The 5 Best Earbuds For Gaming of 2025

The SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds are the best gaming earbuds we've tested. These in-ears have a wireless USB-C dongle for a low-latency gaming experience on PCs, PlayStation, and Xbox. We tested the PlayStation variant, so if you need support for Xbox, make sure to pick up the corresponding version. Want to connect via Bluetooth? The SteelSeries can connect simultaneously to a Bluetooth device and a dongle-connected device. They also have an active noise cancelling (ANC) system that blocks a good amount of sound, like traffic from an open window. With the feature on, the SteelSeries' battery lasts for a respectable 8.25 hours of continuous playback, with an extra three charges in the case.

They're decently comfortable for most people and have a balanced sound out of the box. While a dip in the treble can make the earbuds sound uneven or closed off, their app has a graphic EQ and presets to help you fine-tune their sound. They also support Spatial Audio through the SteelSeries GG software, and on PlayStation 5 (with the PlayStation variant). If you play multi-player games, their mic offers passable overall performance, and you'll have no trouble being understood clearly, though you'll likely be drowned out if you're talking in a noisy environment like a shared living room. 

If you're concerned about their ability to separate your voice from background noise, check out the Razer Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed True Wireless. Their microphone sounds better in quiet and noisy environments, though they have a shorter 5.1-hour battery life and aren't compatible with Xbox consoles.

The EPOS GTW 270 Ηybrid Truly Wireless are the best wireless earbuds for gaming we've tested at this price point. What sets them apart from our top pick is their support for multi-device pairing, which lets you simultaneously connect to your console and smartphone. They also support aptX-LL codec, which ensures low latency with Βluetooth-compatible PCs. However, while their dongle provides a fairly low-latency connection, users have reported connectivity issues after updating to the latest firmware. Unfortunately, this same firmware also lowered their original advertised battery life to just over three hours, which is pretty short compared to our top pick, the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds. That said, the EPOS support multi-device pairing with two Bluetooth devices, while the SteelSeries requires one device to use their dongle connection.

These buds are very well-built and have a comfortable fit that's suitable for long gaming sessions. Their bass-rich sound profile can help bring out sound effects in action-packed games and can also be customized with a graphic EQ and presets in the headphones' companion app. They support Dolby 7.1 virtual surround sound, which can help make your game audio more dimensional and immersive. 

Check out the TRUTHEAR x Crinacle ZERO if you want something more budget-friendly. Unlike the previous picks, these buds are wired-only and lack a mic, and you won't find any companion app or software to add more customization to your gameplay audio. Don't let that stop you, though! If you already use a standalone mic or don't need to talk with others, their V-shaped sound signature makes them a solid choice for gamers. Out of the box, these buds deliver extra thump and boom to help emphasize low-end sound effects like explosions. There's also a bit of added mid-range and treble to help dialogue and instruments stand out from the mix and retain their clarity.

They have a braided audio cable, which can be detached and replaced if it gets damaged. They're also lightweight and comfortable and come with a variety of tip options to help you get the best fit possible. Fans of the original ZERO may also be interested in the TRUTHEAR x Crinacle ZERO: RED. They deliver a flatter bass and mid-range response, which some gamers might prefer. Whether you go with the original ZERO or the new RED is ultimately up to your audio tastes, though, as the two buds otherwise have a similar fit and feel.

The MOONDROP x Crinacle DUSK are versatile, premium-built in-ear monitors (IEMs). Part of their versatility lies with an in-line mic and the option of using them with a USB-C or 3.5 mm analog connection, allowing you to connect to anything from a smartphone to a PC or console. The in-line remote lets you adjust the volume on the fly in the midst of gameplay, and the absence of a battery means you can marathon without regard for recharging.

These buds have a bit of a low-bass boost to add immersive tension to foreboding cutscenes, a mid-range that produces clear dialogue, and a slightly warm treble response that won't cause early fatigue. If you use them with an Android device, you can access the companion app, which opens up the possibility of equalizing the sound to suit your tastes. Unfortunately, the app is limited to Android and is otherwise sparse.

The microphone sounds alright, too, but it doesn't have added features such as an adjustable noise gate. The mic only works when you're connected over USB-C, which means it won't work if you primarily use consoles. If you already have a standalone microphone or only play solo, consider the MOONDROP Blessing 3, a fantastic wired set of IEMs with a slightly brighter treble response. They lack an in-line remote, mic, and USB-C connectivity, but you can always replace the analog cable with an aftermarket option that has a mic. Otherwise, both sets of IEMs isolate you from noise with comparable effectiveness; only the DUSK IEMs offer more flexibility.

If you're looking for earbuds that ensure your friends can hear you clearly during online games, you'll want to check out the SteelSeries TUSQ. Thanks to their detachable boom mic, they stand out from the other picks on this list (and most earbuds in general). The detachable boom mic sits closer to your mouth than an integrated or in-line version, making your voice sound clearer and more full-bodied than it does on the EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid Truly Wireless' mic. Their wired design lets you connect with PCs and consoles easily and eliminates latency. They have a bass-heavy sound profile that adds intense thump, punch, and boom to your audio. It brings out sound effects like footsteps and explosions, which can make gameplay more immersive, but voices and instruments sound muddy.

Unfortunately, they don't have sound customization features. They're also best suited for quiet areas since they don't isolate you from much sound, and the mic has mediocre noise handling. If you're concerned about noise, the Turtle Beach Battle Buds also come equipped with a boom mic, which is better at separating your voice from ambient sound, so people will understand you even with some noise in the background. However, they have a muddy profile and aren't as well-built.