10 Best Gaming Earbuds in 2020
- One of the better sounding gaming earbuds around
- Interchangeable tips offer great noise isolation
- Rugged but durable design built to last
- Rechargeable battery offers 16 hours of active noise cancellation
- Inline mic and button allows for one-touch calling
- Turn off ANC by activating Aware mode with a single button tap
- Snug fit offers a respectable level of noise isolation
- Comes with a carrying case and multiple silicone tips
- Packed with a free cable clip to keep your cord stable
Earbuds may have grown in popularity because of their ease of use as a listening device in the gym or while commuting, but that doesn’t mean that’s all they’re good for. While even the best earbuds for gaming won’t provide you with the depth of sound that some high-end over the ear speakers do, their design makes them uniquely well suited to the needs of gamers.
All types of earbuds aren’t made the same, and a great all-around model might not an ideal choice for gaming earbuds. We’ve picked 12 of the best gaming earbuds and provided you with the most information about each. We’ve also provided an in-depth guide that can help you look beyond the raw specs and better understand the options on the market today.
- The Best Gaming Earbuds
- 1. Razer Hammerhead Duo Wired Earbuds
- 2. Bose QuietComfort 20 Acoustic Noise Cancelling
- 3. Betron B25 in Ear Noise Isolating Headphones
- 4. HyperX Cloud Gaming Earbuds
- 5. Sony Extra Bass Bluetooth Headphones
- 6. Turtle Beach Battle Buds Gaming Headset
- 7. KLIM Fusion Gaming Ear Phones
- 8. Sennheiser CX 6.00 BT Wireless in-Ear Headphones
- 9. MINDBEAST Noise Isolating Earbuds
- 10. 1MORE Triple Driver in-Ear Earphones
- 11. VOGEK E-Sports Gaming Earphones
- 12. Cooler Master MH703 Gaming Earbuds
- Best Gaming Earbuds Buyer’s Guide
The Best Gaming Earbuds
1. Razer Hammerhead Duo Wired Earbuds
Any audophile who wants to tell you that earbuds can't produce reliably high-quality sound needs to check out the Razer Hammerhead Duo. These are some of the top gaming earbuds due to the integrity of their sound reproduction alone, but they certainly aren't the cheapest option on the market. But the $60 price tag allows Razer to pack in a balanced armature driver that goes well beyond what traditional dynamic drivers can accomplish. The frequency response is balanced across the board, and there's a surprisingly decent sound stage here.
Three separate tips allow you to get a fit that's right for your ears, and they do a great job of sealing off your ears against surrounding noises and distractions. These are also gaming earbuds with mic built in, so they can easily double as the main means of communication with your squad without the need for a separate device.
Key Features
- One of the better sounding gaming earbuds around
- Interchangeable tips offer great noise isolation
- Rugged but durable design built to last
- In-line volume controller and mic built right in
2. Bose QuietComfort 20 Acoustic Noise Cancelling
Bose has long led the pack of noise cancelling headphones with their QuietComfort series, so it should come as no surprise that they're one of the first to offer high-quality gaming earbuds with noise cancellation. While the noise cancellation isn't as good as you'd find in a pair of over ear headphones, they're still remarkably impressive. They're far and away the best noise cancellation earbuds around.
And while you can expect to pay a serious premium for the QuietComfort 20s, you're getting quality around the board. These are some incredibly comfortable headphones, and the quality that pumps through the drivers is impressive. And while gaming music won't sound quite as good out of the QuietComforts as they will out of comparably priced earbuds, that noise cancellation earns a lot of goodwill for Bose's headliners. And the long life of the battery is just icing on the cake.
Key Features
- Rechargeable battery offers 16 hours of active noise cancellation
- Inline mic and button allows for one-touch calling
- Turn off ANC by activating Aware mode with a single button tap
- Stay Hear+ tips are both snug and incredibly comfortable
3. Betron B25 in Ear Noise Isolating Headphones
If you're looking for cheap earbuds that can still perform, it doesn't get much better than the Betron B25 . These gaming earphones can't compete with something from Bose for sure, but they perform admirably well considering they clock in at just $15 a pair. Customers looking for some basic but balanced in-ear headphones will find them here. The noise isolation is relatively high-quality, and there's a satisfying level of heft to the bass. In games like Call of Duty, the severity of gunfire and grenades will really be felt.
These are surprisingly sturdy in-ear headphones given the price. There's a firmness to the 3.5mm jack and nice insulation around the cord, so you can expect them to last a good long time even if you're taking them with you while you travel. They certainly aren't the best model around, but they're reliably good earbuds for gaming, especially at this price.
Key Features
- Snug fit offers a respectable level of noise isolation
- Comes with a carrying case and multiple silicone tips
- Packed with a free cable clip to keep your cord stable
- Decent sound quality with a particular emphasis on bass
4. HyperX Cloud Gaming Earbuds
The B25s represent the cheapest headphones you can get while still retaining a decent level of quality, but if you're willing to take a modest step up in terms of pricing, the HyperX Cloud s are definitely worth your time. These are good gaming earbuds that provide you with a lot more for just an increase of $20. While the fit can be just slightly awkward, the sound quality on these earbuds are better than they have any right to be for this price. There's a level of balance across the frequency range that eschews the bass-heavy tendency of many budget earbuds.
That they manage to create such a balanced sound is particularly worthy of note because of how small these earbuds are. Their red design is sharp, but they're incredibly meager in size, making them an incredibly portable option that's perfect for pro or semi-pro gamers.
Key Features
- Earbuds with microphone for in-game chat
- Remarkably well balanced across the bass, mids, and highs
- Comes with three silicone tips for a more suitable fit
- Backed by a full two year warranty
5. Sony Extra Bass Bluetooth Headphones
Sometimes balance isn't something that customers are looking for. That's especially true in the world of gaming, where gunfire and explosions tend to dominate the soundtrack. Sony's Extra Bass focus on the low end of the frequency range, but that doesn't mean they're a one trick pony. These are budget wireless earbuds that are built for use in the outdoors but perfectly suited to the needs of gamers.
The battery life supports up to 8.5 hours of play on a single charge, so you won't have to worry about plugging these Bluetooth gaming earbuds back in during a long multiplayer session. The build quality is also great, and they offer a high level of sweat resistance, so they're a more than acceptable choice if you find yourself sweating or traveling often. The inclusion of a microphone is a feature that will add even further value to competitive players.
Key Features
- Supports both Bluetooth and NFC connectivity
- Splash-proof design resistant to rain and sweat
- Available in three stylish colors
- Wrap-around headband offers greater range of movement
6. Turtle Beach Battle Buds Gaming Headset
Turtle Beach deals exclusively in gaming peripherals, so you know that they understand what players need in a pair of earbuds. If you're searching for gaming earbuds for XBox One or gaming earbuds for PS4, the Battle Buds might not be quite up to the task. But these are headphones built clearly with the needs of mobile gamers in mind. They'll serve your needs admirably if you're looking for earbuds for your Nintendo Switch. Despite being on the cheaper end of the scale, these sleek earbuds offer a great, crystal clear microphone and above average sound quality.
The controls are simple but effective on these wired earbuds. Volume control and mic muting are both easily accessible, and the inclusion of a Google Assistant button for voice activated support is an unexpected but very nice flourish. That said, these are clearly built as mobile gaming headsets first and foremost.
Key Features
- Affordable earbuds well-suited for mobile and Switch games
- Distinct design puts them a fashion forward choice
- Multifunctional inline controller works very well
- Respectable sound balance between the highs and the lows
7. KLIM Fusion Gaming Ear Phones
KLIM's Fusion headphones sit around the price range of the Betron B25s, but they prove that decent earbuds for around $10 aren't a fluke. It's true that the sound quality here isn't going to blow you away, but if you're looking for some cheap gaming earbuds for PC that you can take on the road with you, they'll work in a pinch. The sound quality is a little heavy on the bass, though that's to be expected for headphones in this price range, and it's certainly not overwhelming.
Where the Fusions really come together is in their design. These are probably the most comfortable earbuds you'll find for under $20. The memory foam is soft but not overstuffed, providing you with the right sort of cushion and firmness you want during extended listening sessions. And the philosophy that makes them so comfortable to wear also lends them decent noise isolation.
Key Features
- Comfortable fit supplemented by three different extensions+
- Memory foam does a great job of blocking out noise
- Great audio reproduction that's only slightly heavy on the bass
- Backed by an unmatched five year warranty
8. Sennheiser CX 6.00 BT Wireless in-Ear Headphones
Sennheiser may not be a brand name to gamers, but they're one of the leaders in the consumer speakers and headphones market. The CX 6.00 model brings a respectable amount of measured sound quality to a type of headphones not known for them. These are premium wireless gaming earbuds for people who take the quality of their playtime seriously. They make the most of the wireless technology available by employing Bluetooth 4.2 and the aptX codex to reduce latency dramatically and keep players immersed in the game without lag.
The sound quality is every bit as good as you'd expect from a Sennheiser product. The faintest bit of misbalance on the highs is the only fault that can be levied against it, but if you're looking for headphones that will immerse you in your favorite survival horror game or make you feel like you're in a war, they've got you.
Key Features
- 6 hour battery life and 1.5 hour fast charging
- Comes with four comfortable silicone ear adapters
- Incredibly low latency for wireless headphones
- Supported by a full two year warranty from Sennheiser
9. MINDBEAST Noise Isolating Earbuds
The MINDBEAST is exactly what you'd expect out of a gaming peripheral: big, loud, and ostentatious. Big chunky ear pieces, a ridged outline, and edgy mascot make it clear that these are built with gamers in mind, but their performance is every bit as loud as their attitude. The MINDBEAST unabashedly puts bass performance front and center. If that's what you're looking for, these earbuds with mic deliver better than any other $20 pair you could expect to find.
And you won't have to worry about interference from the outside world either. Despite not having noise cancellation technology, these bulkier earbuds are able to block out 90% or more of the ambient noise surrounding you. And despite their larger design, they're actually pretty comfortable. Three soft silicone inserts can be adjusted to suit the size of your ear canal, and they're designed to be resistant to sweat.
Key Features
- Great bass-specialized headphones at an affordable price
- Really captures the personality of gaming peripherals
- Built-in mic offers a decent level of clarity and isolation
- Lightweight headphones that are also highly sweat resistant
10. 1MORE Triple Driver in-Ear Earphones
1MORE may not be exactly a big name in the headphones market, but it offers a pretty prestigious lineage. Their claim to fame is that they've been tuned by Grammy award winning sound engineer Luca Bignardi. Whether or not that had a meaningful effect on their performance, the quality here is undeniably great. The triple driver approach to engineering probably had a part to play in that. That allows the frequency range to be tuned individually on each driver to create deeper and more robust sound quality than you'll find in comparable earbuds. For buds in the mid-range, they're near the top of the pack.
Impressively, 1MORE earbuds come with 9 different tips so that you can customize a fit highly specified to your ears. 1MORE refers to their in-line remote as Intelligent Control Technology, and while that may be some ostentatious phrasing, the controls work very well.
Key Features
- Three drivers deliver a robust and varied level of sound
- Supplies a wide variety of foam and silicone ear tips
- Extremely durable design built for the road
- MEMS microphone ensures super clear in-game communications
11. VOGEK E-Sports Gaming Earphones
Vogek's earbuds may bear a price tag of just $15, but they have the professional esports look down to a science. The cherry red finish and angular design evokes sleek and professional performance. This certainly isn't the Ferrari of the gaming earbuds market, but it's a quality model that justifies its price point a few times over. These earbuds are compatible with just about any console or gaming device imaginable, and they're lightweight enough to pack away safely and carry with you wherever you go. If you want a versatile choice that will work with all of your games and cost you next to nothing, Vogek can help you out.
The somewhat off beat design is more than just an aesthetic choice too. These earbuds make use of an oblique ergonomic angle that plants the bud more directly into your ear canal, ensuring a comfortable fit while blocking out noise.
Key Features
- Stylish look built with the sensibilities of pro gamers in mind
- Great noise cancellation without the need for expensive tech
- Broad compatibility with practically any gaming system
- 30 day money back guarantee and 18 month warranty
12. Cooler Master MH703 Gaming Earbuds
Cooler Master is a known quantity in the gaming world, but they're best regarded for their PC cooling systems. So it should come as no small surprise that their attempt at creating earbuds tailored towards gamers turned out so well. The sound out of the box is pretty well balanced and of above average quality, but Cooler Master has a serious trick up their sleeve. A dial on the cord allows you to adjust the bass profile, creating the experience that's right for you and even shifting as appropriate for different game genres.
Even better, these are itty-bitty headphones. They're not prone to getting tangled, and they can fit comfortably in just about any pocket. Wind them up, take them with you, and rely on them to provide you with high class sound that goes well beyond what you might hope from $30 earbuds from an off brand manufacturer.
Key Features
- Low key but very stylish aesthetics
- Bass adjustment knob is a serious revelation
- Custom ear tips in multiple shapes and sizes
- Hi-Fi sound that can match many dedicated headsets
Best Gaming Earbuds Buyer’s Guide
We’ve outlined details on some of the most top rated earbuds, but you may still have some questions. No need to fear. We’ve picked out the most common queries and answered them in detail below.
Do You Need Earbuds Built For Gaming?
Variations of common peripherals catered to gamers are becoming increasingly common, and they’re commonly justified. Features like the DPI adjustment of a gaming mouse and the dedicated macro keys on a gaming keyboard provide substantive value that’s specific to gamers. That’s not something you really need to be worried about when looking for gaming earbuds. Sure, companies that specialize in gaming peripherals are turning out earbuds targeted to gamers, and many of them are quite good. The Razer Hammerhead Duo stands out as one of the best sets of earbuds on the market.
But the fact is that there’s little to distinguish a great pair of gaming earbuds from a great general pair of earbuds, and the simple fact is that the world of gaming is diverse enough, that it’s better to focus your attention on what you need for your particular style of play than worrying about what makes a good model for all-around gaming.
So What Features Are Important?
That said, there are some meaningful features that can vary from model to model, and you should take your particular needs into consideration to help narrow down the results.
Are you a competitive gamer? Then having an inline mic is going to be more or less a necessity. While you could invest in a separate boom mic, having a microphone built right in to your earbuds will allow you to more easily communicate with your teammates and troll your opponents without having to create a more complicated setup.
Consider the noise level of the settings in which you normally play. Are you a gamer living in a crowded house? Do you regularly play your Switch on the public train? Do you compete in tournaments? Noise isolation was once one of the disadvantages of earbuds, but the technology is getting better than ever. Smart design choices mean that most pairs can do a decent job of choking out sound, but if you’re worried about ambient noise, you’ll want to prioritize earbuds that put a focus on noise isolation. If it’s a big concern for you, consider checking out headphones like the QuietComfort which employ active noise cancellation technology.
If you have a tendency to play for extended periods of time, you’ll want to consider earbuds that have sweat resistance built in. It’s a pretty prevalent feature in earbuds since so many of them are built with exercise in mind. And regardless of how often you game, comfort should probably be a high priority for you.
Is Wireless Important?
That really depends. Do you find yourself frustrated by tangled wires? Do you tend to swing your arms wildly when you play? Most importantly, are you a PC gamer who uses a keyboard? Console controllers typically contain a 3.5mm input so you can plug your earbuds directly in. For most console gamers, that will be enough space to make the advantages of a Bluetooth interface negligible. But PC gaming may be a different story.
What Earbuds Are Compatible With Consoles?
If you’ve purchased a regular wired pair of earbuds, you should be pretty safe using them with practically any gaming device on the market. The 3.5mm aux input is compatible with PC, PS4, Switch, cell phones, and all but the oldest versions of XBox One. As we mentioned above, most of them can connect right up to the controller in question. If you see a wired controller marketed towards a particular console, it’s a branding choice rather than a necessity.
Bluetooth earbuds are universally compatible with PC and PS4. XBox One and Nintendo Switch may be able to support wireless earbuds, but they may require a few technical workarounds to make that a reality.
Gaming Earbuds Vs Headphones?
Earbuds have something of a reputation for being lesser than. They’re often seen as little more than the cheap headphones packed in with your phone, but that reputation is largely undeserved. While it’s true that a good pair of over ear headphones is going to offer better sound performance and noise cancellation than their earbud counterparts, that doesn’t mean that they don’t have advantages, particularly to gamers.
The smaller size means that they’re more portable, but more importantly, the fact that they don’t cover your entire ear means that they’re less prone to overheating. A good pair of earbuds will fit you well and better suit you during extended play sessions. Many earbuds are built for athletics, and while esports may not be as physical intensive as football, any Overwatch pro will tell you that gaming can be an exerting experience.
If you’re looking to throw yourself head first into the soundscape of your favorite RPG or survival horror game, headphones may be the way to go. But it’s always good to have a good pair of earbuds around for when you’re looking to play casually, competitively, or on the go.
What About Surround Sound Earbuds?
Virtual surround sound, which is a process by which headphones simulate true surround sound, is in a state of relative infancy, and while some gamers have begun to adopt surround sound headphones, there’s still a lot of skepticism in the community of how effective that surround sound reproduction is.
Earbuds that do a decent job of simulating surround sound are still very rare and specialized. For that reason, we didn’t feel comfortable adding any to the list. As the technology becomes more prevalent and more inexpensive, they may earn a place on our best
Final Thoughts
Earbuds aren’t going to be an essential for every gamer, but they’re also not a serious investment. If you’re ever found yourself unable to hear your favorite game because or your roommates or having trouble communicating in your favorite shooter, it may be time to invest. We hope you’ll use our list to narrow down your results and find something that suits your budget and gaming style.