10 Best Gaming Earbuds in 2021

Over-the-ear headphones are widely recognized as the king of gaming audio accessories. This is because many of them provide great audio quality, low latency, and excellent audio isolating features. However, with the advent of gaming earbuds, this notion has changed somewhat, especially for those who enjoy gaming on their phones. The best gaming earbuds feature sleek designs, an ergonomic form factor, and incredible drivers, all of which come together to provide gamers with an immersive audio experience.

Gaming earphones are especially great for gamers who play games on their mobile devices and those who listen to music on the go. Just like many other gaming accessories, they each come with their own pros and downsides. In the article below, we’ve compiled a list of the best earbuds for gaming and discussed each of their pros and cons.

We’ve also added an informative guide at the end to help you understand some of the necessary factors to consider when looking for the best gaming earbuds, including noise cancellation, frequency response, audio profile, and more. Without further ado, let’s dive right in.

TL;DR - Best Earbuds for Gaming :

• Razer Hammerhead True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds
• Bose QuietComfort 20 Noise Canceling Headphones
• KLIM Fusion Earbuds
• 1MORE Triple Driver in-Ear Earphones
• Turtle Beach Battle Buds In-Ear Gaming Headset
• HyperX Cloud Earbuds Gaming Headphones
• MINDBEAST Super Bass 90% -Noise Isolating Earbuds
• Sony MDRXB50AP Extra Bass Earbuds
• Beats Urbeats3 Magnetic Earbuds
• HP Gaming Earbuds with Mic

1. Razer Hammerhead True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds

Best Wireless Earbuds for Gaming

Razer is a brand that's focused on providing gamers with top-of-the-line devices and accessories. They offer some of the best wireless gaming headphones, keyboards, computers, and many other accessories. The Hammerhead True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds are simply a testament to this fact. These wireless gaming earbuds come with a bass-heavy sound profile that helps bring out gunshots and explosions in the likes of first-person shooters. They are also designed with a "Game Mode" that helps decrease latency when connected to a smartphone or any other mobile device.

This feature makes them some of the best earbuds for competitive gaming. The Razer Hammerhead Gaming Earbuds offer great bass sounds, which can be awesome for shooter games and listening to bass-heavy songs, especially those in the hip-hop and EDM genres. However, their mids and highs aren't up to par, which means that you may not enjoy music genres like RnB or jazz quite as much with these gaming earbuds.

You can, however, use the equalizer integrated into the app to fine-tune the mids and treble until you get the desired effect. The mics built into these earbuds are subpar, and the 3.7 hours of battery life isn't the best either. This, however, doesn't take away the fact that the Razer Hammerhead is one of the best wireless earbuds for mobile gaming.

2. Bose QuietComfort 20 Noise Canceling Headphones

Best Noise-Canceling Gaming Earbuds

Looking for gaming headphones that can double as a daily driver? Look no further than the Bose QuietComfort 20 Acoustic Headphones. Bose is a brand that's well known in the sound engineering industry. The products they offer are top-notch and only a few competitors come close to them in ranking. They offer some of the best noise-canceling headphones and earbuds on the market.

The QuietComfort 20 is the brand's first in-ear headphones that come with noise-cancellation. Designed with an in-line microphone, these gaming headphones provide crystal clear communication between you and your teammates. You'll be able to relay information effectively during game time as well as make high-quality calls with these headphones.

Unlike the Razer Hammerhead above, these Bose earbuds come with 16 hours of battery life as well as noise cancelation features. While the over-$200 price point may be a little high, it's sure worth everything you're getting from these headphones (If your budget is tighter, you may prefer our noise-canceling headphones under $100 guide). They are highly comfortable thanks to the three pairs of StayHear+ ear tips Bose has included in the package. And to make things even better, you get a 3.5mm cable to ensure that there's no lag or latency when you're gaming.

There are two versions of these headphones and you may get confused while shopping. The Bose QuietComfort 20 - or QC 20 - is the standard version and it can be used with any mobile device except Apple devices. However, there's another variant known as the QC20i. This version is for Apple devices only. Both versions are sold at the same price.

3. KLIM Fusion Earbuds

Best Budget Earbuds

Klim may not be a household name like Bose and Razer, but the brand sure knows how to leave a mark. With the Klim Fusion Earbuds, your mobile gaming experience will never be the same again. These gaming earbuds feature a great build quality and a balanced sound profile. Fitted with memory foam ear tips, they can stay in your ears for hours without causing any discomfort. Thanks to these memory foam ear tips, you also get a level of noise isolation that cannot be found in any other earbuds in the same price range.

The ear tips completely block outside noise, ensuring that you get the best in-game audio and music quality. The Klim Fusion Earbuds are some of the best gaming earbuds in their price range. For less than $20, you get a pair of mobile gaming earbuds that are comfortable, provide excellent sound, and are built to last (see here for more earbuds under $50).  The brand is so confident in the quality of its gaming earbuds that it's offering a 5-year warranty on them.

While the audio quality isn't as awesome as what you get on the Bose QuietComfort 20 above, it's still better than what's offered by most headphones in the same price range. Since it's a wired earphone, you get the usual 3.5mm jack, but it also comes with an integrated mic that offers good call clarity and you also get 3 pairs of extra ear tips to ensure that the earbuds fit perfectly in your ears.

And to sweeten the deal, Klim decided to provide every customer that buys this product with an ebook on how to maximize the performance of your computer while ensuring that it lasts for as long as posisble. This truly is a brand that cares about its customers.

4. 1MORE Triple Driver in-Ear Earphones

Best Gaming Earbuds with In-Line Mic

In the world of gaming earbuds, only a few products can match the sound quality offered by the 1More Triple Driver Earphones. These gaming earbuds are designed with three different drivers; two armatures and one dynamic driver. With all three drivers working hand-in-hand, users get awesome clarity and bass that are worth more than the less than $80 price tag they are paying for these buds. This doesn't come as a surprise given the fact that these gaming earbuds were fine-tuned by Grammy award-winning producer Luca Bignardi.

Unlike the Razer Hammerhead gaming earbuds that are more suited for the EDM and hip-hop genres, the 1More Triple Driver gaming earphones will do well with most music genres. For greater comfort and long-term use, 1More included nine sets of ear tips - 6 silicone and 3 memory foam - in the package. And just like the Bose headphones above, these gaming earbuds also come with an in-line remote control that allows you to take calls, play songs, and adjust audio volume with ease. A MEMS microphone also sits in the in-line remote control.

This mic comes with some good recording quality, ensuring that you're able to communicate effectively when making calls or playing games with your teammates. However, the mic doesn't do particularly well in loud environments. If you're using the earbuds in a crowded spot, your voice may not be well transmitted to the receiver.

The 1More Triple Driver In-Ear Earphones are also not the best when it comes to blocking outside noise. You may want to look elsewhere if this is a big deal for you. However, casual users are likely to love everything about these earbuds. Connected via a 3.5mm jack, these gaming earbuds are available in only two premium finishes - silver and gold.

5. Turtle Beach Battle Buds In-Ear Gaming Headset

Best Earbuds for Multiplayer Gaming

The Turtle Beach Battle Buds In-Ear Gaming Headset has a particularly unusual design, to say the least. Taking the number five spot on our list of best gaming earbuds, this pair is specifically tailored to meet the needs of gamers. It has a boom mic that allows you to easily communicate with other players, which can also be removed when not in use in order to enhance portability. Thin and quite easy to use, the boom mic sits close to your mouth, relaying every spoken word to the other end with ease.

Unlike the 1More Triple Driver gaming earbuds, this boom mic will ensure that your voice is heard even if you're in a loud, crowded environment. And since they are wired gaming earbuds that are compatible with Xbox One, PS4, PC, and mobile devices, you can easily switch between gaming devices with no issues.

These Turtle Beach gaming earbuds are very bass-heavy, and with them sitting comfortably in your ears, you'll feel every footstep, rumble, and explosion happening in your action game. The sound profile here is thick and heavy, however, which means that you won't be getting the best treble and mids.

These gaming earbuds also come with an in-line remote control that helps control your music, adjust volume, and receive phone calls. They also feature a cheap, plastic build, which may not sit well with some people. Additionally, the tips aren't great for long gaming sessions as they aren't very comfortable. That, however, doesn't take away from the fact that these are still some of the best gaming earbuds on the market.

6. HyperX Cloud Earbuds Gaming Headphones

Best Gaming Earbuds for Handheld Devices

The HyperX Cloud Earbuds are some of the best wired gaming earbuds for handheld and mobile gaming devices, especially for devices like the Nintendo Switch. They are specifically designed to provide users with an immersive sound experience. These gaming earbuds are considered to be some of the best because they tick all of the important boxes, including great sound quality, comfort, and an all-around awesome gaming experience.

They are designed with silicone ear tips that sit over your ear cavity instead of going straight into your ear canal. This ensures that you remain comfortable while gaming, especially if you play for long periods. The fit is snug and you get up to three extra pairs of silicone ear tips to ensure that you get the ideal fit for your ears, ultimately contributing to the immersive audio experience that these earbuds offer.

Note that these gaming earbuds are tuned to primarily provide the best gaming experience. The bass is great and the mids and trebles in this model have been tuned up. While you'll definitely enjoy the sound of explosions and shooting in action-packed scenes, you may not enjoy it as a daily driver as it doesn't offer the best music experience.

The in-line mic is also great as it provides clear communication on calls and game chats, including Discord and CoD Mobile chat. Note that the mic tends to up ambient sound too, so if you're in a noisy place, the other party will likely hear what's happening in the background. The build quality isn't the best and it may be a little expensive for a wired gaming earbud. However, it's still one of the best gaming earbuds you can buy.

7. MINDBEAST Super Bass 90% -Noise Isolating Earbuds

Best Noise Isolation Gaming Earbuds

While noise-canceling may be the more preferred feature, getting a noise-isolating earbud for less than $20 isn't a bad deal. This is what makes the Mindbeast Super Bass Noise Isolation Earbuds some of the best for gaming. These gaming earbuds offer great bass and up to 90% noise isolation. This means that your earbuds can help you reduce ambient sound by 90%, ensuring that you get every bit of audio coming from your game.

The stereo effect makes everything better as you'll be able to easily hear footsteps, explosions, and more in your action games. This pair of earbuds feature an ergonomic design that makes them great for long-term gaming, working out, commuting, and running. Compatible with most devices with a 3.5mm headphone port, the Mindbeast Super Bass Gaming Earbuds come with a built-in mic and in-line controls that make it easy to communicate hands-free and control your volume or music.

You also get a waterproof and dirtproof carrying case for this pair of earbuds. While you won't get the kind of sound quality you'd get on the Bose QuietComfort 20, there's no denying that the bass here is top-notch. These are simply some of the best noise isolating earbuds for gaming.

8. Sony MDRXB50AP Extra Bass Earbuds

Best Bass Gaming Earbuds

The Sony MDRXB50AP Extra Bass Earbuds are considered to be some of the best gaming earbuds around for those who love bass-heavy audio. They dispense some really powerful bass from their speakers. Featuring 12-millimeter dome-type drivers, these gaming earbuds provide a feeling of vibration in your ears. They come with hybrid silicone earbuds that sit comfortably in your ears, ensuring that you're able to play your games for longer durations.

While they do not come with noise cancelation, these gaming earbuds feature a tight acoustic design that allows them to provide users with a high level of passive sound isolation. You'll be able to get more sound from your game and lose some ambient sound thanks to the seal they create in your ears.

With the Sony MDRXB50AP, you also get an integrated mic as well as playback controls to help control your music. Lightweight and comfortable, these gaming earbuds are built with neodymium magnets to ensure that you get only high-quality audio.

Just like the Mindbeast above, these gaming earbuds come with a carry case and are designed with a tangle-free cable, affording you a more freeing gaming experience. If you're looking to get the best gaming earbuds with really heavy bass, this is one of the top options you can choose.

9. Beats Urbeats3 Magnetic Earbuds

Best Balanced-Sounding Gaming Earbuds

The Beats Urbeats 3 Magnetic Earbuds are some of the best gaming earbuds you can choose if you're looking for wired earphones with great sound reproduction. With a price tag of less than $60, you get a pair of comfortable gaming earbuds that offer a balanced sound profile. While they aren't as comfortable as the 1More Gaming Earbuds, you won't have to worry about them causing any discomfort. These gaming earbuds are breathable and stable for daily commuting and sports.

They offer a great level of passive sound isolation like the 1More Gaming Earbuds, and they come with fins that help provide them with more stability. Thanks to their magnetic buds, you can easily wear them around your neck without tangling the cable. These Beats earbuds for gaming also offer great bass that is most noticeable in action-packed scenes.

They do have limited compatibility with Android devices as they were designed primarily to work flawlessly with iOS devices. You therefore won't be able to use the in-line remote volume controls if you're using these gaming earbuds with an Android device. The cable is also short, which means that you can't watch TV with them, and their microphone doesn't do well with console gaming.

On the upside though, they are easy to carry around and their wired connection helps reduce latency. While the 1More gaming earbud is ideal for those looking for comfort, the Beats Urbeats Magnetic Earbuds are perfect for those who want a neutral-sounding gaming earbud.

10. HP Gaming Earbuds with Mic

Most Affordable Earbuds with a Boom Mic

Featuring a design that's similar to the Turtle Beach Battle gaming earbuds, these HP Gaming Earbuds are an awesome option for those looking to buy the best gaming earbuds for their phone, PC, and consoles without spending much. With a price tag of less than $25, these gaming earbuds share many similarities with the Turtle Beach earbuds, including a boom mic, an in-line mic, as well as the ability to work with consoles, PC, handheld devices, and mobile devices.

They offer great audio quality and both microphones work efficiently. The only con here is that they aren't the best for listening to music with a lot of treble and mids.

Best Gaming Earbuds Buyer’s Guide

There are so many different gaming headsets on the market these days, and deciding on the best one for you will definitely take some considerations. The best gaming earbuds have many advantages when compared to over-the-ear headphones. For instance, gaming earbuds are lightweight, small, and very comfortable. Many of the best earbuds for gaming even come with mics integrated into the earbuds themselves. Due to the fact that they sit directly in the ear canal, they are also able to offer the same level of sound isolation offered by many over-the-ear headphones.

Moreover, they are comfortable to wear and won’t mess up your makeup, earrings, or hair, unlike over-the-ear headphones. That said, they do come with their own cons, too. Many of them don’t offer the same sound quality you’d get from most over-the-ear headphones. Additionally, some of them are difficult to remove and insert in the ears.

Since each of these models come in different designs, you’re bound to find some that likely won’t offer the best fit for your ears. With that in mind, there are some important factors you need to carefully consider when choosing the best gaming earbuds for you. We’ve explored each of these factors below.

Factors To Consider When Choosing The Best Earbuds For Gaming

Noise Canceling or Noise Isolating Earbuds

Many people don’t know that there’s a difference between these two features. Noise-canceling earbuds and headphones listen to exterior sounds through their microphones and create inverse sound waves, which they send back through the earbuds, canceling out the outside audio. Earbuds with this feature are ideal for canceling out sounds from car engines and airplanes. They usually don’t do much about voices, though, as human voices are transmitted at a frequency that the sound cancelation feature can’t detect.

Noise-isolating headphones, on the other hand, physically isolate you from ambient sound. They create a seal around your ears, ensuring that you get more sound from your headphones with little interference from outside sounds.

Audio Profile

If you are an audiophile and want the best audio possible, or if have hearing problems, you may want to consider headphones with the capability to detect your audio profile. Basically, the headphones sense your hearing ability and tailor the sound to match what’s best for your ears. Essentially, headphones and earbuds with this capability provide you with a more personalized listening experience.

While these types of headphones are usually very expensive, they tend to offer the best audio to match your hearing capability. If you’re on a budget, take a look at our headphones under $100 guide. Knowing what your sound or audio profile is will help you choose the best gaming earbuds for you.

Frequency Response

Another important factor to consider when choosing your gaming earbuds is the frequency response. This refers to the earbuds’ capability to equally reproduce each and every recorded frequency. Basically, your headphones should be able to produce the same level of bass, mids, and treble. While this concept doesn’t have an exact measurement, you can use the speculated measurement to find the right headphones for you.

Most headphones have a frequency response range of 20Hz to 20,000Hz (or 20kHz). The first number denotes the bass and deeper frequencies while the highest number denotes the treble. Therefore, if you want more bass-heavy headphones, simply choose a pair with a lower frequency response range, whereas if trebles are what you’re going for, aim for headphones with a higher frequency response range.

Microphone

Many people tend to overlook the importance of the microphone attached to their gaming earbuds. However, there are some vital things you should note when shopping around. First off, don’t expect your mic quality to be recording quality. The microphones embedded in gaming headsets tend to have low bass ranges, which means that your voice may come out with a higher pitch even if you have a very deep voice.

Since many of them are connected via USB or 3.5mm jacks, they also don’t tend to draw enough power for any higher quality. This means that, if you’re talking over a console or in a Discord chat, for example, your voice may be a little quiet. In most cases, though, this can easily be resolved in your audio settings. If you play games on your phone more than your console, or if you often play games at home, then you may want to stick to these types of microphones. However, if you’re a competitive player, or if you typically play games in a noisy environment, getting a detachable mic may be the best option.

Acoustic System

This simply refers to the design of your gaming earbuds. There are basically two types of acoustic systems – open and closed. Simply put, a closed acoustic system stops sound from getting into or out of the earbuds. An open acoustic system, on the other hand, allows other people to hear what you’re listening to, as it doesn’t stop sound from getting out or into your gaming earbuds. It’s important to note that closed acoustic systems do not automatically translate to noise cancellation.

The sound coming from your gaming earbuds is bound to leak if the volume is very loud, no matter the acoustic system. Only earbuds with a good-fit closed acoustic system can truly minimize sound efficiently. Most of the best gaming earbuds use closed acoustic systems as this is what most consumers tend to prefer.

Impedance

Another important factor to consider when looking for the best gaming earbuds is their impedance. This refers to the resistance of the earbuds’ circuit to electrical signals. The higher the impedance, the lower the electrical signal, which ultimately results in lower sound reproduction. In most cases, earbuds with lower impedance are the best to get. This is especially true if you’re using a device without a powerful built-in amplifier, such as a small, portable phone.

However, if the device you’re using has a built-in amplifier, such as a sound system or DJ equipment, you’ll want to choose earphones with high impedance, ideally over 35 ohms. This is because high impedance headphones tend to work properly when paired with heavy-duty amplifiers.

Conclusion

Choosing the best earbuds for gaming can help you make the most of your gaming experience, especially if you’re a mobile gamer. With the amazing audio quality, solid build quality, and great clarity they offer, a good pair of gaming earbuds are bound to give you a more immersive gaming experience. We know that there are many different options to choose from on the market, and that’s why we’ve created this list to break down the best gaming buds money can buy. Some of our top recommendations include the Bose QuietComfort 20, Razer Hammerhead, 1More Triple Driver, Beats Urbeats, and Turtle Beach Battle earbuds.

And just in case you’re wondering what to look out for in order to make the best selection, our guide above can provide you with some great pointers. For other gaming peripherals, be sure to take a look at our other popular guides, such as our best gaming mice, gaming keyboards under $100, and the best glasses for gaming.