In the gaming world, whether PC or console, players are always looking for ways to improve their gaming experience or get an edge on the competition. One of the easiest ways is to improve not just how you see the game but how you hear it. In recent years gaming headphones have become more popular among casual and dedicated gamers. Now gaming earbuds are making waves in the community.
With so many products on the market, it can be tricky to navigate what to look for when trying to find the right earbuds for you. Luckily we have done some of the legwork in finding some great earbuds to help you keep gaming!
Why Earbuds?
Don’t get us wrong, gaming headphones are great, but they can be bulky, and portability isn’t exactly a priority. Earbuds provide users the ultimate comfort and allow you to take them virtually anywhere without taking up much space.
Gaming Earbuds: What to Look For?
Comfort
If you are planning on an extended gaming session, then comfort is a must. Nobody wants to play with earbuds that don’t fit or just don’t sit right in your ear. Finding comfortable earbuds gives you less to worry about and more energy devoted to enjoying your game.
Audio Quality
Another critical factor to consider is the sound quality. As we mentioned before, hearing the game is just as important as seeing what’s happening on the screen. Nothing can ruin a game faster than not being able to properly hear meaningful dialogue, audio clues, or enemy footsteps approaching.
Mic
Nowadays, mics are standard in earbuds, but they are not all created equally! Whether you coordinate an attack with teammates, talk trash, or even take a phone call, microphone quality is important. Some mics have the ability to cancel out background noise so others can hear you and just you, whereas others let outside sounds interrupt the conversation. So keep an eye out for ones that cancel background noise!
Battery Life
Battery longevity is an important attribute when it comes to wireless electronics. Nobody wants a product that will take time to charge and then be drained in less than an hour. Of course, it goes without saying that the better the battery life, the more satisfied users will be.
Gaming Earbuds: Our Selection
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds
Whether or not you are an audiophile, chances are that you have heard of Bose and its high-quality products. Now, they have expanded their product line into earbuds, and they certainly do not disappoint. These little earbuds feature the incredibly clear sound quality that you would expect, in addition to the sound-canceling features that Bose has boasted about in the past packed into these compact and super comfortable ear inserts. So now you don’t have to question if the police sirens are in-game or coming from outside.
Pros
- Rich sound
- Touch controls
- Super comfortable
- In-ear detection technology
Cons
- Requires app to connect to multiple devices
Gravastar Sirius Pro Earbuds
Gravastar is like the new kid on the block when it comes to audio equipment. But don’t let that discourage you from checking out these ultra cool earbuds. The Sirius Pro looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movie with its unique design and gives users out-of-this-world sound quality. Unlike other earbuds that limit you to black or white, you can choose from yellow, black, grey, or neon green. In addition, the Sirius Pro earbuds have an incredibly low latency at 65ms, minimizing the delay in the audio. They are also 3D sound compatible, meaning you can hear your enemies around, above, and below you!
Pros
- Unique design
- 3D sound capability
- Music, game, and movie settings
Cons
- Short battery life
GTW 270 Hybrid Earbuds
Big sounds come in these little earbuds. The GTW 270 Hybrids fit snugly in your ear and are barely noticeable to those around you. They connect to your PC, console, or other gaming device using Bluetooth or by plugging in the USB-C adapter to give you great sound with little delay if any. Best of all, these little earbuds run for a whopping twenty hours when on a full charge, drastically increasing your gaming sessions.
Pros
- Lightweight design and construction
- Compatible with all Bluetooth or USB-C devices
- Extended battery life
Cons
- Can’t use the mic with the dongle
Turtle Beach Scout Air Earbuds
Turtle Beach is a well-known brand specializing in making gaming headphones and earbuds. The Scout Air buds connect easily to Bluetooth-enabled devices so you can use them with your computer, console, or even your cellphone. These earbuds have a great latency of 60ms and have a great auditory range, allowing wearers to enjoy the soundscapes of the games they are playing. We can’t forget about the unique dual mic feature. Each earbud has a mic designed for clearer communication with your teammates.
Pros
- Long battery life
- Water and sweat resistant
- Balanced sound
Cons
- Mic quality isn’t the greatest
Tips for Earbuds
Like all other electronics, earbuds are getting smaller and smaller for aesthetic or portability purposes. That being said, it is easy to lose them, especially the wireless varieties. It’s a good idea to be extra careful with them and to put them back in their case as soon as you are finished with them. Once you lose one, you will have to purchase a new set again.
Wearing earbuds in your ears for an extended time they are likely to gather a bit of gunk on them. Don’t worry; it is a little gross, but it happens naturally. Every once in a while, be sure to take a few minutes to clean the part that inserts into your ear. It can have a dampening effect if it goes for a long time without being cleaned up.
Your ears are a valuable organ in your body! When you are using earbuds; or any audio equipment, be sure to have them at an appropriate sound level. If you listen to them at a high volume for extended periods of time, you run the risk of damaging your hearing. Be sure to take breaks periodically and let your ears rest.
Final Thoughts
Just like choosing how you play and experience your games is up to personal preference and taste, the same goes for how you hear it. While there is no right or wrong way to do it, some people prefer the full theater effect of a home sound system, and others want a quieter and more intimate experience and opt for using headphones or earbuds.
For PC and Console gamers alike, they tend to prefer the over-the-ear models because they are comfortable or are what is more widely available. However, don’t write off earbuds, wireless or otherwise, as a lesser product. With recent advances in design and technology, they have many of the same capabilities as their larger counterparts with some added benefits.