Asus ROG Cetra Open Review: Comfort Meets Questionable Design

Asus’s ROG Cetra Open earbuds make a strong first impression where it counts most for long sessions: comfort. The lightweight housings and well-tuned ear tips sit gently in the ear, letting you wear them for hours without the fatigue that many in-ear designs cause. If you’re someone who values comfort during marathon gaming or extended commute listening, these are unusually easy to forget you’re wearing.

Sonically, the Cetra Open leans toward a balanced profile with an emphasis on clarity rather than in-your-face bass. The open-back-ish approach gives a more spacious soundstage than sealed true wireless buds, which helps when positional audio matters in games or when you want a less boxed-in listening experience. Mids are clean and vocals are intelligible; bass is present but restrained, so it won’t satisfy fans of heavy low-end thump.

Where these earbuds struggle is value and looks. The asking price sits at a premium tier that puts them against some heavily polished competitors offering either superior ANC, stronger bass, or sleeker designs. The Cetra Open’s design is opinionated — many will find it awkward or plain unattractive, which matters when you’re wearing them out and about. Also, without active noise cancellation, they’re not ideal for noisy environments where isolation is needed.

Features are targeted and practical: low-latency modes for gaming and decent battery life for an open-design earbud. Build quality feels solid, though the aesthetic choices won’t win over everyone. If you want earbuds that prioritize comfort and openness and you care more about hearing surroundings than sealing yourself off, they could be a fit. For those chasing the best all-round value or a stylish statement piece, the Cetra Open is likely to disappoint.