Asus Cetra Open Wireless: Comfortable Open‑Style Gaming Earbuds

Asus' new Cetra Open Wireless earbuds take a different route from most gaming buds: they sit outside the ear in an open‑style fit that mixes game audio with ambient sound. That design means they won’t isolate you from your environment, which can be a benefit if you want situational awareness — but it also means bass won’t hit as hard as with sealed in‑ear models.

What stands out immediately is comfort. The Cetra Open feel light and stable thanks to an over‑ear hook and an included reflective band that ties the pair behind your neck. Asus packed the set with useful extras: a surprisingly roomy USB‑C charging case that stores the earbuds and the 2.4GHz USB‑C transmitter, and magnetized slots that make everything click neatly into place.

The bundled transmitter is a practical highlight. It’s compact, supports up to 60W power passthrough (so you can charge a Switch 2 or Steam Deck while gaming), and frees you from dongles that block the whole port. It only passes power — not video or data — but that’s fine for its use case: low‑latency audio for handhelds and consoles.

Sound quality leans toward clarity and mids, with Asus’ Phantom Bass feature adding heft that surprises given the open form. In casual tests — from Silent Hill F on a Steam Deck to couch gaming on a PS5 — the Cetra Open delivered satisfying atmospheres and clear dialogue, even if they don’t offer the punchy low end of sealed earbuds with ANC.

Battery life is solid: Asus claims up to 16 hours in Bluetooth mode (less in 2.4GHz), and fast charging means quick top‑ups. Multipoint support lets you pair two Bluetooth devices or use Bluetooth plus the transmitter, and customization via Armoury Crate or the browser Gear Link site gives control over lighting, button mapping, and audio profiles.

They’re not for everyone — if you need ANC or maximum bass isolation, other gaming buds may be better — but for handheld gamers and anyone who values comfort and environmental awareness, the Cetra Open Wireless are a compelling pick.