In-Ear Monitors VS Headphones: Which Is Better For Gaming

When it comes to gaming, everyone wants to have the best possible experience. That means having the best audio quality so you can hear every footstep, every gunshot, and every enemy coming your way.

But what's the best way to get that audio quality? Should you use in-ear monitors or headphones?

Let's take a look at the pros and cons of each to help you decide which is right for you.

In-Ear Monitors

In-ear monitors, or IEMs, are small earbuds that fit snugly inside your ear canal.

They typically offer great sound quality, noise isolation, and freedom of movement because you are not wearing large bulky headphones. All of which are important for gaming.

IEMs also tend to be relatively affordable, making them a great option for budget-conscious gamers.

One potential downside of IEMs, however, is that for some people, they can be uncomfortable to wear for extended periods of time.

This is especially true if you have sensitive ears and wear them for hours at a time. So, because they are placed directly into your ear, it can be irritating for some people.

Keep in mind, however, for most people, the opposite is true. They find IEMs very comfortable for long periods, even more so than headphones which often apply too much clamping pressure to the head and can cause ear heat issues.

Lastly, IEMs can be easy to lose since they're so small. If you're constantly misplacing your earbuds, IEMs might not be the right choice for you.

Headphones

Headphones are another great option for gamers who want good sound quality and noise isolation.

Unlike IEMs, headphones are larger and fit over your ears instead of inside them. A good quality pair of headphones can be comfortable to wear for long periods of time, but on the flip side, the wrong pair can apply too much pressure, irritate or cause your ears to sweat during long periods of wear.

They also can be a bit more bulky and difficult to carry around with you.

Pricewise, headphones tend to be more expensive than IEMs—but not always. You can find some great headphone options at a variety of price points. Just keep in mind that cheaper headphones might not offer the same audio quality as their pricier counterparts.

Why Pro Gamers May Choose IEMs Over Headphones

IEMs are essential for any serious gamer looking to increase their performance and accuracy in competitive gaming or esports.

The reason is simple—these earphones provide superior sound quality that allows gamers to hear even the slightest details in their games. This extra level of clarity helps them gain an edge over their opponents by hearing enemy footsteps and other subtle noises that regular headphones wouldn’t be able to pick up on.

Furthermore, IEMs have a more snug fit than regular headphones, which helps block out background noise so that gamers can focus entirely on their game without distractions. They are also easy to carry around, thereby providing greater freedom when traveling.

What About Microphones?

We can't ignore the elephant in the room. And that's what about microphones for gaming?

As you can imagine, almost all IEMs don't come with microphones, and the ones that do are not that good, to say the least.

Headphones, on the other hand, you can usually get with a microphone specifically for gaming. But truth be told, most of these also leave something to be desired but still are a leg up from IEM microphones.

However, the best headphones also usually don't come with microphones, so this, on the grand scale of things, evens out between the two.

In the end, if you really want the best audio and stand-alone microphone or ModMic is usually your best option.

Conclusion:

So, which is better for gaming—in-ear monitors or headphones?

Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. If you want great sound quality, and pinpoint audio accuracy, are on a budget, and like the option to go mobile and lightweight, go with a pair of In-Ear Monitors.

But if you don't like the feeling of In-Ear Monitors, or you're in need of something that's more traditional, over the ear, and still also has great audio quality, headphones might be the better option.

Whichever route you choose, make sure to try out different models before settling on a pair, so you know what works best for you and your gaming needs.