuds last? Betron has provided a two-year warranty, but we think they may last longer. The Betron YSM1000 is well built and very sturdy. The in-line controller is made of metal, as opposed to plastic. The earbuds are dense and should be able to withstand some pressure, while the cables are thick enough not to break easily.

Sound and Performance

They weren’t kidding when they said these earbuds were bass-heavy! The low bass responsible for thumping and rumbling is sure to satisfy those looking for a deep and heavy sound. How would these differ from Beats? The answer is that, although the earphones are very boomy, they can also be muddy and overwhelming in certain areas. Lower frequencies can overpower the mids and highs depending on the genre. 

Since the earbuds are bass-heavy, the mid-range can be thick and cluttered. Treble is average with vocals and instruments struggling to show detail and brightness. However, if you’re a bass head music lover interested in a punchy sound, this may not bother you as much. Likewise, if you enjoy heavier and deeper sounding audio while gaming, then this also shouldn’t be a problem for you.

Noise isolation and leakage handle fairly well, considering the audio style. You’re not going to be disturbing anyone unless you’re in a quiet room, and the foam earbuds manage to keep out surrounding mumbled noises.  A microphone is also included and the recording quality is clear without crackling. Finally, the volume can be tailored to your liking through the in-line controller – which is a nice touch.

Connectivity

The YSM1000 has a 3.5 mm gold-plated connector that can be used with smartphones, consoles, and computers. The cable is, of course, not interchangeable and therefore you’ll need to buy an adapter in order to use the microphone on PC.