ASUS ROG Cetra Open Wireless Gaming Earbuds launch for $230

Previously demoed at CES earlier this year, ASUS has finally launched its ROG Cetra Open Wireless Gaming Earbuds. These open-ear buds are marketed to gamers and athletes, sporting an IPX5-rated design and including a 2.4GHz wireless dongle. The former protects against sweat, while the latter provides ultra-low-latency wireless connectivity with phones, laptops, and consoles via USB-C. The earbuds also support Bluetooth 6.0, promising more reliable wireless connections over greater distances.

The ROG Cetra Open wear a silicone ear hook design that weighs 11g per bud. You also receive a detachable reflective neck strap and customizable ASUS Aura RGB Lighting with over 16.8 million unique colors and 4 preset effects. Under the hood are 14.2mm DLC-coated dynamic drivers, selectable audio profiles, and personalized audio. This includes the company’s ‘Phantom Bass’ mode that boosts bass and ‘Immersion Mode’ for attenuating low-frequency background noise. For context, the earbuds use a 4-mic array with AI Noise Cancellation to suppress environmental noise. However, as they are open-ear buds, they will not perform as well as the best ANC earbuds.

ASUS states that the earbuds last up to 16 hours per charge cycle, with up to 48 hours with the charging case. Similarly, the buds can be topped up for just 15 minutes to receive 3 hours of listening time. They can be paired with two devices simultaneously via dual-mode connectivity, and the buds feature tactile and customizable touch controls. Downloading the Gear Link mobile app unlocks RGB Lightning customizations, battery level prompts, and a 10-band custom EQ.

The earbuds are available now in the US for $229.99. This is comparable to some of the best wireless gaming headsets on the market, and is substantially pricier than most gaming earbuds. However, if you’re an athletic gamer, there may be no better solution to your needs than the ASUS ROG Cetra Open Wireless Gaming Earbuds.