Nothing beats what earbuds can offer when it comes to portability, comfort, and versatility. In fact, the very best gaming earbuds or earphones are so comfortable that you’ll sometimes forget they are even there. Well, besides the traditional wiring of course!
Comparatively to cheap gaming headsets, earbuds are less ostentatious than bulky over-ear headphones, and you can easily take them with you during long hours of commute. On top of that, with easy pairing for almost all of your devices, gaming earphones are perfect both for gaming and work from home use.
While it wouldn’t be fair to compare audio performance between gaming earbuds and top-of-the-line gaming headphones, newly released earbuds will actually still provide you with shockingly exceptional sound quality; especially when mobile gaming.
So, if you are in the market for a slightly incognito peripheral that offers a great audio experience, then our roundup of the best gaming earbuds is perfect for you!
We’ve tested over 20 earbuds to bring a selection of what we believe to be the five best gaming earbuds that you shouldn’t miss out on when headphones are not an option. Ranging from extremely affordable earbuds to slightly more expensive, we bet that you will find one that will fit the bill.
Here are the top 5 best gaming earbuds in Australia:
- Bose QuietComfort 20 Gaming Earbuds – Best Overall.
- EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid – Best For Mobile Gaming.
- JBL Quantum 50 Gaming Headset – Best Sound Control.
- Hyper X Cloud Earbuds – Best Budget Gaming Earbuds.
- 2nd Gen Razer Hammerhead True Wireless – Best Wireless
Scroll down to find out more about each of these high quality gaming earbuds and whether they are right for you!
Bose QuietComfort 20 Gaming Earbuds
Reason: Best Earbuds For Gamers
Manufacturer: Bose
Price: From $370 AUD
Bose sound systems have long been considered one of the most prestigious brands with a revolutionary lineup ideal for real audiophiles. In 2020, the company officially introduced the wireless Bose QuietComfort 20 gaming earbuds and they are still one of the best gaming earbuds you can pickup today.
When you blend the sleek nature of the earbuds with noise cancellation features and Bose sound quality, the outcome is seriously impressive. Weighing a light 44 grams, Bose’s powerful gaming earbuds pack modern drivers that work together to deliver phenomenal sound no matter what device you are using
No matter whether you are playing on Android, PS4 and Xbox or Nintendo Switch and PC, the QC20 got your back!
Right off the bat, the unit can be used for a maximum of 16 hours on a single charge, giving you enough time to enjoy your favourite games across multiple sessions. If you need extra juice, you can instantly charge it by inserting the earbuds into its carry-on case. Of which, the maximum charging time is about two hours.
Bose Quiet Comfort 20 Specifications
| Battery Life: | 16 Hours (Single Charge) |
| Form Factor | In Ear Earphones |
| Connection: | 3.5mm Jack |
| Noise Cancelling: | Yes |
| Weight: | 44 grams |
| Compatibility: | Android, PS4, Xbox, Switch, PC |
| Microphone: | Yes |
What makes this a worthy purchase is that the earbuds are specifically designed to ensure a soft and snug fit into your ears. Thanks to its special StayHear+ tips, you can freely move as much as you can without having to worry about it sliding off. You can also replace the tip size as each purchase comes with a pair of small, medium, and large buds.
The Bose QuietComfort 20 also has a microphone, and they managed to include a new mode called “Aware.” This special mode automatically helps prevent ambient noise from being picked up to ensure that only your voice will be the center of attention. Overall, despite the expensive price, the Bose QC20 is the best set of gaming earbuds you can purchase right now for all round enjoyment.
EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid
Reason: Best Earbuds For Mobile Gaming
Manufacturer: EPOS
Price: From $170 AUD
Now that Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite accepts Bluetooth output, you sure bet there will be a rush for manufacturers to develop earbuds specifically for Switch devices and mobile gaming. Of which, the EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid currently stands as the best earphones for Switch players and mobile gamers.
EPOS is branded as one of the top audio solutions committed to offering well-engineered peripherals at a budget-friendly price. To this day, many gaming professionals continue to recommend the GTW 270 Hybrid due to its solid output with deep bass and rich mid-tones for a truly immersive sound experience.
Unlike other earphones on this list, these budget gaming earbuds will surprise you on sound output alone. Frankly, the sound quality is super realistic and offers enough directional audio which is perfect for combat games. When connected to a PC, the EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid can easily support surround sound too!
EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid Specifications
| Battery Life: | 5 Hours (Single Charge) |
| Form Factor | In Ear Canal |
| Connection: | True Wireless (+ USB) |
| Noise Cancelling: | No |
| Weight: | 20 grams |
| Compatibility: | Switch, Playstation, PC & Android |
| Microphone: | Yes |
To connect the GTW 270 to your devices and consoles, you can choose to go wireless or connect using a USB-C dongle. The unit also comes with a built-in dual microphone that is good enough to help you communicate hands-free in-game. You have to take note though, the mic only works when connected wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.1 firmware.
Aesthetically speaking, the EPOS looks and feels premium right out of the box. It has partial metal construction, which means that it is durable enough to last you a long time too. While not as comfortable as other gaming earbuds, overall, for Switch players and mobile gamers, the EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid is the best set of earbuds you can purchase for gaming.
JBL Quantum 50 Gaming Headset
Reason: Best Earbuds For Sound Control
Manufacturer: JBL
Price: From $59 AUD
When it comes to gaming at peak performance, in-line controls are a must feature for any earbuds. Fortunately, JBL’s Quantum 50 Gaming earbuds include this function and more to help gamers easily adjust volume, skip tracks, and mute the microphone when the dog goes mental. This is an ideal option for budget-conscious gamers searching for an affordable device with guaranteed sound quality.
If you are not a fan of bulky gaming headsets and are on the march for an everyday driver that is portable and versatile, the wired Quantum 50 is hands-down the best earbuds out there for casual gamers. Not only are the Quantum 50’s simple to use, they will also not require any software or app to be installed either. It’s a win-win.
JBL Quantum 50 Earbuds Specifications
| Battery Life: | N/A |
| Form Factor | In Ear Headphones |
| Connection: | Wired |
| Noise Cancelling: | No |
| Weight: | 21.5 grams |
| Compatibility: | Consoles & PC Gaming |
| Microphone: | Yes |
In terms of performance, the JBL Quantum 50 earbuds work well with major gaming platforms and with mobile devices. However, they do not come with the virtual surround sound that other headphones may have which is a massive let down.
That said, the Quantum 50’s will still deliver a sizeable oomph when playing.
Released in August 2020, JBL Australia’s Quantum 50 earbuds still tick all the boxes when it comes to design, price, and sound. While the microphone is not the greatest, you can still actively play coop or multiplayer games with your buddies. However, for competitive gaming, the microphone might leave you choosing a different set of earbuds from our list.
HyperX Cloud Earbuds
Reason: Best Budget Gaming Earbuds
Manufacturer: HyperX
Price: From $59 AUD
HyperX continues to impress fans worldwide with its recent lineup of ergonomic and affordable peripherals for budding gamers. One of their entry-level earbuds developed for Nintendo Switch is the wired HyperX Cloud.
From its striking design, you will instantly see the rubberised material making for a totally tangle-free cable. To make things extra organised, the HyperX Cloud Earbuds also come with a carrying case which is large enough to comfortably fit the earphones and protect the electret condenser microphone.
For serious gamers out there, you will like its 90-degree angled cable connector, which makes the whole plug look durable and less prone to breakage. In terms of performance, these are the best budget earbuds for those looking to experience immersive in-game audio with mind-blowing sound representation for lows, mids, and highs for less that $60.
HyperX Cloud Earbuds Specifications
| Battery Life: | N/A |
| Form Factor | In Ear Headphones |
| Connection: | Wired |
| Noise Cancelling: | No |
| Weight: | 24.3 grams |
| Compatibility: | Ideal For Nintendo Switch |
| Microphone: | Yes |
For prolonged gaming sessions, you won’t find the HyperX cloud earbuds uncomfortable to use since they weigh only 24.3 grams. Plus, you also have the freedom to choose the ear tip size for maximum comfort. Unlike the HyperX Cloud Stinger which is arguably one of the best budget headphones around, you’ll hardly know you’re wearing these badboys!
As for the in-line mic, unfortunately, these earbuds do not have noise-canceling features. However, they still offer a solid way to communicate with your squad while gaming. Aside from the mic, the HyperX cloud earbuds come with a multi-function button perfect for answering calls, muting sounds, and skipping media.
It’s a lot of function for cheap gaming earbuds under $60.
2nd Gen Razer Hammerhead True Wireless Earbuds
Reason: Best Wireless Gaming Earbuds
Manufacturer: Razer
Price: From $168 AUD
No list will ever be complete without mentioning a Razer peripheral!
From incredible streaming webcams like the Razer Kiyo Pro to budget headphones such as the Razer Nari Essential, there is no better brand right now than delivering high-performance and cost-effective gaming hardware. You could easily bag yourself 3 or 4 high quality goods for less than $500. But what about their range of earbuds?
If you are looking for the best gaming earbuds that are practical and offer unmatched durability, then the Razer Hammerhead True Wireless (2nd Gen) is a clear winner. Ideal for gamers who regularly play and consume media on mobile, this unit is guaranteed to live up to your expectations with huge customisability through adjusting between three EQ presets through its downloadable Razer Audio app.
Related: Full Razer Hammerhead True Wireless Review
In terms of design, the Razer Hammerhead (2nd Gen) is the only pair of gaming earphones on this list that features a stunning light-up element which integrates with the Razer Chroma. You can easily customise the colours, sync your earbuds up with music or game audio, and see the classic Razer logo stand out, especially in the dark. The logo also doubles as a touchpad and can accept or reject calls, skip / stop / play media, and activate pairing mode.
2nd Gen Razer Hammerhead Specifications
| Battery Life: | N/A |
| Form Factor | In Ear Headphones |
| Connection: | Wired |
| Noise Cancelling: | No |
| Weight: | 21.5 grams |
| Compatibility: | Consoles & PC Gaming |
| Microphone: | No |
Every purchase comes with a mini carry charging case and braided USB-A to USB-C charging cable. However, the Hammerhead 2nd generation does not come with earbud tips of different sizes, which might throw some people off. On the positive side, this unit will work perfectly well with PC, mobile devices, Xbox One, PS4, and Nintendo Switch.
As for sound quality, the Razer Hammerhead True Wireless Earbuds deliver realistic representations that will delight casual gamers. It has a smart microphone with active noise cancellation features that nullifies ambient noise to prevent distractions from your surroundings, whether gaming or in a conference.
Other Quality Gaming Earphones
Not a fan of our top 5 best gaming earbuds? No sweat! Here are 5 other alternatives for you to explore. Regardless of your needs, gaming earbuds have come a long way over the past few years and we guarantee there is something out there for everyone.
Browse through our 5 alternative gaming earphones below.
- Airpods Pro (From $319 AUD)
- ASUS ROG Cetra II (From $180 AUD)
- Turtle Beach Battle Buds
- Jabra Elite 85T True Wireless Earbuds (From $299 AUD)
- Cooler Master Masterpulse MH710 Gaming Earbuds (From $95 AUD)
For casual gamers, we strongly recommend avoiding top of the line gaming earbuds. While the best gaming earbuds come with bags of features, you have to consider what you will be using them to achieve. To you really need so many controls and functions when you play just once in a blue moon? Consider your options and pick wisely!
Best Gaming Earbuds Roundup
As the gaming industry continues to expand, we have no doubt that we will see drastic improvements to sound technology further still. As demand also surges, manufacturers are churning out more and more devices every single day. However, don’t be fooled by technology because it’s just come off the shelf. You’ve only got to look at the Bose QC20s that were released back in early 2020 to recognise that sometimes older technology is still just as good.
We understand how difficult it is to cut through the noise and find the perfect daily driver for you. As such, we hope our article on the best gaming earbuds was insightful. From mobile gaming to competitive LAN parties, noise cancelling earbuds will always trump standardised earbuds for the ultimate experience.
Know of any gaming earbuds that can also dominate the soundstage?
Share with us your thoughts and other recommendations in the comments below. Also, feel free to read our previous posts to guide you on the must-buy items related to gaming.
Check out some of our other roundups of the best gaming gear:
- Nintendo Switch OLED Review.
- Best Gaming Keyboards Australia.
- ASUS Rog Zephyrus G14 Review.
- Top 6 Best Gaming Desks Australia
- Astro A50 Gaming Headset Review.
- Best Gaming Microphones Australia.
- HyperX Quadcast Streaming Mic Review.
- Best PC Controllers & Gamepads.
- AceZone A-Spire Gaming Headset Review
- Best Budget Gaming Mouse Australia.
Best Gaming Earphones FAQs.
Weighing up whether to purchase gaming earbuds or gaming headphones? This is a question that we are asked a lot from our community. Here’s some of the other questions we receive from avid gamers just like you about our review on the best gaming earbuds in Australia.
–Content Disclaimer: This roundup of the best gaming earbuds in Australia has been independently written. We have not been commissioned by any of the manufacturers represented on this list, nor have we received any royalties for this article. This includes financial reimbursement, free advertising or any earbuds we have recommended.
Should you click on any link to Amazon and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission. But that’s just how we keep this website alive! Feel free to hit us up in the comments with any questions you have about gaming earbuds or the best gaming earphones for your playstyle.
