The gaming headset and wireless earbuds category has exploded over the past decade, growing into a multi billion dollar market fueled by competitive gaming, streaming, and the rise of cross platform play across PCs, consoles, and mobile devices. Brands that once focused solely on traditional PC hardware have expanded aggressively into gaming audio, and ASUS sits firmly in the deep end of that pool.
Best known for its laptops, gaming PCs, and high performance monitors, ASUS has steadily built out its audio lineup through its Republic of Gamers (ROG) division, targeting PC gamers who want the same level of engineering and performance from their headsets and earbuds. After recently introducing the ROG Kithara Open-back Planar Gaming Headset, ASUS is expanding the concept with something far more portable: the ROG Cetra Open Wireless Gaming Earbuds, designed for players and listeners who want immersive audio without completely shutting out the world around them.
Designed to combine immersive sound with real world situational awareness, the Cetra Open Wireless targets gamers, music listeners, and active users who want premium audio performance in a form factor better suited to life away from the desk.
ASUS ROG Cetra Open Wireless Features
Open Ear Design: The open ear earhook construction is ultra lightweight and designed for a comfortable, stable fit. This allows users to hear music, voice chat, and game audio while remaining aware of their surroundings.
Controls: Physical control buttons provide tactile feedback and remain responsive in rain or during intense activity. Unlike touch controls, they reduce accidental inputs and offer more consistent operation.
Drivers: The Cetra Open Wireless uses large 14.2 mm diamond like carbon coated drivers designed to deliver high resolution audio with crisp highs, clear mids, and solid bass impact. The diamond like carbon coating helps reduce distortion while improving clarity and soundstage, making the earbuds suitable for both gaming and music playback.
Dual Mode Connectivity: Supports seamless switching between Bluetooth and ultra low latency 2.4 GHz ROG SpeedNova wireless technology for synchronized in game audio and responsive gameplay.
Wireless Dongle: The included USB C 2.4 GHz wireless dongle supports passthrough charging, allowing users to power their device while the earbuds remain connected. This ensures uninterrupted gameplay, streaming, or voice chat.
Sound Modes: Built in sound modes let users tailor the listening experience. Phantom Bass enhances perceived low end response for more impact, while Immersion Mode reduces ambient noise to help maintain focus during gameplay or listening sessions.
Customization: Gear Link and Gear Link apps (iOS, Android) enable EQ fine-tuning, lighting options, and more to create personalized listening experiences.
IPX Rating: With an IPX5 splash resistance rating, the Cetra Open Wireless is designed to handle sweat, light rain, and everyday outdoor use.
Battery Life: On a full charge, the earbuds provide up to 16 hours of playback in Bluetooth mode with RGB lighting and sound modes disabled and the microphone muted. A quick 15 minute charge delivers up to 3 hours of listening time.
Quad Mic with AI Noise Cancellation: Four integrated microphones with an omnidirectional pickup pattern work alongside AI noise cancellation to capture voice communication with improved clarity during gaming, calls, or streaming.
Active Lifestyle Support: Designed for extended wear, the Cetra Open Wireless features ergonomic liquid silicone ear hooks and includes a detachable reflective neck strap for added stability during workouts and outdoor activities.
ASUS ROG Cetra Open Wireless Gaming Earbuds Specifications
| Asus ROG Model | Cetra Open |
| Product Type | Open-Ear Wireless Gaming Earbuds |
| Price | $229.99 |
| Wireless | 2.4Ghz Bluetooth |
| Support Platform | PC MAC PlayStation 4 PlayStation 5 Nintendo Switch iOS Android Bluetooth device |
| Driver Material | Diamond-Like Carbon Coated Diaphragm Drivers |
| Driver Size | 14mm |
| Headphones Impedance | 16 ohms |
| Headphones Frequency Response | 20Hz – 20kHz |
| Microphone Pick-up Pattern | Omnidirectional |
| Microphone Sensitivity | -38dB |
| Microphone Frequency Response | 100Hz – 8kHz |
| AI Noise Cancelling Microphone | Yes |
| Number of Channels | Stereo |
| Lighting | ASUS Aura RGB Lighting: Offers up to 16.8 million colors and includes four preset effects |
| Weight | 11g (earbuds) 116g (charging case) |
| Color | Black |
| Cable | 0.6m USB-C to USB-A charging cable |
| Package Contents | ROG Cetra Open Wireless Open-Ear Headphones Wireless 2.4 GHz USB-C dongle Neck Strap USB-C to USB-A charging cable Quick start guide Warranty booklet |
The Bottom Line
The ASUS ROG Cetra Open Wireless stands out by targeting a very specific intersection of users: gamers who want low latency wireless audio but also prefer the comfort and situational awareness of an open ear design. The inclusion of ASUS’ ROG SpeedNova 2.4 GHz wireless connection alongside standard Bluetooth makes these more versatile than most open earbuds, especially for players who move between PC, consoles, and mobile devices.
That flexibility is what makes the Cetra Open Wireless unique. Many open fit earbuds are designed primarily for fitness or casual listening, while ASUS is clearly aiming at cross platform gaming and everyday mobility in a single product.
There is no shortage of competition. Cleer Audio’s Arc 3 Gaming Edition targets gamers with a similar open ear concept, while Shokz OpenFit focuses more heavily on comfort and fitness use. Clip style alternatives such as TCL’s Crystal Clip and Sony’s LinkBuds Clip offer another take on the open ear category for users who want minimal ear fatigue during long listening sessions.
The ROG Cetra Open Wireless makes the most sense for mobile gamers, PC players who want a lightweight alternative to traditional headsets, and active users who prefer open ear awareness while listening to music or chatting online. If ASUS can deliver on its promises of low latency performance and solid sound quality, the Cetra Open could carve out a meaningful niche in one of the fastest growing segments of personal audio.
Price & Availability
The ASUS ROG Cetra Open Wireless Earbuds are available now for $229.99 at Amazon in black.
Tip: For those looking for an earbud that fits deeper in the ear, the ASUS ROG Cetra True Wireless Earbuds are available for $219.99 at Amazon in black or white.
Related Reading:
- Cleer Audio Launches ARC 3 Sport Pro: Wireless Open-Ear Earbuds for Active Lifestyles
- 1More Fit S50 and S30 Open Earbuds: Review and Comparison
- 8 Open-Ear Style Wireless Earbuds Compared: Which One Should You Buy?
- Philips A7607 Open Ear Wireless Sports Headphones Unveiled: Bone Conduction Again?
