The best gaming earbuds are the saving grace for anyone who doesn't enjoy the feeling of having a bulky gaming headset on their head for hours on end. The compact buds not only take a (sometimes) massive weight off your noggin compared to the best gaming headsets, but can securely keep their position in your ear so you don't miss a beat.
I'm old-school and still prefer to have a headset at hand, but with every new release from the biggest names in tech, from Apple, Beats, Sony, Sennheiser, Razer, Cambridge Audio, Roccat, 1More, Samsung, and more, I've been slowly by surely becoming more and more of a gaming earbud convert. The best gaming earbuds so far are undoubtedly the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds for their powerful audio, expansive library of in-app EQ presets, wireless charging case, and versatile compatibility, but their price point isn't for everyone.
Fortunately, more and more tech brands have released their own earbuds, and there's no shortage of budget options and high-end alternatives if you have the cash to splash. Gaming earbuds still won't have the same amount of power as the best gaming headsets, but they make up for it with their versatility and portability if that’s your thing. I've gotten hands-on experience with the lot, and you can find out what buds are worth your time, and are the best value for money below.
The quick list
A comfortable fit, powerful audio, both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth, and a massive selection of in-app game presets - these are the buds to beat right now.
If you're after a simple wired connection, 1More Triple Drivers should be top of the list. You're getting fantastic audio, with an inbuilt mice, easily accessible controls and a snappy response as well.
The Syn Buds Core are just under $25 / £25, but they still offer an impressive audio quality that stands on its own two-feet for lighter sessions - and an inline microphone to boot.
The Scout Airs are a little cheaper but offer a solid set of features and an impressive soundstage considering their low price. Plus you're still getting a decent battery.
If you're putting pure sound quality first, the EPOS GTW 270s are still looking good all these years later. Plus, the USB-C receiver keeps things nicely compatible as well.
The Razer Morays impressed us with their source handling and excellent sound quality. The in-ear monitors are built for streamers, and their quality shows.
While new to the GamesRadar+ hardware team, I've been reviewing and getting hands-on accessories like gaming earbuds for almost as long as I've been a writer. They may still be relatively new for those used to a headset, or even just a pair of headphones, but gaming earbuds can be a great low latency and more portable alternative and I'm here to use my experience so you can find the earbuds right for you and your budget.
June 20 - For this update, I overhauled the page by updating the SteelSeries Arctis Game Buds to reference that they're compatible with the new Nintendo Switch 2 handheld. The list of the best gaming earbuds has remained unchanged, as it's only headsets like the Logitech G522 Lightspeed or the FractalDesign Scape that are currently on my testing bench for now. However, I still amended the FAQ so it was up to date with any and all upcoming releases and reviews.
The best gaming earbuds overall
The SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds are the in-ear headphones we've been crying out for for quite some time. A sturdy battery life, comfortable design, and powerful audio? What more could you want from a set of everyday companion buds. Perhaps a massive range of compatible devices hitting everything from your phone to an Xbox Series X - but SteelSeries nails that as well.
✅ You don't want to think about charging: There's 40 hours of extra battery life in the case and 10 hours stored in each bud - in testing I barely ever thought about charging these up, and I spent a good few months with them.
✅ You play across a range of consoles: The black GameBuds are compatible with everything under the sun, thanks to 2.4GHz and Bluetooth wireless connections. That means you can easily hop from Nintendo Switch to your phone and more.
✅ You want full Switch 2 support: These SteelSeries buds are fully compatible with the Switch 2 handheld, whether you're hooking up to Ninty's latest console via Bluetooth or the slimline 2.4GHz wireless dongle.
❌ You prefer tap gestures: If you don't like having a physical button on the side of your buds, you might prefer a tap sensitive alternative.
❌ You need a stronger microphone: The mic on the GameBuds gets by for casual sittings and phone calls while out and about, but if you're streaming or broadcasting you might need something more dedicated.
Design: I tested both the black and white versions of the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds, and while the black model is more widely compatible with Xbox Series X, I have to say I prefer the crisp white design. This is a clean aesthetic with a super fresh final coat of paint - even the SteelSeries logo on the top looks slick.
That compact pill-style clamshell never felt heavy or bulky in my pocket while out and about, and provides a satisfyingly tight hinge and with a sturdy build overall. That durability continues through to the squat, well-curved buds themselves, with an IP55 water resistance rating. These are particularly comfortable earbuds - that bulbous design means they plug straight into the ear and stay there. I only ever needed to adjust their position a few times while walking.
As of May 13, the Arctis GameBuds are now available in a limited edition "Glorange" design, which swaps the black and white colorways for a transparent tech throwback. The MSRP has remained the same, along with all the features and tech specs inside. However, now it harkens back to the late 90s with a bright, almost fluorescent orange look which is reminiscent of the transparent-styled Nintendo 64s from the past.
Features: If you want it on your gaming earbuds, SteelSeries has provided it. The Arctis GameBuds pack a powerful ANC punch across both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connections, with plenty of battery power packed in. Two features stood out in particular during testing, though. First up it's the return of the Arctis mobile app (previously only ever seen on the SteelSeries Arctis 5 Wireless headset). This is where you'll customize some button gestures and sort out your mic monitoring and ANC settings, but it also houses a massive library of per-game EQ presets finetuned by sound engineers and developers. It's a massive benefit, particularly when paired with a set of on-the-go earbuds.
My second favorite feature was the physical buttons on each side of the buds themselves. This isn't going to go down with everyone, but I'm tired of tap and touch gestures simply not registering. It was a big issue with our previous top dog in this race, the Razer Hammerhead Hyperspeeds, but in using a simple clicker button SteelSeries has taken all the guess work out.
Performance: I'm a big fan of SteelSeries' audio profile - it's effortlessly smooth but also packs a punch with multi-textured soundstages and brings a powerful bass layer to the party as well. It's tough to squeeze all that down into a set of 6mm drivers, but the Arctis GameBuds pull it off. While directional audio isn't quite as sophisticated as you'll find on a fully fledged gaming headset, there's an impressive amount of space between these buds. Between PS5, Nintendo Switch, and even just casual podcast listening, the sophistication of this audio system is obvious.
Verdict: If you're looking for a set of gaming-specific earbuds, but still want your music and podcasts to sound great, I'd head nowhere other than the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds.
Read more: SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds review
Comfort | 5/5 |
Audio | 4/5 |
Battery | 5/5 |
Microphone | 4/5 |
Versatility | 5/5 |
Build quality | 5/5 |
The best wired gaming earbuds
The 1MORE Triple Driver earbuds are a delightfully stylish pair of earphones that offer an impressive quality of sound and build for an affordable price.
✅ You don't need a wireless connection: Mobile players will miss the Bluetooth option here, but the 3.5mm port will suffice for the majority of consoles.
✅ You value audio quality over extra features: The feature list is slim to make sure enough attention is paid to the audio quality in this price.
✅ You don't want to worry about battery: That cable comes with one obvious benefit - you're getting high quality audio whenever you need it here, without having to worry about keeping them charged.
❌ You regularly commute: The lack of noise cancellation means using these buds for a commute might be a little taxing.
❌ You prefer a wireless connection: That wired format does have some significant drawbacks - especially if you're playing on mobile. If you'd prefer to keep the cables out the way you'll likely be spending a little more for this kind of audio quality though.
Design: With aluminium earbuds and a braided cable, the build quality is sturdy, and there are a couple of different colour options to give them a touch more pizzazz, like the rose gold colorway. It's a stripped back approach, but one that still manages to shine with the almost chrome accents and slimline appearance. These aren't going to stand out from the crowd, but if you're just after a decent set of wired gaming earbuds you might not want them to.
Features: With no wireless connections to speak of, the feature list is relatively slim. You're getting a simple 3.5mm connection to hook up to a range of console platforms, and an inline microphone to handle game chat. That mic isn't going to hold up to much, though. It's a little underwhelming, making this more of a solo play venture. The in-line remote with volume control is compatible with Android and iOS, which is handy for on-the-go gaming as well as on the couch.
With a slew of silicon tips, you'll also be able to find a size that will give you a comfortable fit, and seal out any ambient noise, but as with a lot of the earbuds on this list, there's no active noise cancellation.
Audio: The triple drivers for which they're named give a balanced sound at high and low ends, with enough bass so as not to overwhelm – which is great for both gaming and music. That sound quality really does punch above this price tag, offering clear, dynamic and well balanced soundstages that feel effortlessly energetic. Plus, the wired connection means you don't have to worry about latencies.
Verdict: 1MORE is a less well known brand, but if you're looking for the best gaming earbuds at an affordable price, you should give these a closer look.
Comfort | 3/5 |
Audio | 4/5 |
Battery | N/A |
Microphone | 2/5 |
Versatility | 2/5 |
Build quality | 3/5 |
The best budget gaming earbuds
The Roccat Syn Buds Core are the perfect Nintendo Switch companion. There's a no fuss approach to these gaming earbuds, with an affordable price point and simple inline mic and volume controls.
✅ You want a spare pair of headphones for Switch: If you want to stock up your setup without breaking the bank, they're an excellent addition.
✅ Budgets are tight: Of course, being able to listen to your games on the go doesn't need to cost the Earth. The Syn Buds Core prove that - the sound in here can easily be a daily driver if you're not too picky with your audio.
✅ You play games with a lighter soundstage: A lighter arena is where these buds shine. We were impressed by the audio on offer in this scenario, so you're getting excellent value if your playstyle matches up.
❌ You play competitive online games: There's just not enough directional grunt in these earbuds to qualify them for competitive use.
❌ You want the best audio quality possible: It goes without saying a $25 pair of earbuds isn't going to give you the best audio quality. You're better off putting that cash towards a more expensive set if you're big on sound finesse.
❌ A wireless connection is a must: The 3.5mm connection is going to be a little limiting outside of Nintendo Switch play.
Design: We were particularly struck by the overall comfort of the Roccat Syn Buds Core. These buds hold up well even during longer play sessions, never falling out or rubbing against the inner ear. It's surprising to see considering the cheaper price point here, and certainly welcome amongst the less durable models on the market right now. The aesthetic isn't anything to get too excited about, and the rubber cable is concerning, but for the price these buds don't need to look great to prove their worth.
Features: As you might expect from this rock bottom price category, the Syn Buds Core doesn't sport a long feature list. You're getting everything you need, though; inline volume and mic controls, a cable mic, 10mm drivers, and three ear tip size options. That's all you can really ask for at $25, especially considering some other buds will deny you the microphone at all.
Audio: In the right soundstage these buds shine far beyond their humble feature list. We were impressed by the handling of finer details in games with lighter, more delicate audio, with the bass and melodic trills of Super Mario Sunshine offering a particularly notable balancing act.
That $24.99 / £24.99 price point does show itself during heavier audio moments, however. The Syn Buds Core struggle to keep up with the messier soundscapes of Doom and can't quite position directional audio with the same precision of a more premium buy. However, for everyday on the go Nintendo Switch action, and considering you're not breaking $30, you're getting solid value for money in performance overall.
Verdict: The Roccat Syn Buds Core are the perfect just in case companion or a budget set of buds for those who aren't too serious about their audio. You're getting everything you need in a comfortable form factor, as well as a sound profile that really does impress when the stage is right.
Read more: Roccat Syn Buds Core review
Comfort | 3/5 |
Audio | 3/5 |
Battery | N/A |
Microphone | 2/5 |
Versatility | 2/5 |
Build quality | 3/5 |
The best value gaming earbuds
The Turtle Beach Scout Air gaming earbuds are the brand's first entry into the truly wireless space (console-specific Recon Air pieces notwithstanding). The Scout Airs are fairly comfortable at $99.99 / £89.99, with a solid soundstage that will suit wider open world games and the twinkly melodies of a Super Mario Sunshine run and an impressive per-bud battery life that just edges ahead of industry average.
✅ You want true wireless without the cost: These days the Scout Airs are far closer to $50 than their $100 MSRP - and that's difficult to argue with considering their true wireless design.
✅ You want to use touch gestures: Reliable and handy, these tap gestures got us through a Spotify playlist or two particularly well.
✅ You prefer emphasis on higher ranges: There's a strong level of detailing these upper ranges, so if you prefer lighter soundtracks to more gravelly ones you're sorted here.
❌ You want a premium feeling build quality: These are cheap earbuds and unfortunately they do feel like it. The plastic material isn't going to satisfy those after luxury.
❌ You regularly play online with chat: While there are dual mics in here, they're not up to the standard of other models in this MSRP range. If you prioritise online play it's time to look somewhere else.
❌ You play a lot of bass heavy games: The lower ranges do struggle compared to the highs, which means bassier soundtracks aren't going to sound great.
Design: We were a little let down by the cheaper feeling build quality of the plastic case and the materials of the earbuds themselves. While lightweight, products this close $100 / £100 should be offering a slightly more premium build quality - though to their credit we never had any issues with scuffs or scratches on the Scout Airs in our testing. The domed shape charging case offers a comfortable house for the two long stemmed buds, with a subtle aesthetic overall.
Features: Each earbud offers touch-sensitive controls with hassle-free playback controls, and a notably long stem to hold the dual-mics present. We wouldn't put too much stock in those mics though, we found them particularly weak at picking voices out from a busy background and overall the sound quality here was muffled on both chat and video calls. With no 2.4GHz dongle you're relying on Bluetooth connection here, but in our testing it ran fast enough in everyday play to keep us nimble on the battlefield.
Audio: Running the Turtle Beach Scout Airs on lighter soundtracks like Crash Bandicoot and Hand of Fate 2 yielded some impressive results. There was plenty of detailing across the mids and high ranges in our testing, and a commendable balance during more intense moments of gameplay. However, the bassier ranges are particularly flattened here - something we noticed quickly when switching to a heavier gun in Doom on Nintendo Switch and Rise of the Tomb Raider on PC. This dampened bass persisted through to bass-heavy music as well.
Verdict: At $99.99 / £89.99, though, the Turtle Beach Scout Airs really do work hard to bring you an untethered gaming earbud experience without breaking the bank. At $129.99 / £129.99, RGB lovers and those in the market for noise cancellation should be seeking out the Razer Hammerheads, but if you're up against a strict budget there's plenty to love here.
Read more: Turtle Beach Scout Air review
Comfort | 4/5 |
Audio | 2/5 |
Battery | 2/5 |
Microphone | 2/5 |
Versatility | 3/5 |
Build quality | 2/5 |
The best gaming earbuds for sound quality
The EPOS GTW 70 Hybrid wireless gaming earbuds focus on offering a high-end audio experience for a range of platforms. While the lack of microphone use in 2.4GHz mode means they're not the greatest for online play, the soundstage on offer here is stunning.
✅ You prioritize audio quality: While they're a little older, we still stand by the crisp, dynamic sound pumping out the GTW 270s. While mic support isn't quite all there, those who value audio over online chat are going to be pleasantly surprised.
✅ You want Bluetooth support for your phone: One of the biggest features here is that Bluetooth connectivity - that's a massive benefit for mobile players and those looking to double up for music and streaming.
✅ You don't have a heavy commute: The lack of ANC means these buds are better suited to quieter environments if you're concerned about getting distracted.
❌ Active noise cancellation is a must: Despite the premium finish elsewhere, the GTW 270s came just a little before active noise cancellation was so widespread.
❌ Versatile online chat is important: The mic won't work with the 2.4GHz connection, so competitive players will want to look elsewhere.
❌ You want app support: There are no EQ settings or connection options to tinker with here, so if you're keen to set up your audio how you like it this isn't going to be the best option.
Design: From the anodized aluminium charging case to the slick, subtle earbuds themselves, the GTW 270s are a luxury affair. A black and gray aesthetic keeps everything streamlined, with the plug form factor of the buds themselves forming a perfect seal every time during our testing.
Features: The GTW 270s come with a USB-C dongle, allowing you to plug them directly into your Nintendo Switch and PS5, as well as a cable that will allow you to plug the dongle into a PS4. On top of that, they also support Bluetooth, so you can sync them with any device that supports it.
While they do come with an in-built microphone, this only works when you’re connected through Bluetooth, rather than the USB-C dongle. That’s because the dongle is focused on providing low-latency audio, so there is minimal disruption between what’s happening in your game and what you’re hearing. However, it does mean that you won’t be able to communicate with team-mates online.
Audio: These earbuds boast the sort of audio quality you’d expect from the team at EPOS, with deep bass, rich mid-tones, and fantastic directional audio making them as impressive playing games on your Switch or PS5 as they are listening to your favourite tunes through your phone.
Verdict: If you're after a pair of earbuds that can juggle music and gaming responsibilities, the EPOS GTW 270 Hybrids are the perfect go-to. While their feature set doesn't quite hold up as a competitive companion, single player games will sound incredible and the build quality will last as well. Whether you're listening to music, diving into your PS5 library, or streaming your favorite show, these buds will show up every time.
Read more: EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid 70 review
Comfort | 4/5 |
Audio | 5/5 |
Battery | 2/5 |
Microphone | 3/5 |
Versatility | 3/5 |
Build quality | 5/5 |
The best gaming earbuds for streamers
The Razer Morays are specialized, but if you're after a set of gaming earbuds expressly for streaming there's very little out there like them. These are in-ear monitors for balancing a range of different audio sources and producing incredible audio all the while.
✅ You want quality over everyday features: Razer has baked some fantastic audio into these buds but at the expense of more everyday quality-of-life features like wireless connections and a built-in mic.
✅ You play for longer sessions: You'll need comfort to see you through long sessions, and the Morays excel in this area thanks to a well-considered ergonomic design.
✅ You don't mind a deep fit: These monitors plug into your ears and stay there - while that can be a little discomforting for some, those on the hunt for a secure seal will be pleased.
❌ You want a set of everyday earbuds: Without a mic or wireless connection, the Morays aren't designed to be used out and about.
Design: Razer has taken a fully ergonomic approach to designing its Moray buds. The shape of each side is perfectly molded to rest deep within the ear while still remaining comfortable. That means you're good for longer play sessions and you won't have to worry about losing a bud halfway through more frantic maneuvers. It also helps the Morays achieve a solid level of passive noise isolation. Aesthetically there's nothing too surprising here - you're getting a set of plastic buds set atop an adjustable OFC MMCX cable to hook over the top of the ears.
Features: The Morays want to put all their eggs in the audio basket, so additional features and few and far between. This is a strictly wired set of buds, so there's no Bluetooth to use with your phone while out and about. However, Razer does send you home with a handy pouch to keep the varied selection of additional ear tips at the ready.
Performance: This is an incredibly powerful set of earbuds. Volume levels can go incredibly (probably dangerously) high. Thankfully, you don't need to turn that dial up to get detailed, clear, spacious audio. There's weight to gunshots, nuance to footsteps, and directionality to wider environmental sounds. Not only that, but we noticed these buds were particularly well adept at handling multiple audio inputs in testing. That's perfect for streamers, but also content creators.
Verdict: The Razer Morays aren't going to appeal to the masses, but they don't need to. If you're prioritizing incredible audio quality over additional quality-of-life features you're going to be particularly well served here.
Read more: Razer Moray review
Comfort | 5/5 |
Audio | 5/5 |
Battery | N/A |
Microphone | N/A |
Versatility | 2/5 |
Build quality | 4/5 |
Gaming earbuds coming soon
Gaming earbuds: On June 14, Razer unveiled the new Razer Hammerhead V3 Wired earbuds. These wired buds are powered with 11 mm dynamic drivers, feature an ergonomic noise-isolating design, and support both 3.5 mm and USB-C connections.
According to the Razer Hammerhead V2 Wired press June 14 Razer press release, the buds are designed for "casual listening to focused gameplay" and come packed with Razer Synapse PC support.
Upcoming gaming earbud reviews: As of typing, there aren't any new gaming earbuds currently on my testing bench. For now, I'm busy testing the Logitech G522 Lightspeed wireless headset and the FractalDesign Scape, among others. That doesn't mean I've been neglecting any buds in my possession. I've been testing existing buds like the SteelSeries Arctis Game Buds with the new Nintendo Switch 2, now that it's finally available worldwide. So far, the Arctis Game Buds are my top pick as the best gaming earbuds to use alongside Ninty's new tech, as both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz are fully supported and there have been no hiccups during the testing process.
How we test gaming earbuds
Whenever a new set of gaming earbuds lands in our roster, they go through a series of in-game and everyday tests to see where they fall in our ratings. We live, work, and play with each set for a minimum of two weeks before writing up our reviews and making our recommendations. They're not thrown in a cupboard after that, though. The earbuds that make it into our top list are continually tested against new entries to ensure we're always recommending the best of the market.
Our testing process consists of using the earbuds as we would usually every day; streaming movies, walking the dog, commuting, listening to music and podcasts. During this time we're focusing on comfort, battery life, ANC strength, volume levels, charge times, and overall audio profile. We're also double checking how well the connection options fit with a work / play hybrid use-case, noting the use of extra 2.4GHz dongles and Bluetooth pairing processes, for example.
However, they're also tested in more dedicated gaming scenarios, using competitive shooters like CS:2 and Marvel Rivals to test directional audio and detailing, and larger open worlds like Horizon: Forbidden West for more environmental balancing qualities. We use the same games to test all our earbuds, and our current roster is filled with a range of different genres.
Spider-Man: Miles Morales, for example, is used to test the directional spacing and balance in a wider open scene as well as the earbuds' handling of a more cluttered soundstage across the mission "Time to Rally". Meanwhile, Dead by Daylight, the asymmetrical online horror game, allows us to see how the earbuds cope with a more atmospheric soundscape and how it places voice chat delicately within that space.
After our full testing period has been completed, we assign each set of earbuds a series of scores based on our most important principles; comfort, audio, battery, microphone, versatility, and build quality.
For more information on how we test gaming headsets, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.
Also tested
Which brands make gaming earbuds?
Why you can trust GamesRadar+ Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about our reviews policy.
Gaming-specific earbuds are still a niche market, which means there are fewer brands in this space than you'll find with full-blown gaming headsets or with everyday earbuds. Of course, there are hundreds of 'gaming'-branded earbuds, but you'll find the brands we most consistently look to just below.
Glossary
Whether you're buying your first set of gaming earbuds or you're jumping back into the game, there's often a lot of jargon to wade through. In order to make your decision a little clearer, you'll find all the biggest terms explained below.
2.4GHz
A low latency connection option that provides faster response times via a receiver dongle (usually USB-C or USB-A)
ANC (Active noise cancellation)
The process by which a set of earbuds cancels out external unwanted sounds using a separate blocking frequency.
Bluetooth
A slower but more versatile wireless connection type useable across mobile gaming, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
Distortion
An unwanted quality-reducing effect on sound (usually in the lower ranges) due to high volume or poorly tuned drivers.
Driver
The part of a gaming earbud that produces audio, converting electrical signals into sound waves.
ENC (Environmental noise cancellation)
Used in microphones, unwanted environmental noise is blocked by a separate frequency so that calls and chat are clearer.
EQ
Short for Equalizer - EQ settings can be tweaked to enhance or reduce the presence of certain ranges in your sound; usually via an interactive graph available on extra software.
Frequency range
The range of sounds your earbuds are capable of producing, usually 20Hz to 20kHz.
Inline controls
A set of media / call controls and sometimes a microphone placed on the cable of a wired set of earbuds.
Isolation
The natural blocking of external sound when a set of earbuds is placed in the ear, without any extra processing or software.
Latency
The speed at which your earbuds can repeat information from the device you are connected to. A high latency will be less desirable for gaming.
Sidetone
A process that allows you to hear yourself when speaking through a microphone, for monitoring volume during streams.
Simultaneous connection
A feature present more in gaming headsets, but making its way to earbuds, that allows for multiple wireless connections to run at the same time; usually one via a 2.4GHz receiver and another via Bluetooth.
Soundstage
The auditory space around you created by a set of earbuds.
Touch control
Or capacitive touch control, the ability to control media playback, volume, or call information via tap gestures on the side of earbuds.
Transparency Mode
A noise cancellation setting that picks up on human voice or certain traffic / announcement frequencies for extra awareness while still blocking sounds.
How to choose the best gaming earbuds
Finding the right gaming earbuds for you comes down to multiple factors; what, how, where, and when you play. Each of these factors has a different bearing on the connection, how they hold position in your ears, overall design, and battery life of your buds. Of course, we all want the best audio experience possible - but finding the right combination of these extra features can help you get the best value for money overall.
Best gaming earbuds: FAQ
What are the best gaming earbuds?
The best gaming earbuds right now are the SteelSeries Arctis Game Buds. They pack on the high-quality audio expected of the brand, alongside loads of per-game EQ settings, physical buttons on either bud, and an impressive battery life and wireless charging capabilities with its case to boot. However, if you're after the best sound quality possible (at the expense of additional features), you're better off with the Epos GTW 270 Hybrids.
What is the best gaming earbud brand?
There's a plethora of big names attached to the best gaming earbuds, and we've gone into more detail on the subject above. However, through our time testing, we've found that Razer, Turtle Beach, Epos, 1More and Roccat are behind some of the best gaming earbuds around. Most recently, SteelSeries has also joined that group, with the release of their Arctis Game Buds.
Are gaming earbuds better than headsets?
Now this is not a totally straightforward answer, as each type have their pros and cons. And that's because earbuds and headsets offer wildly different solutions to wildly different problems and desire.
If you're looking for something super portable, geared toward mobile gaming or taking your Nintendo Switch out and about, then you can't beat gaming earbuds - they do have it over headsets in this capacity.
However, gaming headsets will offer superior audio quality, just because they can draw on larger drivers due to their larger, over-ear design. Earbuds just can't compete on this. Headsets can also offer more buttons and features because of this, and will often have better mics. This seems to make it a clear cut thing, but if you need something for pure mobile convenience then gaming earbuds will take the biscuit.
Can I use earbuds for gaming?
Well, the answer to this question is both yes, and no. As you've landed on this guide to the best gaming earbuds, the broad answer is a profound yes - and they can really be very good indeed. However, the more detailed answer is no, on some platforms. The ability to use earbuds on PlayStation and Xbox consoles is far less prevalent than on mobile devices, Nintendo Switch, and even PC. You'll just need to make sure that each set of gaming earbuds is compatible with the device you want to use, and then you'll be away!
Is the Nintendo Switch 2 compatible with gaming earbuds?
With the Nintendo Switch 2 launching on June 5, 2025, we haven't yet been able to put to the test what gaming earbuds are compatible with the upcoming handheld. That being said, the console is set to include Bluetooth support, and features USB-C ports on both the handheld itself, and the dock, so it's likely compatible with 2.4GHz dongles found on buds like the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds.
It's safe to assume that plenty of the best gaming earbuds will be compatible with the Switch 2, but I will let you know exactly what's compatible (and what isn't) after launch.
If you're after some full-size alternatives, be sure to check out our guides to the best PS5 headsets, best Xbox Series X headsets, best PC gaming headsets, and best Nintendo Switch headsets to have you covered on all the major platforms.
