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ASUS announced its ROG Cetra Open Wireless Gaming Earbuds on January 6, 2026, pairing an open-ear fit with Bluetooth 6.0 and a bundled 2.4GHz ROG SpeedNova USB-C dongle for gaming. ASUS’s US listing showed a recommended resale price of $229.99 on August 16, 2026; retailers may set their own prices. The defining compromise is clear: you can hear more of your surroundings and avoid an in-ear seal, but you give up isolation and some of the bass impact that sealed earbuds or over-ear headsets can provide.
What ASUS launched
The ROG Cetra Open Wireless is a pair of open-ear stereo earbuds rather than conventional sealed in-ear buds. Ear hooks hold the speaker housings outside the ear canal, and a detachable reflective neck strap adds another way to keep them secured. Physical controls, RGB lighting and a charging case round out the design. ASUS includes a USB-C wireless dongle and a USB-C-to-USB-A charging cable.
That combination targets players who want gaming-oriented wireless audio without blocking their ears. It is also intended for music, exercise and other situations where hearing nearby people or activity matters. ASUS announced the product globally on January 6, 2026; SoundGuys reported US availability at $229.99 on March 11, 2026. ASUS’s US page showed the same price on August 16, 2026, while noting that retailers can set their own prices. ASUS announcement · SoundGuys availability report · ASUS US specifications and price
How the two wireless modes work
“Dual-mode” means the earbuds can connect over Bluetooth or through the dedicated 2.4GHz dongle; it does not, by itself, mean that two audio streams are freely mixed at once. ASUS also advertises Hybrid Multipoint, with phone calls taking priority over music and sound notifications. The exact behavior can depend on the devices and connection in use.
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#1 Best Overall
- Dual-Mode Connectivity: With Bluetooth and low-latency ROG SpeedNova 2.4GHz connectivity, plus USB-C passthrough charging* that powers your phone without interrupting audio. *only provide one-way passthrough charging
- 14.2 mm DLC-coated Diaphragm Drivers: Featuring a 14.2mm DLC-coated diaphragm, deliver crisp highs, deep bass, and a spacious soundstage. Enjoy open-ear comfort or switch to immersive mode.
- IPX5 Water-Resistant Gaming Open Earbuds: With IPX5 water-resistant protection, your music stays with you through rain, sweat, and everyday adventures.
- Extended Battery Life with Fast Charging: Enjoy up to 16 hours of continuous use. Additionally, a quick 15-minute charge provides 3 hours of usage.
- Smart Audio Features: Includes Phantom Bass for enhanced low end, Immersion Mode for noise reduction.
| Connection | Best suited to | Advantage | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth 6.0 | Phones, tablets, laptops and general listening | Broad wireless convenience without using the dongle | ASUS does not publish a latency figure for comparison with 2.4GHz. |
| 2.4GHz ROG SpeedNova | Gaming on a compatible host | ASUS positions it as a lower-latency gaming connection | Requires the included USB-C dongle. ASUS calls it ultra-low latency but does not state a millisecond figure on the cited product pages. |
| 2.4GHz with passthrough charging | USB-C handhelds and other compatible devices while charging | The host can charge while the dongle maintains the wireless connection | Passthrough is one-way host-device charging; it does not charge the earbuds through the dongle. Port, adapter and device compatibility still matter. |
Passthrough is especially useful for a handheld gaming PC or phone with a single USB-C port: the charger connects through the dongle instead of forcing you to choose between charging and 2.4GHz audio. Before relying on it, check that your host supports USB-C audio accessories and charging through the relevant connection. ASUS lists PC, Mac, PlayStation 4 and 5, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android and Bluetooth-compatible devices, but that broad list does not guarantee identical microphone, dongle or app behavior on every platform. The cited specifications do not establish that every USB-A host can use the 2.4GHz dongle with the included charging cable alone. ASUS product features and compatibility · ASUS listed platforms and accessories
What open-ear audio changes for gaming
Because the speaker does not seal the ear canal, the Cetra Open Wireless can reduce the plugged-in feeling some people experience with silicone-tip earbuds and leave conversations, alarms and nearby activity more audible. The trade-off is less isolation, greater dependence on positioning and volume, and reduced perceived bass as low-frequency sound escapes around the ear. In a loud room, game audio may have to compete with the environment.
Rank #2
- Dual Mode Wireless Connectivity: Connect via Bluetooth or 2.4GHz powered by ROG SpeedNova wireless technology. Experience ultra-low-latency, stable performance, and optimized power efficiency across PC, PlayStation, Switch, and Mobile
- Multi-Platform Compatibility: Bluetooth mode supports PC, Mac, iOS, Android, and Nintendo Switch; while 2.4 GHz mode supports PC, Mac, Android, Switch, PS4/PS5. The Cetra TWS SpeedNova is also a top choice for use with ROG Xbox Ally / Ally X
- Hybrid Multipoint Connection: Stay connected to two devices at once through Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless modes. Easily switch between gaming on your console and answering calls on your phone without reconnecting
- Realistic High Resolution Audio: Hear lifelike detail with high resolution 24-bit 96 kHz audio enhanced by Dirac Opteo technology. Every sound is delivered with precision and depth for a truly immersive wireless gaming experience
- Adaptive Active Noise Cancelling (ANC): Advanced adaptive ANC automatically adjusts to your environment and ear shape, reducing background noise for uninterrupted focus during games, music, or calls
ASUS’s Immersion Mode is a frequency filter intended to attenuate steady, low-frequency sounds such as fan noise and rumbles. It is not conventional active noise cancellation: ASUS says the open-ear construction cannot block the outside world completely. Likewise, the four-microphone AI noise cancellation is for voice capture, not noise cancellation for music playback.
In its review, Tom’s Guide reported comfort through an eight-hour gaming session and found the earbuds useful for dialogue-heavy and stealth games, while criticizing the bass and treble balance. PC Gamer described sound leakage as limited at normal listening levels in its testing, but more noticeable at unusually high volume. Those findings are reviewer observations, not guarantees for every listener, fit or room. Ear hooks also put pressure on the outer ear, so comfort can vary with ear shape, glasses, piercings and movement. Tom’s Guide review · PC Gamer review
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- DUAL-MODE 2.4GHZ & BLUETOOTH GAMING EARBUDS Effortlessly switch between high-performance gaming and daily use. Comes with a Type-C 2.4GHz dongle and a bonus USB-C to USB-A adapter, ensuring seamless, plug-and-play compatibility with PC, Mac, PS5, Nintendo Switch, VR headsets, and Bluetooth-enabled mobile devices.
- 20MS ULTRA-LOW LATENCY FOR COMPETITIVE GAMING Experience true immersive gameplay. When connected via the 2.4GHz dongle, these wireless gaming earbuds deliver an industry-leading 20ms ultra-low latency. Enjoy perfectly synchronized audio and video, giving you the competitive edge to hear every footstep and skill cast in real-time without delay.
- PREMIUM AUDIO WITH BUILT-IN AMPLIFIER Engineered for audiophiles and gamers alike. Featuring a dedicated hardware audio amplifier combined with large-magnet single-diaphragm drivers, these in-ear gaming headphones produce crystal-clear, transparent highs and deep, punchy bass that elevate your gaming soundtrack and favorite music. NOTE：This item does not support Xbox series consoles.
- NOISE CANCELLING MIC & CRYSTAL-CLEAR CALLS Communicate flawlessly with your teammates. Equipped with high-quality silicon noise-canceling microphones, these wireless earbuds effectively filter out distracting ambient background noise, ensuring your voice is heard loud and clear during intense gaming sessions or daily phone calls.
- 32-HOUR PLAYTIME & ERGONOMIC DESIGN Game longer and in total comfort. Enjoy up to 8 hours of continuous playback on a single charge, with the sleek charging case providing an additional 3 full charges (up to 32 hours total). Inspired by classic gaming aesthetics, the ergonomic in-ear design ensures a secure, comfortable fit for all-day wear.
Audio, microphones and physical specifications
ASUS’s launch announcement specifies 14.2mm diamond-like-carbon-coated diaphragm drivers; its specifications page rounds the driver size to 14mm. The coating is a material detail, not proof of superior sound: tuning, fit, placement, room noise and processing all affect what a listener hears. ASUS also lists Phantom Bass, intended to bolster the perception of low frequencies in an open-ear design, and a 20Hz–20kHz frequency response.
| Specification | ASUS-listed detail |
|---|---|
| Drivers | 14.2mm DLC-coated diaphragms in the launch announcement; 14mm on the specifications page |
| Impedance and frequency response | 16 ohms; 20Hz–20kHz |
| Microphones | Four-microphone array; omnidirectional pickup; -38dB sensitivity; 100Hz–8kHz frequency response; AI noise-canceling voice feature |
| Controls and lighting | Physical buttons, customizable tap gestures and RGB lighting |
| Water resistance | IPX5 earbuds; IPX2 charging case; dongle not waterproof |
| Weight | ASUS lists 11g per earbud / 116g total without a detailed breakdown of the latter figure |
| Color and cable | Black; 0.6m USB-C-to-USB-A charging cable |
IPX5 is not waterproof. ASUS says the earbuds are not suitable for swimming, high-pressure showering or fast-flowing water, and notes that the rating may deteriorate with normal use. Keep the less-protected case and non-waterproof dongle away from water as well. ASUS specifications · ASUS product FAQ and feature details
Rank #4
- Note : If the size of the earbud tips does not match the size of your ear canals or the headset is not worn properly in your ears, you may not obtain the correct sound qualities or call performance. Change the earbud tips to ones that fit more snugly in your ear
- NCREDIBLE AUDIO, IMMERSIVE GAMING - The ROG Cetra II Core Moonlight White in-ear gaming headphones feature ASUS Essence drivers made of liquid silicone rubber (LSR) for impeccable audio quality. The headphones allow users to enjoy gaming-grade sound with a wide variety of platforms.
- ADVANCED AUDIO DRIVER DESIGN - ASUS Essence drivers are made of liquid silicone rubber and are designed to provide more stable speaker performance and incredibly strong bass.
- BETTER DESIGN FOR HANDHELD GAMING - The ROG Cetra II Core Moonlight White comes with a 90° connector that keeps the headphone cable out of the way, improving comfort during portable gaming.
- LIGHTWEIGHT, DURABLE ALUMINUM HOUSING - Crafted from sleek, lightweight aluminum, the ROG Cetra II Core Moonlight White has a striking, elegant look that is complemented with scratch resistance, elevating aesthetics and durability.
Battery life and software
ASUS rates the earbuds for up to 16 hours of playback on a charge, with 48 additional hours from the case, or up to 64 hours in total. The 16-hour estimate is based on Bluetooth playback with the microphone muted, RGB off and onboard audio modes disabled. Using 2.4GHz, the microphone, lighting, higher volume or audio processing can change runtime. ASUS also claims a 15-minute charge can provide up to three hours of playback; actual results depend on use and conditions. ASUS battery and charging details
ASUS lists Gear Link and Gear Link Mobile for battery status and adjustments such as EQ and RGB. As of August 16, 2026, ASUS’s product page said Gear Link Mobile did not support the 2.4GHz dongle mode on iOS and that Android support was pending a future update. That mobile-app status can change; Bluetooth audio connectivity, USB-C dongle compatibility and app access are separate questions. Check ASUS’s current software information for your device before choosing a connection. ASUS software details · ASUS Gear Link
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At $229.99 on ASUS’s US listing, this is a targeted premium purchase, not an obvious choice for every gamer. Its strongest case is the specific combination of an open-ear fit, gaming-focused 2.4GHz audio and passthrough charging.
It makes sense if you
- Dislike the pressure or seal of in-ear earbuds.
- Want to stay aware of people and activity around you while playing or exercising.
- Use a compatible handheld or USB-C device and value 2.4GHz audio while the host charges.
- Play titles where dialogue, footsteps and environmental awareness matter more than deep, forceful bass.
Look elsewhere if you
- Prioritize bass impact, isolation or traditional active noise cancellation for travel or noisy rooms.
- Want one headset to block distractions and deliver a more immersive, sealed sound.
- Need confidence that the dongle, microphone and companion app will work identically across devices.
- Are buying primarily for value rather than specifically wanting an open-ear gaming design.
For a different fit, compare categories rather than assuming these earbuds replace every headset: conventional 2.4GHz gaming earbuds offer a sealed in-ear option; over-ear wireless headsets suit players seeking more isolation and bass; premium ANC earbuds better address travel noise; and fitness-oriented open earbuds may suit running if a dedicated gaming dongle is not essential. The right choice turns on whether awareness and comfort matter more to you than isolation and low-end impact.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
