Asus just released new open earbuds… for gaming?

• Asus has launched the ROG Cetra Open Wireless gaming earbuds
• They cost $199 / £174.99 and boast an open design
• The brand advertises them as “perfect” for gaming and fitness

Asus has launched a new pair of gaming earbuds, the ROG Cetra Open Wireless. They’re the first open gaming earbuds from a major hardware brand and are billed as “perfect for gaming, music, and active lifestyles.”

Open (or open-ear) earbuds are a relatively recent creation that have become increasingly popular in the last few years thanks to popular models from big audio brands like Bose and JBL. They hook around your ears with drivers that sit a few millimetres further away than regular in-ear earbuds, which usually fully seal the ear canal using a silicone tip.

This leaves your ear open, allowing for almost complete situational awareness and massively reducing fatigue. They’re very comfortable to wear, and the ability to hear outside sounds like traffic makes them a good pick for outdoor sport and fitness.

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They’re not without some compromises though. The lack of a seal inevitably means that the ability to produce bass takes a massive hit and (although a few models like the Honor Earbuds Open do offer some form of active noise cancellation) the fact they let in so much sound can be a double edged sword if you want an immersive listening experience in a loud environment.