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The 2023 ASUS ROG Ally works with wired 3.5mm headsets, Bluetooth headphones and earbuds, and many USB wireless receivers—but the right choice depends on whether you value low-latency play, travel convenience, voice chat, or price. This guide revisits the five products originally recommended for the Ally’s 2023 launch era and separates their distinct use cases rather than treating them as interchangeable gaming headsets. Prices and availability have changed since 2023, so historical prices below are not current quotes.
Quick picks
| Pick | Type and connection | Best for | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASUS ROG Cetra True Wireless Gaming Earbuds | Earbuds; Bluetooth | Compact everyday listening and casual play | Fit and mic quality are personal; Bluetooth performance varies |
| SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro | Over-ear gaming headset; version-dependent | Premium headset features | Bulky, costly, and the exact model matters |
| Logitech G435 LIGHTSPEED | Lightweight headset; LIGHTSPEED receiver and Bluetooth | Budget wireless gaming | Built-in mic is not a boom mic; fit may not suit everyone |
| Bose QuietComfort Earbuds | Consumer earbuds; Bluetooth | Travel and noise cancellation | Not a dedicated low-latency gaming or boom-mic solution |
| Skullcandy Crusher Evo | Over-ear headphones; wireless | Bass-forward music and cinematic games | Bass emphasis can mask positional detail |
Short answer: Choose the G435 if you want an affordable, lightweight wireless gaming headset and can accept its mic and fit limitations. Choose wired 3.5mm for the simplest dependable connection, the Nova Pro for a premium full-size setup, Bose for travel noise cancellation, or Crusher Evo if bass is the priority. For competitive play, favor wired or a gaming-focused 2.4GHz receiver over ordinary Bluetooth when your exact setup supports it.
Will a headset work with the 2023 ROG Ally?
Yes. ASUS lists a 3.5mm combo audio jack, Bluetooth, and a multifunction USB-C port on the 2023 ROG Ally specifications page. The device runs Windows 11 Home, so standard Windows audio devices and chat apps are broadly usable. ASUS lists built-in microphones and Dolby Atmos support too; an external headset is an option for privacy, comfort, isolation, or voice chat, not a requirement for basic audio.
3.5mm wired: least hassle
Plug a compatible wired headset into the combo jack. There is no pairing, receiver, or headset battery to manage, and a direct wired connection avoids wireless-link latency. It is usually the safest choice for plug-and-play reliability and budget value. The costs are a cable to manage and possible cable wear.
#1 Best Overall
- Versatile Tri-Mode Connectivity: Features Bluetooth, 2.4GHz (via ROG SpeedNova wireless technology), and USB-C wired connection options for extensive compatibility. Enjoy lag-free audio across gaming, music, and everyday use.
- Multi-Platform Compatibility: Works seamlessly across multiple devices including PC and Mac, consoles such as PlayStation (PS4/PS5), Nintendo (Switch 1/Switch 2), and mobile. The ROG Pelta is also the top choice as a ROG xbox Ally / Ally X accessories and headset.
- Immersive High-Fidelity Audio: 50mm titanium-plated diaphragm drivers ensure rich, detailed sound with wide 20 Hz–20 kHz frequency response.
- Super-Wideband Microphone: Features a 10mm detachable boom mic with a super-wideband frequency range to ensure your voice is captured with exceptional clarity and detail during intense team battles, streaming, and online calls, including for work.
- Ergonomic, Lightweight Comfort: Weighing only 309 grams with a breathable, three-level adjustable elastic headband, this over-ear headset is engineered for maximum comfort during extended gaming without pressure or fatigue.
Bluetooth: convenient, with gaming caveats
Pair headphones or earbuds in Windows Bluetooth settings, then select them as the output device. Bluetooth suits music, films, travel, and many casual or single-player games. Support for Bluetooth does not guarantee identical latency, microphone quality, or behavior across products. When a Bluetooth microphone is used, Windows may switch to a hands-free audio profile that sounds different from the higher-quality listening profile. Check the selected input and output in Windows and in the chat app, and test before joining a match.
USB-C 2.4GHz receiver: often preferable for gaming
A dedicated 2.4GHz gaming receiver is often designed for lower-latency play than ordinary Bluetooth. Compatibility still depends on the exact headset receiver: USB-C describes the connector, not universal device support. Verify that the receiver supports Windows/PC use, rather than assuming a console-specific receiver will work. The Ally has one multifunction USB-C port, used for data, DisplayPort output, and power input. A receiver can therefore compete with charging or display accessories for the port. To charge while using it, use a hub or dock explicitly supporting USB data and adequate power delivery.
Five picks, matched to their strengths
1. ASUS ROG Cetra True Wireless Gaming Earbuds — best compact gaming earbuds
Best for: People who prefer small earbuds for handheld play, commuting, or carrying in a pocket. The original Cetra True Wireless is a compact, gaming-positioned option with ANC. It avoids the bulk and heat of over-ear headphones and can also serve for everyday listening.
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Trade-offs: Earbud comfort and seal depend on fit; a poor seal affects comfort and sound. Touch controls may be triggered accidentally, and the charging case is another device to keep charged. Do not assume the integrated microphones will match a boom mic for multiplayer chat. Claims about low-latency modes or battery life apply to particular models and modes, not Bluetooth earbuds universally. The original recommendation cited up to 27 hours and IPX4 resistance; confirm the exact original model and its specifications before buying, since newer Cetra models are different products.
Buy it if portability and an earbud form factor matter more than a dedicated chat microphone. Skip it if you need a dependable boom mic or want the lowest possible latency without confirming the connection mode. ASUS now sells a separate ROG Cetra True Wireless SpeedNova with Bluetooth and 2.4GHz ROG SpeedNova; it is a later product, not the 2023 Cetra model. See the current SpeedNova product page for its distinct features and availability.
Rank #2
- Versatile Tri-Mode Connectivity: Features Bluetooth, 2.4GHz (via ROG SpeedNova wireless technology), and 3.5mm wired connection options for extensive compatibility
- Multi-Platform Compatibility: Comptaible with PC and Mac, PlayStation (PS4/PS5), Xbox (Series X|S and One), Nintendo (Switch 1/Switch 2), and mobile. The ROG Delta II is also the top ROG xbox Ally / Ally X accessories choice
- DualFlow Audio: Simultaneously connect to two devices via 2.4GHz and Bluetooth. This wireless gaming headset makes it easy to switch between PC, console, and mobile audio or pick up phone calls with a single press of the earcup button
- Immersive High-Fidelity Audio: Over-ear headphones equipped with 50mm titanium-plated diaphragm drivers, delivering high-resolution 24-bit/96 kHz audio (in 2.4GHz mode) to create natural, realistic audio for an gaming, music, and everyday use
- Super-Wideband Microphone: Features a 10mm detachable boom mic with a super-wideband frequency range to ensure your voice is captured with exceptional clarity and detail during intense team battles, streaming, and online calls, including for work
2. SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro — best premium full-size option
Best for: Buyers who want a more substantial gaming-headset experience, premium features, and over-ear coverage rather than tiny earbuds. It is the most appropriate choice here for someone prioritizing a feature-rich headset over minimum size.
Trade-offs: “Arctis Nova Pro” refers to multiple wired and wireless, platform-specific variants. Connection methods, base station requirements, microphones, and battery arrangements vary. Confirm the exact PC-compatible model and how it connects before purchase; a wireless base station adds hardware that is less convenient to carry with a handheld. It is also bulkier than the other portable choices. The original article’s battery figure of up to 15 hours should not be generalized to all versions. Check SteelSeries’ Nova Pro Wireless information and the exact listing’s specifications.
Buy it if you want a premium over-ear gaming headset and have checked the version’s connection and portability. Skip it if you want a small travel setup or a simple plug-in-and-play headset.
3. Logitech G435 LIGHTSPEED — best budget wireless headset
Best for: Budget-conscious players who want a lightweight over-ear headset with both Logitech LIGHTSPEED wireless and Bluetooth. Its low weight makes it a plausible handheld companion, and its two wireless approaches offer flexibility—provided you use the correct receiver for the Ally.
Trade-offs: The G435 uses integrated microphones rather than a prominent boom, so it is not the strongest pick for people who need clear, isolated voice chat. Fit can feel loose or uncomfortable depending on head size. Confirm the package includes the intended LIGHTSPEED receiver and that your connection arrangement works with the Ally; a USB-C hub may be needed if the receiver and charging must be used together. The source article described a price around $50 in 2023; that is a historical price, not a current quote.
Rank #3
- Versatile Tri-Mode Connectivity: Features Bluetooth, 2.4GHz (via ROG SpeedNova wireless technology), and 3.5mm wired connection options for extensive compatibility.
- Multi-Platform Compatibility: Works seamlessly across multiple devices including PC and Mac, consoles such as PlayStation (PS4/PS5), Xbox (Series X|S and One), Nintendo (Switch 1/Switch 2), and mobile.
- DualFlow Audio: Simultaneously connect to two devices via 2.4GHz and Bluetooth. This wireless gaming headset makes it easy to switch between PC, console, and mobile audio or pick up phone calls with a single press of the earcup button.
- Immersive High-Fidelity Audio: Equipped with 50mm titanium-plated diaphragm drivers, delivering high-resolution 24-bit/96 kHz audio (in 2.4GHz mode). The refined wireless sound signature offers natural, realistic audio for an unparalleled gaming, music, and everyday experience. Built as over-ear headphones, they enhance clarity across highs, mids, and bass.
- Super-Wideband Microphone: Features a 10mm detachable boom mic with a super-wideband frequency range to ensure your voice is captured with exceptional clarity and detail during intense team battles, streaming, and online calls, including for work.
Buy it if you want affordable wireless audio for general gaming and casual chat. Skip it if microphone quality, strong isolation, or a very secure fit is essential. Check the exact model details on Logitech’s G435 page.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors4. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds — best travel earbuds
Best for: People who want one compact pair for travel, music, calls, and occasional Ally play. Active noise cancellation can be useful on a plane or train, and the pocketable form factor suits travel better than a full-size headset.
Trade-offs: These are consumer earbuds, not a dedicated gaming headset. Bluetooth latency and microphone behavior may be less suitable for competitive play or multiplayer chat, and there is no boom mic. Battery life is split between the earbuds and charging case; the original article cited roughly six hours for an earbud charge, but runtime varies by model, settings, and use. ANC is useful against steady background noise, but it can reduce awareness of your surroundings and is not inherently a gaming advantage.
Buy it if travel noise reduction and all-purpose listening matter most. Skip it if your priority is competitive timing, a gaming-focused mic, or best value for game-only use. Bose’s earbud range includes multiple generations, so verify the exact QuietComfort model.
5. Skullcandy Crusher Evo — best bass-heavy headphones
Best for: Listeners who enjoy pronounced bass for music and cinematic games. Its bass-forward character can make explosions and soundtracks feel weighty, and the original article cited more than 40 hours of claimed battery life.
Rank #4
- Versatile Tri-Mode Connectivity: Features Bluetooth, 2.4GHz (via ROG SpeedNova wireless technology), and USB-C wired connection options for extensive compatibility. Enjoy lag-free audio across gaming, music, and everyday use.
- Multi-Platform Compatibility: Works seamlessly across multiple devices including PC and Mac, consoles such as PlayStation (PS4/PS5), Nintendo (Switch 1/Switch 2), and mobile. The ROG Pelta is also the top choice as a ROG xbox Ally / Ally X accessories and headset.
- Immersive High-Fidelity Audio: 50mm titanium-plated diaphragm drivers ensure rich, detailed sound with wide 20 Hz–20 kHz frequency response.
- Super-Wideband Microphone: Features a 10mm detachable boom mic with a super-wideband frequency range to ensure your voice is captured with exceptional clarity and detail during intense team battles, streaming, and online calls, including for work.
- Ergonomic, Lightweight Comfort: Weighing only 309 grams with a breathable, three-level adjustable elastic headband, this over-ear headset is engineered for maximum comfort during extended gaming without pressure or fatigue.
Trade-offs: Heavy bass is a preference, not a universal gaming advantage: it can obscure dialogue, footsteps, reloads, and other positional cues. The large over-ear form is less convenient on the move, and its built-in microphone should not be treated as equivalent to a gaming boom mic. Battery claims depend on usage and settings, and should not be compared directly across products.
Buy it if bass-heavy music listening is as important as gaming. Skip it if you want neutral positional audio, a light travel headset, or voice-chat-first performance. See the Crusher Evo product page for the product’s current status and details.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Choose by connection and use
- Choose wired 3.5mm for reliability, no charging, low connection complexity, and often lower cost. Best if you play near a seat or do not mind a cable.
- Choose Bluetooth for convenience, phone use, music, films, and casual play without occupying USB-C. Expect product-specific latency and microphone behavior.
- Choose 2.4GHz wireless for wireless gaming where timing matters, if the receiver is confirmed to work with Windows on the Ally. Plan for the receiver and charging-port trade-off.
- Choose earbuds for compactness and less heat; prioritize fit, tip seal, and realistic mic expectations.
- Choose over-ear headphones for a fuller headset feel and often more accessible controls, while accounting for bulk, weight, clamp, and heat during long sessions.
The Ally weighs 608g, so headset comfort matters: a heavy headset or strong clamping force can compound fatigue during handheld sessions. ANC is most valuable in noisy travel settings; at home, passive isolation or an open, lighter fit may be preferable. Multipoint Bluetooth can help switch between a phone and the Ally, but may also complicate which device captures audio. Software features such as EQ or firmware updates may require a Windows app; check whether the features you want work without it.
Setup and troubleshooting
Wired headset
- Plug the headset’s 3.5mm connector into the Ally’s combo audio jack.
- Start a game or media app. If sound remains on the speakers, open Windows sound controls and select the headset for output.
- For voice chat, select the headset microphone as input and test it in Windows or the chat application.
Bluetooth headset
- Put the headset or earbuds into pairing mode.
- Open Windows Bluetooth settings on the Ally and select the device from the available list.
- Choose it as the sound output. If chatting, verify the input device and listen for any profile-related sound-quality change.
- If audio stutters, remove unused paired devices, move away from possible interference, update headset firmware if applicable, and test again.
USB wireless receiver
- Connect the receiver directly to USB-C or through a compatible hub, then allow Windows to recognize it.
- Select the receiver for sound output and microphone input, and test both before a multiplayer session.
- If charging at the same time, use a hub or dock that supports both USB data and sufficient power delivery.
- If it is not detected, test the receiver on another Windows PC, check for a required manufacturer driver, and confirm it is meant for PC use rather than only a particular console.
Windows and Armoury Crate labels can change with updates, so use the current Windows sound and Bluetooth controls rather than relying on a fixed menu path.
2023 context and buying now
This is a 2023-focused shortlist, not a claim that every product remains available new or is still the best-value purchase in 2026. The Ally’s original US launch price was $699.99 for the Z1 Extreme model, a historical figure rather than today’s handheld price. Product generations, regional stock, and prices also change. Confirm the exact model, platform version, connection method, and current availability before ordering—especially for the Nova Pro and the original Cetra earbuds. The Ally’s Bluetooth version is also reported differently across ASUS materials: the original launch material listed Bluetooth 5.2, while the current specification page lists 5.4 and notes configuration/version variation. That discrepancy is not evidence that every 2023 unit was upgraded; it does not change the basic wired, Bluetooth, and USB-C connection choices discussed here.
Reference: ASUS’s 2023 launch announcement and current ROG Ally specifications.
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.
