If you're looking for the best gaming audio experience, you need to check out the best IEMs for gaming.
In this blog post, we will review five of the best In-Ear Monitors for gaming on the market today. We will discuss what makes each one great for PC and mobile gamers, and we'll help you decide which one is right for you.
With great audio, you can feel like you're really in the game. You'll be able to hear every sound effect, and you'll be able to pinpoint where enemies are hiding.
So, if you're ready to take your gaming audio experience to the next level, keep reading!
We hope you find just what you're looking for from the list below! Each product was independently selected by our editors. Some may have been sent as samples for us to fiddle with, but all opinions in this article are our own. Oh, and FYI — BestToGet may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to buy something (that's how we stay in business). Reviews have been edited for length and clarity. Enjoy finding what’s best for you!
How We Choose The Best IEMs For Gaming!
It can be tough to find the perfect gaming earbuds that offer great sound, comfort, and durability.
Most people just give up on looking and end up buying a pair of IEMs that don't quite meet their needs. This can lead to frustration and a lack of enjoyment while gaming.
After reading through hundreds of user reviews and doing our own research, we've found the best IEMs for PC and mobile gaming. Our picks offer great sound, comfort, and durability.
But best of all, they are perfect for helping you step up your game experience and hear what others miss in games to give you a competitive advantage.
What We Love
Do you want to feel like you're right in the middle of the action?
With the Linsoul RAPTGO Hook-X, you'll have an immersive gaming experience unlike any other. The open-back design creates a wider soundstage so you can hear all the details of the game, while the punchy bass gives you an extra edge.
Plus, with great imaging and soundstage, you'll be at the top of your game. And with a great cable, you won't have to worry about tangles or knots.
The Linsoul RAPTGO Hook-X is our overall Top pick due to its great imaging, fantastic sound, and reasonable price.
What You Should Know
Linsoul RAPTGO Hook-X IEMs are a great choice for gamers who want excellent sound without sacrificing comfort.
The open acoustic design prevents pressure on the ears, and the large-size planar diaphragm driver provides full-frequency sound. The detachable 2-pin .78 cable is also shielded to reduce interference and provide stable signal transmission.
One issue some users have pointed out is that the RAPTO Hook-X can sometimes get muddled when hearing something front, back, above, and below at the same time.
But overall, the Linsoul RAPTGO Hook-X IEMs are a great option for gamers who want the best of both worlds - excellent sound and comfort.
Specifications:
- Driver: 14.2mm Planar Diaphragm Driver + Double-faced 9-Layer PZT Driver
- Sensitivity: > 105dB SPL/mW
- Frequency Range: ≤ 20Hz-40Hz
- Impedance: (1KHZ): 15 Ohm
- Audio Interface: 0.78mm to 2.5mm/3.5mm/4.4mm
- Earphone cable length: 1.25m
What We Love
The Linsoul 7Hz x Crinacle Salnotes Dioko is an affordable and powerful IEM performer that delivers good soundstage, accurate vertical imaging, and depth perception.
This gaming IEM is perfect for gamers who are looking for an immersive experience. With its comfortable design and features, the Linsoul 7Hz x Crinacle Salnotes Dioko is a great choice for any gamer.
What You Should Know
Linsoul 7Hz x Crinacle Salnotes Dioko is one of the most innovative and forward-thinking products on the market today.
It features a newly developed 14.6mm dual-cavity planar diaphragm driver that provides a true audiophile sound character and gives you outstanding clarity and detail on every note.
Boasting a machined aviation-grade aluminum body, the earphone is durable enough to withstand the rigors of everyday life while being lightweight. And the solid metal casing provides noise isolation and allows you to focus on your music or game.
The Linsoul 7Hz x Crinacle Salnotes Dioko is a great choice for gamers who want great sound and performance. It only comes in slightly behind the Hook-Xs due to their more precise feeling sound detection from the open-back design and punchier bass.
Specifications:
- 7Hz x Crinacle Tuning
- Driver: 14.6mm planar
- Impedance: 16 ohms
- Sound pressure level: 106dB/v@1kHz
- Frequency response range: 5-40000hz
- THD: <0.2%/1khz
- Cable: OCC copper and silver-plated OCC copper
- Connector: 0.78mm 2-pin
What We Love
The Truthear x Crinacle Zero is the best bang for your buck IEM on the market.
With amazing performance and spatial awareness in 360 degrees, this is the perfect IEM for any gamer looking for accurate sound in games to get an edge on the competition.
They come with lots of ear tips for a perfect fit and great sound isolation, so you can concentrate on your game and not be distracted by outside noise.
If you're looking for the best sub $100 IEM option, look no further than the Truthear x Crinacle Zero!
What You Should Know
The Truthear x Crinacle Zero is one of the best IEMs on the market. It produces a sound that rivals other IEMs way above its price range.
The detachable 2-pin .78 cable is lightweight and comes with 2.5mm Balanced, 3.5mm Single-ended, and 4.4mm Balanced connections. The interchangeable Audio Jack Connector System is also a great feature.
The only downside is that the cable sometimes can tangle on you and the audio queues are not as loud as others on the list. So sometimes, it can be hard to pick up on faint sounds far away.
Overall, the Truthear x Crinacle Zero is a great IEM for gamers who are looking for quality sound without breaking the bank.
Specifications:
- Configuration: 10mm+7.8mm Dynamic Driver
- Diaphragm material: PU + LCP composite diaphragm
- THD: THD@1KHz≤1%
- Sensitivity: 117.5dB/Vrms (@1KHz)
- Impedance: 10Ω±15% (@1kHz)
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-39500Hz (IEC61094，Free Field
- Cable: Oxygen-free silver-plated
What We Love
The Linsoul QKZ x HBB IEMs are some of the best gaming earbuds you can buy at rock-bottom prices. They have excellent sound quality and a very low price tag, making them a great value for gamers on a budget.
The sound stage is very good, with excellent depth perception and verticality. The imaging is also quite good, allowing you to easily hear where enemies are coming from.
Overall, these earbuds provide an excellent gaming experience and are a great value for the price.
They might not have the range of some of the bigger players on our list, but they punch above their weight class. These IEMs have no right to sound this good at their price range.
What You Should Know
Linsoul QKZ x HBB is a 10mm Titanium-Coated Diaphragm earphone that delivers a detailed, accurate sound for a rock-bottom price. It punches way above its weight class when compared to other IEMs on the market.
The earphone comes with a standard detachable cable with an optimized recessed 2Pin connector for a longer lifespan. The Linsoul QKZ x HBB is also one of the most stylish IEMs on our list.
The only downside to the Linsoul QKZ x HBB is that when there's too much going on in a game, you do lose some audio separation when compared to other IEMs on our list.
However, overall, the Linsoul QKZ x HBB is an incredible value for the price, and it is our top pick for budget-friendly IEMs.
Specifications:
- Driver: 10mm dynamic driver
- Frequency range: 20Hz-20kHz
- Sensitivity: 115±3dB
- Impedance: 22ohm±10%
- Cable length: about 120cm±5
- Cable material: silver-plated
- Plug: 3.5mm
- Connector: recessed 2-pin connector
What We Love
The Moondrop Blessing 2 IEMs are a great in-ear monitor for gamers!
With crystal clear audio detail and a natural tone, this earphone is perfect for any gaming situation. The well-balanced sound means you won't be overloaded with any one sound, making it easy to hear all the important audio cues in your game.
Whether you're looking to listen to your favorite music, want an edge in competitive play, or even just want to enjoy your games to the fullest period, the Blessing 2 is an outstanding choice and sound amazing!
What You Should Know
Moondrop's Blessing 2 is a 1DD+4BA hybrid IEM. It uses a single 10mm dynamic driver for the bass, 4 Knowles SWFK balanced armature drivers for the mids and treble, and a 3D Printed physical band pass filter duct for the low pass filter.
The Moondrop Blessing 2 has a "hybrid" triple crossover that makes it sound very crisp with sweet highs, accurate mids, and deep bass response.
On the downside, they are expensive, and the ear tips can slip off when pulling them out of your ear.
However, overall, the Moondrop Blessing 2 is an outstanding IEM with excellent sound quality that can easily justify its cost for many.
Specifications:
- Impedance: 22Ω@1kHz (±15％)
- Frequency Response: 9-37KHz (Free Field. 1/4"MIC,-3dB)
- Effective FR: 20-20KHZ (IEC60318-4)
- Sensitivity: 117dB/Vrms @1kHz THD：<1％@1KHz
- Driver Config: 1DD 4BA Per Side, Triple Crossover
- High Driver: Knowles SWFK
- Mid Driver: Softears D-MID-A
- Low Driver: 10mm Paper Diaphragm Dynamic Driver
- Channel Mismatch: ±1dB @1kHz
- Socket: 0.78-2 pin
- Pin housing: 3D Printed Medical Grade Resin Housing
Best IEM For Gaming FAQs
Can I use IEMs for gaming?
Yes, in-ear monitors (IEMs) can be used for gaming.
IEMs are typically used by audio professionals who need accurate sound reproduction for mixing and mastering, but they can also be used by gamers to improve their gaming experience.
One of the benefits of using IEMs for gaming is that they can help to block out external noise often better than active noise cancellation. This can be helpful if you're trying to focus on the game and don't want any outside noise interfering with your gameplay.
IEMs can also help to improve your situational awareness because you'll be able to hear sounds more clearly in-game.
How long do IEMs last?
IEMs can last anywhere from 1-5 years, depending on the quality of the product, how often they're used, and how well they're taken care of.
IEMs are a great investment if you plan on using them frequently. They can provide better sound quality than headphones, and since they're inserted directly into your ear canal, they won't be as susceptible to outside noise interference.
However, it's important to take good care of your IEMs in order to prolong their lifespan. Make sure to keep them clean and dry and avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures or moisture. Also, remember to store them in a safe place when not in use.
Are cheap IEMs worth it?
It depends on what you're looking for in an IEM.
If you want good sound quality and don't mind spending a little more, then no, cheap IEMs are not worth it. However, if you're just looking for something to use while working out or when you're on the go and don't need the best sound quality, then yes, they can be worth it.
Just keep in mind that you get what you pay for, so if you buy a cheap pair of IEMs, you likely won't be impressed with the sound quality.
There are some exceptions to this. For instance, our budget pick the Linsoul QKZ x HBB are a good pair of IEMs at a great price which sound better than expected for their price, especially for gaming.
Do IEMs sound better than AirPods?
Yes, IEMs generally sound better than Airpods because they offer a better soundstage and more accurate sound reproduction.
IEMs, or in-ear monitors, are headphones that fit inside your ear canal. They offer a better soundstage than Airpods, which means that you can perceive the location of different instruments and vocals more accurately.
They also reproduce sound more accurately than Airpods, making them a better choice for audiophiles and gamers.
How do I choose an IEM?
The process of choosing an IEM can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. By narrowing down your priorities and taking into account a few key factors, you can find the perfect IEM for your needs.
Start by considering what you'll be using your IEMs for most often.
If you're looking for a pair of earphones for general listening, then any good-quality pair should do the trick.
But if you're looking for something more specific, like earphones for running or working out, or gaming, then you'll need to pay closer attention to certain details like sound isolation and durability and soundstage.
Next, think about your budget.
IEMs come in all shapes and sizes, with prices ranging from $10 to $1000s. In general, you get what you pay for, but the higher-priced models are often only needed for professionals in the audio field and performers.
Great IEMs can usually be found in the $20s to $300 price range, like those on our list.
What do pro gamers use for sound?
Pro gamers use a variety of sound equipment, depending on their preference.
Some gamers use gaming headsets, which include a microphone and earphones for optimal sound quality.
Other gamers use external speakers to create a more immersive gaming experience.
And finally, some gamers use IEMs (In Ear Monitors) for more precise, focused, and isolated sounds while gaming.
Whichever option they choose, pro gamers typically customize their audio settings to ensure that they can hear all the important sounds in the game while minimizing background noise.
Do custom IEMs sound better?
There is no easy answer to this question. It largely depends on the type of music you listen to and your own personal preferences.
That being said, many people believe that custom IEMs provide a better listening experience overall, as they are specifically designed to fit the contours of your ears.
This allows for a more comfortable and snug fit, which in turn results in better sound isolation and a higher level of audio quality and fidelity.
Do IEMs need burn-in?
There is no general consensus on whether or not in-ear monitors (IEMs) require burn-in. Some people believe that they do, while others maintain that there is no difference before or after burn-in.
If you do decide to burn in your IEMs, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you should make sure that you are doing so safely. Second, the process may take some time - typically anywhere from 10 to 50 hours.
And finally, the results may vary from set to set. So, if you don't notice an improvement after burning in your IEMs for a while, don't be too discouraged - it doesn't mean that they didn't benefit from the process.
Are IEMs healthy?
There are a lot of opinions out there about the health effects of IEMs, but the truth is that no one really knows for sure.
Some people claim that IEMs can cause hearing loss and other health problems, while others say that they're completely safe.
At this point, there just isn't enough evidence to say for sure whether or not IEMs are healthy.
That said, many experts agree that it's probably best to only use IEMs occasionally and in moderate volumes, just like any other hearing device like over-ear headphones.
And Excessive listening to loud music using any device can definitely damage your hearing, so it's important to be mindful of how much you're listening and to take breaks regularly.
Why do IEMs sound so good?
IEMs (in-ear monitors) typically sound better than other types of headphones, wired earbuds, and true wireless earbuds because they are designed to fit snugly in your ear and form a tight seal.
This seal blocks out most external noise and allows you to listen at lower volumes, which is safer for your hearing and is often better than active noise cancellation found in other audio device types like headphones and earbuds.
IEMs also provide a more accurate sound reproduction because the drivers are positioned closer to your ear canal than they are in traditional headphones or earbuds.
This means that you hear more of the subtle details and nuances in the music, which can be especially noticeable when listening to vocals or acoustic instruments.
They often also have accurate wide soundstages, which helps to pinpoint sounds and is particularly useful in competitive gaming.
Are IEMs good for daily use?
IEMs are great for everyday use.
Since most are noise-isolating, they can help you stay focused and productive. Many people find that they improve their overall auditory experience. Also, since most are wired, battery life is never an issue.
There are a few things to keep in mind when using IEMs.
First, make sure that the volume is low enough that you're not damaging your hearing. Second, try not to use them for too long at a time, especially if you're listening to music or a podcast. Finally, take breaks occasionally so that your ears can rest.
Why are IEMs better than earphones?
IEMs, or in-ear monitors, offer a number of advantages over earphones.
First, IEMs completely block out ambient noise, which is great for students trying to focus in a noisy classroom or commuters trying to drown out the sound of traffic.
Second, because they fit snugly and directly into the ear canal, they provide superior sound quality and bass response than earphones.
Third, they are less likely to fall out during exercise or activities that involve movement.
Finally, they are typically more comfortable and less likely to cause fatigue or discomfort after extended use than earphones.
Can IEMs damage hearing?
Yes, IEMs (in-ear monitors) can damage hearing over time if used at high volumes.
This is because when you listen to music or any other type of sound through IEMs, the volume is much louder in your ear than it is outside of your ear.
And since sound levels that are too loud can cause permanent damage to the sensitive structures of your inner ear, using IEMs at high volumes can lead to hearing loss.
So, if you're planning on using IEMs for an extended period of time, be sure to listen at moderate to low volumes and take regular breaks to allow your ears a chance to rest.
Can sweat damage IEMs?
Sweat can absolutely damage IEMs (in-ear monitors). In fact, sweat is one of the most common causes of damage to IEMs. The salt in sweat can corrode the metal in the headphone driver, and over time this can cause the driver to fail.
To protect your IEMs from sweat, it's important to keep them dry and clean when you're not using them.
You can do this by either storing them in their carrying case when you're not using them or by wiping them down with a dry cloth after you've finished working out.
Are foam tips better for IEMs?
Foam tips are often better than silicone tips for IEMs because they form a better seal and provide more noise isolation. The result is often a better-isolated sound from outside noises than active noise-cancelling headphones and earbuds.
Silicone tips are generally more common because they're cheaper and less likely to tear, but foam tips can provide a better fit and superior noise isolation.
Best Gaming IEM For You!
If you’re looking for a top-quality, immersive gaming experience that will help you dominate the competition and take your game to the next level, look no further than the IEMs on our list.
We’ve done all the research for you and found the best of the best when it comes to in-ear monitors specifically designed for gaming.
So, what are you waiting for? Tap the button now to check the price on Amazon and get your game on!
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