Are the ASUS ROG Cetra Open Wireless Gaming Earbuds Worth Picking Up?
After spending a considerable time using the ASUS ROG Cetra Open Wireless gaming earbuds I can tell you they are not going to be the right choice for every gamer, but they do fill a niche that most gaming earbuds have largely ignored. Its open-ear design allows you to hear your game audio while remaining aware of what is happening around you, making it ideal for gaming at home, exercising, traveling, or any situation where you do not want to be completely isolated from your surroundings. The biggest place where I can see these used is travelling and the commute home on public transit. Where you want good sound quality, but you also want to be aware of what is going on around you.
Comfort is easily one of the biggest strengths of the Cetra Open Wireless. Each earbud weighs only 11 grams, and the soft ear hooks keep them securely in place without creating much pressure. I was able to wear them for extended periods without experiencing the fatigue that can come from traditional in-ear earbuds. The detachable reflective neck strap is another useful addition for anyone planning to use them while exercising or outdoors.
Audio quality is also quite good for an open-ear design. The 14.2 mm DLC-coated drivers deliver clear sound, good detail, and an open soundstage. Gaming performance was particularly impressive when using the low-latency ROG SpeedNova 2.4 GHz connection. While playing Apex Legends, I could clearly identify the direction of footsteps, gunfire, and nearby movement, which made the earbuds genuinely useful for competitive gaming. They do not deliver the same deep bass or isolation as sealed earbuds, but Phantom Bass helps add some extra low-end presence.
The four-microphone array gets the job done for gaming, Discord, and phone calls, while AI Noise Cancellation helps reduce sounds occurring around you. As you could hear in our microphone sample, the recording quality is perfectly usable, although it is not going to match the fuller and more natural sound of a dedicated microphone or a gaming headset with a properly positioned boom mic.
ASUS rounds everything out with excellent battery life, Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz connectivity, hybrid multipoint support, USB-C pass-through charging, and a useful Gear Link interface. The ability to adjust the equalizer, lighting, controls, Phantom Bass, and Immersion Mode without installing Armoury Crate is especially welcome. Even with a current discounted price of $206.99, these are expensive earbuds, particularly when compared with conventional gaming earbuds and headsets.
Overall, the ROG Cetra Open Wireless succeeds because ASUS did more than simply adapt a pair of fitness-focused open earbuds for gaming. The low-latency wireless connection, detailed directional audio, secure fit, long battery life, and extensive customization make them a legitimate gaming peripheral. If you want maximum bass, sound isolation, or the best possible microphone quality, there are better options available. If you specifically want comfortable open-ear earbuds that can handle competitive gaming while keeping you aware of your surroundings, the ASUS ROG Cetra Open Wireless is definitely worth checking out. Overall ThinkComputers gives the ASUS ROG Cetra Open Wireless Gaming Earbuds a 9 out of 10 score.
Pros:
– Extremely lightweight and comfortable
– Open-ear design maintains environmental awareness
– Clear and detailed sound from the 14.2 mm DLC drivers
– Impressive directional audio for competitive gaming
– Low-latency ROG SpeedNova 2.4 GHz connectivity
– Bluetooth 6.0 and hybrid multipoint support
– Charging case
– USB-C dongle supports pass-through charging
– IPX5 water-resistance
Cons:
– Expensive
– Open design cannot provide the isolation of sealed earbuds