Audio is crucial for an immersive gaming experience. In single-player games, it enhances immersion, while in competitive FPS and Battle Royale games like PUBG, it helps you pinpoint the direction of gunshots and footsteps. Clear communication with teammates also requires a good microphone. Even on a budget, investing in quality gaming earphones can significantly enhance your gaming experience. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the best budget gaming earphones available. With so many options out there, we’ve simplified the search for you.
The Logitech G333 Gaming Earphones are a versatile choice for gamers, compatible with any gaming device and bundled with a USB-C adapter for phones without headphone jacks. These earphones feature dual dynamic drivers (5.8mm and 9.2mm) for distinct bass and mids/highs, ensuring clear audio. The inline microphone offers good voice clarity, though it lacks noise cancellation. While the G333’s bass isn’t particularly powerful, it handles low frequencies without distortion. The G333 is a solid option for gamers seeking affordable, wired earphones with decent sound quality and a comfortable fit.
The HyperX Cloud Earbuds II are designed for handheld gaming enthusiasts, offering comfort with their unique ear tip shape and a 1.2m cable featuring an inline microphone and multifunction button. They connect via a 3.5mm analog jack, ensuring compatibility with devices like the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck. However, their poor noise isolation makes them less ideal for noisy environments. Despite this, they provide a comfortable fit and are suitable for at-home gaming sessions. The inclusion of multiple ear tip sizes and a carrying case adds to their convenience, making them a decent choice for gamers seeking wired earbuds.
The Razer Hammerhead True Wireless 2019 are truly wireless earbuds designed for gamers. They feature a ‘Gaming Mode’ that reduces audio latency via Bluetooth, making them ideal for mobile gaming and watching videos. These earbuds are available in three colours: Black, Mercury, and Quartz. While they have a bass-heavy sound profile that enhances the thump and rumble in games, their sub-four-hour battery life may be a drawback for long sessions. Despite their mediocre noise isolation, their low latency and stable fit make them a solid choice for gamers seeking wireless convenience.
The HyperX Cloud Earbuds are a solid choice for gamers seeking mobility and comfort. Featuring 14 mm dynamic drivers, they deliver a balanced sound with a warm midrange and well-rounded highs. The 47-inch rubberised cable prevents tangles, and the in-line controller includes a microphone for clear communication. Designed for Nintendo Switch and mobile gaming, these earbuds are lightweight at 0.67 ounces, ensuring long-term comfort. Despite their plastic build, they come with a two-year warranty. The 90-degree angled connector reduces strain on the jack, making them a reliable option for immersive gaming experiences.
The Sony InZone Buds are premium gaming earbuds designed for PlayStation and PC gamers. They feature superior audio quality with excellent separation and clarity, making them ideal for immersive gaming experiences. The active noise cancellation (ANC) is top-notch, effectively reducing ambient noise for uninterrupted gameplay. With a comfortable fit and a stylish design inspired by the PlayStation 5, these earbuds are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The long battery life of up to 12 hours on 2.4GHz wireless and 24 hours on Bluetooth ensures extended gaming sessions without frequent recharging. However, device compatibility can be spotty.
The KZ DQS is a budget-friendly in-ear monitor (IEM). It features a 10mm single dynamic driver and boasts a sleek, futuristic design with a black and yellow colour scheme. The earphones offer a balanced sound signature with a slight bass lift, making them ideal for gaming. The resin shell and zinc alloy faceplate ensure durability, while the ergonomic shape provides a comfortable fit. The silver-plated cable reduces noise interference, enhancing audio clarity. Overall, the KZ DQS delivers impressive sound quality and comfort, making it a great choice for gamers on a budget.
The CrossBeats Sonic 3 TWS Ear Buds are designed for an immersive audio experience. Featuring 35dB Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), they effectively block out external noise, ensuring uninterrupted gameplay. The Bluetooth 5.2 technology provides a stable connection, while the low latency mode ensures minimal delay, crucial for gaming. With IPX5 water resistance, they are durable and suitable for intense gaming sessions. The long battery life ensures extended playtime without frequent recharges. These earphones are ideal for gamers seeking high-quality sound, reliable connectivity, and comfort during extended use.
The Mivi Commando Q7 Gaming in-Ear Earbuds offer an excellent blend of quality, affordability, and performance. These earbuds come with a Type-C cable and include a manual and warranty card. They are comfortable to wear and provide great sound clarity with a strong bass. The battery life is impressive, and they ensure easy connectivity. However, while they are perfect for listening to music and watching videos, they may not be ideal for gaming like BGMI due to latency issues affecting the ability to hear enemy footsteps clearly. Overall, they are a versatile and reliable choice for general use.
The Boult Audio UFO Truly Wireless In-Ear Earbuds offer a sleek Black Gloss finish and ergonomic design for a comfortable fit. With 48 hours of playtime, they ensure long-lasting use. The 13mm bass drivers deliver powerful bass, enhancing your audio experience. For gamers, the 45ms low-latency gaming mode provides minimal audio lag, ensuring an immersive and responsive gaming session. Additionally, the 4 microphones with Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) ensure clear communication during calls. These features make the Boult Audio UFO earbuds an excellent choice for both music enthusiasts and gamers seeking high-quality sound and performance.
The CrossBeats Fury Gaming Earbuds are a cutting-edge audio accessory designed to enhance your gaming and music experience. Featuring 13mm Graphene Ti-Alloy Drivers, they deliver exceptional sound clarity and immersive bass. With 6 built-in microphones and Environmental Noise Cancelling technology, they ensure crystal-clear hands-free communication. The RGB LED Lights add a stylish touch to your gaming setup. Supporting Bluetooth v5.3, these earbuds offer an impressive 80 hours of playtime on a single charge. The Supersonic Game Mode provides ultra-low latency, making them ideal for intense gaming sessions. Overall, they offer a dynamic and immersive audio experience.
Most gaming earphones come with features specifically designed for gamers. This usually includes things like a decent mic, and in the case of wireless earphones, a low latency mode, among other things. Higher-end gaming headphones can be just as good as premium headphones in terms of sound quality.
Is wired earphones better for gaming?In general, competitive gamers prefer wired earphones over wireless earphones that connect over Bluetooth. This is primarily because wireless Bluetooth earphones tend to have a higher latency, meaning there will be a slight delay between the action and you hearing the audio. This delay is usually very miniscule, but can make a difference in fast-paced competitive games.
Are gaming earphones better or headphones?Both have benefits. Gaming earphones take up a lot less space as compared to gaming headphones. They’re also much easier to carry around, and you’re not completely shut off from the outside world when you use gaming earphones. Gaming headphones on the other hand are much bulkier but they also tend to provide better audio quality. They also have better isolation, shutting off sounds from the outside, and also doing a better job of preventing your gaming sounds from bleeding out to the world.